HEADLINES

Alex Mack

NFL Pro Bowlers In Contract Years

December 23rd, 2015 at 10:10am CST by Luke Adams

The NFL announced its Pro Bowlers for the 2015 season on Tuesday night, and while those rosters will certainly undergo some changes in the coming weeks – as players with injuries or on Super Bowl teams bow out and are replaced by alternates – it’s worth noting that several players in this initial crop are in contract years, and will be eligible for free agency this winter.

Currently, there are eight players in contract years among the Pro Bowlers, and not all of them are players you might expect. When we ranked the top free agents of 2016 earlier this month, we placed Bears wideout Alshon Jeffery second overall, but Jeffery didn’t get a Pro Bowl nod, partly due to the injuries that have slowed him down this season, and partly due to the star-studded group of receivers he was up against.

Similarly, our list of this offseason’s top 10 potential free agents included a pair of left tackles, Russell Okung of the Seahawks and Cordy Glenn of the Bills. However, given the strong group of left tackles that are locked up to long-term deals – including Tyron Smith (Cowboys), Jason Peters (Eagles), Joe Thomas (Browns), and others – neither Okung nor Glenn could crack the initial Pro Bowl roster.

Here are the eight potential free agents who earned Pro Bowl berths:

Berry, Miller, Norman, and Wilkerson earned spots on our top-10 list, and each of those four standout players should be in line for either the franchise tag or a lucrative long-term contract. However, the extension cases for the other four players on this list aren’t quite to cut-and-dried.

Woodson, of course, has an expiring contract, but isn’t expected to sign another one, having announced earlier this week that he’ll retire after the season. That takes him out of the extension equation entirely.

Martin is having an excellent bounce-back season in Tampa Bay, and is the most logical candidate to receive the biggest free agent deal for a running back this offseason. As we saw last winter though, not many running backs sign massive free agent contracts, and 2015’s biggest deal – DeMarco Murray‘s – won’t exactly encourage teams to invest heavily at the position. So there’s a ceiling on how much Martin will earn this winter, despite his Pro Bowl berth.

Nelson and Tolbert are interesting cases. Nelson’s counting stats (an NFL-best eight interceptions) and Pro Football Focus grades (10th among safeties) suggest he’s had a very strong year, but he’ll also be entering his age-33 season, so it’s fair to question whether he’s deserving of a contract in the range of the ones that Berry and perhaps Eric Weddle will sign.

As for Tolbert, his Pro Bowl nod comes at one of the league’s least-valued positions, and he’s also now on the wrong side of 30, which is generally bad news for running backs. I expect he’ll draw interest from plenty of teams if the Panthers don’t lock him up, but as a 30-year-old fullback, his earning potential is limited.

One more player worth mentioning is Browns center Alex Mack. Technically, Mack still has three years remaining on his contract, but he’ll have the opportunity to opt out this winter, and coming off a Pro Bowl season, there’s a good chance he’ll take advantage of that option.

Ultimately, these eight players – plus Mack – aren’t likely to get a huge boost to their annual salaries on their next contracts simply because they made the Pro Bowl. In fact, Tuesday’s Pro Bowl announcement may very well have a more tangible impact on players with Pro Bowl bonuses in their current contracts.

Still, you can bet that the representatives for these potential free agents will be sure to point to this year’s Pro Bowl roster to help make their case that their clients are among the best players in the NFL at their respective positions.

Jason Fitzgerald on Kaepernick, Free Agency, Rams

December 19th, 2015 at 9:00am CST by Ben Levine

Jason Fitzgerald of OvertheCap.com answered a variety of questions on Twitter last night. The conversation focused on the upcoming offseason, and the writer did his best to make some early predictions. We’ve compiled the best of them, which you can find below…

  • Fitzgerald is convinced that the 49ers will be able to trade quarterback Colin Kaepernick. With a maximum $14.3MM cap hit (due to the $1MM savings if the team decides to deactivate him), the writer believes the Eagles could be a good fit for the embattled star.
  • Among the big-name players who could switch teams in free agency are (according to Fitzgerald) Alex Mack, Matt Forte, Russell Okung, Prince Amukamara, and Lamar Miller.
  • On the flip, Fitzgerald could imagine several big names being cut loose by their current teams, including Jamaal Charles, Jimmy Graham and DeMarcus Ware.
  • One of Trumaine Johnson and Janoris Jenkins will be back with the Rams next year, with Fitzgerald predicting an $8MM contract for Jenkins and $6MM for Johnson.
  • Assuming Marshawn Lynch‘s tenure in Seattle is over, Fitzgerald could envision the Patriots pursuing the running back. However, the writer is uncertain whether New England would have much interest.

No Major Trades Expected For Browns

November 3rd, 2015 at 1:47pm CST by Luke Adams

1:47pm: The Browns continue to discuss possible trades involving Mingo and Kruger, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (via Twitter).

1:35pm: Within the last few days, the Browns have emerged as one of the most fascinating teams to watch at the trade deadline, with names like Joe Thomas, Alex Mack, and Barkevious Mingo emerging as potential trade candidates. However, despite all the rumors and speculation, Cleveland isn’t expected to participate in any major deals at this afternoon’s deadline, says ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter).

As I noted earlier today, there was a chance of the Browns becoming the day’s biggest seller if their asking prices were met, but those prices sounded quite steep. Several reports indicated the team was seeking more than a single first-round pick for Thomas, while one report suggested Cleveland wanted a third-round pick for either Mack or Mingo.

General manager Ray Farmer still has nearly 90 minutes to make a trade, and it remains possible he’ll make a move or two. It doesn’t sound like a player as notable as Thomas will be involved in any deal, however.

Here are a couple more Browns-related notes, as the deadline nears:

  • If the Browns do make a move, outside linebacker Paul Kruger is another player worth keeping an eye on. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports (via Twitter) that the team is willing to pay some of Kruger’s remaining salary to complete a deal.
  • While Josh McCown hasn’t been ruled out yet, the Browns are preparing for Thursday’s game as if Johnny Manziel will start, tweets Rand Getlin of the NFL Network. The short week doesn’t allow for a banged-up McCown to get much in the way of recovery time.

Broncos Offered First-Rounder For Joe Thomas?

November 3rd, 2015 at 12:19pm CST by Luke Adams

12:19pm: According to Mike Klis of 9NEWS (via Twitter), the Broncos talked to the Browns about Thomas some time ago, but didn’t make a firm offer — the two sides “talked conceptually,” says Klis. Of course, it’s possible that just means the Broncos indicated they’d be willing to give up a first-round pick, even if they didn’t officially put that offer on the table.

10:12am: According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter), the Browns were asking for two first-round pick for Thomas. While reports on Cleveland’s asking price for Thomas have varied slightly, it seems clear that a lone first-rounder won’t get it done.

9:15am: After the Broncos’ starting left tackle, Ryan Clady, went down earlier this year, the team engaged in trade talks with the Browns, offering Cleveland a first-round pick for Joe Thomas, reports Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com. However, according to Grossi, the Browns also asked for second-year linebacker Shaquil Barrett, and the Broncos balked.

Those trade discussions reportedly occurred early in the season, before the Broncos’ lost another left tackle, Ty Sambrailo, to a season-ending injury of his own. As such, it’s possible Denver will increase its offer for Thomas as today’s trade deadline approaches. Still, Jeff Schudel of The News-Herald tweets that he’d be shocked if Cleveland moves its standout left tackle, adding that a club would have to overpay to land Thomas.

Jason Cole of Bleacher Report and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com have also weighed in with the latest on the Browns’ asking prices, with Cole tweeting that an NFC GM told him Cleveland wants a first- and second-round pick for Thomas. Rapoport adds (via Twitter) that Cleveland wants a third-round pick for either Alex Mack or Barkevious Mingo, so none of the club’s trade candidates will come cheaply.

If those asking prices are met, the Browns could become the NFL’s biggest seller at today’s deadline, but it’s also possible the team ends up simply standing pat — GM Ray Farmer and company have less than six hours to make decisions on Thomas, Mack, and others.

Browns’ Alex Mack Won’t Waive No-Trade

November 2nd, 2015 at 9:14pm CST by Zachary Links

Browns center Alex Mack has been heavily mentioned as a trade candidate leading up to the Tuesday deadline, but it doesn’t sound like he’ll be going anywhere.

“I have a ‘no trade’ clause in my contract. It was included for good reason: I’m not leaving my teammates, coaches and Browns fans while there is work this season to be finished,” Mack said in a statement to reporters, including Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (via Twitter).

Mack has an opt-out clause following the 2015 season and he is widely expected to exercise it in an effort to secure a more lucrative deal. Mack, of course, got that opt-out in the 2014 offseason when he signed an offer sheet with the Jaguars. Jacksonville gave Mack an opt-out after two years in hopes of dissuading Cleveland from matching, but that plan did not work.

While Mack is staying committed to the Browns for the remainder of the season, tonight’s statement guarantees nothing for 2016 and beyond.

Trade Rumors: Mack, Weddle, Boldin

November 2nd, 2015 at 4:05pm CST by Zachary Links

Cardinals GM Steve Keim says that while there are always talks going on, there is “nothing imminent” for his team, as Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com writes. When asked specifically about targeting a pass rusher, Keim noted that teams aren’t really offering up anyone that fits the bill unless they are overpaid or dealing with off-the-field issues. Even if the Cardinals aren’t on the precipice of anything, a whole lot can change between now and the deadline. Meanwhile, plenty of other teams are assessing their trade options at the midway point. Here’s the very latest:

  • Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (on Twitter) hears that Bears defensive end Willie Young and Eagles defensive end Vinny Curry can be had via trade. Neither player is getting much playing time so far in 2015.
  • More from Cole (video link), who hears that the Browns expect Alex Mack to exercise his opt-out clause and go to the highest bidder, therefore making him a prime trade candidate heading into the deadline. The center’s deal features a no-trade clause, but he is allowed to waive it to expedite a move to a contending team.
  • Cole adds that pending free agents Eric Weddle (Chargers) and Anquan Boldin (49ers) aren’t really in play since both teams are hoping to net compensatory draft picks for them in the offseason if they head elsewhere. As a result, it would take a significant haul to pry either player loose.
  • When asked if a trade for a running back could happen, Texans head coach Bill O’Brien said, “I don’t see that coming,” as John McClain of the Houston Chronicle tweets.
  • Falcons head coach Dan Quinn says that trades are not a priority for the team right now, as Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com tweets.
  • Browns linebacker Paul Kruger isn’t surprised to hear his name in trade rumors because of “the way [he’s] been used,” Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer writes.
  • Joel Corry of CBSSports.com came up with some creative hypothetical trade ideas, including one that would have the Panthers acquire Calvin Johnson from the Lions.
  • Keeping up with the theme of hypothetical deals, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com would like to see Washington send Robert Griffin III to the Chiefs for fellow QB Chase Daniel. Another interesting idea would have the Bears ship Alshon Jeffery to the Falcons in exchange for a second-round choice.

AFC Notes: Browns, Smith, Chiefs, Ivory

November 1st, 2015 at 9:57am CST by Sam Robinson

Here are some notes from the AFC as the third London game continues on Week 8 Sunday.

  • With another Browns season unfolding in typical fashion since the franchise rebooted, the team has engaged in discussions to trade starting linemen Joe Thomas and Alex Mack, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. A potential Hall of Famer, Thomas has played in Cleveland since being drafted third overall in 2007. The eight-time Pro Bowler has no guaranteed money on his 2016 deal. However, the left tackle is under contract (for $9MM in ’16) until 2018 and would rocket to the top of the trade block if he’s being dangled. Mack can opt out of his Browns deal after this season, as the Jaguars intended when they designed the contract to make it difficult for Cleveland to match in 2014. The center’s deal features a no-trade clause, but he is allowed to waive it to expedite a move to a contending team, Rapoport tweets. Ohio.com reporter Nate Ulrich notes the Browns would likely have to be “blown away” by an offer to part with either of these two (Twitter link).
  • Browns outside linebacker Paul Kruger is also available for a trade, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter reported on SportsCenter (as relayed by Ohio.com’s Marla Ridenour on Twitter). Kruger’s played in Cleveland for three seasons after signing a big free agent deal in 2013. At $7.7MM, Kruger has the sixth-largest cap number on the Browns (Thomas and Mack are second and fifth, respectively). He’s under contract for two more seasons and carries just $3.6MM worth of dead money. Kruger, who will make $6.5MM and $7MM in base salaries the next two years, posted 11 sacks last season, but the 29-year-old has just a half-sack this year.
  • Teams have called the Ravens on Steve Smith and have been told the 36-year-old wideout’s unavailable, Schefter reports (via Twitter). This approach would lend to the thinking Baltimore can convince Smith to postpone his retirement. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk wonders if Smith will soften his stance on retiring instantly if traded if the Ravens lose today and drop to 1-7.
  • The Chiefs do not plan to play host in London again for a while, Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star reports (on Twitter). Chairman Clark Hunt did say the team would consider going abroad for a road game in the coming years (Twitter link).
  • Paylor examines the reasoning for the Chiefs to cede a home game in favor of a London excursion. Growing the Chiefs’ brand and potentially joining the list of cities vying for a future Super Bowl are among them.
  • Chris Ivory would like to continue his career with the Jets despite the team’s coaching staff upheaval, the New York Post’s Steve Serby reports. Ivory, who has 501 rushing yards and is barely 300 from a single-season career high, is a free agent at season’s end.

AFC Notes: Dolphins, Dalton, Mack, Spikes

May 30th, 2015 at 2:02pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

If the Eagles trade two-time Pro Bowl guard Evan Mathis prior to the season, it likely won’t be to the Dolphins – who have been a rumored candidate to land the 34-year-old – according to Drew Rosenhaus, Mathis’ agent. “We thought we had a trade with another team leading up to the draft. It was not the Dolphins,” Rosenhaus told the Joe Rose Show, according to Marc Sessler of NFL.com. “We’ve never really gotten close on a trade with the Dolphins.”

Here’s more on some other AFC clubs:

  • Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton has become a much-maligned figure during his four years in Cincinnati, but Coley Harvey of ESPN.com doesn’t expect him to be in another uniform in the near future. Harvey notes that releasing Dalton doesn’t become particularly favorable for the Bengals until after 2018, when the six-year, $115MM extension he signed last year won’t have any dead money left on it. Even if Dalton struggles before then, the likelihood of the team cutting the cord is low because finding a replacement would be difficult and entering a rebuild isn’t on the horizon for Cincy.
  • Browns center Alex Mack‘s contract has him in a unique situation, writes Tom Reed of Cleveland.com. The 29-year-old has both an opt-out clause in his contract, which he can take advantage of next offseason, and one that prevents the Browns from placing either the franchise or transition tag on him. Mack is mum about his future for the time being, saying that he’ll “talk about that at the end of the season,” but it might be difficult for the Browns to retain him if they don’t turn it around on the field. Since drafting Mack in 2009, the team hasn’t sniffed the playoffs. “I think I definitely want to win games,” Mack said. “It’s very important to me.”
  • Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes left the team in acrimonious fashion last offseason and then signed a one-year contract with AFC East rival Buffalo. Back in New England after inking another one-year deal earlier this month, Spikes says he and head coach Bill Belichick are ready to put past drama behind them. “I think we’re both happy that I’m here and we were able to put things aside and let bygones be bygones,” Spikes said, according to Phil Perry of CSNNE.com. “We’re all moving forward. The 2015 season is right around the corner and we’re just trying, each and every day, to get better. I’m happy to be home.”
  • The Ravens parted with longtime defensive staple Haloti Ngata earlier this offseason, trading him to Detroit, and it’s going to take a team effort (led by Timmy Jernigan and Brandon Williams) to replace the five-time Pro Bowl nose tackle, writes Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. For his part, Williams is confident the Ravens won’t be adversely affected by the loss of Ngata. “It tells me I just have to step up,” said Williams. “We have to do more. I accept the challenge, willingly, to get out there and do everything I have to do to be my best player, be my best self. And that goes for everybody else on the defensive line. We don’t need anybody to be Haloti. We just need everybody to be their best selves, and we’ll be fine.”

AFC North Notes: Brown, Mack, Rice

May 26th, 2015 at 6:24pm CST by Zachary Links

Despite rumors that he might not show up for offseason workouts, Steelers receiver Antonio Brown joined his teammates on Tuesday, as Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com writes. Brown may be pushing for a new deal, but he’s not pouting in public over it. “This is a community that I love,” Brown said Tuesday. “My kids go to school here. I want to keep a good reputation. Obviously money’s not important to me. I’ve got enough. The organization has extremely blessed me. I’m ready to play football.” When asked directly whether he’s looking for a new deal, Brown said that’s “not my business to discuss” and directed questions to agent Drew Rosenhaus. More from the AFC North..

  • Browns center Alex Mack said “absolutely not” when asked if he has decided whether he’ll opt out of contract after 2015 season, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon-Journal tweets. Mack is in line for a fully guaranteed salary of $8MM in 2015 and he can opt in for the same amount in 2016. If Mack opts out after the 2015 season, the Browns would be unable to use the franchise or transition tag on him, since the deadline for his decision comes after the deadline for those tags to be applied.
  • Two team executives say that clubs won’t give former Ravens running back Ray Rice a chance after Ray McDonald‘s latest arrest, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link). Some in football are also wondering if there will be penalties imposed against teams that take chances on guys like McDonald in the event of a repeat offense.
  • The Steelers (on Twitter) announced that they have named Steve Meyer a coaching assistant. Meyer served as the team’s scouting intern in 2013 and 2014.

Extra Points: Manziel, Mack, Vick, Kaepernick

April 11th, 2015 at 12:16pm CST by Ben Levine

Quarterback Johnny Manziel has been released from his rehab program, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler (via ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter on Twitter). The 22-year-old is expected to rejoin the Browns on April 20th.

The 22-year-old entered a drug and alcohol treatment facility in late February following a tumultuous rookie season. After being selected 22nd overall in last year’s draft, Manziel disappointed during his first campaign, compiling only 175 passing yards and a pair of interceptions before succumbing to injury.

Newly-signed quarterback Josh McCown figures to be the sophomore’s main competition for the Browns’ starting gig.

Let’s take a look at some more assorted notes from around the NFL…

  • Following Mike Pouncey‘s extension with the Dolphins, Joel Corry of the National Football Post says (on Twitter) there is an increased likelihood that Browns center Alex Mack will void the final three years of his contract in 2016 (worth $24MM). Pouncey’s new deal was for five years and $52.15MM.
  • Meanwhile, Corry implies that the Dolphins will potentially lead the league in 2016 salary commitments, especially after they exercise Ryan Tannehill‘s $16.155M option.
  • Quarterback Michael Vick still intends to play next season, and Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com reports that the veteran is hoping interest will pick up following the draft. The 34-year-old will specifically be eying teams that miss out on their quarterback targets.
  • Colin Kaepernick has been working this offseason to transform his game and his body. It’s clearly worked, as teammate Vernon Davis almost didn’t recognize his quarterback. “When I saw him yesterday, I didn’t even know that was Colin. No, seriously,” the 49ers tight end told Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group. “He was working on his dropback and I was like, ‘Who is that?’… You guys are in for a treat. He looks like a totally different guy.”
Load More Posts