• Veteran wide receiver Denarius Moore has worked out for both the Lions and Jaguars this offseason, PFR has learned. Moore was signed by the Bengals prior to the 2015 season, but was cut before the season began and ultimately appeared in five games with the Bills. The 27-year-old was part of a wideout contingent that auditioned for the Saints last month.
• Three teams have expressed interest in signing cornerback Cary Williams, a source tells PFR. After signing a three-year deal with the Seahawks prior to last season, Williams lasted only 10 games before he was released. He latched on with the Redskins at the tail end of the year, and appeared in Washington’s playoff game. Though he’s now 31 years old and coming off a down stretch in his career, Williams does have 75 starts under his belt, and could serve as a veteran presence in a club’s secondary.
• Free agent punter Spencer Lanning worked out for the Saints last week, PFR has learned. Lanning, 28, was the Brown’s full-time punter from 2013-2014, but appeared in just one game last season, filling in for the Bears in early October while Pat O’Donnell was injured. The South Carolina product also auditioned for the Jaguars back in January, but is in no rush to sign as training camp approaches.

1:02pm: Along with Nicks, the Saints are also working out wide receivers Denarius Moore and Vincent Brown, Schefter tweets.

12:35pm: The Saints are working out a group of wide receivers today, including Hakeem Nicks, as Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. 

This isn’t the first time that the Saints have looked at the veteran. New Orleans auditioned Nicks last September, just after he was released by Titans. However, he went on to sign with the Giants in an effort to recapture the glory of his salad days. In his second stint with Big Blue, Nicks didn’t exactly return to stardom as he caught seven passes for 54 yards across six games.

Nicks, still only 28, spent the first five years of his career in New York with the Giants, enjoying the most productive stint of his career with the team. Posting consecutive seasons of 75+ receptions and 1,000+ receiving yards in 2010 and 2011, Nicks totaled 311 catches, 4,622 yards, and 27 TDs from 2009 to 2013.

However, prior to the 2014 season, the former first-round pick signed a one-year deal with the Colts, and struggled to get much going with Andrew Luck and company, establishing new career-lows in receptions (38) and yards (405).

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

• The Broncos auditioned wide receivers DeVier Posey, Greg Little, and Denarius Moore plus running back Daniel Thomas, according to PFT (on Twitter). Moore didn’t have a single reception during his time with the Bills this year and he was cut loose in late November. He worked out for the Packers on December 1st, but nothing came of that tryout.
• The Broncos also worked out tight end/fullback Manasseh Garner today, a source tells Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle (on Twitter). Tight end Nick Kasa and quarterback Ryan Lindley also showed their stuff for the Broncos, as Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com tweets.
• The Panthers worked out former Chiefs first-round pick wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The Panthers also auditioned wide receiver Cobi Hamilton, as NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets. Baldwin, the 26th overall pick of the 2011 draft, has 44 career receptions for 607 yards, mostly with the Chiefs.
• The Cardinals will work out Edmonton Eskimos corner Aaron Grymes today, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Grymes was a CFL All-Star this past season, intercepting four passes and even returned one for a touchdown. In three seasons with the Eskimos, Grymes has eight interceptions total.

• The Raiders worked out linebacker Emmanuel Acho, safety Stevie Brown, safety Chris Clemons, defensive back Chris Hackett, defensive end/outside linebacker Adrian Hubbard, and linebacker Colton Underwood, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (on Twitter).
• The Colts worked out tight end Cameron Clear, cornerbacks Jeremy Harris and Corey White, and safety Chris Hackett last week, Wilson tweets.
• The Packers worked out wide receiver Ify Umodu, quarterback Matt Behrendt, cornerback Brandon McGee, wide receiver Denarius Moore, and wide receiver Larry Pinkard, Wilson tweets.
• The Bengals worked out defensive backs Brandon Ghee, Robert McClain, and Corey White, Wilson tweets.
• The Chiefs worked out linebackers Thomas Keiser and Andy Studebaker, Wilson tweets.
• The Lions worked out former Falcons linebacker Joplo Bartu, Wilson tweets.
• The Broncos worked out offensive lineman Isaiah Shelton last week, Wilson tweets.
• The Browns worked out safety Sean Baker and linebacker Colton Underwood last week, Wilson tweets.
• The Jets auditioned linebacker Ryan Mueller last week, Wilson tweets.
• Washington worked out defensive back Al Louis-Jean, Wilson tweets.
• The Jaguars worked out defensive back Brandon McGee, according to Wilson (on Twitter).

Thigpen, 29, started the season with the Bills, but was cut to create an opening for Moore back in early October. Since then, the return specialist has spent some time with the Colts and the Raiders, but was let go by Oakland earlier this month. Thipgen figures to take over return duties for the Bills, after Leodis McKelvin fumbled one away on Monday night, and muffed another.

Herron and Moore, meanwhile, are recognizable names, but their brief stints in Buffalo didn’t result in many memorable moments. Herron, a former Colt, totaled 37 yards on 11 carries in his four games for Buffalo, adding another 20 yards on three receptions. Moore didn’t have a single reception during his time with the Bills.

Herron and Moore will have to pass through waivers before reaching free agency.

Swapping Gay for Cundiff is an interesting move for the Bills, who have seen their regular kicker, Dan Carpenter, struggle a little with his accuracy in the early going — Carpenter has missed an extra point and two field goals in four games. However, the fact that he remains on the roster, while the team cuts Gay, the kickoff specialist, suggests that Cundiff will only be taking over kickoff duties for the time being.

Of course, if Carpenter continues to struggle, I imagine his job will be in danger, especially since having Cundiff handle all the team’s kicking duties would free up a roster spot to add depth to another part of the roster. Cundiff has seen regular season action for five different teams in his NFL career, most recently converting 22 of 29 field goal attempts (75.9%) last season for the Browns.

As for Moore, the 26-year-old had a couple promising seasons with the Raiders early in his NFL career, notably racking up 741 yards and seven touchdowns on 51 receptions in 2012. He has been inconsistent since then, however, catching just 12 balls in 2014, and being released by the Bengals in August.

Thigpen had been handling the Bills’ punt return duties, so it’ll be interesting to see whether Moore gets a shot at that role, with 42 career punt returns on his résumé. Percy Harvin and Robert Woods would also be candidates for the job.

10:10am: Less than five months after signing him, the Bengals have released wide receiver Denarius Moore, the team announced today (via Twitter). Moore was one of seven players cut loose by Cincinnati as the team looks to reduce its roster to 75 players in advance of tomorrow’s deadline.

Moore, 26, showed some promise during his first three seasons in Oakland, averaging about 43 receptions, 685 yards, and six touchdowns per season in spite of inconsistent quarterback play. However, he had a poor 2014 campaign, catching just 12 balls for 115 yards and no TDs, and missed the final few weeks of the season with knee and ankle issues.

Signing with the Bengals reunited the former Raiders wideout with Hue Jackson, who now serves as Cincy’s offensive coordinator. However, Moore, who got a $25K signing bonus and a $25K workout bonus from the Bengals, was unable to earn a spot on the club’s 53-man roster. He’ll immediately become a free agent.

Here are the other six players cut today by the Bengals:

• Kwame Geathers, DT
• Chris Jasperse, C/G
• Nico Johnson, LB
• Desmond Lawrence, WR
• Sam Montgomery, DE
• John Peters, TE

• Antonio Smith, DE (Broncos): One year, $2MM base value. $500K bonus (Twitter link, original story).
• Dwight Lowery, S (Colts): One year, $950K base value. $80K bonus (Twitter link, original story).
• Denarius Moore, WR (Bengals): One year, $825K base value. $25K bonus, $30K first-game roster bonus, $25K workout bonus (Twitter links, original story).

Moore, 26, showed some promise during his first three seasons with the Raiders, averaging about 43 receptions, 685 yards, and six touchdowns per season in spite of inconsistent quarterback play. However, he had a poor 2014 campaign, as Andre Holmes took on a bigger role in Oakland’s offense and free agent signee James Jones entered the mix. Moore caught just 12 balls for 115 yards and no TDs, and missed the final few weeks of the season with knee and ankle issues.

Moore, a proven deep threat, likely didn’t require much of a financial commitment from the Bengals and his relationship with Jackson likely played a significant role in the signing. The 26-year-old visited the Bengals late last week.

Moore, 26, showed some promise during his first three seasons with the Raiders, averaging about 43 receptions, 685 yards, and six touchdowns per season in spite of inconsistent quarterback play. However, he had a poor 2014 campaign, as Andre Holmes took on a bigger role in Oakland’s offense and free agent signee James Jones entered the mix. Moore caught just 12 balls for 115 yards and no TDs, and missed the final few weeks of the season with knee and ankle issues.

As a third or fourth receiver on a team with a few other reliable targets, like Cincinnati, Moore could be an intriguing option, particularly as a deep threat. He’ll likely be inexpensive, not requiring more than a very modest guarantee, if that. According to Bill Williamson of ESPN.com (via Twitter), there’s little to no chance of a reunion with the Raiders for the Tennessee product.

Cincinnati’s interest likely stems, at least in part, from Hue Jackson‘s history with Moore. The current Bengals offensive coordinator had just been promoted from OC to head coach in Oakland when the Raiders selected Moore in the fifth round of the 2011 draft.

The former fifth-round pick had the weakest season of his career in 2014, finishing with career-lows in receptions (12), yards (115) and touchdowns (zero). To add insult to injury, Moore finished 187th among 218 receiver candidates in Pro Football Focus’ position rankings (subscription required). However, the 26-year-old is not far removed for a productive 2012 campaign, and his speed could help a receiving corps that is highlighted by Marshall and Eric Decker.

Rumors surrounding the 26-year-old have been quiet so far this offseason, and we heard earlier this week that there was “not a chance” Moore would return to the Raiders. Meanwhile, this isn’t the first we’ve heard of the Jets pursuing some reinforcement at wideout. The team reportedly had interest in Stevie Johnson and Cecil Shorts, who have since signed elsewhere.

Rex Ryan is reportedly pushing for Clay, as the Bills head coach knows how difficult Clay is to defend from the former’s time with the Jets. Per Carucci, Buffalo is currently going over both their cap numbers and those of the Dolphins, in an attempt to structure a contract that Miami can’t match.

Let’s take a look at the what’s happening on the rest of the free agent market:

• Defensive lineman Chris Canty will visit the Seahawks tomorrow, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter link). The 32-year-old was released by the Ravens last month, and while a reunion with Baltimore is possible, he’s also met with the Jets as he explores his options.
• Canty isn’t the only defender who will take a meeting with Seattle, as LB/DE Anthony Spencer will also visit the Seahawks, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Seattle had success in bringing in veteran defensive lineman Kevin Williams last season, so perhaps they’re trying to find another diamond-in-the-rough between Canty and Spencer.
• While his visit with the Colts today went well, linebacker Nate Irving is still weighing all his options, tweets Josina Anderson of ESPN. The former Bronco has also been linked to the Dolphins and the Cardinals.
• After asking a source whether receiver Denarius Moore could return to the Raiders, Bill Williamson of ESPN.com (via Twitter) got a clear response: “Not a chance.” The 26-year-old hasn’t drawn any known interest during the free agent period.
• Although we heard on Thursday that the Bears were discussing a multi-year deal with linebacker Mason Foster, no such pact is imminent, per Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com (Twitter link), who adds that nothing is close between the two sides.

As Grossi notes, since 2008, no position has seen more trade action than wide receiver, where 27 players have switched teams. Grossi identifies Andre Johnson and Denarius Moore as two wideouts currently believed to be available on the trade market, though I’d be surprised if Houston decides to move Johnson this offseason. Moore is perhaps a more realistic target, after the Raiders signed James Jones in free agency and claimed Little off waivers from the Browns.

While there’s no guarantee that the Browns add a receiver of note in time for the season, general manager Ray Farmer certainly seems to be leaving the door open for that possibility. Earlier in May, Farmer downplayed the team’s need to pick a receiver in the draft, pointing to trades as one alternative route. And as Grossi points out, just last week the GM reiterated his willingness to explore all possible avenues for receiving upgrades: “We’re going to unearth every guy that’s available.”

Additionally, having picked up an extra first-rounder for 2015 in a trade with the Bills, the Browns could be more inclined to part with a later-round draft pick if it means acquiring a reliable veteran.

The Vikings added Matt Cassel and rookie Teddy Bridgewater and as a result, incumbent quarterback Christian Ponder tops Wesseling’s list. The writer states that Ponder has higher upside than a typical backup, and lists the Saints, Packers, Panthers and Falcons as potential trading partners. Fellow quarterback Ryan Mallett of the Patriots was second on the list, with Wesseling suggesting the Texans and Cowboys as landing spots.

Michael Roos‘ contract (and the addition of rookie Taylor Lewan) makes the Titans offensive tackle a definite trade option. Roos is number-four on Wesseling’s list, with the Panthers and Ravens listed as destinations. 49ers running back LaMichael James, Cardinals tight end Rob Housler and Raiders wideout Denarius Moore round out Wesseling’s offensive options.

On defense, Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers leads the way at number-four. The team is reportedly open to trading the Pro Bowler, and Wesseling suggests the Texans, Titans and Colts would be interested. Defensive end/linebackers Brandon Graham (Eagles) and Dion Jordan (Dolphins) come in at five and six, followed by Titans defensive end Derrick Morgan.

Wesseling mostly focused on players that were squeezed out of their team’s plans following the offseason. That means he omits Texans wideout Andre Johnson, who would clearly top the list if included. The Pro Bowler has been the subject of trade rumors for the past month.

Which player do you think is most likely to be traded? Is there somebody that you think should have been included? Let us know in the comments.

• The Raiders like Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald, but selecting him fifth overall may be “too rich for the Raiders blood”, says Paul Gutierrez. If the team was to trade back a couple of slots, Gutierrez thinks Donald would be a likely pick.
• If Jadeveon Clowney, Sammy Watkins and Khalil Mack are all off the board by the time the Raiders pick, Gutierrez believes the team should seriously consider trading down.
• Gutierrez suggests trading Denarius Moore for a fifth-round pick if the Raiders select Watkins.
• The Bengals are not likely to trade up, writes Coley Harvey. The team historically hasn’t been active in draft trades and Harvey says the team has little incentive to make a trade this year.
• The Jaguars are “definitely” looking at the 2015 Draft for quarterbacks, but Michael DiRocco would be surprised if the team doesn’t select a passer this season.
• Safety is a bigger priority for the Colts than an offensive lineman, writes Mike Wells.