Extra Points: Contracts, Raiders, Conley
If NFL players want to land fully guaranteed contracts, they’d need to be willing to accept short-term deals, argue Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk and Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap. Teams likely wouldn’t be willing to hand out full guarantees over a five- or six-year term, so two- or three-year pacts would probably become the norm. New Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is Exhibit A, as he received $84.5MM fully guaranteed on a three-year deal this offseason. Taking shorter contracts wouldn’t necessarily be a negative for players — the last years of long-term deals often turn into de facto team options, giving teams almost all the leverage. On the subject of guaranteed accords, Bills linebacker and NFLPA stalwart Lorenzo Alexander says they’re “something players are always going to fight for,” per SiriusXM Radio, while Rams running back Todd Gurley suggested to TMZ Sports that a lockout will be required before fully guaranteed deals are dispersed.
- Raiders cornerback Gareon Conley is suing the woman who accused him of rape in advance of the 2017 draft, per TMZ Sports. Conley, an Ohio State product, was still drafted in the first round last year even with those allegations hanging over his head, and prosecutors ultimately decided not to press charges (and Conley has vehemently denied his accuser’s story). Still, Conley believes the claims not only caused him to drop in the draft — he was viewed as an early first-round selection but ultimately went 24th overall — but broke up endorsement opportunities. On the field, Conley’s rookie year was a lost campaign, as he played in only two games before a shin issue landed him on injured reserve.
- A number of head coaches will be on the hot seat almost as soon as the 2018 campaign gets underway, and John McClain of the Houston Chronicle ran down the list of coaches who could be fired. Hue Jackson seems like an obvious candidate after posting only a single victory over two seasons with the Browns, while Buccaneers coach Dirk Koetter was thought to be on the chopping block following the 2017 campaign. Pro Football Rumors recently examined a similar topic, asking readers which coach will be handed his walking papers first. Your early favorite? Jackson.
- In case you missed it, only 14 of 256 2018 NFL draft choices remain unsigned. We’ve got the entire list here.
South Notes: Bucs, Winston, Falcons, Titans
Jameis Winston‘s upcoming three-game suspension presents an interesting contractual quagmire for the Buccaneers, as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Tampa Bay has already exercised Winston’s $20MM+ option for 2019, but that figure is guaranteed for injury only. Instead of hoping Winston doesn’t get injured over the next several months (and therefore lock himself into his 2019 salary), the Buccaneers could approach their quarterback regarding an extension, albeit one that would erase his 2019 guarantee. In such a scenario, Tampa would tack on a few years to Winston’s deal in exchange for him giving up next season’s guarantee, using the threat of release as leverage. While the idea makes sense for a purely financial perspective, it could be public relations nightmare to extend Winston’s contract now, when he’s fresh off the sexual assault incident that led to his ban.
Here’s more from the NFL’s two South divisions:
- The Falcons are reportedly discussing a new deal for Julio Jones after the star wideout expressed displeasure with his contract figures, but Jones doesn’t exactly have the leverage to press for a new accord, as Joel Corry of CBSSports.com argues. Jones still has three years left on his current pact, and most teams wouldn’t even consider renegotiating with that timeline, especially given that Jones’ five-year deal was frontloaded. Although wide receivers like Sammy Watkins, Allen Robinson, and Jarvis Landry saw nice pay bumps this offseason, the top of the receiver market hasn’t yet been reset, per Corry, meaning there’s not a ton of room for movement regarding Jones. Instead, Jones — who’s collecting $14.25MM annually — should instead press for an incentive-based package in 2017, similar to what Rob Gronkowski has received from the Patriots, says Corry.
- Derrick Henry is the favorite to lead the Titans in both carries and rushing yards, but free agent addition Dion Lewis is likely to put up more total yards from scrimmage, guesses Terry McCormick of TitansInsider.com. Lewis, who inked a four-year, $19.8MM deal with Tennessee in March, actually out-carried Henry (180 vs. 176) in 2017, so it might be a mistake to cast Lewis as solely a third-down back (especially given that he garnered only 36 targets in New England’s offense last year). While Henry may the bell-cow, both he and Lewis will likely be part of a revamped running game under new offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur. Further down the depth chart, undrafted rookie Akrum Wadley appears to be making a run at a roster spot.
- In case you missed it, the Texans will require a “collective effort” to replace tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz, who was forced to retire earlier this year after suffering yet another concussion.
Latest On 49ers, Dez Bryant
As the NFL turns its calendar to July, most of the rumors connecting free agent wideout Dez Bryant to the 49ers have been initiated by Bryant himself, as the veteran pass-catcher indicated in a May Instagram post that he’d like to sign with San Francisco. But it’s not only Bryant that’s stirring the Bay Area pot, according to Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report, who indicates league insiders’ “best guess” is that Bryant will end up signing with the 49ers.
The 49ers still have more than $45MM in available cap space, so inking Bryant — who is reportedly looking for a one-year deal after turning down a three-year pact from the Ravens earlier this year — shouldn’t present a financial obstacle. Roster-wise, San Francisco boasts Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin as its top two receivers, but doesn’t have much depth after that, with Trent Taylor, rookie Dante Pettis, and Aldrick Robinson lurking as secondary options.
Even if he were to play a reduced snap count behind Garcon and Goodwin, Bryant — who stands 6’2″ — could give the 49ers a larger red-zone weapon than they currently possess (both Garcon and Goodwin are 6’0″ or shorter). Bryant, 29, certainly comes with risk, as he hasn’t topped 1,000 yards receiving since 2014, while his 12.1 yards per reception in 2017 was the lowest average of his career. But he can still post up opposing defensive backs near the end zone, and would be a tantalizing option for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
While a number of teams — including the Packers and Cardinals — have been tangentially linked to Bryant since he was released by the Cowboys, no club aside from the Ravens has been directly interested in the former first-round pick. In fact, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com has reported many teams are unwilling to consider Bryant even at the minimum salary. Bryant hadn’t been expected to land a new deal until July, so the clock is now ticking on the veteran wideout.
In a recent Pro Football Rumors poll, readers agreed with Freeman’s NFL sources that Bryant will ultimately land in San Francisco, with the Patriots finishing as a strong second choice.
Teams Still Interested In Jay Cutler?
Although free agent quarterback Jay Cutler said earlier this week that he’s “probably” retired, some NFL clubs reportedly would like to put the veteran quarterback through a workout, according to Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report.
As Freeman notes, NFL clubs have long been enticed by Cutler’s physical talent, especially his proficiency at the act of merely throwing the football. But his recent production has been anything but impressive: last season, he finished 25th in adjusted net yards per attempt, 28th in Total QBR, and 35th among 39 qualifiers in Pro Football Focus‘ quarterback grades while starting 14 games for the Dolphins.
Realistically, it’s difficult to see Cutler landing anything other than a strict backup position, and that opportunity may not come unless a quarterback suffers an injury during training camp or the preseason. At that point, Cutler’s salary demands could also come into play, as he’s certainly not going to earn the $10MM he raked in with Miami in 2017. With a dozen-year pro career in the books, Cutler doesn’t necessarily need the cash, and could simply seek the best fit if he decides to search for a new team.
Speculatively, teams that could use an extra quarterback include the Panthers, Raiders, Rams, Cowboys, and Seahawks. Carolina, specifically, has little to no experienced options behind starter Cam Newton, as none of Garrett Gilbert, Taylor Heinicke, and Kyle Allen have never started an NFL contest. Dallas, too, would be in dire straits if Dak Prescott goes down, as 2017 undrafted free agent Cooper Rush is next on the club’s depth chart.
If Cutler does officially hang up his cleats, he could pursue another avenue within the NFL by taking on a broadcasting role, something he was slated do in 2017 before the Dolphins came calling. He’d already announced his retirement last May and had signed on to join FOX’s NFL team, where he was to enter a three-man booth alongside play-by-play man Kevin Burkhardt and fellow color commentator Charles Davis.
Extra Points: Pats, Seahawks, Texans, Giants
Although there was some mystery as to what substance caused Patriots wideout Julian Edelman to face a four-game performance-enhancing drug suspension, he didn’t question the results of the test itself in his appeal, tweets Ben Volin of the Boston Globe. Instead, Edelman centered the appeal around the paperwork and documentation surrounding his failed test. In the end, the actual substance that triggered Edelman’s failed test doesn’t matter, as the NFL has the authority to ban players who test positive for unrecognizable substances. Edelman’s appeal was denied today, meaning he’ll miss the first quarter of New England’s 2018 campaign.
Here’s more from around the league:
- While offensive guard J.R. Sweezy met with the Seahawks earlier this week, a signing may not occur any time soon, per Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times (Twitter link). Sweezy was earning $6.5MM annually on his contract with the Buccaneers, and given that he won’t earn anything close to that amount with Seattle, the veteran lineman could choose to wait for a better opportunity. The Seahawks, for their part, don’t need to rush, either, according to Condotta: Seattle’s offensive line is mostly set, and while Sweezy would offer familiarity after spending the 2012-14 seasons with the Seahawks, the club could give reps to its younger linemen before inking Sweezy down the road.
- Given that starter C.J. Fiedorowicz was forced to retire earlier this year following a series of concussions, the Texans are hoping a “collective effort” will be able to replace his production at the position. “It’s was unfortunate that C.J. Fiedorowicz had to retire but we’ve been very fortunate having a good room, having a bunch of guys come to work, coming to get better,” Texans tight ends coach Tim Kelly told Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. “Really taking the coaching. I’m fortunate to have those guys in there and really coming in and working hard.” Ryan Griffin looks like the early favorite to start if only due to his experience (six seasons), but Stephen Anderson, rookies Jordan Akins and Jordan Thomas, MyCole Pruitt, Matt Lengel, and others could also chip in.
- Giants third-round defensive lineman B.J. Hill could become an immediate starter, according to Matt Lombardo of NJ.com. As of now, Hill is penciled one of New York’s starting defensive ends opposite Dalvin Tomlinson. The Giants are switching to a 3-4 scheme under new defensive coordinator James Bettcher, but one of Bettcher’s hand-picked additions — ex-Cardinals defender Josh Mauro — is suspended for the first quarter of the 2018 season. While Mauro could certainly reclaim a starting spot when he returns, Hill could use the first quarter of the year to run with the job.
NFL Seeking Summary Judgement In Colin Kaepernick Collusion Case
The NFL is asking arbitrator Stephen Burbank to issue a summary judgement in Colin Kaepernick‘s collusion lawsuit against the league, according to Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports. Burbank’s next move will decide the future of the case: if he accepts the NFL’s request, the case will end, but if Burbank denies the league, Kaepernick’s grievance will move forward.
As Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk explains, the NFL is hoping to force Kaepernick to “put his cards on the table.” Kaepernick and his legal team will need to prove they have enough evidence of collusion to continue the lawsuit, meaning the former 49ers quarterback will likely deploy any and all “smoking guns” he has on hand. If Kaepernick does so, the league will then have an idea of his team’s trial plan.
Burbank’s summary judgement will be the “most pivotal moment” in Kaepernick’s case, per Robinson, as the arbitrator’s decision will decide the future of the lawsuit. However, law requires all facts to be viewed “in the most favorable light” towards Kaepernick, according to Florio, meaning he shouldn’t have a tough time forcing the case to continue.
Kaepernick, of course, has not played in the NFL since 2016, as clubs have shunned the former 30-year-old following his national anthem demonstrations. While he was scheduled to work out for the Seahawks earlier this year, the audition was eventually canceled after Kaepernick declined to stop kneeling during the anthem.
Jay Cutler “Probably” Retired From NFL
Appearing in a clip for his wife’s television show, free agent quarterback Jay Cutler says that while he’s not 100% ready to hang up his cleats, he’s “probably” retired from the NFL, but allowed that he won’t know for sure until games begin in September.
Cutler, who turned 35 years old in April, has seemingly vacillated on the prospect of continuing his career, as he originally stated in December that he’d like to find another NFL job for 2018. More recently, however, reports emerged that Cutler was expected to retire in order to begin a reality TV show — indeed, the one linked above — with his wife.
With plenty of money in the bank following a 12-year pro career, Cutler doesn’t need another salary. And realistically, it’s unlikely any club would be willing to offer Cutler much in terms of financials or a serious opportunity to play. While a summer quarterback injury could lead a needy team to reach out to Cutler, his dismal performance with the Dolphins in 2017 shouldn’t open many doors.
Signed to one-year $10MM deal following an injury to Miami starter Ryan Tannehill, Cutler started 14 games for the Dolphins while completing 62% of his passes for 2,666 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. Cutler’s underlying numbers gave a clearer picture of his poor campaign, as he 25th in adjusted net yards per attempt, 28th in Total QBR, and 35th among 39 qualifiers in Pro Football Focus‘ quarterback grades.
Cutler could pursue another avenue within the NFL by taking on a broadcasting role, something he was slated do in 2017 before the Dolphins came calling. He’d already announced his retirement last May and had signed on to join FOX’s NFL team, where he was to enter a three-man booth alongside play-by-play man Kevin Burkhardt and fellow color commentator Charles Davis.
Julian Edelman’s Suspension Appeal Denied
Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman‘s appeal of his four-game suspension has failed, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
Edelman was suspended in early June following a violation of the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy, and his appeal was heard last Monday. NFL bans aren’t often overturned, so the fact that Edelman will be forced to serve his four-game suspension isn’t particularly surprising, although there was at least some mystery regarding Edelman’s failed test. Edelman, for his part, was expected to argue the league mishandled the documentation and delivery of his sample.
Edelman will miss contests against the Texans, Jaguars, Lions, and Dolphins as the Patriots complete the first quarter of their season, and his absence could give other New England wideouts a chance to produce, or even a better shot at making the club’s initial roster. Kenny Britt, Jordan Matthews, Chris Hogan, Cordarrelle Patterson, Matt Slater, and Braxton Berrios are among the options that will be at Tom Brady‘s disposal while Edelman is sidelined.
Over his past four healthy seasons, Edelman has averaged 133 targets, 89 receptions, 956 yards, and five touchdowns per year. He was a major part of the Super Bowl-winning Patriots squad in 2016, hauling in 98 catches for a career-high 1,106 yards. However, the 32-year-old Edelman hasn’t been on the field for more than a year, as a torn ACL ended his 2017 campaign before it began.
5 Key NFL Stories: 6/24/18 – 7/1/18
NFL officially suspends Jameis Winston. As expected, the league banned Winston for the first three games of the season after he allegedly groped an Uber driver in 2016. Winston has denied any wrongdoing, but did accept some responsibility for the incident in a public statement. The suspension, which will cost Winston more than $1MM, will force him out of action against the Saints, Eagles, and Steelers, leaving veteran backup Ryan Fitzpatrick to start in his stead. If Winston violates that NFL’s personal conduct policy again, he could face a permanent ban from the league.
Vikings extend Danielle Hunter. After extending fellow defensive end Everson Griffen last summer, the Vikings have also handed a new deal to Hunter, inking him to a five-year, $72MM pact. Hunter’s $14.4MM annual salary will place him 11th among rushers, which given his age and contract leverage, makes Hunter’s deal extremely team-friendly. While full details have yet to be divulged (Hunter received $40MM in guarantees, but those almost certainly aren’t full guarantees), Hunter did receive a $15MM singing bonus. Up next on Minnesota’s docket? Finding new contracts for receiver Stefon Diggs and/or linebacker Anthony Barr.
Tamba Hali likely to retire. While he hasn’t made a final decision, Hali sounds incredibly likely to hang up his cleats. “I don’t want to focus too much on football,” Hali said. I don’t see myself getting back into football. I see myself being involved with the Chiefs somehow, maybe as a specialist being able to teach the guys. I don’t want to lie to myself. I think the time has come.” Hali, 34, only managed to appear in five games after an injury limited him for the majority of the season. He hasn’t posted double-digit sacks in five years, and hasn’t generated any known free agent interest since being released by Kansas City in March.
Eagles linebacker Nigel Bradham suspended. The defending champs will play one game without a starting linebacker, as Bradham was banned a single contest due to a 2016 case in which he was charged with aggravated assault. Although Bradham avoided jail time for the incident, the NFL often suspends players regardless of legal outcome. Bradham signed a five-year, $40MM extension with Philadelphia after posting arguably the best season of his career in 2017. Without Bradham in tow, the Eagles will turn to either Corey Nelson, Kamu Grugier-Hill, or Nate Gerry to step into the starting lineup.
Bucs release guard J.R. Sweezy. Only two seasons into a five-year deal, Sweezy was cut loose by Tampa Bay last week. While health questions marks kept Sweezy off the field in 2016, he did manage to post 14 starts a season ago. Still, the Bucs could now use the money saved by releasing Sweezy to extend one of their young players such as linebacker Kwon Alexander or offensive lineman Ali Marpet. Sweezy, meanwhile, could logically reunite with the Seahawks, with whom he played four seasons earlier in his career.
PFR Originals: 6/24/18 – 7/1/18
The original content and analysis produced by the PFR staff over the past week:
- We covered six notable moves in our This Date In Transactions History series:
- Zach Links looked at wide receiver Joe Horn‘s retirement in 2010.
- Zach then analyzed the Panthers’ decision to franchise tag defensive end Julius Peppers in 2009.
- Ben Levine probed the Vikings’ ill-fated decision to sign linebacker Desmond Bishop in 2013.
- Zach went over Ed Reed‘s six-year, $40MM contract, a deal which made him the highest-paid safety in the NFL.
- Zach also covered Andrew Luck‘s 2016 contract extension, which made him the highest-paid player in NFL history (at the time).
- Finally, Ben touched on ex-Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain‘s 2016 10-game suspension.
- We also posted five polls last week:
- Andrew Ortenberg asked which NFC East had the most productive offseason.
- Zach asked which top-10 NFL draft pick will have the largest role in 2018.
- I asked which new head coach will experience the most success during the upcoming season.
- Zach asked which NFL club won the 2018 draft.
- Sam Robinson asked if the Steelers will extend running back Le’Veon Bell before a July 16 deadline.
- PFR looked at three candidates for a contract extension:
- In a pair of PFR Glossary entries, Zach went over both the supplemental draft and contract guarantees.