PFR Originals: 5/8/16 – 5/15/16
The original content and analysis produced by the PFR staff during the past week:
- Because most NFL coaching changes happen in January, those moves can often be overshadowed by the postseason and – subsequently – by the major moves that teams makes in free agency and during the draft. However, because those coaching changes shouldn’t be overlooked, Luke Adams ran down 2016’s major coaching moves, looking at new head coaches, coordinators, and more.
- With the 2016 offseason largely in the rearview mirror, I asked PFR readers to weigh in on which NFL club improved the most over the past several months in our latest Community Tailgate. The Jaguars, Raiders, Giants, and Bears were among the teams that I threw out as contenders for that moniker.
- On the flip side, PFR readers were also asked to comment on the NFL team that improved the least during the 2016 offsesason. The Broncos, Browns, Bengals, Chiefs, Rams, and 49ers were all listed as possibilities, as each of those clubs let a lot of talent leave the building during the free agent period.
- We’ve tracked every undrafted rookie free agent signing since the conclusion of this year’s NFL draft — check out our team-by-team recap to see which lesser-known players your favorite team has brought in to compete.
- Zach Links rounded up the best of the football blogs in the latest edition of Pigskin Links.
Week In Review: 5/8/16 – 5/15/16
Headlines:
- Sam Bradford ended his holdout by reporting to Eagles camp and rescinding his trade request. Bradford’s agent admitted that the veteran quarterback was hoping to be dealt to the Broncos.
- The Eagles hired former Bears executive Joe Douglas as personnel chief, bringing to an end their search to find a complement to de facto GM Howie Roseman.
- Las Vegas is looking more and more like a legitimate option for the Raiders, but the Chargers could be a second-place prize for the city.
- The Cardinals have reignited extension talks with safety Tyrann Mathieu, while the Panthers have also begun discussing a long-term deal with defensive tackle Kawann Short.
Signed:
- Dolphins – Jason Jones, DE (link)
- Jaguars – Bjoern Werner, DE (link)
- Raiders – Damontre Moore (link)
- Ravens – Jerraud Powers, CB (link)
Traded:
- Lions – acquired LB Jon Bostic from the Patriots in exchange for a conditional 2017 seventh-round pick.
Retired:
- Jarryd Hayne, RB (link)
- Ricardo Lockette, WR (link)
Draft Signings:
- Follow all the latest draft pick signings by bookmarking our team-by-team tracker.
Extra Points: Browns, Romo, Jaguars, Bills
The Browns have several options to choose from as they select their starting quarterback — they did not promise a starting job to Robert Griffin III, third-round rookie Cody Kessler is expected to be given an opportunity to compete, and even Josh McCown is still a threat to earn the starting role. And though head coach Hue Jackson says Cleveland will choose a starter “way before” the season begins, the club doesn’t feel the need to rush when naming its No. 1 signal-caller.
“It’s too soon,” Jackson told Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. “We haven’t gotten into OTAs yet. We just have had offseason and voluntary veteran minicamp and now we’ve got the rookies in and I think that’s way too soon. I would never do that. Again, every position is earned. There’s always competition and there’s a reason behind it.
“At some point in time, I’m sure with [GM] Sashi [Brown] and myself, we’ll make a decision on which direction to go, and it will be the right time. Timing is everything and we’ll get there when we need to.”
Here’s the latest look around the NFL…
- After undergoing a procedure on his clavicle in early March, Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is having a productive camp, as Todd Archer of ESPN.com writes. “There’s absolutely nothing negative that can be said about where he is,” said owner Jerry Jones. “Everything they hoped to accomplish technically from appraisal of surgery has gone well. Everything he’s done regarding his strength, everything regarding what he’s wanted to do, he’s been able to do.” Dallas does not expect Romo to be on a “pitch count” through the summer, per Archer.
- The Jaguars would have considered Ryan Kelly in the second round of last month’s draft, as offensive coordinator Greg Olson tells Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union that Kelly would have been the club’s starting center from “day one.” Instead, Jacksonville will move Brandon Linder to center, opening a spot for former Cowboy Mackenzy Bernadeau at guard. The 30-year-old Bernadeau, signed to a two-year deal in March, has 49 NFL starts under his belt.
- The Bills don’t have a ton of depth at wide receiver behind Sammy Watkins, meaning they’ll be counting on Dri Archer, Marquise Goodwin, and rookie Kolby Listenbee to post some sort of production. As Tyler Dunne of the Buffalo News notes, if the Bills are able to coax something out of that trifecta, offensive coordinator Greg Roman could have a good shot at landing a head coaching job during the next hiring cycle.
CB Notes: Giants, Cromartie, Cardinals, 49ers
Passing yardage totals have risen in the NFL every year since 2008, and in 2015 reached an all-time high, with the average club throwing for 243.8 yards per game. As such, not only are quarterback and wide receiver salaries increasing, but those who are paid to defend the pass — namely cornerbacks — are seeing their earnings increase, as well. Let’s take a look at the latest on the cornerback market:
- The Giants invested heavily in their secondary over the past several months, signing free agent cornerback Janoris Jenkins to a five-year deal and selecting Ohio State corner Eli Apple with the No. 10 pick in last month’s draft. But the club might not be finished upgrading, according to Jordan Raanan of NJ.com, who expects New York to bring in a veteran corner who can man the slot. The Giants have been linked to several experienced cover men recently, including Jerraud Powers (who was reportedly offered approximately $2MM before signing with the Ravens) and Leon Hall, who visited the team last week. Chris Culliver, Alan Ball, Trumaine McBride, and Charles Tillman are among the corners still left on the market.
- Having lost the aforementioned Powers to Baltimore, the Cardinals don’t have a ton of depth in the defensive backfield, and might not even have a clear starter opposite Patrick Peterson, as Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com details. Free agent (and former Cardinal) Antonio Cromartie doesn’t seem to be on the club’s radar, per Weinfuss, which would leave Justin Bethel as the best option to start. Bethel’s strengths lie on special teams, however, and third-round corner Brandon Williams might need some time to develop after having played CB for just one season at Texas A&M.
- 49ers general manager Trent Baalke has selected three corners in each of the past two drafts, and as Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com explains, the San Francisco executive clearly understands the need to accumulate secondary depth. “I think you’re seeing that trend league-wide,” Baalke said. “There’s a premium put on those players. It’s going to be extremely important moving forward to create as much depth and competition at that position as you can.” Maiocco touches on several other topics within the piece, including what the 49ers will do with their nearly $50MM in cap space, and why the club is unlikely to reunite with veteran receiver Anquan Boldin.
Community Tailgate: Most Improved NFL Team
Even with the 2016 offseason largely in the rearview mirror, there are still plenty of topics and storylines to discuss, and PFR’s Community Tailgate is designed to address those stories. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. We’ll highlight one of the top talking points in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.
Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.
NFL teams that “win the offseason” certainly aren’t guaranteed to have success once the regular season begins, especially since the most impactful players in the league are unlikely to even reach free agency — thus earning the right to change teams — in the first place. Additionally, any club that is a contender for the “most improved” moniker likely had a sub-par roster to begin with, meaning expectations should be low. Still, it’s helpful to look back at the past two months and see which teams put in the best efforts, both during the free agent period and through the draft, in order to turn their club into a contender.
The Raiders were very active in free agency, especially on the defensive side of the ball, adding Bruce Irvin, Sean Smith, and Reggie Nelson before drafting West Virginia safety Karl Joseph in the first round and defensive end Jihad Ward and Shilique Calhoun in rounds two and three. Oakland was arguably set at most positions on offense, but they landed former Ravens offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele, paying him $3.7MM more annually than the next-highest paid guard. Veteran left tackle Donald Penn was brought back to anchor the blindside, while Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook was selected as a long-term backup to Derek Carr.
Only one team had more cap space entering the 2016 offseason than the Raiders, and that club — the Jaguars — made it count, landing both Malik Jackson and Tashaun Gipson in an attempt to fortify a defense that ranked 26th in DVOA. That side of the ball wasn’t done being remade, however, as Jacksonville arguably landed two top-10 talents, taking Jalen Ramsey fifth overall before picking up Myles Jack in the second round after injuries caused him to slip. Keep in mind that the Jags have another top defensive talent — edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr. — returning in 2016 after a torn ACL caused him to miss his entire rookie season. Jacksonville didn’t leave the offense untouched, adding left tackle Kelvin Beachum on a very team-friendly deal and signing violent running back Chris Ivory.
The Giants‘ draft left something to be desired, as although Sterling Shepard was an inspired selection in the second round, drafting cornerback Eli Apple at No. 10 overall was thought to be a reach. But New York spent in free agency, signing Olivier Vernon after the Dolphins rescinded his transition tag and also bringing in Damon Harrison and Janoris Jenkins. All three additions got at least $20MM in full guarantees, but Vernon took the cake, securing $40MM in fully guaranteed cash.
Defense was the clear area of need for the Bears over the offseason, and the club knew it, trading up to acquire pass rusher Leonard Floyd in the draft before plucking Jonathan Bullard in the third round. Free agency wasn’t ignored, either, as Chicago revamped its interior linebacking unit by signing both Jerrell Freeman and Danny Trevathan before inking end Akiem Hicks. On offense, the Bears signed Bobby Massie, Ted Larsen, and Manny Ramirez (and drafted Cody Whitehair) to help up front, and added late-round sleepers in running back Jordan Howard and slot receiver Daniel Braverman.
There are certainly other contenders for the title of “most improved” — both the Rams and Eagles landed franchise quarterbacks, the Titans added pieces around Marcus Mariota, and the Buccaneers did the same around Jameis Winston. And depending on how one views the “most improved” label, the Browns had a solid offseason, acquiring assets through the draft in 2016 and amassing draft capital for years to come.
What do you think? Which of the clubs above improved the most over the 2016 offseason? Or did we forget someone? Leave your thoughts in the comment section!
Extra Points: Fournette, Colts, Dolphins, Chiefs
LSU running back Leonard Fournette is expected to a high draft choice in 2017, but he’ll be financially covered in the event that something goes awry. As Dennis Dodd of CBSSports.com details, Fournette’s parents have purchased two $10MM insurance policies — one that would cover a career-ending injury, and another that would kick in if Fournette falls in next year’s draft. The entire article is well-worth a read, as Dodd excellently reports on the largely unregulated industry of NCAA athlete insurance.
Here’s more from around the league…
- Former New Orleans scout Brendan Prophett is reportedly set to join the Lions as the team’s new director of pro scouting, and Alex Marvez of FOX Sports (Twitter link) hears that Prophett chose that position over a similar role in the Colts‘ front office.
- Elsewhere in front office news, Marvez reports (Twitter link) that the Dolphins are promoting scout Adam Engroff to college scouting director. According to Miami’s media guide, Engroff has worked for the club since 1999, and has spent the past four years as a national scout.
- Tom Reed of Cleveland.com takes a look at Browns undrafted rookie free agent Mike Matthews, a former Texas A&M center who is brother to Jake Matthews and cousin to Clay Matthews. Mike, for his part, says Cleveland was his first choice when identifying potential landing spot.
- The Chiefs selected West Alabama receiver Tyreek Hill in the fifth round despite his having a domestic violence arrest in his past, but general manager John Dorsey told Pro Football Talk Live that Hill is not guaranteed a roster spot.
Luke Adams contributed to this post.
Minor NFL Transactions: 5/23/16
Here’s today’s look at the minor signings and cuts around the NFL:
- Just one week after being released by New England, running back Joey Iosefa is re-signing with the Patriots, per Doug Kyed of NESN.com. Iosefa, who played in two games for the Pats in 2015, turned down the opportunity to work out for another club, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN.com (Twitter link), who adds that Iosefa had planned to re-sign with New England all along.
- The Lions have added an undrafted rookie free agent, inking Central Michigan defensive tackle Louis Palmer to a contract, according to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com (Twitter link). In order to create a roster spot, Detroit released offensive tackle Lamar Holmes, a veteran of 21 NFL games who signed with the Lions in February.
- The Titans also agreed to terms with an UDFA, signing Kansas State cornerback Morgan Burns, tweets Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com. Burns, who ran a 4.38 40-yard dash, is expected to make his mark as a kick returner, according to his NFL.com draft profile.
- Former Wisconsin tight end Austin Traylor was set to attend the Chargers rookie camp on a tryout basis, but he’ll instead sign with the Cowboys, reports Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune (Twitter link).
Examining Veteran Players Most Affected By NFL Draft
The 2016 draft class has already made its mark on NFL veterans league-wide, as players like Washington’s Chris Culliver and Tampa Bay’s Connor Barth were cut after their respective clubs selected potential replacements over the weekend. With more moves likely on the horizon, let’s take a look at some other veterans who could be affected:
Baltimore Ravens: Eugene Monroe, T
A day after the Ravens selected Notre Dame tackle Ronnie Stanley sixth overall, a report emerged that indicated Baltimore was unlikely to release Monroe, the club’s left tackle for the majority of the past two-and-a-half seasons. And while the Ravens’ offensive line depth could be augmented by sliding either Monroe or Stanley inside to left guard, it’s fair to question whether Monroe will still be on Baltimore’s roster come September. The 29-year-old has missed 20 games over the past three seasons with various injuries, and is set to count for $8.7MM on Baltimore’s 2016 cap. The Ravens could save $6.5MM by designating him as a post-June 1 cut, a move that seems entirely possible.
Chicago Bears: Lamarr Houston and Willie Young, EDGE
Chicago’s draft class has already had an impact on one veteran, as Matt Slauson was cut soon after the club drafted interior lineman Cody Whitehair in the second round. Houston and Young could be next up on the chopping block, after the Bears added two new pieces to their front seven in the forms of linebacker Leonard Floyd and defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard. Head coach John Fox said in March that the club was unlikely to release either Houston or Young, but Chicago would incur less than $2MM in dead money by making both post-June 1 cuts.
Los Angeles Rams: Nick Foles and Case Keenum, QB
Keenum would likely have more suitors around the league given his play last season, but Foles appears to be the odd man out in Los Angeles after the Rams made Jared Goff the No. 1 overall pick. Foles is generating some trade interest, with as many as five clubs reaching out to the Rams to express intrigue. Foles’ roster bonus has already been paid by LA, so he’d make for a cheap backup option, as an acquiring team would only be responsible for his $1.75MM base salary.
Minnesota Vikings: Captain Munnerlyn, CB
The Vikings are expected to work in second-round pick Mackensie Alexander at slot corner, the position currently manned by Munnerlyn. Head coach Mike Zimmer likes veteran players — as evidenced by Minnesota starting 37-year-old Terence Newman for all 16 games last season — so Munnerlyn is probably safe. His contract expires after 2016, however, at which Alexander’s presence could mean Munnerlyn isn’t re-signed.
New York Jets: Geno Smith, QB
After the Jets drafted Christian Hackenberg in the second round, Smith sits in a rather precarious situation. If New York is unable to come to an agreement with Ryan Fitzpatrick, Smith would likely open the 2016 season as the starting quarterback. But if Fitzpatrick is brought back into the fold — as is still expected — Smith could be on the outs, even though GM Mike Maccagnan has said he’s not opposed to keeping four quarterbacks on the roster.
Philadelphia Eagles: Sam Bradford, QB
We won’t spend much time on Bradford, as his desire to be traded out of Philadelphia has been well-documented even before the club officially drafted Carson Wentz. The Eagles have said they won’t deal their presumptive starting quarterback, but if Bradford continues to sit out team activities, the situation could become increasingly awkward. Working against Bradford is that many of the clubs that previously needed QB help – several of which I documented when looking at destinations for Bradford – have since added signal-callers.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Alterraun Verner, CB
Verner has been a disappointment since signing a four-year deal with the Bucs prior to the 2014 season — he was benched in 2015 (ultimately starting only six games) and graded as the No. 91 cornerback among 111 qualifiers, per Pro Football Focus. With first-round pick Vernon Hargreaves III and veteran Brent Grimes, who signed a two-year deal in March, now on the roster, Verner’s status in Tampa is tenuous at best.
Washington: Pierre Garcon, DeSean Jackson, and Andre Roberts, WR
Washington made one of the more surprising choices of the first round, trading down one spot before selecting TCU wide receiver Josh Doctson. Roberts, a slot receiver who managed only 11 receptions last season, seems like the most obvious release candidate, but Garcon and Jackson may not be safe, either. Washington probably wouldn’t release all three pass-catchers, but post-June 1 cuts of Garcon and Jackson would save the club $8MM each. For what it’s worth, John Keim of ESPN.com adamantly believes the team will hang on to Garcon.
Photos courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Freeman’s Latest: Aguayo, Boehringer, Higbee
The Buccaneers didn’t just draft kicker Roberto Aguayo in the second round of the draft — they traded up to get him, sacrificing a third- and fourth-round pick to acquire the 59th overall selection from the Chiefs. Not everyone around the league was on board with the move, as one general manager told Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report that Tampa’s choice of Aguayo was “the dumbest pick in the history of the draft.”
While we ponder that bit of hyperbole, let’s take a look at the highlights from the rest of Freeman’s column…
- Another pick that has garnered mixed reviews is the Vikings‘ selection of German wide receiver Moritz Boehringer in the sixth round, according to Freeman, who writes that one scout described the German league as “not even Division-III football.” The Boehringer pick, per Freeman, is quite divisive, as it seems league personnel are either strongly in favor or strongly against.
- Even after enduring the Greg Hardy saga, the Panthers used a third-round pick on cornerback Daryl Worley, who faced a battery charge in 2014. As Freeman details, both Panthers GM Dave Gettleman and Worley himself were prepared to answer questions about the incident, and Carolina feels comfortable that its done enough research on the pick.
- One NFC scout tells Freeman that the best value pick in the draft might’ve Oklahoma defensive end Charles Tapper, whom the Cowboys scooped up at the top of the third round. Some clubs were scared off by Tapper having the sickle cell trait, a condition that many teams consider minor.
- On the other hand, another scout called new Rams tight end Tyler Higbee — who was charged with second-degree assault before the draft — one of the riskier picks in the draft. “He is a major partier,” said the scout, per Freeman. “That was his big problem, despite the arrests. He has a lot of maturing to do, and I’m not sure he can mature fast enough.”
Bears To Release Antrel Rolle
The Bears are releasing veteran safety Antrel Rolle, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). As a vested veteran, Rolle won’t need to pass through waivers, meaning he’ll become a free agent immediately.
Chicago spent three picks on defensive backs on Day 3 of the draft, picking up Miami’s Deon Bush, Northern Iowa’s Deiondre Hall, and William and Mary’s DeAndre Houston, which could have been an indication that Rolle’s roster spot was in danger. Additionally, there is no guaranteed money left on Rolle’s contract, which makes releasing him more palatable from a financial perspective. The Bears will save more than $2.7MM on their salary cap in 2016, and $3.25MM in 2017.
Rolle, now 33 years old, ends up spending just one season with the Bears after agreeing to a three-year deal worth more than $11MM prior to the 2015 season. The veteran defensive back played in only seven games, having injured his knee in a November practice. Rolle stayed on the active roster until mid-December, when he was placed on injured reserve.
An 11-year NFL veteran who has earned three Pro Bowl nods during his time with the Cardinals and Giants, Rolle was an average player in 2015, grading out as the No. 39 safety in the league among 89 qualifiers, per Pro Football Focus. While he didn’t post any interceptions during his seven contests with Chicago, Rolle did register 30 tackles while defensing one pass.
“I appreciate the Chicago Bears and the organization for the opportunity,” said Rolle (Twitter link). “Blessed as always. Looking forward to what is next!”