2021 March - Pro Football Rumors

Cowboys To Sign S Jayron Kearse

March 24th, 2021 at 8:03pm CST by Ben Levine

The Cowboys held auditions for safeties today, and it sounds like at least one of the auditionees will be joining the team. Josina Anderson reports (via Twitter) that the team will be signing safety Jayron Kearse to a one-year deal.

Kearse signed a one-year, $2.75MM deal with the Lions last offseason and proceeded to have a career year. He was suspended for the first three games of the 2020 campaign for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy, but he ultimately finished the year with a career-high 59 tackles in 11 games (seven starts). He was waived by the Lions late in the season and spent the rest of the season on the Ravens practice squad.

Malik Hooker and Damontae Kazee were also among the safeties who were visiting the Cowboys today, and Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News tweets that the Kearse signing doesn’t preclude the team from adding another player at the position. In fact, Gehlken adds that the Cowboys are “engaged in contract negotiations” with Kazee’s camp, but the sides haven’t agreed on a deal.

The Cowboys have been busy revamping their safeties corps. The team is set to add Keanu Neal, adding the veteran to a core that includes 2020 starter Donovan Wilson.

Saints To Sign TE Nick Vannett

March 24th, 2021 at 7:48pm CST by Ben Levine

It didn’t take long for Nick Vannett to find a new home. The free agent tight end is signing with the Saints, reports NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo (via Twitter). Vannett got a three-year deal from New Orleans.

The 28-year-old tight end spent the first three-plus seasons of his career with the Seahawks, including a 2018 campaign where he put up some of the best offensive numbers of his career. That season, Vannett finished with 29 receptions for 269 yards and three touchdowns.

He was traded to the Steelers during the 2019 season, and he signed a two-year deal with the Broncos last offseason. Over the past two years, Vannett has mostly served as a blocking tight end, and he finished this past year with 95 yards from scrimmage and one score. Denver moved on from the veteran yesterday, saving the team $2.68MM against the salary cap with $875K left in dead money.

The Saints tight ends room will look different in 2021. The team released Jared Cook earlier this month, and they saw Josh Hill join his former positions coach (and current Lions head coach), Dan Campbell. 2020 third-rounder Adam Trautman is currently atop the team’s depth chart.

Latest On FA OL Isaiah Wilson

March 24th, 2021 at 6:57pm CST by Ben Levine

Things aren’t looking up for Isaiah Wilson. We learned today that the embattled lineman was arrested back in January following “a high-speed car chase” in Georgia (via ESPN’s Turron Davenport).

According to the police report, an officer witnessed a car driving at speeds of 123 mph, leading to a pursuit. The chase was eventually called off when speeds exceeded 140 mph. The car ultimately crashed, and after observing Wilson emerge from the car’s sunroof, an ICE officer placed the player under arrest. A female was also in the vehicle and was arrested after police found a metal grinder filled with marijuana.

Per Davenport, Wilson was charged with “felony fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, speeding in a construction zone, reckless driving, reckless conduct, possession of less than 1 ounce of marijuana, and possession and use of drug-related objects.”

The 29th overall pick of last year’s draft, Wilson was traded from the Titans to Miami earlier this month. It didn’t take him long to fall out of favor with his new team, as he allegedly “refused team efforts to help him to get his life on track.” The Dolphins decided to cut bait with the lineman this past weekend, and the 22-year0old passed through waivers unclaimed. According to Davenport, the Dolphins were aware of Wilson’s arrest prior to making the trade.

The offensive lineman from Georgia appeared in just one game as a rookie, playing only three offensive snaps, and was also suspended at one point for a violation of team rules. Considering his age and draft pedigree, Wilson will probably get a final chance from another organization, but continued off-the-field issues won’t help his case.

Chargers Sign OLB Kyler Fackrell

March 24th, 2021 at 5:37pm CST by Sam Robinson

Kyler Fackrell will make his way to a third team in three seasons. The veteran edge defender signed with the Chargers on Wednesday.

Formerly a four-year Packer, Fackrell played the 2020 season with the Giants. He started nine games and recorded four sacks and a pick-six with Big Blue, but he will head west ahead of his sixth NFL season.

A third-round Packers pick in 2016, Fackrell mostly served as a rotational rusher in Green Bay. However, he did record a career-high 10.5 sacks despite playing the off-the-bench role in 2018. That season, which did include seven starts, helped lead Fackrell to New York. He signed a one-year, $4.6MM deal with the Giants in 2020. While the 29-year-old defender spent some time on IR last season due to a calf injury, he returned for Week 17 and played 12 games with New York.

The Chargers have some questions at their edge spots. The five-year Joey Bosa–Melvin Ingram partnership may be disbanding, with Ingram taking free agency visits. Ingram was a Charger for nine seasons but played out his contract last season, which came after the former first-round pick attempted to secure a new deal. With Bosa signed to a defender-record $27MM-AAV pact, the Chargers are unlikely to pay up at the other edge-rushing spot.

Richard Sherman Open To Seahawks Return

March 24th, 2021 at 5:27pm CST by Sam Robinson

Richard Sherman stands as one of the best free agents available, and the All-Pro cornerback is taking his time in his second stay on the market. Sherman is not expected to return to the 49ers, but another reunion should not be considered off the table.

The 10-year veteran corner is open to rejoining the Seahawks, according to NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero (video link). Sherman’s initial Seahawks tenure ended after he suffered an Achilles tear during the 2017 season. That preceded an offseason release. But the Seahawks have a need at the position presently.

The Seahawks lost Shaquill Griffin, their longest-tenured corner post-Sherman, to the Jaguars last week. Quinton Dunbar is also unsigned. While Seattle added Sherman San Francisco teammate Ahkello Witherspoon and still rosters Tre Flowers and D.J. Reed, the team still figures to add help at corner.

Although the Seahawks cut Sherman in 2018, Pelissero adds they are likely open to re-signing him as well. This breakup differed from the bridge-burning Earl Thomas divorce, and Sherman may have a path back to Seattle. Of course, this will all depend on how Sherman’s market shapes up.

Teams have expressed interest in Sherman, including the Saints. The Raiders may also have interest. Patrick Peterson signed a one-year, $10MM pact with the Vikings last week. A fellow 2011 draftee who has delivered All-Pro-caliber work more recently than Peterson, Sherman may be targeting this kind of money. Fellow All-Pro 2011 classmate Chris Harris signed a two-year, $17.5MM deal last year, further setting some potential price parameters for Sherman.

A three-time first-team All-Pro with the Seahawks, with whom he played seven seasons, Sherman earned second-team All-Pro acclaim in his second 49ers campaign. However, a calf injury limited the veteran defender to five games last season. Sherman, who will turn 33 next week, said he wants to play two more seasons.

Falcons To Sign CB Fabian Moreau

March 24th, 2021 at 4:22pm CST by Sam Robinson

Former Washington cornerback Fabian Moreau will head to Atlanta. The Falcons are signing the veteran cover man, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets. It’s a one-year deal.

A former third-round Washington draftee, Moreau played in the slot and outside at points with his original team. The Falcons, who added longtime Washington exec Kyle Smith to their front office this year, will bring in Moreau to help their secondary.

Moreau will join a secondary that fared poorly in Dan Quinn and Raheem Morris‘ final seasons with the Falcons. The Falcons ranked last in pass defense in 2020. They have a young group of corners, headed by 2020 first-round pick A.J. Terrell, due back but certainly will need some outside help going into Dean Pees‘ first season as DC.

After Moreau enjoyed a steady gig for the 2018 and ’19 Washington squads, Ron Rivera reduced his role last season. The UCLA product played just 15% of Washington’s defensive snaps in 2020. Washington was still believed to be interested in re-signing Moreau, per ESPN.com’s John Keim (on Twitter). Instead, Moreau will head to Atlanta looking to bounce back. He should be expected to see more frequent playing time than he did last season.

Jadeveon Clowney Visits Browns

March 24th, 2021 at 4:02pm CST by Sam Robinson

Last year, the Browns spent months attempting to bring Jadeveon Clowney to Cleveland. They ended up doing so, on a visit at least. Clowney arranged a meeting with the Browns, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets. The parties are met Wednesday, with Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal tweeting the summit has concluded.

The veteran defensive end is coming off an unremarkable season with the Titans, with injuries limiting him yet again. Despite his seven years of NFL experience, however, Clowney is just 28. And he is one of the top free agents still available. No deal is imminent, according to Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com. With Clowney not yet 100% after a 2020 knee injury, teams’ caution makes sense.

This comes at an interesting time for the Browns. They chased J.J. Watt in free agency and have been rumored to be prepared to devote notable resources to adding a bookend pass rusher opposite Myles Garrett. Olivier Vernon played that role for two seasons, but the Browns attempted to sign Clowney to replace him last year. Vernon is now a free agent and coming off an Achilles tear. And the Browns, despite being linked to several veteran sack artists, remain understaffed at the D-end spot opposite Garrett.

The Browns did add Takkarist McKinley, but they will certainly add more pieces to help on their defensive front. They agreed to terms with Malik Jackson last week as well, and although Jackson has experience playing end in a 4-3 scheme, he has mostly served as an inside rusher in his nine-year career. Clowney has experience inside as well, but he would qualify as a starter-caliber player opposite Garrett on the edge.

Clowney was not high on Cleveland last year, but his value took a hit last season. Although Clowney is not known for his sack prowess, he recorded zero in eight Titans games. Since his 2018 Pro Bowl season with the Texans — the most recent of his three Pro Bowl slates — Clowney has just three sacks. The Seahawks opted to let Clowney walk after the 2019 season, and he spent months in free agency before joining the Titans on a one-year, $13MM deal. His next team will be able to land him at a cheaper rate.

One of the league’s top run-defending edge players, Clowney has battled injuries for most of his career. The former No. 1 overall pick suffered a torn meniscus last year, and although he is expected to be ready for football work by April, he has a history of knee issues. A groin injury hampered him in Seattle.

Packers To Re-Sign TE Marcedes Lewis

March 24th, 2021 at 3:40pm CST by Sam Robinson

Marcedes Lewis will be back for a 16th NFL season. The veteran tight end agreed to re-sign with the Packers on Wednesday. He will return to Green Bay on a two-year, $8MM contract, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets.

Lewis will see $4MM guaranteed, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets, and $2.1MM fully guaranteed. The 2006 first-round pick has played with the Packers since 2018. He has missed just one game since joining the team.

The 2021 season will be Lewis’ age-37 campaign. Should he continue his run of health, Lewis will surpass 230 career games played this season. The Packers have continually found a role for the former Jaguars first-rounder, involving him as a blocker and as an occasional receiver. Most of Lewis’ Wisconsin work has come without the ball, however. He has just 28 receptions in his three Packers slates. Pro Football Focus graded Lewis as a top-10 run-blocking tight end last season.

This marks Lewis’ first multiyear Packers agreement. He signed one-year pacts in 2018, ’19 and ’20. While the guarantees on this deal do not solidify Lewis’ place on the 2022 Packers, the UCLA alum has bucked the odds to make it this far. It would certainly not surprise if he plays out this contract. Lewis and Rams tackle Andrew Whitworth are the only non-specialists from the 2006 draft still on NFL rosters.

The Packers kept 2020 breakout talent Robert Tonyan via second-round RFA tender and still have Jace Sternberger on their roster. Lewis will remain the leader of this tight end contingent, however.

Jets To Add RB Tevin Coleman

March 24th, 2021 at 3:32pm CST by Sam Robinson

Robert Saleh will bring one of the 49ers’ running backs with him to the Jets. Tevin Coleman agreed to terms with the team Wednesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.

Coleman played out his two-year San Francisco agreement. He will follow the 49ers’ former defensive coordinator to the Big Apple, joining a backfield in transition after the Le’Veon Bell free agency misstep. Coleman agreed to a one-year contract worth up to $2MM, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets.

Originally a Falcons third-round pick, Coleman will have scheme familiarity upon trekking to New York. Longtime Kyle Shanahan assistant Mike LaFleur will call the Jets’ plays next season. LaFleur was with Coleman from 2015-16 in Atlanta and for the past two seasons in San Francisco.

While Coleman proved a valuable contributor in his first 49ers season, he is coming off a forgettable contract year. The 27-year-old back suffered an injury against the Jets in Week 2 and finished last season with just 53 rushing yards. He totaled 544 in 2019, playing a key role in San Francisco’s backfield committee.

However, Coleman suffered two injuries during the 2019 season as well. In 2019, Coleman suffered a high ankle sprain and a shoulder injury. While he only missed two games because of the oft-troublesome ankle ailment and surmounted what Shanahan called a Lethal Weapon injury to play in Super Bowl LIV, the knee strain he encountered at MetLife Stadium last September wrecked his 2020 season.

Coleman teamed with Devonta Freeman in multiple productive Falcons rushing attacks, including the one that helped Shanahan’s offense reach historic success in 2016, and ended his Falcons tenure with an 800-yard rushing season in 2018. Coleman will enter the 2021 season with a 4.2 career yards-per-carry average. He will join a Jets backfield that may need more help via the draft. The team, which cut bait on its disastrous Bell deal midway through last season, has La’Mical Perine, ex-Lion Ty Johnson and ex-Eagle Josh Adams. Frank Gore remains a free agent but is interested in playing a 17th NFL season.

Jets Sign DE Vinny Curry

March 24th, 2021 at 3:17pm CST by Sam Robinson

3:17pm: This visit will produce an agreement. Curry will sign with the Jets. Moving fast here, the team has already announced the agreement. The Jets will be Curry’s third NFL team, and the 2021 season will be his 10th in the league. Curry will sign for close to the league minimum, with Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweeting the veteran defensive lineman agreed to a one-year, $1.3MM pact. Curry secured $1.1MM fully guaranteed.

2:49pm: Vinny Curry is back on the Jets’ radar. The veteran defensive end is meeting with former Eagles exec Joe Douglas on Wednesday, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter).

The veteran defensive end has played eight of his nine NFL seasons with the Eagles; three of those came during Douglas’ tenure in Philadelphia. However, the Douglas-run Jets showed interest in Curry last year. Curry opted to re-sign to stay in Philly at that point but appears interested in relocating this year.

Curry, 32, has served as a key rotational player for much of his career. However, he did work as a full-time starter during the Eagles’ 2017 Super Bowl-winning season. Curry started all 16 games for the Birds that year. He parlayed that season into a deal with the Buccaneers. After that accord did not work out, Curry played the 2019 and ’20 seasons with the Eagles. He recorded eight sacks and 22 quarterback hits between those two seasons.

The Jets have been fairly busy in stocking new HC Robert Saleh‘s defensive front this offseason. They have signed edge rusher Carl Lawson and D-tackle Sheldon Rankins. At this stage of his career, Curry would come cheaper than both but could be a worthwhile piece in Saleh’s 4-3 scheme.