Brock Osweiler - Pro Football Rumors

Broncos Offered Brock Osweiler $64MM+

March 9th, 2016 at 5:37pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

5:37pm: Broncos general manager John Elway doesn’t sound too broken up about Osweiler’s exit.

“We’ve stayed true to our philosophy of building a team with players who want to be Denver Broncos and want to be here. That’s been a successful approach for us,” he said (link via Andrew Mason of the Broncos’ website).

On Elway’s attempt to keep Osweiler, the GM said, “While we did offer a very competitive and fair long-term contract to Brock, we ultimately had to remain disciplined while continuing to assemble a roster that can compete for championships.”

Elway went on to acknowledge that the Broncos are exploring other options.

“We’ve now turned our attention to other options at quarterback and are confident that we’ll find the right player and person for our team. Our organization thanks Brock for his contributions and wishes him all the best.”

5:15pm: Prior to Brock Osweiler‘s decision to accept a four-year, $72MM offer from the Texans, the Broncos offered the quarterback a contract for the same length and less money (upward of $64MM), reports Mike Klis of 9News (on Twitter). That came after the Broncos submitted a three-year, $45MM offer to Osweiler. Denver’s $64MM-plus pitch included $30MM in guarantees – less than the $37MM Osweiler will receive from the Texans (Twitter link via Klis).

Osweiler’s choice to leave Denver after four years as Peyton Manning’s backup came as no surprise to members of the organization, per Klis, who tweets that he stopped returning phone calls to some teammates and coaches over the last two weeks. Osweiler, 25, will now start anew without having to live in the shadow of Manning, which was a factor in his decision, according to Klis.

With Manning having retired and Osweiler gone, the Broncos are essentially bereft under center – an odd position to be in for a reigning Super Bowl winner. Their incumbent starter is 2015 seventh-rounder Trevor Siemian, who has never thrown an NFL pass, but his spot atop the depth chart isn’t exactly set in stone.

The recently released Robert Griffin III is on the Broncos’ list of replacement quarterbacks, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported when news of Osweiler’s departure broke (Twitter link). RG3 could visit Denver this week, per Schefter.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Latest On Brock Osweiler’s Talks With Broncos

March 9th, 2016 at 11:35am CST by Zachary Links

The Broncos have ramped up their efforts to keep Brock Osweiler and negotiations are ongoing, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. As we’ve heard before, Rapoport says that it’s down to the Broncos and Texans for the QB.

Earlier this month, the Broncos reportedly offered Osweiler a three-year deal worth roughly $39MM. Of course, it’s hard to judge Osweiler’s value as a whole, given that he’s started only seven games during his four-year career, but the demand of the open market is what dictates the price. The Texans badly need to find an answer at quarterback and the Broncos are going to have to scramble if they cannot retain Osweiler. Peyton Manning, who looked like a shell of his former self in 2015 anyway, officially retired from the NFL this week.

If the Broncos lose Osweiler, they’re backup plan will reportedly be to make a play for 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick. The agents for quarterback Kaepernick requested permission from the 49ers to seek a trade late last month. When comparing Kaepernick’s 2015 to Osweiler’s 2015 (albeit with a limited sample size), Denver would rather retain their longtime understudy than try and restore Kaepernick as a franchise QB.

The Texans have long been expected to make a “competitive” offer to Osweiler. Per reports, $15-16MM might be the figure Osweiler is targeting.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

QB Rumors: Osweiler, Kaepernick, Broncos

March 9th, 2016 at 10:10am CST by Zachary Links

Are the Broncos on the verge of losing quarterback Brock Osweiler? If Osweiler takes a visit the Texans, one league source believes that he will not return to Denver, Mike Florio of PFT writes.

A report last night indicated that the Broncos have not spoken to Osweiler’s reps since making an initial three-year offer several days ago, so things are not necessarily looking good for an Osweiler return. However, Mike Klis of 9News says the two sides will resume negotiations today before the new league year begins, and Klis will be surprised if Osweiler leaves Denver.

Here’s the latest on the league’s available signal callers:

If the Broncos lose Brock Osweiler, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter) says they’re backup plan will be to make a play for 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick. The agents for quarterback Kaepernick requested permission from the 49ers to seek a trade late last month. The 28-year-old started eight games for the Niners in 2015, completing just 59.0% of his passes and throwing only six touchdowns to five interceptions. Blaine Gabbert took over as San Francisco’s starter in the second half while Kaepernick dealt with multiple injury issues. While some observers believe that Kelly’s offensive system would be ideal for Kaepernick as he aims to bounce back in 2016, it seems as if the quarterback may prefer to get a fresh start elsewhere.
Drew Brees’ agent Tom Condon says that extension talks are expected to happen at some point down the road with the Saints. “The club had the right to renegotiate for cap purposes during the life of the contract and has done that, which pushed the cap number to $30MM this year,” Condon said on The Rich Eisen Show (via PFT). “That’s where it stands right now. I’m guessing that we’ll probably have some conversations with the Saints in the next couple weeks or so.”
Michael Vick says that he will not extend his playing career beyond 2016, as Josina Anderson of ESPN.com tweets. “I’m willing to wait the entire year out, but it’s definitely going to be it for me (after that).” “I still want to play one more year… I’m going to keep my options open and not rush into it.,” Vick said (link).

Latest On Brock Osweiler

March 8th, 2016 at 10:19pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Brock Osweiler looks to be the Broncos’ quarterback of the future following Peyton Manning‘s Sunday retirement, but there’s just one problem — Osweiler is a free agent. Denver was thought to be negotiating with Osweiler, but according to James Palmer of NFL.com (Twitter link), the Broncos have not spoken to Osweiler’s reps since making an initial three-year offer several days ago.

That offer was said to be worth roughly $39MM — obviously, without knowing the structure or the guarantees, it’s hard to judge how realistic that potential contract might be. But it was always going to be hard to judge Osweiler’s value as a whole, given that he’s started only seven games during his four-year career. Each of those starts came in 2015, but the Broncos (and other clubs) can’t be sure of what they’re getting in Osweiler.

One other team that has expressed interest in Osweiler is the Texans, who are expected to make a “competitive” offer to Osweiler. Per reports, $15-16MM might be the figure Osweiler is targeting. Of course, like any free agent, he cannot officially sign with another club until tomorrow afternoon, but he can agree to terms between now and then.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Free Agent Rumors: Osweiler, Texans, Ivory

March 8th, 2016 at 10:20am CST by Zachary Links

The Broncos and Texans are shaping up as the two primary potential landing spots for free agent quarterback Brock Osweiler, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The Broncos have reportedly offered Osweiler a three-year contract worth ~$39MM, but the Texans are also expected to make a competitive offer. Could they offer up more than Denver? While we await the answer, here’s more of the latest free agent news:

Chris Ivory is on the Texans‘ radar as the new league year approaches, Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle tweets. Ivory, who will celebrate his 28th birthday in a few weeks, set career highs last season in carries (247), rushing yards (1,070), and total touchdowns (eight). If the Jets do not retain Ivory, he will stand as one of the more appealing free agent running back options of the offseason.
The Vikings are not pursuing Browns free agent tackle Mitchell Schwartz, per Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press (on Twitter). It was reported on Monday that the Vikings were pursuing Schwartz along with the Buccaneers, Giants, and Falcons. Since the Browns took Schwartz in the second round of the 2012 draft, he has appeared in and started 64 straight games. For his work last season, the 26-year-old ranked sixth out of 77 qualifying tackles by Pro Football Focus’ standards (subscription required).
Marcus Sherels wants to return to the Vikings and the interest is mutual, though it has to be at the right price for Minnesota, Tomasson tweets. However, there’s no agreement yet and a few teams are eyeing the cornerback.
The Saints are working to bring back running back Tim Hightower, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Hightower started three games for the Saints last year after being years removed from the NFL.
Linebacker Junior Galette took to Twitter earlier today and shot down a follower’s suggestion that he should sign a deal for the veteran’s minimum with big incentives. Galette also restated his interest in playing for Washington.

FA Rumors: Osweiler, Sean Smith, Adam Jones

March 7th, 2016 at 9:50pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

The latest rumors on a slew of free agents-to-be:

The Broncos have offered quarterback Brock Osweiler a three-year contract worth ~$39MM, according to Troy Renck of The Denver Post. That runs a bit contrary to a weekend report that stated the Broncos had offered $45MM for three years.
Seven teams have expressed interest in Jets running back Chris Ivory, per Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News (Twitter link). The Buccaneers and Raiders are among those clubs, per a report from earlier tonight.
The Raiders “have reached out” to Chiefs corner Sean Smith‘s camp, per Scott Bair CSNBayArea.com (Twitter link). Smith is the fourth high-profile pending free agent whom the Raiders have been connected to today, joining Ivory, Malik Jackson and Kelechi Osemele (links to Jackson and Osemele stories: 1, 2).
Bengals veteran corner Adam Jones has several potential suitors, according to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, who lists the Ravens, Browns, Dolphins, Raiders, Cowboys and Vikings as teams that could end up with the 32-year-old. The Bengals would like to retain Jones, per Florio.
The Bears are expected to go after Patriots defensive lineman Akiem Hicks, writes Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Bears general manager Ryan Pace and player personnel director Josh Lucas were in the Saints’ front office when they drafted Hicks in 2012, Biggs notes.
The Giants, Eagles, Dolphins and Bears are interested in Chargers corner Patrick Robinson, reports ESPN’s Josina Anderson (Twitter link).

Free Agency Rumors: Osweiler, Vernon, Miller

March 7th, 2016 at 11:17am CST by Zachary Links

The Texans are expected to make a competitive offer to Brock Osweiler in both guaranteed money and per-year average salary, an NFL source tells Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports (on Twitter). Recently, the Broncos reportedly upped their offer to Osweiler, submitting one that’s worth more than $45MM over three years. From the sound of it, Houston might be ready to top that. A source tells Robinson that a $15-$16MM per year average for Osweiler will be a legitimate number for his market (link).

Here are the latest free agency rumors:

We can expect the market for Olivier Vernon to include the Giants, Raiders, Jaguars, Browns, and Titans, Robinson tweets. Vernon was hit with the transition tag by the Dolphins earlier this month and he currently stands to earn $12.734MM on a one-year contract in 2016. However, if he signs an offer sheet that the Dolphins decline to match, they will lose him for nothing as they did with Charles Clay one year ago.
Dolphins running back Lamar Miller will hit the open market when free agency opens, a source close to the player tells Armando Salguero of The Miami Herald. Miller, 24, ran for 872 yards off of 184 carries with eight touchdowns in 2015. Miller is hoping to land a deal similar to DeMarco Murray‘s pact, but Dianna Marie Russini of ESPN.com (on Twitter) hears his market is in the $4-5MM range rather than $8MM.
Doug Martin‘s market includes at least six teams, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter).
The Ravens are bracing for Kelechi Osemele to leave, a source tells Mike Florio of PFT. Florio adds that while it has been speculated that the offensive lineman could get $11MM/year on the open market, some think the number will be closer to $9MM.
Chris Long‘s first visit will be to Washington tomorrow, Trey Wingo of ESPN.com tweets.
There’s mutual interest between Washington and cornerback Will Blackmon about a return in 2016, Tarik El-Bashir of CSN Mid-Atlantic tweets.
Texans free agent guard Brandon Brooks could be in line for a deal in the range of $8MM per season, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (on Twitter) hears. He adds that multiple teams are interested.

Broncos To Tender RFA Brandon Marshall

March 7th, 2016 at 7:20am CST by Luke Adams

As the Broncos attempt to get deals done with bigger-name free agents like Malik Jackson and Brock Osweiler, the team is taking care of one if its restricted free agents. According to ESPN’s Trey Wingo (Twitter link), Denver is placing a second-round RFA tender on linebacker Brandon Marshall.

While he hasn’t made as many headlines as teammates Jackson, Von Miller, and Danny Trevathan this offseason, Marshall is a key cog in the Broncos’ defense, starting all 16 games and three postseason contests for the club this past season. Marshall totaled 101 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception.

By assigning him a second-round RFA tender worth $2.553MM, the Broncos will assure that if any team signs Marshall to an offer sheet that they choose not to match, they’ll receive a second-round pick as compensation.

Per Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post, the Dolphins and Seahawks are among the teams expected to have some interest in Marshall. However, I doubt that any club will be willing to part with a second-round pick to sign him, so the most likely scenario is that Marshall plays out the year on his tender before becoming eligible for unrestricted free agency next winter.

Here’s more on the Broncos:

Peyton Manning is retiring, but it’s not clear yet whether the Broncos will place him on the reserve/retired list or simply release him. As Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk explains, it’s worth keeping an eye on, since Manning could come out of retirement down the road with no roadblocks if Denver cuts him.
According to Peter King of TheMMQB.com, the Rams’ brain-trust had mild interest in Manning, but hadn’t yet had a serious internal discussion about him, and likely wouldn’t have guaranteed him a starting job. If the Rams were the only club with any level of interest in Manning, as King suggests, it likely made the quarterback’s retirement decision easier.
For what it’s worth, Ed Werder of ESPN.com tweets that Manning and agent Tom Condon never attempted to determine other teams’ interest in the QB — their deliberations were simply about whether or not to retire.
The Texans are expected to contact Jimmy Sexton, the agent for Brock Osweiler, when the legal tampering period begins today, according to Mike Klis of 9NEWS.

FA Rumors: Osweiler, Okung, M. Williams

March 6th, 2016 at 12:50pm CST by Rory Parks

The big news of the day, of course, was the report that Peyton Manning will officially announce his retirement tomorrow. However, offseason business in the NFL waits for no man, and to that end, here are some notes regarding some of this year’s biggest free agents:

After Manning’s decision, and with free agency set to officially open on Wednesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets that the Broncos‘ negotiations with Brock Osweiler will really begin to ramp up.
Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets that Osweiler may indeed re-sign with the Broncos, but that is far from a certainty at this point. As Schefter observes, other quarterback-needy clubs could make it difficult for Denver to retain the fifth-year signal-caller.
Even though the Seahawks are interested in retaining him, LT Russell Okung is intent on hitting the free agent market, per Rapoport (via Twitter).
Rapoport tweets that Mario Williams stayed the night in Miami after visiting the Dolphins, and while Williams has other visits lined up, Rapoport says that Miami could keep him from taking those visits.
Panthers GM Dave Gettleman does not spend big in free agency, but if he makes an exception this offseason, Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer identifies Eric Weddle and Bruce Irvin as two players that would make a great deal of sense for Carolina.
Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle tweets that the Texans will be active in exploring the top of the free agent running back market after parting ways with Arian Foster. Wilson names Chris Ivory, Doug Martin, Lamar Miller, and Matt Forte as possibilities for Houston.
The Eagles will certainly invest free agent dollars and draft picks in their offensive line this offseason, and Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer names Jeff Allen and Brandon Brooks as realistic targets for the club.
Free agent wide receiver Anquan Boldin, unsurprisingly, wants to continue his career with a title contender, according to Rand Getlin of the NFL Network (via Twitter).

Broncos Increase Offer To Brock Osweiler

March 5th, 2016 at 2:05pm CST by Sam Robinson

Two days away from being free to negotiate with other teams, Brock Osweiler now has more to consider about staying in Denver.

The Broncos have reportedly upped their offer to Osweiler, submitting one that’s worth more than $45MM over three years, according to Mike Klis of 9News.

Previously, we heard Osweiler’s top offer from the Broncos was for more than $12MM per season. This latest development looks like John Elway is serious about keeping the fifth-year quarterback off the market.

Elway noted at the Combine he would approach these negotiations with the 25-year-old Osweiler with the idea his second contract would be the one where he’d have the opportunity to prove he’s worth established-starter money, which is around $16MM. Twenty quarterbacks earn that on average, with most of the starters not beyond that salary still playing on their rookie deals.

Osweiler’s previous offer was in line with what Nick Foles signed for with the Rams last year, but this one’s closer in AAV to Andy Dalton‘s $16MM pact. Of course, without knowing how much guaranteed money’s involved, it’s difficult to compare.

Klis hears this offer has incentives and is uncertain about how much of this deal would be fully guaranteed. The Texans, Jets, Browns, Rams and 49ers have uncertainty at quarterback and could be among the suitors for the 2012 second-round pick if he reaches the market.

With Sam Bradford now back with the Eagles and Kirk Cousins signing his franchise tender with Washington, Osweiler and Ryan Fitzpatrick have ascended to the top of the prospective free agent market. This could entice Osweiler to at least gauge his worth beginning Monday, when the NFL’s soft free agency period begins and runs until the market official opens Wednesday afternoon.

In a solid-yet-unspectacular audition that concluded with a 61% completion rate and a 10-to-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio, Osweiler went 5-2 as a starter last season for the Super Bowl champions after making no starts in the previous three campaigns.

Peyton Manning, meanwhile, still hasn’t informed the Broncos of his plans. The team is expected to move on from Manning, who, according to Klis, will get an update from the 39-year-old signal-caller on Monday or Tuesday.

Photo courtesy USA Today Sports Images