AFC East Rumors: Pats, Ramczyk, Bills, Fins
James White‘s three-year extension with the Patriots is worth $12MM, but can max out at $15MM, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. White, 25, picks up $4.69MM in guaranteed money, which likely means his $690K base salary for 2017 is now fully guaranteed. A hero of New England’s Super Bowl LI victory, White rushed only 16 times is 2016 and did most of his work through the air. On 86 targets, White managed 60 receptions for 551 yards and five touchdowns.
Here’s more from New England and the rest of the AFC East:
- The Patriots hosted Wisconsin offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk on Tuesday, according to Rapoport (Twitter link). Offensive line is something of an underrated long-term need area for New England, especially given that incumbent left tackle Nate Solder is entering the final year of his contract. As such, the Patriots could look to secure a successor on the left side, although Ramczyk probably won’t be an option for New England unless it trades up (the Pats currently don’t have a pick until the third round). Ramczyk is viewed as one of the draft’s best tackle prospects along with Utah’s Garett Bolles and Alabama’s Cam Robinson.
- Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly visited the Bills on Monday, reports Vic Carucci of the Buffalo News. Kelly, the nephew of Bills legend Jim Kelly, is considered a Day 3 prospect thanks a multitude of injury concerns and off-field issues. After recovering quickly from a ACL tear, Kelly underwent wrist surgery in early April and won’t be able to throw for three months. Buffalo may be looking for a developmental quarterback in this year’s draft, as Tyrod Taylor‘s new contract doesn’t tie him to Buffalo for long.
- The Dolphins visited with Clemson cornerback Cordrea Tankersley and Florida safety Marcus Maye this week, tweets Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com. Tankersley is expected to come off the board on Day 2, and Lance Zierlein of NFL.com compares him to Cincinnati’s Dre Kirkpatrick. Maye, too, is thought to be a Round 2 or 3 selection, but Eric Galko of the Sporting News, for one, calls Maye a darkhorse first-rounder.
Browns Unlikely To Trade For Veteran QB
The Browns don’t envision trading for a veteran quarterback, general manager Sashi Brown told reporters, including Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com (Twitter link), today. Depending on Brown’s definition of the word “veteran,” that could rule out pursuits of the Patriots’ Jimmy Garoppolo and the Bengals’ A.J. McCarron.
[RELATED: Browns Likely To Keep No. 1 Overall Pick]
New England reportedly isn’t willing to deal Garoppolo, but that hasn’t stopped the Browns from inquiring. The Patriots’ price for Garoppolo has varied, but Cleveland’s No. 12 pick isn’t going to get a deal done. The Browns aren’t willing to trade the No. 1 overall pick in exchange for a quarterback, so they may simply not match up with the Patriots on a swap.
The Bengals, meanwhile, aren’t actively shopping McCarron, but are willing to trade him (and would even be comfortable shipping him within the AFC North). Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com recently hinted Cincinnati would be open to sending McCarron and the ninth overall pick to Cleveland for pick Nos. 12 and 33. Using Chase Stuart of Football Perspective‘s draft value chart, that deal would imply McCarron is worth the 44th overall selection on his own.
At present, the Browns’ depth chart at quarterback includes Cody Kessler, Kevin Hogan, and Brock Osweiler. Although Osweiler had been expected to be traded or released, Brown said today the ex-Texan will have a chance to compete for the starting QB role, tweets Marc Sessler of NFL.com. Of course, that sentiment could simply be lip service until Cleveland decides how to proceed with Osweiler.
Browns Likely To Keep No. 1 Overall Pick
While the Browns have received inquiries into the first overall pick — including from one club that was interested in moving up for a quarterback — Cleveland is likely to stay put at No. 1, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com and Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com (Twitter links). “We feel really good about picking at one,” said general manager Sashi Brown.
The Browns, notably, traded away the No. 2 pick to the Eagles last year, acquiring a bevy of picks in the process. In exchange for No. 2 and a 2017 fourth-round pick, Cleveland picked up a 2016 first-rounder (No. 8 overall), a third-round pick (No. 77), a fourth-round pick (No. 100), a 2017 first-round pick, and a 2018 second-round pick. Brown said it would be a “surprise” if Cleveland moves down in a similar manner this year, tweets Cabot.
Trading up in the first round, meanwhile, could also be on the table, as Peter King of TheMMQB.com recently speculated, but Brown doesn’t sound fond of that idea either. “Open to it,” said Brown. “Positioned to do it. Don’t want to make a habit of it.” Cleveland owns a smorgasbord of selections in the first three rounds, but the club isn’t ready to turn multiple picks into one on a regular basis.
Finally, Brown called reports that Cleveland’s front office is torn between edge rusher Myles Garrett and quarterback Mitch Trubisky “false,” but also said total consensus is not the end goal. “Even if we all agree, we constantly are pushing each other,” said Brown. “Our job is not to agree.” Brown also said Cleveland won’t convey whom it intends to select before the pick is officially announced next Thursday, per Cabot (Twitter links).
Ryan Fitzpatrick Intends To Play In 2017
Free agent quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick hasn’t received a contract offer thus far, but he intends to continue his career in 2017, according to Gary Myers of the New York Daily News. However, Fitzpatrick did admit that his struggles in 2016 forced him to consider retirement.
“Last year was the most difficult year for me,” Fitzpatrick said. “Not physically, just kind of mentally and emotionally. I had to take a step back and think about it. Is this something I still want to do? Football is something so ingrained in me, something I love doing and definitely something I want to do. I still want to compete and I still think I can contribute whether I am in a starting role or whatever capacity.”
Fitzpatrick, 34, struggled through a nightmarish 2016 campaign, at times losing his starting job with the Jets while tossing 12 touchdowns against 17 interceptions. The year prior, however, Fitzpatrick managed 31 scores, and thanks to the dearth of quarterback options around the league, he’s PFR’s No. 2 free agent signal-caller at the moment. Fitzpatrick won’t be afforded another starting opportunity, but clubs that could speculatively use a backup quarterback include the Rams and Lions.
Fitzpatrick should come cheap, as he won’t garner anything close to the $12MM he earned with Gang Green last year. Thanks to the structure of his Jets contract, Fitzpatrick still counts for $5MM in dead money on New York’s 2017 salary cap.
Aaron Hernandez Commits Suicide In Prison
In a shocking development, former Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez committed suicide in prison earlier this morning, report Aimee Ortiz and John R. Ellement of the Boston Globe.
“Mr. Hernandez was in a single cell in a general population unit,” according to a statement from the Department of Correction. “Mr. Hernandez hanged himself utilizing a bedsheet that he attached to his cell window. Mr. Hernandez also attempted to block his door from the inside by jamming the door with various items.”
Hernandez, of course, was serving a life sentence for the murder of Odin Lloyd in 2013. But he had recently been acquitted of another double murder committed in 2012. Hernandez was not on suicide watch as he’d given no signal that he was intent on harming himself, per the Boston Globe scribes, and no suicide note has yet been discovered. An investigation into the incident is still ongoing, however.
Hernandez’s death brings to a close one of the larger recent tragedies in the NFL sphere. Hernandez shined during his three seasons with the Patriots, and even secured a $40MM contract extension with the club. He was quickly released after the Lloyd murder investigation, began, however, and had been in custody ever since. Hernandez was 27 years old.
South Notes: Colts, Hankins, Saints, Titans
Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins‘ three-year deal with the Colts has a maximum value of $30MM and contains $10MM fully guaranteed, according to Dan Graziano of ESPN.com. That guarantee comes in the form of Hankins’ 2017 base salary of $3MM, and a $7MM roster bonus (which has already been paid). Incentives tied to playing time, sacks, and Pro Bowls, plus $1MM in per-game roster bonuses, can push the deal to $30MM, per Graziano and Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Hankins’ $7MM annual average places him tied for 18th among interior defensive linemen, alongside Jurrell Casey and Tyrone Crawford.
Here’s more from the NFL’s two South divisions:
- The Saints recently put Utah offensive tackle Garett Bolles through a workout, reports Herbie Teope of NOLA.com. New Orleans had also hoped to bring in Bolles for a predraft visit, but Bolles’ packed schedule didn’t allow him time to meet with the Saints. Bolles could be on the board when New Orleans picks at No.11, and as Josh Katzenstein of the Times-Picayune tweets, offensive tackle is an underrated need area for the club. Incumbent left tackle Terron Armstead has had trouble staying healthy, while right tackle Zach Strief is entering his age-33 season.
- East Carolina receiver Zay Jones is meeting with the Titans today, per Jeff Darlington of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Jones, who put up an eye-popping 158 receptions, 1,746 yards, and eight touchdowns in 2016, is the draft’s No. 46 overall player in the estimation of Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com, who lauds his “strong hands” and “clean, efficient” route running. Tennessee is in dire need of help at the wideout position, as their current depth chart is lead by Rishard Matthews, Tajae Sharpe, and Harry Douglas. Jones could be an option for the Titans with the 18th pick.
- Saints edge rusher Hau’oli Kikaha took part in offseason workouts today, tweets Katzenstein, an excellent sign after Kikaha missed the entire 2016 campaign with a torn ACL. Kikaha, who also suffered two ACL injuries in college, appeared in 15 games and made 11 starts for New Orleans during his rookie season in 2015. In that time, the 24-year-old racked up four sacks, 50 total tackles, two passes defended, four forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. The Saints are desperate for another pass rusher to play opposite Cameron Jordan, and Kikaha could present that option.
- Texans wide receiver Braxton Miller has hired Vayner Sports for representation, as the agency announced today (Twitter link). Miller, a 2016 draft pick, won’t become a free agent until 2020, and isn’t even eligible for an extension for two more years. In 10 games last season, Miller played primarily as a slot receiver, and managed 15 receptions for 99 yards and one touchdown. The 24-year-old also returned three kickoffs and one punt, and played 32 special teams snaps in total.
NFC West Rumors: Hawks, Sherman, 49ers
Although Richard Sherman doesn’t plan to attend the start of Seahawks workouts today, he is expected to report before OTAs, meaning he’ll be in attendance in early or mid May, according to Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com (Twitter link). Sherman, of course, reportedly asked for a trade, and Seattle is now attempting to oblige him. After originally setting an ask of a first-round pick and another player, the Seahawks have reduced the Sherman price to a 2017 first-round pick and a conditional mid-round pick in 2018.
Here’s more from Seattle and the rest of the NFC West:
- Before inking Seahawks restricted free agent Garry Gilliam to a one-year, $2.2MM deal, the 49ers approached Gilliam with two- and three-year offers, both of which were rejected, reports Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. By agreeing to a one-year commitment, Gilliam affords himself the possibility of reaching unrestricted free agency in 2018. Seattle had the option of matching San Francisco’s offer sheet, and though the Seahawks had five days to make a decision, they used just over 12 hours to turn down the terms. Gilliam will earn $1.4MM in guarantees under his new 49ers pact, while his RFA tender with Seattle would have paid him $1.797MM in non-guaranteed base salary.
- Defensive end Dion Jordan‘s one-year contract with the Seahawks is worth only $615K, per Sheil Kapadia of ESPN.com. The deal comes with a $25K workout bonus, but doesn’t contain any guarantees, meaning Seattle can move on without any dead money incurring on its salary cap. Additionally, Jordan agreed to a split salary: if he gets injured, the Seahawks will owe him only $378K. If Jordan does succeed this season, Seattle can keep him for 2018 as a restricted free agent. Because he entered the league as first-round pick, the Seahawks could use the original round tender to retain Jordan without worrying about another club signing him to an offer sheet.
- Collegiate basketball player and aspiring tight end Mo Alie-Cox is scheduled to meet with the Seahawks today, tweets Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com, who adds Alie-Cox has a visit lined up with the Colts on Monday. 30 NFL clubs attended a recent Alie-Cox audition, and teams are now hoping to sign the 6’7″ hoopster to play offense. Alie-Cox is not eligible for the draft, and is able to sign an NFL contract immediately.
Patriots To Waive OL Tre’ Jackson
The Patriots are waiving third-year guard Tre’ Jackson, according to Doug Kyed of NESN (Twitter link).
Jackson, 24, was a fourth-round pick in 2015, and played a significant amount of snaps during his rookie campaign as he started nine games for New England. According to Pro Football Focus, Jackson was roughly average in 2015, grading as the NFL’s No. 47 guard. Knee injuries knocked Jackson out at the end of that season, however, and forced him to spend the entire 2016 campaign on the PUP list.
Because Jackson was a mid-round selection, much of his rookie contract was non-guaranteed. As such, the Patriots will only incur about $260K in dead money on their 2017 salary cap. Jackson’s release saves New England almost $500K.
Pats CB Malcolm Butler Signs RFA Tender
Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler has signed his restricted free agent tender, tweets Field Yates of ESPN.com. Because he was tendered at the first-round level, Butler is now scheduled to earn $3.91MM for the 2017 season.
Rival teams had until April 21 to sign Butler to an offer sheet, but any club that did so would have had to sacrifice a first-round pick to New England. The Saints were the only team that expressed any serious interest in signing Butler, as they met with the 27-year-old and discussed the parameters of a long-term deal. However, New Orleans wasn’t willing to give up the No. 11 overall pick in exchange for Butler.
Butler, can still be traded, and in fact had to sign his tender before he was allowed to be dealt. The Saints still have interest in trading for Butler, but the Patriots might place a draft-day deadline on talks, as they may not be interested in acquiring 2018 picks as compensation.
For all practical purposes, Butler’s signing of his RFA tender doesn’t change all that much, as he is still on the trade block. Had Butler not inked the tender by June 15, however, New England could have slashed his 2017 salary to just $600K.
Stephen Tulloch To Retire
Former NFL linebacker Stephen Tulloch will announce his retirement later this week, according to Justin Rogers of the Detroit News (Twitter link).
Tulloch, 32, entered the league as a fourth-round pick of the Titans in 2006. After serving as a backup during his first two seasons with Tennessee, Tulloch became a full-time starter in 2008 and never looked back, starting 107 games over the next eight years. He joined the Lions one a one-year deal in 2011, but played well enough to be handed a five-year extension in 2012.
Injuries plagued Tulloch during his final few years in Detroit, and he was ultimately released in 2016. Subsequently, he followed former Lions head coach (and current Eagles defensive coordinator) Jim Schwartz to Philadelphia, inking a one-year pact with the club last August. Tulloch played sparingly, however, seeing the field for just seven percent of the Eagles’ defensive snaps.
PFR wishes Tulloch all the best in retirement.