NFC South Notes: Williams, Saints, Falcons
DeAngelo Williams, who was recently informed by the Panthers that he will be released, was unhappy with the team’s support (or lack thereof) last year at the time of his mother’s death. “That was the end. That was it. Nobody came to the funeral,” Williams told WBTV’s Molly Grantham. “The owner didn’t reach out. He didn’t say anything. Never talked to me. Nobody upstairs ever talked to me. The only two people who ever said anything to me was coach Rivera and Dave Gettleman. . . . There’s nothing that coach Rivera and Dave Gettleman can do to me that will make me mad or make me hate them because in my darkest hour they were there for me. More from the NFC South..
- While Williams said the Panthers informed him they didn’t run the ball enough to justify his contract, Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer notes that only four teams had more rushes than Carolina last season. Meanwhile, over the last three seasons, only the Texans ran the ball more than the Panthers. Williams’ release had more to do with his declining production and his age, according to a team source.
- Two team negotiators confirmed to Joel Corry of CBSSports.com (on Twitter) that the Panthers will get a $1MM 2016 salary cap credit from Williams’ option bonus that’s being prorated by cutting him.
- The Saints have a tough cap situation this offseason and some tough decisions to make. Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (via Twitter) would put money on linebacker David Hawthorne, guard Ben Grubbs, and Brodrick Bunkley getting cut. Meanwhile, he sees wide receiver Marques Colston, guard Jahri Evans, and linebacker Curtis Lofton agreeing to pay cuts. Pro Football Rumors recently looked at the Saints’ situation as a part of our ongoing Offseason Outlook series.
- Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com (on Twitter) is hearing from agents that the Falcons are still evaluating which players fit their scheme before re-signing or releasing anyone.
- D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution looked at pending Falcons free agent Javier Arenas. The fifth-year cornerback played just 54 snaps in six games and couldn’t win the nickelback job on the worst defense in the league. It doesn’t seem all that likely that new head coach Dan Quinn will push to re-sign the unrestrictd free agent.
Pauline’s Latest: Falcons, Jets, Packers, Chiefs
With the 2015 scouting combine winding down in Indianapolis, draft guru Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net has several tidbits to pass along, having spoken to a number of league insiders over the past week. While most of Pauline’s updates relate to the draft, he also has some info on the upcoming free agent period. Let’s dive in and round up the highlights from his latest report….
- It’s no secret that the Falcons will be targeting a pass rusher in the first round of this year’s draft, and while there are a few players who could fit that bill in the top 10, Pauline writes that Shane Ray‘s name was “constantly associated” with the team as the leading choice.
- The Jets spent a significant amount of time in Indianapolis with speedy Miami wide receiver Phillip Dorsett, who also drew interest from the Packers. According to Pauline, Green Bay is also “very high on” Clemson linebacker Stephone Anthony, who is a favorite of Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers.
- The Jets are expected to be very active in free agency, as GM Mike Maccagnan has suggested, and Pauline hears that the team will target outside linebackers and defensive line depth in addition to cornerbacks. New York would also like to add a mid-value guard, though the belief is that they won’t spend big on a player like Mike Iupati.
- Per Pauline, the Chiefs are eyeing Benardrick McKinney as a potential replacement for Justin Houston, if they lose Houston in free agency. While Kansas City may like McKinney, I’m skeptical that the club would let Houston get away, as he seems like a logical franchise tag candidate.
- Echoing what we’ve already heard this offseason, Pauline writes that it doesn’t sound as if the Browns‘ front office is working in harmony these days. Sources familiar with the situation compared Cleveland’s situation to the one that has played out in San Francisco in recent years, and Pauline hears there’s a good deal of dissension within the organization.
NFC Notes: Peterson, Packers, Falcons, Dez
Refuting a portion of last night’s report from Jason Cole of Bleacher Report, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press writes that Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has in fact not asked for a trade. Cole had indicated that Peterson prefers to play for the Cowboys, but sources tell Tomasson that isn’t the case. Perhaps more interestingly, Tomasson reports that the Vikings have not approached Peterson about taking a pay cut from his 2015 $12.75MM base salary. The 2012 NFL MVP recently said he was “uneasy” about a return to Minnesota, but Tomasson writes that Peterson is willing to return to the club.
Here’s more from the NFC:
- The Packers have not yet begun talks with free-agent-to-be Tramon Williams, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. The 32-year-old cornerback is coming off a season in which he started all 16 games and earned $6.9MM. In a thin CB market, he’s near the top of the list of available options. But sources tell Demovsky that general manager Ted Thompson is more focused on retaining two other pending Packers FAs, receiver Randall Cobb and tackle Bryan Bulaga.
- The Falcons will enter free agency with more than $25MM in cap space to work with, and as GM Thomas Dimitroff explains to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the club is ready make upgrades. Specifically, Dimitroff noted that Atlanta could add several free agent pushers that would fit new coach Dan Quinn’s scheme.
- Dez Bryant is a prime candidate for the franchise tag, and while Cowboys owner Jerry Jones doesn’t expect the star pass-catcher to sulk if he is tagged, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk outlines how Bryant could turn the situation in his favor.
- The free agent receiver class will be exceptionally strong this offseason, leading Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times to examine how market factors could affect the Bears’ decision on Brandon Marshall.
NFC Links: Johnson, Eagles, Packers, Gore
Some notes from around the NFC…
- Despite Calvin Johnson‘s 2016 cap-hit of more than $24MM, Lions general manager Martin Mayhew made it clear that the team would do whatever it takes to keep the talented wideout in Detroit. “Calvin’s a stud,” Mayhew said (via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press). “Calvin’s a great player. He’s a phenomenal player. He has a very bright future and a very bright past. I plan on him being around for a long time. He’s a heck of a player.”
- Draft prospect Eric Kendricks would be thrilled to play with his brother, linebacker Mychal Kendricks, on the Eagles. “Man, that’d be crazy,” the UCLA linebacker told Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com. “I played with him in high school and I think I took it for granted at the time, as far as how cool it was. But that would be unreal to say the least.” The younger Kendricks brother is expected to be a late-first, early-second round pick.
- Jason Pierre-Paul is the type of pass-rusher Falcons head coach Dan Quinn loves, and D. Orlando Ledbetter says the organization is keeping an eye on the Giants defensive end.
- Former Packers special teams coordinator Shawn Slocum still had one season left on his contract, ESPN’s Rob Demovsky points out (via Twitter). As a result, the team will pay the ousted coach for 2015.
- Following news that 49ers running back Frank Gore could be seeking $4MM annually, Eric Branch of the San Franciscion Chronicle questions whether the veteran is worth the asking price. Ultimately, the writer believes the team will let Gore walk if he can “fetch” that $4MM in free agency.
Falcons, Bears Interested In David Harris
If David Harris hits the free agent market next month, the longtime Jets middle linebacker is expected to be among the most sought-after defenders available. Two of his possible suitors could be the Falcons and Bears, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com tweeted Friday. According to McClure, both teams will “definitely” be interested in Harris should he become available on March 10.
The 31-year-old Harris has been a key piece for the Jets since they drafted him out of Michigan in 2007. The 2014 season, Harris’ eighth in the NFL, saw the 250-pounder play in a whopping 99% of defensive snaps for New York and total 124 tackles and six sacks.
Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reported earlier this week that the Jets aim to retain Harris, who is coming off a four-year, $36MM deal.
“I would say that David is a player we would very much like to get back in the mix,” said Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan at this week’s combine, according to Dom Cosentino of NJ.com.
If the Jets are unable to re-sign Harris, it seems either Atlanta or Chicago would make sense as destinations. Both finished in the the bottom three of the league in total defense last season. Moreover, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Harris would be an improvement over the clubs’ current starting middle linebackers – the Falcons’ Paul Worrilow and the Bears’ D.J. Williams.
Extra Points: Colts, Rams, Lowery, Lions
While Colts GM Ryan Grigson didn’t reveal anything too significant during his conversation with reporters this week at the combine in Indianapolis, Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star came away with the sense that the team would make “consequential moves” in free agency next month. With possible at holes at safety, running back, and perhaps wide receiver, as well as a need for pass rushers, the Colts are armed with plenty of cap room and have the ability to make impact additions.
Here’s more from around the NFL:
- According to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (Twitter link), word from the combine has the Rams preparing to target linebackers early in the draft. All three of St. Louis’ regular linebackers in 2014 received negative grades, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
- There have been no contract discussions between the Falcons and safety Dwight Lowery yet, tweets Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com. Lowery is eligible for unrestricted free agency next month.
- Speaking to Tori Petry of DetroitLions.com (video link), Lions GM Martin Mayhew singled out quarterback Dan Orlovsky and long snapper Don Muhlbach as two under-the-radar potential free agents that the team is optimistic about re-signing.
- Former Browns and Eagles executive Joe Banner cautions fans not to think that every team is having the same Marcus Mariota vs. Jameis Winston debate that the media is having. According to Banner (via Twitter), many clubs already have Mariota “clearly” at the top of their quarterback rankings.
- Former first-round quarterback Brady Quinn, who was in camp with the Dolphins in 2014, is planning to give it one last shot in the NFL this year in the hopes of landing a regular season roster spot, tweets Ben Volin of the Boston Globe.
Falcons Interested In Justin Forsett
Assuming Justin Forsett doesn’t sign a new contract with the Ravens before he becomes eligible to talk to other potential suitors in March, the free agent running back will draw “strong interest” from the Falcons, according to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com. Atlanta would be able to talk to Forsett’s agent as of March 7, and could sign him starting on March 10.
Forsett, 29, had a breakout season in 2014, setting new career-best marks across the board, including rushing yards (1,266), receptions (44), and touchdowns (eight). While a veteran putting up those kind of numbers for the first time during his seventh season in the league – a contract year – might raise some red flags, Forsett is expected to generate plenty of interest this winter as part of a running back class that doesn’t feature any real top-tier options besides DeMarco Murray.
As McClure points out, Forsett does have a connection to the Falcons’ coaching staff, having played in Seattle while new Atlanta head coach Dan Quinn was working for the Seahawks. However, it may be Forsett’s success in Gary Kubiak‘s zone-blocking scheme that truly piques the Falcons’ interest — Kyle Shanahan is expected to employ a similar scheme in Atlanta in 2015.
Both Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff mentioned during their meetings with the media yesterday in Indianapolis that they could envision Devonta Freeman excelling in Shanahan’s system, so it makes sense that the Falcons would like Forsett too — Freeman is listed at 5’8″ and 206 pounds, while Forsett checks in at 5’8″ and 197.
NFC South Notes: Falcons, Jones, Galette
Even though the Falcons could use some more depth right now, GM Thomas Dimitroff doesn’t regret blowing up the 2011 draft to land Julio Jones, Will Brinson of CBSSports.com writes. “I feel depth — let’s talk about depth. You can talk about depth at so many levels,” Dimitroff said. “Maybe what we passed up, what went to Cleveland, you can juxtapose that again. I know how important Julio is to this team, the game-breaking skills he has. We wanted our offense to have that presence.” Here’s more from the NFC South..
- Junior Galette‘s attorney, Ralph Whalen, issued a statement indicating that the domestic violence charges against his client have been dismissed, according to Evan Woodbery of The Times-Picayune (on Twitter). The Saints linebacker could still face NFL discipline for the January incident.
- Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon is eligible for free agency next month, and there’s “definite interest” in the veteran from at least one AFC team, tweets Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com.
- The Buccaneers added a new executive to their front office today, announcing in a press release that they’ve hired Duke Preston as the club’s new director of player development. Preston previously held the same position at the University of Notre Dame.
Luke Adams contributed to this post.
Combine Pressers: Colts, Bengals, Falcons
The last of today’s head coach and general manager press conferences with the media are in the books, so let’s check in on the highlights for the noteworthy sessions that we haven’t already covered. Here’s the latest, with all links going to Twitter accounts for reporters on the scene in Indianapolis:
Colts general manager Ryan Grigson and head coach Chuck Pagano:
- The team will take a look at all its options at the safety position, which may be an area of need. Grigson indicated that the Colts would like to re-sign Mike Adams, who “never played like he was long in the tooth.”
- Both Pagano and Grigson stressed the importance of improving the team’s running game. Asked about the possibility of adding a workhorse back, Pagano said he’d love to have a player like that, but added that the club could get the production it needs with a committee approach.
- Expect the Colts to always be on the lookout for pass rushers. Grigson said today that even if he had 12 pass rushers, he’d want a 13th.
- Veteran wideout Reggie Wayne hasn’t yet informed the team if he wants to play in 2015. As Grigson notes, everyone knows what he means to the organization, so if Wayne does continue his career, it will almost certainly happen in Indianapolis — for now, he doesn’t have a contract for next season.
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis:
- According to Lewis, there have been no discussions yet about his contract, which is set to expire after the 2015 season.
- Lewis didn’t exactly give a ringing endorsement for Jermaine Gresham when he was asked today if there’s a place on the Bengals for the free-agent-to-be going forward. The veteran tight end is considered likely to land elsewhere this offseason.
- According to Lewis, the Bengals have made a conscious effort to draft high-character plays in recent years. The head coach acknowledged that in some cases he can’t “fix” a player with off-field issues, and he doesn’t want to waste his time dealing with the distractions.
- Lewis confirmed that he has spoken to veteran defensive back Terence Newman, who wants to continue his playing career. It’s not clear yet if there will be a spot in Cincinnati for Newman, who will turn 37 in September.
Falcons head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff:
- We covered Dimitroff’s presser earlier this afternoon, but the GM also spoke to local media off to the side, and addressed a few more topics. Among them: Dimitroff said the Falcons would like to get a deal done quickly with kicker Matt Bryant, who is eligible for free agency.
- We heard this morning that the Falcons haven’t opened negotiations yet on a contract extension for Julio Jones, but Dimitroff was adamant today the club wants to keep the standout receiver in Atlanta for years to come.
- Both Dimitroff and Quinn are high on running back Devonta Freeman, whom the GM thinks could be a full-time back in Kyle Shanahan’s offensive scheme.
- According to Dimitroff, Quinn’s philosophy is that you don’t have to pay a huge amount for a pass rusher. The GM added that he believes the free agent class has some depth at that spot, and it’s worth noting that Quinn’s defense in Seattle frequently rotated part-time specialists in and out as a way of pressuring the quarterback.
- Cornerbacks Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford should be scheme fits for the Falcons’ new system, per Quinn.
Combine Pressers: Broncos, Falcons, Panthers, Chiefs
As we’ve done several times over the last couple days, we’re rounding up noteworthy comments from head coaches and general managers from their sessions with the media at the combine in Indianapolis. Here are a few of this afternoon’s highlights, with all links going to Twitter:
Broncos general manager John Elway (via Lindsay Jones of USA Today):
- Elway sidestepped a question about whether or not Peyton Manning‘s contract situation will play a role in the QB’s decision for 2015, but said that he believes the future Hall-of-Famer will return. “We’re hopeful Peyton comes back. We want him back. He has not given me a definitive answer,” Elway said.
- There’s no deadline for Manning to make his decision, according to Elway. That includes March 9, when his 2015 salary becomes guaranteed.
- Elway confirmed that the Broncos intend to use their franchise tag on Demaryius Thomas if the two sides don’t work out a longer-term agreement by March 2.
- Terrance Knighton has recently voiced frustration with the slow process of contract negotiations, and Elway said today that he “can’t calm” that frustration. Per Elway, most deals for free-agents-to-be will be consummated right before the free agent period begins on March 10.
Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff (via Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com):
- The Falcons are excited about the No. 8 overall pick, and while they could go in any number of directions, adding a pass rusher figures to be their preference.
- According to Dimitroff, the team has yet to make any decisions on its current players, including free-agents-to-be or potential cap casualties.
- Dimitroff said today that his first order of business after the club hired Dan Quinn was to discuss the team’s new scheme and how players will fit into that scheme. Presumably, that discussion covered players currently on the roster as well as potential outside targets.
- The general manager stressed that he’s “very excited” about working with Quinn, who will have control over the 53-man roster. The two men will work together, and if there’s a disagreement, the head coach will make the final call, per Dimitroff.
- Dimitroff said there’s no doubt in his mind that Josh McDaniels, who interviewed with the Falcons, will be an NFL head coach again.
Panthers head coach Ron Rivera (via David Newton of ESPN.com):
- The Panthers were pretty quiet last year when it came to adding free agent receivers, but Rivera said today that GM Dave Gettleman will pull the trigger on a wideout in the right situation. The head coach also noted that the team needs to find a way to make plays over the top and to stop those plays on defense, which suggests Carolina will be targeting speedy wideouts and/or cornerbacks.
- The Panthers aren’t in the market for a quarterback, per Rivera. While that’s not particularly surprising, given the presence of Cam Newton, it’s a little notable since the former first overall pick is entering the final year of his contract.
- Left tackle Byron Bell, who is eligible for free agency, did some nice things for the Panthers in 2014, according to Rivera. However, the coach didn’t say whether or not the team would look to retain Bell for 2015 and beyond.
Chiefs general manager John Dorsey (via Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star):
- Asked about free-agent-to-be Justin Houston, Dorsey said discussions with the pass rusher’s agent are “ongoing.” The GM didn’t explicitly say that the Chiefs will franchise Houston if a long-term deal can’t be reached, but he did say he plans on having the NFL’s sack leader back in 2015, which strongly suggests that the tag is in play.
- Kansas City can afford to keep backup quarterback Chase Daniel, who has a cap hit of $4.8MM in 2015, according to Dorsey. However, he didn’t go so far as to say Daniel will return.
- Third-string quarterback Tyler Bray also remains in the Chiefs’ plans for now, per Dorsey.