HEADLINES

Month: February 2014

Panthers Rumors: Gross, Hardy, Draft

February 20th, 2014 at 4:14pm CST by Luke Adams

With the combine now underway in Indianapolis, we’ve covered a significant number of the NFL’s 32 teams in at least one of our Thursday posts, but we’ve yet to mention the Panthers at all today. Let’s remedy that, and check out what GM Dave Gettleman had to say about the team’s offseason during his media availability….

  • Offensive tackle Jordan Gross has had two lengthy conversations with Gettleman since the season ended, but remains undecided on whether or not he’ll continue his playing career, writes Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. Gettleman, who will speak to Gross again when he returns from an Idaho ski trip within the next few days, said that the veteran lineman has “earned the right” to take his time to make a decision on his future, though if he decides to return to Carolina, there will be salary cap ramifications for the team to consider.
  • Within the same piece, Person writes that the future of longtime Panthers receiver Steve Smith is “part of the evaluation process,” according to Gettleman. The GM hasn’t had any conversations with Smith about the possibility of retirement.
  • Asked about free-agent-to-be Greg Hardy, Gettleman pointed to the Panthers’ cap constraints and suggested that the team will be very careful about committing big money to its standout defensive end, either on a long-term deal or via the franchise tag. Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer has the GM’s quotes.
  • Person got the impression from listening to Gettleman that the Panthers will be more inclined to sign one-year contracts than multiyear deals going forward (Twitter link).
  • Gettleman warned against tying the Panthers to a specific player or position in mock drafts, telling reporters, including Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link), that the club will take the best player available in May.

Extra Points: Fox, Monroe, Cowboys, Cap

February 20th, 2014 at 3:28pm CST by Luke Adams

There will be plenty of meetings between teams and player agents this week, but Ian Rapoport of NFL.com notes (via Twitter) that clubs will also have the opportunity to touch base with their coaches’ agents. The Broncos have a meeting scheduled this weekend with agent Bob LaMonte to discuss a new deal for head coach John Fox, according to Rapoport. Here’s more from around the league, as updates from the Indianapolis combine dominate the NFL news wire:

  • Speaking to Matt Zenitz of the Carroll County Times, offensive tackle Eugene Monroe confirmed that he and the Ravens have entered discussions about a new contract, and said those talks in and of themselves are a positive sign. Although Monroe cautioned that it’s still early, the free-agent-to-be said it would be “awesome” to continue as a Raven.
  • While the Cowboys are expected to explore extensions for wide receiver Dez Bryant and offensive tackle Tyron Smith this offseason, those talks haven’t gotten underway yet, according to Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.com.
  • In the wake of the new $130MM salary cap projection put forth by Adam Schefter this morning, Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com has adjusted his estimates for 2014’s restricted free agent tenders and franchise tags.
  • New Browns GM Ray Farmer told reporters, including Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland, that he’s looking forward to meeting with quarterback prospect Johnny Manziel.
  • While he likely won’t have much say in the decision, Jarrett Bush tells Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Twitter link) that he’d be “shocked” if the Packers don’t re-sign fellow defensive back Sam Shields.
  • The Seahawks aren’t expected to use the franchise tag this year, reports Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times.
  • In a piece for the National Football Post, Joel Corry identifies 10 players who are candidates to restructure their contracts this offseason.

Combine Updates: Boldin, Jags, Dolphins

February 20th, 2014 at 2:53pm CST by Luke Adams

“It’s not just me who wants Anquan Boldin back,” 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh said today of the team’s No. 1 receiver in 2013, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. Suggesting that the San Francisco decision-makers are unanimous in wanting to re-sign Boldin, Harbaugh added that negotiations are heading in a “positive direction.” The Niners coach wasn’t the only one providing noteworthy quotes this afternoon at the combine. Here are several more notable updates from Indianapolis:

  • The Jaguars intend to meet with the top three quarterback prospects – Johnny Manziel, Teddy Bridgewater, and Blake Bortles – this weekend, according to GM Dave Caldwell (Twitter link via Ryan O’Hallaran of the Florida Times-Union). However, Caldwell also suggested it would be beneficial for the team to trade down from No. 3 overall, since the draft is so deep (Twitter link via Hays Carlyon of the Times-Union).
  • Asked if he expected prospective free agent Chad Henne to hit the open market, Caldwell replied, “I don’t think so,” suggesting that the Jaguars could reach an agreement with their incumbent starter prior to March 11 (Twitter link via O’Hallaran).
  • Broncos head coach John Fox is comfortable with the idea of moving forward with running Montee Ball if Knowshon Moreno leaves Denver in free agency, writes Mike Klis of the Denver Post.
  • Responding to a report that suggested the Dolphins might bench Ryan Tannehill for Matt Moore at some point in 2014, new Miami GM Dennis Hickey expressed confidence in Tannehill. Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald has that quote and several more from Hickey, who insisted that free agents will be attracted to the organization despite the recent controversy surrounding the team.
  • The Bears head into the 2014 season carrying three punters on their roster, meaning veteran Adam Podlesh will have to fight for the job, according to GM Phil Emery. Drew Butler and Tress Way will also be in the mix, as Jeff Dickerson of ESPN Chicago details.
  • Projected first-round tight end Eric Ebron confirmed to reporters, including Matt Zenitz of the Carroll County Times (Twitter link), that the Ravens and Packers are among the teams with whom he’ll interview today. Tight end Jace Amaro will also meet with the Ravens, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter link), while ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky writes that Wisconsin offensive lineman Ryan Groy met with the Packers.

Free Agent Market For Wide Receivers

February 20th, 2014 at 2:11pm CST by Luke Adams

NFL Network draft guru Mike Mayock suggested this week that the class of wide receivers available in 2014’s draft is the best he’s seen in years, but many teams in need of receiving help may not have to wait until May to address the position. While the draft class features a potential star in Sammy Watkins and many inexpensive alternatives behind him, 2014’s group of free agents includes plenty of veteran pass-catchers capable of stepping in and contributing immediately.

Although the depth in both the draft class and the free agent crop has some pundits suggesting it’ll be a buyer’s market next month, that doesn’t mean teams will be lining up to ink players to bargain contracts. As it stands, at least half of the league’s 32 teams could use some form of receiving help, and many of those are playoff clubs who won’t want to take a significant step back in 2014. Several of the top prospective free agents – including Eric Decker, Anquan Boldin, Julian Edelman, and Golden Tate – come from the franchises who competed in the conference championship games, so those teams will need to add reinforcements if they lose their own free agents.

Meanwhile, non-playoff clubs like the Lions, Steelers, and Browns will be looking to add solid complementary players alongside their current number one options, while teams like the Jets, Panthers, and Rams also figure to be on the lookout for receiving help. Considering how many clubs are expected to be in the mix for wide receivers, there may not be a ton of steals out there, but there certainly should be no shortage of intriguing options. Let’s have a look….

First tier:

Decker, Boldin, and Edelman were head and shoulders above the rest of 2014’s free agents when it came to 2013 production — Decker led all free agents in receiving yards and TDs, while Edelman’s 105 receptions easily led the pack and Boldin added 1,179 yards and seven touchdowns on 85 catches. All three players put up No. 1 numbers on top-five NFL teams, and should be in line for lucrative deals this offseason. Still, there are question marks surrounding all three: Decker had the league’s best quarterback throwing him the ball and Demaryius Thomas attracting defenders on the other side of the field; Boldin turns 34 during the 2014 season; and Edelman is more of a slot/possession receiver than a true number one.

Teams more inclined to roll the dice on a player with No. 1 upside could take a long look at Hakeem Nicks, whom our Rob DiRe profiled over the weekend. Nicks is coming off a down year, but has multiple 1000-yard seasons on his resumé and just turned 26 years old, making him a tantalizing buy-low candidate.

Rounding out the top tier are two pairs of teammates: Tate and Doug Baldwin of the Seahawks, and Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper of the Eagles. Tate and Baldwin were surprisingly effective in Seattle this season, each having ranked as top-25 receivers in both Football Outsiders’ and Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics. The Seahawks figure to retain at least one of the two, and will have the opportunity to match offers for the restricted Baldwin. As for Maclin and Cooper, the former missed the 2013 season with an ACL injury, while the latter didn’t produce consistently (he had less than 40 yards receiving in nine games). But if they’re healthy, both players should have no problem filling a No. 2 role in the right system.

Second tier:

A year after the Patriots made a play for him, the now-unrestricted Emmanuel Sanders continues to look like a nice fit for New England, and I’d be surprised if the Pats don’t pursue him again. Sanders heads the second tier, but there are several noteworthy names in this group.

After Sanders, the second tier offers a mix of young players with upside (Kenny Britt, Andre Roberts) and steady veterans whose best years are likely behind them (James Jones, Santana Moss, Nate Burleson). Brandon LaFell and Jerome Simpson should also receive consideration as players who could provide solid production as No. 3 options.

This group also includes several players whose value extends beyond their contributions on offense. Guys like Jacoby Jones, Ted Ginn, Dexter McCluster, and Devin Hester can also create big plays in the return game, which should give their stocks a nice boost if and when they hit the open market.

The rest:

For every Ginn, McCluster, or Hester, there are several return specialists whose offensive value is limited. Brandon Tate, Josh Cribbs, Jacoby Ford, and Micheal Spurlock are among the players who fit that bill. Their special teams contributions will earn them contracts, but their clubs probably won’t expect much from them in the passing game.

There are plenty of other notable names among the rest of the free agent receivers, however. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Mario Manningham, and Robert Meachem may never have had breakout years, but you could do a lot worse if you’re not looking for a starter. Longtime Texan Kevin Walter may still have a little left in the tank if he’s healthy, and Jerricho Cotchery is coming off his best season in years, having snagged a career-high 10 touchdown passes for the Steelers. Tiquan Underwood, Damian Williams, Josh Morgan, and Kevin Ogletree are among the other receivers available, and are all still in their mid-to-late 20s.

It goes without saying that none of 2014’s free agents will have the impact of a Calvin Johnson or a Brandon Marshall — if any team decides to pay one of this year’s free agents like a truly elite player, that club will likely regret it. Still, even if there are no superstars in the group, there are plenty of players capable of being excellent secondary options or potentially even sharing a No. 1 role. If a buyer’s market develops, it will be very interesting to see which teams get involved and which decide to hold off until the draft.

Previously:
Free Agent Market For Quarterbacks
Free Agent Market For Running Backs

Titans Rumors: Verner, Pollard, Wimbley

February 20th, 2014 at 1:32pm CST by Luke Adams

Earlier today, we heard from Titans general manager Ruston Webster that the team is taking its time when it comes to making a decision on Chris Johnson‘s contract, and that the front office intends to continue talking to Alterraun Verner‘s agent about a new deal. Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean has an update on the Verner front, along with a few other Titans-related items, so let’s see what he’s got for us….

  • The Titans are meeting with Verner’s agent at the combine and the hope is that the two sides can work out a new deal in the near future, according to Wyatt (via Twitter). Wyatt adds that the club is unlikely to use the franchise tag on its free agent cornerback.
  • Bernard Pollard‘s agent and the Titans have engaged in discussions about a new contract for the free agent safety, and the team would like to bring him back, tweets Wyatt.
  • Kamerion Wimbley has a $7.8MM cap number for 2014 and Wyatt can’t see him returning to the Titans at that price. However, the club believes Wimbley would be a good fit in its changing defense, and there’s still plenty of time to talk about a restructure, says Wyatt (Twitter links).
  • Tennessee is also interested in re-signing free agent defensive lineman Ropati Pitoitua and will likely speak to his agent at the combine, tweets Wyatt.

Brendon Ayanbadejo To Officially Retire

February 20th, 2014 at 12:55pm CST by Luke Adams

After sitting out the 2013 NFL season, linebacker and special-teamer Brendon Ayanbadejo is set to formally call it a career. Ayanbadejo announced on Twitter that “today is the day” he intends to call the NFLPA and officially retire.

Ayanbadejo, 37, entered the league in 2003 with the Dolphins and was active for 142 total games for Miami, Chicago, and Baltimore. While he acted as a part-time player on defense for most of his career, his key contributions came on special teams — from 2006 to 2008, he was named to three consecutive Pro Bowl rosters as a special teams player. Ayanbadejo was also known as a strong advocate of marriage equality and gay rights.

For his career, Ayanbadejo accumulated 215 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and nine fumble recoveries, according to Pro-Football-Reference. The UCLA alum last appeared in the NFL for the Ravens team that won the Super Bowl a year ago. He was released in April 2013.

NFC Notes: Nelson, Tuck, Fitzgerald, Mangini

February 20th, 2014 at 12:36pm CST by Luke Adams

We’ve already published posts on the Vikings, Bears, and Cowboys so far today, but even after rounding up a few team-centric updates, there are still several more notes to pass along on NFC teams. Here’s the latest:

  • While there will be plenty of items on the Packers‘ to-do list this offseason, locking up wide receiver Jordy Nelson to an extension is expected to be near the top of that list, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
  • There are plenty of notable names among this year’s free agent class of defensive ends, but Justin Tuck’s agent tells Jordan Raanan of NJ.com that he believes his client is the best all-around player of the bunch. “Justin is by far the most complete d-end in the class,” agent Doug Hendrickson said of the longtime Giant. “He can play the 4-3, he can play the 3-4. He obviously had an incredible season last year with every stat he had with the tackles, tackles for loss, the hurries and the sacks. They were up there with the upper-echelon defensive linemen.”
  • Asked about a report last month that suggested the Patriots were mulling a Larry Fitzgerald trade last year, Cardinals GM Steve Keim said of the rumor, “I was looking for someone to fire because [the Patriots] never called me” (Twitter link via Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com). That initial report suggested that the Pats’ talks didn’t get very far, so it sounds like they were just internal discussions.
  • Former defensive specialist Eric Mangini will be the 49ers’ tight ends coach in 2014, the team confirmed today. Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee was the first to report Mangini’s new role.
  • Cornerback figures to be one of the most important positions for the Eagles to address this offseason, writes Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer, exploring some potential options for the team.
  • Offensive lineman Gabe Carimi, who was released by the Buccaneers earlier this month, admitted in an appearance on Sirius XM NFL Radio that he was surprised by the move. However, the early cut gave Carimi to test the market ahead of the free agent period. While he had planned to work out for the Bengals and some other teams, the ex-Bear landed with the Falcons this week (Twitter links via Alex Marvez of FOX Sports).

Vikings Notes: Free Agents, Freeman, Draft

February 20th, 2014 at 12:01pm CST by Luke Adams

Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities reported this morning (via Twitter) that the Vikings will meet with representatives for multiple free agents tomorrow in Indianapolis, including quarterback Matt Cassel and defensive end Everson Griffen. However, speaking to local reporters today at the combine, GM Rick Spielman said he’ll actually meet with Cassel’s agent today, and added that the Vikings will meet with the reps for all their free agents this weekend (Twitter link via Tom Pelissero of USA Today Sports). Here are a few more updates from Spielman, via Pelissero (all links go to Twitter):

  • The Vikings don’t anticipate using their franchise tag, which isn’t a big surprise — none of the team’s free agents are strong candidates to be franchised.
  • Minnesota “definitely” wants and needs to add a young quarterback, according to Spielman. The team’s preferred setup would be to head into camp with a young QB, a veteran (perhaps Cassel), and Christian Ponder.
  • Spielman didn’t close the door on re-signing Josh Freeman, though Pelissero would be “shocked” if the former Buccaneer returns to Minnesota.
  • The Vikings would be interested in trading down from No. 8 overall, since they feel like there’s good depth at the quarterback position in this year’s draft class. According to Spielman, the team has eight or nine private workouts lined up with quarterbacks in advance of the draft.
  • Minnesota will look to address its holes on defense in both free agency and the draft, says Spielman.

Redskins To Seek Second-Rounder For Cousins

February 20th, 2014 at 11:21am CST by Luke Adams

THURSDAY, 11:21am: According to Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report, teams around the league feel as if an asking price of a second-round pick for Cousins is “very ambitious” and one that’s unlikely to be paid. In Freeman’s view, the Redskins would likely consider moving Cousins for a third-rounder.

WEDNESDAY, 12:04pm: If they decide to trade backup quarterback Kirk Cousins this offseason, the Redskins will be seeking at least a second-round pick in return, a person familiar with the team’s planning tells Mark Maske of the Washington Post. However, it’s not clear yet whether the team will seriously consider trade offers for Cousins.

Cousins, 25, has suggested that he’d be open to a trade that sent him to a team where he’d have a chance to start. That chance won’t come in Washington as long as Robert Griffin III is on the roster, though the Redskins may prefer to keep Cousins as an insurance policy in case Griffin has any injury issues in 2014 and beyond.

According to Maske, there are no indications yet which teams may be talking to the Redskins about acquiring Cousins, if Washington is even engaged in discussions at this point. It’s also unclear whether teams would be willing to pay that asking price of a second-round pick, or if the Redskins might ultimately be willing to compromise and accept a lesser package for their second-string quarterback.

Having traded away this year’s first-round pick to the Rams as part of the Griffin deal, the Redskins may be more interested than usual in adding another early-round selection.

Combine Updates: Bucs, Titans, Bears, Lions

February 20th, 2014 at 11:15am CST by Luke Adams

The 2014 scouting combine is underway in Indianapolis, and NFL head coaches and general managers have begun speaking to reporters both in scheduled press conferences and in smaller side interviews. There have been several tidbits worth passing along from those sessions, so let’s dive right in and round up a few highlights….

  • While Lovie Smith said he likes Mike Glennon, the Buccaneers head coach also expressed a belief that there could be a potential franchise quarterback available with the No. 7 pick in the draft, as Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times details. If that’s the case, it sounds like the Bucs will strongly consider drafting a signal-caller in the first round.
  • Steelers GM Kevin Colbert didn’t reveal much about his team’s offseason plans, but was enthusiastic in discussing 2014’s draft class. While he cautioned that it’s an immature group due to all the underclassmen in the mix, Colbert said it’s the best class he has even seen, according to Alan Robinson of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (Twitter link). As Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star notes (via Twitter), that’s very high praise coming from Colbert, who has been preparing for drafts for the last 30 years.
  • Colbert’s comments on wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders suggested to the Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe that the Steelers intend to let Sanders hit the open market.
  • Asked about running back Chris Johnson, a potential cap casualty, Titans GM Ruston Webster said that the club can be as patient as it wants to be in making a decision on Johnson, tweets Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean. Webster also confirmed that the Titans have spoken to cornerback Alterraun Verner‘s agent about a new contract, adding that “we’ll continue to talk” (Twitter link via Wyatt).
  • The Bears would like to re-sign free agent defensive lineman Henry Melton, GM Phil Emery indicated to reporters, including Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com (Twitter link). However, it’s clear that it will come down to Melton’s price tag. Emery also echoed coach Marc Trestman‘s views on Chris Conte, suggesting that he hopes the safety comes in and wins a starting job (Twitter link via Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune). “I’d like to be talking to him about an extension,” Emery said of Conte.
  • Lions head coach Jim Caldwell said “never say never” when it comes to re-signing recently released safety Louis Delmas, but didn’t sound optimistic about the possibility, says Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press (via Twitter). Caldwell added that acquiring a wide receiver to complement Calvin Johnson will be one of the club’s top priorities this offseason, according to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com (Twitter link).
  • The Cardinals would like to re-sign linebacker Karlos Dansby but have always been prepared to move on, GM Steve Keim said today, according to Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com (Twitter link).
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