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Month: November 2024

Checking In On 2019’s Restricted Free Agents

March 27th, 2019 at 8:26pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The deadline for NFL restricted free agents to sign offer sheets with rival clubs is April 19, so RFAs have roughly three weeks to discuss deals with other teams. So far, only one RFA — running back Malcolm Brown — has inked an offer sheet, but the Rams matched the terms of the pact, meaning he’ll head back to Los Angeles.

As a reminder, RFA tenders are named based on the draft choice compensation they demand. If a team gives an offer sheet to a restricted free agent who was tendered at the second-round level, for example, and that player’s original club declines to match the contract terms, the new team must sacrifice a second-round pick in order to sign the player. The lowest tender will give the original club a draft choice equal to that which was originally used to draft the player (undrafted players tendered at the original round level, therefore, require no draft compensation).

In total, more than 30 restricted free agents have been tendered this offseason. Let’s take a look at where things stand with those RFAs:

Signed to offer sheet:

First-round tender ($4.4047MM):

  • None

Second-round tender ($3.095MM):

Original round / right of first refusal tender ($2.025MM):

Tendered, then extended:

Tendered, then signed to new deal:

NFC South Notes: Bucs, Falcons, Saints

March 27th, 2019 at 7:59pm CST by Dallas Robinson

While previous reports have indicated the Buccaneers plan to retain Gerald McCoy, the veteran defensive tackle may actually not be safe, especially given head coach Bruce Arians‘ most recent comments to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. “He’s not as disruptive as he was four years ago,” Arians said. “But he’s still pretty disruptive. He’s still a good player….I got to evaluate him. I mean, guys at a certain age, it’s different. Usually, the age they get paid the most and production (doesn’t) match. We’ve got to find that out.” McCoy, 31, ranked fourth among defensive tackles with 21 quarterback hits in 2018 and finished as the NFL’s No. 28 interior defender, per Pro Football Focus. He’s signed through 2021, but Tampa Bay won’t incur any dead money by releasing McCoy (and would save $13MM against the cap).

Here’s more from the NFC South:

  • The Buccaneers had interest in edge rusher Brandon Copeland before he re-signed with the Jets, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com tweets. Tampa Bay ranked 28th in the NFL with 31 sacks a season ago, so the club can certainly use some extra help in getting pressure. However, the Bucs have already signed Shaquil Barrett to a one-year deal, so Copeland could have been viewed as redundant. Copeland. who also drew interest from New England, Washington, and Detroit, only landed one year and $1.25MM from New York, so Tampa Bay could have probably outbid Gang Green if it had serious interest.
  • Franchise-tagged defensive tackle Grady Jarrett will be a “Falcon for life,” team owner Arthur Blank told D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Atlanta will control Jarrett through at least the 2019 campaign after franchising him, but that will come at a heavy cost: $15.209MM, a figure that makes Jarrett the NFL’s sixth-highest-paid interior defender. Jarrett, who has started 44 games over the past three years, will likely target an average annual value closer to Fletcher Cox‘s $17.1MM and a full guarantee package in excess of $50MM. Atlanta currently has less than $5MM in available cap space; an extension for Jarrett would lower his 2019 cap charge and increase the Falcons’ available funds.
  • Saints general manager Mickey Loomis will no longer be involved in running the NBA’s Pelicans, reports Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com (Twitter link). Loomis, who’s been the Saints’ GM since 2002, took over as the Pelicans’ executive vice president of basketball operations in 2012. However, there was reportedly some concern within the Saints’ franchise that Loomis was being “spread too thin,” according to Darin Gantt of Pro Football Talk. The Pelicans are in the process of hiring a new GM, one who will report directly to Saints/Pelicans owner Gayle Benson.
  • Nick Easton‘s four-year deal with the Saints is worth $22.5MM but contains only $4MM in guaranteed money, tweets Josh Katzenstein of the Times-Picayune, who adds Easton received a $2MM signing bonus. As Mike Triplett of ESPN.com suggests (via Twitter), Easton’s deal is essentially a one-year deal with a series of options in 2020 ($5MM), 2021 ($6MM), and 2022 ($7.5MM).

Chiefs Still In Mix For DL Allen Bailey

March 27th, 2019 at 6:44pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Free agent defensive lineman Allen Bailey is still considering a return to the Chiefs, while the Patriots — who met with Bailey earlier this month — are also still in the mix, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN.com (Twitter link).

Kansas City is moving to a 4-3 defense under new coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, and that shift would likely entail a minor position change for the 6’3″, 288-pound Bailey if he re-signs with the Chiefs. After playing defensive end in the Chiefs’ 3-4 scheme, Bailey would play tackle in a 4-3 look. Defensive tackle isn’t necessarily an area of need for Kansas City, which already boasts Chris Jones, Derrick Nnadi, and Xavier Williams in the middle of it defensive line.

The Patriots have made one addition at defensive tackle this offseason by bringing in free agent Mike Pennel, but they’ve also lost Malcom Brown to the Saints and could potentially be without free agent Danny Shelton, who has yet to sign a new contract with any club. New England will also be without defensive end Trey Flowers — who had the ability to rush from the interior on passing downs — after he inked a massive deal with the Lions..

Bailey, 30, has spent his entire career with the Chiefs after entering the league as a third-round pick in 2011. He became a full-time starter in 2014, and last season posted six sacks, 38 tackles, and two forced fumbles across 16 games while ranking as just the No. 91 interior defender among 112 qualifiers, per Pro Football Focus. Bailey just wrapped up a four-year extension that paid him $6.25MM annually.

Vikings Interested In DT Ra’Shede Hageman

March 27th, 2019 at 5:36pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman hasn’t seen the field in two years due to a myriad of off-field issues, but the Vikings and four other unidentified clubs have reached out to express interest in the former second-round pick, according to Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press.

Hageman is still only 28 years old, but he hasn’t been heard from since being cut by Atlanta in September of 2017. After being arrested on domestic violence charges in 2016, Hageman was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list prior to the 2017 campaign. The Falcons subsequently waived Hageman, and he was then handed a six-week suspension by the NFL, a ban which he fulfilled as a free agent. Hageman was arrested again last June for suspicion of fourth-degree driving while impaired.

“It’s been one heck of a two years sitting out and just watching my fellow teammates play, but it’s definitely a learning experience,” Hageman said. “The whole process is just getting back in everybody’s ear (with NFL teams) about me staying out of trouble. You can’t beat around the bush. They obviously want to see consistency with me. I’m letting everybody know that my past is my past.”

Based on talent alone, it’s perhaps not surprising that Hageman would be given a second chance. The Falcons clearly had high hopes for Hageman after using the 37th overall selection in the 2014 draft on the ex-Minnesota standout, and the club’s coaching staff was reportedly enamored with his progress in February 2017. All told, Hageman appeared in 44 of Atlanta’s 48 regular-season games and combined for 15 starts during his three-year tenure with the club.

Hageman has drawn free agent interest before, as he was linked to the Seahawks and Patriots (the latter of whom put him through a workout) last spring. The Vikings would offer a homecoming of sorts for Hageman, and the club could use a defensive tackle after losing Sheldon Richardson to the Browns.

Lions Open To New Deal For Snacks Harrison

March 27th, 2019 at 4:23pm CST by Zachary Links

Damon Harrison wants a new contract from the Lions, and he just might get it. Lions GM Bob Quinn says the club plans to discuss the matter with agent Drew Rosenhaus, though a fresh deal for Snacks is not necessarily No. 1 on the team’s to-do list.

“It’s something that I got to talk to (agent) Drew (Rosenhaus) this week (about), and going into the future,” Quinn said (via Justin Rogers of the Detroit News). “Not something that I need to do right now. My priority right now is the draft. We got another month or so before the draft is here, so that’s something that we’ll probably talk about in May or June.”

Harrison, 30, has two years left on his current deal. Typically, teams explore extensions with players when they are one year away from free agency, but Harrison could be an exception after he delivered for the Lions’ D. For now, he’s slated to carry cap hits of $7MM in 2019 and $9.25MM in 2020, with no guaranteed money left on his pact.

For the Lions, a new deal could give them an opportunity to smooth out Harrison’s cap hit in the coming years. It would also keep one of their top defensive players happy, which would be a good idea after Harrison helped them to average just 3.76 yards per carry to opposing teams in 2018.

NFC East Notes: Eagles, Foles, Manning

March 27th, 2019 at 3:52pm CST by Zachary Links

For a minute there, the Eagles considered tagging quarterback Nick Foles. This week, owner Jeff Lurie confirmed what had been widely rumored – the tag was considered only to stop Foles from potentially leaving for the rival Giants or Redskins (Twitter link via Mike Garafolo of NFL.com). However, when it became apparent to the Redskins that Foles would be leaving the conference altogether by signing with the Jaguars, the Eagles opted against the move.

Foles was beloved in Philadelphia, but holding on to him as Carson Wentz‘s backup would have been an expensive proposition. Instead, the Eagles allowed him to fly away while putting their limited cap space into other areas.

Here’s more from the NFC East:

  • As the Giants evaluate their future at the quarterback position, they have not ruled out the possibility that Eli Manning could be their QB in 2020, Ralph Vacchiano of SNY hears. If the Giants do not draft a QB at No. 6 or No. 17 overall or trade for Cardinals QB Josh Rosen, this could be the most likely outcome. From there, the Giants would kick the can down the road into 2020, when they would (finally) select Manning’s heir.
  • The Cowboys‘ one-year deal with safety George Iloka is a minimum salary benefit contract that will count for just $735K against the cap, as Todd Archer of ESPN.com tweets. He’ll earn a $930K base salary with just $210K of that amount being guaranteed. The longtime Bengals starter is just the latest one-year addition in Dallas, joining fellow vets Randall Cobb, Kerry Hyder, Christian Covington, Cameron Fleming, Tavon Austin, and Jason Witten on deals that expire after the 2019 season.
  • The Redskins will move former Giants first-round pick Ereck Flowers from tackle to guard, as John Keim of ESPN.com tweets. They don’t expect there to be much of a learning curve, however. “With his strength and his size and his ability to move I think it will be a natural easy fit,” head coach Jay Gruden said. “[When] we drafted Brandon I remember they came out in the same class and rated right next to each other. Ereck was more a tackle and Brandon projected more of a guard. Both are athletic big and can move. It will be an easy transition.”

Latest On Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill

March 27th, 2019 at 2:38pm CST by Zachary Links

The NFL is not expected to weigh in on possible discipline for Chiefs star Tyreek Hill until child protective services concludes their investigation, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (video link) hears. That could mean that Hill’s fate will be in limbo for a while as authorities sift through the accusations levied against the wide receiver. 

Hill’s three-year old son is said to have suffered injuries, including a broken arm, at Hill’s home. Authorities are looking into Hill’s involvement in the incident, which may not be the first such event in his household. On March 5th, officers were called to Hill’s home to investigate a different incident of “child abuse or neglect.” Hill’s name was listed on that police report, though the “report was closed three days later when prosecution was declined.” 

Hill has not been placed on the commissioner’s exempt list yet and the league is likely waiting for more information from CPS before proceeding with any discipline. The accusations are troubling, particularly in light of Hill’s pre-NFL track record, but at this point, details are murky.

In 2017, Hill’s second NFL season, he amassed nearly 1,200 receiving yards with seven touchdowns. Then, last year, he set new career highs with 87 catches for 1,479 yards and 12 touchdowns. Despite his diminutive stature, Hill is among the very best in the league at his position.

Raiders To Meet With LB Brandon Marshall

March 27th, 2019 at 1:29pm CST by Zachary Links

The Raiders are set to meet with linebacker Brandon Marshall on Thursday, according to Mike Klis of 9News (on Twitter). Marshall has been on the market since being released by the rival Broncos in February. 

Marshall, who compiled 102 tackles and three sacks in 2017, would help a linebacker group that recently added Vontaze Burfict on a low-cost deal. And, like Burfict, he could be a solid value for Oakland. Marshall battled through injuries during the 2018 season and appeared in just eleven games, so his stock is far from its zenith.

Marshall finished out 2018 with only 42 tackles, his lowest total since he became a starter during the 2014 season. Still, the former fifth-rounder proved that he can be a difference maker when he’s at full strength – Marshall finished with at least 100 tackles in each of his three healthiest seasons.

The Ravens have also expressed interest in the ‘backer, who turns 30 in September.

DeMarcus Lawrence Increases Asking Price

March 27th, 2019 at 1:23pm CST by Zachary Links

The Cowboys recently stepped up their offer to defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence to meet his $20MM asking price. But, as Marlo Stanfield once famously said in “The Wire,” the price of the brick is going up. 

In the last few weeks, Lawrence has gone from asking for $20MM/year to $22.5MM per annum, according to Calvin Watkins of The Athletic. The Cowboys’ current offer would make Lawrence the league’s highest-paid 4-3 defensive end, but the pass rusher is looking to match the $22.5MM AAV on Aaron Donald‘s deal and inch towards the $23.5MM per year earned by Khalil Mack.

Lawrence, 27 in April, is already the highest-paid 4-3 defensive end in the NFL thanks to his $20.5MM franchise tag. However, he has indicated that he won’t report to the club until he gets a new deal.

This is shaping up to be a challenging negotiation for the Cowboys, but that’s nothing new for owner Jerry Jones.

“This has gone on as far back for me, notably, with Emmitt Smith,” Jones said. “Any of you know my relationship with Emmitt Smith today know that’s a memory we smile about the way we are, 20-something years later and we’re in business together. That’s just part of the business. The main thing, and I don’t want to be cavalier, this is a significant thing for not only our franchise but DeMarcus’ life. It would make anyone be very, very judicious as they are working through the terms of this agreement.”

Giants To Explore Josh Rosen Trade

March 27th, 2019 at 9:40am CST by Zachary Links

The Giants have internally considered a trade for Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen, according to Ralph Vacchiano of SNY. However, those conversations have been extremely preliminary, as the Giants are still unsure about Rosen’s availability. 

Rumors of the Cardinals targeting quarterback Kyler Murray have swirled over the last couple of months and nothing is certain on that front with less than one month to go before they take the podium. Recently, Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury did his best to quiet talk of the Cards drafting the former Oklahoma quarterback and moving on from Rosen, the UCLA product who was selected with the No. 10 overall pick last year.

“People have said a lot of things that are misconceptions, if you will,” Kingsbury said of the Rosen speculation. “Josh is a tremendous player, I’ve always thought, watching him at UCLA. He played his best football in a spread system, some similarities to what we do. He’s a tremendous thinker, very cerebral, can throw it with anybody.”

The Giants, meanwhile, are armed with the No. 6 and No. 17 overall picks in this year’s draft, but they’re not 100% sold on any of this year’s top QBs. Rosen could be had for a lot less than a first-round pick, and he has some fans in the building.

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