Seahawks, Wagner Working Toward Extension
The Seahawks and Bobby Wagner are making progress in negotiations on a new contract for the linebacker, according to Rand Getlin of the NFL Network, who reports (via Twitter) that there’s optimism a deal could get done before the start of training camp. In a second tweet, Getlin classifies discussions between the Seahawks and Wagner as “very active,” with both sides working to ensure that the Pro Bowler remains in Seattle for the long term.
Despite missing five games in 2014 with turf toe, Wagner racked up an impressive 135 regular season tackles and was named an All-Pro linebacker, in addition to earning that Pro Bowl nod. Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranked Wagner fifth out of 60 qualified inside linebackers, grading him as an above-average contributor in pass coverage, as a pass rusher, and especially against the run.
While Wagner isn’t the Seahawks’ most notable extension candidate this offseason – that honor belongs to Russell Wilson, with left tackle Russell Okung also in the mix – he may be easier to lock up than some of his teammates. Wilson appears to be seeking a contract that will make him one of the league’s highest-paid players, if not the highest-paid. As for Okung, he’s representing himself without an agent, and may want to wait until after the season to focus on negotiations.
The Seahawks’ secondary has received much of the praise for the defense’s impressive performance in recent years, and players like Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor, and Earl Thomas have already been extended. However, the club’s front seven has been very effective as well. With Wagner and Bruce Irvin both eligible for free agency after the season, and Michael Bennett said to be unhappy with his contract situation, the Seahawks will have some work to do on that side of the ball before the 2016 offseason, and locking up Wagner would be a good start.
A report in April suggested that Wagner figures to command more than $8MM per year on his next deal. Extending him now would also leave the franchise tag available to be used by the Seahawks on Okung, Irvin, or – most likely – Wilson in 2016.
North Notes: Peterson, Bengals, Tucker
In the wake of Adrian Peterson‘s new deal with the Vikings yesterday, Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports took an in-depth look at Peterson’s offseason. According to Robinson, before the Vikings running back rejoined the team and got his new contract, he thought at length about a trade, retirement, and even the possibility of returning to his sprinting roots and making a run at the 2016 Olympics. That last idea may have been more of a dream than a plausible alternative, but it’s a moot point now, as Peterson ultimately decided to return to the Vikings for at least the 2015 season.
Of course, Vikings general manager Rick Spielman ensured that returning to Minnesota was the most viable solution for Peterson, with sources telling Robinson that Spielman “never wavered” on his stance to hang on to the former MVP. While Spielman’s position may have been a result of a lack of legit trade offers for Peterson, Robinson says that some inside the franchise believe that even a massive offer wouldn’t have made the GM change his mind.
Let’s check in on a few more items from out of the NFL’s two North divisions….
- Paul Dehner Jr. of The Cincinnati Enquirer (on Twitter) feels that the Bengals failed to address their tight end depth this offseason. While Tyler Kroft could be capable of producing in 2015, it’s hard to count on a rookie to contribute right out of the gate. The lack of depth for the Bengals puts added pressure of Tyler Eifert to give the Bengals a full, healthy season, something he hasn’t been able to do so far, Dehner tweets.
- Now that Stephen Gostkowski has received a long-term deal from the Patriots, it should just be a matter of time before the Ravens and Justin Tucker work out a similar deal, writes Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll happen soon though, as Hensley observes, noting that the franchise tag is a possibility for the Baltimore kicker in 2016, if he has yet to sign an extension by March.
- The Packers opened up their own books this week and that info revealed that NFL teams each received $226.4MM from the NFL as part of revenue sharing from the 2014 fiscal year, Darren Rovell of ESPN.com writes. The total surpassed $7.2 billion and comes mostly from the league’s television deals.
- Earlier today, we continued our Offseason in Review series with an examination of the Bears‘ moves over the last few months.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Community Tailgate: Who Will Win AFC South?
We’re still several weeks away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. Earlier this summer, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on 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.
As the 2015 season inches closer, we’re examining each NFL division, asking you which team you expect to finish atop the East, North, South, and West. Having already taken a closer look at the East and North divisions, along with the NFC South, we’re shifting our focus to the AFC South, perhaps the league’s most lopsided division.
According to betting site Bovada.lv, no NFL team is more likely to win its division than the Colts, who are even heavier favorites in the AFC South than the Packers, Seahawks, or Patriots are in their respective divisions. That’s not a surprise. After all, the Colts have won the division by multiple games in each of the last two seasons, averaging 11 wins per year while their division rivals average just 4.5 wins.
There’s not much reason to expect the Colts to fall off in 2015 either, with Andrew Luck continuing to improve, and veterans like Frank Gore and Andre Johnson now at his disposal, along with first-round receiver Phillip Dorsett. There are still some questions on the defensive side of the ball in Indianapolis, but as long as Luck stays healthy, those defensive shortcomings may not be a factor until the postseason.
While the Colts aren’t necessarily one of the league’s most dominant teams, the lack of competition in the AFC South contributes to Indianapolis’ strong odds to win the division. The Titans and Jaguars finished 2-14 and 3-13 respectively a year ago, and while they may not be quite that dismal again this year, it’s hard to imagine either team making a playoff push, even with some encouraging free agent additions in Jacksonville, and new quarterback Marcus Mariota in Tennessee.
That leaves the Texans as the team most likely to challenge the Colts for the AFC South crown, as they did a year ago, finishing 9-7. J.J. Watt has a greater impact on a given game than any other defender in the league, and a healthy Jadeveon Clowney would make that Houston D even more dangerous. But there’s still no clear-cut solution at the quarterback position, where Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett will battle for the No. 1 job. Additionally, with Johnson in Indianapolis, Arian Foster and DeAndre Hopkins will be asked to carry a significant load on offense, and the unit could be in real trouble if either player gets hurt.
What do you think? Will the Texans knock the Colts out of the top spot? Will the Jaguars or Texans make a surprise run for the division? Or will the Colts cruise to another division title? Who do you expect to win the AFC South? Weigh in below in the comment section with your thoughts!
Cardinals Have Interest In Chris Cooley
Having lost tight ends John Carlson and Rob Housler during the offseason, the Cardinals are in the market for a veteran replacement at the position, and the team appears willing to consider a player who hasn’t appeared in an NFL game since the 2012 season. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, the Cards have spoken to Chris Cooley, and have expressed interest in signing him.
As we learned yesterday, Cooley is contemplating making an NFL comeback after nearly three years away from the game. In nine seasons with Washington from 2004 to 2012, Cooley hauled in a total of 429 receptions – the all-time high for any tight end in franchise history – 4,711 receiving yards, and 33 touchdowns. The former third-round pick made his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2007, catching 66 balls for 786 yards and eight touchdowns, and followed that up in 2008 with another Pro Bowl appearance thanks to his 83 catches and 849 yards.
When he suggested he may try to catch on with an NFL team this year, Cooley stated that he “could be anybody’s third tight end,” though it sounds like the Cardinals may be looking for a player capable of moving even higher on the depth chart. With Carlson and Housler no longer in the mix, Troy Niklas, Darren Fells, and Ted Bolser are among the players poised to head into training camp vying for playing time for Arizona.
In addition to having expressed interest in Cooley, the Cardinals also recently hosted former Bengal Jermaine Gresham for a visit. Gresham is coming off back surgery, so it’s not clear if Arizona’s interest in Cooley indicates that the Cards weren’t comfortable with Gresham’s physical, or if they’re simply considering all their options at the position.
Cardinals veterans are scheduled to report to camp on July 31, so I’d expect the club to address its tight end spot at some point before then.
Justin Hunter Updates: Tuesday
Having allegedly been involved in a bar fight over the Fourth of July weekend earlier this month, Titans wide receiver Justin Hunter was arrested in Virginia on reported allegations of “malicious intent.” The Titans issued a brief statement yesterday, indicating that the team was aware of the situation and was still in fact-gathering mode.
While Tennessee continues to gather facts, more details of Hunter’s situation are emerging. We’ll round up Tuesday’s updates in this space, with any additional news added to the top of the page throughout the day:
- The Titans will let the legal process play out, Ed Werder of ESPN.com tweets. Hunter can be expected to take part when training camp opens despite his arrest for felony assault, Werder’s source indicates.
- Hunter’s attorneys have released a statement (via Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com on Twitter): “Justin has been released on $25k bond with normal and reasonable conditions. Based upon all the factors that the court must consider, including prior history and character, strength of the case, and risk of flight, the judge recognized that bond was appropriate. We look forward to vigorously defending the allegations.”
- After appearing in court today, Hunter was released on a $25K bond and was placed under a curfew, writes Brock Vergakis of The Associated Press. Per Vergakis, Hunter was charged with malicious wounding.
- During today’s arraignment, prosecutors said that Hunter started a fight on July 3 by punching a man in the face twice, writes Vergakis. According to prosecutors, after the bar was cleared, Hunter punched the man again while he was bent over spitting out blood on the sidewalk. The man allegedly had a broken jaw as a result of the assault.
Earlier updates:
- The victim in the fight that led to Hunter’s arrest was admitted to the hospital with apparent broken bones, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link), who cites Virginia police. Rapoport adds in a second tweet that Hunter’s “weapon” was his fists.
- The victim that pressed charges against Hunter sustained “serious, but not life-threatening” injuries during the brawl inside the Sandbar Raw Bar on July 3, a Virginia Beach police officer tells Terry McCormick of 247Sports.com.
- Having turned himself in on Monday, Hunter was booked and held overnight without bond, though bond will likely be set in the case today, writes McCormick. The wideout is scheduled to appear this afternoon in a Virginia courtroom for arraignment on a felonious assault charge.
- During today’s court appearance, Hunter’s next court date will also be set — that date should be about six weeks from now, says McCormick.
Wayne Hunter To Retire
4:44pm: Hunter has decided to retire following his release, Mike Rodak of ESPN.com (on Twitter) hears. Rodak (link) adds that the Bills’ decision to release Hunter was his own decision since he didn’t feel like his body was good enough to play again. The Bills, he says, could pursue more offensive line depth between now and the start of camp.
3:51pm: Despite an effort to return to action in the NFL for the first time since 2012, veteran offensive lineman Wayne Hunter saw his time in Buffalo cut short after just three weeks. According to Brian McIntyre (via Twitter), the Bills have released Hunter, less than a month after signing him.
Hunter, who started all 16 games at right tackle for the Jets in 2011, was widely criticized by fans during his time in New York. In his final year in green, Hunter graded out as one of the very worst tackles in the NFL, according to the advanced metrics at Pro Football Focus (subscription required). Hunter finished with an overall grade of -24.6, ranking him 71st out of 76 qualified players at the position.
In August of 2012, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer convinced the Rams to send Jason Smith to the Jets in order to bring Hunter to St. Louis. Hunter fared slightly better in his 14 games (4 starts) with the Rams, but still graded out with a below average mark, according to PFF.
Given the somewhat unsettled situation on the Bills’ offensive line, Hunter’s former head coach, Rex Ryan, wanted to take a look at his old tackle. However, the audition didn’t last long — Hunter, who turned 34 earlier this month, will return to the free agent list immediately since he’s not subject to waivers.
Chiefs Waive Justin Cox
A day after he was arrested in Mississippi, defensive back Justin Cox has been waived by the Chiefs, the team confirmed this afternoon (via Twitter). Cox will become an unrestricted free agent if he clears waivers tomorrow.
Cox, who played his college ball at Mississippi State, was suspended indefinitely by the team after being arrested last November. He wasn’t selected in the draft, but quickly found an NFL home in May, signing with Kansas City and receiving a $10K signing bonus.
However, following his Monday arrest, the Chiefs decided to part ways with Cox. The Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to Michael Bonner of The Clarion-Ledger that Cox was charged with aggravated domestic violence, burglary of a residence, and trespassing on Monday, nearly identical charges to the ones he faced last year.
Goodell: No Timeline For Brady Decision
It has been nearly a month since Tom Brady‘s appeal hearing concluded, and the quarterback’s camp reportedly expects Roger Goodell to announce a decision this week. However, the commissioner himself, who served as the arbitrator for Brady’s appeal, tells Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that there’s no strict timeline for a ruling.
“We are focused on it,” Goodell said. “We are obviously being very thorough and want to make sure we consider all aspects of his appeal. We will make a decision as quickly as possible.”
As we continue to wait for a formal announcement from Goodell, here a couple more items related to Brady’s appeal and DeflateGate:
- While it hasn’t been viewed as a probable outcome, a negotiated settlement remains a possibility for Brady, in theory, writes Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Of course, any compromise would likely fall somewhere in between the maximum punishment and a full exoneration, and Brady continues to seek the latter.
- Appearing on FOX Sports Radio, Saints head coach Sean Payton was asked about similarities between the Patriots’ DeflateGate situation and his own team’s bounty-related saga. As Evan Woodbery of The Times-Picayune writes, Payton pointed out that he was in a much different situation than Brady, since he didn’t have the NFL Players Association to back him.
Vikings, Adrian Peterson Restructure Contract
1:09pm: According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Peterson’s new deal includes $20MM in guaranteed money, though some of that money is guaranteed for injury only. While Florio doesn’t have the official details yet, he speculates that Peterson’s 2015 salary (approximately $13MM) is likely fully guaranteed, while a portion of his 2016 salary is guaranteed for injury, and will later become fully guaranteed.
12:07pm: As expected, the restructured deal will give Peterson additional guaranteed money in 2015 and 2016, tweets Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports. According to Robinson, Peterson’s 2017 salary will still be non-guaranteed, though if the new contract features a signing bonus, that would mean adding some dead money to the team’s books for ’17.
11:57am: The Vikings and running back Adrian Peterson have mutually agreed to restructure the final three years of Peterson’s contract, the team announced today in a press release. The terms of the agreement weren’t released by the club, but the move – which GM Rick Spielman calls “a win” for both the team and the player – likely ensures that Peterson will get some guaranteed money this year and next year.
“I appreciate the Vikings for working together on this restructured contract, which provides additional security for me but also allows opportunities for me to further prove my value to the team and within the NFL,” Peterson said in a statement. “It was important for me to continue my career in Minnesota, and I cannot wait to get on the field in front of Vikings fans again.”
The relationship between Peterson and the Vikings was strained earlier this offseason, with multiple reports suggesting that the running back and his agent Ben Dogra were angling for a trade after Peterson was reinstated from his suspension. However, Minnesota’s brass repeatedly stated that the team was not considering such a move, and after the draft came and went without a deal, Dogra and his client appeared to shift their focus to securing additional guaranteed money. In late May, Peterson ranted on Twitter about the lack of guaranteed contracts in the NFL.
Although Peterson had been scheduled to earn base salaries of $12.75MM, $14.75MM, and $16.75MM from 2015 to 2017, none of those figures were fully or even partially guaranteed. Additionally, the 30-year-old’s deal didn’t feature any dead money on the Vikings’ cap beyond this season, which would have made it easy for the team to move on from him if his production had fallen off.
Peterson, of course, missed nearly all of the 2014 season after being indicted in a child injury case. The Vikings running back spent most of the year on paid leave on the commissioner’s exempt list before being suspended for the final six games of the regular season once his legal case was resolved. Peterson reportedly felt that the team didn’t sufficiently support him during his absence, which led to the acrimonious relationship between the two sides this spring.
Ultimately, Peterson and the Vikings appeared to mend fences to some extent when the former MVP reported to OTAs without a new deal in place. Now that his contract has been reworked, I imagine Peterson will be even happier with his situation when he reports to training camp in the coming days.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
North Rumors: Packers, Pitta, Browns
Packers president Mark Murphy wasn’t thrilled to see his a handful of his players at the center of off-field incidents this offseason, with Datone Jones having been suspended for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, while Letroy Guion and Andrew Quarless were each arrested and could be suspended as well. However, the team still doesn’t have any plans to release any of those players to send a message, as Murphy tells Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
“While we’re disappointed in all the situations, we have to let the process play out and see exactly what happens in each situation,” Murphy said.
As we wait to see how Quarless’ legal situation plays out, and whether or not Guion receives discipline from the NFL, here are a few more items from around the league’s two North divisions:
- Although Dennis Pitta has made “significant progress” in his recovery from a fractured and dislocated right hip, his NFL future is still up in the air. According to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, the Ravens tight end will likely begin the 2015 regular season on the physically unable to perform list, which would sideline him for at least the first six weeks. Pitta, who will earn a guaranteed $4MM base salary this year whether or not he plays, has yet to be medically cleared to practice.
- In his latest piece for ESPNCleveland.com, Tony Grossi highlights the departure of former Browns director of player engagement Jamil Northcutt, suggesting that the so-called mutual parting reflects a “seeping rift” between head coach Mike Pettine and GM Ray Farmer. Sources have told Grossi that Northcutt was a recipient of Farmer’s illegal in-game texts that earned the GM a four-game suspension, though another source says that’s not accurate.
- The Vikings don’t have interest in free agent guard Evan Mathis, according to Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News, who tweets that the team wants to see what it has in its young players. Minnesota could consider revisiting Mathis later if the club’s guard play is an issue.
- U.S. Magistrate Judge Janie Mayeron has ordered the NFL and the Players Association into settlement negotiations in their battle over Vikings running back Adrian Peterson‘s suspension, writes Dave Campbell of The Associated Press. The legal fight stems from the NFLPA claiming that the league “deliberately ignored” Judge David Doty’s ruling when Doty sided with the union in rejecting arbitrator Harold Henderson’s decision to uphold Peterson’s suspension.