HEADLINES

Month: November 2024

Texans To Sign LB Kevin Pierre-Louis

March 15th, 2021 at 9:34pm CST by Ben Levine

Kevin Pierre-Louis is signing a two-year deal with the Texans, reports ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler (via Twitter). The deal is worth up to $8MM, per Fowler.

The multiyear offer must have been alluring to the 29-year-old linebacker, who has played for four different teams over the past four years. After spending the first three seasons of his career with the Seahawks, the Boston College product has since spent time with the Chiefs, Jets, Bears, and Washington.

He had one of the better seasons of his career in 2020 with WFT. He started a career-high 11 games, collecting 56 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, and one forced fumble. Ron Rivera was apparently a fan of Pierre-Louis, as the head coach stated that he wanted to retain the veteran linebacker.

“I’d love to get a guy with the skill set of Kevin Pierre-Louis, whether it’s Kevin or someone else,” Rivera said recently (via Sam Fortier of the Washington Post on Twitter). “I’d love to have Kevin back.”

Bengals To Sign DE Trey Hendrickson

March 15th, 2021 at 9:15pm CST by Ben Levine

Trey Hendrickson is getting paid following his breakout campaign. NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero reports (via Twitter) that the defensive end is signing with the Bengals. It’s a four-year deal worth $60MM, including $32MM in the first two years.

The 2017 third-round pick out of Florida Atlantic had spent his entire four-year career in New Orleans, including a 2019 campaign where he collected 4.5 sacks in 13 games (three starts). The Saints inserted him into the starting lineup in 2020, and the 26-year-old responded with a career year.

Hendrickson ultimately started each of his 15 games this past season, compiling 25 tackles, 25 QB hits, and 13.5 sacks. That performance earned him a first-team All-Pro nod following the season. Despite that standout performance, it’s not a huge surprise that Hendrickson isn’t sticking around New Orleans; we heard back in February that the defensive end may be too pricey for the cash-strapped Saints.

Earlier today, we learned that Hendrickson was connected to the Jets, Vikings, Browns, and Bengals. Cincinnati always seemed like a natural sutior for a pass rusher. The Bengals front office did not place its franchise tag on Carl Lawson, who ultimately signed with the Jets. That opened up a clear hole on Cincy’s defensive line.

Broncos Don’t Exercise S Kareem Jackson’s Option

March 15th, 2021 at 8:38pm CST by Ben Levine

Kareem Jackson is hitting free agency. Mike Klis of 9News in Denver reports (via Twitter) that the Broncos will not exercise the option on the veteran safety.

Klis notes that the front office tried to restructure Jackson’s contract before declining the option. Ryan O’Halloran of the Denver Post tweets that the move will free up $7.1MM in cap space for the Broncos.

Jackson, 32, joined the Broncos on a three-year, $33MM deal back in 2019. The veteran quickly became a favorite among teammates and the coaching staff for his veteran savvy and hard hits. Jackson ultimately started each of his 29 games for the Broncos, compiling 160 tackles, 14 passes defended, and three interceptions.

While the Broncos will surely be seeking a replacement for Jackson, the team has already added to their secondary. The team agreed to terms with cornerback Ronald Darby earlier today.

Saints To Re-Sign QB Jameis Winston

March 15th, 2021 at 8:11pm CST by Ben Levine

Jameis Winston will be back in New Orleans next season. The quarterback is re-signing with the Saints, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). It’s a one-year deal worth up to $12MM. NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero reports (via Twitter) that the deal includes $5.5MM guaranteed.

Following the retirement of Drew Brees, the Saints have some question marks at the position for the first time since 2005. Barring an unexpected move, Winston will compete with teammate Taysom Hill for the starting gig in 2021. Similar to Winston, Hill will also be playing the 2021 campaign on a one-year, $12MM deal (despite the funky restructuring by the organization yesterday).

Winston, the first-overall pick in the 2015 draft, joined the Saints last offseason following five underwhelming years in Tampa Bay. Winston got into four games during his first season in New Orleans, completing seven of his 11 pass attempts for 75 yards. He also came up key during the Saints’ postseason loss to the Buccaneers, completing his lone pass attempt for 56 yards and a score.

Hill actually got eight starts and 16 appearances for the Saints this past season, leading some to wonder whether he has the upper hand on the QB competition heading into the offseason. However, the team’s been nothing but complimentary of Winston since his arrival, noting his performance in practice and on the sideline, and it sounds like the former first-rounder will have an equal chance at the starting gig in 2021.

“We had a great exposure for one year with Jameis Winston,” coach Sean Payton said last month. “We didn’t have a normal offseason, but we had enough time to see what we had with him as a player, as a leader, and as an athlete. I really like what we had a chance to see. He was a tremendous leader for this team. That’s hard to do when you come in new in free agency your first year as a backup quarterback. So that’ll be an important checkmark for us.

“And, a lot of times, you want to hold your cards closer to the vest and he is a free agent. But him, along with Taysom Hill who’s in the building, we’ve said it all along: We’re going to develop and coach those guys. And Jameis is one of those guys that we have a big interest in.”

Broncos Tender RB Phillip Lindsay

March 15th, 2021 at 8:08pm CST by Ben Levine

Phillip Lindsay is sticking around Denver. The Broncos are tendering the running back, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). Lindsay will be slapped with the “low RFA tender,” per Schefter.

The 26-year-old exploded on the scene with 1,037 yards and nine touchdowns in 2018, earning him a Pro Bowl nod. He followed that up with another solid campaign in 2019, compiling 1,207 yards from scrimmage and seven scores.

However, the 26-year-old took a predictable step back this past season following the addition of Melvin Gordon. Lindsay ultimately got into 11 games (eight starts), compiling 502 rushing yards and one touchdown. He also added another seven receptions for 28 yards.

With Lindsay and Gordon still under contract, the team will have a crowded depth chart once again in 2021. The team is also rostering former starter Royce Freeman, Levante Bellamy, Jeremy Cox, and Damarea Crockett.

Jets, Carl Lawson Agree To Deal

March 15th, 2021 at 7:58pm CST by Sam Robinson

The latest edge rusher domino fell Monday night, with the Jets securing a commitment from Carl Lawson. The former Bengals defensive end agreed to terms with the Jets, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.

Lawson landed a three-year, $45MM deal to join Robert Saleh in New York, Rapoport adds (via Twitter). The Jets are shifting to a 4-3 defense under Saleh, and they will sign a player with four years’ experience as a 4-3 end. Lawson can earn up to $47.4MM on this contract, per Rapoport.

A former fourth-round Bengals pick, Lawson has not produced high sack numbers. But he broke through in terms of pressure last season. Only T.J. Watt recorded more QB hits than Lawson, who registered 32. This came along with 5.5 sacks.

Edge rusher has resided as a Jets need for many years. They attempted to trade for Khalil Mack and tried to convert Anthony Barr into an edge two offseasons ago, among other efforts to fill the need. Last year, the team surprisingly passed on edges in free agency and the draft, only re-signing Jordan Jenkins. The Jets, who also traded Leonard Williams in 2019, struggled to pressure quarterbacks in a 2-14 season. Lawson will be expected to be New York’s lead rusher next season.

The Bengals have now parted ways with Lawson and Carlos Dunlap in recent months, though the latter is back on the market after the Seahawks released him. Rumored to be a franchise tag candidate, Lawson did not receive such treatment from the Bengals. Despite suffering a torn ACL in 2018, the former Auburn D-lineman cashed in. Given the 49ers’ D-line situation under Saleh, it is unlikely Lawson will be the only notable move for the Jets here.

Minor NFL Transactions: 3/15/21

March 15th, 2021 at 7:55pm CST by Zachary Links

Today’s “minor” moves:

Arizona Cardinals

Buffalo Bills

Carolina Panthers

Dallas Cowboys

Houston Texans

Jacksonville Jaguars

New England Patriots

New York Giants

Minnesota Vikings

Titans Sign OL Kendall Lamm

March 15th, 2021 at 7:50pm CST by Ben Levine

Kendall Lamm is off to Tennessee. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that the offensive tackle is signing with the Titans. It’s a two-year deal worth $8.5MM.

The 2015 undrafted free agent out of Appalachian State spent the first four seasons of his career with the Texans, starting 24 of his 55 games. He signed a two-year deal with the Browns in 2019, but he was limited to only four games during his first season in Cleveland. He got into 15 games (one start) for the Browns in 2020, appearing on 116 offensive snaps and 68 special teams snaps. The 28-year-old also hauled in a one-yard touchdown from Baker Mayfield during a Week 13 win over the Titans.

After being silent through the first half of the day, the Titans have ramped up their signings over the past hour. Lamm is the team’s third signing after linebacker Bud Dupree and defensive tackle Denico Autry.

Chargers To Sign OL Matt Feiler

March 15th, 2021 at 7:44pm CST by Sam Robinson

Minutes after Bud Dupree agreed to terms with the Titans, the Steelers will lose another of their free agents. Matt Feiler agreed to terms with the Chargers on Monday night, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets.

The four-year veteran will sign a three-year, $21MM agreement with the Bolts. Feiler has worked as a Steelers starter for the past three years.

This move comes hours after the Chargers agreed to terms with Corey Linsley on a center-record contract. Feiler figures to have a spot on the Bolts’ starting O-line as well. Where he lands will be interesting. Feiler has seen time at both tackle and guard, taking over for Marcus Gilbert at right tackle and spending time on Pittsburgh’s interior line as well. Pro Football Focus graded Feiler as a middling guard starter last season but has charted him as an upper-echelon lineman throughout his career.

With Los Angeles, Feiler’s spot would seem to be guard. The Chargers paid up for Bryan Bulaga at right tackle last year. They just cut guard Trai Turner and have fellow guard Dan Feeney set for free agency. Feiler’s position notwithstanding, he represents more resources thrown into protecting Justin Herbert going forward.

The Steelers have brought back B.J. Finney but have some major questions up front going forward. They have now lost Feiler and perennial Pro Bowler Maurkice Pouncey, and left tackle Alejandro Villanueva may well be on his way out as well.

RFA/ERFA Tender Decisions: 3/15/21

March 15th, 2021 at 7:36pm CST by Ben Levine

We’ve compiled a handful of tender decisions below:

  • The Cardinals are tendering linebacker Dennis Gardeck at a second-round value, which is worth around $3.38MM. The former undrafted free agent has spent his entire three-year career with Arizona, primarily appearing on special teams. However, the 26-year-old took on a bigger defensive role in 2020, finished with seven sacks in only 93 snaps. Gardeck tore his ACL late in the season, so his status for 2021 is in doubt.
  • The Chargers won’t be tendering defensive end Isaac Rochell, which comes as a bit of a surprise. The 25-year-old had a solid season for Los Angeles, starting six games while compiling 29 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Rochell has 9.5 career sacks and 12 QB hits in 51 career games.
  • The Packers have tendered wideout Malik Taylor, according to NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero (via Twitter). After spending much of his rookie season on Green Bay’s practice squad, Taylor managed to appear in 15 games for the Packers this past season. He ultimately hauled in five receptions for 66 yards and one touchdown. He also returned a pair of kicks and compiled three tackles.
  • The Bills won’t be tendering cornerback Levi Wallace, according to ESPN’s Field Yates (via Twitter). However, there’s still a chance the 25-year-old lands back in Buffalo. The cornerback has started 28 games for Buffalo over the past two years, compiling four interceptions and 17 passes defended.
  • The Cowboys are tendering wideout Cedrick Wilson and nose tackle Antwaun Woods. Wilson has appeared in 22 games over the past two years, compiling 25 touches for 223 yards from scrimmage. Woods has started 32 of his 39 games for Dallas over the past three years, compiling 80, four tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
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