HEADLINES

DeSean Jackson

NFC East Links: Redskins, Jackson, Cowboys

March 21st, 2014 at 10:37am CST by Luke Adams

Although the Redskins have been fairly active in free agency, the team hasn’t really brought in any outside impact players besides defensive lineman Jason Hatcher, and there are still several holes on the roster, writes Mike Jones of the Washington Post. As such, GM Bruce Allen wasn’t necessarily brimming with enthusiasm when asked about his club’s free agent haul.

“I feel okay [about free agency],” Allen said. “It’s easier if you said we had one or two deficiencies to target players, but we needed to address every position on the football team except for quarterback. And, so we talked to a lot of players at the beginning of free agency, tried to calculate who we could afford and who we couldn’t, knowing that we needed at least a dozen if not more.”

As the Redskins continue to seek out players to potentially fill their roster holes, let’s round up a few other NFC East notes…

  • Within Jones’ piece, he notes that the Redskins remain in talks with free agent safety Ryan Clark.
  • Up until now, the Eagles haven’t commented publicly on the DeSean Jackson trade rumors swirling around the team, but as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes, the team’s decision-makers won’t be able to avoid the media at the NFL’s annual meetings in Orlando next week. Florio believes the situation could come to a head within the next week. Yesterday, we heard that the Jets, Panthers, and Raiders are among the teams to have inquired about Jackson’s availability.
  • Within his latest chat, Tim Cowlishaw of the Dallas Morning News fielded questions from Cowboys fans about the draft, the defense, and whether Anthony Spencer is still a viable free agent target.

Extra Points: MJD, Britt, Smith, Jets

March 20th, 2014 at 10:00pm CST by Zachary Links

Maurice Jones-Drew is currently looking for about $3.5MM per year on his next deal, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. Even though the former Jaguars star has accomplished great things throughout his career, finding big money as an older tailback in this market could prove to be tough. More from around the NFL..

  • Don’t bank on the Cowboys signing Jared Allen, says Albert Breer of the NFL Network (Twitter links). Breer’s understanding is that it was an either/or proposition when it came to Allen and Henry Melton, whom Dallas signed earlier this week. That could change if Allen’s asking price comes down, however.
  • The Bills and Panthers have expressed interest in wide receiver Kenny Britt and visits may be taking place with those teams, agent Pat Dye Jr. tells Alex Marvez of FOX Sports 1 (via Twitter). Dye says a short-term deal for Britt, who has already checked in with the Redskins, Rams, and Patriots, is likely.
  • On SNY (via Manish Mehta of the Daily News on Twitter), Jets coach Rex Ryan gave Geno Smith quite the endorsement. “Make no mistake about it: Geno Smith is going to be hard to beat out. I don’t care who we add,” Ryan said.
  • The Jets have expressed a desire to re-sign guard Vlad Ducasse, but Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com (on Twitter) sees him signing with the Bengals or Vikings.
  • In addition to the Jets, the Panthers and Raiders have also called the Eagles about DeSean Jackson, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. There seems to be a healthy amount of interest in the 27-year-old.
  • Former Browns All-Pro safety T.J. Ward indicated via Twitter that Cleveland’s new brass really didn’t want him back. “Quotes get misunderstood all the time,” the new member of the Broncos wrote. “Just FYI. Cleveland offered me nothing. Boom! There u have it. #GoBroncos.”
  • The Panthers are working out receivers Kevin Cone, Lestar Jean, and C.J. Akins, tweets Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer. Aikins spent time with the Rams in 2013.
  • Dolphins GM Dennis Hickey told SiriusXM NFL Radio (on Twitter) that he’s not done shopping just yet. “Free agency never closes. We’re always looking to add more players.“

Jets Notes: Jackson, Vick, Free Agency

March 20th, 2014 at 4:18pm CST by Luke Adams

With Michael Vick set to visit the Jets tomorrow, it’s worth noting that New York is among the teams that has inquired on Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson, says Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). While landing Jackson may be a long shot even if the team does sign Vick, Rapoport notes that the two players are close from their time in Philadelphia.

That nugget on Jackson wasn’t the only Jets-related item in the news today, however. GM John Idzik and head coach Rex Ryan spoke to the media on a conference call, and Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post rounded up several of the highlights, so let’s dive in….

  • Despite the public perception that the Jets have been too cautious in free agency and have missed out on several targets, Idzik isn’t concerned: “We said all along that we would be judicious and selective in free agency. Nine days into free agency, we feel we’ve been productive.”
  • Idzik also stressed that the Jets have done well to bring back many of their own free agents, including linebacker Calvin Pace and offensive lineman Willie Colon.
  • Ryan insists he’s happy with the cornerbacks on the roster, though Idzik said there “may be trade talks” to strengthen the position (Twitter link).
  • While Idzik didn’t mention Vick by name, he hinted that the team has interest in the veteran signal-caller in part due to his connection to offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg: “Whenever you have inside knowledge on a player… that is a tremendous advantage. There is less projection, especially if you’re dealing with a position that entails a lot like quarterback.”

NFC Notes: Jackson, Saints, Ihedigbo, Vikings

March 20th, 2014 at 12:40pm CST by Luke Adams

The Eagles reportedly want at least a third round pick for DeSean Jackson via trade, but Jimmy Kempski of Philly.com believes that might actually be optimistic. This year’s draft is unusually deep, meaning that the asking price for picks will be exceptionally high. Clubs may also be concerned about how productive Jackson could be in their own offenses as opposed to Philadelphia’s system. Here’s more from around the NFC:

Zach Links contributed to this post.

DeSean Jackson Updates: Wednesday

March 19th, 2014 at 2:35pm CST by Luke Adams

The DeSean Jackson rumor mill heated up yesterday, with multiple reports suggesting the Eagles weren’t necessarily shopping their star receiver, but were willing to listen when other teams called. We’ll round up Wednesday’s items on the Jackson story right here, with any new updates added to the top of the list throughout the day:

  • Bowen now hears (Twitter link) from a Jackson spokesperson that the receiver hasn’t spoken to Kelly, contrary to what Bowen’s other source told him (noted below). According to the spokesperson, Jackson tried to get in touch with the head coach, but Kelly has been tied up with free agency (Twitter link).

Earlier updates:

  • A source close to Jackson told Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News last night that the receiver would be ”
    really hurt if [the Eagles] traded him for no apparent reason,” since he loves playing in Philadelphia.
  • Bowen also confirms a report from 94WIP’s Ike Reese suggesting head coach Chip Kelly has reached out to Jackson to tell him not to worry about the trade rumors. As the Daily News scribe notes, it’s an odd situation, since the Eagles aren’t denying the story publicly despite being aware of the reports, which almost seems to confirm those reports.
  • Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com takes a look at some possible Jackson trade scenarios.

East Notes: Jackson, Browner, Giants, Dolphins

March 17th, 2014 at 12:59pm CST by Luke Adams

Earlier this month, Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer shot down rumors suggesting the Eagles could trade or release DeSean Jackson this offseason, but that didn’t stop the wide receiver from reading those earlier reports himself. According to Tim McManus of PhillyMag.com, Jackson is “troubled” by what has been written about him and is unsure about his standing on the team, while the Eagles have yet to contact him to offer him assurance. While it may not be a significant issue at this point, it has become “a bit of a distraction,” one of Jackson’s confidantes tells McManus.

Here’s more from the NFL’s two East divisions:

  • Brandon Browner‘s three-year deal with the Patriots has a base value of $12.35MM, but can be worth up to $16.8MM. Field Yates and Mike Reiss of ESPN.com break down exactly what the cornerback’s contract looks like, and how he can reach those incentives.
  • The Giants had, and may still have, some interest in free agent defensive end Robert Ayers, tweets Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News. Ayers is visiting the Bengals tomorrow.
  • The Dolphins haven’t ruled out the possibility of re-signing offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie, who is willing to move over to right tackle for his next team, as he said on WQAM (link via Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun Sentinel). The veteran lineman also suggested he may wait until after May’s draft to sign.
  • Cortland Finnegan‘s two-year contract with the Dolphins includes a $2MM signing bonus, a $3.5MM guaranteed base salary in 2014, and a $5.45MM non-guaranteed base in 2015, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.

NFC East Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Giants

March 9th, 2014 at 9:15pm CST by Ben Levine

A couple of notes from around the NFC East…

NFC Notes: Eagles, Vikings, Saints, Panthers

March 6th, 2014 at 11:17am CST by Luke Adams

Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer dismisses recent rumors that have suggested the Eagles may be getting closer to parting ways with DeSean Jackson. While McLane acknowledges the team hasn’t been happy with all of Jackson’s off-field actions, the Inquirer scribe says that even if the Eagles got to the point where they wanted to part ways with the receiver, they “most certainly” wouldn’t cut him without getting anything in return. For now, Philadelphia has no interest in moving Jackson, according to McLane.

Let’s round up a few more items related to NFC teams….

NFC Rumors: Tynes, Brown, Jackson, Hatcher

March 5th, 2014 at 4:32pm CST by Luke Adams

Buccaneers kicker Lawrence Tynes currently isn’t scheduled to hit free agency until after the 2014 season, but a decision on his contract status could mean he hits the open market next week, reports Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. According to Florio, there’s a disagreement over whether the Bucs should have placed Tynes on the non-football injury/illness list or the injured reserve list last season when the kicker developed an MRSA infection. The team opted for the NFI list, whereas if Tynes had been placed on the IR, he’d be eligible for free agency this year, so a ruling will be required.

Let’s round up a few more afternoon notes from around the NFC….

  • The 49ers are “making a push” to re-sign prospective free agent Tarell Brown before Tuesday, says Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (via Twitter). As Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee details, former Colts GM Bill Polian had high praise for Brown, who Polian thinks is one of the best cornerbacks available this winter.
  • On the heels of a weekend report suggesting the Eagles could gauge DeSean Jackson‘s trade value, Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com reiterates that the wide receiver’s days in Philadelphia may be numbered. In the piece, Mosher explains why he doesn’t think Jackson will be with the team beyond 2014.
  • Ian Rapoport of NFL.com believes the Buccaneers will be among the suitors for Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jason Hatcher, who the Cowboys may not be able to afford to re-sign (Twitter link).
  • While things could change in the next few days, indications are that the Rams will keep center Scott Wells for 2014, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com. Wells, who has two years left on his deal, has a cap number of $6.5MM for ’14.
  • Defensive back Kelvin Hayden and tight end Dante Rosario, who both recently re-signed with the Bears, will each make the minimum salary in 2014, reports Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (Twitter links).

Eagles May Gauge Interest In DeSean Jackson

March 2nd, 2014 at 4:26pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Eagles could possibly look to trade receiver DeSean Jackson, according to Jimmy Kempski of CSNPhilly.com. Kempski is clear that the team will not actively shop Jackson, but if another team called with interest, “the Eagles certainly wouldn’t laugh and hang up.”

Jackson is entering the third year of five-year, $47MM deal he signed in March 2012. The star receiver, who enjoyed the best season of his career in 2013 in Chip Kelly’s new offense, has had contract squabbles before, including this year, leading a team source to state that a new pact was unlikely. According to Kempski, Jackson’s attitude has rubbed some in Eagles headquarters the wrong way, and his personality may run counter to the type of “locker room culture that Chip Kelly is trying to cultivate.” Additionally, fellow receiver Jason Avant had acted as something of a buffer between Jackson and receivers coach Bob Bicknell; Avant, however, is expected to be released.

There is also a disconnect between recent comments by Eagles general manager Howie Roseman and the team’s roster construction. The team recently re-signed both Riley Cooper and Jeremy Maclin, and is now second in the league in wide receiver investment, something Roseman might be concerned about. “We’re trying to figure out the whole dynamic of it,” said the GM. “You can only put a limited amount of resources at a particular position before it starts taking out from other places.”

Still, a trade of Jackson does seem unlikely. He is a great fit in Kelly’s scheme, with his ability to both stretch the field and act as a weapon on short out patterns. He ranked as the seventh-best receiver by both Pro Football Focus’ and Football Outsiders’ metrics. The Eagles, meanwhile, would be relegated to relying on the one-year sample size of Cooper, and, in Maclin, a player coming off of a torn ACL. In the event of Jackson’s being made available, there would certainly be a market for his services, with the 49ers among his potential suitors, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com.