Giants Optimistic About Extending Manning
With training camps fast approaching, it’s extension season in the NFL, and one notable extension-eligible player heading into a contract year is Giants quarterback Eli Manning. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (video link), the Giants would like to get something done with Manning before training camp begins, or early in camp.
As Rapoport reports, the Giants are confident about locking up Manning to a new contract at some point before he becomes eligible for free agency in 2016, and they “think and hope” it will happen this year. Rapoport also observes that a deal would make sense for both sides, giving the veteran quarterback some security beyond this season, and allowing the team to create a little cap flexibility.
Manning, 34, started off slowly in 2014 under new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo, but eventually hit his stride, throwing for 4,410 yards and 30 touchdowns on the year. Those totals fell just short of his career highs, ranking as his second-best marks in 11 NFL seasons. With a year under his belt working with McAdoo and Odell Beckham Jr., and Victor Cruz on his way back from a season-ending knee injury, Manning looks poised for another strong season in 2015.
Manning is currently in line to earn a $17MM base salary in 2015, counting for $19.75MM against the cap. After averaging $16.25MM on his last contract, the two-time Super Bowl MVP figures to be in line for at least a modest raise this time around.
Ryan Tannehill, Cam Newton, and Ben Roethlisberger are among the signal-callers who have signed new deals in 2015 averaging between $19-22MM per year. Of those extensions, Roethlisberger’s pact, which averages $21.85MM annually, appears to be the most logical point of reference in the talks between Manning and the Giants — both QBs entered the league as first-round picks in 2004, have earned three Pro Bowl nods, and have won a pair of Super Bowls.
Russell Okung To Negotiate Own Deal
While Russell Wilson‘s contract situation receives most of the attention in Seattle, the Seahawks have a handful of other key contributors eligible for free agency after the 2015 season, with Bobby Wagner, Bruce Irvin, and Russell Okung among the players who could sign elsewhere if they’re not extended.
Okung, the team’s starting left tackle, will be representing himself in contract negotiations, explaining in a piece for The Players’ Tribune why he has parted ways with his agent. Formerly represented by Peter Schaffer, Okung intends to negotiate his own deal this time around, avoiding having to pay a 2.5% fee to his agent.
“I know my worth,” Okung explained. “I can look at the market and go directly to a team without an agent and tell that team my worth. And I can do so with confidence because I’ve done my research, I’ve educated myself and I’ve questioned the answers I’ve been given.”
While Okung alludes to the possibility of reaching the open market, it’s possible he and the Seahawks will work something out before he officially becomes a free agent next March. Of course, the veteran tackle’s worth might not be as clear to the team as it is to him, considering he has missed time with injuries in each of his five NFL seasons.
In 2014, Okung dealt with a labrum tear and a bruised lung after having undergone foot surgery in the offseason. The 27-year-old still managed to play 14 regular season contests and appeared in every offensive snap in the postseason, but his injury history may make the Seahawks wary of committing a significant chunk of money to him, particularly with Wilson and others also seeking new deals.
On the other hand, the offensive line has been one of Seattle’s weakest position groups in recent years, and the team will be without center Max Unger in 2015 — Unger, who went to New Orleans in the Jimmy Graham trade, was the only starting lineman to receive a positive grade from Pro Football Focus (subscription required) last year. As such, the prospect of locking up Okung, a former Pro Bowler who is reliable when he’s healthy, could appeal to the Seahawks.
For now, the former sixth overall pick ranks among the top 10 highest-paid left tackles in the NFL, with an annual average value of just over $8MM. He’ll count for $7.28MM against the cap in 2015.
Jaguars Waive Ace Sanders
MONDAY, 3:35pm: Sanders has gone unclaimed on waivers, making him a free agent, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
FRIDAY, 3:11pm: The Jaguars have parted ways with Ace Sanders, announcing today that they’ve officially cut the wide receiver (Twitter link via John Oehser of Jaguars.com). Assuming Sanders isn’t claimed by another team, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent next week when he clears waivers.
Sanders, 23, was selected 101st overall in the fourth round of the 2013 draft by the Jaguars. The South Carolina product had a decent rookie season, hauling in 51 balls, though he only averaged 9.5 yards per catch and reached the end zone just once.
However, Sanders wasn’t a major part of the offense last season, after Jacksonville used multiple 2014 draft picks to add receiving help. Sanders saw just seven targets in 2014, earning most of his playing time on special teams, where he returned 32 punts, averaging 7.1 yards per return.
Sanders’ remaining prorated bonus money totaled about $227K, so Jacksonville will continue to carry small cap numbers for him in 2015 and 2016. As Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union points out (via Twitter), Sanders now figures to be the only player drafted by the Jaguars’ current regime who won’t be at training camp this summer.
Community Tailgate: Who Will Win NFC South?
We’re still over a month and a half 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, we’re shifting our focus to the NFC South, home of 2014’s most tepid division race.
A year ago, it only took seven wins – and, of course, a tie – for the Panthers to snag the NFC South crown, and Carolina is bringing back most of its key players that contributed to that team. Armed with a handful of veteran additions, including offensive tackle Michael Oher, cornerback Charles Tillman, and return specialist Ted Ginn Jr., the Panthers will be looking to repeat as division champions.
The Saints entered 2014 as favorites in the South, but it never came together for Drew Brees‘ squad, and the disappointing season resulted in a major overhaul over the last few months. Jimmy Graham, Kenny Stills, Curtis Lofton, and Ben Grubbs are among the players who were traded or released, and while the team brought in some veteran talent like C.J. Spiller, Max Unger, and Brandon Browner, there will be more pressure on the club’s younger contributors to produce in 2015.
While Carolina and New Orleans could only muster seven wins apiece, the Falcons and Buccaneers combined for just eight in total. It’s not clear yet whether either team has a bounce-back season in store, but there are major changes afoot in both Atlanta and Tampa Bay — the Falcons hired former Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to be their new head coach, while the Buccaneers used the No. 1 overall pick in the draft to land a new quarterback, Jameis Winston. Quinn should help plug the leaks on the Falcons’ defense, and the Bucs could be an intriguing sleeper if Winston provides solid quarterback play.
What do you think? Does the NFL’s worst division from 2014 look any better in 2015? Which team do you expect to win the NFC South this season? Make your pick and let us know what you think in the comment section!
NFC East Notes: Bryant, JPP, Schofield
Let’s check in on a few Monday items from around the NFC East….
- After all the talk about Dez Bryant potentially signing a contract that would make him a “Cowboy for life,” the wideout’s new deal will only run through 2019, and Bryant will be 31 when it expires. As Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com writes, the Cowboys are certainly hoping this contract isn’t Bryant’s last one — his next deal is more likely to be the one that makes him a “Cowboy for life.”
- Appearing at a charity golf event on Monday, Justin Tuck confirmed that he has been in touch with his former Giants teammate, Jason Pierre-Paul. Despite his injury, JPP is in good spirits, according to Tuck. “He’ll be the first one to tell you he made a mistake,” Tuck said, according to Jordan Raanan of NJ.com. “He’s fine. He’s going to have a great year.”
- In 2014, O’Brien Schofield and the Giants agreed to a two-year, $8MM contract. However, that deal never became official, as New York pulled its contract offer due to concerns with Schofield’s left knee. As he tells Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com, Schofield – who signed earlier this offseason with the Falcons – continues to use that rescinded offer as motivation as the 2015 season approaches.
Facebook/Twitter/RSS Feeds By Team
We’ve detailed how you can follow Pro Football Rumors on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or using an RSS reader to ensure that you receive all of our updates, 365 days a year. If you prefer to only receive news about your favorite NFL team, PFR has you covered. Below are links to our Facebook, Twitter, and RSS pages and feeds for all 32 teams.
AFC East
- Bills: Facebook / Twitter / RSS
- Dolphins: Facebook / Twitter / RSS
- Jets: Facebook / Twitter / RSS
- Patriots: Facebook / Twitter / RSS
AFC North
- Bengals: Facebook / Twitter / RSS
- Browns: Facebook / Twitter / RSS
- Ravens: Facebook / Twitter / RSS
- Steelers: Facebook / Twitter / RSS
AFC South
- Colts: Facebook / Twitter / RSS
- Jaguars: Facebook / Twitter / RSS
- Texans: Facebook / Twitter / RSS
- Titans: Facebook / Twitter / RSS
AFC West
- Broncos: Facebook / Twitter / RSS
- Chargers: Facebook / Twitter / RSS
- Chiefs: Facebook / Twitter / RSS
- Raiders: Facebook / Twitter / RSS
NFC East
- Cowboys: Facebook / Twitter / RSS
- Eagles: Facebook / Twitter / RSS
- Giants: Facebook / Twitter / RSS
- Washington: Facebook / Twitter / RSS
NFC North
- Bears: Facebook / Twitter / RSS
- Lions: Facebook / Twitter / RSS
- Packers: Facebook / Twitter / RSS
- Vikings: Facebook / Twitter / RSS
NFC South
- Buccaneers: Facebook / Twitter / RSS
- Falcons: Facebook / Twitter / RSS
- Panthers: Facebook / Twitter / RSS
- Saints: Facebook / Twitter / RSS
NFC West
Latest On Reggie Wayne
Last week, Reggie Wayne reiterated that he wants to play at least one more season in the NFL, suggesting that a few teams had been in touch with him this offseason. At the time, Dave Furst of WRTV-6 in Indianapolis tweeted that the Patriots, Ravens, Texans, and Packers were showing some interest in the veteran wideout, with the Broncos having backed off.
A pair of reports today, however, have reduced that list of potential suitors by half. According to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, the Ravens are not expected to pursue Wayne, given his age and the presence of another 36-year-old wideout – Steve Smith Sr. – on the roster. Baltimore doesn’t appear to be in the market for receiving help in general, according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com, who tweets that the club also isn’t likely to go after the recently-waived Ace Sanders.
Meanwhile, John McClain of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link) reports that the Texans aren’t interested in Wayne either. Houston lost its longtime No. 1 receiver Andre Johnson to the Colts earlier this offseason, so it would be somewhat fitting for the Texans to land Wayne, but it doesn’t appear that will happen.
Wayne has said he’s healthy after playing through a triceps injury last year, and his 2014 numbers indicate he can still be productive. But the deep wide receiver draft classes in 2014 and 2015 have dampened interest around the league in veterans like Wayne, tweets Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports. In Robinson’s view, the former Colt will likely have to wait for players to start getting hurt in training camp before he signs somewhere.
Greg Hardy Still Undecided On Lawsuit
It has been 10 days since Greg Hardy‘s suspension was officially reduced from 10 games to four games, and it has been five days since we heard that a decision from Hardy’s camp on whether or not to file a lawsuit was coming “any time now.” So far though, there’s been no word on Hardy’s decision. A source with knowledge of the situation tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that the Cowboys defensive end is still waiting on the final recommendation from the NFL Players Association.
Before the ruling on Hardy’s appeal, at least one report indicated that Hardy, agent Drew Rosenhaus, and the NFLPA intended to pursue legal action if the suspension was for more than two games, since that was the standard penalty established by the NFL’s old personal conduct policy for such an incident. In upholding a four-game ban, arbitrator Harold Henderson split the different between the old policy and the new one, which calls for at least a six-game suspension.
Still, as Florio points out, it wouldn’t be a great look for the NFLPA to take the league to court over a suspension that’s already viewed as a fairly lenient penalty for a domestic incident like Hardy’s. Additionally, there’s no guarantee at this point that the case would be resolved before the conclusion of the second week of the regular season, so Hardy may have to seek a preliminary injunction to get on the field in the meantime, risking the possibility of serving the suspension during more crucial games later in the year.
I expect we’ll get a decision from Hardy and his camp within the next few days, before players report to training camp later this month.
Giants Sign Jeromy Miles
FRIDAY, 6:17pm: Miles’ deal is for one year and worth $745K, Jordan Raanan of the New York Daily News reports. There is no guaranteed money in this team-friendly agreement, and should Miles head to injured reserve, IR salary language that would pay Miles a $413K split or a smaller lower settlement exists in the contract.
WEDNESDAY, 1:35pm: The Giants have officially announced the signing of Miles, waiving wide receiver Marcus Harris and safety Justin Currie. Harris received an injured designation.
WEDNESDAY, 9:56am: Miles will sign a one-year contract with the Giants later today, a source confirms to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter link).
WEDNESDAY, 9:10am: Having lost their top three safeties from the 2014 season, the Giants continue to explore ways to replace that production, and their search has led them to a former Raven, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com. Caplan reports (via Twitter) that New York is expected to sign ex-Baltimore safety Jeromy Miles to a contract.
Miles, who turns 28 next week, began his career with the Bengals before joining the Ravens in 2013. Having played mostly on special teams during his first few seasons in the league, Miles saw 365 defensive snaps in 2014 and held his own, making 34 tackles, grabbing an interception, and forcing a pair of fumbles.
Antrel Rolle, Stevie Brown, Quintin Demps all left the Giants in free agency this offseason, leaving a significant hole at the safety position. The team opted not to address that hole in free agency, using a second-round pick on Landon Collins and experimenting with cornerbacks at the safety spot. Assuming Miles officially puts pen to paper and joins the Giants, he should provide the club more depth at the position, and will likely have the opportunity to earn regular playing time.
Important Remaining 2015 NFL Dates
Way back in December, with the 2014 NFL season winding down, we took a look ahead at many of the important offseason dates on the league’s calendar, including the opening of free agency and draft weekend. However, the last of those key dates came will come and go by the end of July, so with training camps and the preseason nearing, it’s time to revisit the NFL calendar and check out the most crucial remaining dates in 2015.
Via an official announcement from the league, here’s a breakdown of several of the key dates we’ll be keeping an eye on at PFR in the coming weeks and months:
August 11: Summer league meeting in Schaumburg, Illinois to discuss Los Angeles situation.
September 1: Teams must reduce their 90-man rosters to 75 players by 3:00pm central time.
September 5: Teams must reduce their 75-man rosters to 53 players by 3:00pm central time. Any players on the active/PUP or active/non-football injury or illness lists may be moved to the reserve versions of those lists.
September 6: Claiming period for players waived during final roster cuts ends at 11:00am central time. After that time, teams may establish a practice squad of 10 players. After 3:00pm central time, teams are permitted to place one player on the injured reserve list with the designation to return.
September 9: After 3:00pm central time, all contracts for each team must fit under the salary cap (top-51 rule expires at 11:00pm central time).
September 29: Waiver priority order adjusted to become based on the reverse order of 2014’s standings.
October 6-7: Fall league meetings in New York City.
October 16: Players who are on the reserve/PUP and reserve/NFI lists are allowed to begin practicing for a period not to exceed 21 days. Players must be activated or placed on injured reserve by 3:00pm central time on the day following the expiration of that 21-day window.
November 3: Trade deadline at 3:00pm central time.
November 4: All released players subject to waivers for rest of regular season and postseason.
November 17: Unsigned franchise players and draft picks must sign with their respective teams by 3:00pm central time in order to play in the NFL in 2015.
November 24: Players who are on the reserve/PUP and reserve/NFI lists who have not begun practicing are no longer eligible to be activated after 3:00pm central time.