HEADLINES

Julian Edelman

Extra Points: Owens, Jackson, Vikings

March 12th, 2014 at 5:17pm CST by Zachary Links

Several teams considered the possibility of signing Terrell Owens but decided against it, tweets Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report. The 40-year-old recently said in an interview that he believed he was still capable of playing.

  • Before he signed with the Falcons, defensive end Tyson Jackson drew interest from the Dolphins, Browns, and Redskins, Jackson said today (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Vaughn McClure).
  • Free agent cornerback Captain Munnerlyn is set to visit the Vikings, tweets Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN.
  • Free agent wide receiver Julian Edelman is drawing “heavy interest” on the open market so far, sources tell Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter link).
  • Free agent safety Ryan Clark told SportsCenter that he is headed to Washington for a visit with the Redskins, tweets Field Yates of ESPNBoston.com.
  • The Redskins are in on defensive tackle Jason Hatcher, but he reportedly has a number of suitors and it’s hard to say if Washington can afford him, tweets Mike Jones of the Washington Post.

WR Rumors: Sanders, Edelman, Tate

March 12th, 2014 at 3:49pm CST by Zachary Links

Steelers wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders and defensive lineman Ziggy Hood are in town visiting the Jaguars, tweets Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida-Times Union. However, Sanders has other visits scheduled this week, a source tells Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (on Twitter) and Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News (on Twitter) adds that the Jets are still a possibility.

  • Sanders is set to visit with the Buccaneers following his visit with the Jaguars today, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. 
  • The Ravens remain quite interested in free agent wide receiver Julian Edelman, tweets La Canfora. Meanwhile, the Patriots want him back and other teams are also in the mix.
  • Golden Tate said the Jaguars, Jets, and the incumbent Seahawks were also interested in his services, tweets Mike Rothstein of ESPN. The former Seattle receiver landed with the Lions earlier today.

AFC Rumors: Raiders, Chargers, Haden, Edelman

March 11th, 2014 at 2:31pm CST by Luke Adams

It appears the Raiders, the team with the most cap room in the NFL, will let both of their marquee free agents walk, says Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Florio hears from a source that Oakland believes Jared Veldheer is better suited to right tackle than left tackle, and that the team can’t justify paying $7MM annually to a defensive end (Lamarr Houston) who is more a run-stopper than a pass-rusher.

With free agency looming at the top of the hour, here’s more from around the AFC:

  • Raiders defensive tackle Vance Walker will test the market at 3:00pm CT, tweets Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle. Oakland made Walker an offer, and he likes playing for the Raiders, but he wants to take advantage of the rare opportunity to be an unrestricted free agent, says Tafur.
  • The Chargers are “very much in the mix” for free agent defensive tackle Earl Mitchell, tweets Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
  • The Colts remain in talks to bring Ahmad Bradshaw back, tweets Albert Breer of the NFL Network. The former Giants running back was an impact player last year before his injury.
  • The Browns‘ talks with Joe Haden on a long-term deal are ongoing, tweets Breer, adding that it would be interesting to see how a deal for Darrelle Revis would affect those talks.
  • Sources tell Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star that the Chiefs have interest in wide receivers Jason Avant and Devin Hester.
  • Assuming the Patriots can’t re-sign Julian Edelman, Andrew Hawkins is a target to keep in mind for the team, says Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Hawkins received an RFA tender from the Bengals, so Cincinnati would have a chance to match any offer for the receiver.
  • Speaking of Edelman, the Ravens have interest in him, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). Wilson also hears from a source that the Ravens will evaluate tight end Owen Daniels, who was released by the Texans (Twitter link).
  • After voiding his deal and becoming a free agent yesterday, defensive lineman Jason Babin told SiriusXM NFL Radio today that he’d like to return to the Jaguars if it’s possible. Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union has the details and quotes.
  • Bills GM Doug Whaley told WGR 550 that “offers are on the table” for tight end Scott Chandler and kicker Dan Carpenter, tweets Mike Rodak of ESPN.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

No Deal For Julian Edelman, Patriots

March 11th, 2014 at 1:24pm CST by Zachary Links

1:24pm: The Patriots and Edelman were unable to reach an agreement today, and the receiver will hit the open market, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter).

10:03am: Patriots offered WR Julian Edelman a three-year deal, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (on Twitter). New England is hoping to get an answer from his camp by the start of free agency and they very much want to keep him in 2014.

Edelman, 28 in May, hauled in 105 receptions for 1,056 yards and six touchdowns in 2013, exceeding his total production from his first four seasons. He also played in all 16 regular season games, a career first. To date, he has earned just ~$3MM over the course of his career, so he should see a sizable pay bump with his next deal.

While the Pats want to retain Edelman, Albert Breer of NFL Network (on Twitter) wouldn’t be surprised if they have a backup plan in place.

AFC Rumors: Tate, McFadden, Mitchell, Dansby

March 11th, 2014 at 9:29am CST by Zachary Links

Free agent receiver Golden Tate, who tweeted last night that things are “heating up” for him, could be a target for the Jaguars, says Peter King of TheMMQB.com. The former Seahawks notable is coming off of his most productive season ever in which he hauled in 64 catches for 898 yards and five touchdowns. More out of the AFC..

  • While many free agent running backs aren’t getting much play yet, Darren McFadden is one that has drawn “significant interest,” tweets ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter. Fallon Smith of CSNBayArea.com (on Twitter) hears from a league source that the Raiders have a one-year offer on the table for McFadden. The 26-year-old has missed 19 games over the last three seasons.
  • The Dolphins are in the mix for defensive tackle Earl Mitchell, tweets Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald. The 26-year-old is getting a lot of attention for his versatility, athletic ability, and his high motor.
  • The Browns are likely to pursue Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby in free agency, a source tells Mary Kay Cabot of the Northeast Ohio News Group. Dansby, 32, would replace D’Qwell Jackson, who signed a four-year deal with the Colts last week. The Browns were also unsatisfied with the play of inside ‘backer Craig Robertson as the 2013 season went along.
  • The Browns are aggressively pursuing slot receivers with Davone Bess out of the picture, tweets Albert Breer of the NFL Network. Julian Edelman is a possibility as is poaching Andrew Hawkins from the Bengals.
  • Re-signing defensive tackle Antonio Johnson is a priority for the Titans, tweets Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean. The club also has interest in holding on to Leon Washington, Marc Mariani, Damian Williams, and Chris Spencer.
  • Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News (on Twitter) asked a Jets source for the best way to describe the organization’s free agency plan and he was told that the club will be “aggressive.”
  • The Broncos have discussed the likes of pursuing safety T.J. Ward and defensive end Jared Allen but they’re certainly not in the lead as some have implied, writes Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com.
  • The Jets and Patriots will each pick up nearly an extra $2MM in cap room due to various bookkeeping technicalities, as Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com explains in a series of tweets.

WR Rumors: Britt, Hawkins, Edelman, Jones

March 10th, 2014 at 10:29pm CST by Dallas Robinson

With about 17 hours left to go until the official start of free agency, here’s a look at some of the rumors regarding receivers:

  • The Redskins have interest in both Kenny Britt and Andrew Hawkins, writes Mike Jones of the Washington Post. Britt is an unrestricted free agent who has had his share of struggles both on and off the field, but he can still be a playmaker. Hawkins is a restricted free agent who was tendered at the original-pick level; because he was an undrafted free agent, the Redskins would not have to sacrifice a draft pick to sign him. Hawkins played under Redskins head coach Jay Gruden the past three seasons with the Bengals.
  • The Patriots are heavily engaged in contract talks with Julian Edelman, reports Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. Edelman was on the free agent market for over a month last offseason before re-upping with the Pats, but that would assuredly not happen were he to reach free agency tomorrow.
  • James Jones is receiving interest from both the Lions and the Jets, but a return to the Packers is not out of the question, tweets Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net.
  • The 49ers could be interested in Dexter McCluster, says ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson (via Twitter).

King On Albert, Monroe, Raiders, Byrd, Vick

March 10th, 2014 at 7:28am CST by Luke Adams

In his latest Monday Morning Quarterback column at TheMMQB.com, Peter King tackles free agency, writing that cornerbacks and offensive tackles look poised to become the biggest beneficiaries of the extra cap space around the NFL. As King writes, Sam Shields‘ four-year deal from the Packers improves the negotiating positions of the top corners on the market, meaning Alterraun Verner, Vontae Davis, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and Aqib Talib should all get $8MM+ per year. Here’s more from King on free agency:

  • While the Giants are pursuing Verner, King is skeptical they’d pay the free agent cornerback $10MM per year, which is what he may cost.
  • The Dolphins look ready to “blow the opposition out of the water” for offensive tackle Branden Albert, perhaps with a long-term offer worth $10-11MM year. In that event, the Cardinals would strongly pursue Jared Veldheer, and the Raiders would likely shift their attention to Rodger Saffold, according to King, who adds that the tackles will likely be the first free agent dominoes to fall.
  • The offensive tackle shuffle could leave the Ravens with the player they’ve wanted all along: Incumbent starter Eugene Monroe. Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun reported last night that the Ravens remain in contact with Monroe and are still hopeful they can re-sign him.
  • King hears that Veldheer and fellow Raiders free agent Lamarr Houston are very interested in testing the free agent market and “getting a golden parachute out of Oakland.”
  • Jairus Byrd is seeking $9MM per year, but King can’t figure out which team will be willing to pay him that.
  • King identifies the 49ers as a dark horse candidate for Michael Vick, if Vick doesn’t find an opportunity to start.
  • Discussing receivers, King writes that the Browns should be in the mix for Eric Decker and also could be a good landing spot for Julian Edelman. He adds that Golden Tate will likely “get more action” than expected.

AFC East Links: Jets, Dolphins, Patriots

March 9th, 2014 at 6:46pm CST by Ben Levine

With the Jets having released Antonio Cromartie earlier today, Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com analyzed the impact the move would have on the field and in the front office. Cimini doesn’t believe that Cromartie will return to New York unless he’s willing to accept a significantly smaller, one-year deal. When looking at potential replacements on the roster, the writer doesn’t buy that Kyle Wilson would be a viable replacement and suggests Alterraun Verner as a potential target. On Saturday, Cimini reported that the Jets had expressed interest in the Titans‘ cornerback. With the Cromartie release and signing of Jeff Cumberland yesterday, the Jets should have about $33MM in cap space, Cimini mentions (via Twitter).

More notes from the AFC East…

  • Another option for the Jets‘ secondary could be Dolphins safety Chris Clemons, tweets Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.
  • Fellow Dolphins‘ defensive back Nolan Carroll is generating a lot of interest, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. La Canfora adds that Carroll had similar advanced stats to Sam Shields, who signed a $39MM contract yesterday.
  • With more than $30MM in cap room and a clear desire to win now, the Dolphins should make a big splash in free agency, says James Walker of ESPN.com. That move could be Branden Albert, who is likely to join the team on Tuesday.
  • In the same mailbag, Walker suggests that signing a running back is important to the Dolphins, but not a top priority. Instead of someone like Ben Tate, Walker suggests Maurice Jones-Drew.
  • There is a strong push within the Patriots organization to keep Julian Edelman, league sources tell Michael Giardi of CSNNewEngland.com (via Twitter). The Patriots coaches reportedly love his work ethic and ability to play special teams.

AFC Notes: Albert, Verner, Clabo, Byrd

March 9th, 2014 at 3:12pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Branden Albert is likely to sign with the Dolphins when free agency officially begins on Tuesday, reports Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Albert, 29, was the Chiefs first-round-pick in 2008, and as Florio notes, was nearly traded to the Dolphins last offseason.

The Dolphins need to rebuild a porous offensive line, and they essentially need four starters to team with center Mike Pouncey. The unit was decimated by the controversies relating to Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito, neither of whom is expected to return to Miami. The Chiefs, meanwhile, will fill Albert’s shoes at left tackle with either Eric Fisher or Donald Stephenson, with the other manning the right tackle position.

Other news from the AFC:

AFC Notes: Edelman, Dolphins, Texans

March 6th, 2014 at 4:55pm CST by Luke Adams

We rounded up several updates on AFC teams this morning, but a few more have trickled in throughout the day, so let’s dive in and tackle those new items….

  • The Patriots and wide receiver Julian Edelman discussed a new deal today, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link via ESPN’s Field Yates). If the two sides don’t reach an agreement by Tuesday, Edelman will be free to sign with any team.
  • Names like Eugene Monroe and Branden Albert have frequently been linked to the Dolphins leading up to the free agency, but Miami will need to add more than just a left tackle, as Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald writes. Salguero explores a few other possible offensive line targets for the Dolphins in free agency.
  • The Texans are considering many quarterback options to back up the signal-caller they’re expected to select with their first-round pick, tweets John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. According to McClain, the Texans may sign two veteran QBs to go with the rookie they bring in.
  • There still hasn’t been any real movement in contract talks between the Titans and Alterraun Verner, according to Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean, who expects the free agent cornerback to reach the open market (Twitter link).
  • Former Dolphins trainer Kevin O’Neill is poised to fight his termination, writes Chris Perkins of the Sun Sentinel. O’Neill was among those implicated in the Wells Report.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

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