2019 April - Pro Football Rumors

Seahawks Want To Extend Jarran Reed

April 2nd, 2019 at 6:52pm CST by Rory Parks

The big news coming out of Seattle today is that star quarterback Russell Wilson has set an April 15 deadline to complete negotiations on a new contract. Whether that happens or not is anyone’s guess, and even if it doesn’t, it’s not as though 2019, the last year of Wilson’s current deal, will be his last in Seattle.

Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network notes that the Seahawks have just $104MM in committed cap space for 2020, so they have the financial flexibility to fit a Wilson deal, but he also points out that Wilson’s contract is not the only one the team needs to address (video link). We already heard that Seattle has begun extension talks with linebacker Bobby Wagner, and franchise-tagged DE Frank Clark will likely get a lucrative multiyear deal in the immediate future.

But Pelissero says that the team also wants to extend defensive lineman Jarran Reed, who, like Wilson and Wagner, is entering the last year of his contract. Reed had a breakout campaign in 2018, registering 10.5 sacks and making 16 starts. He graded out as an above average interior defender per Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics, and he has set himself up for a nice payday.

He was under investigation for domestic violence in May 2017, but nothing came of that investigation. The Seahawks selected him in the second round of the 2016 draft, and he is starting to live up to that draft status.

Steelers OL B.J. Finney Signs RFA Tender

April 2nd, 2019 at 6:22pm CST by Rory Parks

Restricted free agent offensive lineman B.J. Finney has signed his second-round tender, per the league’s transactions wire. Finney will now collect $3.095MM for the 2019 campaign.

A former undrafted free agent out of Kansas State, Finney has appeared in 43 games over three seasons in Pittsburgh, but has made only nine total starts. Finney has typically earned excellent grades from Pro Football Focus, but sample size is an issue, as he’s never topped 300 offensive snaps in a single season.

However, he has proven himself as a capable reserve, and he could be the next man up should starting guards Ramon Foster or David DeCastro suffer an injury.

If he continues to perform well in limited action, he could put himself in line for a starting job when he hits unrestricted free agency next year.

Ravens Expect Marshal Yanda To Play In 2019

April 2nd, 2019 at 5:41pm CST by Rory Parks

As of January, Ravens right guard Marshal Yanda had not publicly committed to playing in 2019, and as Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com tweets, there has been some speculation that Yanda, 34, could choose to hang up the cleats. But Hensley says that the Ravens fully expect Yanda to return this season.

A seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time First Team All-Pro, Yanda has long been one of the best offensive lineman in the league. The Ravens have some uncertainty at left guard and center in advance of this month’s draft, and losing Yanda would be a major blow, especially as they are deploying second-year QB Lamar Jackson under center.

But Yanda has dealt with some health concerns in recent years, including a broken ankle that ended his 2017 season after just two games. He is owed $7MM this year, a relative bargain, but it is the last year of his current deal. Even if he returns this season, he could choose to retire once his contract expires at the end of the campaign.

The former third-round pick out of Iowa has spent his entire career with the Ravens.

Giants Host Clemson DL Dexter Lawrence

April 2nd, 2019 at 5:14pm CST by Rory Parks

The Giants are said to be eyeing pass rushers with their No. 6 overall pick, and while Clemson defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence does not fit the bill per se, he would be a strong addition to the club’s front seven. Per Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, the Giants hosted Lawrence on a pre-draft visit today (Twitter link).

Lawrence is a first-round talent, and given the mass exodus of defensive playmakers that Big Blue has witnessed over the last several seasons, it would not be particularly surprising to see the club double dip on defense in the first round of the 2019 draft. In addition to the No. 6 pick, the Giants also hold the No. 17 selection, and Lawrence may still be on the board when they are on the clock with the latter choice.

Lawrence finished his collegiate career with 10 sacks and 18 tackles for loss, and while he may not be a sack machine at the next level, he does offer the ability to apply at least some interior pressure.

As Garafolo notes, Giants defensive coordinator James Bettcher was in attendance at Lawrence’s pro day.

CB Jamar Taylor Visits Seahawks

April 2nd, 2019 at 4:55pm CST by Rory Parks

Veteran cornerback Jamar Taylor is visiting with the Seahawks today, per Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network (via Twitter). After losing former slot corner Justin Coleman to the Lions, Seattle is looking for reinforcements in the secondary.

Taylor, a 2013 second-round pick, spent the first three seasons of his career with the Dolphins before being dealt to the Browns. He was productive during his two seasons with Cleveland, including a 2016 campaign where he had three interceptions and 13 passes defended. He finished the 2017 season having appeared in a career-high 16 games and finishing with a career-high 62 tackles.

Last May, the Browns traded him to the Cardinals, who hoped to deploy him as their No. 2 CB opposite Patrick Peterson. Taylor agreed to a significant pay cut to facilitate the trade, but things did not go well for him in the desert. Arizona cut him in November, and he caught on with the Broncos to finish out the 2018 season.

Still just 28, Taylor provides experience and can be a solid contributor in a CB rotation.

In other Seahawks news, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets that safety Taylor Mays, whose last NFL action came in 2015, will work out with the team tomorrow. Mays a former USC Trojan, could be reunited with Pete Carroll, who was USC’s head coach during Mays’ collegiate career.

Broncos DL Shelby Harris Signs RFA Tender

April 2nd, 2019 at 4:23pm CST by Rory Parks

Broncos restricted free agent defensive lineman Shelby Harris has signed his second-round tender, the team announced. Harris will now collect $3.095MM for the 2019 campaign before becoming eligible for unrestricted free agency next year.

A seventh-round pick of the Raiders in 2014, Harris bounced around the league, spending time with the Jets and Cowboys before signing a futures deal with the Broncos in 2017. That low-risk move has paid off in a big way for Denver, as Harris has appeared in all 32 possible games over the past two years, seeing action on more than 35% of the Broncos’ defensive snaps in each season. He could see a further increase in playing time this year, as the club is expected to make him its starting nose tackle.

Harris, 27, posted seven sacks, 16 quarterback hits, and 15 tackles for loss from 2017-18, and he graded as the NFL’s No. 8 interior defender last year, per Pro Football Focus.

The Broncos also announced that the following exclusive rights free agents have signed their ERFA tenders:

Colts Claim Derrick Kindred Off Waivers From Browns

April 2nd, 2019 at 3:29pm CST by Zachary Links

The Colts have claimed Derrick Kindred off waivers, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter). The safety was let go by the Browns on Monday, and the Colts pounced on the opportunity to add him and his inexpensive contract.

Kindred, 25, is set to make a little more than $2MM in 2019. At that price, he’s a relative bargain for a club that has been largely reluctant to part with its ample cap space this offseason.

Since entering the league as a 2016 fourth-round pick, Kindred has appeared in 42 games for Cleveland. Last year, he had a perfect attendance record and registered 45 tackles, one interception, and a forced fumble. The Browns’ decision to release him leaves the club with a hole at strong safety that it could look to fill via the draft.

The Colts, meanwhile, add a youthful and reasonably talented DB who will provide useful depth for the recently re-signed Clayton Geathers, who has a troublesome injury history. Kindred can also contribute on special teams.

Russell Wilson Sets Deadline For New Deal

April 2nd, 2019 at 3:05pm CST by Zachary Links

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has given the team an April 15 deadline to complete negotiations on a new contract, a source tells Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. It’s not clear what the passing of the deadline without a deal would mean, but it would likely shut down talks until after his contract expires following the 2019 season.

As it stands, Wilson has one year to go on his four-year, $87.6MM deal. Wilson, who currently ranks 12th among QBs in yearly salary, likely wants a new deal to push him up the chart and he wants it done by the start of the club’s official offseason workout program. The reason for the deadline is unclear, but Wilson probably wants to minimize distractions heading into the new campaign.

In January, Wilson indicated he would be fine with playing the 2019 season without a new contract.

“Oh, yeah, if that’s what I’ve got to do,’’ Wilson said. “It’s business and everything else and I know essentially after this season I could potentially be a free agent, that kind of thing. I don’t think that way — I see myself being in Seattle. I love Seattle, special place for me. I also understand it’s a business world and everything else.”

The Seahawks also have the franchise tag on their disposal, so Wilson is not assured to reach free agency in March. The franchise tag for QBs would cost a projected $30.6MM and a repeat tag in 2021 would come in at a whopping $36MM. Meanwhile, the collective bargaining agreement is set to expire after the 2020 season, which may cloud negotiations for Wilson and other star players around the league.

Texans’ Andre Hal Retires From NFL

April 2nd, 2019 at 2:19pm CST by Zachary Links

Texans safety Andre Hal is calling it a career. After spending the last five seasons with the Texans, and surviving lymphoma, Hal announced his retirement from football on Tuesday.

“One thing I’ve learned in life is that change is inevitable and life goes through seasons,” Hal wrote. “This season of my life has come to an end. I will be retiring from the NFL. My health did not have anything to do with my decision. I am completely healthy. Thank you to the Houston Texans organization for giving me the opportunity to live my childhood dream. I also want to thank my family and friends for all of their support. I truly appreciate it.”

After being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Hal returned to play in eight regular season games for Houston last year, plus the club’s playoff loss to the Colts. He was more than just an inspiration – he was an impact player. Hal recorded three interceptions in his half-season and was a slam-dunk choice for the Texans’ Ed Block Courage award, given to players who overcome adversity.

“Andre Hal is the epitome of what it means to be a Houston Texans player. What he overcame last season is nothing short of incredible and is an inspiration to every single person in this building,” Bill O’Brien said. “He’s what this place is all about.”

Hal leaves the game with 189 tackles, 12 interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one sack across 69 career games. He also leaves the Texans a little thinner at safety. Currently, the club’s safety depth chart consists of Justin Reid, Tashaun Gipson, and Briean Boddy-Calhoun.

Jaguars Sign RB Benny Cunningham

April 2nd, 2019 at 1:30pm CST by Zachary Links

The Jaguars have signed running back Benny Cunningham, per a team announcement. The move comes on the heels of signing running back Alfred Blue, giving the Jaguars two backup options behind starter Leonard Fournette.

Blue profiles as more of a traditional ball carrier while Cunningham figures to be more of a special teams contributor.

“I’m just excited to have the opportunity,” the seventh-year veteran said in a press release from Jacksonville. “I feel like this place will be home for me. I’m excited to get started. There are pieces in place that this team can win the Super Bowl. I just want to be part of something special.”

Cunningham has a 26.3-yard average on 110 career kickoff returns. He had just 14 carries for 36 yards in two seasons with the Bears, but he has shifted gears and now embraces his role on special teams.

Meanwhile, the deal reunites Cunningham with former Rams teammate Nick Foles.

“I can’t wait to call Nick, talk to him and catch up,” the running back said.