49ers, Executive Tom Gamble Part Ways
The 49ers are continuing the evolution of their front office, as the club announced today that assistant general manager Tom Gamble is leaving the organization.
[RELATED: Colin Kaepernick Meets With 49ers Brass]‘
“The 49ers organization has tremendous respect and appreciation for Tom Gamble and his many years of service,” said general manager John Lynch in a statement. “He is a class act who has helped a great deal in this transition, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know him. After working together over the last month, Tom and I agreed that it would be in both of our best interests for him to pursue other opportunities. Tom is a true professional and we wish him and his family great success in the future.”
San Francisco is now fielding one of the more intriguing front offices in the NFL, as Lynch — a first-time decision-maker fresh off a television career — is leading management alongside first-time head coach Kyle Shanhan, who will hold sway over the construction of the 53-man roster. The 49ers have also brought in former Denver staffer Adam Peters as vice president of player personnel, while former Lions GM Martin Mayhew is now on board as a senior personnel executive.
Gamble had spent most of the past decade with the 49ers, with the lone break coming in 2013-14 when he became the Eagles’ VP of player personnel. A longtime NFL executive, Gamble had held a variety of roles with San Francisco, including directorships in both player and pro personnel. Gamble was promoted to assistant GM last summer, but reports last month indicated he’d have to work to keep his job under the Niners’ new regime.
Redskins Pondering Tony Romo Pursuit?
The Redskins have made little progress in extension talks with quarterback Kirk Cousins, and the club is now “wondering” if they could acquire a veteran signal-caller such as the Cowboys’ Tony Romo if Cousins were traded, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link).
[RELATED: Kirk Cousins Won’t Sign Extension Before Franchise Deadline]
Clearly, a Mr. Romo Goes To Washington scenario is fraught with potential — and possibly deal-breaking — hurdles. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones almost certainly wouldn’t trade a viable quarterback to a division rival, and would seemingly be especially loathe to do so with Romo, with whom Jones has a personal relationship. Romo, for what it’s worth, expects to be cut rather dealt, but even a release could come with a tacit agreement that Romo not sign with an NFC East club like the Redskins.
A Romo acquisition would be preceded by a Cousins trade, per Cole, who reported last month that the 49ers would be among the clubs interested in bringing Cousins aboard. San Francisco would be open to trading the No. 2 overall pick to land Cousins, whom the Niners view as their Plan A at quarterback. For such a deal to go down, the Redskins would first to need to franchise Cousins in order to retain his rights, then work out a trade with the 49ers that would be officially consummated on March 9 (or anytime thereafter).
Romo, 36, is due base salaries of $14MM, $19.5MM, $20.5MM in each of the next three seasons, but none of that money is guaranteed. The Bills have mentioned as a potential suitor for Romo, as have the Broncos, while Denver, Houston, Arizona, and Kansas City have been identified as Romo’s preferred destinations.
Pats May Transition Tag Dont’a Hightower
The Patriots could use the transition tag on pending free agent linebacker Dont’a Hightower instead of offering him the franchise tender, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).
[RELATED: Patriots Unlikely To Retain Martellus Bennett?]
Hightower has expressed a willingness to sign the franchise tag, but he’s said nothing about the transition tender, which will likely be about $3MM less expensive. While the franchise figure for linebackers could approach $15MM, the transition number should reside closer to $12MM, leading Mike Reiss of ESPN.com to earlier this week guess New England could instead deploy the transition tag.
The non-exclusive franchise tag amount is determined by a formula that includes the salary cap figures and the non-exclusive franchise salaries at the player’s position for the previous five years. Alternatively, the transition tag figure is the average of the top 10 highest-paid players at the player’s position in the previous league year, so it’s cheaper than the franchise number. Only one club — the Dolphins — used the transition tender in 2016, but soon revoked it after originally placing it on defensive end Olivier Vernon.
If the Patriots assign the transition tag to Hightower, he could negotiate with other clubs, but the Patriots would retain the right to match any offer sheet. Unlike the franchise tag, however, the transition tender wouldn’t entitle New England to any draft compensation if it chose not to match a contract offer. The Patriots currently have the sixth-most cap space in the NFL, though, so they should be able to match even the most creative of offer sheets.
Hightower, 26, played in 13 games last season and racked up 65 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles, ranking as Pro Football Focus’ 12th-best linebacker among 87 qualifiers. Given that the Patriots have already traded away other key defenders such as Jamie Collins and Chandler Jones, Hightower may be the last man standing when New England decides where to spend its free agent dollars.
Colin Kaepernick Meets With 49ers Brass
49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick reached out to new general manager John Lynch soon after the latter was hired, and today Kaepernick ventured to Niners headquarters to meet with Lynch and new head coach Kyle Shanahan face-to-face, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. Lynch later called the talk a “really positive discussion,” per Maiocco, but wouldn’t divulge any further information about the content of the summit.
[RELATED: 49ers Sign K’Waun Williams]
Kaepernick, who is currently without an agent, holds an opt-out provision that would allow him to hit the free agent market this spring. While reports have varied, Kaepernick may still be deciding whether to exercise that clause in his contract. Whether or not he does could end up being moot, as the 49ers may simply release Kaepernick if he doesn’t opt out, especially given that the club has already been linked to a number of other quarterbacks.
If he does reach free agency, the 29-year-old Kaepernick would hit the market along with other signal-callers such as Mike Glennon, Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Brian Hoyer, while passers like Tony Romo, Jay Cutler, and Tyrod Taylor may also soon become available. Among that group, Kaepernick is among those with the most recent success, as he tossed 16 touchdowns against only four picks in 2016.
James Harrison Looking For Two-Year Deal
Pending free agent James Harrison is searching for a two-year deal, his agent Bill Parise told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported yesterday that a new agreement between the Steelers and Harrison could be finalized in “a matter of time,” but Fowler says that talks between the two sides are in fact preliminary.
[RELATED: Steelers Working To Extend Alejandro Villanueva]
It’s unclear if Pittsburgh is willing to go to two years for Harrison, but they’ve done so in the past — after Harrison came out of retirement prior to the 2014 campaign, he signed a two-year, $2.75MM deal to return to the Steel City. At this point in his career, it seems unlikely Harrison would want to leave the club with which he’s spent all but one year of his 14-season NFL tenure, and Parise tells Fowler that “of course” Harrison prefers to remain with the Steelers.
Harrison, who will be entering his age-39 season, was as effective as ever in 2016, playing on roughly 56% of Pittsburgh’s snaps and grading as the league’s No. 11 edge defender, according to Pro Football Focus. Although he put up five sacks, Harrison’s production wasn’t all in the pass rush, as he scored high marks against the run and ranked as the NFL’s best 3-4 ‘backer in pass coverage.
Saints, Sterling Moore Have Mutual Interest
Pending free agent Sterling Moore wants to re-sign with the Saints and is certain mutual interest exists between he and New Orleans, as he told SiriusXM NFL Radio earlier today (Twitter link).
[RELATED: Top 3 Offseason Needs — New Orleans Saints]
Moore, 27, has bounced around a bit in recent years, as he’s played for three clubs — the Cowboys, Buccaneers, and Saints — over the past three seasons. 2016 marked the first time that Moore was asked to serve as a full-time starter, however, as injuries to New Orleans’ defensive backfield forced Moore to start 12 games. Moore posted two interceptions, 13 passes defensed, and graded as the Saints’ best corner, per Pro Football Focus, which ranked Moore as the No. 65 CB league-wide.
After earning only $760K last season under the terms of a minimum salary benefit contract, Moore could be in for a raise in 2017, although he may not play such a key role on the Saints defense. Thanks to that aforementioned rash of health issues in the secondary, Delvin Breaux, Damian Swann, P.J. Williams, and Kyle Wilson (like Moore, a pending free agent) combined to play only 240 snaps last year, so if that group returns to full strength, Moore could theoretically see his snaps reduced.
Bears QB Jay Cutler Nearing Full Health
Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is working to recover from shoulder surgery and is likely to be able to pass a physical by March, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Chicago is reportedly working to trade Cutler, and a clean bill of health could give interested clubs a bit more confidence in pursuing the veteran signal-caller.
[RELATED: Top 3 Offseason Needs — Chicago Bears]
Although the Bears are attempting to deal quarterback Cutler, they aren’t expecting much in return, as Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com reports Chicago would accept a 2019 seventh-round pick in exchange for its embattled signal-caller. That’s probably a bit of hyperbole on the part of La Canfora, but it’s evidence of just how difficult it will be for the Bears to find another team to accept Cutler and his current contract. An acquiring club would take on four years and more than $72MM by trading for Cutler, although none of that money is guaranteed.
Cutler, 33, spent most of the 2016 campaign sidelined by injuries, and wasn’t effective when he was on the field. In five starts, Cutler tossed four touchdowns against five interceptions, and posted a Total Quarterback Rating of just 33.1. He’s been loosely to linked to a couple of clubs this offseason, but no team has expressed any known solid interest.
Chiefs Could Part Ways With Alex Smith?
Alex Smith has averaged nearly 11 wins per season during his four-year run with the Chiefs, but that won’t stop Kansas City from exploring other quarterback options this offseason, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link), who notes a “growing sense” among NFL executives that the Chiefs could move on from Smith. However, Kansas City will likely only part ways Smith if it’s able to acquire another signal-caller such as the Cowboys’ Tony Romo or the Patriots’ Jimmy Garoppolo, per Cole.
[RELATED: Chiefs Likely To Decline Nick Foles’ Option]
Smith’s potential ouster has been a topic of conversation before, as has possible mutual interest between the Chiefs and Romo. A prospective Kansas City acquisition of Garoppolo, however, has not, although the New England signal-caller figures to be a desirable item in the coming weeks, as the Browns, Bears, and 49ers are all expected to make a push for Garoppolo (and have more attractive draft picks to offer).
A “strong feeling” exists within league circles that the Chiefs have plateaued with Smith, but Kansas City won’t acquire Romo — or presumably, Garoppolo — without cutting ties with Smith first. While the Chiefs could look to trade Smith to a quarterback-needy club, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported earlier this month that Kansas City would likely release Smith if they landed Romo. The Chiefs would save $9.7MM by cutting Smith, or $13.3MM by designating him as a post-June 1 release.
Since being acquired prior to the 2013 campaign, Smith has averaged 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions per season while completing 64.5% of his passes for the Chiefs. Smith, 32, has led Kansas City to three postseason appearances during that span, but the Chiefs have never advanced past the Divisional Round.
49ers Sign CB K’Waun Williams
It’s official. The 49ers have signed free agent cornerback K’Waun Williams to a one-year deal, according to a team announcement.
[RELATED: DeMeco Ryans Joins 49ers Staff]
In addition to the 49ers, the Jets, Dolphins, Vikings, and Lions all expressed interest in Williams, while the Jets are known to have offered the 25-year-old a free agent pact. The Niners have landed Williams, however, and will add him to a cavalcade of cornerbacks that already includes Tramaine Brock, Jimmie Ward, Keith Reaser, Rashard Robinson, and others.
Williams, who entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Pitt in 2014, appeared in 26 games (10 starts) with Cleveland from 2014-15. Playing mostly in the slot, Williams didn’t manage any interceptions, but did post 10 passes defensed, three forced fumbles, and two sacks during his time with the Browns.
Cleveland waived Williams in the midst of a spat regarding an ankle injury, and though he was subsequently claimed by the Bears, Williams failed his physical in Chicago and hit the free agent market once again. Williams never played in 2016, and still has an outstanding grievance against the Browns.
The pact was first reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com first reported that San Francisco had offered Williams a contract.
Top 3 Offseason Needs: New Orleans Saints
In advance of March 9, the start of free agency in the NFL, Pro Football Rumors will detail each team’s three most glaring roster issues. We’ll continue this year’s series with the New Orleans Saints, who finished third in the NFC South after posting their third consecutive 7-9 record.
Depth Chart (via Roster Resource)
Pending Free Agents:
- Chris Banjo, S (RFA)
- Sam Barrington, LB
- Travaris Cadet, RB
- Justin Drescher, LS
- Kasim Edebali, DE (RFA)
- Jahri Evans, G
- Nick Fairley, DT
- Roman Harper, S
- Tim Hightower, RB
- Tony Hills, LT
- Shiloh Keo, S
- Paul Kruger, DE
- Tim Lelito, G
- Michael Mauti, LB
- Sterling Moore, CB
- John Phillips, TE
- Jamarca Sanford, S
- Willie Snead, WR (ERFA)
- Darryl Tapp, DE
- Jason Trusnik, LB
- B.W. Webb, CB
- Kyle Wilson, CB
Top 10 Cap Hits for 2017:
- Drew Brees, QB: $19,000,000
- Cameron Jordan, DE: $12,047,000
- Terron Armstead, LT: $11,500,000
- Jairus Byrd, S: $11,200,000
- Coby Fleener, TE: $7,500,000
- Max Unger, C: $7,400,000
- Kenny Vaccaro, S: $5,676,000
- Mark Ingram, RB: $5,345,000
- Zach Strief, T: $5,100,000
- Thomas Morstead, P: $4,700,000
Other:
- Projected cap space (via Over the Cap): $29,557,284
- 11th pick in draft
- Must exercise or decline 2018 fifth-year option for WR Brandin Cooks
Three Needs:
1. Find an edge rusher to play opposite Cameron Jordan: The Saints ranked 29th in DVOA against the pass in 2016, and much of that poor showing can be attributed to the club’s lack of pass rush. Defensive end Cameron Jordan led the team with 7.5 sacks, defensive tackle — and pending free agent — Nick Fairley was second with 6.5, and no other New Orleans defender posted more than four quarterback takedowns. Overall, the Saints finished 27th in team sacks and 28th in adjusted sack percentage.
Edge rushers Darryl Tapp and Paul Kruger are both headed for the free agent market, and while one or both could be retained, neither should be viewed as a priority one item. Instead, the Saints are likely going to look towards free agency and the draft in order to bring in new talent, especially given that New Orleans head coach Sean Payton said adding pass rush help is a “must.” Typically up against the salary cap, the Saints have nearly $30MM with which to work this offseason, and could clear more room by cutting ties with veterans such as Jairus Byrd and Thomas Morstead.
Given that the Cardinals’ Chandler Jones and the Giants’ Jason Pierre-Paul seem increasingly likely to be franchised by their respective clubs, the top edge defender on the market could be Melvin Ingram, who’s managed 18.5 sacks over the past two seasons with the Chargers. Ingram, 27, is also a candidate for the tag, but it’s unclear if a rebuilding Los Angeles team is willing to tie up ~$15MM in cap space on a single player. If he does reach the open market, Ingram should be the number one target for the Saints, who should have some familiarity with him given that former Chargers linebackers coach Mike Nolan now holds the same role in New Orleans.
Outside of the top few options, the free agent defensive end class is relatively barren, and the Saints could be forced to go bargain hunting. Datone Jones is still only 26 years old and has never seemed to fit in the Packers’ 3-4 look, but he could look to restart his career as an end in New Orleans’ 4-3 scheme. Ryan Davis posted 10 sacks for the Jaguars in 2014-15, and though his performance stalled last year, a move back to end could help. Veterans such as Julius Peppers and Dwight Freeney could be targets on one-year deals, while Elvis Dumervil could also intrigue the Saints if he’s released by Baltimore.
If the Saints don’t find what they’re looking for in free agency, the trade market might offer at least one interesting solution in the form of Jets defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson. Although New Orleans wasn’t among the list of teams that reportedly inquired on Richardson last year, the 26-year-old could be a nice fit as a defensive end under coordinator Dennis Allen. A player-for-player trade might even make sense — former first-round pick Stephone Anthony has apparently fallen out of favor with the Saints, and it’s possible New York would have interest in resurrecting his young career.
When April rolls around, New Orleans will have yet another opportunity to add edge players when the draft begins. The Saints hold the 11th overall selection, and figure to target a pass rusher with that pick. ESPN draftniks Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay both see New Orleans drafting a defensive end, as Kiper recently mocked Michigan’s Taco Charlton to the Saints while McShay thinks Stanford’s Solomon Thomas will head east. Myles Garrett (Texas A&M) and Jonathan Allen (Alabama) won’t be available when the Saints’ turn comes up, but Derek Barnett (Tennessee), Charles Harris (Oklahoma), and Carl Lawson (Auburn) could be in consideration.
