Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - Pro Football Rumors

NFC Notes: Kiwanuka, Melton, Peppers, Rams

March 17th, 2014 at 7:44pm CST by Matt Feminis

A short while after the Giants signed Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, it was learned Mathias Kiwanuka took a pay cut, as reported by Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News (via Twitter). Kiwanuka sees his base salary decrease from $4.38MM to $1.5MM (with $700k roster bonus and $125k worth of incentives) and the team nets just over $2MM in cap space, according to USA Today’s Tom Pelissero (via Twitter). The finagling created flexibility to add Rodgers-Cromartie, says NJ.com’s Jordan Rannan, who points out Kiwanuka signed a deal in 2012, restructured in 2013 and took a pay cut in 2014.

Other NFC news and notes:

Bears free agent defensive tackle Henry Melton, visiting with the Cowboys today, is seeking a short-term, “prove-it” deal, according to Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Packers free agent acquisition Julius Peppers was a shell of himself last season and looked like an unmotivated player, according to anonymous evaluators quoted by Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Rams free agent safety Darian Stewart visited the Panthers on Monday, according to St Louis Post-Dispatch beat writer Jim Thomas (via Twitter). However, Stewart was not offered a contract, says Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer (via Twitter).
The Rams will not receive a compensatory pick for Cortland Finnegan signing with the Dolphins, but they will save $3MM in cap space, writes ESPN.com Rams reporter Nick Wagoner.
The Lions interviewed Colorado WR Paul Richardson at the Combine and sent a personnel executive to his pro day in Boulder, according to MLive.com’s Kyle Meinke.

AFC Notes: Jets, Spikes, Raiders, Broncos

March 17th, 2014 at 6:17pm CST by Matt Feminis

Losing free agent Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to the Giants is not sitting well with members of the Jets who blame GM John Idzik for losing the player, reports Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. In a three-pack of Tweets, Mehta says Idzik blew it by letting Rodgers-Cromartie visit the Giants, quotes an employee saying Idzik “operates on his own time and schedule” and adds head coach Rex Ryan “is pissed” about losing out on Rodgers-Cromartie. This on the heels of Ryan reportedly wanting the team to bring back Darrelle Revis, who landed with the division rival Patriots.

In other AFC news:

Free agents Kevin Boothe and Alex Carrington “are still in the building,” according to San Francisco Chronicle Raiders beat writer Vic Tafur (via Twitter).
The Bills introduced Brandon Spikes on Monday (contract details here), and ESPN.com’s Mike Rodak relayed some of Spikes’ first comments as a Bill, most notably that Spikes chose Buffalo because of his relationship with Pepper Johnson.
The Broncos have made a handful of expensive free-agent additions, and ESPN.com’s Jeff Legwold explains how they were able lure and afford marquee talent. For starters, the roster consists of 34 players with cap hits of $2MM or less.
Packers free agent offensive lineman Marshall Newhouse will meet with the Bengals, according to ESPN’s Adam Caplan (via Twitter).

Giants Sign Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

March 17th, 2014 at 4:55pm CST by Luke Adams

4:55pm: Ian Rapoport of NFL.com hears that $14MM of DRC’s deal will be guaranteed, including a $10MM signing bonus (Twitter link). The signing is now official, adds Vacchiano (via Twitter).

4:20pm: Schefter (via Twitter) pegs the value of the deal at $39MM, with $15MM in guaranteed money. Unless Vacchiano’s figure is off, perhaps $39MM is the max value of the contract after incentives.

3:56pm: The Giants have agreed to sign Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to a five-year contract, reports ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). According to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News (via Twitter), the deal is worth $35MM.

Rodgers-Cromartie, who turns 28 next month, represents the latest addition to a secondary that has been significantly retooled in the last week, with the Giants also adding cornerback Walter Thurmond and safety Quintin Demps. After signing a one-year deal with the Broncos last year, DRC enjoyed a very good season in Denver, grabbing three interceptions and breaking up 19 passes while ranking fifth overall among 110 qualified cornerbacks, according to Pro Football Focus’ metrics (subscription required).

While Rodgers-Cromartie seemed to be flirting with the idea of retirement based on comments he made prior to the Super Bowl, he was always a lock to draw significant interest in free agency. The Broncos reportedly made DRC a six-year, $54MM offer before landing Aqib Talib, though that offer didn’t include a significant amount of guaranteed money. The Jets also pursued the veteran cornerback, with Rodgers-Cromartie’s decision essentially coming down to the two New York franchises, though the Browns were also believed to be in the hunt.

With the exception of Alex Mack, who was designated as the Browns’ transition player and therefore isn’t unrestricted, Rodgers-Cromartie was the last of my top 25 free agents to come off the board. Comparing his new annual salary to other corners on that list, DRC was closer to Alterraun Verner territory than to the big deals signed by Talib, Vontae Davis, and Sam Shields. However, the guarantee is more important than the per-year amount, so we’ll have to wait to see exactly how DRC’s five-year breaks down financially.

With Rodgers-Cromartie off the board, the free agent class of cornerbacks has thinned out considerably. Recently released players like Antonio Cromartie, Carlos Rogers, Champ Bailey, and Dimitri Patterson are among the more notable names still on the market.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

FA Rumors: Jets, Boothe, Melton, Wharton

March 17th, 2014 at 10:54am CST by Luke Adams

The two New York teams appear to be the top contenders for free agent cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, but Rich Cimini of ESPN New York gets the sense that the Jets may be losing hope on the DRC front (Twitter link). That’s not to say the Giants should start printing Rodgers-Cromartie jerseys quite yet, since the Browns are rumored to be lurking as well, but it looks like the G-Men might have the upper hand on their AFC rivals.

Here’s more on a few free agents still on the market:

The Jets continue to talk to offensive lineman Willie Colon in the hopes of working out a deal to bring him back to New York, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. The club has also shown interest in free agent receiver Jacoby Ford, says Brian Costello of the New York Post (via Twitter).
The free agent swap meet between the Raiders and Giants continues, as offensive lineman Kevin Boothe is in Oakland to visit the Raiders today, according to Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (via Twitter).
Defensive end Robert Ayers will visit the Bengals tomorrow, tweets Garafolo.
The Vikings remain in contact with free agent defensive tackle Henry Melton, tweets Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities. Melton is visiting the Cowboys today.
While the Dolphins have made preliminary inquiries on free agent offensive lineman Ryan Harris, the team has yet to set up a visit with the ex-Texan, tweets Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald.
Free agent guard Travelle Wharton has no plans to retire at this point, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). Wharton has spent nearly his entire NFL career with the Panthers, who have seen Jordan Gross and Geoff Hangartner retire so far this offseason.
Free agent cornerback Mike Jenkins is visiting the Buccaneers today, a source tells Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports (Twitter link).

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie Choosing Between Giants, Jets

March 16th, 2014 at 8:55pm CST by Ben Levine

It keeps looking like Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will join one of the New York teams, but it’s still a mystery which team he’ll choose. Rodgers-Cromartie is spending the night in New York so he can take his physical with the Giants on Monday, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). However, Dan Hanzus of NFL.com, citing his colleague Ian Rapoport, claims that Rodgers-Cromartie already took a physical with the Jets. Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News adds that Jets coach Rex Ryan wants to sign the player “badly” (via Twitter). Earlier this evening, Rapoport insinuated that the cornerback was narrowing his list to the two teams (via Twitter).

Rodgers-Cromartie is generally regarded as the best cornerback still available in free agency. The 27-year-old appeared in 15 games for the Broncos last season, compiling 31 total tackles and three interceptions. The former first-round pick also played for the Cardinals and Eagles.

The Browns are also trying to get Rodgers-Cromartie in for a visit, reports Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

Extra Points: Welker, Burleson, Cromartie

March 16th, 2014 at 4:57pm CST by Dallas Robinson

A few assorted notes from around the league:

Broncos receiver Wes Welker‘s $3MM roster bonus and $3MM base salary became fully guaranteed on Wednesday, according to Mike Klis of the Denver Post (via Twitter).
Receiver Nate Burleson tweets that he is not retiring, noting that he was hampered last season by his broken arm.
The Jets remain interested in cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, tweets Rich Cimini of ESPN.com. The tweet also notes that fellow cornerback (and Rodgers-Cromartie’s cousin) Antonio Cromartie, recently released by the Jets, is interested in returning to the team.
Quarterback Shaun Hill will visit the Rams on Monday, according to Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Twitter link).
With reports that Anthony Spencer is set to visit the Giants, ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano writes that signing the pass-rusher only makes sense if he comes on the cheap.
The best recruiting tool for the Buccaneers, who have signed several free agents such as Michael Johnson, Anthony Collins, and Josh McCown, is new head coach Lovie Smith, opines Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune.

Giants Sign Walter Thurmond

March 16th, 2014 at 1:06pm CST by Rory Parks

1:06pm: The team has officially announced the transaction.

8:48am: The deal is worth $3.5MM, tweets CBSSports’ Jason La Canfora.

8:41am:The Giants have agreed to a one-year deal with former Seahawks cornerback Walter Thurmond, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter (via Twitter). It was a very busy Saturday night and early Sunday morning for the Giants, as they added both Thurmond and Quintin Demps to their defensive backfield over the course of a few short hours.

Thurmond was a valuable part of Seattle’s tremendous secondary last season, and he visited with the 49ers, Jaguars, and Redskins before agreeing to terms with the Giants. He missed four games in 2013 due to a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy, but he did record 24 tackles to go along with one interception and one sack, and he could fill the slot corner role vacated by Terrell Thomas.

Even after acquiring Thurmond and Demps, New York may not be done adding to its secondary. The team still has a visit scheduled with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie later today (Twitter link), and NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets that the Giants “want him badly” but that any potential deal would of course depend on the length and terms of the contract.

Poll: Best Remaining Free Agent

March 15th, 2014 at 10:52pm CST by Peter Sowards

It’s been an exciting and busy few days since the 2014 NFL league year officially opened Tuesday, and many of the top free agents have already relocated or re-signed with their respective teams. Also, marquee names released by clubs — like DeMarcus Ware and Darrelle Revis — have landed with top contenders priming for Super Bowl runs.

That being said, we’re interested in seeing who you think is the best remaining free agent. We’ll start with the players remaining from Luke Adams’ top 25 NFL free agents, then add players like Antonio Cromartie who were released by their teams and have yet to be signed.

Feel free to defend your vote in the comments section below.

FA Notes: Britt, DRC, Hester, Guion

March 15th, 2014 at 7:21pm CST by Peter Sowards

Even after re-signing receiver Julian Edelman, the Patriots continue to explore their options at the position. Kenny Britt, who saw his fair share of peaks and valleys in five seasons with the Titans, will head to New England to visit with the Patriots tomorrow, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL Media (via Twitter). Britt had been in St. Louis visiting with the Rams today.

Other free agent notes from around the NFL…

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who met with the Jets today, will visit the Giants on Sunday, reports ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter (via Twitter).
Devin Hester said the Dolphins are just one of 13 teams that have expressed interest in signing him, according to Jodie Wagner of the Palm Beach Post. In his home town of Riviera Beach for a football camp, Hester said he’d like to play a bit at wide receiver if and when he finds a new home after eight seasons with the Bears, adding that he would welcome an opportunity to play for his hometown team.
The Packers will host former Vikings defensive tackle Letroy Guion on Sunday and Monday, per Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). Wilson said Guion is drawing interest from the Ravens and Patriots as well.
The Panthers made an offer that was ultimately turned down by Hakeem Nicks, the new Colts wide receiver told Jonathan Jones of The Charlotte Observer. Nicks said that after speaking with Carolina GM Dave Gettleman, both men agreed that Indianapolis was the best situation for the North Carolina product.

FA Rumors: Weeden, Browner, DRC, Clark

March 14th, 2014 at 5:25pm CST by Luke Adams

Count the Cowboys among the teams with interest in Brandon Weeden following the signal-caller’s release from the Browns, writes Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com. According to Archer, even though the Cowboys believe Kyle Orton will return next season to back up Tony Romo rather than opting to retire, the team could carry three quarterbacks on its 53-man roster. Here’s more on a few free agents who either remain on the market or recently agreed to deals:

Albert Breer and Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network hear from Redskins sources that Brandon Browner hadn’t arrived at Redskins Park for his free agent visit as of close of business today (Twitter link). Meanwhile, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald (Twitter link) hears that Browner remains in New England, attempting to hammer out a deal with the Patriots. We recapped the odd back-and-forth developments in the Browner story in an earlier post.
Following Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie‘s visit with the Jets, the cornerback will meet with the Giants, assuming he doesn’t yet have a deal in place, reports Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger.
The Panthers have showed interest in free agent safety Ryan Clark, according to Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer (via Twitter).
Wide receiver Steve Smith said on a conference call today that before he agreed to sign with the Ravens, the Chargers made him an offer and the Redskins and Seahawks also expressed interest (Twitter link via Joseph Person).
B.J. Raji received interest from the Raiders and Chiefs before he agreed to re-sign with the Packers, tweets Ian Rapoport. I imagine it’s no coincidence that the general managers in both Oakland and Kansas City have roots in Green Bay.