HEADLINES

Aqib Talib

Broncos Expected To Sign Emmanuel Sanders

March 16th, 2014 at 10:48am CST by Peter Sowards

SUNDAY, 10:48am: The Broncos intend to proceed with the Sanders deal, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Mike Klis of the Denver Post tweeted that Sanders will take his physical at Dove Valley this morning and is expected to sign a three-year deal.

SUNDAY, 9:08am: In an interesting twist to the Sanders saga, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport writes that Sanders’ agent, Steve Weinberg, had originally accepted a deal with the Chiefs on his client’s behalf. However, Weinberg then shopped Kansas City’s offer to Tampa Bay without telling the Buccaneers that the offer had already been accepted. Ultimately, of course, Sanders agreed to sign with Denver.

Weinberg declined to comment, but there will undoubtedly be more fallout from this development in the coming days. For instance, Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star wonders (via Twitter) who the Chiefs might have missed out on because they thought they had Sanders locked up. Paylor notes that Julian Edelman and Brandon LaFell both signed with New England on Saturday.

SATURDAY, 8:34pm: A source has confirmed to FOX Sports 1 that the Broncos agreed to contract terms with Sanders, Alex Marvez reports (via Twitter).

SATURDAY, 8:18pm: After losing Eric Decker to the Jets in free agency, the Broncos are expected to fill the void by signing former Steelers receiver Emmanuel Sanders, league sources tell ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. The ESPN article notes that Sanders is looking for a contract similar to the one Golden Tate signed with the Lions (five years, $31.5MM, $13.25MM guaranteed).

Denver has been the biggest newsmaker in free agency thus far, with high-profile signings of Aqib Talib, DeMarcus Ware and T.J. Ward. Now it seems that general manager John Elway is setting his sights on the offense, and Sanders brings a skill set that figures to be well-utilized by Peyton Manning. The fourth-year receiver from Southern Methodist set career highs in receptions (67), yards (740) and touchdowns (six) in 2013 with the Steelers, starting 11 games.

Sanders’ name had been associated with a multitude of teams since free agency began. Schefter reported that the 49ers were to host Sanders today after being hosted by the Chiefs yesterday. Before that, he’d been linked to or visited with the Jets, Jaguars, Buccaneers, Ravens and Browns.

The Broncos appear to have just under $12MM in cap room before the Sanders signing, according to Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap.

AFC Contract Details: Talib, Bills, Conner

March 13th, 2014 at 5:11pm CST by Luke Adams

Aqib Talib‘s contract with the Broncos features a $5MM signing bonus, a $2MM roster bonus, a $4.5MM guaranteed base salary, and $500K in per-game roster bonuses, says Tom Pelissero of USA Today (via Twitter). Since Talib has a small signing bonus and his 2015 and 2016 salaries are guaranteed for injury only, the Broncos could essentially cut ties with him for no guaranteed money and a minimal ($4MM) cap hit even after the 2014 season, barring a major injury, tweets Pelissero. Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com has the breakdown in chart form right here.

Here are a few more specific details on deals signed this week:

  • Corey Graham‘s new contract with the Bills can be worth over $19MM, but on the surface, it’s a four-year, $16.3MM deal with $8.1MM guaranteed, says Pelissero (via Twitter). According to Pelissero, the deal includes $700K in annual incentives, plus an extra $100K bonus each season for making the Pro Bowl.
  • The Chargers‘ three-year deal with Kavell Conner is worth $2.7MM, with a $270K signing bonus and an escalator worth up to $500K in 2016, tweets Pelissero.
  • Jim Dray‘s contract with the Browns features a $900K signing bonus, says Pelissero (via Twitter).
  • Pelissero also passes along the details on Chris Williams‘ four-year contract with the Bills. According to the USA Today scribe (via Twitter), it’s worth $13.04MM with $3.025MM in the first year, and is only guaranteed for injury in year two. Pelissero adds in another tweet that there’s a $2.5MM roster bonus due early in 2016 that’s a clear “trigger point” for the deal.
  • The Colts signed safety Sergio Brown on Tuesday, and that one-year deal will be worth $1.4MM, with a $300K signing bonus, says Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter).
  • While Keith Rivers‘ new deal with the Bills was reported as a two-year, $5MM contract with half of that amount guaranteed, it looks like it won’t be worth quite that much. Wilson tweets that it’s worth $4.05MM, with a $1MM signing bonus, base salaries of $1.25MM (2014) and $1.6MM (2015), and annual workout bonuses of $100K.
  • Michael Hoomanawanui‘s two-year contract with the Patriots is worth a total of $2.4MM, with a $360K signing bonus and $1.1MM in total guarantees, tweets Wilson.
  • The two-year, $5MM figure reported for Al Woods earlier today includes incentives, according to Wilson (via Twitter). The defensive lineman’s contract with the Titans features a signing bonus of $1MM, base salaries of $900K (2014) and $2.1MM (2015), and incentives worth up to $500K annually.

Broncos Offered DRC Six-Year Deal, Made Run At Revis

March 13th, 2014 at 2:45pm CST by Luke Adams

According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, before the Broncos signed Aqib Talib, they approached Darrelle Revis‘ camp with a similar six-year, $54MM proposal. However, Revis declined, sticking to his demand for $12MM per year. The timeline of events isn’t entirely clear, since the Broncos reached their agreement with Talib on Tuesday night, while Revis wasn’t officially released until Wednesday.

Perhaps even more interestingly, Florio hears that before pursing Talib or Revis, the Broncos also made a six-year, $54MM offer to Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who didn’t accept it. It’s possible that Denver’s offer to DRC didn’t include as much guaranteed money as the team’s agreement with Talib. Still, it’s a surprise that Rodgers-Cromartie would turn down such a seemingly lucrative deal unless the specific terms were very unfavorable

Florio also passes along the financial details on Talib’s contract with the Broncos, which will pay him $12MM in 2014 if he stays healthy, and has base salaries guaranteed for injury only in 2015 and 2016. The contract is more like a three-year, $27MM deal, even though it has the potential to max out at around $57MM.

Redskins Rumors: Clark, Tapp, Carroll, Talib

March 12th, 2014 at 6:50pm CST by Zachary Links

Reports have surfaced suggesting Ryan Clark won’t sign with the Redskins despite visiting the team today, but agent Joel Turner is adamant that his client wouldn’t meet with the club unless he had interest, says Mike Jones of the Washington Post. According to Jones, Clark has other suitors, but is intrigued by the idea of returning to Washington (Twitter links). Here’s more on the Redskins:

  • Unrestricted free agent Darryl Tapp won’t be returning to the Redskins, agent Fletcher Smith tells ESPN.com’s John Keim (Twitter link).
  • The Redskins have not inquired on free agent cornerback Nolan Carroll, tweets Chris Russell of ESPN Radio 980. Carroll is a University of Maryland product, which would make him of interest to many Skins fans.
  • The Redskins were one of the teams to express interest in Aqib Talib before he signed with Denver, the cornerback confirmed today (Twitter link via Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com). Talib also suggested that the Pats, 49ers, and Saints inquired.

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

Remaining Options At Cornerback

March 11th, 2014 at 11:18pm CST by Rob DiRe

The Aqib Talib contract is the latest free agent signing that has shaken up the NFL landscape, leaving few options at cornerback and many teams with a need at the position. There are still some very productive players, and even a few big names on the market that could fill those needs. Here’s a brief roundup:

  • Assuming Darrelle Revis gets cut by the Buccaneers, an assumption that seems safe at this point, he will become the top free agent left on the market. He could have many potential landing spots, and will most likely draw interest from the Patriots to replace Talib.
  • Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was in negotiations to return to the Broncos, but the team has reportedly pulled their offer after signing Talib, according to Mike Klis of the Denver Post (via Twitter).
  • Tracy Porter is visiting with the Giants, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Porter was one of the few bright spots for the Raiders in 2013.
  • Charles Tillman and Cortland Finnegan are both veterans that could be available for small money on short term deals. Tillman was thought to be a fit with the Buccaneers before Verner signed there. Finnegan has not drawn much interest so far.
  • The Jets and Lions are both still in need of help at corner, and it would be risky to go into the draft without adding anything at the position.

Broncos To Sign Aqib Talib

March 11th, 2014 at 10:20pm CST by Zachary Links

The Broncos have agreed to sign free agent cornerback Aqib Talib, tweets Adam Schefter of ESPN. The deal gives Talib $26MM in guaranteed money, according to sources.

The total worth of the deal is six years and $57MM. With Vontae Davis and Alterraun Verner also signing contracts today, the top three cornerbacks are off the market, in addition to Sam Shields who was re-signed by the Packers earlier this offseason. That potentially leaves Darrelle Revis as the last big impact corner available.

Talib was the seventh ranked free agent according to our own Luke Adams, making him the number one corner available. One spot below him overall was Verner, who earned himself a contract just about half what Talib will receive from the Broncos.

CB Rumors: Talib, Rogers, Verner, Davis

March 10th, 2014 at 9:36pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Perhaps the best corner in the league appears to be available via trade, but let’s look at some news regarding free agent cornerbacks:

  • Aqib Talib is “very close” to a new contract with the Patriots, tweets Dianna Russini of NBC Washington.
  • Russini also tweets that the Redskins want Talib, but that the Patriots are offering a better deal.
  • Meanwhile, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com doesn’t expect the Redskins to “heavily pursue” Talib (via Twitter).
  • Carlos Rogers would “love” to return to the Redskins after being released by the 49ers, and the two sides are discussing a reunion, according to Russini (on Twitter).
  • It would be an upset if the Jets don’t sign either Vontae Davis or Alterraun Verner to replace Antonio Cromartie, as the Jets defense is based around solid cornerback play, tweets Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. We previously noted that Jets could be the mystery team in on Davis, who is expected to sign tomorrow.
  • Verner has interest in both the Jets and the Giants, saying “both those teams could win and have capabilities,” according to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News (on Sulia).
  • The Titans remain in conversation with Verner, but they probably won’t be able to match the money offered by other teams, tweets Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean.
  • The Ravens would like to retain Corey Graham, but he’s drawn interest from the Redskins, Giants, and Eagles, according to Clifton Brown of CSNBaltimore.com (on Twitter).

King On Albert, Monroe, Raiders, Byrd, Vick

March 10th, 2014 at 7:28am CST by Luke Adams

In his latest Monday Morning Quarterback column at TheMMQB.com, Peter King tackles free agency, writing that cornerbacks and offensive tackles look poised to become the biggest beneficiaries of the extra cap space around the NFL. As King writes, Sam Shields‘ four-year deal from the Packers improves the negotiating positions of the top corners on the market, meaning Alterraun Verner, Vontae Davis, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and Aqib Talib should all get $8MM+ per year. Here’s more from King on free agency:

  • While the Giants are pursuing Verner, King is skeptical they’d pay the free agent cornerback $10MM per year, which is what he may cost.
  • The Dolphins look ready to “blow the opposition out of the water” for offensive tackle Branden Albert, perhaps with a long-term offer worth $10-11MM year. In that event, the Cardinals would strongly pursue Jared Veldheer, and the Raiders would likely shift their attention to Rodger Saffold, according to King, who adds that the tackles will likely be the first free agent dominoes to fall.
  • The offensive tackle shuffle could leave the Ravens with the player they’ve wanted all along: Incumbent starter Eugene Monroe. Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun reported last night that the Ravens remain in contact with Monroe and are still hopeful they can re-sign him.
  • King hears that Veldheer and fellow Raiders free agent Lamarr Houston are very interested in testing the free agent market and “getting a golden parachute out of Oakland.”
  • Jairus Byrd is seeking $9MM per year, but King can’t figure out which team will be willing to pay him that.
  • King identifies the 49ers as a dark horse candidate for Michael Vick, if Vick doesn’t find an opportunity to start.
  • Discussing receivers, King writes that the Browns should be in the mix for Eric Decker and also could be a good landing spot for Julian Edelman. He adds that Golden Tate will likely “get more action” than expected.

AFC Notes: Albert, Verner, Clabo, Byrd

March 9th, 2014 at 3:12pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Branden Albert is likely to sign with the Dolphins when free agency officially begins on Tuesday, reports Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Albert, 29, was the Chiefs first-round-pick in 2008, and as Florio notes, was nearly traded to the Dolphins last offseason.

The Dolphins need to rebuild a porous offensive line, and they essentially need four starters to team with center Mike Pouncey. The unit was decimated by the controversies relating to Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito, neither of whom is expected to return to Miami. The Chiefs, meanwhile, will fill Albert’s shoes at left tackle with either Eric Fisher or Donald Stephenson, with the other manning the right tackle position.

Other news from the AFC:

Redskins To Be ‘Major Players’ For Aqib Talib

March 9th, 2014 at 8:27am CST by Peter Sowards

The Redskins have never been shy about opening their wallet to big-name free agents under owner Dan Snyder, and it doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon.

According to former NFL quarterback and current Bleacher Report analyst Chris Simms, the Redskins are going to be “a major player” for free agent cornerback Aqib Talib‘s services once the 2014 league year starts at 3:00pm CT Tuesday. Simms was in the Patriots organization recently as a coaching assistant and played with Talib in Tampa Bay.

Looking at the Redskins’ offensive needs, ESPN.com’s John Keim said Talib is the one player who could be intriguing, given the tight relationship between Talib and secondary coach Raheem Morris — the duo spent time together in Tampa Bay. Keim acknowledges the hefty price tag but likes Talib’s versatility to play inside and out and evolvement into a leader.

Talib’s biggest knock, as Keim points out, is his injury history — Talib hasn’t played more than 13 games in a season since 2009, and was knocked out of playoff games each of the last two years.

Washington is in a decent cap situation with just under $22MM in space, according to overthecap.com. However, teams like to give themselves $5-6MM of wiggle room as the season approaches and require $2-3MM to pay rookies, so paying Talib his desired salary might be a tall task.

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