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Ben Tate

NFC East Notes: Jordan, Eagles, ‘Skins, Giants

March 2nd, 2014 at 1:41pm CST by Dallas Robinson

If Dolphins defensive end Dion Jordan is actually on the trade block, as some reports suggest, the Eagles would make for an exceptional trade partner, writes Phil Sheridan of ESPN.com. While Jordan struggled mightily in his first season in Miami, he did play under Eagles head coach Chip Kelly while both were at Oregon. Kelly, who had Jordan rated among the top four prospects in the 2013 draft, would seem to know exactly how to get the best production of the second-year end. As far as compensation, Sheridan notes that while the Dolphins could be interested in defensive end Brandon Graham or running back Bryce Brown, the most likely scenario would entail the Eagles sending draft picks to South Beach in exchange for Jordan.

Other notes from around the NFC East:

  • In a mailbag segment, Sheridan argues that the Eagles should let safety Nate Allen leave via free agency, writing that a fresh start would be best for both player and team. He goes on to list safety, edge rusher, and cornerback as the three most important positions for the Eagles to fill this offseason.
  • Geoff Mosher and Reuben Frank of CSNPhilly.com profile free agent defensive end Lamarr Houston, and examine his fit with the Eagles. Mosher doesn’t think Houston would be enough of an upgrade to be worth the dollars he will command, while Franks believes Houston’s time with an unwatchable Raiders squad might depress his value.
  • There are several names that could be of interest to the Redskins when free agency begins, writes Rich Tandler of RealRedskins.com. He lists defensive end Arthur Jones, offensive guard Geoff Schwartz, and linebacker Brandon Spikes as possible fits. The Redskins have almost $30MM in cap space with which to work.
  • In a piece for CSNWashington.com, Tandler notes that the NFL Network’s Charley Casserly believes the Redskins will look to get bigger along the offensive line. “If you think of [new Redskins head coach Jay] Gruden in Cincinnati, they had a much bigger offensive line than what he’s inheriting in Washington,” said Casserly. “So they need to get bigger to be able to drop-back pass better.”
  • Donald Brown, Ben Tate, and Rashad Jennings could all be options for the Giants at running back, opines Dan Graziano of ESPN.com. The team could also look to re-sign Andre Brown, and hope for contributions from David Wilson as he recovers from a neck injury.

AFC East Rumors: Jets, Wilfork, Dolphins

February 23rd, 2014 at 1:04pm CST by Rory Parks

It’s been a fairly busy day at the Jets rumor mill. We learned earlier that the team is eyeing veteran QB Josh McCown, and they are also looking at RBs Ben Tate and Donald Brown, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN New York. More quick notes from the AFC East:

  • Given defensive tackle Vince Wilfork‘s age, his recent Achilles tear, and the fact that his contract is up at the end of the 2014 season, Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald writes that the time is now for the Patriots to draft Wilfork’s replacement. Guregian notes that the Pats should target a big defensive tackle early in the draft, and although Florida State’s Timmy Jernigan and Notre Dame’s Louis Nix will likely be gone by the time New England picks with the No. 29 overall selection, there will be some quality options available. Such options include Minnesota’s Ra’Shede Hageman, Pittsburgh’s Aaron Donald, and Penn State’s DaQuan Jones.
  • James Walker of ESPN.com notes that the Dolphins‘ bleak offseason could improve dramatically in the coming weeks. For the second consecutive year, the Dolphins will have a great deal of money to spend in free agency. With the salary cap expected to increase to $130MM, Miami could have up to $36MM in cap space, enough room to target their weaknesses on the O-line and in the secondary, and to re-sign some of their own free agents.
  • Speaking of the Miami secondary, Walker does not see re-signing Chris Clemons as a priority. He notes that the Dolphins would like a more dynamic playmaker to pair with Reshad Jones.
  • We rounded up some Buffalo Bills rumors here earlier today.

AFC Notes: Sanchez, Freeman, Tate, Ward

February 1st, 2014 at 5:41pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez underwent minor knee surgery during the season, according to the New York Post’s Brian Costello (via Twitter). Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News follows up by reporting the operation was not performed on the same knee that required surgery following Sanchez’s rookie season. Mehta also notes that Sanchez has begun some light tossing as he begins rehab on his injured shoulder. This injury news may affect the future of Sanchez, who is widely expected to be released before his $2MM March roster bonus is due. While his career has been disappointing to date, Sanchez may appeal to several quarterback-needy teams. Paul Guiterrez of ESPN.com writes that Sanchez could be a top option for the Raiders, who may look to improve upon the performances exhibited by Terrelle Pryor and Matt McGloin. Additionally, Sanchez could offer a stop-gap solution to a team like the Browns, who will likely select a quarterback early in the draft.