2014 February - Pro Football Rumors

Eagles Extend Jason Peters

February 26th, 2014 at 10:12am CST by Luke Adams

10:12am: Peters’ new contract, which has now been confirmed by the team, will create about $2MM in cap savings for the Eagles in 2014, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com.

8:52am: The Eagles have reached an agreement to extend the contract of Pro Bowl offensive tackle Jason Peters, agent Vincent Taylor tells ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (Twitter link). According to Schefter, Peters will ink a four-year deal worth $41.3MM, with $19.55MM in guaranteed money.

Peters, 32, had been set to enter the last year of his contract, which would have paid him a base salary of $9.65MM. It’s not clear yet exactly how the new deal will break down season to season, but according to Tom Pelissero of USA Today (Twitter link), the contract adds four new years onto Peters’ current pact, rather than including the 2014 season. As such, the Eagles will have their left tackle under contract through 2018, and his full five-year deal maxes out at $51MM+.

The agreement will also create more short-term flexibility for the club by reducing Peters’ $10.292MM cap number for the ’14 season, tweets Pelissero. Meanwhile, the Arkansas alum will earn $10MM in bonuses before July 1 of this year, his agent tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).

Although the contract runs through Peters’ age-36 season, there’s no guarantee he’ll remain on Philadelphia’s roster until the end of the 2018 season. Still, it’s a significant commitment on the Eagles’ part, and one that will likely allow Peters to retire as an Eagle, for which his agent praised Philadelphia GM Howie Roseman, according to Rapoport.

It’s also the sort of commitment that Peters has earned. Coming off an Achilles injury that wiped out his 2012 season, the former Bill started all 16 games for the Eagles in 2013, earning his sixth Pro Bowl berth and his second first-team All Pro nod. While Peters didn’t quite return to the very top of Pro Football Focus’ rankings, he got close, placing fourth among 76 qualified tackles (subscription required). He’ll anchor the Eagles’ line and protect Nick Foles‘ blind side for the foreseeable future.

Dolphins Plan To Pursue Monroe, Albert

February 26th, 2014 at 9:58am CST by Luke Adams

Overhauling the offensive line will be one of the Dolphins’ top priorities this offseason, and the team intends to get started on that process in free agency. According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Dolphins like free-agent-to-be left tackles Eugene Monroe and Branden Albert, and plan to pursue both players in the hopes of landing one of the two.

Bryant McKinnie and Jonathan Martin handled left tackle duties for the Dolphins in 2013, and neither player was particularly effective, according to Pro Football Focus’ metrics (subscription required). McKinnie will be eligible for free agency himself, and Martin is extremely unlikely to return to Miami following last season’s bullying scandal, so left tackle represents a major hole for the club. And as I suggested earlier this week, Monroe and Albert both qualify as first-tier options on this year’s free agent market.

Of course, there’s no guarantee that both Monroe and Albert even make it to free agency. A report from two weeks ago indicated that the Chiefs were likely to let Albert walk, but GM John Dorsey said last week that’s not necessarily the case, confirming that the team has talked to the veteran’s representatives. As for Monroe, he expressed last week that he’s not interested in accepting a discount to remain in Baltimore, but head coach John Harbaugh has still conveyed optimism about the two sides working something out.

With those two players high on their wish list, the Dolphins hope to land a left tackle in free agency, then address the right tackle position in the draft, according to Jackson, who notes that Notre Dame’s Zack Martin could be an option at No. 19 overall. Considering Richie Incognito and John Jerry certainly won’t return, Miami will also need to revamp its guard rotation, though it sounds like shoring up the outside of the offensive line ranks higher on the team’s to-do list than bolstering the inside.

Falcons Expected To Release Thomas DeCoud

February 26th, 2014 at 8:34am CST by Luke Adams

The Falcons are expected to release veteran safety Thomas DeCoud by the fourth day of the 2014 league year, reports Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter). A portion of DeCoud’s salary becomes guaranteed if he remains on the team’s roster beyond March 14, but it’s possible he’ll be released even before then, as Atlanta looks to get its cap in order by March 11.

DeCoud, 28, earned a spot in the Pro Bowl a year ago due in large part to his six interceptions during the 2012 season. However, he didn’t grade well according to Pro Football Focus’ metrics that season, and was even worse in 2013, ranking 83rd out of 86 qualified safeties (subscription required). The longtime Falcons starter has three years remaining on his contract, but the club could create $3MM in 2014 cap savings by releasing him within the next couple weeks. Cutting him would reduce his cap number rom $4.8MM to just $1.8MM in dead money.

If and when the move becomes official, DeCoud will join a group of free agent safeties that currently includes T.J. Ward, Jairus Byrd, Donte Whitner, Chris Clemons, and James Ihedigbo, among others. The free agent market should provide plenty of options for teams looking to address their secondary prior to the draft.

NFC Rumors: Bucs, Saints, Finley, Cowboys

February 25th, 2014 at 10:26pm CST by Zachary Links

The Buccaneers are making a push to re-sign fullback Erik Lorig, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. The strong blocker has opened up holes for Doug Martin and the club’s other running backs and can also pitch in at tight end (link). La Canfora still expects the unrestricted free agent to test the open market, but he could still wind up back in Tampa Bay even if he does (link). More from around the NFL..

The Saints have had discussions with tackle Zach Strief, wide receivers Joe Morgan and Robert Meachem, and linebacker Parys Haralson, and now we can add another name to the list. Larry Holder of the Times-Picayune reports that New Orleans has also engaged in early discussions on a new deal with safety Rafael Bush.
There’s a healthy market forming for Packers free agent tight end Jermichael Finley, who is coming off of injury, La Canfora tweets. A longterm deal doesn’t seem all that likely but he could do well on a one or two year pact.
Todd Archer of ESPN.com (on Twitter) senses that the Cowboys will not restructure Brandon Carr‘s contract because they don’t want to push money into future caps.
Reuben Frank and Jeff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com look at 28-year-old safety Chris Clemons as a possibility for the Eagles. Mosher writes that he wouldn’t be surprised in the least if Clemons winds up in green.
The Giants and safety Stevie Brown have talked about a new deal, agent Blake Baratz tells Ed Valentine of Big Blue View.

Free Agent Market For Centers

February 25th, 2014 at 7:55pm CST by Luke Adams

Centers may not be the coveted commodities on the open market that left tackles or even guards are, but as the first play of this year’s Super Bowl exhibited, their impact shouldn’t be overlooked. Even once the ball is in the quarterback’s hands, an above-average center can help anchor a line, allowing a team to establish a running game and giving a QB the room to step up in a pocket.

That’s why it’s no so surprise that the Browns’ top priority this offseason is re-signing Alex Mack, the No. 1 center among this year’s free agent class. Mack, a two-time Pro Bowler who is still just 28 years old, represents the cream of the 2014 crop, but there are several other names to watch, particularly since so many teams could use help in the middle of their offensive line.

Cleveland will be in the market for a replacement if they lose their incumbent starter, and the same can be said for the Saints, Packers, Bears, Patriots, and 49ers. The Colts, Ravens, Giants, Falcons, and Rams received subpar production from their centers in 2013 and could be scouring the free agent market for an alternative, while the Jaguars will need to replace Brad Meester, who appears headed for retirement.

Finally, the Dolphins may consider bringing in someone new if they decide to part ways with Mike Pouncey, whose name was splashed all over the Ted Wells report. But given his contract status, his solid play in 2013, and the fact that the Dolphins have a couple fall guys in free-agents-to-be Richie Incognito and John Jerry, Pouncey likely isn’t going anywhere.

Even with the Dolphins not in the mix, we’ve still listed a dozen teams potentially involved in 2014’s free agent market for centers. Let’s take a look at some of the players those clubs will have to consider….

First tier:

As mentioned above, no other center among this year’s group of prospective free agents is in the same class as Mack, who has graded as a top-10 center in each of his first five NFL seasons, according to Pro Football Focus’ metrics. Designating Mack as a franchise player may not be in the Browns’ best interests, since he’d qualify for the same one-year salary as a left tackle, but Cleveland should still be able to find a way to lock him up.

After Mack, the two most intriguing options at center seem to be Evan Dietrich-Smith and Brian De La Puente. Both remain solidly in their primes at age 27 and 28, respectively, and have experience in two of the most dynamic passing offenses in the NFL. Dietrich-Smith started all 16 games for the Packers in 2013, while De La Puente has been the Saints’ starting center for multiple seasons. Of the two, De La Puente looks like the safer bet, given Dietrich-Smith’s relative lack of experience as a full-time player, but both should be solid pickups, particularly as pass blockers.

Second tier:

Jonathan Goodwin and Roberto Garza are longtime starters that continued to perform at an above-average level in 2013 — both ranked among the top 15 centers according to PFF’s grades. However, considering Goodwin having turned 35 years old in December, and Garza will turn 35 next month, teams may be wary of committing to either player on more than a very short-term contract. Still, for 2014 at least, both players should be reliable starting options, with Goodwin a more effective run blocker and Garza excelling in pass blocking.

Neither Ryan Wendell nor Fernando Velasco had a career year in 2013. After an excellent 2012 season, Wendell had a down year in 2013, grading as the league’s worst pass-blocking center, according to PFF. While he would like to return to the Patriots, a team like New England that relies on a potent passing attack may not be an ideal fit for Wendell, who is a more accomplished run blocker.

As for Velasco, he was cut by the Titans after a solid season in 2012 and caught on late with the Steelers in 2013 when Maurkice Pouncey tore his ACL. Velasco, 29, didn’t match his 2012 performance in Pittsburgh, but it’s reasonable to believe that missing training camp contributed to some of his struggles. If he’s on a roster for a full camp and preseason, Velasco looks capable of being a solid starter in 2014.

The rest:

While the rest of the prospective free agent centers come with some question marks, there should be some upside among this group too. Dan Koppen, J.D. Walton, and Ryan Cook were all sidelined due to injuries in 2013, but if they’re healthy, they should be capable of starting. Koppen’s age (34) and injury history (he missed virtually all of 2011 as well) are concerns, and Walton hasn’t played since the first month of the 2012 season, so Cook might be the most desirable player of this trio — he played well as Dallas’ center in 2012 and is a former second-round pick.

As for other names to watch? Ted Larsen didn’t play well as a Tampa Bay part-timer in 2013, and Robert Turner wasn’t good in the six games he started for the Titans. But both players received above-average grades from PFF in 2012, so they could still have potential in the right system. Meanwhile, former fourth-round pick Joe Hawley never received an extended run of playing time in his four seasons in Atlanta, but was having a decent season in part-time action in 2013 before a disastrous Week 17 performance. He also won’t turn 26 until October.

Previously:
Free Agent Market For Quarterbacks
Free Agent Market For Running Backs
Free Agent Market For Wide Receivers
Free Agent Market For Tight Ends
Free Agent Market For Offensive Tackles

Saints, Jimmy Graham Several Million Apart

February 25th, 2014 at 5:39pm CST by Zachary Links

The Saints and star tight end Jimmy Graham remain several million dollars apart per season in contract negotiations, sources tell Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (via Twitter). Sources indicate that New Orleans is willing to make Graham the highest paid tight end in the NFL while Graham wants roughly $12MM per year (link). The Saints have told Graham that they’ll eclipse the $9MM per year that Rob Gronkowski got from the Patriots, but that’s not enough for the 27-year-old.

Despite the sizable gap in talks, there’s next to zero chance of Graham hitting the open market. The Saints are expected to extend the franchise tag to Graham if they cannot come to terms on a brand-new multi-year pact. The franchise tag, however, could leave Graham with a bad taste in his mouth. Even though Graham is widely regarded as a tight end, he believes that he should be paid as a wide receiver given that he lined up at WR for nearly two-thirds of his snaps last season. It’s also worth noting that with 86 catches for 1215 yards in a season where he was dealing with injury, he certainly offers wide receiver-type production.

A recent PFR poll showed that most readers believe Graham should be tagged as a TE if he does not reach agreement on a new contract with the Saints.

Plaxico Burress Wants To Continue Playing

February 25th, 2014 at 5:34pm CST by Zachary Links

Veteran wide receiver Plaxico Burress was said to be mulling retirement, but that no longer appears to be the case. The former Steelers star told ESPN’s Outside The Lines that he believes he still has more football ahead of him, according to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News (via Sulia).

“I believe I do. I am rehabbing three or four days a week and I may go out and give it one more big push and that is the competitor in me,” said the 36-year-old, who added that he’s also working on his own business venture at the same time.

Burress did not appear in a regular season game with Pittsburgh in 2013 and probably won’t be back with the Steelers in 2014. Burress’ last productive year was with the Jets in 2011 when he hauled in 45 catches for 612 yards with eight TDs. Of course, the veteran lost years of his career thanks to his infamous gun incident.

AFC Notes: Bortles, Ravens, Chiefs, Colts

February 25th, 2014 at 4:56pm CST by Luke Adams

We checked in on the NFC earlier this afternoon, so let’s head over to the AFC now and round up a few of the latest updates….

Blake Bortles had formal interviews with eight franchises at the combine in Indianapolis, according to Paul Tenorio of the Orlando Sentinel. Of those eight teams, three – the Texans, Jaguars, and Titans – were AFC South squads. The Jets and Raiders also met with the UCF quarterback.
With James Ihedigbo expected to leave in free agency, the Ravens would like to add a free safety this offseason, shifting Matt Elam to strong safety, writes Clifton Brown of CSNBaltimore.com. Still, the team feels good about its secondary overall, and safety won’t be the top priority in May’s draft.
The Chiefs had formal interviews in Indianapolis with Missouri defensive end Kony Ealy and Michigan State cornerback Darqueze Dennard, reports Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star (Twitter links).
Cornerback Vontae Davis and safety Antoine Bethea are potential candidates to receive the Colts‘ franchise designation, but the free agent most likely to be tagged might be kicker Adam Vinatieri, says Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star.

QB Rumors: Vick, Cassel, McCown

February 25th, 2014 at 4:11pm CST by Luke Adams

As Andrew Cohen writes at OverTheCap.com, at least two former starting quarterbacks, Mark Sanchez and Matt Schaub, will likely be cap casualties in the coming days or weeks. Both players are expected to be released, as their respective teams move on to alternative options and take advantage of the cap savings.

While Sanchez and Schaub haven’t reached free agency yet, several other signal-callers appear poised to hit the open market in a couple weeks, assuming they don’t re-up with their current teams before March 11. Here are the latest rumors on a few of the top options on the QB market, mostly courtesy of Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com:

A strong market is forming for Michael Vick, and while the Jets have been mentioned as a potential suitor, league sources believe the team may refrain from spending in the range that Vick would require, says La Canfora.
The Raiders are considering multiple free agent quarterbacks, and Oakland may represent the best spot for Vick to start immediately. However, it’s still possible that Vick re-signs with the Eagles.
The Vikings, 49ers, Buccaneers, and Texans are exploring free agent options as well, according to La Canfora.
Matt Cassel is viewed as a decent bet to return to Minnesota, but if he doesn’t, the Texans are a likely suitor for him.
Josh McCown is drawing interest from several teams, including, as we’ve already heard, the Bears and Jets. However, New York’s interest will again be dependent on how much the club is willing to spend on a veteran QB.
Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com makes a case for why the Jets should re-sign Vick.

Teams Inquiring On Darrelle Revis

February 25th, 2014 at 3:31pm CST by Luke Adams

While a number of solid cornerbacks appear poised to hit the free agent market next month, a few NFL clubs also appear to be eyeing a corner whose contract extends well beyond March. According to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, teams are calling the Buccaneers to inquire about Darrelle Revis, with many rival executives believing that Revis is “ripe to be dealt” at the start of the 2014 league year.

Despite some apparent interest, no firm offers have been extended yet, and the Bucs certainly aren’t shopping their standout cornerback, according to La Canfora. The CBS Sports scribe also cautions that Revis’ age and sizable salary figure to limit the potential return for Tampa Bay. Still, inquiries and negotiations could ramp up as March 11 approaches, particularly since the team has hired a new general manager and head coach.

The lack of a prorated signing bonus in Revis’ deal makes a trade more palatable for the Buccaneers. The 28-year-old has five years and $80MM remaining on his contract, but there’s no signing bonus money included in that amount. If the pact featured, for instance, $2MM per year in prorated bonus money, all that money would accelerate onto the Bucs’ current cap in a trade, just as it does when a player is released. In a hypothetical Revis swap, the Bucs could clear his entire cap number.

Still, as La Canfora suggests, Revis’ age and base salary ($13MM per year, plus $3MM annually in roster and workout bonuses) figure to act as a deterrent in any talks. After missing most of the 2012 season, the veteran reclaimed his spot as Pro Football Focus’ top cornerback in 2013 (subscription required), so the Bucs would likely be seeking a sizable return, and teams may not be willing to give up high draft picks to take on such a massive contract.