2014 June - Pro Football Rumors

East Notes: Freeman, Eagles, Easley, Bills

June 16th, 2014 at 5:44pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Josh Freeman was on the Giants’ roster for just over a month before being released at the end of May, but now it appears he is trying to get his career back on track. In an instance of two former Buccaneers employees reuniting, Freeman will work with Jon Gruden next week, according to Gil Brandt of NFL.com (Twitter link). The 26-year-old will then spend the following week with noted quarterback tutor Terry Shea.

More notes from the NFL’s two East divisions:

Eagles running back LeSean McCoy says the release of DeSean Jackson was a wakeup call for the rest of the team, per NFL.com’s Albert Breer. “The whole DeSean Jackson thing, that helped out, to be honest, in making all the other guys aware,” said McCoy. “It’s all possible. They’ll cut one of your best guys if (he’s) not buying in. On any team — any team — you look at that, and as a player, you can look at it from so many different sides, but no matter how good you are, you gotta follow these guidelines. And if you don’t, you could be gone. You gotta buy in.”
Dominique Easley is one of only five first-round picks who has yet to sign a contract, but injury protection language isn’t the reason the Florida product hasn’t signed with the Patriots, tweets Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. Rookie contracts are standardized under the new CBA, so it’s unclear what the two sides could be haggling over.
Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News believes it would be a risky proposition if Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula purchased the Bills, as Pegula sometimes failed to listen to his advisors early on in his NHL tenure. Pegula would keep the team in Buffalo, however, which would obviously sit well with local fans.
Bills general manager Doug Whaley is trying to dispel the notion that his recent moves, including trading up to select Sammy Watkins, are indicative of a new, must-win strategy, writes Mike Rodak of ESPN.com. “Everybody’s like, ‘Whoa, you’re in a win-now mode.’ The NFL is a win-now mode,” said Whaley. “I disagree when people have been saying it’s a win-now mode because of the ownership. It’s always a win-now mode in this. So that’s something I’d like to dispel as quickly as possible. It’s a results-based business.”
The Giants had a workout with former Air Force linebacker Alex Means, reports Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (via Twitter).

Cowboys Notes: Orton, Murray, Minicamp

June 16th, 2014 at 4:36pm CST by Luke Adams

The Cowboys officially signed first-round offensive lineman Zack Martin to his rookie contract earlier today, but there have been plenty of other headlines out of Dallas. Let’s dive in and round up the latest….

This morning we heard that the Cowboys expected Kyle Orton to be in attendance at the team’s mandatory minicamp this week. However, that stance appears to have changed. Multiple sources informed Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com that the quarterback didn’t show up Monday for his scheduled physical, making him subject to a fine of nearly $11K. The Cowboys now no longer anticipate that Orton, who must take a physical before practicing, will attend camp this week, according to Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.com believes the Cowboys ought to cut their losses with Orton and release him. That would mean making Brandon Weeden the No. 2 quarterback behind Tony Romo and giving up the opportunity to recoup part of Orton’s signing bonus, but Watkins thinks it’d be the right move since Orton clearly doesn’t want to be there.
While DeMarco Murray is entering the final year of his contract, the running back doesn’t sound like a man who wants to leave Dallas anytime soon. “I love Dallas. I love playing football there,” Murray said, according to Archer. “I love the fans. I love the organization. It’s great. I want to stay there as long as they will allow me.” The Cowboys aren’t currently in talks with Murray’s agent about an extension, notes Archer.
In a photo gallery, the Dallas Morning News provides a number of subplots worth keeping an eye on at the Cowboys’ minicamp.

NFC Notes: Graham, Lynch, 49ers, Vikings

June 16th, 2014 at 3:58pm CST by Luke Adams

Both Jimmy Graham and the Saints have plenty to lose depending on what an arbitrator rules this week on Graham’s franchise tag positional designation. Mike Triplett of ESPN.com believes it’d be in the best interest of both sides to reach a long-term agreement before that ruling is made. In Triplett’s view, a multiyear deal with a value of $10-11MM seems about right.

Here’s more from around the NFC:

Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett told NFL AM today (link via NFL.com) that he hopes the standoff between Marshawn Lynch and the club is short-lived, though he threw some support behind his teammate: “Obviously he’s one of the best running backs in the game, and he feels like he should be paid like one of the best backs in the game. And, of course, I agree with him.” Of course, even without a new contract, Lynch already ranks among the league’s top five RBs when it comes to average annual salary.
In addition to discussing his contract situation, Vernon Davis also shed some light on his long-term plans at TheMMQB.com today, writing that in 10 years his goal is to “host my own show, start acting, and continue to build a business empire.”
Although it’s not 100% clear whether or not Davis will show up at the Niners‘ minicamp this week, offensive lineman Alex Boone will only be in attendance if he has a new deal in place, which appears unlikely, tweets Bill Williamson of ESPN.com.
While the Vikings expect a big season from Kyle Rudolph, the team also needs a second tight end to step up and fill the void left by John Carlson’s departure, writes Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune.
Rather than choosing a team in free agency that lacked talent on the defensive line so he’d have a better chance at playing time, Alex Carrington elected to sign with the Rams this offseason in order to surround himself with talent, as he explains to Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com.
The Packers have a decent chunk of cap space still available, but will need to decide how to use it, writes Wes Hodkiewicz of PackersNews.com, adding that extensions for Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb or a new deal for Jermichael Finley are all possibilities.

Dallas Clark To Retire As A Colt

June 16th, 2014 at 2:58pm CST by Luke Adams

Veteran tight end Dallas Clark will officially announce his retirement this Wednesday in a morning press conference, the Colts announce today in a team release. According to the release, Clark will sign a one-day contract with Indianapolis in order to retire as a member of the Colts.

Clark, who turned 35 last week, was a longtime target for Peyton Manning in Indianapolis, racking up 427 receptions for 4,887 yards and 46 TDs in nine seasons as a member of the Colts. During the last two years, Clark joined the Buccaneers and Ravens, adding 78 more catches to his resumé to exceed 500 for his career. The former 24th overall pick enjoyed his best overall season in 2009, setting career-highs in catches (100) and receiving yards (1,106), while earning a spot in the Pro Bowl and on the NFL’s All-Pro team.

According to the Colts’ press release, Clark will finish his career tied for sixth among tight ends in NFL history in receiving touchdowns, tied for eighth in receptions, and 15th in receiving yards.

Brandon Flowers Rumors: Monday

June 16th, 2014 at 2:54pm CST by Luke Adams

The Chiefs‘ release of Brandon Flowers on Friday injected some life into a free agent market that has been lacking real impact players for the last few weeks. While Flowers wasn’t at his best in 2013, he’s a 28-year-old Pro Bowl cornerback free to sign with any team, so there will certainly be plenty of clubs with interest. We’ll round up Monday’s rumors on Flowers right here, with the latest updates added to the top of the page throughout the day:

Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (Twitter link) hears that the Vikings‘ call on Flowers was just a preliminary check-in and that there’s nothing serious brewing at this point.
The 49ers aren’t one of the 10 teams that reached out to Flowers, according to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.

Earlier updates:

The Lions are “seriously considering” making a run at Flowers, says Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (via Twitter).
The Vikings, Lions, and Falcons made inquiries on Flowers shortly after the Chiefs cut him, according to Chiefs Insider at Scout.com (Twitter link). Darren Wolfson of ESPN 1500 Twin Cities (Twitter link) later confirmed that the Vikes had made a call on the veteran corner.
Add the Ravens to the list of teams that have reached out to Flowers so far, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. According to Wilson, ten clubs have called on Flowers, so there are a handful of unknown teams in the mix. Still, talks remain in the preliminary stage, per Wilson’s source.
The Titans are doing their homework on Flowers, but don’t expect him to land in Tennessee, says Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean, pointing out that the ex-Chief doesn’t seem like an ideal fit in the Titans’ system (Twitter links).
The Redskins don’t have interest in Flowers, a source tell Mike Jones of the Washington Post (Twitter link).

Ravens Auditioning Cornerbacks

June 16th, 2014 at 2:00pm CST by Luke Adams

2:00pm: Former Jet and Patriot Marquice Cole will also be among the players auditioning for the Ravens this week, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

1:38pm: Free agent cornerback Dominique Franks will also attend the Ravens’ minicamp this week in the hopes of earning a contract, reports Wilson (via Twitter).

12:28pm: Earlier today, we learned that the Ravens inquired on Brandon Flowers, but the former Chief isn’t the only defensive back the club is keeping an eye on. According to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, the Ravens are monitoring the cornerback market, with Drayton Florence among the players under consideration. In Florence’s case, there appears to be mutual interest.

“I would love to play for the purple and black!” Florence told Wilson. “I can bring leadership and experience and help the team win. The Ravens are a first-class organization, and I want to be a part of their team.”

Florence confirmed to Wilson (Twitter link) that he’s headed to the Ravens’ minicamp this week to audition for the club. Another free agent corner, Aaron Ross, tweeted today that he’ll also be in attendance on a tryout basis. Neither player is assured of a contract with the team, but I expect Baltimore to ink at least one cornerback to a deal following the minicamp, whether it’s Florence, Ross, or another participant.

The Ravens are looking to create some additional competition for the slot corner role that Corey Graham filled last season. Graham, the team’s primary nickelback, headed to Buffalo in free agency, so someone new will have to step up as the third option behind starters Lardarius Webb and Jimmy Smith. While it may ultimately be a free agent signee that earns the job, in-house options Chykie Brown and Asa Jackson will also be given the opportunity to impress the coaching staff.

Giants Sign Jay Bromley, Terrell Manning

June 16th, 2014 at 1:58pm CST by Luke Adams

The Giants have finalized the signings of all their 2014 draftees, announcing today in a press release that they’ve locked up third-round defensive tackle Jay Bromley. In addition to Bromley, the club also signed free agent linebacker Terrell Manning.

The 74th overall pick in the draft, Bromley is in line for a signing bonus worth in the neighborhood of $644K, according to Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com. As our tracker shows, the Syracuse product was the last of seven Giants picks to ink his deal, and the move ensures that New York is the 23rd team to get its entire draft class under contract. Billy Turner of the Dolphins and Dexter McDougle of the Jets are now the only third-rounders that have yet to sign with their respective clubs.

As for Manning, the 24-year-old was a Packers’ fifth-round pick in 2012, and spent that season with the club before joining the Chargers last year. Manning’s playing time in his two NFL seasons has been extremely limited, with only a handful of special teams appearances on his resumé. The former North Carolina State standout had been claimed off waivers by the Vikings earlier this offseason, but was cut to make room for Minnesota’s undrafted free agent additions.

Cowboys Sign Zack Martin

June 16th, 2014 at 1:06pm CST by Luke Adams

The Cowboys have signed first-round pick Zack Martin to his rookie contract, according to Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com. Now that they’ve locked up the offensive tackle, Dallas has just one unsigned draftee remaining — second-round edge defender Demarcus Lawrence.

Martin, the 16th overall pick, was something of a surprise selection last month, since Tyron Smith is locked in at left tackle in Dallas, and many observers believed the Cowboys would either select a defender or opt for the splashier pick in Johnny Manziel. Martin was considered one of the top offensive linemen in the draft, and ended up being the fourth tackle off the board, behind Greg Robinson, Jake Matthews, and Taylor Lewan.

Per Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap, Martin will be in line for a signing bonus of $4.842MM, with an overall four-year value of nearly $9MM. As is the case with all of this year’s first-round picks, Martin will also have a fifth-year option on his deal, which the Cowboys will have the opportunity to exercise to keep him under contract for the 2018 season.

Now that Martin has signed, only 16 draftees have yet to put pen to paper, including six other first-rounders.

Andre Johnson Will Skip Mandatory Minicamp

June 16th, 2014 at 11:01am CST by Luke Adams

Andre Johnson won’t be in attendance at the Texans’ mandatory minicamp this week, the wideout’s advisor and uncle Andre Melton tells Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle. According to Smith, Melton’s comments today confirmed that Johnson and the Texans remain “at odds,” with no immediate end in sight for the standoff. With training camp several weeks away, Melton says the Houston receiver has yet to determine whether or not he’ll extend his holdout into July and August.

“We’ll evaluate it in a month or so and see what’s going on,” Melton said.

As Joel Corry of CBSSports.com notes (via Twitter), Johnson forfeited a $1MM roster bonus by skipping the Texans’ OTAs, so by comparison, the fine for missing this week’s minicamp “is peanuts.”

Johnson made his frustration public for the first time last month, wondering aloud if Houston was still the place for him after the club’s disastrous 2013 campaign and suggesting that he likely wouldn’t attend June’s OTAs or minicamp. The longtime Texan, who will turn 33 in July, added that the offseason had been “very frustrating,” and expressed some unhappiness that the team continues to cycle through coaches and quarterbacks.

It’s not clear what sort of resolution we can expect between Johnson and the Texans. There are still three years remaining on the wideout’s current contract, and he hasn’t indicated that he wants to renegotiate that deal. A trade to a contender is one possibility, but Houston doesn’t appear amenable to that idea, and in any case, many potential trade partners have filled their rosters and no longer have cap space to take on a player who is set to earn a $10MM base salary in 2014.

Latest On Potential Holdouts

June 16th, 2014 at 10:07am CST by Luke Adams

We won’t know for sure until the Niners‘ minicamp officially gets underway tomorrow, but based on his latest comments and a report from Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, it appears that Vernon Davis won’t be present in Santa Clara. While Davis is one notable veteran who may be absent from his club’s minicamp in the hopes of negotiating a new contract, he’s not the only one. Rapoport (Twitter link) also has updates on a few more players who are believe to be unhappy with their current situations for one reason or another, so let’s round them up….

Marshawn Lynch still hasn’t informed the Seahawks of his plans, says Rapoport. We heard last week that the running back is seeking a new contract and that the team is at least preparing for the possibility that he won’t be in attendance this week. The prospect of retirement was even mentioned, though I’d be very surprised if that becomes a real possibility.
According to Rapoport, the Texans don’t expect Andre Johnson to attend the club’s minicamp. It’s not clear if Johnson wants a new contract — his frustration seems to be more a result of Houston’s poor 2013 season and concerns about the team’s direction heading into the ’14 campaign.
Despite persistent rumblings that he wants to retire, the Cowboys anticipate Kyle Orton will be present at their camp. Per Rapoport (Twitter link), Dallas has long been optimistic that the No. 2 quarterback will show up because the team will look to recoup a portion of his signing bonus if he opts to retire. Privately, Orton continues to weigh the decision, according to Rapoport.