Packers To Decline Derek Sherrod’s Option
Confirming what had been expected, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports (via Twitter) that the Packers won’t exercise their fifth-year option on Derek Sherrod‘s contract. The decision will ensure that Sherrod is eligible for unrestricted free agency following the 2014 season.
As our fifth-year option tracker shows, the option for Sherrod would have been worth $7.438MM, an exorbitant price to commit to a player who has had trouble getting healthy in recent years. A 2011 compound leg fracture sidelined the former 32nd overall pick for a good chunk of his first three NFL seasons, limiting Sherrod to just 121 career offensive snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
Sherrod, 25, is reportedly healthy and expected to compete for a starting job this summer, but considering he’s the rare player who had an injury sideline him for multiple seasons, it would have been too risky for the Packers to pick up that option, which is guaranteed for injury only.
Jaguars GM Talks Blackmon, Draft, Trades
It’s been a busy week for NFL general managers, many of whom are taking a break from draft preparation by speaking to the media about that draft and other team-related topics. It was Jaguars GM David Caldwell‘s turn today, and he provided a few interesting tidbits while speaking to John Oesher of Jaguars.com, Hays Carlyon of the Florida Times-Union, and Ryan O’Halloran of the Times-Union, among others. Here are some highlights from Caldwell (all links go to Twitter):
- The Jaguars aren’t counting on having wide receiver Justin Blackmon available for the 2014 season, and would be “relatively surprised” if he returned and contributed. Blackmon is facing an indefinite suspension after violating the league’s substance abuse policy multiple times.
- Most of the Jaguars’ pre-draft work is done, and the team is pretty confident about which direction it’ll go with the No. 3 pick if no trades occur.
- However, Caldwell sounded open to trading down, suggesting that the club believes it can get good value as far down as the 10th, 11th, or 12th pick, if the price is right. If the Jags were to trade out of the top 10, a 2015 first-round pick would become the minimum requirement, in the GM’s view.
- Jacksonville also isn’t ruling out trading up, with Caldwell noting that a few extra picks this year gives the team a little more flexibility than usual. Caldwell adds that the Jags aren’t against the idea of trading with division rivals
- The Jaguars used 27 of 30 allowable pre-draft visits, and ended up with about 180 draftable players on their board. Caldwell hopes to come out of the draft with four or five players capable of starting.
NFC Notes: Giants, Ealy, Hatcher, Panthers
Jordan Raanan of NJ.com lists a few of the primary takeaways from Giants GM Jerry Reese’s Thursday press conference, noting that Reese hopes to land two starters in the draft, and that the club will target “clean” players early. In other words, the Giants don’t want a guy with injury concerns or off-field question marks, which helps explain why the team reportedly prefers Zack Martin to Taylor Lewan. Raanan also points out that the New York GM didn’t shoot down the idea that the team could trade backup quarterback Ryan Nassib.
- Some NFL teams may want Missouri defensive lineman Kony Ealy to put on a few pounds and convert to defensive tackle, which could result in him being drafted earlier than expected, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Rapoport identifies the Giants, Rams, Cowboys, and Bears as a few clubs that could have interest in Ealy (Twitter link).
- He has only been a Redskin for a few weeks, but former Cowboy Jason Hatcher is already enjoying some aspects of the experience more than he did in Dallas, as he told 105.3 The Fan in Dallas (link via Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News). “They really take care of the veteran guys,” Hatcher said of the Redskins. “They give us more say-so over the team. This is our team. The head coach don’t want to be policing the team.”
- ESPN.com’s David Newton reads between the lines of some recent comments by Panthers GM Dave Gettleman to make a case for why Carolina is very unlikely to trade up from No. 28 in next week’s draft.
- Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group tweets that Jonathan Baldwin‘s fifth-year option was removed from his contract when the 49ers restructured his deal earlier in the offseason. Baldwin’s option wouldn’t have been exercised anyway, but Inman’s tweet confirms that it can’t be.
- This year’s draft could be a pivotal one for Lions GM Martin Mayhew, as Josh Katzenstein of the Detroit News explains.
AFC East Notes: Bills, Abram, Dolphins, Pats
A number of investors and groups have already expressed some interest in purchasing the Bills, and John Wawrow of The Associated Press adds another name to that ever-growing list. According to Wawrow, two people familiar with discussions confirmed that New York City developer Howard Milstein has interest in purchasing the franchise and keeping it in western New York.
Milstein perhaps wouldn’t be the strongest candidate among the list of prospective buyers, since he has a spotty history in sports ownership. Wawrow writes that Milstein’s previous ownership of the NHL’s New York Islanders was “filled with controversy” and adds that the developer previously tried to purchase the Redskins, but withdrew his bid after he failed to get support from a majority of NFL owners. Both of those incidents happened over a decade ago, however, so it remains to be seen how significantly they’d impact a potential run at the Bills now.
Here’s more from around the AFC East:
- ESPN.com’s Mike Rodak doesn’t think the Bills should part with their 2015 first-rounder to move up in this year’s draft, since that pick should be earmarked for a quarterback.
- Running back has been a position of strength for the Bills in recent years, but both C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson are entering contract years, meaning the team will have to plan ahead for 2015 and beyond. Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News examines the situation, and talks to Spiller about approaching free agency.
- The Dolphins and Patriots are among the teams that have worked out Florida State fullback Chad Abram, writes Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. According to Wilson, Abram, a “versatile fullback and a bruising lead blocker,” has also has workouts with the Falcons and Chiefs.
- A source tells Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald that the Dolphins sent linebackers coach Mark Duffner to Louisville earlier this week to work out Preston Brown, who has piqued the team’s interest. Within Jackson’s piece, he also passes along several tidbits from draft guru Mike Mayock that relate to the Dolphins.
Browns Pick Up 2015 Option On Phil Taylor
The Browns have exercised their fifth-year option on defensive tackle Phil Taylor, reports Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer (via Twitter). The move ensures that Taylor will remain under contract with the club through the 2015 season.
As our fifth-year option tracker shows, Taylor’s 2015 option is one of the least expensive of the bunch, at just $5.477MM. Still, it was no sure thing that the Browns would pick it up, considering there were questions about whether the team’s new head coach (Mike Pettine) and defensive coordinator (Jim O’Neal) would see the 26-year-old as an ideal fit. Taylor also hasn’t had quite the same impact as some of his fellow 2011 first-rounders.
In 2013, Taylor was a starter on defense for Cleveland, but only played 555 defensive snaps, serving primarily as a run stopper. While he wasn’t a full-time player, Taylor’s performance against the run still placed him a solid 26th among 69 qualified defensive tackles, according to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required).
With Taylor’s option now resolved, the two notable decisions that remain up in the air belong to the 49ers (Aldon Smith) and Vikings (Christian Ponder).
Redskins Exercise Option On Ryan Kerrigan
The Redskins have exercised their fifth-year option on outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan, according to Will Brinson of CBS Sports (via Twitter). Brinson’s CBS colleague Jason La Canfora first reported yesterday that the club was expected to pick up Kerrigan’s option.
Kerrigan, 25, earned a spot in the Pro Bowl in 2012, racking up a career-high 8.5 sacks to go along with a couple of forced fumbles and an interception. He matched that sack total in 2013, though Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required) graded him as just the 24th-best 3-4 outside linebacker last season, as opposed to the seventh-best in ’12. Still, for a Redskins defense that has a few question marks, Kerrigan and fellow outside linebacker Brian Orakpo provide some stability, as well as an ability to pressure the quarterback.
As the 16th overall pick in 2011, Kerrigan is eligible for a $7.038MM salary in 2015. By exercising that option, the Redskins ensure that the former first-rounder remains under contract through ’15, though that salary is guaranteed for injury only until the start of the next league year.
Today is the last day for teams to exercise fifth-year options on 2011 first-rounders, and Kerrigan’s had been one of the last decisions that required resolution. As our tracker shows, there are still a handful of decisions to be reported, though only three could realistically go either way: Aldon Smith (49ers), Christian Ponder (Vikings), and Phil Taylor (Browns).
Restricted Free Agency
Two players who received restricted free agent tenders this season remain unsigned, as Doug Baldwin of the Seahawks and Byron Bell of the Panthers have yet to accept the offers from their respective clubs. Since today is the deadline for either player to sign an offer sheet with a rival club, it’s worth taking a closer look at exactly what restricted free agency entails, and how it works.
Restricted free agency applies to players who have exactly three accrued seasons, meaning they’ve been on a full pay scale for at least six regular-season games in three years in the NFL. Players with fewer than three accrued seasons and no contract are exclusive rights free agents, while players with four or more accrued seasons are eligible for unrestricted free agency. For draftees, the default rookie contract runs for four years, meaning those players will generally be unrestricted free agents when their original deals expire.
As such, restricted free agents are generally players who aren’t coming off traditional rookie contracts. Baldwin, Bell, Broncos cornerback Tony Carter, and Lions running back Joique Bell are among the notable players who were restricted free agents this offseason, and all four guys went undrafted out of college.
As the name suggests, restricted free agency limits players from negotiating freely with all potential suitors. Unsigned players don’t become restricted free agents by default after their third accrued season — the player’s previous club must extend the player a qualifying offer, also known as a restricted free agent tender, to ensure that the player doesn’t become unrestricted. The amount of that offer varies depending on how much the team is willing to pay for one year of the player’s service, and how much the player made in the previous season. For instance, in 2014, the RFA tender amounts were the following amounts, or 110% of the player’s previous salary, whichever is greater:
- $3.113MM – First round tender
- $2.187MM – Second round tender
- $1.431MM – Original round tender
- $1.2MM – Right of first refusal only
All four tender amounts give the player’s previous club the right to match any offers for the player, so the difference in the offers – besides the salary – is related to the compensation the team would receive if the player signed with another team. For example, Baldwin received a second-round tender worth $2.187MM from the Seahawks. That means that if the veteran receiver signed an offer sheet with another team, Seattle would receive a second-round pick from that club.
Given the compensatory picks tied to those top two tenders, we typically see teams pursue RFAs who received the lower tenders. For example, Andrew Hawkins reportedly received a $1.431MM tender from the Bengals prior to free agency. Had Hawkins been, for instance, a fifth-round pick, the Browns would have had to give up a fifth-rounder of their own when they poached the wideout from their division rival. Because Hawkins was an undrafted free agent though, the Bengals maintained the right of first refusal, but didn’t receive a compensatory pick when they decided not to match the offer.
After a player signs an offer sheet, his previous team has five days to decide whether or not to match that offer, which is why leave sheets must be signed at least five days before the draft to ensure that draft pick compensation gets resolved in time. If Baldwin or Bell were to sign an offer sheet today, the Seahawks or Panthers could pick up an extra second-round pick next week by declining to match that offer. Typically, that draft-pick cost is too steep for potential suitors, so it’s more likely we’ll see Baldwin and Bell simply accept their one-year tenders, earn $2.187MM salaries in 2014, and be eligible to hit the unrestricted market in 2015.
The rules of restricted free agency apply to players as long as that qualifying offer remains in play, but teams can withdraw the QO at any time, making the player an unrestricted free agent. Additionally, restricted free agents are eligible for the franchise tag, which creates a sort of heightened version of restricted free agency — salaries are larger for franchise players, and the price tag for rival clubs to sign away a franchise player is two first-round draft picks, which is why we haven’t seen any action on Jimmy Graham this offseason.
As for exclusive rights free agency, which I mentioned earlier, it’s a more strict form of restricted free agency as well, one that essentially removes any “free agency” from a player’s decision. It applies to players with less than three accrued seasons. If a player receives an exclusive rights free agent tender from his club – which is almost always worth the minimum salary – he must either accept the offer or not play in the NFL. He’s not eligible to negotiate with any other teams.
Note: This is a PFR Glossary entry. Our glossary posts will explain specific rules relating to free agency, trades, or other aspects of the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. Information from OverTheCap.com was used in the creation of this post.
Extra Points: Thomas, Watkins, Raiders
Oregon’s De’Anthony Thomas may be small, but he contributed mightily for the Ducks, writes Terez A. Paylor of The Kansas City Star. While Thomas is just 5’9″ and 174 pounds, there’s no doubting his playmaking ability. In his three years at Oregon, Thomas scored 46 touchdowns in nearly every manner possible whether it was rushing, receiving, kick returns, or punt returns. Still, he’s likely a mid-round pick because of his size. Tonight’s look around the NFL..
- If Sammy Watkins is off the board by the time the Raiders pick at No. 5, they should look at his teammate, Martavis Bryant, in the second or third round, writes Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle (Sulia link). Bryant boasts good size at 6’4″ and has tremendous physical tools.
- In a press conference earlier today, Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie confirmed free agent signee Austin Howard, a former right tackle with the Jets, will get a look at right guard with the club having released Mike Brisiel. “What coach (Tony) Sparano likes with the offensive line is versatility,” McKenzie said. “What else can this guy play. We already know he can play right tackle. We think he can play right guard also so let’s get the best five and see what happens.”
- After cutting ties with Chris Johnson this winter, the Titans are looking for versatility from their current stable of running backs, the Associated Press writes. Shonn Greene, Dexter McCluster, Jackie Battle, and Leon Washington are now charged with filling the void left by the talented but inconsistent veteran tailback.
- The Rams are amongst teams with interest in South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw, writes Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Shaw went 27-5 for the Gamecocks, making him the winningest QB in school history.
- Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd told SiriusXM NFL Radio (on Twitter) that he’s hearing there’s no way he’ll go any later than the third round.
Pompei On Clowney, Ebron, Jets, Thomas
Jadeveon Clowney is widely regarded as the best player in this year’s draft but that doesn’t mean that teams believe he’s someone worth trading up for, writes Dan Pompei of Bleacher Report. The Bills (No. 9) and Falcons (No. 6) are potential players in a Clowney trade-up scenario. The Bills are a long way away and would have to come up with a compensation package for the Texans that might be regrettable down the line. The Falcons, at No. 6, meanwhile, have less of a gap to cross but it still won’t be cheap. Officials familiar with trades of this nature estimated it would cost Atlanta the sixth pick, their second-round pick, and their fourth-round pick in a best-case scenario. Here’s more from today’s column…
- Teams could be jockeying for tight end Eric Ebron and even though several execs say the UNC product has the ability to be a top-10 pick, he might slip further because some teams don’t want to take a tight end that high. The word going around is teams in the low teens or even high 20s could make a move for Ebron if he slides a bit. Candidates to move up for him are the Jets, Dolphins, Cardinals, and Packers.
- Chris Borland of Wisconsin may be the best pure 4-3 middle linebacker in the draft (if C.J. Mosley is considered an outside linebacker), but he might not be the first drafted. There have been questions about Borland’s height (shy of 6’0″), arm length (29 1/4″) and speed (4.83 40-yard dash), but none of those issues are as problematical as his bad shoulder. Sources say multiple teams have downgraded Borland because of his medical file. In 2010, he missed all but two games with a shoulder injury, and some doctors fear the shoulder will become an issue again. Borland has undergone had two shoulder surgeries.
- The Seahawks had no hesitation about making Earl Thomas the highest-paid safety in league history last week in part because they saw him take his commitment to a higher level over the last year. Seattle sources say Thomas, taking a cue from quarterback Russell Wilson, began working harder than ever last offseason. Thomas’ new work ethic proved to be contagious and others played follow the leader.
- One of the reasons Indiana receiver Cody Latimer‘s stock has risen is he has come across wonderfully in interviews. One front-office man said Latimer has the type of character that can help give a receiver room and even an offense an identity.
NFC North Notes: Ponder, Packers, Robinson
Former MVP Adrian Peterson says he’s on board with new coordinator Norv Turner‘s plan to change his role and the offense — if it means the Vikings are playing in January, writes Tom Pelissero of USA Today. “My rushing yards might not be up to par, but it’s not about that,” Peterson said. “It’s all about winning. I’m trying to win a championship, so if that (means) taking less of a pounding and being more productive in the pass game, I’m all-in for it.” Tonight’s look at the NFC North:
- While the Vikings aren’t expected to exercise their fifth-year option on Christian Ponder, the team has yet to make its decision one way or the other, writes Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. The deadline to pick up that option is tomorrow night at 11:00 central time, and considering Ponder is currently second on Minnesota’s QB depth chart, I’d be pretty surprised to see the club lock in the 26-year-old at a $9.686MM salary for 2015 — even though it wouldn’t be fully guaranteed.
- Packers GM Ted Thompson didn’t exactly drop a ton of newsworthy nuggets during his conversation with local media today, but he addressed a few notable topics, including the signing of Julius Peppers, the team’s draft focus, and what he looks for in safety prospects. Mike Vandermause of PackersNews.com has the details and quotes from Thompson.
- Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press takes an in-depth look at Penn State wide receiver Allen Robinson, who participated in the Lions‘ local prospect day and recently had a private workout with the Bears. According to Birkett, Robinson also visited the Colts and Broncos.
Zach Links contributed to this post.