2017 March - Pro Football Rumors

Several FAs On Dolphins’ Radar

March 8th, 2017 at 6:05pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Already set to meet with Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons after the market opens Thursday, the Dolphins have several other players on their radar on the eve of free agency, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

With injured safety Isa Abdul-Quddus questionable to take the field in 2017, the Dolphins are prioritizing the position and could pursue the Patriots’ Duron Harmon and the Cowboys’ J.J. Wilcox, to name a couple. Harmon ranks as PFR’s 12th-best free agent and, although he figures to come at a high price, would perhaps form a quality tandem with star strong safety Reshad Jones.

The 26-year-old Harmon hasn’t been a full-time player in New England, where he only started four of 16 appearances there last season (and 12 of 63 since his career began in 2013) and partook in 48.6 percent of defensive snaps. The same has been true for Wilcox in Dallas, where he started 38 of 58 appearances from 2013-16. Only four of his starts (13 games) came last year, though his performance did rank an above-average 27th among Pro Football Focus’ 89 qualified safeties (Harmon was 54th). If the Dolphins want to add Wilcox, it appears they’ll have to compete with another Florida-based franchise, the Buccaneers, for his services.

Miami agreed to re-sign defensive end Andre Branch to a big-money deal Thursday, but that might not be the last time it addresses the position this offseason. The team would like to add two more ends, though it has so far passed on top available names like Calais Campbell and Jabaal Sheard, per Jackson. The Dolphins have reached out to a less notable player, the Cardinals’ Alex Okafor, who’s coming off a 15-appearance, 3.5-sack season. Okafor, 26, didn’t start a game last year, but he did line up with Arizona’s No. 1 defense 12 times in 2014, when he posted a career-high eight sacks, and 13 times in 2015.

Along with Okafor, the Dolphins have fellow D-linemen – tackles Terrell McClain and Lawrence Guy – on their radar, Jackson writes. The Dolphins are at least the fourth team eyeing McClain, a 28-year-old who spent the previous three seasons in Dallas and is coming off the most productive showing of his career. McClain tallied personal bests in appearances and starts (15 apiece), tackles (39), sacks (2.5) and forced fumbles (two) in 2016.

The 26-year-old Guy, meanwhile, played the majority of the past three seasons in Baltimore, where he picked up a career-high 10 starts across 16 appearances in 2016. In 484 snaps, Guy only registered one sack – down from a personal-best 4.5 in 2015 – though his performance did rank an impressive 38th among PFF’s 127 qualified interior defensive linemen.

Shifting to the offensive side of the ball, Miami wants “two reasonably priced guards” and hasn’t ruled out re-signing Jermon Bushrod, relays Jackson. After playing with the Saints and Bears from 2007-15, Bushrod signed a cheap pact ($1.5MM) with Miami last offseason and proceeded to start all of its games this past year. PFF pegged him as one of the four worst guards in the league, however.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Latest on Colts Offseason

March 8th, 2017 at 6:01pm CST by Ben Levine

Colts general manager Chris Ballard has been very busy during his first offseason on the job. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports tweets that the executive has been very active in free agency. The Colts are particularly interested in retaining safety Darius Butler and running back Robert Turbin. Meanwhile, the team is also exploring top defensive free agents like linebacker Nick Perry and defensive tackle Dontari Poe.

Butler has established himself as one of the Colts’ most reliable defensive backs since joining the team in 2012. Last season, the 30-year-old finished with 33 tackles, seven passes defended, and three interceptions. Butler was listed fourth in our rankings of the best free agent safeties.

Turbin had one of his most productive NFL seasons in 2016, running for 164 yards and seven touchdowns. The 27-year-old also collected a career-high 26 receptions to go along with 179 yards and one score. The Colts could certainly use some reinforcement at the position, as the team is only rostering two running backs in Frank Gore and Josh Ferguson.

Perry was listed as our best available edge defender, while Poe was ranked fourth among interior defensive lineman. The Colts could use some help on the defensive line, as Hassan Ridgeway, T.Y. McGill, and Henry Anderson are currently slotted in as the starters.

Mutual Interest Between Bucs, J.J. Wilcox

March 8th, 2017 at 5:53pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Mutual interest exists between the Buccaneers and free agent safety J.J. Wilcox, reports Jenna Laine of ESPN.com, but the Cowboys are now hoping to retain the 26-year-old defensive back after seeing Barry Church sign with the Jaguars, tweets Charean Williams of the Star-Telegram.

Wilcox appeared in 13 games last year as the Cowboys’ third safety behind Church and Byron Jones, but given that Dallas is reportedly bracing to lose many of its internal free agents, Wilcox appeared to be a goner. But with Church out of the picture, the Cowboys may push harder to re-sign Wilcox, as the club might not be comfortable starting special-teamer Jeff Heath in the back end.

Safety is a definite need area for the Buccaneers, as both Chris Conte and Bradley McDougald are pending free agents. Keith Tandy figures to take at least one of Tampa Bay’s starting safety jobs after playing well down the stretch in 2016, but the club could certainly use another defensive back. Wilcox ranks 12th on PFR’s list of free agent safeties.

Lions To Sign Paul Worrilow

March 8th, 2017 at 5:36pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Lions have agreed to sign linebacker Paul Worrilow to a one-year deal, reports Dave Birket of the Detroit Free Press (Twitter links).

Worrilow, 26, acted as a starter for the Falcons for a three-year run from 2013-15, but last year lost his starting job to rookie Deion Jones. The former undrafted free agent still appeared in 12 games, but made only one start, racking up 18 tackles and two fumble recoveries. Despite not playing much of a role on defense, Worrilow was a stalwart on special teams, where he managed to play on more than half Atlanta’s snaps.

Lions general manager Bob Quinn has shown a willingness to pay for special teams play during his year in the Motor City, and it’s possible that’s the role Worrilow will play in Detroit. But he could also earn an opportunity on defense, where the Lions’ only two established linebackers are Tahir Whitehead and DeAndre Levy, the latter of whom can’t seem to stay healthy. Worrilow is an early-down run thumper, but that position has its value.

Giants, Bills Pursuing Martellus Bennett

March 8th, 2017 at 5:34pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The free agent tight end market is heating up, as the Bills and Giants are pursuing Martellus Bennett, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link), who also confirmed the previously reported interest displayed by the Jaguars. The Titans and Lions are also contacting tight ends , per La Canfora, while the Packers are aiming to retain Jared Cook.

Bennett is reportedly seeking $9MM annually after a 2016 campaign which saw him 701 receiving yards and seven touchdowns for New England. Given that Jack Doyle recently re-signed with the Colts for nearly $7MM per season, Bennett seemingly has every right to ask for $9MM, but a report last month indicated a “real possibility” that Bennett won’t be returning to the Patriots in 2017. Now that New England has acquired Dwayne Allen, Bennett is almost assuredly not returning to the Patriots.

The Giants, meanwhile, are reportedly eyeing all the top tight ends on the free agent market, a list that includes Bennett, Cook, and previously Doyle, and have also expressed interest in Anthony Fasano. The Raiders, too, have been linked to Bennett, who ranks as PFR’s No. 20 overall free agent and No. 1 available tight end.

Bills Keep Tyrod Taylor

March 8th, 2017 at 5:30pm CST by Zachary Links

This is a bit of a surprise, but the Bills will be keeping Tyrod Taylor after all. The team announced that the quarterback will remain in Buffalo on a restructured deal. The new deal will cover five year, and it will become a “year-to-year agreement” following the first two years, per Vic Carrucci of the Buffalo News. Taylor’s cap charge will decrease from $16MM to just under $10MM in 2017, according to Carrucci.

This offseason, the Bills held an option on Taylor worth $27.5MM option, due March 11th. That number was unpalatable for Buffalo management and Taylor’s reps were holding firm, telling the organization that it was an “all or nothing” proposition if they wanted to keep him off the open market. Ultimately, Taylor caved a bit in order to stay put.

Based on recent word out of Buffalo, it seems that top decision makers like GM Doug Whaley, senior VP of football administration Jim Overdorf, and team president Russ Brandon were against bringing Taylor back. However, new head coach Sean McDermott advocated for Taylor’s return, citing a lack of quality options in free agency.

“I’ve gotten a chance to know Tyrod and study him over the past several weeks and he is both a great person and competitor,” McDermott said today (via Carucci on Twitter). “Doug (Whaley) and I are confident this was best move for the Bills at this time.”

After spending the first four seasons of his career in Baltimore, the former ACC Player of the Year signed a three-year, $3.35MM deal with the Bills in 2015. Taylor ended up earning the starting gig in Buffalo, and he went on to make the Pro Bowl that season.

The third year of that contract was voided since Taylor ended up playing more than 50-percent of the team’s snaps in 2015. As a result, the Bills extended the quarterback for six years and $92MM. The 27-year-old ultimately completed 61.7-percent of his passes for 3,023 yards, 17 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 2016. He also added another 580 yards and six touchdowns on the ground.

Of course, those numbers were compiled in “only” 15 games. Taylor was inactive for the team’s season finale as the Bills looked to slide out of his 2017 guaranteed salary.

The Jets, 49ers, Browns, and Cardinals were among the team’s reportedly eying the Taylor situation.

Bengals Pushing To Re-Sign Dre Kirkpatrick

March 8th, 2017 at 5:25pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Bengals are attempting to re-sign free agent cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link), who adds Cincinnati has put “strong money” on the table in an attempt to retain its top defensive back.

Kirkpatrick, a former first-round pick, has rounded into form over the past two seasons after barely playing during his first three NFL campaigns. After starting 29 games from 2015-16, Kirkpatrick has become the Bengals No. 1 corner, and losing him to free agency would represent a devastating blow to the club’s defense. Cincinnati has spent multiple first-round picks on corners in recent years, but neither Darqueze Dennard nor William Jackson has shown much yet. Veteran Adam Jones, meanwhile, could potentially be released following an offseason arrest.

Kirkpatrick, 27, won’t come cheap, as one report indicates his price tag could approach $11MM. The Titans and Steelers are also thought to be interested in his services, although Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com notes Pittsburgh probably won’t go above $10MM annually to steal away its division rival’s defender.

Eagles Shopping Connor Barwin, Mychal Kendricks

March 8th, 2017 at 5:14pm CST by Ben Levine

The Eagles continue to explore trades for linebacker/defensive end Connor Barwin and linebacker Mychal Kendricks, reports CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora (via Twitter). If the front office doesn’t find a trade partner, the duo could ultimately be cut.

There have been lingering rumors that the Eagles could look to move on from Barwin, and a February report indicated that several teams would have interest in the veteran. The 2009 second-round pick has spent the past four seasons in Philadelphia after inking a six-year, $36MM contract in 2013. The 30-year-old played in 16 games this past season for the sixth straight year, compiling 34 tackles, five sacks, and one forced fumble.

The 30-year-old is set to make $7.75MM next season, and his cap hit is $8.35MM. Barwin is set to make another $10.25MM in 2018. Cutting the eight-year veteran would save the franchise that $7.75MM, leaving the team with only $600K in dead cap.

It was reported last week that the Eagles were shopping Kendricks, and that still seems to be the case. The 26-year-old carries a $6.6MM cap number next season, but the Eagles will only clear $1.8MM in cap space by trading the linebacker. During his fourth season in Philadelphia, Kendricks collected 34 tackles, one forced fumble, and five sacks.

Cowboys To Release Tony Romo

March 8th, 2017 at 5:05pm CST by Zachary Links

The Tony Romo era is ending in Dallas. The Cowboys will release Romo on Thursday, according to Adam Schefter and Todd Archer of ESPN.com (on Twitter).

Dallas designated Romo as a post-June 1 release, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, a decision that will save the club money in the long run. Instead of incurring $19.6MM in dead money, the Cowboys will only take on $10.7MM. However, Dallas must carry Romo’s full cap charge of $24.7MM until June 1, at which point it will be granted relief.

Romo’s exit has been long rumored. After Dak Prescott ran away with the starting job in 2016, few expected Romo to return to the team in 2017 as the backup.

The Broncos and Texans are expected to have some level of interest in Romo and the QB is said to be fond of both teams since they could give him a chance to win right away. The Chiefs seem poised to continue with Alex Smith and apparently will not be exploring a Romo signing. At one point, the Cardinals were linked to Romo, but they probably won’t be going after him with Carson Palmer still in the fold.

Romo probably won’t sign with a new club anytime soon, however, as he’s expected to take a “Peyton Manning style” tour throughout the league, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Manning underwent a lengthy process that involved meetings with several teams before deciding on the Broncos, and it sounds like Romo will embark on a similar endeavor.

Romo, 37 in April, leaves the Cowboys with a litany of franchise records. Although he has not been healthy for two full seasons, he leaves behind an impressive legacy in Dallas that includes four Pro Bowl appearances. In his last healthy season (2014), Romo completed a league-high 69.9% of his passes with 3,705 yards through the air and 34 touchdowns against just nine interceptions. It’s anyone’s guess as to what Romo can do in 2017, but it would be foolish to write him off.

Given the reins during a Monday Night Football game in October of 2006, Romo took over for Drew Bledsoe and guided the Cowboys to the playoffs during the ’06 and ’07 seasons, the latter of which featuring Dallas as the NFC’s No. 1 seed. The eventual champion Giants ousted the Cowboys in Round 2, but Romo picked up his first playoff win two years later in a wild-card victory over the Eagles. The Cowboys became known for late-season letdowns in the Romo years, but the former UDFA passer gave the franchise its most stable option at quarterback since Troy Aikman retired. He’s the second-longest-tenured starting quarterback in Dallas history, behind only Aikman, eclipsing both Roger Staubach and Danny White in terms of longevity.

Lawrence Timmons To Visit Dolphins

March 8th, 2017 at 4:58pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

The Dolphins are looking to lock up their top linebacker, restricted free agent Kiko Alonso, but they’ll need to add outside help to the group even if they keep him in the fold. With that in mind, the Dolphins have interest in impending free agent Lawrence Timmons and will meet with him sometime after the new league year opens, reports Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com.

Timmons, 31 in May, has spent the first 10 years of his career with the Steelers, who would like to retain him. It appears he’ll test the open market, though, and could return to Florida, where he starred as a college player at Florida State. Timmons parlayed his Seminoles career into first-round status in 2007 and has since racked up six 100-tackle seasons – including five in a row since 2012 – to go with 35.5 sacks, 14 forced fumbles and 12 interceptions. He has also been eminently durable, having appeared in fewer than 16 regular-season games just once – during a 14-game 2014 – and hasn’t missed a start since 2010.

In his latest action in 2016, Timmons played 92.9 percent of the Steelers’ snaps and piled up 114 tackles, 2.5 sacks, two picks and a forced fumble, though Pro Football Focus wasn’t impressed with his work. The site placed him just 70th in overall performance among 87 qualified linebackers. Nevertheless, given his careerlong production and durability, Timmons won’t have difficulty landing a contract this offseason. PFR’s Dallas Robinson ranks him as the fifth-best linebacker in this year’s class of free agents.