2014 March - Pro Football Rumors

49ers To Re-Sign Anquan Boldin

March 3rd, 2014 at 2:17pm CST by Luke Adams

2:17pm: Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk has the specifics on Boldin’s contract. According to Florio, the base salary for 2014 is the veteran minimum ($955K). The deal also includes a $4.545MM signing bonus, and $500K in per-game roster bonuses for the ’14 season. The base salary for 2015 is $6MM, with $3MM of that amount guaranteed for injury only.

1:37pm: Boldin’s two-year deal is worth $12MM, with $9MM guaranteed, reports ESPN’s Ed Werder (Twitter link).

1:23pm: The 49ers have reached an agreement with Anquan Boldin on a new contract, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com, who reports that it’s a two-year deal. Boldin first broke word of the agreement via his foundation’s website.

“49ers fans, I wanted to be the first to tell you I’m returning to San Francisco,” Boldin said in a statement. “Looking forward to joining my teammates, coaching staff and fans to bring back another championship to the Bay Area.”

Boldin, who was traded to the Niners from the Ravens last year, excelled in his first season in San Francisco. His 85 receptions, 1,179 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns all matched or exceeded his best marks in three seasons in Baltimore. Boldin also ranked third among receivers in DYAR according to Football Outsiders, and ninth overall among receivers according to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics.

Financial details of the deal aren’t yet known, but I’d expect it will pay Boldin in the ballpark of $6-7MM per year. That would make the contract worth a little more on an annual basis than the other two extensions signed by receivers so far this offseason — Jeremy Maclin‘s one-year pact can max out at $6MM, while Riley Cooper‘s multiyear agreement pays him about $4-5MM per year.

With those three agreements on the books, the wide receiver market has taken a bit of a hit. When I examined the free agent market for receivers last month, I placed Boldin, Maclin, and Cooper in the first tier. Still, with players like Eric Decker, Julian Edelman, Golden Tate, Emmanuel Sanders, and Hakeem Nicks on track to hit the open market, there should be a few appealing options for teams in need of receiving help.

ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter first reported in February that Boldin and the 49ers were closing in on a new deal, while ESPN’s Ed Werder reported today that an announcement was expected shortly.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Franchise Updates: Whitner, Houston, Byrd

March 3rd, 2014 at 1:58pm CST by Luke Adams

With today’s franchise deadline now less than five hours away, let’s round up a few of the latest news items and rumors on the franchise tag from around the NFL….

The 49ers won’t be designating safety Donte Whitner as their franchise player, reports Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk (via Twitter).
Raiders defensive end Lamarr Houston isn’t expected to receive the team’s franchise tag, a source tells Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
The Bills have yet to express anything to Jairus Byrd about the franchise tag, and it appears unlikely that the club will use it, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. Joe Buscaglia of WGR550 also hears that the Bills won’t franchise Byrd (Twitter link).
The Packers don’t look likely to use the franchise tag on their own defensive back, says Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette (via Twitter). A source tells Dougherty that the team has yet to mention the possibility to Sam Shields or his agent.

Earlier updates:

The Lions aren’t expected to use their franchise tag today, tweets Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Tight end Brandon Pettigrew likely would have been the top candidate to be franchised.
The Seahawks won’t use their franchise tag on defensive end Michael Bennett, reports Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. We also heard over the weekend that the team doesn’t intend to tag kicker Steven Hauschka, but Seattle is still trying to reach deals with both players, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter).
The Titans won’t use their franchise tag on anyone this offseason, tweets Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean. Cornerback Alterraun Verner appeared to be the most viable Tennessee candidate for the tag, but it appears the club will either reach a multiyear agreement with Verner or let him hit the open market.
Paul Soliai‘s agent says the Dolphins have told his client he won’t be franchised, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald (via Twitter). We heard last week that Miami was unlikely to re-sign Soliai, so the team may turn its attention to bringing back its other key free agent defensive lineman, Randy Starks.

Lions Release Leroy Harris

March 3rd, 2014 at 1:46pm CST by Luke Adams

The Lions have cut veteran offensive lineman Leroy Harris, according to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com (via Twitter). Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun first reported (via Twitter) that the team would be releasing Harris today.

After starting all but one game at left guard for the Titans in 2010 and 2011, Harris’ 2012 season was cut short by a partially torn ACL. The 29-year-old caught in last summer with Detroit, but simply acted as depth for the Lions, whose offensive line remained relatively healthy all season.

Harris had been on the Lions’ cap for about $2.06MM in 2014, and was due a roster bonus worth $100K later this month, so the move doesn’t come as a surprise. The club creates $1.95MM in ’14 cap savings by releasing Harris, who will immediately become an unrestricted free agent.

Redskins Use Franchise Tag On Brian Orakpo

March 3rd, 2014 at 1:10pm CST by Luke Adams

1:10pm: Orakpo has no plans to sign the one-year franchise tender anytime soon, so it could be a while before his contract status for 2014 is set, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Zac Boyer of the Washington Times adds (via Twitter) that the Redskins used the non-exclusive tag, so Orakpo could sign an offer sheet with another suitor after March 11. It’s unlikely that any team will want to give up the required two first-round picks though.

12:35pm: The Redskins have officially used their 2014 franchise tag on free-agent-to-be Brian Orakpo, the team announced today (Twitter link). ESPN’s Ed Werder first reported this morning that the team was prepared to designate Orakpo as its franchise player.

Orakpo started 15 games for the Redskins last season, recording 60 tackles, 10 sacks, and returning an interception for a touchdown. The 27-year-old ranked fourth among 3-4 outside linebackers according to Pro Football Focus’ metrics, recording positive grades not only as a pass rusher, but also against the run and as a coverage man.

Orakpo and the Redskins were said to be working on a long-term deal, but remained far enough apart that an agreement today was unlikely. The franchise tag effectively takes Orakpo off the market, though he and the Redskins still have plenty of time to continue negotiating a multiyear contract. If Orakpo plays on a one-year franchise salary, he’ll likely be in line to earn about $11.46MM. If he and his reps push for a designation as a defensive end, the former 13th overall pick could be eligible for a $13.12MM salary, but I expect the more modest linebacker amount will apply to him.

With today’s franchise deadline looming, Orakpo becomes the fourth player this offseason to officially receive the tag, joining Greg Hardy (Panthers), Jimmy Graham (Saints), and Nick Folk (Jets). Orakpo is also the latest key defensive free agent retained by the Redskins, who had already locked up DeAngelo Hall and Chris Baker to multiyear deals. The team is also expected to try to re-sign linebacker Perry Riley.

Anquan Boldin, 49ers Nearing Deal

March 3rd, 2014 at 12:50pm CST by Rory Parks

MARCH 3: ESPN’s Ed Werder expects the 49ers to announce a new contract for Boldin within the next 24 hours (Twitter link).

FEBRUARY 26: Assuming the 49ers and Boldin come to terms on a new agreement, expect the money to be similar to the three, $17.5MM deal Reggie Wayne signed in 2012, tweets Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. According to Barrows, the question is whether Boldin will get two or three years.

Boldin is coming off a 2013 season in which he earned a base salary of $6MM, so it sounds like his new salary will be in the same ballpark. If his next contract is indeed structured similarly to Wayne’s, it could include a decent bonus as well — $6.5MM of Wayne’s $17.5MM total came in the form of a signing bonus.

FEBRUARY 23: Wide receiver Anquan Boldin and the 49ers are “closing in” on a deal to keep Boldin in San Francisco, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter (via Twitter). Although Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk wrote several days ago that the two sides had not yet begun negotiations, it has been clear for some time that Boldin wants to stay with the 49ers and that the Niners want him back. Now, according, to Schefter, a deal is expected to get done.

FA Rumors: Spikes, Jackson, Mack, Graham

March 3rd, 2014 at 12:04pm CST by Luke Adams

With the 2014 free agent period now eight days away, we’re starting to get a clearer idea of which players will actually be available when we turn the calendar to March 11, and a new league year begins. Plenty of free-agents-to-be will still be locked up between now and then, but many more will hit the open market, and perhaps change teams. Here’s the latest on a number of current or prospective free agents:

The Patriots and Brandon Spikes aren’t discussing a new deal, meaning the linebacker appears likely to become a free agent and sign elsewhere, writes Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald.
Having met with the Broncos and Titans already, linebacker D’Qwell Jackson is on his way to Miami today to visit the Dolphins, according to Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean (via Twitter). The former Brown has a leg up on this year’s class of free agent linebackers, since he’s free to sign prior to March 11 if he so chooses.
The Browns‘ brass met with center Alex Mack this weekend, and are serious about mending fences with Mack that may have been torn down by the old regime, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
In the view of ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (Twitter link), the Seahawks and Packers should be open to the idea of signing Jimmy Graham to an offer sheet and giving up two first-round picks to snatch him away from the Saints. However, Peter King of TheMMQB.com doesn’t think giving up a pair of top picks for the right to pay Graham $12MM per year is worth it.
Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com takes a look at the Saints‘ perspective when it comes to negotiating a new deal for Graham.
Chris Murray, the agent for defensive back Marcus Sherels, is optimistic that he and the Vikings will complete a deal for his restricted free agent client before March 11, tweets Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
The Giants will be bringing back exclusive rights free agent OL Dallas Reynolds, says Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News (via Twitter).
Pro Football Focus has released a list of its top 75 free agents.

NFC East Notes: Giants, Beason, RFAs, Eagles

March 3rd, 2014 at 11:25am CST by Luke Adams

Already today, we’ve heard that the Redskins are prepared to use their franchise tag on prospective free agent Brian Orakpo, the Eagles have re-signed defensive end Cedric Thornton, and Washington has re-signed safety Jose Gumbs. Let’s round up a few more items out of the NFC East on what’s shaping up to be a busy day….

Re-signing linebacker Jon Beason is currently the Giants‘ top priority, reports Jordan Raanan of NJ.com. With their focus on Beason, the Giants have yet to formally extend an offer to defensive end Justin Tuck. The team also still has some hope that defensive tackle Linval Joseph will return, but believes he may be too expensive to keep.
The Giants will not tender restricted free agent fullback Henry Hynoski, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean Hynoski will play elsewhere next season, as it sounds like the team still has interest in bringing him back at a lesser rate.
Center Jim Cordle, another Giants restricted free agent, also won’t receive a tender offer from the club, a source confirms to Conor Orr of the Star-Ledger (Twitter link). Again, that doesn’t necessarily preclude a return for Cordle.
Hynoski and Eagles receiver Arrelious Benn are among the new clients for agent Drew Rosenhaus, tweets Liz Mullen of SportsBusiness Journal. While Hynoski is eligible for free agency, Benn remains under contract with Philadelphia for now. However, the team could create $1MM in cap savings by releasing Benn, who is coming off a torn ACL, so it’s possible he hits free agency at some point.
With many of their own notable free agents and extension candidates locked up, the Eagles will turn their attention to free agency, writes Phil Sheridan of ESPN.com, identifying safeties Jairus Byrd and T.J. Ward as a couple potential targets for Philadelphia.

Redskins Prepared To Franchise Brian Orakpo?

March 3rd, 2014 at 10:59am CST by Luke Adams

10:59am: It’s “highly doubtful” that the Redskins and Orakpo will agree on a long-term deal today, a source tells Maske (Twitter link).

9:50am: The Redskins are still trying to hammer out a long-term contract with Brian Orakpo, but if no agreement can be reached today, the team is prepared to use its franchise tag on the free-agent-to-be, reports ESPN’s Ed Werder (via Twitter). The deadline for clubs to designate franchise players is 3:00pm CT today.

There have been varying reports on the Redskins’ plans for Orakpo within the last several days. Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com wrote on Saturday that the team was unlikely to franchise its standout pass rusher, and La Canfora’s report came on the heels of one from the Washington Post that suggested the Redskins had yet to extend a formal offer to Orakpo.

Still, Mike Jones and Mark Maske of the Washington Post reported today that the team was in final deliberations of what they describe as “a really close call” on Orakpo. According to Jones and Maske, the Redskins like Orakpo and want to keep him, but there may be some disagreement within the organization about the merits of using the franchise tag on the veteran linebacker, or locking him up to a pricey long-term deal. One of the Post’s sources said he suspects Washington will franchise Orakpo, while another said he wouldn’t be surprised if the club allows him to depart via free agency.

Based on Werder’s report, it sounds as if the scales in Washington are tipping toward retaining Orakpo, but we’ll have to wait and see what the team decides.

Redskins Re-Sign Jose Gumbs

March 3rd, 2014 at 10:57am CST by Luke Adams

The Redskins have re-signed safety Jose Gumbs, according to Zac Boyer of the Washington Times (via Twitter). Boyer reports that Gumbs will be a one-year contract worth $495K, which represents the minimum salary for a player with one season of NFL experience.

Gumbs, a 25-year-old out of Monmouth, signed with the Redskins last summer after being released by the Chiefs. He appeared in eight games for the team, logging 84 snaps on defense and also playing on special teams. Gumbs had an interception and six tackles as a part-timer in Washington.

Eagles Re-Sign Cedric Thornton

March 3rd, 2014 at 10:31am CST by Luke Adams

The Eagles have re-signed defensive end Cedric Thornton to a one-year deal, the team announced today (Twitter link). Thornton had been an exclusive rights free agent, so while he didn’t previously have a contract for 2014, he couldn’t sign with any NFL team except the Eagles.

Thornton, 25, had an excellent second season in Philadelphia, starting all 16 games for the team. In addition to racking up 62 tackles and a sack, Thornton graded as one of the NFL’s best run-stopping 3-4 defensive ends, according to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required).

Terms of the deal have yet to be disclosed, but given his limited leverage in negotiations, Thornton will likely be on a minimum salary contract for 2014. The Southern Arkansas alum will be eligible for restricted free agency a year from now.