Falcons Cut Anderson, Promote Jerome Smith
8:37am: Running back Jerome Smith, who has spent the entire season on the Falcons’ practice squad, will take Anderson’s spot on the 53-man roster, per agent David Canter (Twitter link).
7:55am: After being on the Falcons’ active roster for a little over a month, veteran linebacker James Anderson will be released by the team, according to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com (via Twitter). Anderson will become a free agent, able to sign with any club, assuming he clears waivers.
Anderson, 31, started all 16 games last season for the Bears, with Pro Football Focus’ metrics (subscription required) ranking him 33rd out of 35 qualified 4-3 outside linebackers. That poor grade was due in large part to subpar performance against the run — he was one of the league’s more effective linebackers in pass coverage. Still, he didn’t see any time on defense during an earlier stint this season in Tennessee, appearing exclusively on special teams, and during his time with Atlanta, he didn’t see the field at all.
When Anderson’s release becomes official, the Falcons will likely announce a corresponding move, either a free agent signing or a promotion of a practice squad player.
Examining Notable Pro Bowlers’ Contracts
The NFL announced its Pro Bowl rosters on Tuesday night, a collection of 42 offensive players, 36 defenders, and eight special teams players. The list features the usual suspects such as Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Aaron Rodgers, as well as new faces like Le’Veon Bell, T.Y. Hilton, and Chris Harris, and can be viewed in full right here (PDF link).
Among the 86 players initially selected to appear in the game, several have signed new contracts in 2014, many more will be eligible for new deals in 2015, and others will receive a bump in pay based on their Pro Bowl nods. Here’s a breakdown of the Pro Bowl players with notable contract situations:
Recently signed or extended:
- Jamaal Charles, RB (Chiefs): Signed two-year, $18MM extension in July.
- Vontae Davis, CB (Colts): Signed four-year, $36MM contract in March.
- Jimmy Graham, TE (Saints): Signed four-year, $40MM contract in July.
- Brent Grimes, CB (Dolphins): Signed four-year, $32MM contract in March.
- Joe Haden, CB (Browns): Signed five-year, $67.5MM extension in May.
- Chris Harris, CB (Broncos): Signed a five-year, $42.5MM extension in December.
- Devin Hester, KR (Falcons): Signed three-year, $9MM contract in March (changed teams).
- Jason Kelce, C (Eagles): Signed six-year, $37.5MM extension in February.
- John Kuhn, FB (Packers): Signed one-year, $1.03MM contract in April.
- Pat McAfee, P (Colts): Signed five-year, $14.5MM contract in March.
- Gerald McCoy, DT (Buccaneers): Signed seven-year, $95.2MM extension in October.
- Jordy Nelson, WR (Packers): Signed four-year, $39.05MM extension in July.
- Jason Peters, T (Eagles): Signed four-year, $38.3MM extension in February.
- Patrick Peterson, CB (Cardinals): Signed five-year, $70.05MM extension in July.
- Maurkice Pouncey, C (Steelers): Signed five-year, $44.14MM extension in June.
- Robert Quinn, DE (Rams): Signed four-year, $57MM extension in September.
- Darrelle Revis, CB (Patriots): Signed two-year, $32MM contract in March (changed teams).
- Richard Sherman, CB (Seahawks): Signed four-year, $56MM extension in May.
- Matt Slater, ST (Patriots): Signed two-year, $4MM extension in November.
- Tyron Smith, T (Cowboys): Signed eight-year, $97.6MM extension in July.
- Darren Sproles, PR (Eagles): Traded by Saints, then signed two-year, $7MM extension in March (changed teams).
- Joe Staley, T (49ers): Signed two-year, $19.6MM extension in July.
- Aqib Talib, CB (Broncos): Signed six-year, $57MM contract in March (changed teams).
- Earl Thomas, S (Seahawks): Signed four-year, $40MM extension in April.
- Adam Vinatieri, K (Colts): Signed two-year, $5MM contract in March.
- T.J. Ward, S (Broncos): Signed four-year, $22.5MM contract in March (changed teams).
- DeMarcus Ware, OLB (Broncos): Signed three-year, $30MM contract in March (changed teams).
- J.J. Watt, DE (Texans): Signed six-year, $100MM extension in September.
Eligible for free agency in 2015:
- Dez Bryant, WR (Cowboys)
- Tashaun Gipson, S (Browns), restricted
- Stephen Gostkowski, K (Patriots)
- Justin Houston, OLB (Chiefs)
- Mike Iupati, G (49ers)
- John Kuhn, FB (Packers)
- DeMarco Murray, RB (Cowboys)
- Ndamukong Suh, DT (Lions)
- Demaryius Thomas, WR (Broncos)
- Julius Thomas, TE (Broncos)
Received Pro Bowl bonuses:
(via Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap)
- Mario Williams, DE (Bills): $400K
- Matt Slater, ST (Patriots): $300K
- Pat McAfee, P (Colts): $250K
- Josh Sitton, G (Packers): $250K escalator
- Kyle Williams, DT (Bills): $150K
- Kam Chancellor, S (Seahawks): $100K
- Joe Haden, CB (Browns): $100K
- Marcel Reece, FB (Raiders): $100K
- Darren Sproles, PR (Eagles): $100K
Perhaps the most interesting – or at least unusual – takeaway from this data is the abundance of cornerbacks on the first list. In fact, all eight cornerbacks initially named as Pro Bowlers (Davis, Grimes, Haden, Harris, Peterson, Revis, Sherman, and Talib) have signed new contracts, either extensions or free agent deals, since March. Rival teams hoping to get their hands on a Pro Bowl corner this offseason will have to focus on Revis — he’s the only one of the eight who can reasonably be expected to become available within the next few months, due to the structure of his contract with the Pats.
Data from Over the Cap was used in the creation of this post.
Extra Points: Marrone, Grossman, Draft
If the Bills‘ new owners, Terry Pegula and Kim Pegula, have decided to retain head coach Doug Marrone beyond this season, they haven’t told Marrone yet, writes Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. However, as Marrone told reporters today, he’s not worried about receiving assurances about his job.
“Now is really not the time for that in our profession,” Marrone said. “Maybe some other people would do that. I’m probably not the best person to talk to because I’m wired a little bit differently. Like I said, my focus is just on this game and winning. I don’t want to focus on the other stuff. The things that you can’t control, you don’t worry about. Those things will happen, I’m sure, when the season is over.”
Let’s check in on a few more Tuesday items from around the NFL….
- Browns head coach Mike Pettine confirmed today to reporters, including Jeff Schudel of The News-Herald (via Twitter), that Cleveland tried to sign quarterback Rex Grossman before reaching out to Tyler Thigpen. Grossman reportedly declined because he wanted to spent the holidays with his family instead.
- Boise State running back Jay Ajayi announced this week that he’ll forgo his senior season and enter the 2015 NFL draft, says Chadd Cripe of the Idaho Statesman, who notes that Ajayi made the decision earlier this month. Ajayi, who racked up 1,689 rushing yards and 25 rushing touchdowns in his junior year, currently ranks as the 10th-best back in this year’s class, per Mel Kiper of ESPN.com.
- Utah offensive tackle Jeremiah Poutasi is expected to enter the 2015 draft early, sources tell Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (Twitter link). Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com tweeted earlier this year that Poutasi is “pretty raw,” but is an intriguing prospect with a good deal of upside.
- Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune explains why it wasn’t a practical solution for the Bears to use the franchise tag on Jay Cutler a year ago.
- While Tony Sparano deserves praise for the job he’s done as the Raiders‘ interim coach, the club needs to “aim higher” when selecting its next coach, in the view of Marcus Thompson II of the Bay Area News Group.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Jets Notes: Casserly, Wolf, Wilkerson
With the Dolphins now out of the playoff picture, the Jets can’t even play the role of spoiler in Week 17, so the other drama remaining in 2014 for the team is determining draft position for 2015, and figuring out whether the franchise will be looking for a new general manager and head coach. Here’s the latest on the AFC East’s cellar dwellers:
- If the Jets decide to move on from general manager John Idzik at season’s end, Charley Casserly is expected to be one of the two consultants spearheading the search for a new GM and head coach, tweets Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. In a second tweet, Mehta adds that Bill Parcells won’t be the second consultant involved in the process.
- Abert Breer of the NFL Network has more details on the Jets’ potential consultants, reporting (via Twitter) that the team has approached Ron Wolf about a consultant role. Wolf, who worked for the Jets before going to Green Bay in 1991, also served as a consultant for the Raiders and Chargers in recent years. According to Breer (via Twitter), Wolf would work with Casserly if he comes aboard, as the club looks to “chart a course” going forward.
- Peter King of The MMQB.com (Twitter link) suggests owner Woody Johnson should look into Eric DeCosta (Ravens), Chris Ballard (Chiefs), Ryan Pace (Saints), and Scott Pioli (Falcons) as possible football decision-makers.
- Defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson expected to have a new deal in place with the Jets by now, but isn’t upset that it hasn’t happened yet, writes Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com. “No, I’m not disappointed,” Wilkerson said. “I mean, I thought it would be done, but it wasn’t, so, hey, it is what it is. I’m patiently waiting. If it happens, it happens.” Wilkerson is currently under contract through the 2015 season, via his fifth-year option.
NFC Notes: Bucs, McCown, Vikings, Falcons
The Buccaneers could wind up picking No. 1 overall, but head coach Lovie Smith isn’t thinking about it, as Pat Yasinkas of ESPN.com writes.
“That can’t even come into the equation,” Smith said. “[In Sunday’s loss to Green Bay], even though we didn’t play as well, the guys fought right up until the end — they weren’t thinking about that pick or anything like that. This week we’re going to do the same thing. We’re going to make decisions that will give us the best chance to win by being able to look at players that we haven’t seen, that may come into the equation a little bit, but we’re going to do everything that we possibly can to try and win the game and let everything else take care of itself.”
Here’s more from around the NFC:
- Although Buccaneers quarterback Josh McCown will turn 36 next summer, he’s not thinking about retiring after this season, as Pat Yasinkas of ESPN.com writes. “I don’t know if it’s at that point yet,” McCown said. “Obviously right now at this point in the season your body is tired and all those things. But once you get away from it and kind of reassess things, I feel good. My plan right now is to keep playing.”
- Wide receiver Jarius Wright and safety Harrison Smith are two Vikings players eligible for contract extensions this offseason, and as Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press details in a pair of pieces, Wright thinks he’s done enough to warrant a new deal, while Smith says he loves Minnesota and has no interest in playing anywhere else. Within that second piece, Tomasson also spoke to a few other Vikings about potential extensions, including tackle Matt Kalil.
- Former Browns CEO Joe Banner is advising the Falcons, with a focus on the team’s new stadium business, per Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News (Twitter link).
- Packers coach Mike McCarthy told reporters, including Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com (on Twitter), that his personnel department really liked center Travis Swanson coming out of the draft. Of course, Swanson wound up being selected by the Lions in the third round of this year’s draft instead.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Dolphins Promote Two Players To Roster
As the Dolphins prepare to close their 2014 season against the Jets this Sunday, the team has tweaked its 53-man roster, calling on replacements at two spots. According to the team (Twitter links), offensive lineman Nate Garner has been placed on the reserve/non-football injury list, while cornerback Jamar Taylor has been put on injured reserve. Center Sam Brenner and defensive tackle Deandre Coleman will take their spots, having been promoted from the practice squad.
Brenner, who played seven games for the Dolphins last season, had spent the entire 2014 campaign on the team’s practice squad. Coleman, who started the season with the Jaguars’ practice squad, has been with Miami – either on the team’s active roster or taxi squad – since late September.
The series of transactions leaves the Dolphins with three openings on their practice squad, so we’ll see if more moves are coming later this week.
49ers Notes: Gore, Baalke, Harbaugh
Longtime 49ers running back Frank Gore is on the verge of reaching free agency for the first time in his career, meaning this weekend’s game could be his last in San Francisco. However, 49ers general manager Trent Baalke isn’t necessarily expecting that to be the case, as he tells Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com.
“We sure hope not,” Baalke said. “He understands what he means to this organization. He would certainly like to be back, and we would certainly like to have him back. Now, whether we can make that a reality or not, time will tell.
“You have to look at the situation,” Baalke continued. “Frank is going to want to discuss his role, and what that role is going to be moving forward. What is the contract itself going to look like? We can both want each other’s company, but to make that happen, there are hurdles that are going to have to be crossed. He knows we are interested. We know he is interested. And we’re going to see if we can come together at some point.”
If Gore doesn’t return to the 49ers for the 2015 season, it seems likely that the club would turn to Carlos Hyde, on whom the Niners used a second-round pick earlier this year. Here’s more on the Niners:
- Baalke confirmed that the University of Michigan reached out to him to convey their interest in head coach Jim Harbaugh, as Cam Inman of the Mercury News writes. “I think the University of Michigan, in reaching out, did handle it correctly,” Baalke said on his weekly segment on 95.7 The Game. “As I look at it, guys, it’s very simple: He’s the head football coach of the San Francisco 49ers.”
- Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports says the 49ers will regret letting go of Harbaugh. The polarizing coach appears to be done in San Francisco, leaving him with a number of opportunities in the NFL and one notable opportunity at the NCAA level.
- Some sources tell Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Bill Williamson of ESPN.com) that they believe Harbaugh will either coach at the University of Michigan or with the Raiders in 2015.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Falcons Promote Baker, Put Moore On IR
The Falcons have made some changes to their roster and practice squad today, placing safety William Moore on the injured reserve list and promoting fellow safety Sean Baker to take his spot on the active roster, according to a team release. Atlanta also filled Baker’s spot on the practice squad by adding running back Ronnie Wingo.
For Moore, it’s his second time being placed on the IR list this season — earlier in the year, he received the designation to return due to a shoulder injury and missed eight weeks, and it’s his shoulder again that will keep him out of the team’s final regular season contest, as well as any playoff games. A starter when he’s healthy, Moore remains under contract for next season, so he’ll likely be back in Atlanta.
Baker, 26, spent four weeks on the Falcons’ 53-man roster earlier this season, but didn’t see any action on defense, and was waived in late October when the club signed signed veteran Charles Godfrey.
Seahawks Sign K.J. Wright To Extension
SUNDAY: Wright will be guaranteed $16MM, $5MM of which is available in the form of a signing bonus, according to Joel Corry of CBS Sports, who also breaks down the cap figures in the linebacker’ extension. Wright’s cap figure will be $4.75MM in 2015, $6.25MM in ’16, $6.8MM in ’17, and $8.2MM in ’18. His injury guarantees will become fully guaranteed five day after the waiver period in each year (Twitter links: 1, 2, 3).
THURSDAY: The Seahawks have locked up linebacker K.J. Wright for the next several seasons, announcing today that they’ve signed Wright to a four-year contract extension, according to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times (via Twitter). Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports (via Twitter) that the new deal, which will keep Wright from becoming a free agent this offseason, is worth $27MM.
Wright, 25, has been a starter in Seattle ever since being selected 99th overall in the fourth round of the 2011 draft. He has been consistently effective in that role since becoming a Seahawk, recording grades of +7.2 or higher in each of his first three seasons with the club, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). Wright has a more modest +3.2 grade in 2014, but that has been partly the result of moving around on the defense more often — as a 4-3 outside linebacker, the Mississippi State product still ranks 12th among 39 qualified players, per PFF.
As a fourth-round pick, Wright had a rookie contract worth just $2.526MM, so his extension provides him with a significant pay raise. According to Condotta (via Twitter), the fact that the Seahawks were able to clear Percy Harvin‘s future salaries from their cap in October’s trade with the Jets likely afforded the team additional flexibility and contributed to accelerating talks with Wright.
With Wright locked up, the Seahawks have secured a number of their key defensive players, as the 2015 offseason approaches. Earl Thomas, Richard Sherman, and Michael Bennett also signed long-term deals with the team within the last year.
Seahawks Sign Cliff Avril To Extension
SUNDAY: $2.5MM of Avril’s $16MM signing bonus comes in the form of a signing bonus, reports Joel Corry of CBS Sports, who also passes along the cap figure breakdown of Avril’s new deal. The defensive end’s cap number will be $8MM in 2015, $6.5MM in ’16, $5.5MM in ’17, and $8MM in ’18. Additionally, Avril’s base salary injury guarantees become fully guaranteed five days after the waiver period in each year (Twitter links: 1, 2, 3).
FRIDAY: A day after locking up one of their key defensive players with a new four-year deal, the Seahawks have signed another to a contract extension, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, who reports (via Twitter) that the team has reached a long-term agreement with defensive end Cliff Avril. Avril’s new four-year contract will be worth $28.5MM, with $16MM guaranteed, a source tells Rapoport.
Avril, 28, has recorded just 4.5 sacks this season, which would be a career low if he doesn’t add to it in Seattle’s final two regular season games. As such, the $7MM+ annual commitment from the club may initially look a little high. However, Avril averaged over nine sacks per season in his previous four years, with Seattle and Detroit, and has still wreaked havoc in opposing backfields this year even if his sack totals aren’t there.
According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Avril has been the league’s 13th-best 4-3 defensive end this year, out of 58 qualified players. PFF gives Avril credit for 38 quarterback hurries, and another nine quarterback hits, so he’s creating plenty of pressure as a pass rusher. Seattle has rewarded the former third-round pick for his play by giving him a slight raise, and a little more security — Avril’s previous contract was for two years and $13MM.
Avril’s new four-year deal looks awfully similar to a couple others recently signed by Seahawks defenders. Fellow pass rusher Michael Bennett inked a four-year, $28.5MM pact before reaching the open market back in March, and he has been even better than Avril this year — Bennett’s sack total (six) is also modest, but he ranks as the NFL’s third-best 4-3 defensive end, according to PFF’s grades.
Linebacker K.J. Wright also received a new four-year extension from Seattle, and his deal, announced yesterday, is worth a little less than the ones signed by the defensive ends. Full details of Wright’s contract haven’t been reported yet, but the overall value is believed to be $27MM.
Moving Percy Harvin in a trade with the Jets earlier in the season freed up some future cap space and flexibility for the Seahawks, and the team has taken full advantage, locking up two of its best defensive players to multiyear deals. With Wright, Bennett, and Avril now under contract beyond 2014, Seattle has ensured that nearly all its impact defensive players will be in the fold for several years — Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman also signed extensions this year, while Kam Chancellor agreed to his in 2013.
With those defenders now under team control for several years, the Seahawks will likely shift their focus to the offensive side of the ball, where Russell Wilson will be entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2015. In addition to addressing Wilson’s deal, the team will have to figure out what’ll happen with running back Marshawn Lynch, who is also entering the final year of his contract.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.