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Rod Streater

Top 2017 Free Agents By Position 3.0: Offense

March 17th, 2017 at 12:19pm CST by Zachary Links

The initial wave of NFL free agency is now complete, and while many of the league’s top available players are now off the board, there are still plenty of quality options still on the open market.

Listed below are our rankings for the top 15 free agents at each offensive position. These rankings aren’t necessarily determined by the value of the contracts – or the amount of guaranteed money – that each player is expected to land in free agency. These are simply the players we like the most at each position, with both short- and long-term value taken into account.

Restricted and exclusive-rights free agents, as well as players who received the franchise tag, aren’t listed here, since the roadblocks in place to hinder another team from actually acquiring most of those players prevent them from being true free agents.

We’ll almost certainly be higher or lower on some free agents than you are, so feel free to weigh in below in our comments section to let us know which players we’ve got wrong.

Here’s our breakdown of the current top 15 free agents by offensive position for 2017:

Quarterback:

  1. Jay Cutler
  2. Chase Daniel
  3. Ryan Fitzpatrick
  4. Colin Kaepernick
  5. Josh McCown
  6. Robert Griffin III
  7. Case Keenum
  8. Matt McGloin
  9. Mark Sanchez
  10. Christian Ponder
  11. Blaine Gabbert
  12. Ryan Nassib
  13. Shaun Hill
  14. Kellen Moore
  15. Austin Davis

Tony Romo is not a free agent…at least not yet. If the Cowboys do not find a suitable trade and release him, you’ll find him at the top of this list.

Laugh if you must, but Cutler is far and away the best quarterback available on the open market. While most of this year’s QB-needy teams are done with their free agent shopping, the Jets are still searching for their 2017 starter and no one would make more sense for them than Cutler. He’s not all that far removed from playing solid football and he’s a logical transitional option for the Jets until they can isolate a better, younger option for 2018. Jay Cutler (Vertical)

Kaepernick’s reps wisely told the press that he will be standing for the National Anthem this year. Still, Kaepernick is an outspoken guy who wants to use his platform to discuss hot button issues, so there’s no guarantee that the media circus around him will cease. Jets owner Woody Johnson loves seeing his team on the back pages of the New York tabloids, but even he has to have more sense than to entertain Kaepernick. McCown, who has been contact with the team, would be an okay choice if they can’t get something done with Cutler. Chase Daniel could be an option too, but there isn’t much game film on him.

Needless to say, the No. 3 ranked player on this list isn’t an option in New York.

Running back:

  1. Adrian Peterson
  2. LeGarrette Blount
  3. Jamaal Charles
  4. Rashad Jennings
  5. Tim Hightower
  6. DeAngelo Williams
  7. Chris Johnson
  8. Christine Michael
  9. Benny Cunningham
  10. Bobby Rainey
  11. Brandon Bolden
  12. Denard Robinson
  13. James Starks
  14. Matt Asiata
  15. Kenjon Barner

Honorable mention: DuJuan Harris, Antonio Andrews, Khiry Robinson

Adrian Peterson (vertical)The Vikings have moved on and Peterson will not be back in Minnesota. Where he goes from here is anyone’s guess. When Peterson’s option was declined by the Vikings earlier this month, there were tons of stories (likely sourced by Peterson’s camp) about interest from a litany of contenders. Since then, each team – through anonymous sources – has denied being in the mix for the veteran. It would be easy to doubt Peterson at this juncture, but he has come back from serious injuries multiple times in his career and he is only one year removed from his stellar 2015 campaign. He gets the top spot over the bruising Blount as well as Charles, who hasn’t been healthy in a long while.

Jennings was brought to New York with the idea that he would be the team’s workhorse. Unfortunately, two of his three seasons with the G-Men were marred by injury. Jennings is currently putting his agility to good use on Dancing With The Stars and it remains to be seen how committed he is to football. After that, we have a trio of vets (Hightower, Williams, CJ2K) who could still advance the ball in limited spurts.

In case you’re wondering – Mike Gillislee is not listed here because he is a restricted free agent.

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49ers Acquire Rod Streater, Trim Roster To 53

September 5th, 2016 at 12:25pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

12:25pm: Maiocco tweets that McCray is likely to be placed on waivers following the failed trade.

MONDAY, 9:40am: McCray reportedly failed his physical, and NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo indicates (via Twitter) that the deal is off. The safety was originally traded to the Seahawks for a conditional seventh-round draft pick in 2018.

The safety is set to go back to the 49ers for the time being. Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle notes (via Twitter) that McCray is recovering from a torn ACL and is likely to be released.

SUNDAY, 5:30pm: The wideout announced that he’s officially been dealt to the 49ers, while CSNBayArea.com’s Matt Maiocco tweets that Streater presumably passed his physical.

SATURDAY, 4:14pm: The 49ers announced they they’ve acquired wide receiver Rod Streater from the Chiefs. Streater had spent his career in Oakland before signing with Kansas City, and now he’ll head back to the Bay Area with a chance to make an impact in a depleted WR corps.

San Francisco also announced that they’ve traded safety L.J. McCray to the Seahawks. The compensation involved in both deals has not been announced.

Cut:

Lemonier was the 49ers’ third-round pick in 2013, but he never made much of an impact in San Francisco. In 42 games (two starts), Lemonier picked up 37 tackles and a sack.

Extra Points: Giants, Cowboys, Davis, Sanchez

September 3rd, 2016 at 8:50pm CST by Zachary Links

The Sam Bradford trade got all the headlines today, but there were actually three smaller deals that were also consummated in the past twelve hours, and we’ve now learned the details about the returns. The Seahawks gave up a conditional 2017 seventh-rounder to acquire safety Dewey McDonald from the Raiders, and a conditional 2018 seventh-rounder to pick up safety L.J. McCray from the 49ers, tweets Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. Meanwhile — and this might be a first — the Chiefs and 49ers have agreed to swap conditional 2019 seventh-round picks as part of the trade that sent wide receiver Rod Streater to San Francisco, according to Tom Pelissero of USA Today (Twitter link).

Here’s more from around the league on cutdown day:

  • Expect the Giants to be active in checking out veteran offensive linemen released today, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com tweets. Teams were trying strike a trade with them, but nothing came of those talks. New York recently agreed to re-sign Will Beatty, who is expected to compete for time at right tackle, but the club could certainly use a bit more depth along the front five.
  • Austin Davis turned down a potential deal with the Cowboys because he wanted guaranteed money, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Instead, Davis signed on with the Broncos today. His one-year deal ostensibly includes guaranteed cash. Dallas, meanwhile, turned to the man Denver released today — Mark Sanchez.
  • Speaking of Sanchez, the Cowboys could face questions about their signing of the veteran QB, as one source indicates to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that Dallas signed Sanchez before he was technically released by the Broncos. It’s a pretty minor issue, but one that the league has seemingly been trying to crack down on in recent years.

Chiefs Tweak WR Rod Streater’s Deal

August 20th, 2016 at 5:03pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Chiefs have made an adjustment to wide receiver Rod Streater‘s contract, and in doing so, created nearly $4MM in cap space, according to Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star. Under the terms of the restructure, Streater’s 2016 cap number dropped from $4.8MM to $810K.Rod Streater (Vertical)

[RELATED: Chiefs Claim S Brock Vereen From Patriots]

While details of the reworking aren’t immediately clear, it’s very likely that the Chiefs altered some of Streater’s incentives from “likely to be earned” to “not likely to be earned,” thus lowering his cap charge while keeping the incentives intact. Such designations are based on the prior season’s performance, but because Streater caught only pass for eight yards in 2015, it’s doubtful that his amended incentives were of an individual nature. In other words, any reception-based incentive for Streater would be considered “likely to be earned,” because any total he reaches in 2016 would match or exceed last year’s production.

As such, it’s more probable that the altered incentives were team-based, such as wins, touchdowns, or offensive yards/points. As Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap explained on a recent podcast, the NFL contractual bargaining agreement contains a highly convoluted rule regarding team incentives, especially when a contract contains several such clauses (as Streater’s reportedly does).

It’s difficult to parse exactly how the Chiefs finagled the language in Streater’s deal without knowing the specifics of the pact, but the net effect is that that Kansas City now has more financial wiggle room with which to work. If Streater does end up meeting his “not likely to be earned” incentives, the Chiefs will see a cap adjustment for the 2017 campaign.

Streater, 28, will certainly have a chance to improve on his 2015 numbers during the upcoming season, as the Chiefs don’t have much in the way of experience in their receiving corps behind Jeremy Maclin. Streater reportedly “looked great” when filling in for an injured Albert Wilson as the club’s No. 3 option in early August, and will compete with Chris Conley, Wilson, DeMarcus Robinson, and De’Anthony Thomas for targets.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

AFC Contract Details: L. Miller, D. Johnson, Woods

March 14th, 2016 at 10:57pm CST by Luke Adams

Here are several of the latest contract details from around the AFC on recently agreed-upon and signed deals. All links are courtesy of Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle unless otherwise indicated…

  • Lamar Miller, RB (Texans): Four years, $26MM. $14.5MM guaranteed. $4MM signing bonus. $3.5MM roster bonus due on March 16. $750K in annual per-game active roster bonuses in 2018 and 2019 (all Twitter links).
  • Derrick Johnson, ILB (Chiefs): Three years, $21MM. $9.75MM guaranteed. $5.25MM signing bonus. $1MM in per-game active roster bonuses in 2017 (Twitter link).
  • Al Woods, DT (Titans): Three years, $10.5MM. $5MM guaranteed. $2.25MM signing bonus. $250K in per-game active roster bonuses (Twitter link).
  • Prince Amukamara, CB (Jaguars): One year, $5.5MM. $3MM guaranteed. $1.5MM signing bonus. $500K in per-game roster bonuses (Twitter link).
  • Rod Streater, WR (Chiefs): One year, $810K. $110K guaranteed. $10K signing bonus. $1MM in incentives based on touchdowns, catches, and yards (Twitter link).
  • Kellen Davis, TE (Jets): One year, minimum salary benefit. $230K guaranteed. $80K signing bonus (Twitter link via Ben Volin of the Boston Globe).
  • Jamell Fleming, DB (Chiefs): One year, minimum salary benefit. $40K signing bonus. $40K first-game 53-man roster bonus (Twitter link).

Chiefs, Rod Streater Agree To One-Year Deal

March 12th, 2016 at 12:56pm CST by Ben Levine

John Dorsey and the Chiefs staff have finally landed a veteran wideout to pair with Jeremy Maclin. Terez A. Paylor of The Kansas City Star reports (via Twitter) that the team has signed wide receiver Rod Streater. ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweets that it’s a one-year deal worth $4.8MM. It was reported this morning that the wideout was set to meet with the organization.

Rod StreaterStreater wasn’t particularly productive for the Raiders over the past two seasons, making only ten catches for 92 yards in four games played. However, the 28-year-old shows flashes of brilliance through his first two years in the league, including a 60-catch, 888-yard, four-touchdown season in 2013.

There’s no denying that the Cheifs could use depth at the position. Besides Maclin, none of Kansas City’s wideouts finished in the top-70 of Pro Football Focus’ rankings of the league’s receivers. The team’s two other options, Albert Wilson and Chris Conley, combined for 52 catches, 650 yards, and three touchdowns last season.

The Chiefs had previously met with former Jets wideout Jeremy Kerley. Meanwhile, Streater had paid visits to both the Jets and the Patriots.

Extra Points: Manziel, Okung, Streater

March 12th, 2016 at 11:58am CST by Ben Levine

Rumors have persisted that Johnny Manziel could eventually wind up with the Cowboys. However, following the embattled quarterback’s release from the Browns, it doesn’t sound like Dallas currently has much interest.

According to David Moore of the Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys have no intention of signing the 23-year-old once he passes waivers. However, Moore did leave the window open, noting that the organization wouldn’t pursue the signal-caller “until he gets his life back in order.”

A report in January hinted that Manziel had interest in playing for Dallas, and according to Moore, the quarterback was convinced that the interest would be mutual. For the time being, that doesn’t appear to be the case.

Let’s check out some more assorted notes from around the league…

  • Michael Silver of Sports Illustrated believes the Lions are the favorite to sign offensive tackle Russell Okung. The writer notes that the Seahawks, 49ers, and Giants are also in the mix for the 28-year-old.
  • Wideout Rod Streater is set to meet with the Chiefs today, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). The former Raiders receiver has also met with the Patriots and the Jets.
  • Defensive back Will Blackmon has received a contract offer from Washington, reports Mike Jones of The Washington Post (via Twitter). However, the 31-year-old has drawn interest from several teams, and the cornerback is currently “reviewing his options.”
  • The 49ers have interest in retaining defensive end Tony Jerod-Eddie, tweets Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. The team wasn’t willing to commit the $1.67MM it would have taken to make the 25-year-old a restricted free agent.

FA Visits: Seahawks, Lions, Chiefs, Pats, Titans

March 11th, 2016 at 11:46am CST by Luke Adams

After being released recently by the Jaguars, veteran edge defender Chris Clemons is expected to pay a visit to the Seahawks soon, and could sign with the team during that visit, according to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times (via Twitter). In fact, Condotta suspects that Clemons will sign.

If it happens, it would be a reunion for the two sides, as Clemons enjoyed the best years of his NFL career in Seattle. Although he was slowed down by injuries during his final year with the team in 2013, he recorded at least 11 sacks as a 16-game starter in each season from 2010 to 2012. At age 34, Clemons is unlikely to reach those totals again, but he could be a solid situational pass rusher if he rejoins the Seahawks.

Here’s more on potential free agent visits:

  • While the Patriots would like to bring back defensive lineman Akiem Hicks, the veteran free agent is exploring his options, and those options include a pair of NFC North teams. In addition to making a previously-reported visit to the Bears, Hicks is planning to visit the Lions over the weekend, tweets Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.
  • Defensive tackle Al Woods is visiting the Seahawks, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Seattle is bringing in both Woods and – as previously reported – Cam Thomas, as the team explore possible replacements for Brandon Mebane.
  • The Chiefs may still get a chance to meet with wide receiver Rod Streater, tweets Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star. Streater, who met with the Patriots on Thursday, is planning to head to Kansas City after visiting the Jets.
  • Free agent cornerback Antwon Blake is scheduled to visit the Patriots and Titans this weekend, per Ralph N. Paulk of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (via Twitter). Blake’s agent is also negotiating with four other teams, says Paulk. The 25-year-old has spent the last three seasons with the Steelers.

Rod Streater, James Starks, Clay Harbor Visiting Patriots

March 10th, 2016 at 3:29pm CST by Luke Adams

3:29pm: Wide receiver Rod Streater is also visiting the Patriots today, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (Twitter link). A report earlier today indicated that Streater is paying a visit to the Jets on Friday, but it looks like he’ll make a stop in New England first.

Streater’s last two seasons have been unproductive due to injuries and a reduced role in Oakland’s offense, but he looked good in 2013, catching 60 balls for 888 yards and four touchdowns for the Raiders.

3:14pm: The Patriots didn’t make much noise on the first day of free agency, but they’re bringing in a host of less notable players on the second day of the new league year. According to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (via Twitter), running back James Starks and tight end Clay Harbor are among the players visiting New England.James Starks

Earlier today, we learned that the Patriots are also hosting Bills wide receiver Chris Hogan and Rams running back Benny Cunningham for free agent visits. Hogan and Cunningham are both restricted free agents, giving Buffalo and Los Angeles, respectively, the right of first refusal if they sign offer sheets with the Pats. However, Starks and Harbor are unrestricted.

Starks, who turned 30 last month, had his best NFL season in 2015, rushing for 601 yards and two touchdowns, and adding another 392 yards and three TDs through the air. The Packers remain interested in re-signing the veteran back, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com (Twitter link).

As for Harbor, after averaging 25 receptions per season from 2012 to 2014, he caught 14 balls for 149 yards and a touchdown in 2015 for the Jaguars, primarily serving as a blocker. According to Phil Perry of CSNNE.com (Twitter link), the 28-year-old has caught Bill Belichick‘s eye — the Pats head coach “spoke at length” last season about how Harbor was used, calling him a FB/TE hybrid. With Scott Chandler no longer in the mix in New England, the team figures to be on the lookout for help at the tight end position.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

FA Visits: V. Davis, Vasquez, Titans, Jets

March 10th, 2016 at 11:04am CST by Luke Adams

Free agent tight end Vernon Davis will pay a visit to Washington today, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). It’s an unsurprising piece of news, considering Davis is from the D.C. area, and Washington GM Scot McCloughan was working in the 49ers’ front office when San Francisco drafted the tight end.

Davis, traded from the 49ers to the Broncos midway through the 2015 season, didn’t have his best year, but still managed to catch 38 passes, including 20 after moving to Denver. If he were to sign with Washington, he would presumably be a complementary option to Jordan Reed, so we’ll see if there’s a fit there.

Here’s more on free agent visits happening around the NFL:

  • Former Broncos guard Louis Vasquez, recently released by Denver, will visit the Titans on Friday, according to Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (Twitter link). Tennessee is looking to beef up the interior of its offensive line, having already signed center Ben Jones away from the division-rival Texans.
  • The Cowboys are scheduled to host cornerback Nolan Carroll for a visit, says Todd Archer of ESPN.com. The Cowboys need help at cornerback, and we heard earlier today that Dallas would be a “team to watch” on Carroll, who hasn’t been on the same page as the Eagles in negotiations.
  • Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star (Twitter link) is hearing that Rod Streater may be planning to head east to visit some teams, and Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News confirms (via Twitter) that the Jets will host the free agent wideout on Friday. Paylor notes that the Chiefs have also expressed some interest in Streater, as he reported earlier in the week.
  • Titans GM Jon Robinson indicated today that the team plans to set up visits with a couple veteran free agent safeties, tweets Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com. The Titans – who cut longtime safety Michael Griffin last month – will also explore the position in the draft, per Robinson.
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