Eagles Frontrunners For Byron Maxwell?
Based on comments made by Seahawks general manager John Schneider, who said this this week at the combine that his team won’t be using its franchise tag, it sounds as if cornerback Byron Maxwell will be allowed to reach the open market next month. And according to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (Twitter link), “present word” in Indianapolis suggests the Eagles are the frontrunners to land Maxwell.
Plenty can – and likely will – change between now and the beginning of the free agent period on March 10, and it’s possible that the Seahawks and Maxwell will find common ground during the next two and a half weeks. However, if the former sixth-round pick is available next month, it makes sense that the Eagles would be among his top suitors. As PFR’s Rob DiRe noted when he previewed the Eagles’ offseason last week, addressing the cornerback position will be a priority for the club this winter, and Maxwell may be the best corner on the market.
If the Eagles do want to sign Maxwell, he won’t come cheaply. Despite having been a full-time starter for just one season, Maxwell’s per-year asking price figures to be in the $10MM+ range, as Pauline reported earlier today. It remains to be seen whether he’ll land that sort of deal, given his limited track record. However, plenty of teams figure to be targeting corners, and multiple free agents last year – including Sam Shields, Aqib Talib, and Vontae Davis – signed contracts worth $9MM+ annually; the cap also looks poised to rise by about 8% for 2015.
Elsewhere on the Eagles’ front, Martin Frank of The News Journal hears from a source that cornerback Cary Williams has about a “50/50” chance of returning to Philadelphia for 2015. Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com has a similar assessment, tweeting that the Eagles and Williams haven’t discussed his future yet, but adding that that doesn’t mean he’s definitely gone. Williams is entering the final season of a three-year contract, and currently counts for $8.167MM against the team’s cap in ’15.
Falcons Interested In Justin Forsett
Assuming Justin Forsett doesn’t sign a new contract with the Ravens before he becomes eligible to talk to other potential suitors in March, the free agent running back will draw “strong interest” from the Falcons, according to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com. Atlanta would be able to talk to Forsett’s agent as of March 7, and could sign him starting on March 10.
Forsett, 29, had a breakout season in 2014, setting new career-best marks across the board, including rushing yards (1,266), receptions (44), and touchdowns (eight). While a veteran putting up those kind of numbers for the first time during his seventh season in the league – a contract year – might raise some red flags, Forsett is expected to generate plenty of interest this winter as part of a running back class that doesn’t feature any real top-tier options besides DeMarco Murray.
As McClure points out, Forsett does have a connection to the Falcons’ coaching staff, having played in Seattle while new Atlanta head coach Dan Quinn was working for the Seahawks. However, it may be Forsett’s success in Gary Kubiak‘s zone-blocking scheme that truly piques the Falcons’ interest — Kyle Shanahan is expected to employ a similar scheme in Atlanta in 2015.
Both Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff mentioned during their meetings with the media yesterday in Indianapolis that they could envision Devonta Freeman excelling in Shanahan’s system, so it makes sense that the Falcons would like Forsett too — Freeman is listed at 5’8″ and 206 pounds, while Forsett checks in at 5’8″ and 197.
North Notes: Skrine, Lions, Hoyer, Guion
Yesterday, Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net reported that he’s hearing the cornerback market could be very player-friendly this offseason, with multiple teams potentially looking to sign more than one free agent corner. Today, Pauline provides some predictions for specific players, tweeting that he’s hearing numbers in the $10MM-per-year range for Seahawks cornerback Byron Maxwell. I expressed skepticism last month when a report suggested that sources close to Maxwell had thrown out figures in the $12-13MM range, but even a $10MM annual salary would indicate a robust market.
Pauline adds (via Twitter) that he’s also heard a $6.5MM annual figure being “thrown around” for Browns cornerback Buster Skrine. Skrine received the worst Pro Football Focus grade of any of Cleveland’s top four CBs (subscription required), but also played the most defensive snaps of the group, and held his own as a starter when Justin Gilbert wasn’t quite ready to play across from Joe Haden.
As we wait to see whether Skrine actually does that well on his new deal, let’s check in on a few more updates from across the NFL’s North divisions….
- In his preview of the Lions‘ offseason, Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap suggests that the team would be best off letting Ndamukong Suh walk, since Detroit has very little spending flexibility with its current “Big Three” structure, and it’s hard to picture the team having long-term success with that approach. Fitzgerald views Nick Fairley as a more prudent investment at defensive tackle.
- Based on his comments to reporters at the combine on Thursday, it appears that Browns GM Ray Farmer is continuing to give free agent quarterback Brian Hoyer the cold shoulder, writes Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com. While it may be a negotiating ploy, it doesn’t look like the Browns will be re-signing the veteran signal-caller.
- The legal issues for Packers free agent defensive lineman Letroy Guion are expected to resolved very soon, perhaps within the next few days, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com. Getting closure on that situation prior to the free agent period would be a win for Guion and for teams with interest in him.
- Bears GM Ryan Pace was fairly noncommittal when discussing potential contract extensions for players like Matt Forte and Alshon Jeffery, but admitted “it’s a slow process,” according to Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com.
NFC East Notes: Eagles, Cowboys, Ogletree
The Eagles shook up the structure of their front office after the regular season ended, parting ways with Tom Gamble, promoting Ed Marynowitz, and assigning new roles to Chip Kelly and Howie Roseman. These changes were initially causing some confusion around the NFL among team executives and agents, who weren’t sure who to talk to about contracts and personnel decisions in Philadelphia. So far though, agents who deal with the Eagles say nothing has changed in terms of negotiations, according to Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News, who adds that everything on that front still goes through Roseman, with no involvement from Kelly.
Here are a few more notes from out of the NFC East:
- While it’s certainly true that the Eagles could target a cornerback in the first round of this spring’s draft, Phil Sheridan of ESPN.com says the team should use the free agent period to try to upgrade its secondary, and use the draft as a Plan B. As Sheridan points out, recent history shows that a rookie defensive back – even one selected in the first round – may not be ready to contribute immediately.
- If Cowboys owner Jerry Jones allows DeMarco Murray go elsewhere this offseason, Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News sees pending free agent Mark Ingram as the next-best option. Of course, in light of Adrian Peterson‘s dissatisfaction with the Vikings, one can’t help but wonder if the long-rumored Peterson-to-Dallas connection could become a reality.
- Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (Twitter link) has the details on wideout Kevin Ogletree‘s new deal with the Giants, which is worth $825K and includes $25K in guaranteed money. That’s slightly more than the minimum salary for a player with Ogletree’s experience.
- Earlier this morning, we learned that Jason Pierre-Paul and the Giants have yet to engage in discussions about a long-term contract.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
2015 Salary Cap Projection Up To $140MM+
FRIDAY, 9:59am: NFLPA president DeMaurice Smith told agents today that the union expects the 2015 cap to be “no less than $143MM,” a source tells Tom Pelissero of USA Today (Twitter link).
THURSDAY, 3:27pm: Three sources tell Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (Twitter link) that the NFLPA is expected to unveil its 2015 salary cap projection on Friday, and that the union’s prediction could be as high as $143.5MM.
WEDNESDAY, 1:12pm: Back in December, the NFL projected a salary cap of $138.6MM for the 2015 season, but that figure is on the rise as the new league year approaches, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Schefter reports (via Twitter) that the league informed teams today that it expects the cap to ultimately land between $140MM and $143MM.
When the league issued its original projection, a number of reports indicated that the figure would likely be a little low. The NFL Players Association quickly sent out a memo to agents and contract advisors, suggesting that the estimate was underestimating the likely growth of the cap from 2014’s $133MM. Most outlets have been anticipating a cap in the neighborhood of $140MM or $142MM for the last several weeks.
The NFLPA has said that it intends to issue its own projection for the 2015 cap, but if that’s going to happen, it will have to be soon — last year, the actual figure was announced by the league at the end of February, so we should find out within the next couple weeks where the cap will land for ’15. Once the cap is set, teams will also be able to determine the one-year salaries for franchise tags.
No Long-Term Talks Yet For JPP, Giants
A report earlier this week suggested that the Giants are planning to use their franchise tag on Jason Pierre-Paul by March 2 if a longer-term deal can’t be reached, and signs continue to point toward that outcome. According to Jordan Raanan of NJ.com (via Twitter), the Giants and JPP still haven’t discussed a multiyear contract. Dan Graziano of ESPN.com tweets that the team has met with the representatives for several of its own free agents at the combine in Indianapolis, but not Pierre-Paul’s agent, which Graziano sees as “telling.”
I would think that the Giants will at least explore the possibility of a long-term contract with Pierre-Paul before using the tag on him, but if they don’t, they’d still have the opportunity to discuss a new deal later. Even if JPP were to immediately accept and sign the one-year franchise tender, the two sides would have until July 15 to work on a multiyear extension, per our list of important offseason dates.
Franchise salaries for the coming year have not yet been set, but that should happen in about a week, when the NFL announces the salary cap for the 2015 season. A year ago, the franchise tag for a defensive end cost $13.116MM, making it the second-most expensive position to tag — only quarterbacks, at $16.912MM, were more expensive. For ’15, that DE figure will likely rise to $14MM+.
West Rumors: Fitz, Raiders, Parker, Wilson
While we learned the basic details of Larry Fitzgerald‘s new contract with the Cardinals earlier this week, we didn’t have the specific figures until today, as Joel Corry of CBSSports.com breaks down the deal in a series of five tweets. Fitzgerald will receive a $10MM bonus on the second day of the 2015 league year, and has fully guaranteed $1MM and $11MM base salaries for 2015 and 2016, respectively. That $10MM bonus will be considered a signing bonus, meaning it’s prorated over the course of the deal, which extends through 2018, though it’s scheduled to void five days after the 2017 Super Bowl. The contract, which includes a no-trade clause, reduces Fitzgerald’s 2015 cap hit to $10.85M, creating $12.75M in immediate cap room for the Cards.
Let’s round up a few more items from around the NFL’s two West divisions….
- Although Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie has publicly stated that the team won’t rule out keeping Matt Schaub in 2015, league sources tell Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle that Oakland won’t bring back its high-priced backup. According to Tafur, safety Tyvon Branch and outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley could also be on the chopping block, and running back Maurice Jones-Drew would likely have to take a pay cut to return to Oakland.
- The Chiefs are engaged in ongoing discussions with the agent for free agent defensive back Ron Parker, per Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star, who tweets that Parker’s asking price is still about $6MM per year. Paylor reported earlier in the month that Parker would be seeking a $6MM annual salary on a four- or five-year deal.
- Cap experts like Joel Corry and Jason Fitzgerald have recently speculated that when Russell Wilson signs an extension with the Seahawks, he could become the first quarterback to receive a fully guaranteed contract. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter), that possibility is “very real,” and it’ll be fascinating to see how it plays out.
- In his examation of the free agent market for tight ends, Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap explains why Broncos TE Julius Thomas may be overvalued next month.
Lions Notes: RFAs, Suh, Jones, Prater, Mathis
The Lions have four free agents who are set to be either restricted or exclusive rights FAs this offseason, and general manager Martin Mayhew addressed the club’s plans for all four players today in a conversation with Detroit reporters. According to Mayhew, the Lions will tender RFA defensive end George Johnson a contract, but won’t tender offers to Kellen Moore and Josh Bynes, though the team would like to re-sign Moore at a lesser rate. As for the lone ERFA on the roster, Mayhew said that Jeremy Ross will return to the club for 2015 (Twitter links via Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com).
Here are a few more Lions-related tidbits:
- A league source told Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports (Twitter link) that the Lions are optimistic that they’ll be able to keep defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh in Detroit. Of course, that has been the club’s public stance for some time now, but it sounds like the team is privately confident as well.
- Defensive end Jason Jones, who will count for nearly $4MM against the cap in 2015, will return to the Lions and his contract won’t be adjusted, according to Mayhew (Twitter link via Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com).
- Mayhew is meeting with the agent for prospective free agent Matt Prater tonight in Indianapolis and hopes to figure something out, as he believes Prater can be a Pro Bowl kicker (Twitter link via Twentyman).
- The general manager added that he hopes to bring back cornerback Rashean Mathis for the 2015 season, and praised Mathis’ “position versatility” (Twitter link via Twentyman).
Minor Moves: Thursday
While most teams around the NFL are busy this week getting a look at this year’s draft prospects or finding out where they stand with their top free-agents-to-be, some clubs are still making minor roster moves. Here’s the latest from around the league, with any additional Thursday transactions added to the top of the list throughout the evening:
- According to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News (via Twitter), the Giants have re-signed offensive lineman Dallas Reynolds, who was on track to become a restricted free agent. Reynolds only played 32 offensive snaps in 2014, serving as a reserve on New York’s line. He’ll likely be in line for a minimum-salary deal.
- With Chris Jones facing restricted free agency, the Cowboys have added another punter to their roster, according to Robert Klemko of TheMMQB.com, who reports (via Twitter) that Australian-born Tom Hornsey signed with the team.
- As part of the process that saw him join the Cardinals‘ coaching staff, linebacker Larry Foote has been formally released by the team, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. Foote, who had been set to hit the open market next month anyway, will have the opportunity to sign a new deal with Arizona this summer if he decides to continue his playing career.
Combine Pressers: Colts, Bengals, Falcons
The last of today’s head coach and general manager press conferences with the media are in the books, so let’s check in on the highlights for the noteworthy sessions that we haven’t already covered. Here’s the latest, with all links going to Twitter accounts for reporters on the scene in Indianapolis:
Colts general manager Ryan Grigson and head coach Chuck Pagano:
- The team will take a look at all its options at the safety position, which may be an area of need. Grigson indicated that the Colts would like to re-sign Mike Adams, who “never played like he was long in the tooth.”
- Both Pagano and Grigson stressed the importance of improving the team’s running game. Asked about the possibility of adding a workhorse back, Pagano said he’d love to have a player like that, but added that the club could get the production it needs with a committee approach.
- Expect the Colts to always be on the lookout for pass rushers. Grigson said today that even if he had 12 pass rushers, he’d want a 13th.
- Veteran wideout Reggie Wayne hasn’t yet informed the team if he wants to play in 2015. As Grigson notes, everyone knows what he means to the organization, so if Wayne does continue his career, it will almost certainly happen in Indianapolis — for now, he doesn’t have a contract for next season.
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis:
- According to Lewis, there have been no discussions yet about his contract, which is set to expire after the 2015 season.
- Lewis didn’t exactly give a ringing endorsement for Jermaine Gresham when he was asked today if there’s a place on the Bengals for the free-agent-to-be going forward. The veteran tight end is considered likely to land elsewhere this offseason.
- According to Lewis, the Bengals have made a conscious effort to draft high-character plays in recent years. The head coach acknowledged that in some cases he can’t “fix” a player with off-field issues, and he doesn’t want to waste his time dealing with the distractions.
- Lewis confirmed that he has spoken to veteran defensive back Terence Newman, who wants to continue his playing career. It’s not clear yet if there will be a spot in Cincinnati for Newman, who will turn 37 in September.
Falcons head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff:
- We covered Dimitroff’s presser earlier this afternoon, but the GM also spoke to local media off to the side, and addressed a few more topics. Among them: Dimitroff said the Falcons would like to get a deal done quickly with kicker Matt Bryant, who is eligible for free agency.
- We heard this morning that the Falcons haven’t opened negotiations yet on a contract extension for Julio Jones, but Dimitroff was adamant today the club wants to keep the standout receiver in Atlanta for years to come.
- Both Dimitroff and Quinn are high on running back Devonta Freeman, whom the GM thinks could be a full-time back in Kyle Shanahan’s offensive scheme.
- According to Dimitroff, Quinn’s philosophy is that you don’t have to pay a huge amount for a pass rusher. The GM added that he believes the free agent class has some depth at that spot, and it’s worth noting that Quinn’s defense in Seattle frequently rotated part-time specialists in and out as a way of pressuring the quarterback.
- Cornerbacks Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford should be scheme fits for the Falcons’ new system, per Quinn.