Rams May Explore Trumaine Johnson Extension
The Rams would have preferred to trade franchise-tagged cornerback Trumaine Johnson before their offseason program begins on Monday, and while a deal is still possible, Los Angeles may now attempt to work out an extension with Johnson prior to the July 15 deadline, according to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com.
Johnson, 27, quickly signed his free agent tender after it was assigned, and is now scheduled to earn a fully guaranteed base salary of $16.742MM. Because Johnson was also tagged last year, he’ll rake in 120% of his 2016 paycheck. That money will all come in the form of base salary, so any club that acquires Johnson would be responsible for that total.
A long-term deal, meanwhile, would allow the Rams to lower Johnson’s exorbitant cap charge by moving a significant amount of guarantees into a signing bonus, which would be prorated on the salary cap over several seasons. As Gonzalez notes, Los Angles has several important players set to reach free agency in the next two years — including Aaron Donald, Alec Ogletree, and Lamarcus Joyner — and the extra cap space would ease the task of retaining them.
The Rams were reportedly discussing Johnson with “multiple teams” when free agency opened, but no deal ever came to fruition. So far, the only club that’s even been tangentially linked to the Johnson talks is the Browns.
Eagles DT Beau Allen Suffers Chest Injury
Eagles defensive tackle Beau Allen suffered an injury in the pectoral area on Thursday and will undergo surgery, according to Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Mike Garafalo of the NFL Network reports that the injury will likely keep Allen off the field for four to six months, so he could miss the first few weeks of the regular season.
The Eagles acquired defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan from the Ravens on Tuesday, meaning that deal was not a reaction to the Allen injury. However, Jernigan may be asked to play an even larger role than originally planned if Allen is sidelined for the early portion of the regular season. Philadelphia boasts one of the league’s best interior lineman in Fletcher Cox, but the only other defensive tackles on the roster are Jernigan and Destiny Vaeao.
If the Eagles want to add more bodies along the front four, they could look to the free agent market in order to bring in another player. Johnathan Hankins is the best interior lineman who remains unsigned, but it’s unclear if an injury to Allen will force Philadelphia to make a signing of that level. Other options that may intrigue the Eagles could include Jared Odrick, Vance Walker, Sen’Derrick Marks, and Roy Miller.
Allen, 25, has appeared in every possible game for the Eagles since being drafted in the seventh round three years ago. He hasn’t been a full-time player, as he was splitting time with Bennie Logan over the past three campaigns, but Allen did play on 40% of Philadelphia’s defensive snaps last in 2016. In that time, he managed 29 tackles and a half-sack, and graded out as the league’s No. 57 interior defender, per Pro Football Focus.
Extra Points: Chargers, Colts, Bolles, Titans
The Chargers are “serious” about selecting a quarterback somewhat early in the 2017 draft, reports Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link). Although Philip Rivers hasn’t dropped any hints that he’s ready to retire, franchise owner Dean Spanos has told the Los Angeles front office to be prepared for Rivers’ eventual departure. New head coach Anthony Lynn expressed a similar sentiment at the end of last month. Thus far, the Chargers have worked out Notre Dame‘s DeShone Kizer and Tennessee‘s Joshua Dobbs, and are thought to have interest in Cal’s Davis Webb.
Here’s more from around the NFL:
- Utah offensive tackle Garett Bolles has meetings scheduled with the Colts and Chargers, according to Tony Pauline of DraftAnalyst.com. Bolles, who has also visited the Giants, is in the running to become the first offensive lineman off the board later this month. While he posted excellent measurables, Bolles is already 25 years old, which could limit any future growth. While Bolles could conceivably go to Los Angeles within the top 10, the Chargers have already made Russell Okung the NFL’s highest-paid tackle this offseason. Indianapolis, likewise, has a long-term extension in place with blindside protector Anthony Castonzo. In PFR’s first mock draft, we sent Bolles to Denver at pick No. 20.
- Despite signing free agent safety Jonathan Cyprien last month, the Titans could still use the fifth overall selection on a defensive back such as Malik Hooker or Jamal Adams, Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com writes. Tennessee used a rotation in the back end in 2016, and four safeties — Kevin Byard, Daimion Stafford, Rashad Johnson, and Da’Norris Searcy — all played more than 500 snaps. Stafford and Johnson are now unrestricted free agents, and head coach Mike Mularkey said the Titans will continue to deploy a multiple defensive backs. Hooker or Adams, then, could be fits for Tennessee, although the club would be utilizing a high pick on a player that may only play part-time.
- The Cowboys will add another backup quarterback in the coming weeks, but they won’t sign a high-end option such as Colin Kaepernick to play behind Dak Prescott, per Todd Archer of ESPN.com. If Dallas does go the free agent route, it might ink someone like veteran Luke McCown, who was recently released by the Saints. Other signal-callers on the market include Matt McGloin, Christian Ponder, Shaun Hill, and Austin Davis, who met with the Cowboys last year. Dallas will also likely add a quarterback on Day 3 of the draft, writes Archer.
Mystery Club In On Johnathan Hankins?
An unidentified team has reportedly jumped into the Johnathan Hankins sweepstakes over the past week, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com (Twitter link). However, that mystery club may not have expressed serious interest, because the Hankins market remains “all quiet,” per Raanan.
[RELATED: Top Available Defensive Free Agents]
Hankins, 25, is the best free agent still left on the board — he’s one of only five of PFR’s Top 50 Free Agents left unsigned, and he also ranks as PFR’s best free agent interior defender. Despite that fact, Hankins’ market has been slow to evolve, as the Dolphins are the only external club known to have been in communication with the defensive tackle. Miami, however, is only looking for a rotational lineman to play alongside Ndamukong Suh and Jordan Phillips.
The Giants, meanwhile, are open to re-upping Hankins, and the club has had a “solid” multi-year offer on the table for weeks. Big Blue is reportedly pushing for a quick answer from Hankins, who may want to keep hunting for a better offer. Much of the league views Hankins as a two-down player, though, meaning a superior proposal may not exist.
East Notes: Dolphins, Giants, Redskins, Pats
The Dolphins have until May 2 to pick up the 2018 fifth-year option on right tackle Ja’Wuan James, and the decision is not clear-cut, as James Walker of ESPN.com writes. James, 24, has started 39 games since being selected with the 19th overall pick in 2014, and he was solid last season, grading as the league’s No. 32 tackle, per Pro Football Focus. However, because the fifth-year option salary is based on both left and right tackle contracts, it’s expected to be worth approximately $8MM, a figure that would make James the third-highest-paid right tackle in the league on an annual basis. The deal would only be for a single season, however, and is guaranteed for injury only until the first day of the 2018 league year.
Here’s more from the NFL’s two East divisions:
- Defensive end Owa Odighizuwa is still a member of the Giants, as franchise owner John Mara told reporters, including Ralph Vacchiano of SNY (Twitter link). Mara added he “doesn’t think” Odighizuwa will follow through on his apparent retirement plans. The 25-year-old defender has posted a cryptic series of tweets in recent days, first indicating that he’d step away from the NFL, then saying he’s “grateful to be part of Big Blue.” Fellow Giants players aren’t sure exactly what’s going on with Odighizuwa, although some observers believe he’s dealing with “personal” problems.
- Although free agent signing Stacy McGee may fit better as a nose tackle given that he’s doesn’t rush the passer well, the Redskins intend to use him as a defensive end in their 3-4 scheme, according to Master Tesfatsion of the Washington Post. Either way, Washington could still use another lineman or two, even after inking McGee and Terrell McClain last month. Johnathan Hankins is still available on the open market, as are fellow free agents Jared Odrick and Vance Walker. Draft options for the Redskins could include Malik McDowell (Michigan State), Chris Wormley (Michigan), and Caleb Brantley (Florida).
- Brandon Bolden‘s new deal with the Patriots is worth $855K and comes with a $50K signing bonus, tweets Ben Volin of the Boston Globe. The pact also includes a $30K workout bonus. As Volin notes, this contract certainly doesn’t mean Bolden is a lock to earn a spot on the New England roster, especially given the club’s crowded backfield. At present, the Pats boast Dion Lewis, James White, Rex Burkhead, D.J. Foster, and are also in contact with free agents Adrian Peterson and LeGarrette Blount. If Bolden does make New England’s squad, it will be on the basis of his special teams work.
- Safety T.J. McDonald‘s one-year contract with the Dolphins has a value of $1.344MM, per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link). The deal will include a base salary of roughly $945K, $213K in per-game roster bonuses, and a $200K workout bonus. Of course, McDonald will only earn half of those totals, as he’s suspended for the first eight games of the season .
Draft Rumors: McCaffrey, Cook, Melifonwu
Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey visited the Panthers last week, a source tells Jourdan Rodrigue of the Charlotte Observer. NFL executives reportedly believe McCaffrey will be a top-10 selection, and Carolina picks at No. 8. Panthers head coach Ron Rivera recently said no spot is “too high” to draft a running back, and veteran Jonathan Stewart‘s recent one-year extension won’t stop Carolina from bringing in another runner. PFR’s first mock draft has McCaffrey falling a bit farther, however, as we sent him to Philadelphia at No. 14.
Here’s more on the NFL draft:
- The Bengals are hosting Florida State running back Dalvin Cook, according to Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com. Cincinnati is fully expected to select a running back in this year’s draft, and will likely do so on Day 1 or 2. Incumbent back Giovani Bernard is coming off a torn ACL, while Jeremy Hill hasn’t been effective recently and is entering the final year of his rookie deal. Cook, for his part, topped 1,600 yards and posted 19 touchdowns in each of the last two years with the Seminoles.
- Missouri defensive end Charles Harris is heading to New York for a visit with the Jets, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Harris, who put up 16 sacks over the past two seasons with the Tigers, probably won’t be in consideration for Gang Green at sixth overall, but he could be an option for the Jets if they trade back (or if he slips to the second round). So far, only the Titans are also known to have met with Harris.
- The Panthers have visited with Alabama offensive tackle Cam Robinson, reports Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com (Twitter link). Carolina, of course, signed Matt Kalil to a hefty free agent contract to play left tackle, but the club may need help on the right side, as Michael Oher is still in the concussion protocol three months after the conclusion of the season. Robinson also has the capability to play guard, so the Panthers could draft him as insurance on internal options Trai Turner and Andrew Norwell, each of whom will hit free agency in 2018.
- Washington safety Budda Baker recently met with the Steelers, as the club announced. Pittsburgh has spent a bevy of recent picks on defensive backs, as Senquez Golson, Artie Burns, and Sean Davis have all joined the team over the past two years. While the Steelers already boast a solid free safety in Mike Mitchell, he’s entering his age-30 campaign and will reach unrestricted free agency next spring.
- The Dolphins have spent a “significant amount of time” with UConn safety Obi Melifonwu, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes. Melifonwu has drawn a good amount of interest from around the league during the predraft process, and one team — the Titans — may even view him as a cornerback. Miami recently extended Reshad Jones, but the club could use another safety now that Isa Abdul-Quddus has been cut following a back injury. T.J. McDonald is also in tow, but he’s suspended for the first half of the season.
Christian McCaffrey To Go Top 10?
The sense among NFL front office personnel is that Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey will be selected within the top 10 picks, according to Peter Schrager of FOX Sports (Twitter link).
McCaffrey is generally considered one of the draft’s three best running backs along with Leonard Fournette (LSU) and Dalvin Cook (Florida State). In PFR’s first 2017 mock draft, we projected McCaffrey to go just outside the top-10, sending him to Philadelphia with the 14th overall pick. Teams that could theoretically use a pick on a running back inside the top-10 include the Jaguars, Panthers, and Bengals.
McCaffrey, who won’t turn 21 years old until June, broke out as a sophomore in 2015, averaging six yards per rush while totaling nearly 2,700 yards from scrimmage. For that performance, McCaffrey earned consensus All-American honors, was named the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year, and finished second to Alabama’s Derrick Henry in Heisman voting. Last year, McCaffrey ranked first in the nation in all-purpose yards per game, and ninth in rushing yards.
Seahawks Rumors: Sherman, Chancellor, Schneider
Earlier today, Seahawks general manager John Schneider confirmed the Richard Sherman trade talks are “real,” citing a need for open communication with his star corner. The Patriots are known to have interest in Sherman, but New England reportedly won’t aggressively pursue the 29-year-old unless it loses fellow cornerback Malcolm Butler.
Let’s take a look at a few more notes out of Seattle, including items on Sherman and one of his defensive backfield mates:
- While the odds remain in favor of Sherman suiting up for the Seahawks in 2017, the club simply wants to maintain a “direct dialogue” with him, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. That’s especially important given that Sherman is acting as his own representation for the time being. Sherman never found another agent after Ben Dogra was hit with NFLPA sanctions. No contract is being discussed in the Sherman situation (unless the Patriots or another wants to rework his deal), but Seattle presumably wants to keep Sherman in the loop as it discusses his future.
- Sherman’s brother, who also acts as the manager of the Richard Sherman Family Foundation, believes a trade would be welcomed by the Seahawks corner, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. “[The Seahawks] are making it seem like they don’t need him,” said Branton Sherman. “This is the same player that everyone doubted and denied, saying he’s too tall, too slow, his hips aren’t good enough, fifth-rounder. This is a new chip Richard is going to use. He’s going to be like, ‘You think you can trade me? I’m going to show you guys. That you would even talk about trading me…’ This is a new obstacle, mentally.”
- A potential Sherman trade is the most pressing matter for the Seahawks at present, but the club may also be considering an extension for safety Kam Chancellor, as Sheil Kapadia of ESPN.com writes. Head coach Pete Carroll admitted Seattle may want to get a deal done with Chancellor, who is entering the final year of his contract, but terms may be difficult to agree to. Chancellor will likely be looking to match or exceed the four-year, ~$55MM deal the Dolphins recently handed to Reshad Jones, per Kapadia, but the franchise tag could also be an option in 2018.
South Notes: Saints, Falcons, Jaguars, Titans
While Saints general manager Mickey Loomis confessed the club’s meeting with Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon went well, he wouldn’t dive into the specifics the meeting, as Josh Katzenstein of the Times-Picayune tweets. A number of clubs have already ruled out drafting Mixon, but New Orleans isn’t among those teams. If they select Mixon, they’d pair the controversial back with Mark Ingram in an excellent backfield.
Here’s more from the NFL’s two South divisions:
- The Falcons will host Western Kentucky offensive lineman Forrest Lamp for a workout, per Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com. While the Falcons boasted a solid front five last season, right guard was a clear area of weakness. Veteran Chris Chester has retired, meaning Lamp could conceivably immediately slide in between Alex Mack and Ryan Schraeder. Most NFL teams believe Lamp will come off the board in the 20s, however, meaning he may not be available when the Falcons pick at No. 31.
- Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen and LSU safety Jamal Adams will meet with the Jaguars on Thursday and Friday, respectively, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter links). Jacksonville, which holds the fourth overall pick, is taking a look at all the draft’s top prospects, as reports yesterday indicated players such as Myles Garrett, Reuben Foster, and Leonard Fournette will also visit with the Jaguars this week.
- In addition to the Jaguars, Adams also plans to visit the Titans and Bears, reports Ross Dellenger of the Advocate (Twitter link). Adams (unofficially) ran the 40-yard-dash in 4.33 seconds at LSU’s pro day, Josh Katzenstein of the Times Picayune tweets, and that mark might help his stock. At the combine in February, Adams only managed to post a 4.56 finish.
- The Jaguars are set to host Alabama offensive tackle Cam Robinson on Wednesday and Thursday, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Subsequently, Robinson will travel to meet with the 49ers and Bengals, per Rapoport. Robinson is one of the more divisive prospects of 2017, as some draftniks believe he’s the top left tackle available, while other observers think he’ll eventually have to move to guard. Either way, Robinson seems likely to be taken in the first round, and he’s also met with Denver thus far.
Draft Rumors: Barnett, Njoku, Cook, Foster
Tennessee defensive end Derek Barnett has held workouts with the Patriots, Bengals, Saints, and Titans, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk (Twitter link). Barnett, who posted 33 sacks during three years with the Volunteers, is expected to be selected in the first half of Day 1, and I projected Cincinnati to take him at pick No. 9 in the first edition of PFR’s Mock Draft. The Buccaneers and Cowboys have also expressed interest in Barnett, who stands 6’3″, 265 pounds.
Here’s more on the 2017 draft:
- Miami tight end David Njoku is scheduled to visit with the Saints, Browns, and Giants, as Njoku said during an appearance on Pro Football Talk Live. New York, specifically, could be an intriguing landing spot for Njoku, and Big Blue is reportedly “very high” on the 20-year-old pass-catcher. Widely viewed as the draft’s second-best tight end behind Alabama’s O.J. Howard, Njoku will likely be a first-round selection. He’s also been linked to the Buccaneers, Titans, and Panthers.
- The 49ers are meeting with Florida State running back Dalvin Cook on Wednesday, reports Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. Cook, clearly, wouldn’t be in consideration for San Francisco at No. 2 overall, but could be a potential selection for the Niners he falls to the early part of Day 2. After topping 1,600 yards rushing and scoring 19 touchdowns in each of the past two seasons, Cook looks like a first-round pick, although his measurables and physical testing scores disappointed.
- Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster has met with a number of teams picking near the top of the draft, and he’s now visited with a club selecting in the 20s. The Chiefs hosted Foster on Wednesday, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Considerd the top linebacker in the 2017 class, Foster is expected to come off the board in the top half of the first round, if not earlier. Kansas City is currently sitting at pick No. 27, so it probably won’t have a shot at Foster barring a trade up.
- LSU running back Leonard Fournette weighed in at 228 pounds at his Pro Day today, per Andrew Groover of the Associated Press (Twitter link). tweets. He’s down from his combine weight of 240 pounds. Fournette also ran a few routes as a receiver, which — coupled with the slim-down — might be an attempt to prove to NFL clubs that he’s not solely an early-down plodder.