2018 March - Pro Football Rumors

Patriots To Meet With DE Adrian Clayborn

March 15th, 2018 at 5:22pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Patriots will plan to host free agent defensive end Adrian Clayborn, according to Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (Twitter link).

New England can use all the pass rush help it can get, as the club ranked 31st in adjusted sack rate a year ago. Clayborn can help with that, as the 29-year-old managed 9.5 sacks in 2017. However, Clayborn famously posted six of those sacks in one game against overpowered Cowboys left tackle Chaz Green.

While the Patriots appear to be Clayborn’s first free agent visit, he is not wanting for overall interest. The Colts, Buccaneers, Browns, and the incumbent Falcons are all eyeing a pact with Clayborn, who — unsurprisingly — is being targeted by clubs that run predominantly 4-3 schemes.

PFR ranked Clayborn as the No. 7 edge defender heading into free agency, but three of the pass rushers listed above him — Julius Peppers, William Hayes, and Trent Murphy — have already landed new contracts.

WR Michael Crabtree To Visit Ravens

March 15th, 2018 at 5:18pm CST by Ben Levine

Michael Crabtree is making his first visit. The wideout is set to meet with the Ravens, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). The Ravens are “going hard” after the veteran, who was released by the Raiders today, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link).

Following the Nelson signing, Oakland released Crabtree today. There had been whispers of Crabtree’s exit from Oakland for some time, although Jon Gruden seemed to indicate that Crabtree would be back with the team in 2018. Crabtree had been productive during his time with the Raiders, as he hauled in at least eight touchdowns in each of his three seasons. However, the 30-year-old’s production dropped in 2017, as he finished with 58 receptions and and 618 yards – his lowest totals since 2013.

Earlier today, our own Zach Links eyed Marqise Lee‘s new contract with the Jaguars as a basis for a Crabtree deal. Lee can earn a maximum of $38MM over the course of his four-year contract. Even if Crabtree’s “true” average annual value falls short of $9.5MM, it’s still a good indicator of what Crabtree can expect to get in free agency

Buccaneers Reach Out To Mike Pouncey

March 15th, 2018 at 5:12pm CST by Ben Levine

Mike Pouncey is already generating some interest on the open market. ESPN’s Jenna Laine reports (via Twitter) that the Buccaneers have inquired about the recently-released center.

The veteran offensive lineman requested and was granted his release earlier today. The former first-rounder had spent his entire seven-year career in Miami, earning three Pro Bowl nods. Despite his previous success, the 28-year-old wasn’t nearly as productive in 2017.

After playing in only five games in 2016, Pouncey looked slowed down by the hip injury this year. In the past, we’ve heard that he may eventually require replacement surgery at some point. One doctor went so far as to tell Pouncey that he would have to retire as a result of the malady, but Pouncey, for now, is bucking medical advice.

Pro Football Focus also noticed Pouncey’s regression last season. The site ultimately ranked Pouncey as the league’s No. 25 center, a sharp contract with his No. 11 ranking in 2015.

Dolphins Re-Sign QB David Fales

March 15th, 2018 at 5:11pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Dolphins have re-signed quarterback David Fales to a one-year contract, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link).

Miami opted not to tender Fales as a restricted free agent before the 2018 league year began on Wednesday. Instead, they’ll bring him back on a one-year deal that will presumably be worth less than than original round tender of $1.907MM. That tender would have been fully non-guaranteed, while Fales’ new pact could conceivably contain some guaranteed money.

It’s unclear if the Dolphins trust Fales to be their No. 2 quarterback behind current starter Ryan Tannehill, but Brandon Doughty is the only other signal-caller on the roster at the moment. Fales, 27, has a history with Miami head coach Adam Gase, but had only attempted six career passes before getting a game’s worth of work in the 2017 season finale.

49ers Sign LB Jeremiah Attaochu

March 15th, 2018 at 5:02pm CST by Ben Levine

The 49ers have signed linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu, reports NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter). It’s a one-year deal worth up to $5.125MM, with $2.5MM fully guaranteed.

The 25-year-old had spent his entire four-year career with the Chargers organization after being selected in the second-round of the 2014 draft. The Georgia Tech product didn’t necessarily live up to expectations due his tenure, and missed 24 total games.

Attaochu was limited to only four games in 2017, compiling seven tackles. His best season came in 2015, when he finished with 55 tackles and six sacks. He still made his way onto PFR’s free agent positional rankings, as he was listed 10th among edge defenders.

Panthers To Meet With TE Eric Ebron

March 15th, 2018 at 4:54pm CST by Zachary Links

The Panthers will meet with free agent tight end Eric Ebron, according to Dianna Russini of ESPN.com (on Twitter). To our knowledge, this marks Ebron’s first visit, though the Ravens are also said to have interest.

The Lions had Ebron under contract for $8.25MM thanks to his fifth-year option, but the option is guaranteed for injury only. Detroit released Ebron this week, without financial penalty, after being unable to find a taker for him via trade.

Ebron lacks the braun for blocking, but he’s an athletic tight end with receiving ability. A deal could quickly materialize for him now that Jimmy Graham, Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Trey Burton, and Tyler Eifert are off the free agent board.

Other available free agent tight ends of note include Antonio Gates, Ed Dickson, and Levine Toilolo. All things considered, Ebron carries the most upside of the bunch. He could also be a natural fit for the Panthers since he attended both high school and college in North Carolina.

Seahawks free agent tight end Luke Willson visited with the Panthers this week, but left without signing a deal.

Seahawks Discussing Earl Thomas Trade; Seeking 1st, 3rd Round Picks

March 15th, 2018 at 4:48pm CST by Zachary Links

The Seahawks are in discussions with several teams regarding safety Earl Thomas, according to CBSSports.com’s Jason La Canfora (on Twitter). They are seeking a first-round pick and a third-round pick in exchange for the three-time First Team All-Pro safety, but La Canfora says they may get even more for him in a trade.

We learned last night that the Seahawks had requested a first-round pick in exchange for the defensive back. The Seahawks have already made several changes to their secondary, including releasing both Richard Sherman and DeShawn Shead, and it sounds like moving on from their safety isn’t out of the picture. Thomas, who turns 29 in May, has earned six Pro Bowl selection in his eight seasons in Seattle, and has been a critical figure in the team’s “Legion of Boom” secondary.

The Seahawks are seemingly interested in moving on from Thomas, and the feeling is apparently mutual. He connected himself to the Cowboys after the Seahawks’ December win in Dallas, telling Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett to “come get me.” Thomas was born in Orange, Texas and played at the University of Texas before Seattle selected him with the No. 14 pick in 2010.

In January, Thomas threatened a holdout by saying he doesn’t envision himself rejoining Seattle without a longterm deal. The safety signed a four-year $40 MM deal in 2014, which is set to expire after the 2018 season. The safety had another productive campaign in 2017, compiling 56 tackles and two interceptions in 14 games (14 starts).

Tank Carradine To Visit Seahawks

March 15th, 2018 at 4:41pm CST by Ben Levine

Defensive lineman Tank Carradine is visiting with the Raiders, but Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee says the free agent has a backup plan if he doesn’t sign. Barrows reports (via Twitter) that Carradine has a visit scheduled with the Seahawks “if necessary.”

We learned earlier today that the former 49ers defensive end had a meeting scheduled with the Raiders. The 2013 second-round pick had been relatively underwhelming during his San Francisco tenure, and he also missed half of the 2017 season. He ultimately started seven of his eight games last year, compiling 19 tackles and 1.5 sacks. His production would have placed him among Pro Football Focus’ top 50 edge defenders if he had enough snaps to qualify.

The Seahawks are a bit crowded at defensive end, and the team is currently projected to start Cliff Avril and Frank Clark. However, along with Branden Jackson and Quinton Jefferson (and others), the 29-year-old Carradine would certainly provide Seattle with some insurance at the position.

Agent: Kirk Cousins Had Better Offer

March 15th, 2018 at 4:37pm CST by Ben Levine

Kirk Cousins made history when he inked a three-year, fully-guaranteed $84MM contract with the Vikings. However, it sounds like the quarterback may have left some money on the table. Agent Mike McCartney told Chad Graff of The Athletic that Cousins didn’t take the best deal before signing with Minnesota.

“We didn’t take the best offer,” McCartney said (via Twitter). “Not even close.”

It’s unknown who Cousins specifically rejected. The Jets, Cardinals, and Broncos had all expressed interest in the quarterback. Considering New York’s cap space, it’s easy to assume that the Jets may have had the highest offer on the table, but that’s just my speculation.

The $28MM annual salary for Cousins was a bit shy of what we expected, but the guaranteed money ultimately proved to be unprecedented. Our own Zach Links had previously speculated that Cousins could have had better offers on the table, but surmised that he leaned towards the Vikings since they would give him an opportunity to win right away.

The 29-year-old Cousins finished last season having completed 64.3-percent of his passes for 4,093 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.

Lions Sign G Kenny Wiggins

March 15th, 2018 at 4:32pm CST by Zachary Links

The Lions have signed offensive lineman Kenny Wiggins. Wiggins is listed as a guard in the press release, which is undoubtedly to the delight of the former Charger.

Wiggins, who has experience at all five offensive line positions, was vocal about his desire to play solely at guard.

“I’ve always said the more you can do, the less you get paid,” Wiggins said in January. “It’s the truth. You’ve got to be able to play in one spot and play it well. If you can play a bunch of spots but you play them mediocre, then you’re not going to get paid. Me playing every game at guard and locking down the spot, and being able to show people that I can be an everyday starter — go out there, stay healthy and be a contributor on our line — I think that speaks volumes.”

Wiggins wound up starting at right guard last season for the Chargers due to injuries. He played played 999 snaps, good for second-highest on the Bolts’ offensive line. As a whole, the Chargers’ offensive line performed well, allowing a league-low 18 sacks as Melvin Gordon topped 1,100 rushing yards.

For what it’s worth, the advanced numbers weren’t fond of Wiggins’ play. Pro Football Focus rated him as just the 74th ranked guard in the league out of 82 qualified players.

As shown on Roster Resource, there could be an opening for Wiggins to start at one guard spot with T.J. Lang at the other. However, if the Lions wind up signing Matt Slauson after his visit, Wiggins may wind up either as a reserve.