2014 March - Pro Football Rumors

NFC Rumors: Tynes, Brown, Jackson, Hatcher

March 5th, 2014 at 4:32pm CST by Luke Adams

Buccaneers kicker Lawrence Tynes currently isn’t scheduled to hit free agency until after the 2014 season, but a decision on his contract status could mean he hits the open market next week, reports Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. According to Florio, there’s a disagreement over whether the Bucs should have placed Tynes on the non-football injury/illness list or the injured reserve list last season when the kicker developed an MRSA infection. The team opted for the NFI list, whereas if Tynes had been placed on the IR, he’d be eligible for free agency this year, so a ruling will be required.

Let’s round up a few more afternoon notes from around the NFC….

The 49ers are “making a push” to re-sign prospective free agent Tarell Brown before Tuesday, says Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (via Twitter). As Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee details, former Colts GM Bill Polian had high praise for Brown, who Polian thinks is one of the best cornerbacks available this winter.
On the heels of a weekend report suggesting the Eagles could gauge DeSean Jackson‘s trade value, Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com reiterates that the wide receiver’s days in Philadelphia may be numbered. In the piece, Mosher explains why he doesn’t think Jackson will be with the team beyond 2014.
Ian Rapoport of NFL.com believes the Buccaneers will be among the suitors for Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jason Hatcher, who the Cowboys may not be able to afford to re-sign (Twitter link).
While things could change in the next few days, indications are that the Rams will keep center Scott Wells for 2014, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com. Wells, who has two years left on his deal, has a cap number of $6.5MM for ’14.
Defensive back Kelvin Hayden and tight end Dante Rosario, who both recently re-signed with the Bears, will each make the minimum salary in 2014, reports Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (Twitter links).

Jets Claim Johnny Patrick Off Waivers

March 5th, 2014 at 4:16pm CST by Luke Adams

The Jets have been awarded cornerback Johnny Patrick off waivers, according to Brian McIntyre (via Twitter). Patrick was cut by the Chargers yesterday.

Patrick, 25, started four games for San Diego last season and appeared in 13 total contests, recording 38 tackles, 1.5 sacks, an interception, and a negative overall grade (-7.6), according to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics. While his results on the field in 2013 were middling, Patrick is a former third-round pick and his contract is very low risk — he’s slated to earn the minimum for 2014, with a modest $55K workout bonus.

NFL Reinstates Brandon Browner

March 5th, 2014 at 3:47pm CST by Zachary Links

3:47pm: The NFL and NFLPA have released an official statement on Browner’s reinstatement. According to the release, Browner will have to serve a four-game suspension and forfeit an additional four weeks of pay in 2014.

WEDNESDAY, 9:23am: Although he has been reinstated, Browner is still expected to face some sort of suspension to open the 2014 season, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN.com.

TUESDAY, 6:28pm: Cornerback Brandon Browner announced via Twitter that he has been reinstated by the NFL. The league had suspended him indefinitely for violating the league’s substance abuse policy but it sounds like they’ve buckled as Browner and his lawyer prepared to file a lawsuit.

“I received wonderful news today. The NFL has reinstated me, and I now have the opportunity to prove to the fans and my teammates how important this sport is to me. I realize now more than ever that being part of the NFL is not a right, but a privilege,” the cornerback wrote. “I am grateful that Commissioner Goodell and my agent were able to resolve this issue in a positive, productive manner so I can continue my career, provide for my family, and help my team win a Super Bowl. Thank you to all who have gone out of their way to show their support. I will live up to your expectations of me.”

The league slapped the 29-year-old with a suspension in mid-December which sidelined him for the postseason and Seattle’s Super Bowl victory. It wasn’t Browner’s first run-in with the league office – he was also suspended for four games in 2012 for violating the performance enhancing drug policy for using a prescription drug. This suspension, however, apparently had nothing to do with drugs. Browner was suspended for missing scheduled drug tests years ago while he was without an NFL contract. With the indefinite suspension lifted, Browner can now look forward to unrestricted free agency on March 11, and a potentially hefty payday.

Over the last three seasons with Seattle, the 6’4″ corner has racked up 104 tackles and ten picks over the course of 36 games. He’ll celebrate his 30th birthday in August.

Steelers Release Levi Brown, Larry Foote

March 5th, 2014 at 3:19pm CST by Luke Adams

The Steelers cap-related moves keep coming, as the team is releasing offensive lineman Levi Brown and linebacker Larry Foote, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link). The team has confirmed the cuts (via Twitter), and also announced the release of cornerback Curtis Brown, which we discussed earlier.

Brown, who the Steelers acquired in a trade with the Cardinals last October, didn’t play a single snap for Pittsburgh after tearing his triceps. His release will be a major boon for the Steelers, wiping a $6.25MM from the club’s books for 2014. As for Foote, the team may miss his on-field contributions a little more. Drafted by the Steelers in 2002, Foote has remained in Pittsburgh since then, appearing in 172 games for the franchise. His 2013 season was also wiped out by an injury (torn biceps), and his release will create about $1.167MM in cap savings for the Steelers.

Taking into account their three cuts and two extensions for Heath Miller and Troy Polamalu, the Steelers have created more than $14MM in cap savings today, which should go a long way toward getting the team under the 2014 cap. At least one or two more moves will likely be required, with Ike Taylor and LaMarr Woodley representing strong candidates to be released or restructured.

Steelers Cut Curtis Brown

March 5th, 2014 at 3:14pm CST by Luke Adams

The Steelers have released defensive back Curtis Brown, according to agent Chad Speck of Allegiant Athletic Agency (Twitter link). Brown, a third-round pick in 2011, had one year remaining on his rookie contract.

Although Brown saw a good deal of playing time on defense in 2012 as the nickel corner, he was relegated primarily to special teams duty in 2013. An ACL injury ended his season prematurely, but Speck indicates in his tweet that Brown will be ready for the 2014 season.

The Steelers’ cap savings in the move are minimal, since Brown’s cap number is only reduced by $645K. Still, every little bit should help Pittsburgh as the team looks to sneak under the cap before the new league year begins on Tuesday.

FA Rumors: Talib, Allen, Carroll, McClain

March 5th, 2014 at 2:00pm CST by Luke Adams

While one prospective free agent cornerback, Brent Grimes, re-upped with his team earlier this week, we probably shouldn’t expect Aqib Talib and the Patriots to reach an agreement before Talib hits the open market, says Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. Howe hears from a source that Talib “wants to be paid as a top-of-the-market corner” in free agency, meaning he’s unlikely to accept any offer from the Pats before he sees what else is out there. New England has made the veteran cornerback a priority since the team’s season ended, but it looks like the Pats will have to compete with other suitors if they want to bring Talib back for 2014.

Here’s more on this year’s free agent class:

Appearing on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Jared Allen said that when he hits free agency, he’ll be looking for a good organization with a chance to win – as well as a fair contract – and expects to be very involved in the process. The longtime Viking didn’t sound bullish on the idea of joining the Raiders, suggesting that Oakland has a lot of things to “correct” and may not be looking for a veteran defensive end (all Twitter links).
The Vikings are “expected to take a strong look” at cornerback Nolan Carroll if and when he becomes available, a source tells Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. We heard last week that the Dolphins have interest in bringing back Carroll, who anticipates testing the open market.
Jack Bechta, the agent for linebacker Pat Angerer, tells Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star that the Colts will let his client hit the open market next week without attempting to re-sign him. Angerer’s looming departure helps explain the club’s interest in signing free agent linebacker D’Qwell Jackson.
After visiting with the Bills today, free agent linebacker Jameel McClain will move on to meet with the Giants, tweets Joe Buscaglia of WGR550. According to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter link), the Bills and Giants are two of the five teams interested in McClain.
The Redskins continue talking to linebacker Perry Riley but aren’t particularly close to reaching an agreement, reports Mark Maske of the Washington Post.
Seth Walder of the New York Daily News expects the Jets to add a quarterback in free agency, and identifies Josh McCown, Michael Vick, and Tarvaris Jackson as a few potential targets for the club.
According to head coach John Harbaugh, the Ravens have “aggressive” offers out to all the pending free agents they want to keep (Twitter link via Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun).
Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press takes a look at some free agent options for the Lions as the team hunts for a slot receiver to replace Nate Burleson.

Vikings Release John Carlson

March 5th, 2014 at 1:41pm CST by Luke Adams

WEDNESDAY, 1:41pm: The Vikings have officially released Carlson, the team announced today (Twitter link).

TUESDAY, 3:21pm: Although the Vikings and John Carlson had been in talks about a potential restructure of the tight end’s contract, the two sides failed to reach an agreement, and the team will instead release Carlson, according to Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports 1 (Twitter link). Carlson had three years remaining on his contract, but rather than hitting the open market after the 2016 season, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent immediately.

Carlson, 29, recorded a total of 40 receptions for 387 yards in his two seasons with the Vikings as the team’s second tight end behind Kyle Rudolph. Carlson was said to be considering retirement this offseason after suffering his third concussion during the 2013 season, but it appears he’ll continue his playing career, assuming he catches on with another club.

With the move, the Vikings will eliminate Carlson’s $5MM cap number for 2014 from their books, but will be left with $3MM in dead money, for a total of $2MM in cap savings.

Steelers Extend Troy Polamalu’s Contract

March 5th, 2014 at 1:20pm CST by Luke Adams

1:20pm: Polamalu’s three-year extension is worth $20MM overall, and will save the Steelers $4.5MM in 2014 cap space, tweets ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter.

12:26pm: The Steelers have extended Troy Polamalu‘s contract for an additional two years beyond next season, keeping him under team control through 2016, the club announced today. Like Heath Miller‘s new deal, which was also confirmed by the Steelers, Polamalu’s extension is expected to reduce his 2014 cap number.

Polamalu, who has been with the Steelers since the team drafted him in the first round in 2003, had been on the books for a cap number of about $10.888MM for 2014. His new deal should reduce that number, along with his ’14 base salary ($8.25MM), pushing some prorated bonus money into the 2015 and 2016 seasons.

Although he’ll turn 33 next month, Polamalu continues to give the Steelers excellent production at the strong safety position, starting all 16 games for the club in 2013. The USC alum earned his eighth Pro Bowl berth and ranked fifth overall among 86 qualified safeties, according to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required).

For the Steelers, the Polamalu and Miller extensions will create some much-needed cap flexibility, as the team looks to get under the cap in time for the start of the new league year next Tuesday. Still, depending on how much money is sliced off Polamalu’s cap number for 2014, more moves will likely be required. Pittsburgh may also have to deal with the contracts of LaMarr Woodley and Ike Taylor in the coming days.

D’Qwell Jackson Decision Expected This Week

March 5th, 2014 at 1:08pm CST by Luke Adams

D’Qwell Jackson isn’t the most intriguing name among 2014’s class of free agents, but he’s perhaps the most notable player available before next Tuesday. Because he was released by the Browns last month, Jackson can sign with a new team immediately, and he’s expected to make a decision within the next couple days, a source tells Master Tesfatsion of the Star Tribune.

Jackson has visited with several teams within the last week and has narrowed down his choice to four potential destinations, according to Tesfatsion: The Titans, Broncos, Dolphins, and Colts. The Vikings, Cardinals, and Redskins were among the other clubs said to have interest in the veteran inside linebacker, but they didn’t make the cut for Jackson’s short list.

Jackson had been a starter for the Browns since the club selected him in the second round of the 2006 draft. Despite leading the team in tackles in 2013, Jackson graded poorly as a run defender in Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics, and placed 42nd overall out of 55 qualified inside linebackers (subscription required). Still, the Maryland alum was Cleveland’s longtime defensive leader on defense and is still just 30 years old, so he should have a few more solid seasons left in him.

Bears Release Adam Podlesh

March 5th, 2014 at 12:17pm CST by Luke Adams

The Bears have terminated the contract of veteran punter Adam Podlesh, the team announced today (Twitter link). Podlesh had two years remaining on his contract, which carried a cap number of $1.825MM for 2014. By cutting him, Chicago will take on $800K in dead money for the coming season, creating just over $1MM in cap savings.

Podlesh, 30, has been the Bears’ starting punter since the 2011 season, but is coming off arguably his worst year as a pro. Podlesh averaged 40.6 yards per punt in 68 tries, the worst mark of his seven-year career, and his net average of 37.9 was the worst since his rookie season. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), the former Jaguar ranked dead last out of 41 qualified punters in 2013.

With Podlesh out of the picture, either Drew Butler or Tress Way could end up winning Chicago’s starting punter job for 2014. Discussing the team’s three punters at last month’s combine, GM Phil Emery said, “It’s a wide open competition.”