HEADLINES

Month: March 2017

Chiefs Sign Four To Futures Deals

March 7th, 2017 at 7:46pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Chiefs have signed four players to reserve/futures deals, the club announced today. These contracts will take effect when the new league year begins on Thursday:

Of the four players listed above, Hughes is the only with NFL experience. The former fifth-round pick appeared in 16 games during the 2013-14 seasons with the Colts, then played in nine games over the past two years with the Giants. All told, the 27-yar-old Hughes has managed 17 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and one pass defensed.

In other Kansas City news, the Chiefs are expected to tender restricted free agent safety Daniel Sorensen, according to Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star. At present, it’s unclear at what level Sorensen will be tendered.

Cowboys Not Interested In DeSean Jackson

March 7th, 2017 at 7:39pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Refuting a previous report, the Cowboys do not have interest in free agent wide receiver DeSean Jackson, tweets Clarence Hill of the Star-Telegram, who notes Jackson is likely outside Dallas’ price range.DeSean Jackson (vertical)

[RELATED: Cowboys, Sean Lee Restructure Contract]

Even after restructuring several contracts, the Cowboys still have less than $9MM in cap space, so they’re not expected to be aggressive in free agency. Indeed, Hill reported yesterday that Dallas is bracing to lose many of its own internal free agents, including Terrance Williams, Barry Church, and Morris Claiborne. However, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk did indicate today the Cowboys are expected to pursue free agent wideout Kenny Britt.

Jackson, 30, has already developed quite a market for himself, as the Buccaneers, Eagles, and Patriots are expected to be in on the 30-year pass-catcher this week. Jackson, who last year led the league in yards per reception for the second time in three seasons, ranks as PFR’s No. 26 free agent.

Latest On Adrian Peterson’s Market

March 7th, 2017 at 7:39pm CST by Ben Levine

A number of teams will have interest in free agent running back Adrian Peterson, but at least two teams are considered “desirable landing spots” for the veterans. According to Stacey Dales of the NFL Network (via Twitter), the Seahawks and Raiders are teams that Peterson has on his radar. The seven-time Pro Bowler could seek $4MM to $6MM per year on his next deal, tweets Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson, who adds that the Patriots – with whom Peterson could take a discount – are also in the mix. Peterson has spent his entire career with the Vikings to this point, but they’re prioritizing their offensive line and might not make him an offer until next week, relays Ben Goessling of ESPN.com (Twitter link).

Adrian Peterson (vertical)The 31-year-old Peterson only appeared in three games this past season as he recovered from a torn meniscus in his right knee. Still, the veteran’s previous performance is a big reason why PFR’s Zach Links pegged Peterson as the projected highest-earning running back this offseason (he was also listed as the second-best available running back behind Eddie Lacy).

There shouldn’t be any worry that Peterson can bounce back from his injury. After playing in only one game in 2014, the running back finished the 2015 campaign with 1,485 yards and 11 touchdowns on 327 carries (4.5 yards per carry). The veteran also finished that campaign with 30 receptions.

Neither the Seahawks nor Raiders would deny a player of Peterson’s talent, but they currently have solid depth at the position. Thomas Rawls and C.J. Prosise are set to compete for the starting gig in Seattle, while Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington are among the intriguing options is Oakland. The Raiders could also look to re-sign Latavius Murray.

Browns Involved In Trumaine Johnson Talks?

March 7th, 2017 at 7:27pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Browns may be one team to “keep an eye on” as the Rams attempt to trade franchise-tagged cornerback Trumaine Johnson, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).Trumaine Johnson

[RELATED: Browns Interested In A.J. Bouye]

Cleveland makes sense as a potential destination for Johnson on a number of levels. For one, the Browns now employ former Los Angeles defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, under whom Johnson performed with aplomb during the past several seasons. Second, Cleveland boasts more than $100MM in cap space, meaning it could either allow Johnson to play out his franchise tender at a cost of nearly $17MM or sign him to an extension.

At present, the Browns’ secondary depth chart is exceptionally barren behind No. 1 corner Joe Haden, who himself has dealt with injuries and ineffectiveness in recent years. Cleveland recently released veteran defensive back Tramon Williams, leaving Jamar Taylor, Briean Boddy-Calhoun, and Trey Caldwell as the other corners on a defense that ranked 30th in DVOA against the pass.

The Rams, for their part, likely don’t view Johnson as a perfect fit for new defensive play-caller Wade Phillips‘ scheme. Phillips runs a 3-4 front that relies on man coverage in the back-end, while Johnson has always played better in a zone scheme with help over the top.

NFC Rumors: Bucs, Redskins, Seahawks

March 7th, 2017 at 7:22pm CST by Zachary Links

Buccaneers wide receiver and special-teams captain Russell Shepard currently has interest from six teams, including the Bucs, a source tells Jenna Laine of ESPN.com. About half of those teams see him as a No. 3 receiver, with a chance of being a No. 2. The other teams have offered to make him “one of the highest-paid special-teams players in the league with multiple offensive packages,” the source told Laine. I would surmise that this news comes from Shepard’s agent, so it should perhaps be taken with a grain of salt.

More NFC rumors:

  • The Redskins have interest in receiver Marquise Goodwin, per Mike Jones, Master Tesfatsion and Liz Clarke of the Washington Post. The onetime Olympian (track and field) has thus far spent his four-year career in Buffalo, where he has totaled 49 receptions and six touchdowns in 39 games. Goodwin set career highs last year with 15 appearances, 29 catches, 68 targets and 431 yards. He also tied a personal best with three touchdowns.
  • Despite non-tendering him, the Seahawks still would like cornerback DeShawn Shead back in 2017, his agent tells Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times. Shead started in all 15 of his regular-season appearances last year, but the torn ACL he suffered in the Seahawks’ divisional-round loss to the Falcons led the club to non-tender him. Clearly, though, they want like him in the fold at a lesser salary than he would have made if healthy.
  • Along with Shead, the Seahawks have interior offensive lineman Brian Schwenke on their radar, writes Condotta. Schwenke’s a four-year Titan with 41 appearances and 28 starts on his resume. The 25-year-old took part in a career-high 16 games last season, but he only picked up three starts.

Connor Byrne contributed to this post.

Cards, Chandler Jones Discussing Extension

March 7th, 2017 at 7:07pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Cardinals placed the franchise tag on edge rusher Chandler Jones last week, but the two sides are now discussing a deal that would keep Jones in the desert for the long haul, tweets Jason Cole of Bleacher Report.Chandler Jones

[RELATED: Cardinals Re-Sign Jermaine Gresham]

Jones is already set to earn north of $14MM under the terms of the franchise tender, but the 27-year-old now has until July 15 to hammer out an extension with the Cardinals. The tag was always seen as the likely outcome between Arizona and Jones, as team management indicated — essentially from the day Jones was acquired from the Patriots — that he wouldn’t be allowed to hit the open market.

A long-term deal, however, would not only give Jones financial security for the long term, but would likely lower his 2017 cap charge, a key factor for the relatively cash-strapped Cardinals. Although they’e already re-signed tight end Jermaine Gresham, the Cards are still hoping to retain critical defenders such as Calais Campbell, Tony Jefferson, and Kevin Minter, all of whom are unrestricted free agents.

Jones, whom Arizona picked up from New England in exchange for a second-round pick, posted an excellent first campaign with the Cardinals, racking up 11 sacks and grading as the league’s No. 7 pass rusher, per Pro Football Focus.

RFA/ERFA Tender Decisions: 3/7/17

March 7th, 2017 at 7:04pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Unrestricted free agent news will obviously dominate the day, but several clubs also had to make decisions on whether to offer tenders to restricted and exclusive rights free agents. All RFA tenders listed are original round/right of first refusal (worth $1.797MM), and all links go to Twitter:

RFAs:

Tendered:

Non-Tendered:

ERFAs:

Tendered:

Non-Tendered:

Colts Re-Sign Jack Doyle

March 7th, 2017 at 6:59pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

The Colts have announced the re-signing of tight end Jack Doyle to a three-year deal. The pact is worth $19MM and includes $2MM in incentives, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL.com (Twitter link). Half of the $19MM ($9.5MM) is guaranteed, tweets ESPN’s Adam Caplan.

Jack Doyle

Had Doyle gotten to free agency, he would have been among the most sought-after tight ends on the open market. In a breakout 2016 campaign, the 27-year-old Doyle posted across-the-board career highs with 59 catches, 75 targets, 584 yards and five touchdowns. During the previous three seasons of his career, Doyle combined 42 receptions, 209 yards and three TDs.

Doyle now joins Dwayne Allen as one of two well-compensated Colts tight ends. Allen nearly reached free agency last offseason, but the Colts stopped that from happening with a four-year, $29MM offer. The fact that Doyle won’t hit the market this year should increase the demand for free agency’s other top tight ends, Martellus Bennett and Jared Cook, and aid them in their quests to land raises.

Chris Hagan of FOX 59 first reported the news (Twitter link). Garafolo first tweeted the length of the deal. Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Lions, Texans Interested In Ricky Wagner

March 7th, 2017 at 6:53pm CST by Ben Levine

After learning that the Vikings and Bears would have some interest in free agent offensive lineman Ricky Wagner, it looks like we can add another pair of teams to the list of potential suitors. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports (via Kevin Patra of NFL.com) that both the Lions and Texans will “be in play” for the veteran.

Ricky Wagner (featured)

Wagner has spent his entire four-year career with the Ravens after being selected in the fifth round of the 2013 draft. The offensive tackle ultimately played in 62 games for Baltimore, including 47 starts. A recent report indicated that the ship “appears to have sailed” regarding Wagner’s return to the Ravens.

The Lions are a natural fit for the 27-year-old, as offensive lineman Riley Reiff is also currently a free agent. Meanwhile, our own Connor Byrne noted that the Texans should seek some offensive line help this offseason. However, he could be out of their price range, per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link).

PFR’s Zach Links ranked Wagner as the second-best offensive tackle available in free agency. The veteran was listed below Andrew Whitworth and above Russell Okung.

Broncos Working To Re-Up Ware, Okung

March 7th, 2017 at 6:05pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Although DeMarcus Ware is eyeing a return to Dallas, where he spent the first nine years of his illustrious career, Denver isn’t giving up on re-signing the pass rusher. Broncos general manager John Elway has met with Ware regarding a new deal, tweets Troy Renck of Denver 7. However, Ware is likely to test the market, according to Mike Klis of 9News (Twitter link).

DeMarcus Ware (vertical)

Ware, who will turn 35 in July, is coming off a career-low 10-game season, which came on the heels of a then-worst 11-game showing in 2015. The 12-year veteran has remained productive, though, as he managed eight starts and four sacks in 2016. All told, Ware has piled up 21.5 sacks in three years as a Bronco, giving him 138.5 for his career. He’s now eighth on the all-time sack list and figures to vault up the list at least a couple more spots in 2017 – perhaps in a different uniform.

Meanwhile, Elway has also discussed a return with left tackle Russell Okung, per James Palmer of NFL Network (Twitter link). The Broncos elected in late February to decline his option, but that’s not necessarily going to lead to a divorce. Picking up that option would have triggered the remainder of the four-year, $48MM deal (including $20.5MM in guarantees) an agent-less Okung signed with the Broncos last offseason. Okung then proceeded to notch the first 16-start year of his career, though Pro Football Focus ranked his performance a mediocre 38th among 78 qualified tackles.

Since the Broncos (briefly?) cut ties with Okung, several other teams have come up as potential suitors. Because he’s still representing himself, Okung is not allowed to speak with teams during the legal tampering period.

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