Patriots deploy tender on LeGarrette Blount. Thinking outside the box as usual, New England utilized a May 9 tender on Blount, ensuring that it will reap a compensatory pick if Blount signs elsewhere. Blount, who had reportedly been nearing a deal prior to the tender, has until July 22 to reach a deal with another club. If he doesn’t sign by then, the Patriots control his rights. Rival teams are now trying to “navigate” the compensatory pick process in order to land Blount.
Josh Gordon denied reinstatement. The NFL refused Gordon’s attempt to re-enter the league, but the Browns receiver is eligible to re-apply in the fall. Gordon, 26, originally applied for reinstatement in March. Although he hasn’t played sine 2014 (and hasn’t been effective since 2013), Gordon may be welcomed back by Cleveland if Roger Goodell & Co. allow his reinstatement. Gordon’s agent terminated their relationship several weeks ago, so Gordon is currently without representation.
Bills find a new general manager. Having fired Doug Whaley one day after the conclusion of the draft, Buffalo hired former Panthers executive Brandon Beane as its new GM. Beane has a working history with Bills head coach Sean McDermott, and is expected to have final say over the club’s 53-man roster (although he and McDermott will work closely on personnel issues). The Bills have also poached ex-Dolphins staffer Joe Schoen and named him assistant general manager, while incumbent contract negotiator Jim Overdorf could be on the chopping block.
Victor Cruz market heating up. While Cruz had garnered scant free agent interest since being released by the Giants earlier this year (only the Panthers had set up a visit), the veteran wide receiver was linked to three clubs in the span of two days last week. The Jaguars and Bears are organizing meetings with Cruz, while the Ravens also have interest in the 30-year-old wideout.
Cardinals cut ties with Daryl Washington. Unlike Gordon, Washington was granted reinstatement, but he won’t be playing for Arizona in 2017. The Cardinals officially released Washington, who hasn’t been on the field since 2013. While Arizona had interest in retaining Washington, the two sides apparently couldn’t agree on a deal. Washington, 30, had been due $2.9MM next season.
Michael Floyd finds a landing spot. More than two months after the opening of free agency, Floyd finally landed a contract, agreeing to a one-year pact with the Vikings. The new contract is reportedly worth $1.5MM, but Floyd can earn up to $6MM via incentives. Floyd, who was charged with DUI last year, is likely to serve a suspension during the 2017 campaign.