2020 March - Pro Football Rumors

Brady Fallout: Bucs, Belichick, Colts, Hoyer

March 24th, 2020 at 9:23am CST by Sam Robinson

The Buccaneers‘ signing of the most accomplished free agent in NFL history triggered a ripple effect in several cities. That started in Charlotte. Although neither Bruce Arians nor Jason Licht spoke to Tom Brady until Wednesday of last week, the Bucs believed they had a “shell of a deal” with Brady by Tuesday, Peter King of NBC Sports reports. This was hours before the future Hall of Fame quarterback announced he would no longer return to the Patriots. The Bucs’ discussions with Brady’s agent, Don Yee, Tuesday prompted them to bow out of the Teddy Bridgewater pursuit, King adds. Bridgewater’s Panthers offer prompted the Bucs to give him an answer, and they chose to stay in the Brady pursuit without a full commitment. The Bucs had been linked to Bridgewater for weeks.

At February’s end, the Bucs’ quarterback hierarchy went Brady-Bridgewater-Jameis Winston, King notes. Tampa Bay had also been linked to Philip Rivers in February, but it became clear the Colts were his top option.

Here is the latest fallout from the Bucs’ Brady signing:

Brady’s camp expressed interest in the Colts, but King notes the interest was not mutual. The prospect of a Rivers-Colts partnership surfaced shortly after the Chargers revealed they would not re-sign him, and while the notion of Rivers-over-Brady sounds interesting based on the veterans’ accolades, Stephen Holder of The Athletic tweets the Colts’ preference of going with a one-year quarterback arrangement probably did not align with Brady’s hopes of a multiyear commitment. Rivers signed a one-year, $25MM deal; Brady became a Buccaneer for two years and $50MM fully guaranteed. Brady also expressed interest in the 49ers, and the Titans were a long-rumored suitor. These franchises joined the Colts and Raiders in leaving the Brady race early.
Early this offseason, Brady’s camp put out feelers to other teams, and ESPN.com’s Seth Wickersham notes many executives around the league viewed the quarterback as being driven by ill will toward Bill Belichick that they could not tell if he wanted out of New England or merely wanted Robert Kraft to step in and broker a new Pats deal. Belichick refused to give Brady the extension he sought last summer, and Wickersham adds that a Brady-Belichick conversation in late 2017 about the quarterback’s future with the Patriots ended with a “blowup.” This meeting appears to have happened just before Wickersham’s “tension in New England”-centered report that indicated Kraft’s intervention helped drive the Jimmy Garoppolo-to-San Francisco deal. The Patriots gave Brady an incentive package in 2018, leading to his extension-in-name-only 2019 contract.
As for the Patriots‘ plans, they may actually be planning a Brian Hoyer–Jarrett Stidham quarterback battle. Hoyer could have earned more money elsewhere but wanted to return to New England because he was told he will have a chance to vie for the starting job, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com adds (video link). The Patriots, as of now, do not have Andy Dalton on their radar and are viewed as being high on Stidham, who has attempted four NFL passes.

AFC North Notes: Browns, Ravens, Steelers

March 23rd, 2020 at 9:56pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Browns have long been mentioned as the primary suitor for Redskins left tackle Trent Williams, and while no trade is on the immediate horizon, Williams does remain an option for Cleveland, as Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. At the moment, Washington is asking for too much in trade compensation, while Williams is demanding too expensive an extension. If either of those prices drops, the Browns could make a move for a (much-needed) new blindside protector.

Here’s more from the AFC North:

While the Browns are still considering Williams, Vikings safety Anthony Harris –= whom Cleveland has reportedly considered in trade — is no longer an option for the Browns, per Cabot. Minnesota apparently wants at least a third-round pick in order to part with Harris, while the 28-year-old defensive back would want a new deal to supersede his franchise tag. Instead of pursuing Harris, the Browns signed free agent safeties Karl Joseph and Andrew Sendejo.
Franchise-tagged edge rusher Matthew Judon is not close to reaching a new deal with the Ravens, per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. Judon will earn $15.828MM in 2020 if he sticks on the franchise tender, but he was reportedly asking for $20MM annually earlier this year, per Zrebiec, who adds that asking price may have since come down. The 28-year-old Judon played 80.8% of Baltimore’s snaps last season and posted a career-high 8.5 sacks.
Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward has been eyeing an extension since at least January, and according to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the 30-year-old should receive a new deal “soon.” Heyward, is set to earn $9.5MM and count for ~13.25MM on the Steelers’ salary cap in 2020. An extension would give Heyward more immediate cash but likely lower his cap charge for next season.

Contract Details: Brees, Mariota, Apple

March 23rd, 2020 at 9:29pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Let’s take a closer look at the details of a few recently-signed free agent contracts:

AFC

Marcus Mariota, QB (Raiders): Two years, $17.6MM $7.5MM guaranteed. $2.4MM in incentives available in 2020 (60% snaps). $1.5MM in playtime and win incentives. $10MM in similar incentives available in 2021. $2MM in playoff/Super Bowl wins each year. $12MM 2021 salary escalator (Twitter link via Mike Garafolo of NFL.com).
Eli Apple, QB (Raiders): One year, $6MM. Fully guaranteed. $500K available via incentives (Twitter link via Garafolo.
Pierre Desir, CB (Jets): One year, ~$3.75MM. Max value of $5.5MM via incentives (Twitter link via Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News).
Chad Henne, QB (Chiefs): Two years, $3.25MM. $2MM guaranteed. Max value of $7.25MM (Twitter link via Tom Pelissero of NFL.com).
Nelson Agholor, WR (Raiders): One year, veteran salary benefit. $887K guaranteed. $137K signing bonus (Twitter link via Pelissero).

NFC

Drew Brees, QB (Saints): Four years, $100MM. $25MM guaranteed. Void years used in 2022-23. Brees receives no-trade clause and no franchise/transition tag can be used after 2021 (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle).
Jalen Mills, DB (Eagles): One, $4MM. Up to $1MM available via incentives (Twitter link via Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio).
Thomas Davis, LB (Redskins): One year, $3.5MM. $250K available via incentives (Twitter link via Pelissero).
Shon Coleman, T (49ers): One year, $2.2MM. $1.37MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Wilson).
Miles Killebrew, S (Lions): One year, $2MM. $1.137MM guaranteed (Twitter link via Wilson).
Jayron Kearse, S (Lions): One year, $2MM. Up to $1.25MM available via incentives (Twitter link via Wilson).
Pharoh Cooper, WR (Panthers): One year, $1.21MM. $300K signing bonus (Twitter link via Wilson).

Jaguars Sign Al Woods, Cassius Marsh

March 23rd, 2020 at 9:13pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Jaguars have reached a one-year, $2.75MM deal with free agent defensive tackle Al Woods, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL.com (Twitter link), who adds Woods will earn $1MM guaranteed. Jacksonville has also agreed to terms on a one-year deal with defensive end/linebacker Cassius Marsh, tweets Mark Long of the Associated Press. Marsh receives $600K guaranteed, per Pelissero (on Twitter).

Woods, who turns 33 years old later this week, posted one of the best seasons of his 10-year career with the Seahawks in 2019. The veteran appeared in 14 games and made five starts while playing the second-most defensive snaps (450) of his NFL tenure. Woods was especially proficient at stymying opposing run games, as Pro Football Focus ranked him 12th among interior defenders in run defense grade.

Jacksonville is in need of big bodies in the middle of its defensive line. Not only did the club finish 27th in Football Outsiders‘ adjusted line yards, but it parted ways with the 6’3″, 330-pound Marcell Dareus this offseason. Woods, who’s even larger at 6’4″ and 330 pounds, should help fill that void.

Marsh, 27, has appeared in 84 total games since being selected by the Seahawks in the fourth round of the 2014 draft. Capable of playing a hybrid DE/LB role, Marsh spent 2019 in Arizona, where he posted 2.5 sacks and five quarterback hits on 428 snaps.

NFC East Notes: Redskins, Eagles, Giants

March 23rd, 2020 at 8:47pm CST by Dallas Robinson

After failing to pry Amari Cooper away from the Cowboys, the Redskins are still on the prowl for help at wide receiver, as John Keim of ESPN.com writes. However, while the 2020 draft is historically loaded with pass-catchers, Washington certainly won’t use the No. 2 overall selection on a wideout, and the club doesn’t own a second-round pick. The Redskins could theoretically pursue a trade for someone like the Rams’ Brandin Cooks, or look to the free agent market, where options such as Robby Anderson and Breshad Perriman still lurk.

Here’s more from the NFC East:

Veteran safety Malcolm Jenkins wasn’t aiming for top-end money on a reworked deal with the Eagles, reports Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Instead, Jenkins — who was due $7.6MM in 2020 — wanted a two-year commitment at a slightly higher salary. The Eagles rebuffed that request, per McLane, and attempted to trade Jenkins before cutting him. Jenkins, of course, agreed to a reunion with the Saints after leaving Philadelphia.
The Giants pursued free agent center Joe Looney before he re-signed with the Cowboys, according to Ralph Vacchiano of SNY. New York will continue to look for help at center, where Spencer Pulley is currently the projected starter as Jon Halapio recovers from an Achilles tear. Looney, for his part, may now be a starter in Dallas following the retirement of Travis Frederick.
The Eagles are hoping 2019 undrafted free agent T.J. Edwards is the club’s starting middle linebacker during the upcoming campaign, as Eliot Shorr-Parks of 94 WIP writes. Edwards, a 23-year-old Wisconsin product, played only 112 defensive snaps a year ago, but earned an exemplary 83.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.

Saints CB Janoris Jenkins Renegotiates Contract

March 23rd, 2020 at 8:23pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Saints cornerback Janoris Jenkins has agreed to a renegotiated contract, as Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets.

Jenkins, whom New Orleans picked up off waivers from the Giants in December, had been due a base salary of $10.15MM and a roster bonus of $1MM for 2020. Typically, a “restructured” contract will push cap charges from the current season into future years. Jenkins is only signed through 2020, however, meaning it’s likely he simply agreed to a pay cut.

Jenkins is currently projected to start for the Saints opposite Marshon Lattimore. But given that he’s entering his age-32 campaign, Jenkins likely figured he wouldn’t be able to earn a salary close to his $10.15MM on the open market, and decided to take less to remain in New Orleans.

However, it’s also possible that Jenkins was extended. The Saints may have handed Jenkins a typical extension, or — as general manager Mickey Loomis is wont to do — the club might have used voidable years. By deploying that financial maneuver, New Orleans could spread a Jenkins signing bonus over several “fake” contract years in place only to reduce the veteran’s 2020 cap charge. It’s a classic “kick the can down the road” move the Saints have employed many times before.

Broncos To Re-Sign Jeremiah Attaochu

March 23rd, 2020 at 7:42pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Broncos will re-sign edge rusher Jeremiah Attaochu to a one-year deal, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Attaochu will earn $1.5MM, per Mike Klis of 9News.

A second-round pick in 2014, Attaochu hasn’t necessarily lived up to that draft billing, but he has carved out an NFL career that’s thus far lasted 61 games. After spending time with the Chargers, 49ers, Jets, and Chiefs, Attaochu latched on with Denver last October, and ended up appearing in 12 games and posting 3.5 sacks.

The Broncos boast one of the NFL’s best pass-rushing duos in Von Miller and Bradley Chubb, so Attaochu will return as strict depth. However, he’ll likely be the first man up if either Miller or Chubb goes down.

Bears To Re-Sign DL Brent Urban

March 23rd, 2020 at 7:15pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Bears have agreed to re-sign free agent defensive end Brent Urban to a one-year deal, according to what Pro Football Rumors considers to be a very reliable source….Urban’s wife Kate (Twitter link).

Urban, 28, spent the first five seasons and 41 games of his career with the Ravens after being selected in the fourth round of the 2013 draft. A 16-game starter in 2018, Urban inked a deal with the Titans last spring, but was cut midway through the season. He quickly latched on with the Bears, where he appeared in nine games and played 183 defensive snaps.

Urban has spent the entirety of his career in a 3-4 scheme, so he’s surely ready for another go-round in Bears defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano‘s front. He’ll compete with Roy Robertson-Harris ans Bilal Nichols for playing time alongside Chicago defensive line stalwart Akiem Hicks.

49ers To Sign DE Kerry Hyder

March 23rd, 2020 at 6:21pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The 49ers have reached a one-year deal with edge rusher Kerry Hyder, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).

Hyder, 28, appeared in 16 games as a reserve for the Cowboys in 2019 after spending the previous three seasons with the Lions. Last year, Hyder played on 40% of Dallas’ defensive snaps, posting one sack and four quarterback hits.

Hyder’s best season came in 2016, when he managed a career-high eight sacks with Detroit. His defensive line coach that year was Kris Kocurek, who now holds the same role with the 49ers.

Nick Bosa and Dee Ford will start at defensive end for San Francisco, so Hyder will compete with Ronald Blair, Kentavius Street, and others for playing time on the edge.

Chiefs To Sign XFL QB Jordan Ta’amu

March 23rd, 2020 at 6:04pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Chiefs have agreed to a one-year deal with former XFL quarterback Jordan Ta’amu, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link).

Ta’amu, 22, went undrafted out of Ole Miss in 2019 but spent a month with the Texans after being signed as an undrafted free agent. Soon after, Ta’amu joined the St. Louis Battlehawks of the XFL and proceeded to complete 72% of his passes for 1,050 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. He became available to NFL teams when the XFL suspended its 2020 season due to coronavirus earlier this month.

Clearly, Ta’amu won’t come anywhere near the starting job in Kansas City, and doesn’t have a realistic shot at the No. 2 role after the Chiefs re-signed veteran Chad Henne. But Ta’amu will get the opportunity to join the reigning Super Bowl champions and work with one of the league’s best quarterback gurus in Andy Reid.