2018 March - Pro Football Rumors

Jaguars To Sign TE Niles Paul

March 14th, 2018 at 2:36pm CST by Zachary Links

Niles Paul is leaving the Redskins. The Jaguars are set to sign the free agent tight end, according to Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union (on Twitter). It’s a two-year deal, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL.com (on Twitter).

Paul, 29 in August, hasn’t been high on the NFL’s radar since catching 39 passes for 507 yards and one touchdown in 2014. After missing the 2015 season, he saw time in only eight games in ’16 and had a marginal role on the Redskins last year. Over the last two seasons, he has just 15 catches for 121 yards to his credit.

The Jaguars declined their option on Mychal Rivera in February, opening up a spot on the TE depth chart for Paul. However, Jacksonville exercised an option for fellow tight end Marcedes Lewis, while free agent Austin Seferian-Jenkins is scheduled to visit.

Browns To Sign CB T.J. Carrie

March 14th, 2018 at 2:34pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Browns have reached agreement with free agent cornerback T.J. Carrie, according to Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com (Twitter link).

The former Raiders corner signed for four years and $31MM, with $10MM fully guaranteed at signing, Adam Caplan of ESPN.com tweets.

Before landing with Cleveland, Carrie also drew interest from the Broncos, but Denver signed fellow corner Tramaine Brock instead. Carrie ranked as PFR’s seventh-best available cornerback heading into the free agent period.

Cleveland needed all the secondary help it could find after ranking 27th in pass defense DVOA in 2017. So far, they’ve inked Carrie and Terrance Mitchell to go along with Jason McCourty, Jamar Taylor, and Briean Boddy-Calhoun, among others. Additionally, the Browns have interest in safety Morgan Burnett as they further remake their defensive backfield.

Carrie will almost surely play the slot in Cleveland, as the 27-year-old handled nickel duties for Oakland last season. In 15 starts, Carrie managed 70 tackles and graded as the NFL’s No. 21 CB, per Pro Football Focus. Football Outsiders’ metrics weren’t quite as fond of Carrie, as he ranked 68 out of 81 qualifiers in success rate.

Dolphins Release Ndamukong Suh

March 14th, 2018 at 2:31pm CST by Ryan Posner

The Dolphins are releasing five-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh as a post-June 1 cut, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (Twitter link). The move signals another attempt for the Dolphins to change their culture, which has now resulted in the departure of three of their top players within the last calendar year — Suh, Jarvis Landry and Jay Ajayi. Suh now ranks as the best free agent currently available.

Suh was due to make $16.9MM in base salary next season, with a cap hit of $26.1MM. It was reported last week that the Dolphins were considering shedding the sizable cap hit by cutting Suh. The 31-year-old was set to enter the fourth year of his six-year, $114MM deal with Miami, which was an NFL record at the time signing.

Miami still has the option to cut Suh with a post-June 1 designation. That would allow the team to space out the dead cap space resulting from Suh’s release over the next two seasons and would give them an immediate $17MM in available cap space.

The Dolphins signaled that a cut for Suh was possibly on the horizon by acquiring Robert Quinn from the Rams earlier this month in exchange for fourth- and sixth-round picks in the upcoming draft. It was also suggested the team would possibly approach Suh about restructuring his deal for 2018. The Dolphins are also expected to part ways with linebacker Lawrence Timmons and Julius Thomas in cap-saving measures prior to the new league year beginning on March 14.

Suh was graded out by Pro Football Focus as the league’s No. 4 interior defensive lineman last season, which should create a decent bidding war for the services of the three-time All-Pro and former No. 2 overall pick. He missed out on back-to-back Pro Bowl appearances, though. He was named to his first one with the Dolphins in 2016 after collecting five sacks and 47 tackles.

Suh has seen a decline in his sack totals in each of his three seasons with the Dolphins since racking up 8 1/2 in his final year with the Lions in 2014. With Suh reportedly out of the picture, the Dolphins still have Davon Godchaux, Jordan Phillips, Vincent Taylor, and Gabe Martin on the roster at defensive line, along with Quinn.

Saints Reach Deal With LB Demario Davis

March 14th, 2018 at 2:21pm CST by Sam Robinson

Demario Davis will head to New Orleans after a solid contract year with the Jets. The Saints have reached an agreement to sign Davis, Diana Russini of ESPN.com tweets.

An off-ball linebacker, Davis will receive a significant raise compared to his last time on the market. The Saints have agreed to pay him $24MM over three years, per Russini, with $18MM coming in guarantees.

This completes a turnaround year for Davis, who saw the Browns trade him back to the Jets last offseason. He then accepted a pay cut from the previous $4MM-AAV salary the Jets re-signed him for in 2016. But after a strong season that saw him grade (per Pro Football Focus) as the No. 8 pure linebacker in the game, Davis will receive his reward sum.

The 29-year-old linebacker was targeting a deal worth $8-$10MM per year, but the Jets did not view him as a player worth that much. Gang Green saw Davis as more of a $3-$4MM-AAV performer, but with the cap rising to $177MM, most positions’ values are spiking. And Davis — who previously ranked as PFR’s No. 24 remaining UFA — was rewarded on the market.

While the Jets seemingly replaced Davis with a younger defender in Avery Williamson, the Saints will add a proven, durable starter to their second level. Davis has never missed a regular-season game in his six-year career and has been a full-time starter since 2013.

However, Davis has never played for a team that used a 4-3 scheme. He could be a fit at inside or outside linebacker, conceivably, on a Saints team that will surely find a starting spot for him given the contract authorized.

[RELATED: Saints Depth Chart]

Seahawks To Host TE Ed Dickson

March 14th, 2018 at 2:19pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Seahawks are “deep” in the tight end market, and will now host free agent Ed Dickson on a visit, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).

Seattle also has a meeting scheduled with fellow tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins, so the club is clearly trying to use the open market to replace Jimmy Graham, who signed with the Packers on Tuesday. Other free agent tight ends of note include Tyler Eifert, Virgil Green, Antonio Gates, and the recently-released Eric Ebron.

Dickson, 30, didn’t play a large receiving role during his first three years with the Panthers, but an injury to starting tight end Greg Olsen allowed Dickson to play on 80% of Carolina’s offensive plays last season. While he wasn’t a world-beater, Dickson did manage 437 yards and a touchdown, solid numbers considering he’d managed just 370 receiving yards from 2014-16. He’s also on the Falcons’ radar as they seek a complementary tight end.

At present, Seattle’s depth chart is comprised of Nick Vannett and 2017 undrafted free agent Tyrone Swoopes. Veteran Luke Willson is an unrestricted free agent.

Lions To Release Eric Ebron

March 14th, 2018 at 2:11pm CST by Sam Robinson

Less than an hour before the new league year begins, the Lions are taking Eric Ebron‘s contract off their payroll.

The team attempted to find a trade partner for its longtime tight end, but after failing to do so, Ebron will be released, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets.

Ebron’s fifth-year option of $8.25MM would have kicked in if he was still on the Lions once the 2018 league year officially started. Detroit now has that amount to spend, with fifth-year options being guaranteed for injury only. Ebron will venture into free agency.

The former North Carolina pass-catcher did not live up to the hype that came with his top-10 selection, and the Lions were listening to offers for him. While Ebron showed intermittent promise, he could not put it together for lengthy stretches. He finished last season with 53 receptions for 574 yards and four touchdowns.

While the Lions felt his production wasn’t worth the upcoming salary, Ebron — who will turn just 25 next month — could still encounter a decent market, based on what’s been happening with pass-catchers this week. PFR’s top two UFA tight ends have been signed, but Ebron will join the likes of Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Tyler Eifert as the top available players at this position.

The Lions will see their cap space jump up past $35MM as a result of this maneuver. Michael Roberts, as of now, would be in line to inherit Ebron’s old job. The second-year player, though, caught just four passes last season.

Jaguars To Sign DB Don Carey

March 14th, 2018 at 2:08pm CST by Sam Robinson

After seven years away, Don Carey will return to Jacksonville. The Jaguars plan to sign the free agent defensive back, according to Mark Long of the Associated Press (on Twitter).

Primarily a special-teamer, Carey has spent the past seven seasons with the Lions. He hasn’t started a game since the 2014 season but has been a cornerstone member of the Lions’ special teams units. Carey’s 15 special teams tackles were fourth in the NFL during the 2015 campaign.

The 30-year-old defender was a starter for the 2010 Jaguars but gradually settled into a backup role. Now in his 10th season, he’ll be expected to be a reserve player in Jacksonville’s secondary and work on its ST units.

Bills To Sign LB Trent Murphy

March 14th, 2018 at 1:43pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Bills will sign free agent edge rusher Trent Murphy, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). It’s a three-year, $21MM deal, tweets Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, while the total value can rise to $30MM, per Rapoport (Twitter link).

Murphy, who spent the first four seasons of his career with the Redskins, drew plenty of free agent interest despite missing the entire 2017 campaign with a torn ACL and MCL. Both the Patriots and Buccaneers were reportedly in on Murphy, while Washington had offered him a contract to return to the nation’s capital.

The Bills plan to use Murphy at defensive end, not linebacker, as Joe Buscaglia of WKBW tweets. Buffalo already has two starting defensive ends in Jerry Hughes and Shaq Lawson, but Murphy will offer depth allow the Bills to play their edge rushers in a rotational capacity.

A former second-round pick, Murphy’s best season came in 2016 when he posted nine sacks. That potential was enough to get him a multi-year deal this year, but the 27-year-old certainly comes with risk attached. Not only can a dual ACL/MCL injury be tough to recover from, but Murphy was also suspended four games last season for performance-enhancing drug usage.

The Bills have been active this offseason, not only in trading away offensive starters such as Tyrod Taylor and Cordy Glenn, but in adding defensive talent such as Star Lotulelei and Rafael Bush.

Saints To Sign Patrick Robinson

March 14th, 2018 at 1:28pm CST by Zachary Links

Patrick Robinson is set to sign with the Saints, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). It’s a four-year deal for the nickel cornerback.

Robinson, 30, is heading back to where it all began, as he was originally selected as a first-round pick by New Orleans in 2010. He’ll return after posting drastically better results with other clubs than he ever did with the Saints. Largely considered a bust until joining the Chargers in 2015, Robinson is now coming off arguably the best season of his career.

Signed to one-year contact for the veteran’s minimum, Robinson exceeded all expectations as the Eagles’ slot cornerback in 2017. On 853 defensive snaps, Robinson graded as the league’s No. 6 CB, per Pro Football Focus.

Philadelphia was expected to re-sign Robinson, but their small amount of cap space — which has already been used on players such as Michael Bennett, Haloti Ngata, and Nigel Bradham — made keeping him difficult. However, the Eagles actually offered Robinson more total money than the Saints, who gave Robinson more guaranteed cash, per Jenna Laine of ESPN.com.

Speaking of exceeding expectations, the Saints’ pass defense did just that last season. With rookie Marshon Lattimore playing like a shutdown corner, New Orleans ranked fifth in pass defense. Robinson will likely stick in his slot role with the Saints, although it’s possible they also ask him to play on the outside.

Meanwhile, free agent cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is no longer expected to visit the Saints after taking a meeting with the Redskins. That’s likely because both DRC and Robinson would have filled the same nickelback job in New Orleans.

[RELATED: Saints Depth Chart]

Browns’ Joe Thomas To Retire

March 14th, 2018 at 12:51pm CST by Sam Robinson

This is the end of the line for Joe Thomas. After a league source told Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com that the Browns’ stalwart left tackle is more than likely retiring, the 33-year-old Thomas confirmed it himself.

He will not return for a 12th season.

“This was an extremely difficult decision, but the right one for me and my family,” Thomas said. “Playing in the NFL has taken a toll on my body and I can no longer physically compete at the level I need to.”

He will leave the game as one of the best players of his era and will be a near-lock for the Hall of Fame five years from now.

“From the moment I was drafted, the city embraced me in a way that I could never fully describe,” Thomas said. “I am proud to call Cleveland home. The loyalty and passion of the fans is unmatched and it was an honor to play in front of them from the past 11 years. I would like to thank all of the coaches, teammates, staff, fans and everyone who has shown me support throughout my career. Even though I will be hanging up my cleats, I will always be a Cleveland Brown.”

He will end his career as one of the best offensive linemen of his era and one of the greatest players in Browns history. Thomas’ run of 10 straight Pro Bowls from 2007-16 doubles as the only time in NFL history an offensive lineman has accomplished that in his first 10 seasons. Only Otto Graham and Jim Brown ended their careers with more first-team All-Pro honors than Thomas’ six, the last of which coming in 2015. From 2009-15, only once did the 6-foot-7 blocker not finish as an All-Pro.

A constant trade candidate in his 30s, Thomas continued to insist he wanted to stay in Cleveland rather than go try and win elsewhere as so many veterans before him did. And neither Ray Farmer nor Sashi Brown pulled the trigger on dealing him. Although, the Browns and Broncos came close to striking a deal in 2015 — months before a Denver team with a need at tackle celebrated a Super Bowl championship.

Perhaps most known for his ironman streak that spanned from his rookie year until midway through last season, Thomas never appeared in a playoff game but established an immense legacy in northeast Ohio.

The Wisconsin product started in 167 straight games (10,363 straight snaps), protecting 20 different quarterbacks and being the team’s cornerstone player through many rebuilding missions. The closest the Browns came to the postseason was in Thomas’ rookie year, when Derek Anderson piloted the team to a 10-6 record. They have not had a winning season since and have won more than five games just one other time in that span.

Thomas has spoken glowingly about the Browns’ prospects, but he is opting to step aside.

“I think the future is really bright,” he said recently. “Obviously, John Dorsey came here for a reason because there was a ton of cap space, a ton of money that you can spend under the salary cap on new players, and obviously the draft picks that we have are pretty impressive, really unprecedented to have the first, the fourth [overall selections] and a couple early picks in the second round. So although the talent hasn’t been there for the team the last few years, the cupboards are not bare because of what we have coming down the pike in the next few years. For me as a player and for you guys as fans, it’s a great time to be a Cleveland Brown.”

Earlier this week, Thomas indicated that the Browns’ moves over the past week won’t impact his decision. Those moves, of course, include the acquisitions of wide receiver Jarvis Landry, quarterback Tyrod Taylor, and cornerbacks Terrance Mitchell and Damarious Randall. They also added a pair of new offensive linemen Chris Hubbard and Donald Stephenson. The Browns were interested in Nate Solder as a Thomas replacement, but the Giants agreed to sign him.

Thomas has been an active member of the community in Cleveland, having been the only player to earn the Walter Payton Man of the Year award multiple times (2010, 2012 and 2016), and has launched the ThomaHawk Show, a podcast with former Browns and Bengals wide receiver Andrew Hawkins.