Titans Sign First-Round LB Rashaan Evans
The Titans have agreed to terms with first-round linebacker Rashaan Evans, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk (Twitter link).
Tennessee moved up on draft night in order to land Evans, shipping a fourth-round pick to the Ravens in order to move up three spots (the Titans also acquired a sixth-round selection in the exchange). The Patriots were reportedly also eyeing the Alabama product, forcing the Titans to trade up to pick No. 22 in order to secure Evans.
Evans will likely be a starter from Day 1, and he’s currently penciled in to play inside linebacker alongside veteran Wesley Woodyard. Although Evans excelled as a pass-rusher at Alabama, the Titans are mostly set at outside ‘backer with Derrick Morgan and Brian Orakpo. It’s conceivable, however, that Evans will be asked to get after opposing quarterbacks, particularly in sub packages.
Like every first-round pick, Evans will sign a four-year deal that contains a fifth-year option. Evans’ pact will be worth roughly $11.578MM and includes a $6.45MM signing bonus, per Over the Cap. Tennessee previously inked rookies and Dane Cruikshank Luke Falk, leaving second-round edge defender Harold Landry as the team’s lone remaining unsigned draft pick.
No “Substantive” Extension Talks Between Lions, Golden Tate
The Lions have not held any “substantive” extension talks with wide receiver Golden Tate, who is entering the final year of his current contract, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
Tate joined the Lions on five-year, $31MM deal prior to the 2014 campaign, and has subsequently outperformed that contract by nearly any estimation. In four years with Detroit, Tate has averaged 93 receptions, 1,056 yards, and five touchdowns per season. Tate has also played like one of the league’s most efficient receivers: in 2017, for example, Football Outsiders ranked Tate 17th in DVOA, meaning he provides excellent value on a per-play basis.
In his contract season, Tate will earn a base salary of $7MM and count for roughly $9.4MM on the Lions’ salary cap. On an annual basis, Tate is now just the 34th-highest-paid wide receiver in the league, sandwiched between Marqise Goodwin and Travis Benjamin.
“The wide receiver market is very high right now, and it wasn’t very high when I came out when I was in free agency the first time, unfortunately,” Tate said. “It’s pretty exciting. It’s almost like, with these guys that are signing their first big deal, it’s been set. I would have never thought receivers today would be getting paid I guess what quarterbacks were getting paid just four years ago.”
The Lions have re-invested in the receiver position since signing Tate in 2014 (and seeing Calvin Johnson retire after the 2015 season). Marvin Jones is on a five-year contract that will keep him in Detroit through 2020, while the Lions used a third-round pick on Kenny Golladay a year ago.
Saints Work Out DLs Jay Bromley, Tyrunn Walker
Veteran defensive linemen Jay Bromley and Tyrunn Walker are among the veterans participating in the Saints’ rookie miniamp, according to Nick Underhill of the Advocate (Twitter link).
Bromley was never expected to re-sign with the Giants, as he wasn’t viewed as a fit for new defensive coordinator James Bettchers’ 3-4 defense. But it’s extremely surprising that Bromley has yet to land a new contract as the calendar has turned to May. The 25-year-old appeared in 47 games with New York over the past three seasons, appearing mostly in a rotational capacity. Heading into free agency, PFR ranked Bromley as the 15th-best defensive tackle on the open market — every other interior lineman on our list has since landed a new deal.
Walker, 28, is another potential interior addition for the Saints. He’s actually garnered a bit more interest than Bromley this offseason, as he auditioned for the Jets in late April. Walker has already enjoyed one stint with the Saints, appearing in 23 games for the club from 2012-14. In the years since, Walker has spent time with the Lions and Rams, and last year played about a quarter of Los Angeles’ defensive snaps.
In addition to Bromley and Walker, the Saints are also looking at former Ravens defensive back Matt Elam, former Falcons safety Sharrod Neasman, and veteran offensive lineman Michael Ola.
Chargers Sign Five Draft Picks
First-round safety Derwin James is now the only Chargers 2018 draft pick without a contract, as Los Angeles announced that the following selection have signed their rookie deals:
- 2-48: Uchenna Nwosu, LB (USC)
- 4-119: Kyzir White, S (West Virginia)
- 5-155: Scott Quessenberry, CB (UCLA)
- 6-191: Dylan Cantrell, WR (Texas Tech)
- 7-251: Justin Jackson, RB (Northwestern)
Third-round defensive tackle Justin Jones is also under contract, leaving James as the sole holdout. NFL rookie deals are now a breeze to negotiate thanks to the league’s most recent collective bargaining agreement, but James will likely sign his deal soon. First-rounders are often able to push for certain contractual issues, such as timing of bonus payments, but James is participating in the Chargers’ rookie minicamp even without a pact.
Most of the players signed by Los Angeles today will likely need to make their rookie mark on special teams duty, but Nwosu could have a chance at playing time in 2018. Although largely an edge rusher at USC, Nwosu probably won’t see much time as a pass-rusher given that the Chargers already employ Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. But the 6’2″, 240-pounder could find a role as a inside ‘backer, an area of weakness for the Bolts.
Minor NFL Transactions: 5/13/18
Today’s minor moves:
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: T Michael Ola
New York Giants
- Signed: Chris Lewis-Harris
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: OL R.J. Prince
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: OL Ruben Holcomb, CB Mark Myers
- Waived: S Josh Liddell, WR Devin Lucien, DE Antonio Simmons
Cliff Avril Has Interest From A “Few” Teams
Cliff Avril has signed on to become a radio host on Sports Radio KJR beginning in July, but that doesn’t mean the veteran defensive end has officially retired after being released by the Seahawks last week. While admitting that he’ll have to wait for medical clearance after suffering a potentially-career ending neck injury in 2017, Avril told SiriusXM NFL Radio that “a few” clubs have expressed interest in his availability.
Last season, Avril played only 151 defensive snaps before going down, and garnered a disappointing 44.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. That was the lowest mark of Avril’s career, and he’d been an exceptional player as recently as 2015. It’s unclear, however, whether any team would be willing to risk putting Avril on the field given his recent injury history. As recently as January, Avril reaffirmed his desire to continue his career despite his health risks, but he told SiriusXM that he’s willing to walk away from the game if need be.
“I’m definitely ready (to move on if the doctor recommends as much),” said Avril. “I’ve had about eight months now to kind of wrap my brain around it. My wife and I, we’ve been talking about it. We talk about it pretty much every other week, just understanding, ‘Hey, if you’re not going to play anymore, what’s next? Start preparing yourself for that.’ And that’s kind of where I’m at right now. I’m OK if I’m not able to play ball. If the doctor tells me, ‘Hey, you should definitely reconsider not playing,’ I’m OK with that at this point of my career.”
If the 32-year-old Avril is medically cleared, it’s not out of the question that he could generate real interest on the open market given the dearth of available pass rushers. Other free agent edge defenders include Robert Ayers, Junior Galette, Erik Walden, Elvis Dumervil, Willie Young, and Connor Barwin.
West Notes: 49ers, Hawks, Raiders, Chiefs
Before signing Mike Person earlier today, the 49ers also worked out veteran offensive linemen Oday Aboushi, Josh LeRibeus, and Brian Schwenke, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com (Twitter link). San Francisco was clearly on the lookout for an experienced lineman capable of playing multiple spots along the interior, and Person won the job. Each of Aboushi, LeRibeus, and Schwenke boast at least one season of regular starting work, but none have generated any known interest to this point in the offseason. If the 49ers are in need of more center/guard as the year progresses, however, it’s fair to assume they’ll circle back to these same candidates.
Here’s more from the NFL’s two West divisions:
- Seahawks general manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll have both denied that Seattle is entering a full-scale rebuild, and the club’s meeting with veteran wideout Brandon Marshall only verifies that stance, as Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times notes. While the Seahawks have shed a mass of talent this offseason by releasing or trading stalwarts such as Richard Sherman, Michael Bennett, and Cliff Avril, the club doesn’t intend to sacrifice its intention to compete. Marshall, of course, hasn’t been productive since 2015, but he’d add a physical element to a wide receiving depth chart that includes Doug Baldwin, Tyler Lockett, and Jaron Brown.
- Linebacker Derrick Johnson rebuffed offers from two-to-three other clubs in order to sign with the Raiders, as Scott Bair of NBC Sports Bay Area tweets. Johnson, 35, reiterated that the opportunity to play for head coach Jon Gruden played a large role in his decision to join Oakland’s squad, where he is expected to play middle linebacker in a 4-3 scheme for the first time in his career. The Raiders have made multiple additions to the second level of their defense, adding Tahir Whitehead, Emmanuel Lamur, and Kyle Wilber in addition to Johnson. As such, it’s becoming clear that fellow linebacker NaVorro Bowman is unlikely to return to the Bay Area.
- Byron Maxwell‘s new deal with the Seahawks has a base value of $2MM, reports Brady Henderson of ESPN.com (Twitter link). The veteran cornerback, who is now in his second stint with Seattle, will collect a $950K base salary, a $500K signing bonus, a $100K roster bonus paid if he makes the Seahawks’ 53-man roster, and up to $450K in per-game roster bonuses. Maxwell looks like the clear favorite to start at outside corner opposite Shaquill Griffin, but he’ll be pushed by Justin Coleman and free agent addition Dontae Johnson.
- The Chiefs announced that they’ve promoted Mike Borgonzi to director of football operations. As Adam Schefter of ESPN.com points out (Twitter link), Borgonzi will now take over the position manned by Chris Ballard before he became the Colts’ general manager, meaning the former should now be viewed as a future GM candidate. Kansas City also promoted Ryan Poles to assistant director of player personnel and named Ryne Nutt director of college scouting.
Draft Pick Signings: 5/9/18
Today’s draft pick signings:
- The Falcons have agreed to terms with second-round cornerback Isaiah Oliver, fourth-round running back Ito Smith, sixth-round receiver Russell Gage, and sixth-round linebacker Foyesade Olukom. That leaves Atlanta with just two remaining unsigned draft picks, first-round wideout Calvin Ridley and third-round defensive tackle Deadrin Senat. None of the four selections signed by the Falcons today figure to have much of a 2018 role, but given the strength of Atlanta’s roster, the club was able to target future value. Oliver fits the Falcons’ size requirements for a defensive back and could help out down the line, while Smith is a hedge against Atlanta failing to sign Tevin Coleman, who will become a free agent at season’s end.
- Fifth-round offensive lineman Tyrell Crosby has signed his rookie deal with the Lions. Crosby surprisingly fell to Day 3 of the draft after many analysts pegged him as at least a Day 2 selection. Although he played tackle at Oregon, Crosby could shift to guard in Detroit, especially given the presence of incumbent tackles Taylor Decker and Ricky Wagner. Crosby may compete to start at left guard, but with Graham Glasgow likely locking down that position, Crosby is probably looking at reserve duty for 2018.
- The Steelers have inked their first rookie to a contract, as fifth-round rookie running back Jaylen Samuels is now signed. Samuels, a North Carolian State product, was something of a jack-of-all-trades during his collegiate days, and it won’t be surprising if he sees action at fullback, tight end, or receiver during his rookie season in Pittsburgh. Long-term, Samuels could be a candidate to replace Le’Veon Bell, who will once again play under the franchise tag in 2018.
- Fifth-round wideout Justin Watson has singed his rookie pact with the Buccaneers, tweets Jenna Laine of ESPN.com. Watson posted excellent athletic testing results and put up outstanding production at Pennsylvania, but he’s coming from a small school and Lance Zierlein of NFL.com says Watson “doesn’t move with desired suddenness.” Watson likely won’t factor into Tampa Bay’s offense this season, but could carve out a role on special teams.
- The Patriots didn’t land a first-round quarterback as many had projected, but they did pick LSU signal-caller Danny Etling in the seventh round, and he’s now under contract. New England doesn’t figure to keep three quarterbacks on its roster, so Etling will likely (at best) spend the 2018 season on the club’s practice squad. It’s possible he’s just a camp arm.
Top 10 Remaining NFL Free Agents: Defense
The most high-profile free agent signings occurred more than two months ago, but as we near June there are still talented NFL free agents available on the open market. Most of these players (with a few exceptions) won’t command much guaranteed money, and none will factor into the compensatory draft pick formula given that we’ve passed the May 8 deadline for comp selections. Let’s take a look at the defensive players who will try to find a home as training camp approaches:
1. Eric Reid, S
There’s no question that Reid’s history of protesting the national anthem has factored into his ongoing free agency. Reid was asked about his plans to kneel during the anthem by the Bengals, the only club yet to have him in for a visit, and Reid has since filed a collusion grievance against the NFL, one that is backed by the NFLPA. Colin Kaepernick, of course, has failed to land an NFL job after initiating the protest, and it’s quite possible Reid will be similarly blackballed. On the field, Reid is a solid starter capable of playing either defensive back or linebacker, but the safety market as a whole has been incredibly slow to develop.
Possible fits: 49ers, Cardinals, Buccaneers, Panthers, Redskins, Chiefs
2. Tre Boston, S
To date, Tyrann Mathieu‘s one-year, $7MM deal with the Texans is the most expensive safety contract (non-franchise tag department) handed out this offseason, and one agent told Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com that safeties aren’t even getting offers of “one year, $3 million.” Like Reid, Boston has generated scant interest over the past two months, although four clubs — the Cardinals, Raiders, Browns, and Giants — reportedly expressed interest in March. Boston is only 25 years old, coming off the bet season of his career, and can handle deep safety. He’s admitted his history of social activism could be working against his prospects, although Boston hasn’t taken as public of stances as has Reid.
Possible fits: Bengals, Giants, Cowboys, Panthers, Buccaneers, Cardinals
3. Robert Ayers, EDGE
The Buccaneers swapped out Ayers in favor of Vinny Curry this spring, and it’s not readily apparent that Tampa Bay found a better player. While Curry is three years younger than Ayers, the latter finished as the league’s No. 10 edge defender in 2017, according to Pro Football Focus, while Curry ranked 21st. Ayers hit a career-high in sacks with nine in 2015 and managed only two quarterback takedowns a season ago, but he’s highly adept at generating pressure, even if it doesn’t show up in the stat sheet. Instead of taking multiple free agent visits, Ayers met with several clubs at the league’s meetings in March, but he’s yet to ink a new deal.
Possible fits: Lions, Panthers, Seahawks
4. Bashaud Breeland, CB
Breeland originally signed a three-year, $24MM pact with the Panthers on the first day of the free agent period, but that contact was nullified after Breeland failed his physical. A freak injury resulted in a cut on Breeland’s foot that will require a skin graft, meaning he won’t be able to sign until he heals, which could be at some point this summer. Overall, the health issue — which occurred when a stray golf ball hit Breeland and re-opened a wound he suffered in grade school — sounds relatively minor, and shouldn’t scare teams once the 26-year-old is ready to meet with teams again. The Packers, for one, were reportedly interested in Breeland before he landed with Carolina (but have since added multiple corners via the draft), while the Redskins don’t appear ready to discuss a reunion.
Possible fits: Cardinals, Lions, Eagles, Raiders, Chiefs, Colts, Bills
5. Junior Galette, EDGE
The 2018 pass rushing market was extremely thin, as there were few options available via either free agency or the draft. Veterans such as Demarcus Lawrence and Ezekiel Ansah were quickly franchise-tagged, while only two edge rushers — Bradley Chubb and Marcus Davenport — came off the board in the first round of the draft. Enter Galette, who dominated in limited playing time with the Redskins a season ago. Although he put up only three sacks, Galette registered 37 pressures on just 258 pass-rushing snaps. His age (30) and history of off-field issues should drive his price down, meaning an edge-needy club could be in line for a bargain. One team that’s not interested? Washington, which is moving on after inking fellow outside ‘backer Pernell McPhee.
Possible fits: Browns, Raiders, Rams, Ravens, Texans
6. Kenny Vaccaro, S
Vaccaro offers a more versatile skill-set than other defensive backs on this list, as he’s demonstrated the ability to play slot cornerback. Coming off the worst season of his five-year NFL career, Vaccaro was admittedly putrid in coverage in 2017. Pat Thorman charted the former first-round pick allowing a 84.2 completion percentage, 11.7 yards per attempt, and a 147.3 passer rating (for comparison, Eric Reid‘s numbers: 64.7%, 7.8 YPA, 81.8 passer rating). The Dolphins met with Vaccaro earlier this year, but seem unlikely to sign him after adding Minkah Fitzpatrick in the draft.
Possible fits: Cowboys, Bengals, Colts, Eagles, Buccaneers, 49ers
7. Delvin Breaux, CB
The Saints opted not to tender Breaux as a restricted free agent, passing on the opportunity to keep the 29-year-old at a one-year price south of $2MM. Since hitting the open market, Breaux has generated a good deal of interest, meeting with the Broncos, Patriots, Packers, and 49ers in March. That he hasn’t yet signed is likely an indication that Breaux is asking for too much money, as teams are likely wary of paying a player who hasn’t been healthy since 2015. That 2015 campaign was a massive success for Breaux, however, as he finished 16th in Football Outsiders’ success rate, meaning the former CFLer was proficient at stopping receivers short of the sticks.
Possible fits: Patriots, Broncos, Texans, Colts, Chiefs, Eagles, Panthers
8. NaVorro Bowman, LB
Although Raiders head coach Jon Gruden has not ruled out a reunion with Bowman even after signing fellow linebacker Derrick Johnson last week, it’s difficult to see how Bowman would fit on the Oakland Roster. Johnson wasn’t the only Raiders ‘backer addition this spring, as the club has also brought in Tahir Whitehead, Emmanuel Lamur, and Kyle Wilber. Bowman, 30, has stated that he’d like to re-sign with the Raiders, and noted his affinity for the Bay Area. If Bowman wants to stay in California, the Chargers or even the 49ers (Reuben Foster insurance?) could make sense as a potential destinations.
Possible fits: Chargers, 49ers, Patriots, Steelers, Jaguars, Giants, Rams
9. Johnathan Hankins, DT
Despite having five NFL seasons under his belt, Hankins is still only 26 years old. So why aren’t teams banging down his door? Massive defensive tackles of Hankins’ stature (6’3″, 320 pounds) simply are relied on very much in today’s pass-heavy league, so clubs aren’t willing to shell out money for what is effectively a part-time player. Hankins has steadily played about two-thirds of his team’s defensive snaps, meaning he’s taken off the field on passing downs. Still, he should be able to fill a specific role for a team with a need on the interior. Thus far, Hankins has met with the Redskins and Jets.
Possible fits: Dolphins, Browns, Texans, Falcons, Saints
10. Kayvon Webster, CB
Webster ruptured his Achilles tendon last December before ultimately being released by the Rams in April, so any interested party will need to closely inspect his health status before agreeing to a deal. In his first full season as a starter, Webster was relatively successful, ranking as a top-35 cornerback in Football Outsiders’ success rate and yards per pass allowed. Los Angeles probably won’t have any interest in re-signing Webster after landing both Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib this offseason, but the Broncos — with whom Webster spent the first four years of his career — might be an option.
Possible fits: Broncos, Cardinals, Dolphins, Eagles, Giants, Bills
Panthers Bidder Wants To Involve Peyton Manning
Panthers bidder Ben Navarro has made contact with former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning regarding a limited ownership role if Navarro were to land the Carolina franchise, reports Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer, who adds Manning is considering the offer.
Manning has long been connected to NFL front office openings, but Person’s report doesn’t mention any possibility that Manning would be involved in personnel decisions. That could certainly change, of course, if Navarro does indeed secure the Panthers, as he’d likely want to remake the club’s front office. General manager Marty Hurney recently had the interim tag removed from his title, but there’s no guarantee he’ll be asked to stick around once new ownership is in place.
Manning, 42, hasn’t made a re-entrance to NFL life since retiring following the 2015 campaign. He was recently linked to a position within the Browns’ front office, but Cleveland owner Jimmy Haslam denied ever making Manning an offer. Earlier this year, both ESPN and FOX heavily pursued Manning as a television analyst, but he rejected overtures from both networks.
The remaining bidders for the Panthers include Steelers minority owner David Tepper, steel magnate Alan Kestenbaum, and entrepreneur Michael Rubin, according to Person.