HEADLINES

Month: March 2014

AFC Notes: Brinkley, Cassel, Bailey, Byrd

March 6th, 2014 at 10:18am CST by Luke Adams

The Bills are getting an early start on perusing this year’s crop of free agent linebackers. After meeting with Jameel McClain, who was released last week by the Ravens, Buffalo is hosting another free agent LB today, as Jasper Brinkley comes to town, according to Chris Brown of BuffaloBills.com. Brinkley was cut last Friday by the Cardinals.

Here’s more from around the AFC:

  • Matt Cassel, who opted out of his contract with the Vikings, has an old Patriots connection with new Houston head coach Bill O’Brien, and the interest between Cassel and the Texans is mutual and real, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter links).
  • Rapoport also hears that before D’Qwell Jackson signed with the Colts, the free agent linebacker turned down more money elsewhere (Twitter link).
  • Veteran defensive back Champ Bailey, who is being released by the Broncos, tells Mike Klis of the Denver Post (Twitter link) that GM John Elway didn’t present a pay cut as an option. “There was no discussions about it,” Bailey said. “It was like, ‘We’re ready to move on.'”
  • The Broncos will look to add a pass rusher this offseason to play opposite Von Miller, and free agency may be a better bet for the club than the draft, according to Klis, who identifies Jared Allen as one possible target.
  • In a Q&A with John Kryk of the Toronto Sun, Bills GM Doug Whaley suggested that not franchising Jairus Byrd earlier this week set up a “more amicable” negotiation with the free agent safety. Said Whaley, in noting that the team franchised Byrd a year ago: “This year we said, ‘For the betterment of the Buffalo Bills, and to show you more or less good faith, we’re not going to use that option to restrict you from hitting the market. Let’s try to go full bore, with both of us focused on trying to get a deal done.'”
  • Ben Volin of the Boston Globe explains why he thinks it make sense for the Patriots to pass on re-signing prospective free agent Aqib Talib and instead try to trade for Buccaneers cornerback Darrelle Revis.

Pompei On Byrd, Graham, Joseph, McCown

March 6th, 2014 at 9:28am CST by Luke Adams

Dan Pompei of Bleacher Report leads off his latest column by discussing Bills safety Jairus Byrd, who looks poised to reach the open market in the next few days. Many front office executives around the league view Byrd as the top difference-maker of this year’s free agent class, so the 27-year-old figures to draw plenty of interest, even if he won’t come cheap — Pompei suggests the “word on the street” is that Byrd will seek $9MM+ per year. Here’s more from the BR piece:

  • The Seahawks are unlikely to pursue franchised Saints tight end Jimmy Graham, since the investment required in Graham could preclude deals for one or more of the team’s own young players.
  • Others clubs around the league believe Buccaneers guard Davin Joseph could be available via trade, says Pompei. Joseph is a two-time Pro Bowler, but is owed $6MM in 2014 and turns 31 later this year.
  • Josh McCown‘s market is “developing quite nicely,” according to Pompeti, who suggests that it’s starting to look like the free-agent-to-be won’t return to the Bears. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweeted something similar today, indicating that it looks like the signal-caller will hit the open market next week. The Buccaneers, Jets, and Vikings could be among McCown’s suitors, writes Pompei.
  • Don’t expect Greg Schiano to join the Patriots‘ staff, despite the time he spent with Bill Belichick at last month’s combine. A source tells Pompei that New England doesn’t have a spot on the staff for the former Bucs head coach, and isn’t likely to create one.
  • The 49ers front office “thinks very highly” of defensive line coach Jim Tomsula, according to Pompei, who suggests that if the reported tension between the club and Jim Harbaugh develops into anything real, Tomsula could be next in line for the head coaching job.

NFC Notes: Packers, Hester, Mitchell, Smith

March 5th, 2014 at 9:59pm CST by Zachary Links

Nate Davis of USA Today ran down the Packers‘ offseason needs and rightfully noted that the D-Line will need to be addressed. Tyson Jackson, Arthur Jones, and Paul Soliai could be candidates for Green Bay, especially since B.J. Raji seems to have played his way off the roster. Here’s more out of the NFC..

  • In an interview with NFL Network. Bears return specialist Devin Hester indicated that he’ll likely be elsewhere in 2014, writes Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune. “From my knowledge, I know that Chicago wants to go a different route with me,” Hester said, pretty much confirming a similar report from earlier in the week. “All I can say is thanks to the fans (for) the support. Always been great to me, always been loyal. I couldn’t want to play for a better city than those guys.” Hester averaged 27.6 yards per kickoff return and 14.2 yards per punt return last season, tying Sanders’ touchdown record with an 81-yard punt return against the Redskins in October.
  • Panthers safety Michael Mitchell is a shining example of how one-year deals can actually benefit veterans, writes USA Today’s Tom Pelissero. The 26-year-old didn’t get much opportunity in Oakland but after totaling four interceptions, two forced fumbles and 3.5 sacks in 15 games (14 starts) in 2013 with Carolina, he figures to see a bigger pay day this year.
  • Tom Sorensen of the Charlotte Observer says Panthers GM Dave Gettleman holds the cards in his standoff with wide receiver Steve Smith. The inventive columnist even goes so far as to come up with dialogue for an imagined meeting between the two men.
  • The Vikings want to re-sign veteran wide receiver Jerome Simpson, writes Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press. A source tells Tomasson that Minnesota is interested in a third year with Simpson even though he was arrested in November on suspicion of a DUI.
  • It’s no secret that the 49ers are trying to get deals done with Donte Whitner and Tarell Brown before they hit free agency, but it may be difficult to get both men to bypass the open market, writes Bill Williamson of ESPN.com (Twitter links).
  • Bears guard Kyle Long has already begun lobbying for the team to sign free agent defensive tackle Nate Collins, writes John Mullin of CSNChicago.com. Earlier tonight, the Bears came to terms with fellow DT Jeremiah Ratliff.

AFC Notes: Johnson, Amendola, Lankster, Nwaneri

March 5th, 2014 at 8:53pm CST by Zachary Links

Titans running back Chris Johnson took to Twitter to provide an update on his contract situation. According to Johnson, his agent met with the Titans yesterday, but talks remain at a standstill as the running back continues to play the waiting game. Tennessee is believed to have interest in retaining Johnson, but not at his current $10MM cap figure. Here are a few more AFC notes:

  • The Patriots can’t designate Danny Amendola as a post-June 1 cut in 2014, according to Albert Breer of NFL Network (Twitter links). The Pats have to carry the wide receiver on the roster into the ’14 league year to make him a June 1 cut and if they do that, his ’14 base is guaranteed.
  • The Jets announced that they have agreed to deals with reserve cornerbacks Ellis Lankster and Darrin Walls. Lankster, 26, has seen time in 30 combined games for Gang Green over the last two years.
  • In an interesting piece for ESPN.com, Kevin Seifert outlines why many members of this year’s free agent class – including Broncos standout Eric Decker – may be better off re-signing with their current teams before next week.
  • Two or three teams are already in on former Jaguars guard Uche Nwaneri, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN. The Jags released their longtime starting guard yesterday to create $3.706MM in cap savings for the team. Nwaneri ranked 34th among 81 qualified guards in 2013, according to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics, and had an overall grade of +18.0 over the last five seasons.

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

Chargers Re-Sign Donald Butler

March 5th, 2014 at 8:23pm CST by Luke Adams

WEDNESDAY, 8:23pm: Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk has the full breakdown of Butler’s deal. Per a league source, Butler’s deal covers seven years with a total potential value of $51.8MM with only $11.15MM guaranteed at signing. After three seasons, the Chargers hold a $12MM option bonus.

If the Chargers don’t trigger that bonus, they can cut bait after paying $15.15MM over two years between the $750K base salary for 2014 and a non-guaranteed base salary of $3.25MM for 2015. Alternatively, they can pay another $4.65MM in 2016 and extend it to a three-year, $19.8MM contract. If the option bonus is paid, the final four years kick in, at base salaries of $4MM in 2017, $4.65MM in 2018, $5.35MM in 2019, and $6MM in 2020.

Florio writes that the cap numbers are as follows: $2.98MM in 2014, $5.48MM in 2015, $9.28MM in 2016, $8.63MM in 2017, $9.28MM in 2018, and $7.75MM in 2020.

MONDAY, 9:55am: Butler’s contract with the Chargers is a multi-tiered deal, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). According to Rapoport, the first three years of the pact are worth just under $20MM, and then the team will have an option to keep the linebacker for four additional years at between $8MM and $9.5MM per year. The first segment of the deal is currently guaranteed for about $12MM, while the second segment would be guaranteed for about $15MM if the team exercises its option, Rapoport adds in a second tweet.

FRIDAY, 1:51pm: Prospective free agent Donald Butler will stay with the Chargers rather than hitting the open market, and it was Butler himself who broke the story. The San Diego linebacker has announced the new agreement on Twitter: “Feeling blessed! Y’all heard it here first! Deal is done!! SD I aint going no where!! Too excited!!” The Chargers have since confirmed that the two sides have agreed to terms (Twitter link).

Donald ButlerButler, who is coming off the final year of his rookie contract, ranked as one of the top inside linebackers expected to hit free agency this offseason, though that was based more on his age (25) and previous performance than his 2013 showing. Plagued by injuries and inconsistent play, Butler ranked 45th among 55 qualified inside linebackers in ’13, according to Pro Football Focus’ metrics (subscription required), recording negative grades as a pass-rusher, as a run-stopper, and in coverage.

Still, given his age and potential, Butler was a top priority for the Chargers heading into free agency, with the franchise tag considered an outside possibility. Terms of the deal aren’t yet known, but Butler figures to be in line for a nice raise on the $1.323MM base salary he earned in 2013, and I’d expect the contract to be for at least three or four years.

With Butler off the board, teams in search of an inside linebacker this offseason could turn to alternatives like Karlos Dansby, Brandon Spikes, and Daryl Smith, if they hit the open market. Another intriguing option, D’Qwell Jackson, has already become an unrestricted free agent, and is drawing interest from several teams, including the Titans, Broncos, Vikings, Redskins, and Cardinals.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Bears, Ratliff Agree To Two-Year Deal

March 5th, 2014 at 7:23pm CST by Zachary Links

The Bears announced that they have reached agreement on a two-year deal with defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff. The Bears have now signed ten of their own free-agents-to-be, more than any other club in the NFL.

While financial terms of the deal are not yet known, a source tells Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune (on Twitter) that the deal is not a bank-breaker. Ratliff apparently opted for his quality fit in Chicago over going through another round of recruiting elsewhere. It also helped Chicago’s case that new defensive line coach Paul Pasqualoni worked with Ratliff in Dallas.

The soon-to-be 33-year-old racked up 27 sacks and 317 total tackles during his time with the Cowboys but it came to an end midway through the 2013 season while he was sidelined with injury. It turns out that Ratliff was either a good actor or a quick healer as he started auditioning for teams almost immediately and suited up the Bears in Week 13.

Ratliff, along with Nate Collins and Henry Melton, was one of three Bears defensive tackles who were eligible for free agency this offseason. Chicago reportedly has interest in a new deal with Melton and it would make sense for them to explore a new pact with Collins as well.

Eagles Won’t Re-Sign Mike Vick

March 5th, 2014 at 6:41pm CST by Zachary Links

6:41pm: The two sides have talked and will continue to, even though Vick wants to start, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (via Twitter) has a similar take, saying that no doors are closed to Vick.

5:55pm: Michael Vick will not be back with the Eagles in any capacity in 2014, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. Philadelphia is moving in a different direction with their backup role and, of course, the No. 1 slot is occupied by Nick Foles.

The news that the Eagles won’t re-sign Vick is far from surprising. While Vick’s injury history and age (34 in June) aren’t working in his favor, he stands as one of the most desirable free agent quarterbacks in an offseason where there are several teams looking. The former Falcons superstar believes that he’ll be a starter in 2014 and it’s hard to argue with him as the Jaguars, Texans, Browns, Vikings, Buccaneers, and Raiders are all looking for a new signal callers. Other clubs, like the Jets, could conceivably get in on Vick.

For a full rundown of Vick’s possibilities and the other QBs available in the 2014 free agent class, take a look at Luke Adams’ rundown from earlier this year.

Draft Notes: Manziel, Evans, Matthews

March 5th, 2014 at 6:27pm CST by Zachary Links

The Browns didn’t meet with Johnny Manziel at the NFL Scouting Combine, but he wasn’t the only quarterback that the club didn’t talk to, according to Vic Carucci of ClevelandBrowns.com (via Mary Kay Cabot of the Northeast Ohio Media Group). Cleveland also passed on the chance to talk to the likes of Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater, Central Florida’s Blake Bortles, and Fresno State’s Derek Carr. That doesn’t mean the team won’t meet with the top QBs, however. The Browns plan to spend quality time with the quarterbacks when they bring them to Berea, Ohio for visits and future private workouts. More draft news..

  • Texas A&M wide receiver Mike Evans has met with the Patriots and 49ers in the last 24 hours, tweets Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle.
  • Tackle Jake Matthews met has met with the Browns and Rams, according to Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (via Twitter). Matthews, widely expected to be one of the first tackles off the board in this year’s draft, has also met with the Falcons.
  • Alabama State running back Isaiah Crowell confirmed that he has spoken to the Raiders, Browns, and the Ravens, according to a report from BamaStateSports.com (hat tip to NFL.com).

Buccaneers Re-Sign Bobby Rainey

March 5th, 2014 at 5:17pm CST by Luke Adams

5:17pm: The deal is actually for one year, not two as announced, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

3:59pm: The Buccaneers have re-signed running back Bobby Rainey to a two-year contract extension, according to Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com. Rainey had been an exclusive rights free agent.

After seeing limited playing time with the Browns during the first few weeks of the 2013 season, Rainey was waived and landed with the Buccaneers. After starting running back Doug Martin and backup Mike James suffered season-ending injuries, Rainey got an opportunity to act as Tampa Bay’s featured back during the second half, racking up 532 yards and five rushing TDs on 137 carries.

Martin and James are expected to be healthy for 2014, but Rainey’s performance in 2013 could earn him a few carries going forward. At the very least, he’ll be reliable security blanket in the event of further injuries to the team’s top backs.

Because Rainey is entering his third season, the two-year deal locks him up for one ERFA season and his RFA season. At the end of the deal, the 26-year-old out of Western Kentucky should be eligible for unrestricted free agency.

Contract Tenders: Rams, Vikings, Raiders

March 5th, 2014 at 4:57pm CST by Luke Adams

With free agency approaching, teams are working to lock up their exclusive rights free agents and to retain the right of first refusal on their restricted free agents. Here are the contract tenders teams have placed on those FAs so far on Wednesday:

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