The original content, analysis, and reporting produced by the PFR staff during the past week:
- Now that the Cowboys have lost Rolando McClain for 10 games due to a substance abuse suspension, I examined several options — both internal and external — that Dallas could consider at it seeks to replace its middle linebacker. PFR reported that the Cowboys are pleased with their current linebacking corps, and is looking forward to letting their younger players compete during training camp. But if the club does look for an outside replacement, we listed Donald Butler, Stephen Tulloch, and DeMeco Ryans as free agents who might get consideration, while noting Arthur Brown and Bruce Carter are among the NFL veterans on roster bubbles who could become available in the coming weeks/months.
- The Vikings‘ offensive line is one of the more interesting position groups in the league, so I decided to take a look at the roster, analyzing which players might be cut during training camp. With center John Sullivan returning from injury and free agent Alex Boone inking a four-year deal, 2015 starters Mike Harris and Joe Berger figure to be relegated to the bench. Right tackle Phil Loadholt, meanwhile, will be threatened by new addition Andre Smith, and could be a cap casualty. However, PFR reported that Loadholt expects to enter a strong free agent market if he is let go by Minnesota.
- We’re now five days away from the July 15 deadline by which franchise-tagged players must extensions with their respective clubs (or else play out the year under the tender), and Sam Robinson asked PFR readers to weigh in with their thoughts on the franchise players in our latest Community Tailgate. As Sam writes, Eric Berry (Chiefs) and Justin Tucker (Ravens) look like the most likely candidates to agree to long-term deals in the next week. But elsewhere, Von Miller, Alshon Jeffery, Muhammad Wilkerson, Kirk Cousins, and Trumaine Johnson all face various obstacles in reaching a new contract.
- Veteran safety Donte Whitner has been a free agent for three months, and though he’s taken a visit with the Rams, he hasn’t drawn much other known interest. But he’s still a productive player, so I listed eight clubs that could benefit by adding him to their secondary. In addition to Los Angeles, the Cowboys, Lions, Jaguars, Chargers, and others might make sense as potential landing spots.
- In the latest installment of our Offseason in Review series, I looked back at the Browns‘ moves over the past several months. Cleveland didn’t add many free agents, as Robert Griffin III and Demario Davis were the club’s most high-profile outside additions. But the Browns did overhaul their front office and coaching staff, and made a series of trades that helped them accrual capital for years to come.
- PFR was the first to report that free agent offensive lineman Julian Vandervelde has generated interest from three NFL clubs this offseason. Vandervelde, who can play both center and guard, has spent his entire career with the Eagles.