FA Rumors: Clay, Miles, Johnson, Demps
We heard yesterday that the Bills may target tight end Charles Clay in free agency next month, but Clay remains very much in the Dolphins‘ plans, according to Andrew Abramson of the Palm Beach Post. A source with knowledge of the situation tells Abramson that it would be “very surprising” if Clay doesn’t return to Miami for the 2015 season. As Abramson notes, while Buffalo’s interest in the tight end may be legit, it’s also fair to wonder if the Bills leaked word of that interest in order to potentially drive up Clay’s price for their division rivals in Miami.
Here are a few more notes from around the league on this year’s free-agents-to-be:
- The Ravens are expected to bring back safety and special-teamer Jeromy Miles, who is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next month, reports Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. With just over two weeks until Miles would be able to sign with another club, it’s possible he dips his toe into the open market to gauge his value, but according to Wilson, a return to Baltimore appears likely.
- As Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press details, there’s some confusion over whether Lions defensive end George Johnson is a restricted or unrestricted free agent this offseason. Johnson earned accrued seasons in 2011, 2012, and 2014, but his 2013 season is up for debate, since it seems he was paid for six weeks but was only on the Vikings’ roster for five Sundays. Players must be on a team’s 53-man roster for six weeks to earn an accrued season, and must accumulate four accrued seasons to be eligible for unrestricted free agency.
- As he prepares to enter the free agent market, Giants safety Quintin Demps has hired agent Drew Rosenhaus to represent him, tweets Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports.
- Mike Klis of the Denver Post takes a look at which Broncos free agents have the best chance of returning to Denver, speculating that Terrance Knighton, Orlando Franklin, Julius Thomas, Wes Welker, and Rahim Moore are all “probably gone.”
Saints Negotiating To Keep Jahri Evans
Even accounting for a $143MM salary cap for 2015, the Saints are currently projected to be about $21MM over the threshold, meaning the team will have to make a handful of moves to get under the cap prior to the new league year. One such move may involve releasing high-priced guard Jahri Evans, but according to Katherine Terrell of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, the Saints have reached out to Evans’ camp to try to find a way to keep the veteran lineman.
Evans is currently on New Orleans’ books for $11MM for the 2015 season, the highest cap hit for any guard in the NFL. Releasing him, which Terrell reports the Saints were initially prepared to do, would create $6MM in cap savings, leaving $5MM in dead money on the club’s books. Reworking the deal to incorporate a pay cut likely wouldn’t create quite that much cap room, but it would allow the Saints to hang onto a player who has made six consecutive Pro Bowls, and would help the team make some progress toward getting under the cap.
Evans’ current contract runs through the 2016 season, and by the start of the 2017 campaign, he’d be 34 years old, so the Saints may not be inclined to tack any extra years onto the deal. Still, Terrell hears from a source that the veteran’s top choice is to remain with the Saints, and with the possibility of a release lingering as a viable option for New Orleans, he may be willing to reduce his salary in exchange for some additional guaranteed money.
Even if they work out something with Evans, the Saints will have to address the contracts for a number of other players, including their other guard, Ben Grubbs, who counts for $9.6MM against 2015’s cap. Head coach Sean Payton recently indicated that his team doesn’t currently have any plans to restructure Drew Brees‘ contract – which features a $26.4MM cap number – so if that’s the case, then players like Junior Galette, Jimmy Graham, Jairus Byrd, and Marques Colston look like top candidates to have their deals tweaked.
Giants Planning To Franchise JPP
FEBRUARY 23, 7:57am: Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link) confirms that the Giants do indeed plan to use their franchise tag on Pierre-Paul if no long-term deal is reached by the March 2 deadline.
FEBRUARY 17, 9:18am: If the Giants intend to use the franchise tag on Pierre-Paul, that hasn’t yet been conveyed to him or his camp, tweets Jordan Raanan of NJ.com.
8:53am: Jason Pierre-Paul would be one of the top free agents available on March 10 if he were allowed to reach the open market, but it appears as if the Giants will make every effort to ensure that if Pierre-Paul is still unsigned when free agency opens, he’ll come at an exorbitant cost for any rival suitors. According to Steve Serby of the New York Post, the Giants are planning to place the non-exclusive franchise tag on JPP before the March 2 deadline.
As we explain in our glossary entry on the franchise and transition tags, the non-exclusive tag still allows a player to negotiate with other teams, and gives his previous team a few days to match any offer sheet he signs with another club. In JPP’s case, if the Giants assigned the non-exclusive tag and then chose not to match an offer sheet, the club would receive two first-round picks as compensation for losing the standout edge defender.
Based on Serby’s report, it sounds like the Giants still prefer working out a longer-term deal with Pierre-Paul, so wielding the franchise tag in advance of the March 2 deadline could also serve as a negotiating tool — it’s possible the two sides come to an agreement before that date, though if they don’t, they could still work something out in the coming weeks or months.
According to Serby, New York would like to lock up JPP to a deal that pays him something like $11MM or $12MM annually, which would be a step down from a one-year franchise salary that figures to fall between $14-15MM. If and when the Giants extend that one-year franchise tender offer to the former first-round pick, he would be free to accept it immediately — barring a long-term agreement, that would lock him into that franchise salary for 2015 and would not allow the team to withdraw the offer.
Although Pierre-Paul got off to a slow start in 2014, he finished strong, and his 77 tackles and 12.5 sacks were his best totals since he was a First-Team All-Pro in 2011. The South Florida product – who turns 26 at the end of the month – ranked as the seventh-best 4-3 defensive end in the league last season, according to Pro Football Focus’ grades (subscription required).
Bears Re-Sign Demontre Hurst
The Bears have reached an agreement with cornerback Demontre Hurst that extends his contract for two more years, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (via Twitter).
Hurst, who will turn 24 next month, had been an exclusive rights free agent after signing a one-year deal with the Bears back in September. The Oklahoma product was an unexpected contributor on defense, totaling 40 tackles to go along with an interception and a forced fumble. For the season, Hurst played 373 defensive snaps.
By inking a two-year deal, which will almost certainly be worth the minimum salary, Hurst will be locked up through the 2016 season, after which he’ll be eligible for restricted free agency.
AFC East Notes: Bills, Hughes, Pats, Dolphins
The Bills are trying to work out a new agreement with pass rusher Jerry Hughes to keep him in Buffalo in 2015 and beyond, but the club would prefer not to resort to the franchise tag, as GM Doug Whaley explained this week, per John Kryk of the Toronto Sun.
“We’re trying to avoid that.” Whaley said. “Because we’re trying to get him long-term for sure … so they (can say), hey, we got a good deal, and we say as the Buffalo Bills we got a good deal.”
As Kryk points out, the franchise tag for Hughes would likely work out to close to $15MM for one year, which would mean the Bills would be paying their four defensive lineman nearly $50MM in 2015, which seems somewhat unpalatable. Restructuring Mario Williams‘ deal could provide a little cap relief, but Whaley said that’s not something the team is consider right now, though “it’s something in our back pocket.”
Let’s check out a few more notes from around the AFC East….
- Although the Bills are trying to re-sign C.J. Spiller, the team is also eyeing running backs, preparing for the possibility that Spiller departs in free agency, per Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News. Whaley expressed enthusiasm about the depth at running back in this year’s draft, but also didn’t rule out adding a back in free agency.
- Unsurprisingly, Darrelle Revis continues to be the Patriots‘ No. 1 priority, writes Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. According to Howe, while New England explores the possibility of reaching a new agreement with the cornerback, the team is being deliberate with its other offseason objectives.
- The Dolphins have met with the representatives for their own pending free agents this week, but there’s nothing major to report yet on that front, tweets Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald.
Combine Pressers: Rams, Jags, Seahawks
Most head coaches and general managers who were scheduled to speak to the media in a press conference setting at the combine this week did so on Wednesday or Thursday, but there were still a few names left on the docket today. Three head coaches or GMs spoke to reporters at the podium in Indianapolis this morning and afternoon, and we’ve got a recap of their notable comments below, with all links going to Twitter unless otherwise indicated….
Rams head coach Jeff Fisher:
- According to Darin Gantt of Pro Football Talk, Fisher said today that a report suggesting Sam Bradford was allowed to seek a trade was “inaccurate.” However, he stressed that the Rams will definitely be keeping an eye out for a quarterback this offseason. “It could be a veteran, could be a draft pick,” Fisher said. “But it’s extremely important to have that option, yes.”
- Fisher once again reiterated that the Rams want Bradford back, noting that the former first overall pick had dinner with new quarterbacks coach Chris Weinke last week before Weinke was hired.
- In addition to interviewing Jeff Garcia, the Rams also spoke to Steve Walsh about their QB coach job before hiring Weinke, according to Fisher.
- Jake Long‘s rehab is progressing and the team is working on figuring out where he could fit besides left tackle, with many options in play, said Fisher. Greg Robinson is poised to take over as the Rams’ permanent left tackle, meaning Long will either switch positions or be cut.
Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell:
- The Jaguars will have a top-three pick once again this season, and while the club has held onto its top pick in recent years, Cadlwell is more willing to discuss the possibility of moving down this time around, writes Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union. “I feel more open to it this year because we don’t need to have a guy come in and start,” Caldwell said. “We had no margin for error the last two years. We had to draft them and start them.”
- If the Jags do decide to trade their pick, Caldwell expects it to be a last-minute move, since some teams wait until draft day to make a real offer.
- The Jaguars head into March armed with a ton of cap space, and the team plans to be aggressive in free agency, but won’t “spend just to spend,” said Caldwell.
- Caldwell has received second-hand reports telling him that wide receiver Justin Blackmon is making solid progress, trying to make positive strides in his life. Blackmon is slowly working his way toward reinstatement, as we heard a couple weeks ago.
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll:
- The Seahawks have made “big offers” to running back Marshawn Lynch, and engaged in “earnest” talks with him, per Carroll. The club is still waiting on Lynch to make a decision about the coming season, and if he decides to continue playing, it sounds like he’ll be rewarded with an extension.
- Having lost coaches like Dan Quinn and Ken Norton to larger roles with other clubs, the Seahawks are still looking to fill a couple spots on their defensive staff, according to Carroll, who said the team is conducting interviews in Indianapolis.
Packers Release Brad Jones
The Packers have cleared some cap space for the coming league year, announcing today in a press release that they’ve released inside linebacker Brad Jones. In a statement, GM Ted Thompson thanked Jones for his contributions to the team for the last six seasons, and wished him the best.
Jones, 28, has been a Packer since the club drafted him in the seventh round in 2009. Although he was a starter for Green Bay in 2012 and 2013, his role was significantly reduced in 2014, as he played just 218 defensive snaps. After averaging 80+ tackles per season the previous two years, Jones recorded just 23 last year, to go along with a forced fumble.
Given Jones’ diminished playing time, it made sense for the Packers to move on, since he was set to earn a base salary of $3.25MM in 2015. Although he’ll still count for $1MM in dead money on Green Bay’s cap, the team will clear about $3.7MM in cap room by cutting the Colorado product.
As a vested veteran, Jones is immediately eligible to sign with another team, without having to pass through waivers.
Lovie: Bucs Won’t Sit Out Free Agency
A year ago, the Buccaneers were perhaps the most active team in the NFL when free agency opened, signing Michael Johnson, Anthony Collins, Alterraun Verner, and Evan Dietrich-Smith to long-term deals, and adding a new starting quarterback in Josh McCown. Of course, that spending spree didn’t exactly work out for the Bucs, as Lovie Smith‘s club stumbled to a league-worst 2-14 record and the first overall pick in 2015. While Tampa Bay may not be quite as aggressive in free agency this time around, last year’s failures won’t discourage the team from being involved next month, according to Smith.
“We’d like to build [the roster] through the draft, but I think you use every avenue possible to improve your squad,” Smith said at the combine, per Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com. “Free agency is coming up. It’s not like we’re out of the free agency business. Hopefully, we can make some better decisions. Just because something didn’t turn out, we’re not going to stop playing football. We’re going to get back up on it and start doing things better. We’re going to do a better job in free agency and everything else this year.”
Heading into his second year as the Bucs’ head coach, Smith added that he’s much more familiar with the team’s roster now, which should help the team make better decisions in free agency. And in spite of last year’s investments, Tampa Bay still has plenty of room to maneuver this winter. According to Over The Cap’s data, the Bucs are currently about $32.6MM under the projected 2015 cap.
Bengals Release Mike Pollak
The Bengals have parted ways with veteran offensive lineman Mike Pollak, the team announced today (via Twitter). After spending two seasons in Cincinnati, Pollak will become a free agent immediately, having been cut by the Bengals.
Pollak, who celebrated his 30th birthday on Monday, started his career with the Colts before joining the Panthers briefly and then landing in Cincinnati. In two years with the Bengals, he appeared in 22 games, starting 11 of them. The former second-round pick spent time at both left guard and right guard for the team in 2014, but the Bengals ultimately finished the season with Kevin Zeitler on the right side and Clint Boling on the left.
With Boling headed for unrestricted free agency next month, the Bengals could have kept Pollak on the roster as a potential starter for next season, but it appears the club either is confident Boling will re-sign or is comfortable moving in a different direction. As Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com tweets, Cincinnati is expected to target depth at guard in free agency and in the draft.
By releasing Pollak, the Bengals remove his $1.2MM base salary and $75K workout bonus for 2015 from their books. However, the veteran lineman still had two years left on his contract, so the team will have to deal with a little dead money. Overall, the move reduces Pollak’s cap number from $1.44MM to about $333K.
Extra Points: Colts, Rams, Lowery, Lions
While Colts GM Ryan Grigson didn’t reveal anything too significant during his conversation with reporters this week at the combine in Indianapolis, Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star came away with the sense that the team would make “consequential moves” in free agency next month. With possible at holes at safety, running back, and perhaps wide receiver, as well as a need for pass rushers, the Colts are armed with plenty of cap room and have the ability to make impact additions.
Here’s more from around the NFL:
- According to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (Twitter link), word from the combine has the Rams preparing to target linebackers early in the draft. All three of St. Louis’ regular linebackers in 2014 received negative grades, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
- There have been no contract discussions between the Falcons and safety Dwight Lowery yet, tweets Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com. Lowery is eligible for unrestricted free agency next month.
- Speaking to Tori Petry of DetroitLions.com (video link), Lions GM Martin Mayhew singled out quarterback Dan Orlovsky and long snapper Don Muhlbach as two under-the-radar potential free agents that the team is optimistic about re-signing.
- Former Browns and Eagles executive Joe Banner cautions fans not to think that every team is having the same Marcus Mariota vs. Jameis Winston debate that the media is having. According to Banner (via Twitter), many clubs already have Mariota “clearly” at the top of their quarterback rankings.
- Former first-round quarterback Brady Quinn, who was in camp with the Dolphins in 2014, is planning to give it one last shot in the NFL this year in the hopes of landing a regular season roster spot, tweets Ben Volin of the Boston Globe.