No Deal Yet Between Saints, Adrian Peterson
The Saints’ meeting with free agent running back Adrian Peterson has concluded, and while no contract has yet been reached, the two parties plan to keep in contact, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link), who adds the visit “went well.”
[RELATED: Jahri Evans Wants To Continue Career]
New Orleans is the third club to host Peterson this offseason, joining the Seahawks and the Patriots, but the veteran back still hasn’t landed a new contract. Peterson, 32, is one of only four PFR Top 50 free agents that remains unsigned, and he’s the best running back left on the market. It’s unclear if price point is the key factor in Peterson’s unending availability, but Peterson himself has rejected the notion that he’s seeking $8MM per year.
The Saints, at first glance, don’t stand out as a logical suitor for Peterson. Quarterback Drew Brees leads a wide-open offense that finished second in the NFL in pass attempts last season, while Peterson’s main demerits remain his pass protection skills, his receiving ability, and his capacity to play in the shotgun.
At present, New Orleans has four running backs on it roster: Mark Ingram, Travaris Cadet, Daniel Lasco, and Marcus Murphy.
Browns Considering Mitch Trubisky At No. 1
Conventional wisdom has the Browns selecting Texas A&M edge rusher Myles Garrett with the first overall pick, but Cleveland has not yet made a final decision. Some in the Cleveland organization prefer UNC quarterback Mitch Trubisky, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link), who adds the Browns’ personnel team is split between Trubisky and Garrett.
[POLL: Is Myles Garrett A Lock For No. 1?]
The possibility of a Trubisky selection isn’t completely out of left field, as Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported last month that the Browns were strongly considering taking Trubisky first overall. The Browns — clearly — need help at the quarterback position, and while they own another pick in the first round, there’s no guarantee Trubisky will be available when Cleveland comes on the clock at No. 12.
By selecting Trubisky at No. 1, the Browns would secure a long-term option under center and still have the chance to draft a pass-rusher later in the first round. Solomon Thomas, Derek Barnett, Charles Harris, Takkarist McKinley, and others may be on the board at pick No. 12, giving Cleveland a wide selection of prospects. Plus, the Browns own five of the top 65 picks, ensuring the club plenty of chances to fill in its roster after it lands a quarterback.
Passing on Garrett isn’t a cut-and-dry decision, however. He’s viewed as a the best overall player in the 2017 class, and the Browns reportedly have an “astronomical grade” on him. Additionally, Cleveland was “blown away” by Garrett’s combine performance, which included a 4.64 40-yard dash and 33 bench press reps.
Photo courtesy of Pro Football Rumors on Instagram.
NFC Notes: Redskins, Cousins, Cook, Bears
Despite all the trade rumors that surrounded Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins earlier this offseason, the veteran signal-caller expects to spend the 2017 campaign in Washington. “I haven’t heard anything,” Cousins said today on ESPN’s NFL Live (link via John Keim of ESPN.com). “I’m not expecting anything to happen. And I’m looking forward to getting back to work with my teammates.” The Redskins are reportedly offering Cousins a five-year deal worth $20MM annually, but if a deal isn’t struck, Cousins will play out the season on his second consecutive franchise tag (at a cost of nearly $24MM). Cousins has already signed the tender, fully guaranteeing himself that salary for 2017.
Here’s more from the NFC:
- The Redskins hosted Florida State running back Dalvin Cook today, according to John Keim of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Scouts are reportedly cooling on Cook due to character issues, and he didn’t post impressive numbers at the combine. But the production is there on film, and Cook is still expected to come off the board on Day 1. Rob Kelley and Chris Thompson formed a “thunder and lightning” attack for Washington in 2016, while Matt Jones and Mack Brown are also on the roster.
- Utah offensive tackle Garett Bolles visited the Bears today, a source tells Matt Miller of Bleacher Report (Twitter link). Bolles, though slightly older than the typical NFL draft prospect (he’ll be 25 when the season begins), is now viewed as a top-20 selection and could even find his way into the top 10. Chicago isn’t in dire need of an offensive tackle, and Bolles almost certainly won’t be in consideration at pick No. 3. Charles Leno and Bobby Massie are set to man tackle for the Bears in 2017.
- The Redskins are meeting with Washington safety Budda Baker today, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Baker will subsequently meet with the Falcons later in the week. Although he’s small in stature (195 pounds), Baker “screams off the edge as a blitzer,” says Lance Zeirlein of NFL.com, who compares Baker to former NFL defensive MVP Bob Sanders. Baker will likely be a late first-round or early second-round pick.
Draft Rumors: Reddick, Foster, Jones, Titans
The Titans hosted Temple linebacker Haason Reddick on Monday, per Matt Miller of Bleacher Report (Twitter link). Reddick, something of a swiss-army knife who can play either inside or outside ‘backer, would become yet another piece on a rapidly improving Tennessee front seven. The Titans already boast Wesley Woodyard, Avery Williamson, Brian Orakpo, and Derrick Morgan in the second level. Reddick probably won’t be in consideration for the Titans at pick No. 5, but could be in play at No. 18. The Saints have also expressed interest in Reddick, tweets Miller, and the club “likes him a lot.” New Orleans feels Reddick would be a solid fit in their 4-3 scheme.
Here’s more on the 2017 draft:
- Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster has set up a busy predraft schedule, as he’s scheduled to meet with the Colts, Bengals, Lions, Titans, and Ravens, according to Josh Norris of Rotoworld (Twitter link). Foster has already met with a number of clubs, and his packed itinerary is unsurprising given that he’s considered the top off-ball linebacker in the 2017 draft. He will combine medical re-checks this week following shoulder surgery, but has already shown full range of motion, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).
- Like Foster, fellow Alabama alum Cam Robinson has visited a number of clubs already in the draft process, and he has a meeting planned with the Giants, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. New York already has Ereck Flowers at left tackle, but the team has made no promises that Flowers is their long-term blindside protector. I sent Robinson to the Giants at No. 23 in PFR’s first 2017 mock draft. The Ravens have also hosted Robinson, per Wilson.
- North Carolina State safety Josh Jones is drawing the interest of multiple teams, reports Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press (Twitter link). Clubs are digging deep: the Rams have visited Jones’ high school, while the Colts and Cardinals both contacted the high school to ask about Jones. Thus far, Jones has also been linked to Baltimore, Miami, Tennessee, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Chicago.
- Alabama edge rusher Tim Williams visited the Steelers on Tuesday, according to Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Based on pure talent alone, Williams could be a top-10 talent after posting 18.5 sacks over the past two seasons in Tuscaloosa. But some scouts wouldn’t be surprised if he falls out of the first round due to his off-field baggage, which include failed drug tests and September gun charge. The Steelers are looking for another young pass presence given that James Harrison is entering his age-39 campaign.
La Canfora’s Latest: Conley, Cowboys, Tabor
Ohio State’s Gareon Conley is now being considered the safest cornerback prospect in the draft, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. Fellow Buckeye Marshon Lattimore may have chronic hamstring issues that are scaring NFL teams, while Florida’s Teez Tabor posted poor measurables and reportedly isn’t fairing well during the predraft interview process. Conley, however, is viewed as a “super-clean” player, per La Canfora, and could be the top corner off the board later this month.
Here’s more from on the draft, all courtesy of La Canfora:
- The Cowboys will likely look into Conley and the rest of the defensive back class after losing their top two corners — and two of their top three safeties — in free agency, writes La Canfora. Dallas has used an ample portion of its predraft visit allotment on cornerbacks, and may look to add a back-end defender at pick No. 28. A trade up to draft an “impact” corner isn’t out the question, says La Canfora.
- Jarrad Davis (Florida) is expected to be the second off-ball linebacker selected in the draft, following Alabama’s Reuben Foster, reports La Canfora. Davis’ Pro Day, during which he posted a 4.56 40-yard dash and 38.5 inch vertical jump, impressed pro clubs, per La Canfora, and Davis is viewed as a leader who could immediately step into an NFL defense. Lance Zeirlein of NFL.com compares Davis to the Panthers’ Shaq Thompson, noting Davis’ “plus acceleration” and “closing burst.”
- NFL teams have been “turned off” by Oklahoma receiver Dede Westbrook, according to La Canfora, who notes Westrbook’s combine interviews left a negative impression. Westbrook, who has a history of off-field trouble, is reportedly deemed “undraftable” by some clubs, as Tony Pauline of DraftAnalyst.com indicated last month. Based on his on-field production, Westbrook is a projected fourth-round pick, per Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com, who compares Westrbook to Houston’s Will Fuller.
- Iowa quarterback C.J. Beathard could be the sixth quarterback off the board following Mitch Trubisky, Deshaun Watson, Patrick Mahomes, DeShone Kizer, and Davis Webb, says La Canfora. NFL teams like Beathard because he comes from a pro-style system, and La Canfora would be surprised if Beathard isn’t drafted by the conclusion of Round 4. In his senior season, Beathard completed 56.5% of his passes for 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Latest On 2017 QB Draft Market
Mitch Trubisky is likely to become the first quarterback off the board in the draft later this month, but ordering the rest of the class is exceedingly difficult, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. Scouts consider the second-tier of signal-callers to be comprised of Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes, but it’s unclear which prospect will be selected first among that pair. Davis Webb, meanwhile, is picking up more steam as a potential first-round pick, while “attitude and maturity” questions could force DeShone Kizer out of the first round.
The Chargers are putting in “ample work” on this year’s quarterback class, and are perhaps more likely to select a passer at No. 7 than many observers believe, per La Canfora. Both head coach Anthony Lynn and owner Dean Spanos have intimated their openness to drafting a quarterback in 2017, and Los Angeles is reportedly “serious” about finding a long-term successor to Philip Rivers. So far, the Chargers have been linked to Kizer, Webb, and Tennessee’s Joshua Dobbs.
Like Los Angeles, the Saints and Cardinals may also try to secure replacements for Drew Brees and Carson Palmer, respectively. New Orleans will select a quarterback on Day 1 “in all likelihood,” writes La Canfora, and could use either pick No. 11 or No. 32 to draft a passer. For what it’s worth, I sent Kizer to the Saints at the end of the first round in PFR’s first 2017 mock draft.
Arizona, meanwhile, is attempting to “gauge internally” the price of trading up from No. 13 in order to draft a quarterback, reports La Canfora. Cardinals brass met with Trubisky on Monday, as team owner Michael Bidwill, general manager Steve Keim, and head coach Bruce Arians dined with the UNC signal-caller in Phoenix, tweets Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports 910. Arians voiced concerns about Trubisky last month: “The growth potential is obviously there,” said Arians. “The question is why wasn’t all that talent starting for the last three years? That’s always bugging me.”
Finally, the Texans “are drafting a quarterback high,” declares La Canfora, and Mahomes is unlikely to fall past Houston at No. 25. Clearly, the Texans are in need of talent under center, as the only quarterbacks currently on the roster are Tom Savage and Brandon Weeden. Veteran passers such as Jay Cutler and Colin Kaepernick aren’t expected to interest the Texans, so a draft pick will probably be added to the squad.
Minor NFL Transactions: 4/11/17
Today’s minor moves:
- The Patriots re-signed exclusive rights free agent defensive back Brandon King, according to the league’s transaction wire. King, 23, has appeared in 29 total games over the past two seasons in New England. While he didn’t play a single defensive snap in 2016, King was a stalwart on special teams, where he saw action on roughly a third of the Pats’ snaps and put up 10 tackles.
- The Jaguars re-signed exclusive rights free agent defensive back Peyton Thompson, per the league wire. Thompson, 26, went undrafted out of San Jose State in 2012. After starting his NFL career in Atlanta, Thompson has spent the past three seasons in Jacksonville. Last year, he played 84 defensive snaps and 284 special teams snaps.
- The Packers have waived cornerback Makinton Dorleant, tweets Field Yates of ESPN.com. Dorleant was arrested along with Chicago’s Deiondre’ Hall earlier this offseason, and charged with suspicion of interference. After going undrafted in 2016, the 24-year-old Dorleant spent much of his rookie season on injured reserve before being activated in December. He played in four games (primarily on special teams) before being placed on IR again.
Latest On Buccaneers RB Doug Martin
Running back Doug Martin has met with the Buccaneers and is expected to be present for the beginning of the club’s offseason program on Monday, according to Roy Cummings of FanRag. Martin reportedly entered a treatment facility following the announcement of a four-game PED ban, and Tampa Bay sources tell Cummings that Martin is now “all good.”
[RELATED: Bucs Rework J.R. Sweezy’s Contract]
The Buccaneers may yet retain Martin, and are expected to let the Martin situation “play out” before making a final decision. Part of the reason for that stance is contractual — because Martin was suspended, his previously guaranteed $7MM base salary for the 2017 campaign is no longer guaranteed. Additionally, Martin is banned until Week 3 of next season, so Tampa doesn’t have to make a call on Martin until nearly a month into the season.
If Tampa Bay’s offseason moves at the running back position are any indication, the club may be willing to give Martin another chance. The Buccaneers did re-sign Jacquizz Rodgers to a two-year deal, but otherwise left their backfield unchanged. Charles Sims, Peyton Barber, and Russell Hansbrough are the other backs currently on Tampa’s roster.
Of course, the Buccaneers could consider a running back at some point in the draft, including at pick No. 19. They’ve met with a number of backs over the past several weeks, including controversial Oklahoma prospect Joe Mixon.
5 Key Stories: 4/2/17 – 4//9/17
Tony Romo hangs up his cleats. Instead of attempting to land with a team like the Texans or Broncos, Romo announced his decision to retire from the NFL to join CBS as a broadcaster, where he’ll replace Phil Simms as the network’s No. 1 color commentator. The Cowboys have officially released Romo, waiving its rights to the veteran quarterback if he ever decides to attempt a comeback — something he hasn’t entirely ruled out. Romo said “never say never” in regards to an NFL return, but another source says “it’s over” for the 36-year-old.
Richard Sherman still on trade block. Seahawks general manager John Schneider opened up about the Sherman trade discussions, confessing that the rumors are “real.” Sherman, in fact, appears to have been the instigator in the trade talks, as he reportedly asked for a trade. Seattle, meanwhile, has set its asking price: a “very good player plus a high draft pick.” One possible suitor, the Patriots, aren’t interested in dealing for Sherman.
Beast Mode to Oakland? The Raiders are continuing their pursuit of retired running back Marshawn Lynch, and the veteran runner met with Oakland brass at their facility last week. During that visit, Lynch reportedly told the Raiders he’s ready to return to the NFL. The final hurdle apparently rests with head coach Jack Del Rio, who must sign off on a Lynch acquisition. Consistent with what we’ve heard, Lynch only has interest in playing for Oakland if he comes out of retirement.
Adrian Peterson market heating up. After drawing little to no interest during the first month or free agency, Peterson will now meet with two teams in the span of a week. Peterson took a visit with and worked out for the Patriots last week, but left town without a deal. New England is stocked with running backs, and has an offer out to LeGarrette Blount. Meanwhile, the Saints will meet with Peterson at some point this week.
Zach Brown finds a home. One of only four PFR Top 50 free agents who remained unsigned, Brown has now landed with the Redskins on a one-year deal. Reportedly looking for a contract in the $6MM range, Brown didn’t come anywhere near that with Washington. He’ll earn a base value of $2.25MM and $700K guaranteed, while another $2.3MM is available via statistical and team performance incentives.
PFR Originals: 4/2/17 – 4/9/17
The original content and analysis produced by the PFR staff during the past week:
- PFR published its first NFL Mock Draft of 2017, projecting where the top prospects would land in the first round. In our version, Myles Garrett (Browns), Solomon Thomas (Panthers via trade), Marshon Lattimore (Bears), O.J. Howard (Jaguars) and Jonathan Allen (Titans) came off the board first. Three quarterbacks — Mitch Trubisky, Deshaun Watson, and DeShone Kizer — get selected in the first 32 picks. We also made choices for the Rams, Vikings, and Patriots, none of whom have a first-round pick.
- Garrett is overwhelmingly likely to be drafted first overall by Cleveland, but the No. 2 choice isn’t an obvious. San Francisco holds the selection at the moment, but could be open to moving the pick (and Carolina may be interested in trading up). Either way, Sam Robinson wanted to know whom PFR readers believe will be selected at No. 2 overall. At present, Stanford’s Thomas has roughly 40% of the vote, followed by Alabama’s Allen and UNC’s Trubisky.
- In PFR’s mock draft, I sent Trubisky to the Browns at No. 12, but he’s not a guarantee to become the first quarterback off the board. Watson, Kizer, and Patrick Mahomes all have a shot to hold that honor. Rory Parks asked PFR readers whom they think will be the first passer drafted, and so far, Trubisky leads the way with almost half the vote.