NFC West Notes: ’Hawks, 49ers, Cards, Rams
Achieving dynasty status is very, very difficult in today’s parity-driven NFL where salary cap restraints dictate constant roster fluctuation. The Seahawks are equipped to defy the odds, however, believes ESPN.com’s Jeffri Chadiha, who says, “What the Seahawks have working in their favor is the knowledge that they’ve put themselves ahead of their competition with creative scouting and innovative management.”
In other NFC West division notes:
- The 49ers, who already boast one of the league’s deepest rosters, now possess six of the first 100 picks in the upcoming draft. Accordingly, the team has the currency to be very aggressive, writes ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson.
- Cardinals GM Steve Keim will travel to Montreal on Thursday to be on hand for the pro day of Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, an ascending Canadian offensive tackle prospect, according to John Kryk of the Ottawa Sun. Duvernay-Tardif shares some similarities to the Cardinals’ new left tackle Jared Veldheer, who signed a five-year deal earlier this month. Like Veldheer, who was drafted in the third round of the 2010 draft out of Hillsdale College, Duvernay-Tardif is an under-the-radar, relatively raw prospect with intriguing tools to coach up. He also has outstanding intangibles, an element of the scouting report that helped land Veldheer in free agency, as Keim explained in a brief video interview with CBS Sports. Duvernay-Tardif, who will also fly to meet with the Cardinals, has other visits scheduled with the Seahawks and Browns, says ESPN’s Adam Caplan (via Twitter).
- Meanwhile, Cardinals standout linebacker Daryl Washington pleaded guilty to aggravated assault stemming from a domestic violence incident last year, reports Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic. Washington, who received the first installment of a $10MM bonus option earlier this month, could face up to two years in prison when he is sentenced late next month.
- Offensive tackle is the top draft need for the Rams, according to NFL.com, and they’d be in position to draft Auburn’s Greg Robinson at the top of the first round.
NFC Notes: Rams, Redskins, Cowboys, Falcons
The upcoming season has long been targeted as the year the Rams will be legitimate contenders. Accordingly, the team has “margin for error next to zero in the NFL draft,” says ESPN.com’s Nick Wagoner. The Rams have been quiet in free agency, instead relying on the development of their young team and the potential to bolster the roster with draft picks, including two in the top 13, the first of which (No. 2 overall) is on the auction block. Wagoner asserts the time is now for the team to close the gap on Seattle and San Francisco, especially in the trenches. “…the most glaring difference between the Rams and their NFC West foes last year was how overmatched they were on the offensive line,” says Wagoner, who mentions tackles Greg Robinson (Auburn) and Jake Matthews (Texas A&M) as potential plug-and-play, impact options.
Other morning news and notes in the NFC:
- The Redskins have signed three inside linebackers this offseason, but the linebacker corps isn’t settled yet, writes Mike Jones of the Washington Post: “The Redskins would like for [Perry] Riley to emerge as the leader of the defense, and become an extension of [defensive coordinator] Jim Haslett. But that could take some time. Riley led Washington in tackles last season, but he tended to disappear at times.” Meanwhile, the other inside linebacker spot is “up for grabs” with Adam Hayward, Akeem Jordan and Darryl Sharpton set to compete.
- With Miles Austin out of the Cowboys’ plans, the team is open to adding a veteran receiver, writes ESPNDallas.com’s Calvin Watkins, who calls free agent Nate Burleson a “perfect fit.”
- The Cardinals will look to add depth and size on defense in the draft, writes ESPN.com’s John Weinfuss. More specifically, the team is searching for a prospect to groom as Darnell Dockett‘s replacement, a taller, more athletic safety capable of matching with tight ends and another body at inside linebacker.
- The Falcons, in desperate need of pass rush, will have a private workout with with UCLA rush linebacker Anthony Barr before the end of the month, according to ESPN.com’s Vaughn McClure. Barr could be an option for the No. 6 pick if South Carolina’s Jadaveon Clowney is off the board. Buffalo’s Khalil Mack could also fit the bill, but he does not have a visit scheduled with the Falcons as of Friday.
- The Lions could have their pick of defensive backs with the 10th overall selection, speculates Dustin Hockensmith of pennlive.com.
NFC West Notes: Allen, McGlynn, L.A.
Free agent defensive end Jared Allen seemed on the verge of reaching an agreement with the Seahawks yesterday, but continues to deliberate for now. Allen seems to be not only weighing offers from the Seahawks and other suitors, but also considering whether he’ll even continue his career. While retirement seems unlikely for the veteran pass rusher, there were rumblings about that possibility earlier this month, and according to Ed Werder of ESPN.com (via Twitter), Allen told him at the start of free agency that there was a “walk-away number” he wouldn’t go below.
As we wait for Allen to make his decision, let’s round up a few other items from out of the NFC West:
- After meeting with the Redskins earlier this week, free agent offensive lineman Mike McGlynn will visit with the Rams, according to Pro Football Talk (via Twitter).
- If there’s someone “remotely associated with the NFL” who believes it was a coincidence that Rams owner Stan Kroenke purchased land in Los Angeles large enough to accommodate a stadium, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com has yet to meet that person. In a lengthy piece, La Canfora explores the possibility of the Rams or Raiders eventually making their way back to L.A.
- Antonio Cromartie’s one-year deal with the Cardinals has a base value of $3.5MM, and it’s guaranteed for almost the entire amount, says Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter links). The contract includes a $1MM signing bonus, a $2.25MM guaranteed base salary, $25K in total per-game roster bonuses, and an extra $750K available via incentives.
Draft Rumors: Bishop, Webster, Archer, Carr
Northern Illinois defensive tackle Ken Bishop is set to work out for the Dolphins, a source tells Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Bishop, an All-Mid-American conference selection projected as a later-round draft pick, had 59 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, and an interception last season. Here’s the latest draft news..
- The Lions are hosting defensive end Larry Webster for a pre-draft visit today, tweets Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com. Webster, who stands at 6’6″, 252 pounds, had 12.5 sacks for Bloomsburg University in 2013 and boasts a 4.58 second 40-yard-dash time.
- Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon-Journal (on Twitter) spoke with Kent State running back Dri Archer, who says that he has workouts scheduled with the Dolphins, Patriots, Cardinals, and Colts.
- Fresno State standout quarterback Derek Carr has met with Raiders, Titans, Vikings, and Browns since last night, tweets Marek Warszawski of the Fresno Bee (on Twitter).
- Stanford safety Ed Reynolds has meetings scheduled with the Lions and Falcons, according to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle (on Twitter). Reynolds has a 38-inch vertical jump and ran a 4.41 second 40-yard-dash earlier today at his pro day.
- The Giants will work out Maine outside linebacker/defensive end Michael Cole on April 10th, a league source tells Aaron Wilson. Cole had eight sacks last season and finished his career with 29 sacks, making him the all-time sack leader for the Black Bears.
- One scouting director gave Albert Breer of NFL Network (Twitter link) a rundown of what he was looking for from Michael Sam today at the linebacker’s Pro Day. “He needs to show good movement in linebacker drills — Bend quickness and good feet and quickness in pass rush drills. Hopefully he is staying in good shape and not letting that go.”
Cardinals, Cromartie Agree To One-Year Deal
7:28pm: Cromartie’s one-year deal is worth $3.25MM, according to Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic (on Twitter). The cornerback can make another $500K if he plays in every game.
11:45am: The Cardinals have added a free agent cornerback, agreeing to terms on a contract with former Jet Antonio Cromartie, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). According to Schefter, it’ll be a one-year deal.
Cromartie, 29, was released by the Jets earlier in the month due to an exorbitant cap hit on his previous contract. While New York created nearly $10MM in cap savings by releasing the veteran cornerback, there appeared to be mutual interest in bringing him back into the fold at a lower salary. However, with Cromartie headed to Arizona, he becomes the latest in a string of free agent cornerbacks that the Jets have missed out on. Most recently, the club lost Cromartie’s cousin, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, to the Giants.
2013 was the fifth straight season in which Cromartie has grabbed at least three interceptions, though he wasn’t as strong in coverage as usual, according to Pro Football Focus’ metrics (subscription required). After ranking 16th among cornerbacks in 2012, he placed in the bottom 10 in 2013, with receivers averaging 19.1 YPC on their 49 receptions against him. Still, with a bounceback season he’d provide some stability to a Cardinals secondary that needed to add a corner.
FA Notes: Moore, Jordan, Carrington, Ford
We heard earlier in the week that wide receiver Lance Moore would visit the Steelers today, but it sounds like that meeting will happen tomorrow instead, according to Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (via Twitter). Here’s more on a few free agents looking for jobs:
- Free agent linebacker Akeem Jordan visited with the Redskins today, reports Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Jordan reportedly met with the Titans last week.
- The Rams remain interested in defensive lineman Alex Carrington but have yet to set up a visit, says Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (via Twitter).
- Speaking to Josina Anderson of ESPN (TwitLonger link), wide receiver Jacoby Ford confirmed that the Jets have expressed interest in him. “I would say they’re the team showing the most interest in me,” Ford said. “Right now we’re still in the exploration phase, weighing things out.”
- In their search for receivers, the Jets called Emmanuel Sanders‘ camp on Saturday to try to reschedule a visit for the free agent, tweets Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. The Jets had originally scheduled a meeting for last week but had to back out due to a scheduling conflict, and by the time the team attempted to set up another one, it was too late.
- As the Cardinals consider cornerbacks like Mike Jenkins and Antonio Cromartie, Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic (Twitter link) gets the sense that the club is waiting to see if anyone’s price tag drops.
- The Vikings have inquired on free agent defensive end Robert Ayers, tweets Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
FA Rumors: Cromartie, Murphy, Allen, Britt
Let’s follow up this morning’s summary of the latest free agent rumors with another round for the early afternoon:
- A league source tells Brian Costello of the New York Post (Twitter link) not to expect the Jets to re-sign Antonio Cromartie. “They’re not being very aggressive,” the source said, repeating what is becoming a common refrain in discussions on the Jets’ approach to free agency.
- Still in the market for receiving help, the Buccaneers are hosting free agent Louis Murphy today, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter).
- Once he completes his visit with the Cowboys, Jared Allen intends to head home and weigh his options, according to Rapoport, who tweets that the veteran defensive end is unlikely to make a decision today. Allen could also decide to make more visits to teams after Dallas, Rapoport notes (via Twitter).
- We heard on the weekend that wide receiver Kenny Britt would be meeting with the Redskins at some point this week, and that visit happened today, according to Albert Breer of the NFL Network (via Twitter).
- After visiting the Bucs yesterday, cornerback Mike Jenkins is meeting with the Cardinals today, tweets Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic.
- The Bears continue to have interest in re-signing cornerback and key special teams player Sherrick McManis, writes Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Biggs suggested last week that the Ravens, Eagles, and Falcons could be in the mix for McManis, but the Bears remain in talks to bring him back.
FA Rumors: Hester, Melton, Harrison, Mack
Longtime return specialist Devin Hester is finally making his first free agent visit of the offseason, nearly a week after free agency officially began. ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter reports (via Twitter) that the ex-Bear is in Atlanta today meeting with the Falcons. As Field Yates of ESPN.com points out (via Twitter), the Falcons were one of four NFL teams in 2013 that didn’t have a punt return of more than 25 yards or a kick return of more than 50 yards, so targeting Hester makes sense.
Here’s more on some of the free agents still on the board:
- Free agent defensive lineman Henry Melton is on his way to meet with the Rams, reports Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (via Twitter). Melton, who left his visit in Dallas without a deal, remains in contact with the Cowboys, but plenty of teams are still in the mix. The Vikings, Raiders, Bears, and Seahawks all have some level of interest, depending on the 27-year-old’s price tag, says Charean Williams of the Star-Telegram (via Twitter).
- Appearing on the NFL Network, free agent linebacker James Harrison, who was recently released by the Bengals, indicated that “everyone knows” he’d like to return to the Steelers (link via Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk).
- Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk explores why transition-tagged center Alex Mack has yet to generate much interest, and how Mack’s agents could ensure that he becomes an unrestricted free agent a year from now.
- Running back Alfonso Smith has been informed he won’t be returning to the Cardinals, according to a tweet from the free agent himself. Smith had been eligible for restricted free agency this winter, but didn’t receive a tender offer from Arizona.
- Former Jets cornerback Aaron Berry visited the Browns yesterday, according to Brian Costello of the New York Post (Twitter link). As Costello notes, Berry played with Browns coach Mike Pettine in 2012 when Pettine was the Jets’ defensive coordinator.
- The Vikings have confirmed that offensive lineman Vlad Ducasse visited Minnesota (Twitter link). Adam Caplan of ESPN.com reported last week that the visit was expected to happen.
Cardinals Re-Sign Bryan McCann
The Cardinals have re-signed defensive back and special teams player Bryan McCann, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com (via Twitter). McCann finished the season with Arizona last year after the team re-added him to its roster in November.
McCann, 26, didn’t play a snap on defense for the Cardinals last season, but contributed in kick and punt coverage, and has past experience as a return man. Agent John Biggins expressed optimism last month that his client could find a starting job for 2014, or at least carve out a regular role as a nickelback, but McCann’s first challenge will be earning a spot on the Cardinals’ regular season roster.
While terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, I’d expect a minimum-salary contract, perhaps with a modest bonus.
NFC Notes: Cowboys, 49ers, Cardinals
A couple of notes from around the National Football Conference to end your weekend…
- After having visited the Seahawks today, it appears that Jared Allen will also visit the Cowboys, tweets Sean Jensen of Thrive Sports.
- After losing out on Julian Edelman and Emmanuel Sanders, the 49ers‘ list of potential receivers is shrinking, says ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson. The writer throws out James Jones, Santonio Holmes and Sidney Rice as potential options for the team.
- Paying Daryl Washington the first installment of his bonus was a “good risk” by the Cardinals, writes Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com. Despite the linebacker’s inability to stay out of trouble, his Pro Bowl-like talent and production makes the relatively low monetary risk worth it.
- While the team certainly has depth at receiver after inking Golden Tate, don’t expect the Lions to drop a wideout, writes Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com. He identifies Ryan Broyles and Kris Durham as being on the bottom of the depth chart, but believes that both players could still stick around. Rothstein guesses that Broyles could start the season on the PUP list.
- It’ll likely be a while before Corey Wootton signs anywhere, but ESPN.com’s Michael C. Wright thinks the Bears should bring back the defensive lineman.