HEADLINES

Month: June 2021

Seahawks’ Duane Brown Wants New Deal

June 15th, 2021 at 3:12pm CST by Sam Robinson

Duane Brown is heading into his age-36 season, but the Seahawks left tackle does not sound like he is planning a near-future retirement. Ahead of his fifth season in Seattle, Brown wants another raise.

The contract-year blocker wants a new deal, according to NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo (on Twitter). The Seahawks extended Brown in July 2018 — less than a year after trading for him. That $11.5MM-per-year contract was not a top-tier left tackle deal at the time and is well off the pace now.

A four-time Pro Bowler, Brown has provided the Seahawks left tackle stability by giving an annually embattled offensive line a blindside anchor. Brown’s salary, however, ranks 16th among left tackles. Brown is set to earn $10MM in base salary this season.

The 14th-year vet does not intend to hold out, however, per Garafolo, but this is now one of many contract situations to monitor around the league. He is at the Seahawks’ minicamp but not participating in on-field work, per the Seattle Times’ Bob Condotta (on Twitter). The Seahawks have another of these situations unfolding on their roster, though Jamal Adams is not in attendance.

While Brown’s age stands to limit his earning potential in his final NFL seasons, his request for a second Seahawks extension comes months after Russell Wilson made critical comments about his team’s O-line approach. Although the team traded for guard Gabe Jackson, Brown obviously serves as a key cog in Seattle’s O-line equation. Wilson attempted to walk back some of his winter comments last week, but the franchise QB made the O-line an issue publicly and behind closed doors. Brown moving for more security now makes sense.

Prior to Brown’s arrival, the Seahawks were in their second season without Russell Okung. Brown has provided the team with a reliable left tackle. Despite Brown being 35, Pro Football Focus tabbed him as the league’s fifth-best tackle last season. PFF has slotted Brown as a top-25 tackle in each of his four Seahawks slates. Considering Wilson’s comments and Brown’s recent form, it would not surprise if the Seahawks and Brown agreed on a short- or medium-length extension before the season.

Flores: Xavien Howard In ‘Unique’ Situation

June 15th, 2021 at 2:47pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Dolphins extended Xavien Howard in 2019, making him the NFL’s highest-paid cornerback at the time. The corner market, which did not move much for several years, transformed in the time since. This has put the Dolphins in an unusual spot.

A minicamp holdout, Howard is signed through 2024 and remains the league’s sixth-highest-paid corner — at $15.1MM per year. Brian Flores confirmed Howard’s absence is contract-related and that the Dolphins have discussed this issue.

“It’s pretty clear this is a contract situation, which we’ve talked about internally,” Flores said, via ESPN.com’s Cameron Wolfe. “X is a little bit of a unique situation. He was extended and now we’re talking about a potential renegotiation after one year. Those turn into longer conversations. We’ve obviously had a lot of talks and conversations about that and we’ll continue to have those and keep them internal, but it’s a very unique conversation.”

Teams are not big on adjusting contracts so early, which would make it surprising if the Dolphins gave Howard a new deal. Flores added that the Dolphins “love” Howard and want to retain him. The Dolphins have discussed Howard in trades, Wolfe adds, but the talks did not veer into the serious stage. Miami set a lofty asking price for the corner at last year’s deadline.

“After one year, it’s honestly something that hasn’t been done before,” Flores said of giving Howard another extension. “Not saying we’re drawing a line in the sand, but different players set the market every year.”

Howard rebounded from a five-game 2019 season to lead the NFL with 10 interceptions in 2020. His 10 picks are the most since Antonio Cromartie notched 10 in 2007. No defender has surpassed the 10-INT mark over the past 40 years, giving Howard some momentum after he also helped the Dolphins to 10 wins. The soon-to-be 28-year-old corner has led the NFL in picks twice in the past three seasons, having recorded seven in 2018. Since Howard’s seven-INT season in 2018, the cornerback salary ceiling has climbed from $15MM to $20MM AAV (Jalen Ramsey).

He joins Patriots All-Pro Stephon Gilmore as a minicamp holdout. Gilmore is three years older but has a better resume and is going into a contract year. That places the Pats’ top corner in a traditional renegotiation spot, though New England-Gilmore talks have not advanced far. Howard has moved into far less traversed territory regarding a new contract.

Adding to his unusual situation: Byron Jones‘ $16.5MM-per-year Dolphins contract. While cornerback play is about more than interceptions, Howard has a 22-4 INT advantage among the highly paid 2015 draftees. Jones’ $46MM fully guaranteed, which dwarfs Howard’s $27.2MM, still tops all corners.

The 2020 CBA prevents teams from waiving fines from training camp holdouts, giving the Dolphins more leverage. It will be interesting to see how far Howard extends this atypical absence.

Jimmy Graham Considered Retirement; Bears Wanted TE To Return

June 15th, 2021 at 1:56pm CST by Sam Robinson

Following the Bears’ one-sided playoff loss to the Saints, Jimmy Graham debated stepping away from football after 11 NFL seasons. Bears decision-makers intervened to convince him to stay.

The veteran tight end briefly considered retirement, but Matt Nagy and GM Ryan Pace persuaded him to return, Adam Jahns of The Athletic tweets. Although Graham did not sound like he needed too much convincing to come back, the Bears still have the 34-year-old target in their plans.

Given a two-year deal worth $16MM (to the surprise of many) in March 2020, Graham helped a Bears team that had swung and missed on a few tight ends during the Pace regime. He caught 50 passes for 476 yards and eight touchdowns — his most TDs since 2017. The 6-foot-7 tight end added a score in the Bears’ playoff loss. While Graham is past his prime, he could well help Andy Dalton and Justin Fields as an auxiliary weapon.

The five-time Pro Bowler is due a $6.9MM base salary, and his cap number spikes to $10MM in 2021. Only Zach Ertz, whom the Eagles are expected to jettison, has a higher 2021 cap number ($12.7MM) among tight ends. The Bears also used a second-round pick on Cole Kmet last year. Nevertheless, Graham appears set to stay on as one of Allen Robinson‘s aerial sidekicks this coming season.

The former Saints, Seahawks and Packers tight end has totaled 82 career touchdown catches — fourth in NFL history among tight ends. Only Antonio Gates (116), Tony Gonzalez (111) and Rob Gronkowski (86) have more.

Jake Butt, E.J. Gaines, Mike Pennel At Bears’ Minicamp On Tryout Basis

June 15th, 2021 at 1:33pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Bears have invited some well-known guests to their minicamp. They are working out five players — including tight end Jake Butt, cornerback E.J. Gaines and defensive tackle Mike Pennel — at their three-day mandatory session, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune tweets.

This marks Butt’s second known workout of the offseason. The Michigan alum auditioned for the Cardinals recently. Although Butt starred for the Wolverines not that long ago, he has battled rampant injury trouble as a pro. The former Broncos draftee now has three career ACL tears, two coming in Denver, and has played in just eight games in four seasons.

Mixed signals have come out of Chicago regarding the team’s interest in adding a veteran cornerback. The Bears were believed to be interested in Bashaud Breeland, but he signed with the Vikings, and had Steven Nelson on the radar. But new DC Sean Desai also expressed confidence in his in-house cover men. Gaines has 38 career starts but has not played in a game since the 2018 season. The former Rams draftee opted out in 2020.

Pennel leads this group in experience. The veteran interior D-lineman spent the past two years with the Chiefs, making an impact for the two-time reigning AFC champions’ run defense. Pennel, 30, played 14 games with Kansas City last season. The former Packers and Jets defender has played seven NFL seasons.

The Bears are also working out two players who recently participated in The Spring League — tight end Sal Cannella and Tyrone Wheatley Jr. The team lists Wheatley as an offensive lineman, though the second-generation NFL hopeful played tight end at Michigan — as one of Butt’s backups — and Stony Brook. Chicago’s minicamp is scheduled to run through Thursday.

Seahawks Excuse Jamal Adams’ Absence

June 15th, 2021 at 11:58am CST by Zachary Links

The Seahawks have excused safety Jamal Adams from this week’s mandatory minicamp for personal reasons, a source tells Tom Pelissero of NFL.com (on Twitter). Initially, his absence was believed to be contract-related, but that’s not quite the case.

As a result, Adams will not be fined ~$290K for skipping the three-day minicamp. Still, the two sides still have some contract matters to hash out. Adams is currently playing on his fifth-year option, which means $9.86MM for the 2021 season. Meanwhile, he wants a new multi-year contract to position him as the highest-paid safety in the NFL.

That’s been Adams’ stance for several years, dating back to his time with the Jets. Desperate to get away from Gang Green, Adams agreed to table talks until a later date. With one year to go at a below-market rate, the future is now. But, on the plus side, Adams’ non-participation does not seem to be the start of a holdout.

The advanced metrics knocked Adams for his coverage and run D last year, but he was still a force with 9.5 sacks in just 12 games. The multiple-time Pro Bowler — 26 in October — was rock solid before last year’s injury-filled season. Between 2018 and 2019, only Vikings standout Anthony Harris graded out higher than Adams at safety, according to Pro Football Focus. Eddie Jackson (Bears) was No. 3 on the list, and he currently stands as one of the league’s top-paid safeties.

Jamal Adams Skipping Seahawks’ Minicamp

June 15th, 2021 at 10:51am CST by Zachary Links

Jamal Adams is holding out. The Seahawks safety will not participate this week’s mandatory minicamp (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter). 

The Seahawks acquired Adams and a fourth-rounder from the Jets last year for a 2021 first-round pick, a 2021 third-round pick, a 2022 first-rounder, and safety Bradley McDougald. Adams, of course, was embroiled in a longstanding contract dispute with the Jets. But, upon arrival in Seattle, he agreed to play on his existing deal, which meant a salary of just $3.59MM last year. Right now, he’s on course to make $9.86MM for 2021, thanks to his fifth-year option.

Broncos star Justin Simmons stands as the league’s highest-paid safety at $15.25MM per year. Meanwhile, Landon Collins leads the position in full guarantees at $44.5MM. Adams is definitely looking to top Simmons’ AAV, and his camp may also be pushing for a new watermark in guarantees.

Adams suffered a torn labrum and a groin injury last year, but he still showed his mettle as a dangerous playmaker. In 2020, Adams’ 9.5 sacks set a new single-season record for defensive backs — he did it in just 12 games. For what it’s worth, Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics had him as a middle-of-the-pack cover man and run defender.

By skipping minicamp, Adams will be subject to fines of ~$93K per day. That’s alright by the All-Pro safety, who is hoping to send a serious message to Seattle.

Panthers, Jaycee Horn Agree To Deal

June 15th, 2021 at 10:24am CST by Zachary Links

The Panthers have agreed to terms with first-round pick Jaycee Horn (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero). The South Carolina product will earn $21.1MM fully guaranteed on his four-year deal, per the terms of his No. 8 overall slot

As expected, Horn was the first cornerback to come off of the board, beating out the likes of Patrick Surtain and Caleb Farley. The rival Saints also had an eye on him, but they couldn’t swing a deal to get into the top 10.

Many believed that the Panthers would target offensive line help for new quarterback Sam Darnold, but they couldn’t pass up Horn’s potential. The son of former Pro Bowl wideout Joe Horn, the defensive back offers a rare combination of speed and physicality at cornerback.

Horn was on the draft radar ever since his solid 2018 showing. By 2020, he solidified his status as an elite prospect. In his final year with the Buckeyes, Horn nabbed a pair interceptions and notched six passes defended in just seven games (Horn sat out the final stretch of the year after the departure of head coach Will Muschamp).

With Horn taken care of, only ten of this year’s 32 first-rounders remain unsigned. That includes the top four in this year’s draft — Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, and Kyle Pitts. Meanwhile, the Panthers have just three stragglers to go.

Vikings Sign Sheldon Richardson

June 15th, 2021 at 10:15am CST by Zachary Links

The Vikings announced that they’ve officially signed Sheldon Richardson. The defensive lineman will play on a one-year, $3.6MM deal that could reach $4.35MM via incentives (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero). 

The Vikes effectively handled two birds with one stone. Earlier today, they reworked Danielle Hunter‘s contract to satisfy the defensive end and carve out some extra breathing room on the 2021 cap. Now, they’ve used those extra dollars to further strengthen the defensive line with Richardson.

It’s a reunion for Richardson, who spent the 2018 season in Minnesota. After that, he moved on to the Browns, but he was released in April after refusing a pay cut. The former Defensive Rookie of the Year will further beef up the Vikings’ interior, joining Michael Pierce and newcomer Dalvin Tomlinson. Thanks in part to Pierce’s opt out, the Vikings ranked 27th in yardage allowed last year. It’s safe to say they’ll fare better this time around.

Richardson has 118 career starts to his credit with 31 sacks and 58 tackles for loss across eight seasons. Last year, he graded as a top-40 interior defender, per Pro Football Focus while notching 4.5 sacks and 64 tackles.

Dolphins’ CB Xavien Howard To Hold Out

June 15th, 2021 at 9:22am CST by Zachary Links

Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard wasn’t on hand for the early portion of Tuesday’s mandatory minicamp (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Cameron Wolfe). Meanwhile, head coach Brian Flores told reporters that he’s not sure if Howard will show up at any point during minicamp. If he continues to keep his distance, the Dolphins can fine him ~$93K for each of the three days he’s absent. 

Howard wants a new or revised deal, but he still has four years left on his five-year, $76MM extension. This year, he’s slated to make $12.1MM in base salary with a $13.5MM cap hit. In terms of earnings for this year, that puts him fifth at the position behind Stephon Gilmore, teammate Byron Jones, Trae Waynes, and Joe Haden. Howard may be particularly irked about being stationed behind Jones in ’21 compensation.

The Dolphins signed veteran cornerback Jason McCourty in May, which could provide insurance in the event of a standoff. Of course, the 33-year-old wouldn’t be a one-for-one replacement. Last year, Pro Football Focus placed McCourty of the top 75 at CB. Meanwhile, Howard was a first-team All-Pro in 2020 and a candidate for the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award.

Howard, 28 in July, pushed the Dolphins to trade him last year. The Dolphins obliged to some extent, but scared clubs off with a “Laremy Tunsil type” asking price.

Load More Posts