HEADLINES

Lawrence Timmons

Lawrence Timmons Hoping For Extension

November 27th, 2015 at 8:56am CST by Luke Adams

Only one Steeler – quarterback Ben Roethlisberger – has a higher 2016 cap number than linebacker Lawrence Timmons, whose contract will need to be addressed by the team after this season. As Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review writes, Timmons is hoping that means signing an extension to remain in Pittsburgh.

“I hope so, I love it here,” Timmons said, addressing the possibility of getting a new deal and potentially finishing his career as a Steeler. “I can’t see myself being anywhere else.”

Until this year, Timmons’ $9.5MM+ annual average salary made him the NFL’s highest-paid inside linebacker. Luke Kuechly of the Panthers and Bobby Wagner of the Seahawks each signed new deals earlier in 2015 that surpassed that figure, but – having reworked his contract in September – Timmons projects to have a significantly higher cap hit than any other inside linebacker in 2016, at $15.131MM.

When I examined the Steelers’ 2016 cap outlook, I identified Timmons as a potential candidate to be released, or at least to accept a pay cut. While noting that an extension was another viable possibility to reduce his ’16 cap charge, I pointed out that Pittsburgh could create $8.75MM in cap savings by cutting Timmons, whose play this year hasn’t quite been up to his usual standards.

After earning his first Pro Bowl nod a year ago, the 29-year-old has spent more time in pass coverage this year under new defensive coordinator Keith Butler, and has struggled in his modified role. Pro Football Focus currently ranks Timmons 88th out of 91 qualified linebackers, despite his strong grade as a pass rusher, but the veteran defender is hopeful that his willingness to do whatever he’s asked on D will extend his stay with the Steelers.

“I am a guy who is willing to do whatever,” Timmons said. “They still rush me, too, so I am not complaining. The more you can do, like [head coach Mike] Tomlin said, will keep you around here longer. I am trying to be around here for a while.”

Steelers, Lawrence Timmons Restructure Deal

September 7th, 2015 at 9:07am CST by Luke Adams

Shortly after reworking the contracts for Antonio Brown, Heath Miller, and Shaun Suisham, the Steelers have completed another restructure, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com, who reports (via Twitter) that linebacker Lawrence Timmons has had his contract modified.

Timmons had been set to earn a base salary of $7.5MM in 2015, but the Steelers have reduced that figure to the minimum salary ($870K), converting the difference into a $6.63MM signing bonus. That bonus will be prorated over the final two years of Timmons’ contract, which means his cap hit for 2015 will be trimmed from about $12.566MM to about $9.416MM. His 2016 cap charge, on the other hand, will jump from $11.816MM to $14.966MM, with $6.216MM in dead money.

The move is the latest in a string of restructures for the cap-strapped Steelers, who have had to create a little extra room to accommodate injured players who have landed on IR, as well as their replacements. The most notable player on the injured reserve list so far is Suisham, with a $2MM+ cap hit. Pittsburgh acquired Josh Scobee and his $2.5MM cap charge to fill in at kicker.

Lawrence Timmons Willing To Renegotiate Deal

June 4th, 2015 at 4:54pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Steelers have an unusual amount of draft capital tied up at linebacker, with four homegrown first-round picks at the position. Their most accomplished performer there, Lawrence Timmons, is due to be paid more than any inside linebacker in football the next two seasons, which complicates matters for his future in Pittsburgh.

But the 29-year-old Timmons told ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler he’s “of course” willing to work with the Steelers about a potential renegotiation to remain with the team for the rest of his career, be it on a restructured or extended contract.

Modest cap numbers of $3.95MM and $5.82MM accompanied the one-time Pro Bowler in the first two years of the five-year, $47.8MM extension he signed in 2011, but Timmons earned $11.82MM last season and has the Steelers on the hook for $12.56MM and $11.82MM cap figures in 2015 and 2016, respectively. He’s set to be the second-highest-paid player on the team this season, behind the newly extended Ben Roethlisberger. But Timmons, who rated 11th among ILBs last season on Pro Football Focus’ scale, doesn’t have the leverage Roethlisberger does.

“I’ve been here for nine years; I’ve got a house here; I’d like to keep that house,” said Timmons, 29, according to Fowler. “I’ve got a family here that loves it.”

The Steelers added first-round backers in each of the past three drafts — Jarvis Jones, Ryan Shazier and Bud Dupree — but Timmons remains the team’s premier second-level player, collecting 28 sacks despite lining up inside. For a linebacking corps that lost Jason Worilds to retirement, Timmons’ presence will be vital this season, which is set to be his seventh as a full-time starter.

 

AFC Links: Collins, Dorsett, Timmons

May 3rd, 2015 at 10:32pm CST by Sam Robinson

One of the highest-regarded undrafted free agents in history, La’el Collins figures to be a premier topic in May as he attempts to begin a now-unorthodox career.

The Titans, however, won’t be among the teams pursuing the ex-LSU lineman that was a surefire first-round pick as recently as earlier this week, according to The Tennesseean’s Jim Wyatt on Twitter. The team remains in need of a right tackle but did add two interior linemen in the draft — guard Jeremiah Poutasi and center Andy Gallik in the third and sixth rounds, respectively.

Here is some additional news from around the AFC.

  • The Colts‘ draft puzzled Indianapolis Star columnist Gregg Doyel, with the team adding players in key spots that may not be able to contribute much this season — one with immense expectations. Doyel argues the team did not address needs of defensive tackle and safety early enough, with one of each added on Day 3. Indianapolis ranked 18th in run defense last season. Part-time players last year, Josh Chapman and Montori Hughes, are the Colts’ top two nose tackle options.
  • The crux of Doyel’s argument, first-round pick Phillip Dorsett, could also find himself a key player in the Colts’ offense from the start, writes the Indianapolis Star’s Stephen Holder. Dorsett, CFL import Duron Carter and former All-Pro Andre Johnson add to a loaded wideout corps that was at times slowed by descending veterans Reggie Wayne and Hakeem Nicks last year. Holder wonders if the 34-year-old Johnson will give way to Dorsett in some three-wide sets or when the Colts deploy the two-tight end look they often do.
  • One of now four linebackers with first-round pedigrees in Pittsburgh, Lawrence Timmons is in line for a contract extension come 2016, reports Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. The Steelers’ second-highest-paid player and NFL’s best-compensated inside linebacker’s current deal that pays him $12.6MM this season and $11.8MM next year runs through ’16.
  • With just two starters locked in for this season up front, the Broncos are positioning their offensive line youngsters less than three days after acquiring them. Second-round choice Ty Sambrailo will open his career at right tackle, where the Broncos have a glaring need after using three players there last year, while versatile fourth-rounder Max Garcia will begin work behind Louis Vasquez at right guard, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post. Last year’s third-rounder, Michael Schofield, didn’t suit up for a game as a rookie despite the Broncos’ right tackle issues and is now playing behind Ryan Clady at left tackle.
  • Mel Kiper Jr. envisions Ravens second-round pick Maxx Williams as an offensive rookie of the year candidate, writes Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. The ESPN draft veteran also opined Breshad Perriman will be a better player than Torrey Smith.

AFC Notes: Titans, Dolphins, Browns, Steelers

March 27th, 2014 at 3:24pm CST by Luke Adams

Reports of free agents visiting teams have slowed down considerably over the last couple weeks, but the Titans are on of the clubs staying busy as they weigh options at several positions. The team brought offensive lineman Mike McGlynn in this week, and is also hosting former Charger and Bronco Shaun Phillips today, according to Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Phillips will turn 33 in May, so his best years are probably behind him, but he’s coming off a 10-sack season, and could still be an asset for a defense, particularly if the price isn’t prohibitive.

As Phillips visits the Titans, let’s check out a few more items from around the AFC….

  • The Dolphins still haven’t ruled out the possibility of re-signing Bryant McKinnie to play right tackle, though a signing likely wouldn’t happen until after the draft, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
  • New GM Ray Farmer and the Browns haven’t tipped their hand when it comes to the fourth overall pick, but wide receiver Josh Gordon thinks the club will use the selection on a quarterback, as he said on SportsCenter today (link via Pat McManamon of ESPN.com). Gordon also suggested that Johnny Manziel would probably be the top signal-caller on his personal draft board.
  • The Steelers will probably need to create some cap space if they hope to sign Maurice Jones-Drew or LeGarrette Blount, according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, who suggests that restructuring Lawrence Timmons‘ contract could do the trick.
  • Joel Corry of CBSSports.com explores whether the Broncos have mortgaged their future by going all-in on free agency this offseason. Corry concludes that most of Denver’s big contracts are flexible enough that the team may not be in bad shape long-term.
  • The Bills have officially named their seven representatives for a committee that will explore the possibility of building a new stadium in the area, writes Mike Rodak of ESPN.com. Erie County previously appointed seven members to the group, and New York State added five.
  • Indiana running back Stephen Houston worked out for nearly an hour with Patriots running back Ivan Fears today, tweets Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net.