NFC North Notes: Lions, Manziel, Perry, Allen
In the wake of Shaun Hill‘s signing with the Rams, the Lions are still in the market for a backup quarterback, and the team is set to investigate all possible avenues for a solution, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. The Lions initially posited that they were in the market for a veteran to solidify the QB depth chart behind starter Matthew Stafford, but after failing to retain Hill, and missing out on another target in Luke McCown (who re-signed with the Saints), Detroit’s decision-makers may be changing their tune. “We keep looking and we could certainly address it a number of different ways, and all options are open at this time,” said new head coach Jim Caldwell.
One such route may be the draft, where the Lions could look to add a developmental quarterback in a later round. Another option would be to promote No. 3 quarterback Kellen Moore to the backup role. Moore, who has never taken an NFL snap, has reportedly “taken great strides,” according to Lions general manager Martin Mayhew. A veteran addition may still be in the works, as Birkett notes that Dan Orlovsky, a former Lion, could be of interest to the team.
Other notes from the NFC North:
- Vikings coach Mike Zimmer says “some flags” came up after a recent meeting with quarterback Johnny Manziel, according to an interview with 104.9 The Horn (via the Minneapolis Star Tribune). Zimmer cites several off-the-field worries, mostly regarding dedication and Manziel’s willingness to “eat, breath, and sleep football.” The Vikings are expected to strongly consider drafting a quarterback with the eighth overall selection in May’s draft.
- The Packers are still determining where to play third-year defender Nick Perry, writes ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky. Most of Perry’s success has come when rushing the passer from the right side; this presents a problem, however, as All-Pro Clay Matthews occupies the right outside linebacker position. Perry, like new signee Julius Peppers, could see more work in the “elephant” role, a position in defensive coordinator Dom Capers’ scheme that combines the responsibilities of a defensive lineman and a rush linebacker.
- New Bears defensive end Jared Allen says that the team’s aging players on defense will add valuable experience, and not cost the team wins, writes John Mullin of CSNChicago. While Allen notes that he is excited to play with veterans like Lance Briggs, Charles Tillman, and Tim Jennings, it is important to remember that these are the same players who contributed to the Bears’ 25th overall defensive rating by DVOA.
AFC South Notes: Locker, Draft, Nicks, Jags
The Titans are unlikely to pick up their 2015 option on quarterback Jake Locker, reports Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean. As a first-round-pick under the new CBA, Locker would be entitled to a one-year salary at the average of the top-ten highest-paid quarterbacks, which would amount to roughly $14MM. If Locker performs well this season, the Titans could look to sign him to an extension, but if not, the team needs more insurance than the recently-signed Charlie Whitehurst. Wyatt argues the team should draft Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray in the 4th-5th round of the draft, and ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky agrees, noting the team should select “one of the injured SEC guys.”
More from the AFC South:
- In the above piece, and in a similar article summarizing the Titans defensive unit, Wyatt points to running back, offensive line depth, and speed on the defensive edge as the primary needs for Tennessee in the draft.
- In his mailbag (linked above), Kuharsky agrees that a running back is needed in Tennessee, writing that the backfield plan is “draft pick + Shonn Greene + Dexter McCluster.”
- The Colts would be interested in retaining receiver Hakeem Nicks if he plays well this season, writes Mike Wells of ESPN.com. The Colts signed Nicks to one-year deal worth ~$4MM.
- Wells also thinks that the Colts will use a running-back-by-committee approach, cycling through Trent Richardson, Ahmad Bradshaw, and Vick Ballard.
- In his mailbag segment, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com notes that he believes the Jaguars will select Jadeveon Clowney if he is available. If not, he thinks their preferences are (in order) Khalil Mack and Sammy Watkins.
PFR Originals: 3/24/14 – 3/30/14
Here’s the original content produced by the PFR staff during the past week:
- The complete order of the 2014 NFL draft, which the Texans will kick off on May 8 with the first overall selection.
- A look at draft picks by team, with the Rams and the Jets leading the way with 12 picks each.
- A poll regarding the best value signing in free agency, with the Colts acquisition of receiver Hakeem Nicks taking the top spot with about 32% of the vote.
- Rory Parks wrote an excellent piece, synthesizing several recent articles and looking at the devaluation of the running back, fullback, and the in-line tight end in the modern NFL.
Week In Review: 3/24/14 – 3/30/14
The headlines from the past week at PFR:
Key Signings:
- The Steelers signed linebacker Arthur Moats to a one-year contract.
- The Lions signed safety James Ihedigbo to a two-year deal.
- The Bears signed defensive end Jared Allen to a four-year pact.
- The Rams signed quarterback Shaun Hill to a one-year deal.
- The Redskins signed linebacker Brian Orakpo on a one-year franchise tender.
- The Rams signed defensive lineman Alex Carrington to a one-year contract.
- The Vikings signed offensive lineman Vlad Ducasse to a one-year deal.
- The Titans signed edge defender Shaun Phillips to a two-year pact.
- The Eagles signed quarterback Mark Sanchez to a one-year contract.
- The Raiders signed running back Maurice Jones-Drew to a three-year deal.
- The Patriots re-signed center Ryan Wendell to a two-year pact.
- The Steelers signed running back LeGarrette Blount to a two-year contract.
- The Texans signed safety Chris Clemons to a two-year deal.
- The Dolphins signed running back Knowshon Moreno to one-year contract.
Extensions/Options:
- The Cardinals will exercise their 2015 option on cornerback Patrick Peterson.
- The Bengals signed defensive tackle Domata Peko to a two-year extension.
- The Ravens signed newly-acquired center Jeremy Zuttah to a five-year extension.
- The Patriots signed defensive tackle Vince Wilfork to an extension through 2016.
Waiver Claims:
- The Redskins claimed defensive end Brandon Moore off waivers from the Chiefs.
- The Jaguars claimed fullback Bradie Ewing off waivers from the Falcons.
Released:
- Receiver DeSean Jackson (link)
Rumors:
- Terrelle Pryor is likely to be traded or cut (link)
- DeSean Jackson rumors (link)
Other:
- Bills owner Ralph Wilson passed away at the age of 95.
View the PFR Transactions page for more news and notes.
NFC Notes: Johnson, Eagles, Sanchez, Jackson
The Falcons have no interest in Titans running back Chris Johnson, reports Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. On Friday, Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean tweeted that Atlanta would be a prime destination for Johnson, but a source tells Florio that this union will not come to fruition. It seemed dubious that the Falcons would want to invest in another aging running back to pair with veteran Steven Jackson, and the draft seems like a more viable way for Atlanta to infuse talent into their backfield. For his part, Johnson is widely expected to be released within the coming weeks.
More notes from the NFC:
- Following the release of DeSean Jackson, the Eagles are thin at wide receiver, writes Dan Graziano of ESPN.com. Besides Riley Cooper, Jeremy Maclin and Arrelious Benn are both coming off torn ACLs, and Damaris Johnson is unproven. Newly-acquired Darren Sproles, with his acumen in the passing game, could play a key role in the Eagles offense this season.
- The Eagles signing of Mark Sanchez doesn’t figure to start any type of quarterback controversy, but that doesn’t mean Sanchez has lost his competitive edge, notes Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. “I’m always going to want to start,” said the quarterback. “It doesn’t matter where you are, you want to play. There’s nothing wrong with having that drive. I’ll keep that fire going and try to help this team the best I can.” A nice preseason, followed by competency in the case of a Nick Foles injury would the best way for Sanchez to rehabilitate his value.
- Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com mentioned the 49ers as a team that could be in play for Jackson (podcast link). We noted earlier this week that the 49ers may not be able to fit him on their roster financially, but Fitzgerald argues that Anquan Boldin will likely be cut after this season, and that Jackson could be signed to contract with a low first-year base salary.
AFC East Notes: Dolphins, Wendell, Jackson
After the Dolphins’ signing of Knowshon Moreno, at least one running back is set to lose his roster spot in Miami, writes James Walker of ESPN.com. Moreno and second-year-pro Lamar Miller are guaranteed to make the squad, so that leaves a competition between Daniel Thomas, Mike Gillislee, and Marcus Thigpen for the final two RB roster spots (assuming the ‘Fins keep four backs). Thigpen offers special teams value, so the last slot will likely come down to Thomas or Gillislee. A training camp battle will determine the final outcome, but my guess would be that Thomas stays. He has the higher pedigree as a former second-round-pick, and Gillislee saw just nine snaps last season.
More from the AFC East, with notes from ESPNBoston.com’s Mike Reiss:
- Center Ryan Wendell‘s underwhelming market was due to two factors. First, Wendell was viewed as nothing more than a fallback option for teams who couldn’t land their top option. Second, Wendell’s main backer in New England was offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia, who recently retired. Wendell, who eventually re-signed with the Patriots on a two-year deal, is expected to face competition for his starting spot on the offensive line.
- Reiss does not believe the Patriots can sign DeSean Jackson due to his reported gang ties, especially after the Aaron Hernandez situation unfolded last offseason.
- The Patriots simply don’t believe in financial commitments to running backs, as evidenced last season by the loss of Danny Woodhead to the Chargers, and this offseason when they allowed LeGarrette Blount to sign with the Steelers.
- Although Vince Wilfork is viewed as a prototypical run-stuffing nose tackle, he will be a part of some sub packages. Wilfork’s ability to stay on the field is personally crucial — breaking the 70% snap threshold is one of three requirements for him to earn all $8MM of his 2014 salary.
Ravens Acquire, Extend Jeremy Zuttah
THURSDAY, 3:11pm: The new contract agreed to by Zuttah and the Ravens as part of the trade is a five-year deal, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter).
SUNDAY, 3:56pm: The Ravens will send a 2015 fifth-round pick to the Bucs, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com.
2:58pm: The team has officially announced the transaction on its website, with Ravens.com Garrett Downing writer opining that Zuttah could play either left guard or center.
2:47pm: The Ravens have acquired center Jeremy Zuttah from the Buccaneers in exchange for a 2015 mid-round draft pick, tweets Paul Schrager of FoxSports.com. Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun was the first to report the rumors of the trade. Zuttah will get a new long-term contract that will alleviate the Ravens salary cap situation, reports Wilson (via Twitter). The Bucs will save $4.5MM in both cap space and cash, tweets Brian McIntyre.
Zuttah, 26, was a third-round-pick of the Bucs in the 2008 draft. He has started 46 games over the past three seasons, but became expendable when Tampa signed fellow center Evan Dietrich-Smith. In 2013, Zuttah graded out as just the 22nd-best center in the league, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
However, that grade would be an improvement on the Ravens’ incumbent center, Gino Gradkowski, whom PFF rated as the worst center in football. Zuttah will add to a Baltimore offensive line that includes the recently re-signed Eugene Monroe and All-Pro guard Marshal Yanda.
Week In Review: 3/17/14 – 3/23/14
The headlines from the past week at PFR:
Key Signings:
- The Saints re-signed offensive lineman Zach Strief to a five-year deal.
- The Giants signed cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to a five-year contract.
- The Patriots signed receiver Brandon LaFell to a three-year pact.
- The Raiders signed receiver James Jones to a three-year contract.
- The Browns signed restricted free agent receiver Andrew Hawkins, after the Bengals declined to match an offer sheet.
- The Cowboys signed defensive tackle Henry Melton to a deal that could have a duration of up to four years.
- The Raiders signed offensive tackle Donald Penn to a two-year pact.
- The Bills re-signed tight end Scott Chandler to a two-year deal.
- The Panthers signed receiver Jerricho Cotchery to a two-year contract.
- The Cardinals signed cornerback Antonio Cromartie to a one-year deal.
- The Falcons signed return specialist Devin Hester to a three-year contract.
- The Texans signed quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to a two-year pact.
- The Steelers signed receiver Lance Moore to a two-year contract.
- The Jets signed quarterback Michael Vick to a one-year deal.
Trades:
- The Raiders acquired quarterback Matt Schaub from the Texans in exchange for a 2014 sixth-round-pick.
- The Ravens acquired center Jeremy Zuttah from the Buccaneers in exchange for a 2015 mid-round-pick.
Released:
- Receiver Earl Bennett (link)
- Quarterback Mark Sanchez (link)
Retirements:
- Cornerback Chris Carr (link)
- Quarterback Greg McElroy (link)
Other:
- Free agent offensive tackle Eric Winston was elected president of the NFL Players Association.
Extra Points: Raiders, Bears, Draft
A few links from around the league:
- The Raiders acquired several veteran players this offseason, including quarterback Matt Schaub, offensive tackle Donald Penn, and defensive linemen Justin Tuck and LaMarr Woodley, but head coach Dennis Allen is adamant that the team was primarily interested in the players’ ability, writes Scott Blair of CSNBayArea.com. “We’re not bringing in mascots or hood ornaments or whatever,” said Allen. “…A lot of people ask me about veteran leadership. Let’s not confuse things here. I want guys that can play. We’re not bringing in guys just for leadership. We went out and got guys to can still be productive and also fill a leadership role.”
- The Bears hope that Marquess Wilson will take hold of the No. 3 receiver role vacated by Earl Bennett after his release, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Head coach Marc Trestman hopes that Wilson, a 2013 seventh-round-pick, can round into form as Alshon Jeffery did last season: “I think he showed that we can work with him and develop him. He’s got the football intelligence that we’re looking for and the ability to be flexible within the offense. He was consistent.”
- At the National Football Post, former Bears general manager Jerry Angelo writes about what type of NFL systems and schemes would be fits for Johnny Manziel and Jadeveon Clowney,
- The Ravens scouted several offensive lineman at the Tennessee State pro day, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
Mike Brown On Bengals, Dalton, Green
Bengals owner Mike Brown sat down with Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer and Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com to discuss Cincinnati’s offseason priorities, including possible extensions for quarterback Andy Dalton and receiver A.J. Green. Here are a few notable quotes from Brown:
On exorbitant free agent salaries, specifically for quarterbacks:
“The player market is something that always is surprising. Why the prices are so high is hard to know for sure. You look backwards and there have been more bad deals then good deals from a clubs perspective. That doesn’t mean there haven’t been some good deals — there have. More often than not you don’t win overpaying a guy.
“With quarterbacks there is another dilemma. With a fixed cap there is a certain amount of money and no more. You allocate that on a quarterback you have less to hand out to everybody else. It can cause attrition. We are going through a difficult time right now because we are trying to work through a deal with Andy and trying to hold back enough money in the cap to do that, yet we don’t know what that is.”
On whether Dalton is the long-term answer at quarterback, and whether the Bengals will extend him:
“We are going to try to get something done but I don’t know if we are going to be able to or not. At some point we are going to have to do something more than just let everyone else leave waiting to get something done with that situation. We held back this year trying to put ourselves in a position to get him done. If it turns out it can’t be made to work we will do something elsewhere. I don’t think we plan to go another year the way we did this year.”
On a possible extension for Green:
“A.J. has one difference, you can tender him (with the transition tag — $10.176 million for WR in 2014) [Ed. note: The Bengals hold a 2015 option on Green at the value of the transition tag because he was a top ten draft pick]. That takes a big chunk of money. He’d probably get it anyway. It keeps him on the reservation, he’s not going to be leaving. He’s going to be here for not one more year but two more years. Even though we haven’t tendered him yet our intention is to do that and put ourselves in position to turn to others such as Dalton and we would like to turn to a couple more as well. We would like to get something long term but at least we know with A.J. we have two years. With some of the others we have one year.”
On head coach Marvin Lewis and the lack of playoff success:
“[M]y reaction to disappointment is not lop off people’s heads. I think we proved that we were pretty good, that we have a good, solid football team. I don’t know that starting over suddenly is the best way to take the next step. I think we have a strong base, we can build on that. One of these days we won’t fumble and they will. If that is patience, then I guess I am patient.”