2014 February - Pro Football Rumors

NFC East Notes: Hall, Orakpo, Eagles

February 17th, 2014 at 9:24am CST by Rob DiRe

DeAngelo Hall and the Redskins are working on an extension, reports Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. While Hall is often maligned for the flaws in his all around game, he still has supporters in Washington. “After an inconsistent 2012, Hall took a massive pay cut and became the Redskins’ best defensive back in 2013, recording four interceptions, scoring three defensive touchdowns and covering the opposing team’s best receiver,” Tarik El Bashir of CSNWashington.com writes. “He also took fewer penalties and seemed to embrace a leadership role in the locker room.” Here are some other notes from around the NFC East:

While the team negotiates with Hall, the Redskins have a decision looming regarding what to do with the franchise tag. Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com believes the team will apply the non-exclusive tag on Brian Orakpo. The tag comes with a projected salary of $10.9MM, but will allow other teams to negotiate with Orakpo. The Redskins would still have the opportunity to match.
The Eagles may not be going after big names in free agency, but Jimmy Kempski of Philly.com has found three potential bargains the team could pursue. Marcus Benard, Graham Gano, and Ted Ginn Jr. could be options for the Eagles in 2014.
DallasNews.com put together a photo gallery highlighting ten offensive linemen the Cowboys could target in this year’s draft.

AFC East Notes: Dolphins, Jerry, Jones

February 17th, 2014 at 8:48am CST by Rob DiRe

On Saturday we took a look at how the Wells Report would hurt the four Dolphins‘ players involved, and Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald believes the NFL will come in with fines and suspensions at some point this offseason. While Richie Incognito could get off easy because he was already suspended last season. Mike Pouncey could still be suspended a few games, and Salguero guesses that offensive line coach Jim Turner could be sidelined for the season due to his involvement.

While Salguero doesn’t mention whether or not Dolphins‘ guard John Jerry will be suspended, Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald writes that he may not have a job in 2014 either way. Jerry has struggled with weight issues and poor play in his NFL career, and being implicated in the report could be enough to keep him off an NFL roster this season.
We already passed along ideas of how the Patriots could bolster their pass rush, and Paul Kenyon of the Providence Journal gives some other options along the defensive line. Kenyon sees Chandler Jones‘ older brother Arthur Jones as being at the top of the Patriots’ wish list.
The Patriots were never a lock to use the franchise tag this offseason, even though Julian Edelman and Aqib Talib were the two most likely candidates. Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald still believes there is a better chance that the team does not use the tag at all.
The Jets are also unlikely to use the franchise tag this offseason, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.com. The only players who would make sense are right tackle Austin Howard and kicker Nick Folk. In either case, the price would be too significant for the positions, although Folk is much more likely.

Draft Notes: Farmer, Cowboys, Packers

February 16th, 2014 at 11:11pm CST by David Kipke

As we continue to approach the 2014 NFL Draft, various teams have begun to discuss information regarding their draft preferences. According to FanNation, new Browns GM Ray Farmer has stated that he knows which quarterback he wants to draft in May — but he’s not willing to share. Farmer has final say over the 53-man roster, and it remains to be seen whether or not he would be open to changing his mind should coach Mike Pettine or offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan prefer a different quarterback.

Here are a few more tidbits surrounding teams and their draft preferences…

Assistant director of player personnel for the Cowboys, Will McClay, spoke with KRLD-FM 105.3 sports radio and disclosed his thoughts that having “good football character” is an important quality in a draft prospect.
The Dallas Morning News’ SportsDayDFW took a look at players that the team might be interested in drafting in the first round. The outlet also covers what 10 offensive lineman, wide receivers, quarterbacks, and linebackers that it thinks that the Cowboys will be most interested in drafting this May.
Weston Hodkiewicz of Press-Gazette Media writes that after a series of whiffs by the front office on high draft picks in recent years, the Packers‘ 2014 first round pick will be the team’s most important draft pick in recent history. Hodkiewicz highlighted Alabama junior safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama linebacker C. J. Mosley, and North Carolina tight end Eric Ebron as potential Packer first-round targets.

Ravens, Terrell Suggs Agree To Extension

February 16th, 2014 at 8:24pm CST by David Kipke

The Ravens have agreed to a contract extension with All-Pro linebacker Terrell Suggs, according to Ravens Insider Aaron Wilson (via Twitter). Wilson also reports (via Twitter) that Suggs will formally sign his restructured contract tomorrow. ProFootballTalk describes the negotiations as being sufficiently close that Suggs is currently in the air from Arizona to Baltimore.

Suggs, the 2011 NFL defensive player of the year, was set to cost the Ravens $12.4MM in 2014 in the final year of a six-year contract that he signed in 2009. Suggs’ deal will almost undoubtedly feature a reduced 2014 cap figure. An emerging number of front offices have been restructuring large contracts in order to shore up short-term cap space. This tactic was evident with Tom Brady‘s contract restructuring in March, 2012.

Details are still emerging regarding the length and value of the contract.

Poll: Where Will Hakeem Nicks Sign?

February 16th, 2014 at 6:12pm CST by David Kipke

Earlier this weekend, our own Rob DiRe discussed the free agency of wide receiver Hakeem Nicks. In his piece, DiRe identifies three potential suitors for Nicks, all of which are likely interested in one-year deals. DiRe’s piece outlined how Nicks would provide the Detroit Lions with a weapon across from Calvin Johnson; that Nicks would be interested in returning to his hometown and play with Cam Newton for the Carolina Panthers; and that the Indianapolis Colts had also shown interest in the former Super Bowl champion.

Where do you think Nicks will sign? If you think it would make better sense for another team not discussed in the article to sign Nicks, please discuss your thoughts in the comments section below.

Extra Points: Franchise Tag, Pitta, Eagles

February 16th, 2014 at 4:45pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com compiled a list of players who could possibly be franchise-tagged, including three he labeled as “no-brainers” in Saints tight end Jimmy Graham, Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy, and Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes. The most intriguing note, however, is that the Browns might not franchise safety T.J. Ward because head coach Mike Pettine, formerly the defensive coordinator in Buffalo, may want Bills safety Jairus Byrd in Cleveland quarterbacking his defense. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com chimed in on Twitter with the same idea.

Other news from around the NFL:

The Ravens face a Jimmy Graham-like dilemma with pass-catcher Dennis Pitta (whom Rosenthal thinks will get the tag), as far as whether he will receive the receiver or the tight end designation, writes Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun. Cap expert Joel Corry noted within the article that a potential grievance would be messy, and that a long-term deal is the best option for all parties.
Jimmy Kempski of Philly.com lists several free agents for the Eagles to consider, and among them is veteran linebacker Marcus Benard, who graded positively as a pass rusher, but came in just below average against the run, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
The Steelers need to draft a tall wide receiver to play opposite Antonio Brown, argues Scott Brown of ESPN.com.
Chargers GM Tom Telesco is looking for defensive players with the attitude and style of the Seahawks, or what he deems a “run-and-hit mentality,” according to Derek Togerson of NBC San Diego. The Chargers defense improved down the stretch, but the team will need to look to the draft and/or free agency to strengthen the unit even further.

PFR Originals: 2/10/14 – 2/16/14

February 16th, 2014 at 4:11pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Let’s take a gander at the original content produced last week by the PFR staff:

We asked if Jimmy Graham should be franchise-tagged as a tight end or as a wide receiver.
A guide to reserve/futures contracts.
The Pro Football Rumors iPhone/iPad app is now available on the iTunes store. And it’s free!
Following the front office shakeup in Cleveland, we asked if the Browns are moving in the right direction.
A poll asking if quarterback Mark Sanchez will find a starting job.
We looked at the free agent market for running backs, and then asked who represents the cream of the crop among said free agent running backs.
We introduced Pigskin Links, where readers can suggest interesting football-related blogs.
A guide to the NFL’s minimum salary.
A look at the free agent stock of receiver Hakeem Nicks.
A summary of the implications of Ted Wells’ report for the Dolphins’ roster.

Week In Review: 2/10/14 – 2/16/14

February 16th, 2014 at 3:33pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The NFL offseason surged on this week, so let’s take a look back at the flurry of moves:

The Colts signed safety David Sims, and waived offensive lineman Justin Anderson.
The Buccaneers cut four players: quarterback Jordan Rodgers, running back Michael Hill, offensive lineman Gabe Carimi, and defensive lineman Derek Landri.
The Seahawks signed three players: linebacker Mike Taylor, tight end Travis Beckum, and defensive back Terrance Parks.
Leadership turnover continued in Cleveland, where the Browns announced Ray Farmer as their new general manager. Former GM Mike Lombardi was fired, and team president Joe Banner will transition out of the organization by May.
One-time star quarterback Vince Young hopes to continue his playing career.
Offensive lineman Greg Van Roten was released by the Packers, but caught on with the Seahawks just three days later.
The Broncos gave John Elway a three-year contract extension, and added “general manager” to his title.
The Raiders signed running back Kory Sheets of the CFL.
The Saints cleared cap space by waiving safety Roman Harper, defensive lineman Will Smith, and cornerback Jabari Greer, as well as announcing they will not re-sign linebacker Jonathan Vilma.
The Chiefs will not re-sign offensive tackle Branden Albert.
Veteran Redskins linebacker London Fletcher is still 99% sure he will retire.
The Lions released receiver Nate Burleson, and waived safety Louis Delmas.
The Browns plan to void the guarantee in receiver Davone Bess‘ contract, citing his off-the-field issues.
Former Giants defensive end Dave Tollefson announced his retirement.
The Buccaneers signed quarterback Mike Kafka.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell earned over $44MM last year.
The Chargers signed linebacker Cordarro Law of the CFL.
The Saints re-signed kicker Shayne Graham and offensive lineman Bryce Harris.

Eagles WR Notes: Maclin, Cooper, McCluster

February 16th, 2014 at 2:49pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Eagles face a difficult decision this offseason when it comes to their wide receiver group, as both Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper enter free agency. Each player offers promise, but each also carries considerable risk, as the team at Pro Football Focus notes in their latest “Free Agent Duel” piece.

Maclin, who missed the 2013 season with a torn ACL, has the higher pedigree as a former first-round pick, and his speed would fit nicely in Chip Kelly’s offense, which features many screens and quick out patterns. However, Maclin has always been higher on promise than productivity, as he has never surpassed 1,000 yards receiving, and graded out poorly in 2012 by PFF’s metrics. Cooper, whose roster spot was in peril due to offseason drama until Maclin’s injury, had a breakout season as the number two option for the Eagles in 2013. He was even better at catching deep passes than fellow receiver DeSean Jackson, and he built rapport with quarterback Nick Foles. Cooper has only produced at this level for one season, however, while Maclin has offered roughly the same results for a few more years.

Their price tags figure to be roughly similar, as Maclin will be forced to take a discount due to his recent injury, and Cooper may be seen as having only succeeded in a stats-friendly system. Maclin has shown a willingness to return to the Eagles, so perhaps that will swing the pendulum in his favor. Ultimately, it seems unlikely the Eagles will be able to retain both, as they have other needs, specifically on defense, that need to be met.

A few other Eagles morsels:

Phil Sheridan chimes on the receiver situation as well, noting that he believes Cooper is the most likely to remain with the Eagles. Cooper might find that his league-wide value is not as high as thinks, and staying in Philadelphia will be the most logical decision.
Maclin, meanwhile, could end up with the Chiefs or the Jets, where he would have familiarity with Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinwheg, respectively.
Sheridan thinks that receiver Dexter McCluster could be an interesting add for the Eagles, as he could offer some versatility on offense, as well as help on special teams.
Finally, Sheridan speculates that the top four options on the 2014 Eagles receiver depth chart will be Jackson, Cooper, a first-round pick, and Arrelious Benn.

Reiss On Patriots: McDaniels, Lombardi, Smith

February 16th, 2014 at 1:40pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Mike Reiss of ESPN.com believes Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ hesitation regarding the Browns head coaching vacancy was related to his desire not to become the next Eric Mangini. Mangini, also once a Patriots assistant, took head coaching jobs with both the Jets and the Browns. After uninspiring results at each stop, he is now 43 years old and might struggle to get another opportunity. McDaniels might look to take a more cautious, forward-thinking approach, aiming for the perfect fit rather than jumping at the first opportunity presented.

More Patriots notes from Reiss:

The notion that McDaniels actually did want the Browns job all along doesn’t seem to make sense, according to Reiss. Given the Browns perceived desperation regarding their coaching search, it seems unlikely they wouldn’t have tried to lock down McDaniels if there was any chance to do so.
Speaking of the Browns, if former Cleveland GM Mike Lombardi does end up joining the Patriots front office, it will likely be in a consultant-type role, similar to that previously held by Floyd Reese in New England.
Even if the Patriots get any more cap room based on the Aaron Hernandez contract situation, it is unlikely to be resolved quickly enough to affect this offseason’s spending.
Reiss elaborates on his earlier contention that the recently released Will Smith could be an option for the Patriots.