Extra Points: Kaepernick, Jones, Houston, Wilcox
The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin writes that Collin Kaepernick’s new contract is not nearly as large as it seems. As our own Luke Adams thoroughly outlined earlier this week, Kaepernick is only truly guaranteed the amount of his signing bonus combined with the NFL minimum that he is set to make next season: $12.973MM-a figure well short of the recent guaranteed money recently given to Aaron Rodgers ($54MM), Matt Ryan ($42MM), and Tony Romo ($40MM) . Over the next three seasons total, Kaepernick will essentially be guaranteed $44MM, a figure that falls short of future three-year earnings of both Joe Flacco ($62MM) and Jay Cutler ($47MM). Kaepernick will need to earn the vast majority of the quoted $126MM total value of the contract on the gridiron. Here are some other news bits from around the league:
- Former Alabama star lineman Barrett Jones is ready to compete to become the primary interior swingman for the Rams after losing most of his rookie season to injury, writes Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com. Jones will figure to become the Rams‘ long-term starter at center.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times thinks that arrival of Jared Allen bodes very well for fellow recent Bears‘ free agent acquisition Lamarr Houston.
- Brandon George from the Sports Day DFW projects that expectations will be high for second year safety J.J. Wilcox, who George has penciled in to start for the Cowboys alongside Barry Church heading into the 2014-2015 Season.
- Eagles‘ nose tackle Bennie Logan added 10 additional pounds to his frame this offseason, bringing his playing weight to 317-319 pounds, writes Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer. While Logan is still lighter than the average NFL nose tackle’s average weight, he thinks that his size is ideal for the Eagles’ particular defensive schemes.
Is It Time For Another NFL Developmental League?
It has been 7 years since the NFL last dabbled with a developmental league. The 6-team NFL Europa, which began in 1991 as the 10-team World League of American Football, was boarded up in June 2007 after “having hemorrhaged red ink for a 15th straight year,” as ESPN’s Len Pasquarelli aptly described. The league, which had been intended to serve as a farm system of legitimate development for NFL prospects who would have otherwise not had an opportunity to play consistently, had in practice become a loophole that allowed teams to stash players overseas. In fact, NFL Europa’s level of play had sank so low by 2007 that the league’s consensus best player, JT O’Sullivan, found himself in a competition for the Bears’ third string quarterback job after the Europa season ended. Ultimately, the league that was producing neither on-field nor off-field field returns had its plug pulled because its negative cash flow was simply too significant for the notoriously business-savvy NFL owners to ignore.
Roger Goodell swiftly ended the slowly-bleeding-out NFL Europa during his first year of becoming the ninth NFL Commissioner. Why would he want to expend significant time and resources to start a new one?
Troy Vincent, the NFL’s new head of football operations, cited several meaningful benefits that would come with a new developmental league- further training for coaches and officials as well as a laboratory for testing rules to name a few. Additionally, it is undeniable that NFL Europa did manage to develop a few highly impactful NFL talents-most notably quarterbacks Kurt Warner and Jake Delhomme, both of whom started in Super Bowls.
Perhaps most tangibly, a developmental league would provide the NFL with a much larger formal feeder system. Due to significant restrictions to offseason workout and conditioning programs, along with the decision to push the Draft into May, young NFL players have received considerably less formal instruction than has been the norm for decades. With the ongoing NCAA student-athlete unionization process in flux, the collegiate ranks appear to be diminishing as a legitimate feeder league to the NFL. This is due to the tremendously altered post-high school athletics landscape that unionized NCAA athletes would create. As the Washington Post’s Donald Yee described, high school players would likely end up choosing between taking a college stipend or signing on with an NFL developmental body until they become eligible for the NFL Draft.
So times have changed since 2007 and the NFL now has a genuine need for a developmental league, but what would that league look like?
Yee playfully surmises that there might be competing NFL D-leagues, with one perhaps being patronized by sports-inclined billionaires like Larry Ellison and Mark Cuban and another being more formally tied to the NFL. A more realistic future, however, is far less exciting. Vincent stated that the league could manifest itself through several different platforms, such as perhaps a spring league or an NFL Academy. Former NFL GM Phil Savage envisions a regional league that is designed primarily to meet the league’s developmental needs, as opposed to a consumer-facing league that is more geared toward showcasing the NFL’s developing talent. Whatever the course of action that the NFL pursues, the discussion surrounding another developmental league only figures to increase in the coming years.
What do you think? Is it high time for a new NFL developmental league? Or would another D-league flop similarly to NFL Europa?
Seven Teams Holding Mandatory Minicamps This Week
According to Mike Wilkening of Pro Football Talk, the Cardinals, Bengals, Browns, Broncos, Lions, Saints, and Buccaneers will hold their mandatory minicamps this week.
These mandatory minicamps are heavily regulated by the NFL’s CBA. Per the CBA, players undergo physical exams on Monday. The teams may then hold a mandatory veteran minicamp with three days of practice on Tuesday through Thursday. Although pads and contact drills are prohibited for these mini camps, players can wear helmets. Players may be on the field for a total of no more than 3.5 hours per day. No organized team activities, which include medical treatment and taping, may begin prior to 7:00am local time or end after 8:30pm local times, with one hour provided for both lunch and dinner.
Mandatory minicamps are not to be confused with voluntary minicamps, which are allowed to occur prior to the draft only in the event that a team has hired a new head coach that offseason.
The 49ers’ Offensive Line Situation
The reigning NFC runners-up have developed an elite offensive line over the past few years, as evidenced by the remarkably consistent success of Frank Gore, as well as the fact that the unit allowed the fourth fewest quarterback pressures in 2013. It’s worth considering how the unit will look heading forward into 2014 and beyond.
The 49ers finished 2013 with nine offensive lineman on their active roster. Although San Francisco chose not to re-sign returning starting center Jonathan Goodwin, the team added USC center Marcus Martin via the draft. While the rookie will likely provide quality depth at both center and guard, three-year veteran Daniel Kilgore figures to slide into Goodwin’s vacated starting role. In fact, Kilgore’s February three-year extension, which was covered by our own Luke Adams, would suggest that the 49ers perhaps have similar intentions to groom Martin for multiple seasons before bumping him up to a starting role when Kilgore’s contract expires.
Former first-rounder Jonathan Martin was another significant offseason acquisition for the 49ers, when the team sent the Dolphins a 2015 seventh-round draft pick for him. Although Martin does not figure to start away with elite tackles Joe Staley and Anthony Davis already on the roster, the Stanford product immediately becomes one of the league’s best backup tackles.
One interesting subplot to watch after next season will be the 49ers’ treatment of former All-Pro left guard Mike Iupati, who will become a free agent next March after establishing himself as one of the predominant guards in the NFL. Should the 49ers decide to cut ties with Iupati, one could reasonably expect Marcus Martin, Kilgore, or 2014 draft pick Brandon Thomas to fill his vacated spot. Meanwhile, Jonathan Martin has no experience at guard, but suggested he has heard that making a transition toward the interior of the line is easier than moving from guard to tackle. So while the team may lose an elite lineman next offseason, they have four high-upside, talented replacements waiting in the wings — or in Kilgore’s case, about six inches to Iupati’s right on Sundays.
It is undeniable that the 49ers have learned how to cultivate homegrown superstar lineman, a reality exemplified chiefly by perennial All-Pros Staley and Iupati. As good as the last few years have been on the San Francisco offensive line, the future looks just as bright.
Extra Points: Mathieu, Strozier, Ravens
Cardinals GM Steve Keim says that he has not ruled out a Week 1 return for injured defensive back Tyrann Mathieu, according to Brent Sobleski of USA Today. After having an impactful start to his rookie campaign last season, Mathieu tore both his ACL and LCL in his left knee in a Week 14 matchup against the Rams. Lets look at a few other news bits from around the league:
- In a mailbag post, John Clayton of ESPN wrote that rookie wide receivers were impressive around the league during rookie mini-camps. He noted that Sammy Watkins of the Bills and John Brown of the Cardinals shined particularly brightly.
- The Ravens gave UDFA Jerry Rice Jr. good feedback following his workout with the team, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). Although the UNLV product was not offered a deal, he is on the Ravens’ emergency list should they look further for additional receiving options.
- The Ravens also are impressed with former North Carolina tackle James Hurst. Matt Zenitz of the Carroll County Times, points out that Hurst, who plays left tackle, would join the likes of Justin Tucker and Priest Holmes if he were to catch on as a major contributor with the Ravens as an UDFA.
- Former BYU standout receiver Cody Hoffman is hoping to catch on with the Redskins, according to Tarik El-Bashir of CSNWashington.
Poll: Most Interesting Rookie Storyline?
The 2014 NFL draft was surely never short of intrigue. The draft featured defensive Jadeveon Clowney, described by Todd McShay as “the most physically talented defensive lineman I’ve ever evaluated.” It saw Johnny Manziel, the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy, fall to the Browns at the 22nd overall pick — the same exact pick that they used to take eventual bust Brady Quinn out of Notre Dame in the 2007 draft. Brandin Cooks, the 2013 Biletnikoff Award winner for college football’s best wide receiver, was drafted by Saints. Many speculate that the explosive Cooks could mesh very quickly with the Saints’ signature offensive air attack.
Additionally, Teddy Bridgewater, considered a year ago to be a near-lock to go at the very top of the first round, slipped to the Vikings, who traded up for the 32nd overall pick to select the Louisville product. To top it all off, on the draft’s third and final day, Michael Sam, the first openly gay man ever to enter the NFL draft, was selected by the Rams 249th overall in the seventh round.
With the draft over, the eyes of the NFL shift to September and the upcoming season. Which of these rookie storylines do you find most compelling as we approach the 2014 season? If you think another rookie storyline will be even more compelling next season, please share and discuss below!
Pete Carroll Discusses Seahawks’ Rookies
Head coach Pete Carroll was very impressed with the incoming Seahawks’ rookie class after the team’s three-day mini-camp. According to Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times, Carroll spoke highly of both the draft picks and UDFA players that participated in the camp. Carroll spoke about several rookies in particular, so let’s check in on the highlights:
- Carroll envisions fourth-round draft pick Cassius Marsh perhaps eventually stepping into a role similar to the one currently being performed by the recently re-signed Michael Bennett.
- Justin Britt will compete immediately with Michael Bowie to become the team’s swingman on the offensive line.
- Second-rounder Paul Richardson, a wide receiver out of Colorado, suffered from a sore shoulder in Friday’s practice, but that the injury was only day-to-day.
- Carroll also loved what he saw from fullback Kiero Small, a seventh-round pick from Arkansas. He said that the back had a “really good accelerator,” and that “he can catch the ball really well.”
The Browns’ Quarterback Draft Options
Every few years, a franchise finds its fate tied almost entirely to a single draft. In 1999, the Saints traded their entire draft for the rights to select Ricky Williams fifth overall. Ten years later, the Jets parted with their first and second round selections along with three players to bring in Mark Sanchez. And just two years ago, the Redskins traded three first round picks and one second round pick for the second overall pick that they used on Robert Griffin III.
With the 2015 NFL Draft looming, rookie GM Ray Farmer is at the helm of a Browns franchise that will likely be defined for years to come by this May’s draft. The team has lacked a consistent, solid quarterback since it returned to the NFL in 1999, and the rebuilding Browns hold two first-round picks and ten total selections — a plot so enticing that it loosely inspired a major film. To further dramatize the situation, the Browns have been so hush-hush about their approach to selecting a quarterback that, as ESPN’s Pat McManamon puts it, “not even the National Security Agency has been able to determine the Browns’ plans with the most important position with the team.”
It is helpful to consider the ‘first pick’ and ‘later pick’ quarterback considerations. I believe, because Mike Pettine has said he does not need a top five quarterback to win a Super Bowl and is a former defensive coordinator, that the Browns will not feel compelled to draft a quarterback with their first pick, and will instead either go with Auburn tackle Greg Robinson, Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins, or Buffalo pass rushing linebacker Khalil Mack at fourth overall. Furthermore, the Browns have been privately holding workouts with every single top quarterback prospect, which suggests that they have several contingency plans in place for different draft scenarios surrounding the 26th overall pick.
First Pick Options
- Johnny Manziel: If the Browns are going to take a quarterback with their first pick, I have to believe that they would make the boom-or-bust selection with Manziel. Although many bright NFL minds doubt his durability, Manziel will undoubtedly spark the franchise and thrust it into the NFL limelight, for better or for worse — it’s worth noting that, when their voice has been heard, many Cleveland fans would love any excitement. When new head coach Pettine discusses how he wants to find a quarterback with the “it factor,” it is difficult to imagine that he could be referring to anyone other than Manziel.
- Blake Bortles: Many agree that Bortles, if available, would be the safer pick given his durability, not to mention how his elite ability to throw the ball downfield would match up with Browns’ All-Pro receiver Josh Gordon. However, several experts speculate that Bortles will have already come off the board before the fourth overall pick.
- Teddy Bridgewater: Bridgewater is scheduled to visit the Browns over the next 48 hours. However, despite the fact that many suggest that the Louisville product has the best intangibles and decision-making skills of any quarterback in the draft, most reports have suggested that the team is much more intrigued by the likes of Manziel and Bortles.
Later Pick Options
- Derek Carr: I think if Farmer could design his own 2015 NFL Draft, he would take Watkins at fourth overall (I don’t think the Browns’ signing of Nate Burleson precludes them from taking a receiver this high) and hope that Carr of Fresno State could be had at 26th overall. According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Northeast Ohio Media Group, from everything she can gather, the Browns really like Carr.
- Aaron Murray: Just five months removed from an ACL repair, Murray is quickly becoming a dark horse candidate for several teams, including the Browns, in the later rounds.
- A.J. McCarron: The Browns are also planning on hosting McCarron. That the Browns are looking so closely at quarterbacks like McCarron could suggest that they plan on selecting a quarterback far deeper into the draft than the fourth overall pick.
- The Rest: Jimmy Garoppolo (Eastern Illinois), Tom Savage (Pittsburgh), Keith Wenning (Ball State)
The Trade Scenario
- Because the Browns have so many picks, it is very conceivable that they might want to trade for a quarterback. Many have considered the Redskins to be a potential trade partner, given Kirk Cousins’ availability and ability to start right away.
So, what do you think? Will the Browns take a quarterback fourth overall? 26th overall? In later rounds? Post your thoughts in the comment section below.
Panthers To Host Avant, DeCoud
The Panthers are scheduled to host wide receiver Jason Avant and free safety Thomas DeCoud in Charlotte tomorrow, according to Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer.
The team’s receivers have been subjected to the most significant upheaval of any position group in the NFL over the past few weeks with the departures of Steve Smith (to the Ravens), Brandon LaFell (to the Patriots), Ted Ginn Jr. (to the Cardinals), and Domenik Hixon (to the Bears). Although last week’s additions of Jerricho Cotchery and Tiquan Underwood will provide depth for the new-look Panthers’ receiving corps, Avant would be likely be a much more highly utilized target should he choose to sign with Carolina. Although he was only marginally effective in 2013, Avant, who played his first eight seasons for the Eagles, enjoyed the best three seasons of his career from 2010-2012, averaging over 50 receptions per year.
DeCoud’s visit raises significant questions regarding the status of former starting free safety Charles Godfrey. Godfrey, whose $7.1MM 2014 cap figure makes him the fifth-highest paid player on the Panthers’ roster, was thought to be a candidate for a contract restructure after missing the final 14 games of the last season with a torn achilles. While DeCoud started for the Falcons for the last five years and is a former Pro Bowler, he had by far the worst season of his career in 2013- registering just 44 tackles and failing to intercept a pass for the first time since becoming a starter.
Burleson, Browns Agree On One-Year Deal
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Via Twitter), Nate Burleson and the Browns have reached an agreement on a one-year deal. There are no details yet regarding the value of the contract. Burleson had also shown interest in the Dolphins and visited Miami a few days ago.
The Browns are widely considered to be in the market to add a wide receiver to spell their breakout First Team All-Pro, Josh Gordon. Many thought the team, which had an incredibly eventful offseason both in the front office with the addition of GM Ray Farmer and on the field with several key players, would perhaps address this concern with Clemson standout wide receiver Sammy Watkins with the fourth overall pick in the 2014 Draft. The signing of Burleson could show that Farmer might look instead to either a quarterback, one of Johnny Manziel, Blake Bortles, Teddy Bridgewater, or Derek Carr, or Auburn tackle Greg Robinson with their first round selection.
Although Burleson has only played in 17 total games over the past two seasons, the Nevada product has proven to be a reliable target over his 12-year career, particularly as a second option. In fact, Burleson’s most successful campaign was in 2004 when he caught 68 passes for 1006 yards while playing alongside Randy Moss. This is intriguing because Gordon was drawing strong comparisons to Moss before he even entered the NFL, evidenced by NFL an executive telling ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Gordon possessed “Randy Moss-like talents.” Burleson further added to his résumé as a second fiddle wide receiver in Detroit over the past four years, playing with perennial All-Pro Calvin Johnson during his emergence as a generational receiving talent. While Burleson’s recent injury troubles mean he likely will not be lined up opposite of Gordon as a true number two option on most plays, he can likely help take defensive pressure off of the young star.
As Brian Hoyer and Alex Tanney are currently the Browns’ only rostered quarterbacks, it largely remains to be seen who will be throwing passes to Gordon and Burleson in 2014. However, this addition certainly seems to dampen the probability of the Browns selecting Watkins with the fourth overall pick.