Vikings OL Nick Easton Signs RFA Tender
Vikings offensive lineman Nick Easton has signed his second-round restricted free agent tender, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link). Easton will now be paid $2.914MM for the 2018 campaign.
Minnesota and Easton have mutual interest in hammering out a long-term agreement, tweets Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pionner Press. Easton won’t hit unrestricted free agency until next spring, so the Vikings have plenty of time to work out an extension.
The Vikings have invested heavily in their offensive line over the past year, as they inked free agent tackles Riley Reiff and Mike Remmers while deploying a third-round pick on Pat Elflein, who became the club’s starting center in his rookie season. Easton, a former undrafted free agent, spent most of his 2017 time at left guard, and played 92% of Minnesota’s offensive snaps overall. Pro Football Focus ranked the 25-year-old as the No. 58 guard among 77 qualifiers a year ago.
Easton was one of 14 NFL restricted free agents to be tendered at the second-round level. There was no rush for Easton to ink his tender, as RFAs have until April 20 to work out offer sheets with other clubs. However, it was unlikely that any NFL team would have been willing to sacrifice a second-round pick in order to land Easton.
Colts Host DT Chris Jones
The Colts worked out free agent defensive tackle Chris Jones on Tuesday, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
Jones, not to be confused with the Chiefs defensive tackle of the same name, has bounced around the NFL since entering the league as a sixth-round pick in 2013. His most notable action came from 2013-14, when he started 22 total games for the Patriots, and in 2016, when he appeared in 13 games during stints on the Dolphins’ and 49ers’ rosters.
Jones, 27, has been productive before, as he managed nine sacks from New England’s interior from 2013-14. But injuries have derailed his career: a torn calf muscle forced Jones to miss the entire 2015 campaign, while an undisclosed ailment led to Jones spending the 2017 season on injured reserve.
The Colts, meanwhile, can use help along the interior of their defensive line after cutting Johnathan Hankins earlier this year. Indianapolis ranked just 31st in adjusted sack rate in 2017, so Jones and his interior rushing ability could buoy the club’s front four. If signed, Jones would slot in alongside fellow tackles Henry Anderson, Al Woods, Grover Stewart, Anthony Johnson, and Caraun Reid.
Minor NFL Transactions: 4/17/18
Today’s minor moves:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: DB Tyson Graham, DT Garrison Smith, DT Justin Zimmer
Baltimore Ravens
- Re-signed: WR Quincy Adeboyejo, RB Alex Collins, CB Stanley Jean-Baptiste, TE Vince Mayle, LB Patrick Onwuasor, OL Maurquice Shakir, OL Matt Skura (ERFA)
Buffalo Bills
- Re-signed: TE Nick O’Leary, CB Lafayette Pitts, TE Logan Thomas, DE Eddie Yarbrough (ERFA)
Carolina Panthers
- Re-signed: WR Damiere Byrd, OL Tyler Larsen, P Michael Palardy (ERFA)
Chicago Bears
- Signed original round RFA tender: CB Bryce Callahan
Green Bay Packers
- Re-signed: WR Geronimo Allison, CB Donatello Brown, QB Joe Callahan, WR Michael Clark; FB Joe Kerridge, G Justin McCray, T Adam Pankey, G Lucas Patrick, S Jermaine Whitehead (ERFA)
Los Angeles Rams
- Re-signed: RB Malcolm Brown, K Sam Ficken, CB Troy Hill (ERFA)
New York Jets
- Signed original-round RFA tender: S Rontez Miles, TE Neal Sterling
Seattle Seahawks
- Re-signed: LB Paul Dawson
- Re-signed: C Joey Hunt, DE Branden Jackson, LS Tyler Ott (ERFA)
Bucs WR Adam Humphries Signs RFA Tender
Buccaneers wide receiver Adam Humphries has signed his second-round restricted free agent tender, according to Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times (Twitter link). Humphries will now be paid $2.914MM for the 2018 campaign.
Humphries has become a major part of Tampa Bay’s offense over the past two seasons, as he managed at least 55 receptions and 600 receiving yards in both 2016 and 2017. While his yards per reception decreased by a full yard from 2016 to 2017, Humphries hauled in the majority of his targets — indeed, his 73.5% catch rate ranked third among NFL wideouts with at least 40 receptions.
While the Buccaneers made several high-profile acquisitions during the free agent period, they didn’t address the wide receiver position, meaning — for now — Humphries is still ticketed for slot duties. That could conceivably change, however, if 2017 third-round pick Chris Godwin begins seeing more playing time in his sophomore campaign, or if Tampa uses a draft selection on a pass-catcher.
Humphries was one of 14 NFL restricted free agents to be tendered at the second-round level. There was no rush for Humphries to ink his tender, as RFAs have until April 20 to work out offer sheets with other clubs. However, it was unlikely that any NFL team would have been willing to sacrifice a second-round pick in order to land Humphries.
5 Key NFL Stories: 4/8/18 – 4/15/18
Cowboys cut Dez Bryant. Dallas finally cut Bryant on Friday, waiting a month after the opening of the free agent period to do so. The Cowboys did not ask Bryant to accept a pay cut in order to stay (although he says he would have been open to lowering his salary), and the veteran wideout now seems intent on exacting revenge by signing with a club within the NFC East. The decision by Dallas to hold on on releasing Bryant makes little sense, as the club can now no longer enter the market to find a replacement (it’s also not ideal from Bryant’s perspective given that most teams have spent the majority of their free agent dollars). Early potential suitors for Bryant include the Packers, Bills, Cardinals, and Ravens.
Seahawks postpone Colin Kaepernick workout. Seattle had plans to audition the controversial Kaepernick last week, but postponed the scheduled meeting over concerns about Kaepernick’s national anthem protests. While some reports have indicated the Seahawks are still open to signing Kaepernick and simply want to get a sense of his current thinking on the protests, others have said Kaepernick specifically declined to stop kneeling during the anthem. Kaepernick, of course, did not play in 2017 as teams were evidently wary of adding him given his stance on the anthem.
Browns extend Jarvis Landry. A little more than a month after acquiring him from the Dolphins, the Browns handed Landry a five-year, $75.5MM extension that contains $34MM guaranteed. On an annual basis, Landry is now the sixth-highest-paid wideout in the NFL, while his guarantees ranks fifth. Landry, of course, was under the franchise tag when Miami shipped him to Cleveland in excahnge for fourth- and seventh-round picks. One of the better slot receivers in the league, Landry’s new salary could mean the Browns have plans to use him on the outside.
Saints sign RFA Cameron Meredith. The Bears declined to match a two-year, $9.6MM offer sheet for Meredith and thus lost him to the Saints. Because Chicago only tendered Meredith at the original round level, the club won’t receive any compensation as Meredith heads to New Orleans. The Bears had the option of tendering Meredith at the second-round level at a cost of $2.914MM, only ~$1MM more than the original round price of $1.907MM.
Eric Reid visits Bengals. Like Kaepernick, Reid has not drawn much interest after kneeling for the anthem over the past season-plus. However, the safety market has also been slow to develop, as starting options such as Reid, Kenny Vaccaro, and Tre Boston all remain unsigned. Cincinnati owner Mike Brown reportedly asked Reid about his plans for the anthem going forward, and Reid did not say he would stop kneeling.
Eagles Waive CB Daryl Worley
The Eagles have waived cornerback Daryl Worley following his early morning arrest, the club announced.
Worley was arrested in the Philadelphia around 6am Sunday morning following an altercation with police. Authorities reportedly found Worley unconscious in a car that was blocking a highway, and were forced to taser the 23-year-old after he became combative. A firearm was also located at the scene of the incident.
Worley’s stay with the Eagles will end up lasting just over one month, as general manager Howie Roseman & Co. acquired Worley from the Panthers in March in exchange for receiver Torrey Smith. That trade was widely viewed as a Philadelphia win, as the club picked up a young defensive back while shipping out a high-priced pass-catcher who likely would have been released.
While no depth chart had been set in stone, Worley would have competed to become a starting cornerback for the Eagles in 2018. Last season, Worley played roughly three-quarters of Carolina’s defensive snaps but graded as just the No. 89 corner among 121 qualifiers, per Pro Football Focus. However, the former third-round pick did rank a respectable 28th in Football Outsiders‘ success rate.
The Eagles are currently expected to deploy Ronald Darby and Jalen Mills as their top two defensive backs during the upcoming season, while 2017 second-rounder Sidney Jones — who is recovering from a torn Achilles — could also factor into the starting lineup. Rasul Douglas, De’Vante Bausby, and D.J. Killings comprise the rest of Philadelphia’s positional depth.
Worley, 23, had two years remaining on his rookie contract. Because he was a trade acquisition, the Eagles already weren’t responsible for any of Worley’s prorate bonus money. None of his base salaries were guaranteed, so Philadelphia will save $670K by cutting ties Worley.
Given that he is not a vested veteran, Worley will now go through the NFL’s waiver protocol. He’s unlikely to be claimed, however, given his recent episode with police and the fact that he could be facing a league-imposed suspension.
Minor NFL Transactions: 4/15/18
Today’s minor moves:
Los Angeles Chargers
- Waived: K Nick Rose
Seattle Seahawks
- Re-signed: RB J.D. McKissic (ERFA)
Rob Gronkowski Still Considering Retirement?
Tight end Rob Gronkowski will not attend the beginning of the Patriots’ offseason workout program on Monday and is still contemplating whether to play in 2018, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
Gronkowski has reportedly been considering retirement this offseason, and has also been mentioned as a trade candidate. New England no longer appears open to dealing Gronkowski after shipping wideout Brandin Cooks to the Rams, but reports on the status of Gronkowski’s career have been all over the map.
Gronkowski has been working out at Tom Brady‘s Sports Therapy Center, but even that has been rife with controversy. Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald recently reported that Patriots head coach Bill Belichick chastised Gronk in front of other players for working out at the Alex Guererro-headed facility.
Belichick and Gronkowski’s relationship appears to be at a low point, as Jeff Darlington of ESPN.com recently reported the Patriots head coach may not believe Gronkowski is “all in” at this juncture. Gronkowski, for his part, is reportedly frustrated with Belichick and others in the New England organization, and is put off by the club’s “high-strung” culture. Those differences, per Darlington, aren’t believed to be irreconcilable.
Gronkowski, of course, is still a dominant player when healthy. In 2017, Gronk was on the field for 14 games, and managed 69 receptions, 1,084 yards, and eight touchdowns, all of which placed him within the top-five among tight ends. He’s signed through the 2019 campaign, with base salaries of $8MM and $9MM over the next two respective seasons.
Chiefs To Sign RB Kerwynn Williams
The Chiefs have agreed to sign free agent running back Kerwynn Williams to a one-year deal, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).
Kansas City has now made two under-the-radar additions to its backfield this offseason, as the club also signed former Dolphins running back Damien Williams. Kareem Hunt will still handle the bulk of the Chiefs’ carries after leading the league with 1,327 rushing yards during his rookie season in 2017, but the team is accruing depth behind the former third-round pick. In addition to Kerwynn and Damien Williams, Kansas City also boasts Charcandrick West, Akeem Hunt, and a rehabbing Spencer Ware.
Kerwynn Williams should be able to fill a variety of roles for the Chiefs, and will compete to be Hunt’s direct backup. In 2017, Williams saw the most playing time of his career while filling in for David Johnson in Arizona, as he managed 120 carries for 426 yards and one touchdown. He also added 10 receptions for 93 yards in the passing game.
In addition to contributing on offense, Williams can also help out on special teams. The 26-year-old returned 16 kickoffs for the Cardinals last year, averaging 20.4 yards per return. A year prior, Williams played on nearly 50% of Arizona’s special teams snaps.
South Notes: Titans, Hubbard, Bucs, Saints
Ohio State defensive end Sam Hubbard is scheduled to meet with the Titans this week, tweets Jordan Schultz of Yahoo Sports. During his final season with the Buckeyes, the 6’5″, 265-pound Hubbard posted seven sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss, and is widely viewed as a late-first- or early-second-round selection. While Hubbard reportedly ran a disappointing 4.96-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day, his three-cone time places him in the 96th percentile among defensive ends, and he ranks 15th among 2018’s edge rushing prospects in SPARQ, a composite score that measures athleticism. Tennessee ranked 12th in pressure rate a season ago, but could be searching for a young edge rusher to play behind starters Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan.
Here’s more from the NFL’s two South divisions:
- The Buccaneers are hosting LSU cornerback Donte Jackson on Wednesday, according to Josh Norris of Rotoworld (Twitter link). Even after re-signing veteran Brent Grimes, Tampa Bay is still on the lookout for additional defensive backs after not only ranking 31st in pass defense DVOA, but giving up a ton of big plays in the passing game. Last season, the Buccaneers allowed allowed 57 completions of at least 20 yards, which was third-most in the league. A three-year starter, Jackson “may be the fastest player in this year’s draft,” as Lance Zierlein of NFL.com writes, adding Jackson offers “plus body control to handle tight or off coverage.”
- Louisville cornerback Jaire Alexander visited the Titans today, reports Paul Kuharsky of PaulKuharsky.com (Twitter link). Tennessee has invested heavily its in secondary over the past two years, adding free agents such as Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan while expending a first-round pick on Adoree’ Jackson. Alexander would give the club yet another option, and Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com — who ranks Alexander as the draft’s 16th-best prospect — says the ex-Cardinal is “rarely out of position” and has “elite ball awareness.”
- Fullback Zach Line‘s new two-year deal with the Saints is worth $2.2MM, per Nick Underhill of the Advocate (Twitter link). Line will collect a $200K signing bonus, which is the only guaranteed portion of the contract. New Orleans signed Line to replace the injured John Kuhn last October, and the 27-year-old went on to play on 16.3% of the Saints’ offensive snaps (12th among NFL fullbacks) and 27.6% of the club’s special teams snaps.