PFR Originals: 7/6/14 – 7/13/14
The original content produced by the PFR staff during the past week:
- We continued our Offseason in Review series: Ben Levine looked at the Texans, David Kipke examined the Bills, Zach Links wrote up the Patriots, Dolphins, and Jets, and I evaluated the Vikings.
- As part of our Extension Candidate series, Luke Adams analyzed Ravens kicker Justin Tucker.
- In last week’s polls, Luke asked whether the Packers should prioritize Randall Cobb or Jordy Nelson when talking contract extensions, and who will win the AFC East and the NFC North; Zach wondered if Jermichael Finley will return to the Packers, or if Geno Smith will finish 2014 as the Jets’ starting QB; and Rob DiRe asked who will be the most impactful free agent signee.
- In our latest Free Agent Stock Watch report, Luke examined defensive end Jason Babin, who last played for the Jaguars.
- Luke explained the waiver process in the latest PFR Glossary entry.
AFC East Notes: Bills, ‘Fins, Pats, Jets
The Bills are coming off a disappointing 6-10 season during which rookie quarterback E.J. Manuel struggled (when he was able to remain on the field), and are now facing new ownership. Add the scrutiny placed on star players like C.J. Spiller and Mario Williams, and Buffalo is potentially facing a make-or-break season, writes Tim Graham of the Buffalo News. General manager Doug Whaley doesn’t dispute that the 2014 season is important for the Bills, but claims the team will not wilt under the pressure. “This is a results-based business,” Whaley said on draft night. “Every year we’re out to win as many games as possible and to make the playoffs. So that does not factor into what we do day-to-day, the ownership issue. Our issue is making the playoffs. That could be last year, this year, next year.”
- Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore has been largely successful when given a chance to start, but he seems to be wholeheartedly embracing the role of backup for 2014, per George Richards of the Miami Herald. “I would love it if we won every game, and I never played,” said Moore. “That means Ryan [Tannehill] is killing it. But limited time, getting in late in the year is tough. You know that’s the role of the No. 2 quarterback. That’s just the way it is.”
- Rich Cimini of ESPN.com previews the Jets’ quarterback depth chart, and notes, as PFR’s Zach Links wrote in his recent Offseason in Review, the Geno Smith/Michael Vick dynamic will be highly intriguing come training camp.
- Duron Harmon is the favorite to start at safety for the Patriots alongside Devin McCourty, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN.com in his assessment of New England’s second-year players.
Week In Review: 7/6/14 – 7/13/14
The headlines from the past week at PFR:
- Johnson hoping for a trade (link)
- Thursday roundup (link)
- Texans don’t plan to trade Johnson (link)
- Johnson unlikely to hold out (link)
Released:
- Colts – WR LaVon Brazill (link)
Suspended:
- Redskins S Tanard Jackson: indefinitely, violation of the league’s substance abuse policy (link)
- Vikings DE Spencer Nealy: four games, violation of the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs (link)
Other:
- No players selected in supplemental draft (link)
- Matt Hasselbeck wants to play beyond 2014 (link)
- Raiders developer opposed A’s stadium lease (link)
- Jermichael Finley hopes to return to the Packers (link)
- Vernon Davis may skip training camp (link)
North Links: Smith, Lions, Steelers, Bengals
Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith was arrested and charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct on Saturday night following an incident at a bar in Towson, Marlyand, reports Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. The episode doesn’t sound all that serious, and I doubt anything grave will come of it, but it’s yet another negative off-the-field occurrence for the Ravens, who have had five players arrested this offseason. Baltimore is interested in a long-term extension with Smith, but the 26-year-old had character concerns when he entered the league, so it’s fair to wonder if this event will affect contract talks. More from the the NFL’s two North divisons:
- The Lions come in at No. 21 on Pro Football Talk’s preseason power rankings; Michael David Smith points to both the offensive and defensive line as strengths, while opining that Detroit’s secondary is a major weakness.
- A three-way battle will occur for the Lions’ two open corner positions, with Jonte Green, Chris Greenwood, and Cassius Vaughn being the primary contenders for the jobs, writes Justin Rogers of MLive.com.
- The Steelers have several options at running back: Le’Veon Bell is entrenched as the starter, LeGarrette Blount is a high-quality backup, and Dri Archer adds an element of speed. Head coach Mike Tomlin tells NFL Total Access that he’ll let training camp performances decide which RBs get the most carries (link via Dan Hanzus of NFL.com).
- Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer previews the Bengals’ quarterbacks, noting that Andy Dalton, Jason Campbell, and A.J. McCarron are all secure in their roles as starter, backup, and developmental QB, respectively.
Offseason In Review: Minnesota Vikings
Notable signings:
- Everson Griffen (DE): Five years, $42.5MM. $19.8MM guaranteed.
- Linval Joseph (DT): Five years, $31.25MM. $12.5MM guaranteed.
- Matt Cassel (QB): Two years, $10.5MM. $5.65MM guaranteed. Re-signed after voiding contract.
- Captain Munnerlyn (CB): Three years, $11.75MM. $3.45MM guaranteed.
- Charlie Johnson (G): Two years, $5MM. $1.5MM guaranteed.
- Marcus Sherels (CB): Two years, $2.2MM. $500K guaranteed.
- Larry Dean (LB): Two years, $2MM. $400K guaranteed.
- Corey Wootton (DE): One year, $1.7MM. $400K guaranteed.
- Joe Berger (OL): One year, minimum salary benefit. $65K guaranteed.
- Vlad Ducasse (OL): One year, minimum salary benefit. $65K guaranteed.
- Tom Johnson (DT): One year, $845K. $50K guaranteed.
- Jasper Brinkley (LB): One year, $830K. $25K guaranteed.
- Lestar Jean (WR): One year, $635K. $10K guaranteed. Placed on injured reserve.
- Fred Evans (DT): One year, $1MM.
- Jerome Simpson (WR): One year, $1MM.
- Kurt Coleman (S): One year, $900K.
- Derek Cox (CB): One year, $780K.
- Josh Cooper (WR): One year, minimum salary.
- Allen Reisner (TE): One year, minimum salary.
Notable losses:
- Jared Allen (DE)
- Desmond Bishop (LB)
- John Carlson (TE): Released
- Chris Cook (CB)
- Josh Freeman (QB)
- Toby Gerhart (RB)
- Letroy Guion (DT): Released
- Erin Henderson (LB): Released
- Marvin Mitchell (LB)
- J’Marcus Webb (OL)
- Joe Webb (QB/WR)
- Kevin Williams (DT)
Extensions and restructures:
- Chad Greenway (OLB): Restructured contract. Reduced 2014 base salary from $6.4MM to $5.5MM, and eliminated $100K workout bonus. ’14 base salary became fully guaranteed.
- Jerome Felton (FB): Restructured contract. Reduced 2014 base salary from $1.95MM to $1.45MM in exchange for a $200K guarantee on his base salary and the right to void his 2015 season.
- Jamarca Sanford (S): Restructured contract. Reduced 2014 base salary from $2.45 to $1.7MM in exchange for a $400K guarantee on his base salary and $500K in playing-time incentives.
Trades:
- Acquired a first-round pick (No. 9) and a fifth-round pick (No. 145) from the Browns in exchange for a first-round pick (No. 8).
- Acquired a first-round pick (No. 32) from the Seahawks in exchange for a second-round pick (No. 40) and a fourth-round pick (No. 108).
- Acquired a fifth-round pick (No. 168) and a seventh-round pick (No. 225) from the Panthers in exchange for a fifth-round pick (No. 148).
- Acquired a sixth-round pick (No. 182) and a seventh-round pick (No. 220) from the Falcons in exchange for a fifth-round pick (No. 168).
Draft picks:
- Anthony Barr, LB, UCLA (1.9): Signed
- Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville (1.32): Signed
- Scott Crichton, DE, Oregon State (3.72): Signed
- Jerick McKinnon, RB, Georgia Southern (3.96): Signed
- David Yankey, G, Stanford (5.145): Signed
- Antone Exum, DB, Virginia Tech (6.182): Signed
- Kendall James, CB, Maine (6.184): Signed
- Shamar Stephen, DT, Connecticut (7.220): Signed
- Brandon Watts, OLB, Georgia Tech (7.223): Signed
- Jabari Price, CB, North Carolina (7.225): Signed
Other:
- Hired Mike Zimmer as head coach.
- Hired Norv Turner as offensive coordinator and George Edwards as defensive coordinator.
- Declined Christian Ponder‘s fifth-year option for 2015 ($9.686MM).
- Claimed Julian Posey off waivers.
- Signed 16 rookie free agents after the draft.
There isn’t a team that more perfectly speaks to the devaluation of the running back position than the Vikings. In 2012, Adrian Peterson‘s historic season, which left him only nine yards short of the single-season rushing title, barely allowed Minnesota to sneak into the playoffs. Last year, though still effective, Peterson regressed, and the team finished 5-10-1. Today’s NFL offenses struggle if forced to lean primarily on the halfback — the quarterback position is still king. The Vikings seemed to have that notion in mind as they attacked the 2014 offseason, which saw them overhaul several position groups as well as the coaching staff.
The Vikings will enter training camp with a three-pronged depth chart at quarterback, but only one player is likely to be with the team for the long-term. General manager Rick Spielman and new head coach Mike Zimmer (formerly the defensive coordinator for the Bengals) traded back into the first round of the draft to select Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater, who was widely viewed as one of the top five college players available before a lackluster Pro Day forced his stock to drop. Minnesota is hoping that the Bridgewater’s game film, which shows him to be accurate and able to maintain poise under pressure, is more foretelling than his pre-draft workouts.
Bridgewater is likely to make some starts in 2014, but it’s doubtful that he’ll be the Opening Day starter at quarterback — veteran Matt Cassel will probably have that honor. Cassel started six games for the the Vikings last season, finishing with a 3-3 record, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Re-signed to a two-year, $10MM contract, Cassel figures to act as a mentor to Bridgewater, and hold the fort until the rookie is ready. Cassel’s 2014 cap hit is $5.75MM, which isn’t absurd for a low-end starter/high-end backup; if Bridgewater proves he’s ready to start, Cassel can be released before next season for no additional charge. 2011 first-rounder Christian Ponder is still around, but his 2015 fifth-year option was declined; a trade or release before the season starts isn’t out of the question.
The rest of the offense will remain mostly the same under new coordinator Norv Turner, who will seek to work some of his “tight end magic” on fourth-year player Kyle Rudolph. Entering a contract year, Rudolph certainly hopes he can experience the success that Antonio Gates and Jordan Cameron had under Turner en route to a new deal. Along the offensive line, guard Charlie Johnson was brought back on a two-year pact worth $5MM, and fifth-round pick David Yankey will act as his backup. The Vikings did lose longtime second-string RB Toby Gerhart to the Jaguars, but they drafted Jerick McKinnon in the third round in the hopes that he, along with holdover Matt Asiata, can spell Peterson.
The defensive unit saw significantly more turnover than did the offense, and will also feature a new coordinator in George Edwards, who was the Dolphins’ linebackers coach for the past two seasons; he was last a coordinator in 2010-11 with Buffalo. Many of Minnesota’s moves to improve the defense over the past several months were informed by Zimmer’s scheme and philosophy, which favors versatility and speed over pure physicality.
No position group saw as much change as the defensive line, which witnessed the loss of stalwarts Jared Allen and Kevin Williams, who, between them, had played 17 seasons in Minnesota. Using Zimmer’s Bengals D-line as a reference, 2012 first-rounder Sharrif Floyd will play the Geno Atkins role with free agent signee Linval Joseph (five years, $31.25MM) emulating Domata Peko. 2013 No. 8 overall pick Anthony Barr will act as a hybrid LB/DE, primarily acting as an edge-rusher in sub packages. Corey Wootton was signed, Fred Evans was re-signed, and Scott Crichton was drafted to bolster the unit’s depth.
The most questionable move of the Vikings offseason might be the re-signing of defensive end Everson Griffen, who received $42.5MM ($19.8MM guaranteed) on a five-year deal; the guarantee is the fourth-highest among 4-3 defensive ends (omitting Dion Jordan‘s rookie contract). However, the 26-year-old graded as just the 20th-best 4-3 DE in the league last season per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). More confounding is that Griffen has historically played worse against the run than the pass, Zimmer’s defense is predicated on stopping the run. Griffen’s proponents might argue that this is a forward-looking contract, and that the market for talented ends simply dictated this deal. But as of now, this looks like an overpay, and an expensive one at that.
A much more reasonable contract was proffered in the secondary, where Captain Munnerlyn was added on a three-year, $11.75MM deal to replace Chris Cook. The pact, which contains only $3.45MM in guaranteed money, might prove to be one of the steals of the offseason, as PFF graded Munnerlyn as the 10-the best cornerback in the NFL last year. He’ll join 2013 first-round pick Xavier Rhodes at corner, while Harrison Smith and Jamarca Sanford will hold down safety.
The Vikings are probably still the favorites to finish last in the NFC North, and have a lot of work left to do to compete with tough division foes like the Packers and the Bears. The defense does have some interesting pieces, and Peterson can take over entire games by himself. But in what seems like a rule for every team, quarterback play will be crucial. If Cassel can succeed as a game-manager, or Bridgewater can step in and perform as well as he did at Louisville, the Vikings could make for a surprise team in 2014.
Spotrac and Over The Cap were used in the creation of this post. Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
AFC Notes: Bills, Ravens, Jaguars
We posted one batch of AFC links earlier today, but more news abounds in the American Football Conference, so let’s dive in:
- B. Thomas Golisano, the former owner of the NHL’s Sabres, had been discussing partnering with developer Scott Gongel in an effort to purchase the Bills, but those talks are now dead, a source tells Tim Graham of the Buffalo News. Golisano still plans to bid on the team alone, however, and Congel is also considering either a solo bid or finding a different partner (Twitter link).
- Defensive end Jacquies Smith could be a surpise addition to the Bills’ 53-man roster, writes ESPN.com’s Mike Rodak. Smith has yet to take an NFL snap, but he could make for a suitable backup behind Jerry Hughes, Mario Williams, and Manny Lawson.
- In his latest chat, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com opines that it’s more important for the Ravens to lock up kicker Justin Tucker than defensive lineman Haloti Ngata, reasoning that Tucker has more upside and Ngata might not be effective for much longer.
- Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union offers an intriguing profile of Tim Walsh, whose official job title is the Jaguars’ Director of Football Administration. Walsh acts as Jacksonville’s cap and contract expert, and the piece is an interesting behind-the-scenes look at a role that doesn’t get much publicity.
- Sean Mannion of Oregon State beat out Brandon Bridge of Southern Alabama in the quarterback challenge at Peyton Manning‘s passing academy, reports Chris Mortensen of ESPN (via Twitter).
AFC South Notes: Brazill, Titans, Jags, Texans
Our Offseason in Review series has hit the AFC South, and so far we’ve completed reports on three of the four teams in the division: the Colts, the Titans, and the Jaguars. An analysis of 2014’s last-place team, the Texans, will be up soon, but until then, let’s look at some notes from around the South:
- The Colts were put in a tough position following LaVon Brazill‘s suspension for drug usasge, writes Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star. Indianapolis owner Jim Irsay’s struggles with drugs and alcohol also came to light this offseason, and the team offered him its full support. Therefore, the Colts must act delicately with regards to Brazill in order to avoid double standard accusations.
- In his latest mailbag, Mike Wells of ESPN.com opines that while Trent Richardson will get the first crack at the Colts’ starting running back job, Ahmad Bradshaw could be in line for ample playing time if Richardson falters.
- The Titans have something of a logjam at running back, writes David Climer of the Tennessean, with holdover Shonn Greene, second-rounder Bishop Sankey, and free agent addition Dexter McCluster among the ball-carrying options. Undrafted free agent Antonio Andrews has also been impressive, and he knows that even if success doesn’t come in Tennessee, it could occur elsewhere. “Every day’s a job interview,” said the Western Kentucky product. “You’re not just interviewing with one team. You’re interviewing for the NFL. You never know when a coach on another team is going to say, ‘Remember that guy with the Titans and how hard he worked? We want him.’ ” ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky recently noted that Andrews has a “nice skill set.”
- Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union wonders how well second-round receivers Marqise Lee and Allen Robinson will fare for the Jaguars, and takes a look at the recent history of pass-catchers taken in the second round.
- The Texans are shaping up as one of the more interesting teams heading into next season, and Jordan Goodwin of USA Today offers a position-by-position preview of Houston’s squad.
NFC East Links: Jackson, McClain, Polk, Giants
Redskins safety Tanard Jackson, who hasn’t played in the NFL since 2011 due to multiple suspensions, is fighting for a roster spot in Washington, but he’s just happy for the opportunity to compete again, writes Ira Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune. “You can imagine somebody getting taken away from something that they love to do and having to humble themselves after doing something wrong,” said Jackson. “That was me. I had to take responsibility for it and face the consequences.’’ The Redskins have several options at safety, including the free agent signee Ryan Clark, so Jackson isn’t guaranteed a spot on the 53-man roster, but it sounds as though the 28-year-old has undergone an attitude adjustment. “Going from playing football to working in a warehouse at a nine-to-five job is a humbling experience,’’ he said. “It’s taught me to never take anything in this business for granted.’’
More from the NFC East:
- Tarik El-Bashir and Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com debate whether Pierre Garcon or DeSean Jackson will have more receiving yards for the Redskins next year; Garcon has a rapport with Robert Griffin III, but Jackson has the greater career yards per catch.
- The Cowboys acquired Rolando McClain to help fill the void left by Sean Lee‘s injury, but Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News (video link) cautions not to expect the oft-troubled linebacker to be as productive as he was with the Raiders.
- Following the Eagles’ trade of Bryce Brown, Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com believes that Chris Polk will see expanded usage at the running back position. Though Philadelphia added Darren Sproles, there could be more opportunities for inexperienced players like Polk as head coach Chip Kelly aims to reduce the carries of LeSean McCoy.
- The Giants’ offensive line is a unit in flux, writes Dan Graziano of ESPN.com, who adds that center is a position up for grabs — veteran J.D. Walton and second-round rookie Weston Richburg are the primary options.
PFR Originals: 6/29/14 – 7/6/14
The original content produced by the PFR staff during the past week:
- Our Offseason in Review series chugged along, touching on three AFC divisions: the North, the West, and the South. I scrutinized the Ravens and the Titans, David Kipke examined the Chiefs, Rory Parks looked at the Broncos and the Jaguars, Rob DiRe evaluated the Raiders, and Zach Links analyzed the Colts.
- In our polls this week, David asked about Demaryius Thomas‘ contract situation (a majority believes he will re-sign with the Broncos sometime during the next year); Luke Adams wondered who will win the AFC West (the Broncos are the heavy favorites) and the AFC South (most think the Colts will repeat as division champs); and Zach asked if the Eagles will regret releasing DeSean Jackson (about 55% of respondents say “Yes”). Thanks for voting!
- Luke introduced a new tracker listing each 2014 NFL trade.
- Luke offered an update on the remaining four unsigned draft picks.
- As part of our Extension Candidate Series, Luke profiled Broncos tight end Julius Thomas.
- Luke ranked NFL head coaches and general managers by the length of their tenure with their current team.
- Summer is the time for minor cap work, and in that vein, Luke looked at the largest 2014 cap hits by team.
Week In Review: 6/29/14 – 7/6/14
The headlines from the past week at PFR:
Major Move:
- An arbitrator ruled that Saints pass-catcher Jimmy Graham is a tight end, not a receiver; he will be assigned the TE franchise tag value of $7.035MM rather than the WR value of $12.312MM. New Orleans’ long-term contract offer to Graham still stands.
Traded:
- The Cowboys acquired LB Rolando McClain from the Ravens; full details of the trade here.
Signed:
- Dolphins – G Daryn Colledge (link)
Suspended:
- Eagles OT Lane Johnson: four games, violation of league policy on performance-enhancing substances (link)
- Dolphins DE Dion Jordan: four games, violation of league policy on performance-enhancing substances (link)
- Chiefs G Rokevious Watkins: four games, violation of league policy on substances of abuse (link)
- Colts WR LaVon Brazill: minimum of one year, violation of league policy on substances of abuse (link)
Injured:
- Bills LB Kiko Alonso: torn ACL, out for season (link)
Other:
- Browns interested in extending Brian Hoyer (link)
- Josh Gordon arrested on suspicion of driving while impaired; his hearing to appeal his one-year suspension is set for late July.