The Seahawks, Texans, and Vikings have all expressed interest in free agent cornerback Tramaine Brock, but they’re only three of a dozen clubs who have inquired on Brock, reports Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune (Twitter link). The interest in Brock isn’t all that surprising, especially now that he’s no longer facing domestic violence charges. A starting-caliber cornerback rarely becomes available in August, but the 28-year-old Brock graded as the league’s No. 23 corner while playing 95% of San Francisco’s defensive snaps a season ago, per Pro Football Focus.
Here’s more from around the NFL:
- While the Dolphins are expected to work out linebacker Rey Maualuga on Wednesday, Miami could also ask about fellow free agent ‘backer Perry Riley, per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald (Twitter link), who says “don’t be surprised” if the Dolphins look at the former Raider. With rookie Raekwon McMillan lost for the season after tearing his ACL, Miami is looking for more depth at the second level of their defense. Riley, 29, posted a breakout season in 2016, but hasn’t been linked to any clubs since free agency opened in March.
- James Harrison isn’t expected to serve as a starter for the Steelers next season, as the club will use young edge rushers Bud Dupree and T.J. Watt in prominent roles, as Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes. Harrison played 56% of Pittsburgh’s defensive snaps in 2016 and managed five sacks, but he’ll be used as more of a “relief pitcher” in 2017, says Steelers outside linebackers coach Joey Porter. Entering his age-39 campaign, Harrison could probably use the extra rest, even though he still might be Pittsburgh’s best pass rusher.
- Bills general manager Brandon Beane said he was “annoyed” at accusations of tanking after Buffalo agreed to trade Sammy Watkins and Ronald Darby last week, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. Pointing to acquisitions of Anquan Boldin, Jordan Matthews, and E.J. Gaines, Beane disputed that the Bills aren’t attempting to win in 2017. However, each of those three players’ contracts will expire in 2018, and the driving force behind Buffalo’s two deals seemed to be the receipt of draft pick capital.
- The Cowboys worked out defensive back Julian Wilson today, tweets Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News. Two other defensive backs — Dejaun Butler and John Green — also auditioned for Dallas and were signed, a likely indication that Wilson won’t be joining the roster.