Buccaneers Sign Jameis Winston
3:09pm: Winston’s rookie contract is worth $25.35MM, including a $16.7MM signing bonus, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
3:07pm: The first player selected in last night’s draft is also the first member of 2015’s draft class to sign his rookie contract. Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht told reporters today, including Ed Werder of ESPN.com (Twitter link), that quarterback Jameis Winston has already officially signed with the team.
While the exact value of Winston’s four-year rookie contract isn’t yet known, it figures to be a little bigger than the deal signed by last year’s first overall pick, Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney’s four-year, $22.273MM pact was fully guaranteed and featured a signing bonus worth about $14.519MM. Like Clowney’s deal, Winston’s will include a fifth-year option, which would apply to the 2019 season.
Winston is the clearly the biggest piece of Tampa’s offseason rebuild, following the club’s signing of free agents Henry Melton, Chris Conte, and Bruce Carter, and acquisition of George Johnson. Winston figures to immediately slot in as the Bucs’ starting quarterback, ahead of 2013 draftee Mike Glennon.
2015 NFL Draft Results: Day One
After weeks of trade rumors and speculation involving Marcus Mariota and a handful of other players, the first round of the 2015 NFL draft ended up being mostly uneventful. Only two teams made trades, with San Diego moving from No. 17 to No. 15, and Denver moving up from No. 28 to No. 23.
Dorial Green-Beckham, Randy Gregory, and La’el Collins were among the players with off-field question marks who weren’t selected in the first round, but teams were willing to roll the dice on some others, including Marcus Peters and Shane Ray.
Here are the results of the first round of the 2015 NFL draft:
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jameis Winston, QB (Florida State) (link)
- Tennessee Titans: Marcus Mariota, QB (Oregon) (link)
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Dante Fowler Jr., DE/OLB (Florida)
- Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper, WR (Alabama)
- Washington: Brandon Scherff, OL (Iowa)
- New York Jets: Leonard Williams, DL (USC)
- Chicago Bears: Kevin White, WR (West Virginia)
- Atlanta Falcons: Vic Beasley, DE/OLB (Clemson)
- New York Giants: Ereck Flowers, T (Miami)
- St. Louis Rams: Todd Gurley, RB (Georgia)
- Minnesota Vikings: Trae Waynes, CB (Michigan State)
- Cleveland Browns: Danny Shelton, DT (Washington)
- New Orleans Saints: Andrus Peat, T (Stanford)
- Miami Dolphins: DeVante Parker, WR (Louisville)
- San Diego Chargers (from San Francisco): Melvin Gordon, RB (Wisconsin)
- Houston Texans: Kevin Johnson, CB (Wake Forest)
- San Francisco 49ers (from San Diego): Arik Armstead, DL (Oregon)
- Kansas City Chiefs: Marcus Peters, CB (Washington)
- Cleveland Browns (from Buffalo): Cameron Erving, OL (Florida State)
- Philadelphia Eagles: Nelson Agholor, WR (USC)
- Cincinnati Bengals: Cedric Ogbuehi, OL (Texas A&M)
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Bud Dupree, DE/OLB (Kentucky)
- Denver Broncos (from Detroit): Shane Ray, DE/OLB (Missouri)
- Arizona Cardinals: D.J. Humphries, T (Florida)
- Carolina Panthers: Shaq Thompson, LB (Washington)
- Baltimore Ravens: Breshad Perriman, WR (UCF)
- Dallas Cowboys: Byron Jones, CB (Connecticut)
- Detroit Lions (from Denver): Laken Tomlinson, G (Duke)
- Indianapolis Colts: Phillip Dorsett, WR (Miami)
- Green Bay Packers: Damarious Randall, S (Arizona State)
- New Orleans Saints (from Seattle): Stephone Anthony, LB (Clemson)
- New England Patriots: Malcom Brown, DT (Texas)
Zac Stacy Requests Trade; Rams Open To Deal
The Rams made perhaps the most surprising pick of the top 10 earlier tonight, drafting Georgia running back Todd Gurley with the 10th overall selection. The pick prompted Rams running back Zac Stacy to publish a tweet that simply read “Yikes,” before he later deleted it. And according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter), the Gurley selection also pushed Stacy to request a trade, an idea the Rams are open to.
Stacy, 24, had a strong rookie season in 2013, racking up 973 rushing yards and eight total touchdowns, as he spent most of the year as the primary back in St. Louis. However, he ceded playing time and touches to Tre Mason last season, totaling just 293 yards and a TD on 76 carries.
Gurley may not be ready to play in Week 1 of the 2015 campaign, but with Mason’s stock on the rise, and Benny Cunningham and Isaiah Pead also still in the mix, the Rams’ depth chart is getting crowded at the running back spot. If the team can get anything of value for Stacy, it may make sense to move on.
A fifth-round pick in 2013, Stacy’s contract makes him a viable trade chip — he’s currently in line for salaries worth just $585K in 2015 and $675K in 2014, and he’d only leave about $88K in dead money on St. Louis’ cap if the club traded him.
With a number of intriguing running back prospects available on day two of the draft, I wouldn’t expect any team to rush to give up a pick for Stacy, but perhaps a club that misses out on its top targets or opts to fill other holes would kick the tires on the Vanderbilt product before the end of the weekend.
AFC Notes: Chargers, Ravens, Broncos, Fins
Asked about the Chargers‘ trade up for Melvin Gordon, general manager Tom Telesco said his club had seven “impact” players targeted in the first round, and the Wisconsin back was the last one available (Twitter link via Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune). The Chargers were motivated to move up two spots to snag Gordon since they felt the Texans might be interested, and recognized that another team might try to move ahead of them.
Telesco added that the Chargers feel like Gordon is the best pass-protecting running back in the draft, which helps make up for not selecting an offensive lineman (Twitter link via Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune).
- The Ravens selected wide receiver Breshad Perriman with the 26th overall pick, but if Perriman hadn’t been available, Baltimore likely would’ve tried to trade out of that spot, per GM Ozzie Newsome (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun).
- According to GM John Elway, Missouri pass rusher Shane Ray was a top-10 player on the Broncos‘ draft board, so it’s not surprising that the team was willing to move up a few spots to No. 23 overall to grab him (Twitter link via Troy Renck of the Denver Post).
- After taking a receiver in the first round, the Dolphins figure to target cornerbacks, guards, linebackers, or even defensive tackles with their second round pick, writes Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, providing a few names to watch. Having sent their third-rounder to the Saints earlier in the offseason, the Dolphins will only pick once tomorrow unless they make another move.
Details On Eagles’ Proposed Trade Package
According to multiple reports, the Eagles have been most aggressive in their efforts to move up to the top of the draft to land quarterback Marcus Mariota, having had discussions with both the Titans at No. 2 and the Buccaneers at No. 1. Now, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com has details on what Chip Kelly and the Eagles are offering to move up from No. 20.
According to Rapoport (via Twitter), Philadelphia’s proposed package would include two first-round picks (including this year’s), a third-round pick, defensive lineman Fletcher Cox, cornerback Brandon Boykin, linebacker Mychal Kendricks, and more. Rapoport adds that Sam Bradford has also been included in the Eagles’ offers (Twitter link).
Rapoport’s report on the Eagles’ proposal backs up Jason La Canfora’s tweet that Philadelphia’s offer is “substantial.” According to La Canfora, the Browns remain willing to include both their first-round picks in an offer to the Titans, but Cleveland likely won’t come close to trumping the Eagles’ offer (Twitter links).
For now, at least, the Titans and Buccaneers both appear inclined to stay put.
Bears Discuss No. 2 Pick With Titans
6:33pm: Besides the Eagles, the Bears are the team pushing hardest for the No. 2 pick, tweets Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com. Kuharsky passes along word from ESPN’s Bob Holtzman (Twitter link) that the Bears have tried to stir up interest in Cutler, but the Titans have no interest.
2:51pm: A handful of teams, including the Eagles, Browns, Jets, and Rams, continue to be cited as potential Marcus Mariota suitors, linked to the second overall pick in the draft. Now, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com has added another club to that list. According to Rapoport (Twitter links via Shayne L. Marsaw), the Bears have touched base with the Titans about the possibility of moving up to No. 2.
The Bears, who currently hold the No. 7 overall pick, would certainly have an easier time moving up from their spot than a team like the Eagles (No. 20) would, but there are several notable roadblocks impeding a potential deal. For one, the team has Jay Cutler under contract, and while the new regime hasn’t exactly been overflowing with praise for the incumbent quarterback, the guaranteed money still left on his contract would make it difficult to simply move on from him.
Additionally, the Bears have a number of other holes on their roster, and will likely be in the market for players who will fit their new defensive scheme — surrendering multiple picks to move up for Mariota would significantly hinder the club’s ability to add talent at several different positions.
Dan Pompei of Bleacher Report (Twitter links) suggests that the Bears’ primary needs are at wide receiver, tight end, cornerback, and safety, and landing a pass rusher wouldn’t hurt either. Giving up another premium pick to move up from No. 7 to draft a quarterback would leave Chicago with plenty of question marks, putting pressure on the club to nail its mid-round picks.
Breer’s Latest: Titans, Gurley, Rams, Bears
With the draft less than an hour from getting underway, Albert Breer of the NFL Network took to Twitter to pass along a number of draft-related nuggets. Here are the highights from Breer (all Twitter links):
- The Titans have fielded offers for the No. 2 pick, but haven’t gotten any to their liking yet and are ready to draft Marcus Mariota. The club isn’t very interested in picks below 15th overall as a central part of any trade package.
- Teams like the Browns, Dolphins, and Chargers are eyeing Todd Gurley, and it’s possible one of those clubs – or another suitor – will get anxious and trade up for the Georgia running back, given the interest he’s generating.
- Although Washington, the Jets, and the Rams are all viewed as trade-down candidates in the top 10, St. Louis is a little more flexible than the other two teams, who may not want to drop too far. Washington may target an offensive lineman like Brandon Scherff or Ereck Flowers if Scot McCloughan decides to move down, and those players – or Andrus Peat – could be targets for the Giants and Rams as well.
- There’s a belief that Giants GM Jerry Reese would prefer a pass rusher to an offensive lineman at No. 9, but depending on how the first few picks play out, the value might not match up.
- According to Breer, the run on offensive lineman may happen earlier in the first round than people think, which may motivate one or two teams to trade up. Cameron Erving has a chance to go in the teens. The Panthers and Broncos are among the teams picking late in the first who are seeking offensive linemen.
- Cornerback Trae Waynes is generating buzz and could go as high as seventh overall to the Bears. Dupree and Kevin White are also in the mix at No. 7. The draft range for Amari Cooper appears to be between the third and sixth overall pick, so he likely won’t be available for Chicago at No. 7.
- The Falcons may decide to move up from No. 8 for an impact defender like Leonard Williams, but if they stay where they are, Bud Dupree could be their man.
- Either Sean Mannion or Bryce Petty figures to be the third quarterback off the board, and it’s not likely to happen in the first round.
- According to Breer, teams believe Shane Ray will slip but will be picked in the first round, whereas Randy Gregory isn’t viewed as a first-round pick.
Bucs Committed To Drafting Winston; Deal Unlikely
5:50pm: The Buccaneers are committed to drafting Winston with the first overall pick at this point, and don’t feel they’ll receive enough value to make a trade worthwhile, tweets Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.
5:35pm: Within the past hour, the Bucs have been receiving calls about trading the first overall pick, including one from the Eagles, but nothing is happening on that front at the moment, per Werder (all Twitter links). Werder adds that NFL sources who are most familiar with Tampa Bay’s coaching staff and management team are convinced that the club won’t give up its chance to draft Winston.
4:56pm: While a number of teams have spoken to the Titans about the No. 2 overall pick and Marcus Mariota, it’s “pretty clear” that the Eagles are the team most aggressively pursuing that selection, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Meanwhile, Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report tweets that the Titans aren’t the only team at the top of the draft getting calls about their pick — the Buccaneers are also receiving inquiries about the first overall pick.
If the Titans aren’t budging off of No. 2, it makes sense that the Eagles would contact the Bucs about the first overall pick — Tampa Bay might not want quite as massive a haul as Tennessee, and perhaps talking to both teams could give Philadelphia some leverage in trade discussions. According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, there are indeed rumblings that the Eagles could set their sights on that first overall pick, though it’s not clear what combination of picks and players the Bucs might want for it.
Although the Eagles still could make a last-ditch effort for that first overall pick, Ed Werder of ESPN.com (Twitter link) has been assured twice by his “most trusted” Bucs source that, as of 45 minutes ago, the team isn’t discussing a deal with Philadelphia. However, Werder adds (via Twitter) that GM Jason Licht‘s colleagues have told him he’ll be surprised how many offers come in late, so Tampa Bay isn’t locking in that No. 1 pick quite yet.
I doubt the Eagles will put an offer on the table that makes the Bucs part with the first overall pick, but if the club has any lingering doubts about Jameis Winston‘s off-field behavior, the idea of loading up on draft picks and/or established NFL veterans could have some appeal. At this point though, a deal appears very unlikely.
Pats Exercise Option On Chandler Jones
The Patriots have exercised their fifth-year option on defensive end Chandler Jones, according to Will Brinson of CBSSports.com (via Twitter). Brinson adds that the team has also picked up its option on Dont’a Hightower, which was reported yesterday.
Jones, 25, missed six regular season games last season with a hip injury, but was productive as usual during his time on the field, recording 51 tackles, six sacks, and a pair of forced fumbles. In 2013, the only season in which he has played all 16 contests, Jones racked up 11.5 sacks.
As the 21st overall pick and a defensive end, Jones will be in line for a $7.799MM salary for the 2016 campaign before being eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2017. That salary doesn’t become fully guaranteed until the start of the ’16 league year, and the cap figure could always be adjusted if the Patriots work out something longer-term with Jones.
For all of this year’s fifth-year option decisions, which are due by Sunday, be sure to check out our tracker.
Draft Rumors: Collins, Gregory, DGB, Spain
There’s “some suspicion” that LSU offensive lineman La’el Collins may go undrafted all three days this weekend, says Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link). Even though Collins is not considered a suspect in a Louisiana police investigation, the case involves a shooting death and NFL investigators haven’t been able to uncover much info on it, so teams figure to play it safe until they know more. In an effort to buy time to clear his name, Collins asked for permission to withdraw from his draft and be eligible for the supplemental draft instead, but the league denied that request.
Here’s more on the draft:
- A personnel man whose team has a top-10 pick tells Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports (Twitter link) that his team is preparing to draft Nebraska edge rusher Randy Gregory tonight. “We’re not going to let him get past us,” Getlin’s source said. That sounds like it could be a smoke screen, given all the negative reports swirling around Gregory this week. Still, according to Getlin, this personnel man believes Gregory may be the most talented player in the draft, likening him to Derrick Brooks and Jason Taylor (Twitter links).
- A source close to Dorial Green-Beckham‘s camp tells Danny Parkins of 610 AM in Kansas City (Twitter link) that the Chiefs, Cowboys, Bengals, Texans, and 49ers have shown “a lot” of interest in the young wideout within the last 36 hours.
- West Virginia offensive lineman Quinton Spain, who received a fourth-round grade from some teams, worked out for the Jets, Steelers, Bengals, Titans, Falcons, and Buccaneers, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post.
- Albert Breer of the NFL Network identifies six teams he believes can control this year’s draft.