2021 March - Pro Football Rumors

Saints Interested In Richard Sherman

March 16th, 2021 at 12:54pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

The Saints are in a terrible cap situation, but that’s never stopped GM Mickey Loomis before. Loomis has been manipulating the cap like a madman, and he’s apparently comfortable enough in his process to still be pursuing some big name free agents.

New Orleans is “among the teams expressing interest” in Richard Sherman, sources told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network (Twitter link). As Pelissero points out there’s a coaching connection here, as current Saints defensive backs coach Kris Richard was Sherman’s DBs coach and then later defensive coordinator in Seattle.

The Saints released fellow cornerback Janoris Jenkins last week, so Sherman could theoretically slide in nicely opposite Marshon Lattimore in the secondary. Sherman and the 49ers had been appearing headed for divorce since late last season, and that was confirmed for certain last month.

Sherman will turn 33 later this month, but was a second-team All-Pro with San Francisco as recently as 2019. A calf injury cost him most of this past season, and he ended up playing in only five games. He does have somewhat of a history of lower leg injuries, but had only played in less than 14 games once prior to last year.

Either way, it doesn’t sound like his relatively advanced age is scaring that many teams away. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of deal he lands, from the Saints or whoever else.

Cowboys To Re-Sign C.J. Goodwin

March 16th, 2021 at 12:43pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

The Cowboys haven’t been too active so far in free agency, but they’re now making a smaller move to keep one of their own in the fold. Dallas has agreed to terms on a new deal for cornerback/special teamer C.J. Goodwin, agent Drew Rosenhaus tells Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (Twitter link).

It’s a two-year deal for $3.5MM with $2MM guaranteed, Rapsheet notes. Goodwin only played 18 defensive snaps last year but is one of the team’s most important special teams players, as he played over 70 percent of the total defensive snaps. Goodwin came into the league as an UDFA with the Steelers in 2014, but he didn’t crack the field until 2016 with the Falcons.

He carved out a role as a special teamer, and even started a game on defense for Atlanta that year. The D2 product was cut by four different teams in 2018 before signing with the Cowboys off the Bengals’ practice squad, and he’s now been in Dallas the past three seasons. Getting $2MM guaranteed is a massive win for a player with his story, so we all tip our cap to him.

Vikings To Release DT Shamar Stephen

March 16th, 2021 at 12:18pm CST by Zachary Links

The Vikings are set to cut defensive tackle Shamar Stephen, as Adam Caplan of ESPN.com tweets. Previously, he was set to carry a cap hit of $5.083MM. Releasing Stephen will save $3.75MM on the books for 2021.

A seventh-round Vikings pick in 2014, Stephen has spent most of his career in Minnesota, save for his 2018 season with the Seahawks. He’s spent the last two years as a full-time starter, serving as a durable, though not spectacular, run-stuffer.

The recent arrival of Dalvin Tomlinson pushed Stephen out of the equation. The 6’3”, 320-pound defensive tackle will pair with Michael Pierce in Stephen’s place, albeit on a more expensive two-year, $22MM deal.

Before signing Tomlinson, the Vikings were also connected to Trey Hendrickson. Ultimately, the ex-Saints standout signed with the Bengals instead.

Jaguars To Sign Shaquill Griffin

March 16th, 2021 at 12:05pm CST by Zachary Links

Shaquill Griffin is heading to the Jaguars. The former Seahawks cornerback has agreed to a three-year, $40MM deal, as NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets.

It’s actually a three-year, $45MM deal with $29MM guaranteed, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. Shortly before the news broke Rapoport tweeted that the Seahawks were making a “hard push” to retain Griffin, so they didn’t just let him walk out the door. A lot of people thought Seattle might tag their top corner to keep him in the fold but they of course did not.

Griffin had previously said he’d like to return to the Seahawks if the business side worked out, which likely means the Jags simply beat them out financially. This will be a bit of a homecoming for the Florida native, as Griffin was born in St. Petersburg and went to UCF for college.

A third-round pick of the Seahawks back in 2017, Griffin just wrapped up his rookie deal and is still only 25. He became an immediate starter in Seattle, and made the Pro Bowl in 2019. Last year he had 12 passes defended and three interceptions in 12 games.

He’ll now join a Jaguars secondary that has some promise, but is still very young. The team is likely hoping Griffin’s presence will help 2020 ninth overall pick C.J. Henderson take the next step.

Ravens Re-Sign Tyus Bowser

March 16th, 2021 at 11:44am CST by Zachary Links

The Ravens have re-signed outside linebacker Tyus Bowser to a four-year deal, $22MM deal, as Adam Caplan of SiriusXM tweets. With incentives, the pact could be worth as much as $27MM. A healthy portion of the contract — $12MM — is guaranteed.

The deal gives Bowser some long-term security while helping the Ravens to maintain at least some consistency heading into 2021. Earlier this week, the Ravens lost star edge rusher Matt Judon when he agreed to a four-year, $56MM deal with the Patriots. Meanwhile, outside linebacker Yannick Ngakoue left to join up with the Raiders on a two-year, $26MM contract. And, just moments ago, Jihad Ward agreed to follow his former position coach to Jacksonville.

Bowser enjoyed the best season of his career in 2020. All in all, he registered 34 tackles, two sacks, 14 quarterback hits, and three interceptions. Bowser wasn’t the biggest name of the bunch, but he had plenty of suitors in free agency. Despite the other offers, he’s said all along that he wanted to remain with the Ravens.

“You just see the depth and the talent that we have,” Bowser told 105.7 The Fan recently.” You just see the job that not only [longtime GM] Ozzie [Newsome] but [GM] Eric DeCosta have done drafting linebackers these past few years. You just see it working out for a lot of those gigs. They’re put in a position to make money and prove themselves as who they are in this league. I’m definitely thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this organization and be in the position where I am now.”

Jaguars To Sign Jihad Ward

March 16th, 2021 at 11:23am CST by Zachary Links

The Jaguars have agreed to sign former Ravens defensive end Jihad Ward (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). The deal will reunite Ward with ex-Baltimore position coach Joe Cullen who now serves as the Jaguars’ defensive coordinator.

Ward will join former Bears standout Roy Robertson-Harris on the Jags’ revamped defensive line. The Jaguars also re-upped Dawuane Smoot earlier this week to maintain consistency and flexibility as they adjust their scheme.

Ward, a 6’5″, 290-pound lineman, entered the league in 2016 as a second-round pick of the Raiders. In 2018, he was traded to the Cowboys, but he missed their final cut. That led him to the Colts, where he was used sparingly over two seasons. Ward joined up with the Ravens in mid-2019 and cracked the starting lineup in 2020. Last year, he notched three sacks, four tackles for loss, and eight quarterback hits.

Chiefs Re-Sign Taco Charlton

March 16th, 2021 at 10:50am CST by Zachary Links

The Chiefs are bringing back Taco Charlton. On Tuesday, the defensive end agreed to return on a one-year deal (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero).

Charlton fractured his leg in November, midway through the Chiefs’ thrilling victory over the Panthers. Up until that point, he had been playing a decent-sized role as a rotational pass-rusher. In the previous six games, he racked up two sacks, four quarterback hits, and a forced fumble.

Charlton’s NFL career started out as a highly-touted first-round pick of the Cowboys, but he quickly flamed out in Dallas. He was cut after only two-plus years with the Cowboys, then scooped up by the Dolphins. He had his best season as a pro with Miami in 2019, notching five sacks in ten games.

The 26-year-old (27 in November) was one of many Chiefs players to miss the Super Bowl. Andy Reid & Co. will hope for better health as they plot their return trip.

Jaguars To Sign Chris Manhertz

March 16th, 2021 at 10:44am CST by Zachary Links

The Jaguars are staying busy. On Tuesday, tight end Chris Manhertz agreed to sign with Jacksonville on a two-year, $7.25MM deal (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter).

Manhertz is primarily a blocking tight end. After stops with the Bills and Saints, he found his way to the Panthers in 2016. In 2017, he found a regular role in the offense and got even more playing time while Greg Olsen was out with injuries. For his career, he has 70 starts with just 12 catches for 142 yards and one touchdown.

Manhertz’s deal will become officially official later this week, once the legal tampering period ends and free agency begins in earnest.

Bengals To Sign Chidobe Awuzie

March 16th, 2021 at 10:38am CST by Zachary Links

The Bengals have agreed to sign Chidobe Awuzie to a three-year deal (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo). Awuzie missed half of the Cowboys’ season due to injury, but the Bengals believe in his potential.

This agreement is worth $21.75MM over three years, according to NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero (on Twitter). By virtue of Pro Bowl-based incentives, it can max out at $22.5MM.

Awuzie finished 2020 with 38 stops, five passes defensed, and one interception. All in all, he has 213 tackles, four interceptions, 37 pass deflections, and two forced fumbles across four pro seasons. He’s been a consistent starter for the Cowboys, though fans have been mostly lukewarm on him since he was selected in the second round of the 2017 draft.

Awuzie isn’t great in man-to-man coverage, but he’s much stronger in zone coverage. Utilized properly, he could be a solid contributor, though he definitely won’t be able to replace the production of William Jackson. Jackson, who has started at least 13 games in each of the past three seasons, is a free agent and could score a top-of-the-market deal.

Bears Interested In Andy Dalton

March 16th, 2021 at 10:17am CST by Zachary Links

The Bears have interest in signing Andy Dalton, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (on Twitter). Dalton, who will turn 34 in October, started nine games for the Cowboys last year.

Dalton wasn’t great in his fill-in starts for Dak Prescott, but the Bears are exploring every option possible. As it stands, veteran Nick Foles projects to serve as their starter and Mitch Trubisky probably won’t be back as their safety net.

“Everything is on the table in regard to the quarterback situation,” GM Ryan Pace said recently. “And, honestly, that includes players on our current roster, that includes free agency, trade, the draft and a combination of all those. We have a plan in place, and now it’s about executing that plan.”

Around this time last year, Dalton said that he wanted to start in 2021. There’s a non-trivial chance that the Bears could give him that opportunity, though they’d much prefer to have the ex-Bengals QB as the backup to someone else.