AFC South Draft Visits: Jags, Titans, Texans
The AFC South has been dominated by the Colts in recent seasons, and the other clubs in the division — two of whom own top-three selections — will hope the upcoming draft affords them the opportunity to acquire several top-notch prospects. Here’s the latest from Jacksonville, Tennessee, Houston…
- Owners of the third overall pick, the Jaguars will visit some of the draft’s top prospects on Tuesday, meeting with USC’s Leonard Williams, Missouri’s Shane Ray, and Nebraska’s Randy Gregory, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
- The Jaguars will also meet with another of the league’s top edge rushers tomorrow, as Albert Breer of NFL.com reports (via Twitter) that Dante Fowler Jr. will head to Jacksonville following Florida’s Pro Day.
- Williams and Fowler Jr. aren’t the only defenders meeting with the Jaguars tomorrow — Clemson’s Vic Beasley and Ohio State’s Michael Bennett will both take a visit with Jacksonville on Tuesday as well, tweets Rapoport.
- Meanwhile, another club with a top-three selection — the Titans — will meet with Ray, Florida State Ronald Darby tomorrow, while Fowler Jr. has a visit scheduled for next week, according to Rapoport (Twitter link).
- The Texans already signed two veteran quarterbacks this offseason, but UCLA QB Brett Hundley could draw the interest of the club, as Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that Hundley will take a visit with Houston tomorrow.
West Notes: Chargers, Chiefs, 49ers, Cooper
We’ve already posted one set of items from the West, but there’s more news from the two divisions. Let’s dive in…
- The Chargers were somewhat active in free agency, re-signing cornerback Brandon Flowers and tackle King Dunlap while adding guard Orlando Franklin and receivers Stevie Johnson and Jacoby Jones. But San Diego general manager Tom Telesco doesn’t believe external additions are the best way to build a roster. “You can’t makeover your team in free agency,” Telesco told Chargers.com (video link). “That’s been proven not to work. Very few impact players actually get to free agency. They are either re-signed by the original club, or they’re franchise tagged. That all being said, you can add some complementary pieces here and there, and we were able to do that.”
- Stony Brook receiver Adrian Coxson has a visit with the Chiefs on Monday, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. Coxson has also been invited to the local workout days hosted by the Giants and Jets.
- A report last week indicated that the 49ers would look to trade up in the draft to select Alabama receiver Amari Cooper, but Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com views that scenario as unlikely. San Francisco also wanted to move up to get Odell Beckham Jr. last year, but 49ers GM Trent Baalke thought the cost was too prohibitive. This year, with even more holes on the roster, Maiocco doesn’t think the club can afford to sacrifice a haul of draft picks to acquire one player.
East Notes: Crabtree, Dolphins, Draft, Pats
Refuting an earlier report, Andrew Abramson of the Palm Beach Post writes that a Dolphins team source has “emphatically” denied that the club ever offered free agent receiver Michael Crabtree a contract that neared $3MM in value. In fact, the source tells Abramson, financial specifics never even came up during Crabtree’s visit to South Beach. Given the disparity between the two reports, it seems there’s a bit of confusion about Crabtree’s meeting with Dolphins brass — but either way, it doesn’t sound like he’ll be joining Miami.
More notes from the East divisions:
- The Dolphins hosted Hobart offensive lineman Ali Marpet for a visit last week, reports Omar Kelly of the Sun-Sentinel. Marpet, who is a projected mid-round pick, has also met with the Browns as part of the predraft process.
- Another Division II prospect, Henderson State receiver Darius Davis, has a visit scheduled with the Cowboys, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post, who notes that Davis will meet with Dallas later this week. Per Wilson, Davis already met with the Raiders last week.
- In response to a reader’s question, Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com writes that he doesn’t believe either Pierre Garcon or Kirk Cousins is likely to be traded by Washington. Garcon, especially, could be hard to deal given his large base salaries, but any trade would likely occur after the draft after other teams assess their remaining needs, adds Tandler.
- Mike Reiss of ESPN.com rounds up a few Patriots notes, examining the contributions of rookies on last year’s roster and wondering if New England might draft a receiver later this month.
PFR Originals: 3/29/15 – 4/5/15
The original content produced by the PFR staff during the past week:
- Luke Adams took a look at the best remaining free agents on offense. It’s a rapidly thinning crop, but there are still some interesting players available such as Stevan Ridley, Greg Jennings, and Michael Crabtree.
- I examined the free agent stock of former Rams tackle Joe Barksdale, who remains unsigned as of this writing.
- Luke asked which major free agent signing will turn out the best. Darrelle Revis leads the way with about 24%, but Devin McCourty is right behind him at approximately 23%.
- I wondered what the Titans will do with the No. 2 overall pick, and a clear majority of readers believe Tennessee will look to trade down.
Week In Review: 3/29/15 – 4/5/15
The headlines from the past week at PFR:
News:
- The Falcons were fined $350K and will lose a 2016 fifth-round pick as discipline for piping in artificial noise during games.
- Browns GM Ray Farmer will be suspended four games for sending text messages to coaches on the sideline during the 2014 season. The club was also fined $250K.
- The NFL moved the June 1 deadline, which impacts compensatory picks and salary cap issues, to May 12.
- Despite rumors to the contrary, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson won’t receive a fully guaranteed deal.
- The 49ers are aiming to trade up in the draft to select Alabama receiver Amari Cooper.
Traded:
- Broncos – acquired C Gino Gradkowski and a 2016 fifth-round pick from the Ravens in exchange for a 2016 fourth-round pick
- Washington – acquired S Dashon Goldson and a 2016 seventh-round pick from the Buccaneers in exchange for a 2016 sixth-round pick
Extended:
- Eagles – LB DeMeco Ryans (through 2016)
- Saints – G Jahri Evans (through 2017)
Signed/Re-Signed:
- 49ers – LB Desmond Bishop (link)
- Bears – LB Sam Acho (link), C Will Montgomery (link), and RB Jacquizz Rodgers (link)
- Bengals – WR Brandon Tate (link)
- Broncos – DL Antonio Smith (link)
- Colts – WR Vincent Brown (link) and S Dwight Lowery (link)
- Cowboys – LB Rolando McClain (link)
- Dolphins – QB Josh Freeman (link) and LB Spencer Paysinger (link)
- Eagles – WR Miles Austin (link)
- Jets – LB Jamari Lattimore (link)
- Lions – CB Josh Wilson (link)
- Packers – DTs Letroy Guion (link) and DT B.J. Raji (link)
- Panthers – RB Jordan Todman (link) and LB Jason Trusnik (link)
- Raiders – T J’Marcus Webb (link)
- Rams – C Tim Barnes (link)
- Ravens – QB Matt Schaub (link)
- Saints – WR Joe Morgan (link) and CB Kyle Wilson (link)
- Texans – WR Nate Washington (link)
Released:
- Bears – C Roberto Garza (link)
Restructured:
- Cowboys – QB Tony Romo (link)
- Titans – TE Craig Stevens (link)
South Notes: Panthers, Williams, Bucs, Jaguars
The Panthers have added several role players to one-year deals recently, and David Newton of ESPN.com provides the contract details. Linebacker Jason Trusnik will earn $950K ($80K guaranteed), running back Jordan Todman will get $765K ($20K guaranteed), and receiver Jarrett Boykin will receive $700K ($20K guaranteed). All three will earn slightly more than the minimum required for their respective years of service time.
Here’s more from the NFL’s two South divisions…
- Receiver/return man Chris Williams has worked out for the Colts, Buccaneers, and Bengals, league sources tell Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. The 27-year-old Williams spent the 2014 season with the Bears, appearing in six games, and returned one kickoff for a touchdown.
- In his latest draft diary entry for the Baltimore Sun, Penn State safety Adrian Amos reveals that he worked out for Buccaneers safeties coach Mikal Smith, and also notes that he worked out for an AFC team, though that club asked Amos not to mention them by name in the piece.
- The Buccaneers picked up the $4MM guaranteed in Dashon Goldson‘s 2015 base salary when they traded him to Washington on Friday, and the Jaguars could employ a similar tactic if they want to deal tight end Marcedes Lewis, suggests Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union. If Jacksonville converts some of Lewis’ 2015 base salary into a signing bonus, O’Halloran writes, the market for the tight end could grow. We heard last month that the 30-year-old was drawing trade interest.
Poll: Titans’ Options With No. 2 Overall Pick
According to most reports, Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston is a near-lock to be selected by the Buccaneers with the first overall pick in the NFL draft later this month. The more interesting position, then, becomes the No. 2 overall slot, where the Titans will have several options to choose from.
As Bill Barnwell of Grantland recently outlined, the two most plausible picks for Tennessee are probably Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota and USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams. Mariota, a potential franchise QB, would signal a shift from incumbent signal-caller Zach Mettenberger, while Williams would pair with Jurrell Casey to form a fearsome defensive line. The Titans could also take a look at edge rushers Dante Fowler Jr. and Vic Beasley, and though it’s unlikely the club selects a receiver, Amari Cooper or Kevin White might be too talented to pass up.
Of course, Tennessee could also opt to trade the second pick — the Titans’ overall roster is among the league’s worst, so acquiring a bevy of picks in exchange for the No. 2 selection could be the most advantageous route. Specifically, a team looking to move up for Mariota could be willing to part with a haul of picks, and the Titans would probably be willing to entertain offers.
So what do you think? Will the Titans be loathe to pass up a chance at Mariota? Will they add another piece to their defense? Or will they trade the pick? Vote below!
What will the Titans do with the No. 2 overall pick?
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Trade the pick 54% (768)
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Draft Leonard Williams 22% (307)
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Draft Marcus Mariota 20% (289)
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Draft Amari Cooper 1% (21)
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Draft Kevin White 1% (18)
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Draft Dante Fowler Jr. 1% (13)
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Draft Vic Beasley 0% (7)
Total votes: 1,423
Dolphins Notes: Crabtree, Ridley, Gore, Skrine
Free agent receiver Michael Crabtree turned down approximately $3MM from the Dolphins, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, who adds that Crabtree is seeking at least $4.5MM. We had heard that Miami was interested in the former 49er, and it appears as though they had serious enough interest to offer a contract. The 27-year-old Crabtree is reportedly in no rush to sign, but he will head to Oakland this week to meet with the Raiders.
Let’s check out some more Dolphins notes, all courtesy of Jackson…
- Running back Stevan Ridley‘s visit with the Dolphins was simply “exploratory,” writes Jackson, but Miami has not ruled out signing the free agent. Ridley is coming off a torn ACL, so the club was presumably checking out his medicals.
- Oklahoma defensive tackle prospect Jordan Phillips met with the Dolphins last week, reports Jackson, who points out that Miami probably isn’t in need on interior defensive line help given the presence of Ndamukong Suh and Earl Mitchell, among others. Phillips ranks as the fifth-best available defensive tackle according to the NFL Network’s Mike Mayock.
- Miami showed “some interest” in running back Frank Gore, but not as much as some other clubs, Gore told Jackson. The 31-year-old Gore added that he would have liked to team with current Fin running back Lamar Miller, who like Gore is a University of Miami product.
- One of the Dolphins’ top targets on defense was cornerback Buster Skrine, but the defensive back ultimately chose the Jets over Miami.
Bobby Wagner To Command $8MM+ Annually?
While the Seahawks have inked defensive end Cliff Avril and outside linebacker K.J. Wright to extensions in recent months, the club still has another key defensive contributor — middle linebacker Bobby Wagner — set to play on an expiring contract. Entering the final year of his rookie deal, Wagner is in line for a multi-year pact, and John Clayton of ESPN told Brock and Salk of 710 ESPN that the 24-year-old could command between $8MM and $10MM per season on a fresh contract.
According to Clayton, Wagner could conceivably garner a $10MM AAV even without hitting free agency, meaning Seattle would be willing to pay a high price to retain its inside ‘backer. Such a price tag would make Wagner the highest-paid ILB, as the current top earner — New England’s Jerod Mayo — averages $9.7MM per season. If Wagner were to settle for $8MM, the low end of Clayton’s estimate, he would still place among the top five highest-paid inside linebackers.
It’s hard to argue that Wagner isn’t worth the money, as the former second-round pick has been a key cog in the center of Seattle’s defense since his entry into the NFL in 2012. He’s started 40 games during his first three seasons, averaging about 86 tackles per year during that span. In 2014, he graded as the league’s fifth-best inside linebacker, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), rating as the No. 2 ILB against the run. Wagner also (somewhat infamously) earned one vote for 2014 NFL MVP, courtesy of former NFL head coach Tony Dungy.
We heard last week that the Seahawks will try to hammer out an extension with Wagner before the 2015 season begins, so if mid-September is their deadline, the club certainly has time to work out an agreement. Of course, Seattle has a larger priority on its plate, as quarterback Russell Wilson is also eligible for a long-term deal.
West Notes: LA, Chargers, Broncos, Cardinals
With several NFL teams (including the Chargers) interested in moving to Los Angeles, Nick Canepa of the San Diego Union-Tribune looks at the concept of relocation fees, the money that a club will have to pay to the league in exchange for changing cities. Per Canepa, the owners haven’t formalized the price tag of moving just yet, but he hears that it could be anywhere from $250MM to $500MM. As Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk explains, commissioner Roger Goodell has the “discretion to adjust the transfer free based on the NFL’s interest in encouraging the move or discouraging the move,” so if the league is in favor of a team moving to LA, the fee could conceivably be (relatively) modest.
Let’s take a look at some more notes from the West divisions:
- In an in-depth piece on teams’ departures effect on cities, Jonathan Horn of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports cities that lose teams pay more to bring football back than keeping their existing franchises. Houston, which lost the Oilers after the 1996 season, topped the list in paying $519MM to spawn the Texans. St. Louis, Baltimore, Cleveland and Houston averaged just more than $225MM in costs for their respective new stadiums. So while a club like the Chargers could vacate its home city, its conceivable that San Diego fans could yearn for an NFL return in due time.
- The Broncos made it a priority to bring in players who were familiar with new head coach Gary Kubiak‘s offensive scheme, a strategy that is especially evident along the offensive line, writes Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com. Center Gino Gradkowski and guard Shelley Smith, acquired via trade and free agency respectively, each have a history with both Kubiak and offensive coordinator Rick Dennison.
- With this year’s draft less than four weeks away, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com examines who could be available to the Cardinals with the 24th pick, noting that the club could be in a position to take the best player available. Weinfuss points to Stanford tackle Andrus Peat and Kentucky edge rusher Bud Dupree as logical candidates for Arizona.
Sam Robinson contributed to this post.