HEADLINES

Henry Melton

Brandon Weeden, Jared Allen Visiting Cowboys

March 17th, 2014 at 7:56am CST by Luke Adams

The Cowboys will host multiple notable free agents early this week, with quarterback Brandon Weeden and defensive end Jared Allen set to visit the team. Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com reports Weeden’s meeting, along with Henry Melton‘s visit, will happen Monday, while Adam Schefter of ESPN.com says Allen’s visit will happen on Tuesday.

The Cowboys have been fairly quiet since free agency opened, signing just a pair of defensive lineman, Jeremy Mincey and Terrell McClain. With limited cap flexibility even after cutting DeMarcus Ware and Miles Austin, the club doesn’t have the ability to spend big on free agents this year, but Allen and Melton are arguably among the top players who don’t have contracts at this point. Concerns about Allen’s age or Melton’s health could open the door for Dallas to make a bargain buy or two, but we’ll have to wait to see how their visits go.

As for Weeden, we heard on Friday that the Cowboys would have interest in the former Browns signal-caller, who was released last week. So far, Dallas has been the only team linked to the 30-year-old.

NFC East Rumors: Kelly, Spencer, Giants, Britt

March 16th, 2014 at 10:33am CST by Rory Parks

Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer offers an explanation as to why the Eagles, traditional big-spenders in free agency, have not splurged on outside players this offseason, despite having $24MM in salary cap space. And it’s not just because the team has been burned in the past by ill-advised, big-money deals; it’s also about scheme. Rather than pursue the premier free agents on the market, the Eagles instead “targeted specific players they thought fit their scheme, could provide in-roster competition, and were versatile enough to help on special teams.”

Furthermore, as Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com writes, head coach Chip Kelly believes the team has spent heavily this offseason, but the Eagles spent the money to retain their own players and view free agents from outside teams as complements to the core of their roster. The strategy that Kelly and general manager Howie Roseman have followed adheres to the blueprint Roseman laid out last month, and it suggests the Eagles have turned a corner in the franchise’s approach to free agency.

Here are some more notes from the NFC East:

Henry Melton Rumors: Sunday

March 16th, 2014 at 9:28am CST by Rory Parks

Henry Melton will visit with the Cowboys this week as scheduled, tweets NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. Rapoport tweeted last night that Melton and the Seahawks were “deep in negotiations” and he wondered if Melton would make it out of Seattle without a deal in place.

As it turns out, Melton remains unsigned, and the Cowboys will bring in the big tackle with the hopes that he can anchor the middle of their defensive line. Joel Corry of the National Football Post tweets that Melton would be a good fit in Dallas as he is comfortable with the Cowboys’ defensive scheme, and Rapoport adds that Dallas’ defensive coaches want him (Twitter link).

If the Cowboys do land Melton, he would help replace Jason Hatcher, who enjoyed a career year in Dallas in 2013 before signing with the Redskins several days ago.

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.

NFC Notes: Greenway, Melton, Miller

March 15th, 2014 at 12:29pm CST by Matt Feminis

The Vikings have restructured Chad Greenway‘s contract, according to Jason Fitzgerald at OverTheCap.com (via Twitter). Greenway will take a $1MM pay cut in 2014 in exchange for the the club guaranteeing his $5.5MM base salary. Factoring in prorated signing bonus money, Greenway will now count $7.2MM against the cap in 2014.

In other Vikings/NFC-related news:

  • Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press expanded on Greenway’s restructuring here, including news of fullback Jerome Felton and safety Jamarca Sanford also reworking their deals to free up some cash. The Vikings now have just over $16MM in cap space.
  • Bears free agent defensive tackle Henry Melton is on an extended visit with the Seahawks, tweets Josina Anderson, but still plans to meet with the Cowboys if a deal doesn’t get done.
  • The Seahawks and Zach Miller have agreed to restructure his deal, enabling him to stay in Seattle for the next two years, writes Danny O’Neil of 710 ESPN Seattle. The team was prepared to cut Miller, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter).
  • Free agent kick returner Trindon Holliday is visiting with the Falcons today, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS (via Twitter).
  • Speaking of return men, free agent Devin Hester spoke with the Sun Sentinel’s Chris Perkins about free agency and claims he still has 4.38 speed.

FA Rumors: 49ers, Tate, Rams, Melton, Bills

March 14th, 2014 at 11:47am CST by Luke Adams

News of signings and visits is gradually slowing down as we approach the 72-hour mark of free agency, but there are plenty of players still seeking contracts, and it wouldn’t be surprising if a number of those free agents find deals today. Here’s the latest on a few available players:

  • The 49ers are comfortable heading into 2014 with Chris Culliver and Tramaine Brock as their starting cornerbacks, but are willing to offer Tarell Brown a three-year, $10MM deal to return, tweets Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com.
  • Free agent running back Ben Tate‘s visit with the Browns is continuing into today, reports Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com (Twitter link).
  • The Rams “aren’t quite done” in free agency, according to head coach Jeff Fisher (Twitter link). Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com notes that the team remains interested in free agent guards Daryn Colledge and Davin Joseph.
  • Speaking of Fisher, the Rams will host one of his former players from Tennessee, as wide receiver Kenny Britt is scheduled to visit St. Louis, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
  • Earlier today, we heard that Henry Melton was en route to Seattle to visit the Seahawks after spending the night in Minnesota. After his Seattle meeting, Melton will visit the Cowboys, tweets Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
  • The Bills have confirmed that free agent running back Anthony Dixon and linebacker Brandon Spikes are visiting the team today, according to Chris Brown of BuffaloBills.com.
  • Chris Russell of ESPN Radio (Twitter link) hears that cornerback Walter Thurmond is no longer scheduled to visit the Redskins.
  • Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star explores the Colts‘ signing of Phil Costa and their rumored interest in Alex Mack, suggesting that Costa represents a solid fallback starting option at center if the team is unable to land Mack.

FA Rumors: Campbell, Melton, Browner, Mack

March 14th, 2014 at 7:41am CST by Luke Adams

Offensive lineman Bruce Campbell, who was originally thought to have a deal with the Redskins, will visit the Giants today, a source tells Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Last we heard on Campbell, there were some issues with his physical, but Washington remained on the table as a destination. According to Zac Boyer of the Washington Times (via Twitter), the Redskins’ offer stands, though perhaps it’s not the same offer that Campbell initially agreed to, given the health concerns.

Here are the latest updates on a few more free agents on the board, plus one that recently came off it:

  • After sticking around Minnesota overnight, defensive tackle Henry Melton is on his way to Seattle to visit with the Seahawks, says Josina Anderson of ESPN (via Twitter).
  • While his agent negotiates with the Patriots and Raiders, free agent cornerback Brandon Browner will first visit with the Redskins today and then head to New Orleans to meet with the Saints, tweets Adam Schefter of ESPN.com.
  • Center Alex Mack is in no hurry to sign his transition tender from the Browns, agent Tim Younger tells Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. According to Mack’s agent, his client intends to make some visits to teams at some point, but there are none on the docket quite yet.
  • The Cowboys showed no signs of wanting to re-sign Jason Hatcher before he landed with the Redskins, the defensive lineman himself told KRLD-FM yesterday, according to Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “I know the [Cowboys’] fans are upset. They should be,” Hatcher said. “They have all the right in the world to be. But I made the right decision for me. If we could’ve made it work out we would’ve, but I’m in a great place with the Redskins, a great organization. I’m looking forward to getting back to football.”

Extra Points: Smith, Munnerlyn, Neal

March 13th, 2014 at 10:36pm CST by Zachary Links

Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn told reporters, including Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press (on Twitter), that he wanted a three-year deal with the Vikings rather than four years so that he could get another contract before he turns 30. He added (link) that it was very tough for him to say goodbye to the Panthers, but Carolina couldn’t afford to give him the same contract. More from around the NFL..

  • Steve Smith‘s visit with the Ravens is going well so far, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
  • The Steelers were eyeing Mike Neal in free agency before he re-signed with Green Bay, tweets Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The linebacker got a two-year, $8MM deal from the Packers with a $2.5MM signing bonus.
  • Charlie Whitehurst had the same offer from the Chargers before he picked the Titans, tweets Paul Kuharsky of ESPN. The quarterback inked a two-year deal with a $4MM base with another $4MM in incentives and $2MM guaranteed.
  • New 49ers addition Jonathan Martin told reporters, including Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle (on Twitter), that he never considered retirement.
  • Former Bucs left tackle Donald Penn is flying to Oakland tonight to visit the Raiders, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Penn has been heavily linked to the Raiders since his release.
  • The 49ers don’t have much salary cap space and it’s hard to see them signing both a cornerback and a wide receiver, tweets Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.
  • Larry Holder of The Times-Picayune (on Twitter) expects the market for Saints free agent center Brian de la Puente to heat up now that the first wave of free agency has come and gone.
  • Henry Melton‘s possible legal trouble won’t prevent the Bears from re-signing him, but they could use it as ammunition as they try to knock his price down, writes Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com.

FA Rumors: Rice, Sanders, Thurmond, Melton

March 13th, 2014 at 8:27pm CST by Zachary Links

The latest free agent rumors..

  • The 49ers will host Julian Edelman on Friday, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN (on Twitter). The club is also interested in Hakeem Nicks.
  • Jermichael Finley left his meeting with the Seahawks without a contract, sources tell Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk (on Twitter).
  • The Seahawks are now interested in re-signing Sidney Rice, who was a salary cap casualty earlier in the offseason, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
  • The Jets still have interest in Emmanuel Sanders, but they had to reschedule his visit due to conflicts, tweets Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. He’ll pay the Chiefs a visit tomorrow, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network tweets. The Ravens have yet to get involved, Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun tweets.
  • Cornerback Walter Thurmond told his fans via Twitter that he had a great meeting with the Jaguars and noted that the club is “headed in the right direction.” Thurmond’s next stop is San Francisco.
  • Henry Melton plans to spend the rest of the evening in Minnesota with the Vikings, tweets Ben Goessling of ESPN.
  • Ryan Clark tweeted to Richard Sherman to let him know his visit with the Redskins went well. Now he says that “the money guys have to work.”
  • The Panthers aren’t showing interest in Hakeem Nicks yet, writes Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. It should be noted that this report came out before Carolina officially said goodbye to Steve Smith. Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer reported this evening that the Panthers indeed have interest.
  • Jets free agent guard Vlad Ducasse will visit the Bengals before coming to the Vikings, a source tells Adam Caplan of ESPN (on Twitter).
  • The Cardinals are still negotiating with Ben Dogra, the agent for Antonio Cromartie, tweets Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic. This one isn’t as easy as some other deals, Somers adds.
  • The Steelers are bringing Chargers free agent nose tackle Cam Thomas for a visit on Friday, tweets Alan Robinson, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. If he’s put in the middle, San Diego can move Steve McLendon over to defensive end.

Phil Emery On Henry Melton, Charles Tillman

March 13th, 2014 at 8:27pm CST by Rob DiRe

The Bears have been active in retooling a defense that struggled in 2013, already adding a number of pieces to a unit that fell behind the offense for one of the few times in team history. The revamping on the defensive side of the ball does not necessarily have room for some of the Bears recent defensive stalwarts.

Julius Peppers was already released, and is now looking to free agency for his next contract. Henry Melton, who was involved in an altercation that has led to a civil suit being filed against him, has been visiting with teams but has yet to receive a substantial offer. The Bears could still utilize him, writes Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com, but his legal issues make his return to the team uncertain. Bears general manager Phil Emery spoke about where Melton currently stands with the organization:

“We pretty much left it with [agent] Jordan [Woy] that he was gonna go through this process, and when he got through it and he had a pretty good idea of what his market is, we could talk at that time,” Emery said. “Of course, the clock is ticking. So our resources or what we have at the time may have changed. But we’ll see where we’re at when that’s all finished.” 

Charles Tillman struggled with injuries in 2013, missing eight games due to torn triceps. Even still, Tillman has been a tremendous talent, arguably the best defensive back in team history according to Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com. The 33-year-old cornerback was disappointed that he did not receive a contract extension to keep him with the team.

He has been taking visits, garnering little interest from around the league. He was closely linked to the Buccaneers, but the signing of Alterraun Verner diminishes his value to the team. The Bears have not ruled out the idea that Tillman could return.

“No different than yesterday,” Emery said. “It’s an ongoing process.” 

Dickerson writes that Tillman still has a chance to make an impression on a short-term deal with the Jaguars, Panthers, Cowboys, and Redskins if he is not open to returning to the Bears.

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