2022 March - Pro Football Rumors

Dolphins Place Second-Round RFA Tender On CB Nik Needham

March 11th, 2022 at 4:50pm CST by Sam Robinson

As the Dolphins transition to a new regime, they did well to ensure Nik Needham will be part of their 2022 squad. Miami placed a second-round RFA tender on Needham.

Friday’s tender decision ties Needham to a $3.9MM salary for 2022. Barring an extension agreement, Needham will play for that amount. It marks a nice raise for the fourth-year cornerback, who earned $850K in base salary last season.

Needham caught on with the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2019 and has played extensively, even as the Dolphins added reinforcements at his position. The Dolphins signed Byron Jones to a then-cornerback-record deal in 2020 and drafted Noah Igbinoghene in that year’s first round. In 2021, they signed Justin Coleman. Needham still logged a 60% defensive snap rate in 2020 and played 54% of Miami’s defensive plays last season.

A UTEP product, Needham has intercepted six passes in three Dolphins seasons. He took one of those INTs back for a touchdown, this coming last season. Needham allowed a 73.4 passer rating when targeted last season, by far the lowest figure of his career. Unless an extension is reached, Needham will be set for unrestricted free agency in 2023.

No Criminal Charges For Deshaun Watson

March 11th, 2022 at 3:41pm CST by Sam Robinson

A Harris County (Texas) grand jury did not indict Deshaun Watson on Friday. The Texans quarterback will not face criminal charges related to the accusations of sexual assault and harassment.

While the veteran QB’s civil cases are not closed, this represents a positive development for his prospects of continuing his career. Watson remains in trade rumors, and Friday’s decision will surely lead to those intensifying. Interested teams understandably awaited this decision, and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets the market should accelerate quickly.

“After a Harris County grand jury was presented all the evidence and had the opportunity to hear from all witnesses, grand jurors declined to indict Deshaun Watson,” said Dan Schiller, spokesman for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. “Grand jury proceedings are secret by law, so no information related to their inquiry may be disclosed.”

The NFL is still investigating the Pro Bowl passer as well, and a suspension may well come out of this. But the biggest hurdle Watson faced in this saga is now clear. The 26-year-old standout could soon see his wish to exit Houston granted as well, in what promises to be one of the biggest trades in NFL history.

Twenty-two women accused Watson of sexual assault and/or sexual misconduct, with the allegations stemming from massage therapy sessions. Nine of those accusers proceeded with criminal complaints. This led to the Texans shelving him for the 2021 season. The NFL did not place Watson on the commissioner’s exempt list, but the Clemson product has not played since Week 17 of the 2020 campaign. Despite the inactivity, the Texans are expected to land a considerable haul from interested parties. With multiple teams still in the mix here, Houston’s ask of three first-round picks and change could be on the table soon.

The Buccaneers, Panthers and Seahawks are believed to be interested in Watson. The Eagles did extensive homework on the embattled QB last year, and Watson has been connected to the Vikings as well. A few teams bowed out of the slow-moving sweepstakes. The Giants are expected to pass here, as are the Steelers. The Broncos moved to acquire Russell Wilson, and the Dolphins — the team most closely connected to Watson ahead of last year’s deadline — closed the door on a Watson trade. It will be interesting to see if Miami resurfaces here, but GM Chris Grier said just days ago the team has moved on.

Houston did not entertain trade talks for Watson for most of the 2021 offseason but did discuss its disgruntled starter with the Dolphins and Panthers ahead of last year’s deadline. Watson only waived his no-trade clause for the Dolphins. If they are truly out, he will need to reconsider his options. Multiple teams were believed to have offered three first-rounders, even amid the turmoil engulfing the QB, last year. That would be a good sign for the Texans’ trade ask, now that Watson is not facing prison time.

Raiders, DE Maxx Crosby Agree On Extension

March 11th, 2022 at 3:31pm CST by Sam Robinson

Not long after reports of extension talks surfaced, Maxx Crosby will see a big raise. The Raiders locked down their Pro Bowl pass rusher Friday, Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com report (on Twitter). The Raiders announced the extension agreement.

Crosby agreed to a four-year, $98.98MM extension; the deal includes $53MM guaranteed. This is a considerable development for a player who entered the NFL as a Day 3 pick from a mid-major program.

This contract bumps Crosby into the upper echelon of edge rushers. At nearly $25MM annually, the former fourth-round pick is now the league’s fourth-highest-paid defensive player. Crosby’s deal tops Aaron Donald‘s, with only T.J. Watt, Joey Bosa and Myles Garrett‘s contracts coming in ahead of his.

This is obviously a major commitment from the Raiders, who saw Crosby quickly usurp draft classmate Clelin Ferrell as their cornerstone defensive lineman. An Eastern Michigan product, Crosby is just 24 and already has 25 sacks on his resume. He played a big part of Las Vegas clinching a playoff berth in Week 18, dominating against the Chargers to cement the team’s first postseason appearance in five years.

Crosby’s extension agreement ties him to the Raiders through the 2026 season. The Raiders are transitioning to a new regime, with Patrick Graham set to take over the defense. Friday’s contract terms certainly illustrate the Dave Ziegler–Josh McDaniels duo’s faith in Crosby, acquired in Jon Gruden‘s second draft running the Raiders. The team still has Yannick Ngakoue under contract for one more season, while Ferrell and Carl Nassib are also signed through 2022.

Cowboys Cut Greg Zuerlein, Blake Jarwin

March 11th, 2022 at 3:28pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Cowboys continue to make cost-cutting moves. They are saying goodbye to their kicker and one of their tight ends, releasing Greg Zuerlein and waiving Blake Jarwin with an injury designation. The team announced the moves.

One year remained on Zuerlein’s $7.5MM deal; this move will create just more than $2MM in cap space for the Cowboys. Jarwin is eligible for injury protection, but cutting him will add a bit to Dallas’ cap space as well. The Cowboys waived Jarwin with an injury designation.

Jarwin, who signed an extension to stay in Dallas in 2020, underwent a hip surgery that has his 2022 availability in question. The six-year veteran has missed 24 games since signing that four-year, $22MM deal. Jarwin tore an ACL in September 2020 and encountered this hip trouble last season. During that span, Dalton Schultz has taken over as the Cowboys’ primary tight end. The Cowboys franchise-tagged Schultz this week.

Zuerlein, 34, has managed to stick around in the NFL for 10 seasons, coming into the league from a Division II school and playing eight years with the Rams. He struggled in 2021, missing a career-high six extra points. While the strong-legged specialist will likely have another opportunity, he will need to find a third NFL team to continue his career.

DeMarcus Lawrence Declines Cowboys’ Pay-Cut Request

March 11th, 2022 at 3:17pm CST by Sam Robinson

FRIDAY: It appears the Cowboys asked for a hefty pay cut. They approached Lawrence about trimming his 2022 base salary from $19MM to $10MM, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports notes. Lawrence nearly halving his salary would be difficult to envision, despite his injury-altered 2021 season. With free agency less than a week away, the Cowboys will need to make a call here. Progress between the sides has proven elusive, and the Cowboys may be prepared to stand down and keep Lawrence on his present salary, Ed Werder of ESPN.com tweets.

MONDAY: The Cowboys’ DeMarcus Lawrence extension has not produced the kind of production he provided on his rookie contract or as a franchise-tagged player in 2018. Lawrence missed much of last season due to a broken foot, and the Cowboys will be forced into a decision on the veteran edge rusher soon.

Dallas requested Lawrence take a pay cut, but Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News reports the eight-year vet declined. Pay-cut requests often precede releases. The Cowboys would save $19MM by designating Lawrence a post-June 1 cut. While the team could make the cut at any point, it would not realize the savings until after that date.

Lawrence, 30 in April, is coming off a three-sack season. He has not totaled more than seven sacks in a season since 2018 but has helped teammates’ sack totals, as evidenced by Robert Quinn‘s bounce-back year in 2019. Lawrence wants to stay in Dallas, per Watkins, and cutting him would run the risk of the team losing both its edge starters.

The Cowboys are not planning to use their franchise tag on Randy Gregory, Watkins tweets. That is not surprising, given Gregory’s suspension history and the D-end tag checking in at $17.9MM. The Cowboys’ loyalty to Gregory during his hiatuses will surely factor into his free agency decision, but the talented pass rusher hitting the market obviously runs the risk of a defection. That complicates Dallas’ Lawrence decision.

Jerry Jones followed through with cutting DeMarcus Ware after requesting a pay cut in 2014. Ware went on to form an elite edge-rushing duo with Von Miller in Denver, doing so as Lawrence struggled to start his career. Lawrence found his footing by 2017, combining for 25 sacks over the next two seasons. The Cowboys tagged him twice but reached a five-year, $105MM extension soon after. Lawrence carries the Cowboys’ second-highest base salary in 2022.

Cowboys Interested In Bobby Wagner?

March 11th, 2022 at 2:51pm CST by Sam Robinson

Since his Seahawks release, Bobby Wagner has been connected to the rest of the NFC West’s franchises. A reunion with Dan Quinn may or may not be on the table.

The Cowboys have contacted Wagner about reuniting with Quinn, Ed Werder of ESPN.com tweets. While the team is uncertain about this working out financially, interest exists here. Quinn worked as Seattle’s DC during the team’s two Super Bowl seasons, which saw Wagner begin his eight-year run of Pro Bowl honors.

The future Hall of Fame middle linebacker also might price himself out of Dallas’ market, with Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram adding (via Twitter) the the Cowboys are not expected to end up with Wagner due to financial constraints. They may not be especially interested. The Cowboys are expected to sit this one out, Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News adds (on Twitter).

As of Friday afternoon, the Cowboys remain over the cap by around $1MM. The Cowboys are not discussing terms with Wagner yet, per CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson, who adds (on Twitter) the team views Wagner as a fit. He would play alongside Defensive Rookie of the Year Micah Parsons, which would be quite the tandem on the Cowboys’ defensive second level. Leighton Vander Esch is a free agent.

Dallas is expected to cut or trade Amari Cooper, though he remains with the team, and has asked DeMarcus Lawrence to take a pay cut. They have also discussed La’el Collins with teams. Dallas also needs a chunk of cash for Dalton Schultz‘s franchise tag, which became official earlier this week.

Wagner, 31, has been connected to the Cardinals, Rams and 49ers thus far. More teams are likely monitoring this situation, given Wagner’s accomplishments. The more teams connected to the six-time All-Pro will only up the price for one of the most decorated street free agents in modern NFL history.

Bears To Release NT Eddie Goldman

March 11th, 2022 at 2:31pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Bears continue to dismantle their veteran front seven. Not long after cutting Danny Trevathan, Chicago is moving on from nose tackle Eddie Goldman.

This comes after the team made efforts to trade Goldman, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Two years remained on Goldman’s $10.5MM-per-year deal. The move will save the Bears just more than $6MM in cap space.

Goldman, 28, returned to the Bears after opting out of the 2020 season. He started 10 games, upping his total to 73 as a pro. Goldman was a part of each Vic Fangio Bears defense, starting all 16 games for the team’s No. 1-ranked unit in 2018, and retained his job after the acclaimed defensive coordinator’s exit. The Bears gave him an extension just before Week 1 of that season. Because his contract tolled after passing on the 2020 season, Goldman was signed through 2023. He should have an opportunity to catch on elsewhere soon.

Goldman and Trevathan, with the Bears since 2015 and ’16, respectively, are hitting the open market early. Akiem Hicks, with the team since 2016, is set for free agency next week. Khalil Mack, a four-year contributor after a 2018 blockbuster trade, hit the trade block and is headed to the Chargers. With Matt Eberflus and Ryan Poles now in charge, Chicago’s defense will look considerably different in 2022.

Latest On Chandler Jones’ Market

March 11th, 2022 at 1:40pm CST by Adam La Rose

While the Cardinals have a desire to keep him, Chandler Jones is expected to have plenty of suitors if he hits the open market. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, no fewer than six teams are interested in bringing in the veteran pass rusher. (Twitter link).

Schultz lists the Seahawks, Broncos, Dolphins, Falcons, Bills and Eagles as teams at least eyeing the two-time All-Pro. At 32, age will surely be a consideration with regards to the length of any deal, but salary should not be an issue. Schultz reports that Jones “will command at least $15-18MM”. A general manager he spoke to on the matter described Jones as “a guy who keeps himself in great shape”. That, coupled with the scarcity of such accomplished edge rushers, should leave him with any number of offers.

Not surprisingly, he also adds that the former Super Bowl winner is seeking to join a contender. The aforementioned teams cover a wide range in terms of expectations for the upcoming season, and – just as importantly – are in drastically different salary cap situations. His 10.5 sacks in 2021 show that a medium-term investment could put teams over the top in terms of a Super Bowl run, or help accelerate a re-tooling process at the position for squads aiming to take a step forward.

When asked about hitting the market, Jones said, “it’s not about money at all. Where I am in my career, I’ve gotten contracts, I’ve gotten the Super Bowl, but I think scheme is huge. Or for me, winning more championships… I will say I want to go to a place that maximizes my talents”.

While Jones will need to compete with the likes of Von Miller and a very highly-regarded draft class in terms of other notable sack artists, he seemingly won’t have an issue cashing in sometime in the very near future.

Malcolm Butler Visiting Texans

March 11th, 2022 at 1:07pm CST by Adam La Rose

After spending all of the 2021 campaign away from football, Malcolm Butler is taking a step towards a comeback today. Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson reports that the veteran corner is visiting the Texans.

The 32-year-old stepped away from the Cardinals just before the start of the campaign, citing personal reasons. That seemed to mark an abrupt end to a career which includes a Pro Bowl and two Super Bowls – one of which, of course, is most remembered for the game-winning interception he was responsible for.

After four seasons with the Patriots, including three as a starter, the former UDFA joined the Titans. His third and final campaign in Nashville, 2020, was his most productive; Butler racked up 100 tackles, four interceptions and 14 pass breakups. To save cap space and get out of another two years on his contract, however, the team released him last March.

Given his age and pedigree, Butler could add at least a useful, experienced piece to a Houston secondary which ranked 23rd against the pass in 2021. On that point, Wilson further reports that the Texans are “working to retain” fellow veteran CB Desmond King. The pending free agent signed a one-year deal last offseason, and played well enough (despite shifting to the outside, as opposed to his more natural slot position) to warrant a new deal.

The Texans are also working out free agent corner Isaac Yiadom, according to ESPN’s Field Yates (Twitter link). The 26-year-old has spent four seasons in the NFL, most recently in Green Bay where he almost exclusively played on special teams.

Eagles, Jason Kelce Agree To New Deal

March 11th, 2022 at 12:54pm CST by Zachary Links

Jason Kelce is staying put. On Friday, the two sides agreed to a revamped contract that effectively comes out to one more year at $14MM, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter).

The deal positions Kelce as the league’s highest-paid center, fitting for a player who has been one of the best at his position for many years. In 2021, Kelce graded out as the No. 3 ranked center in the league, per Pro Football Focus, behind only Chiefs rookie Creed Humphrey and Chargers veteran Corey Linsley.

On Thursday, the 34-year-old announced his intentions to continue playing. After that, it was just a matter of getting his contract squared away. Kelce’s old deal had him tied through 2022 at a $10.6MM cap figure, plus several void years. The void years may still be in place, but Kelce now has a pay bump to put him atop the position. Those dummy years are the product of last year’s restructuring, one that spread out his $9MM in guarantees to accommodate the Birds.

Kelce flirted with retirement — both last year and this year — but ultimately decided to kick the can down the road. Now, he’ll work to build on his latest work, a season that ended with his fourth career First-Team All-Pro selection. Or, as he put it this week, Kelce is “looking forward to another year” so he can “dominate” with the rest of the locker room.