Broncos, Chris Harris Discussing Extension
While the Broncos reportedly aren’t engaged in extension talks with star pass catchers Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas, the team is discussing a new deal with another free-agent-to-be, reports Mike Klis of the Denver Post. According to Klis, the team has opened extension negotiations with cornerback Chris Harris, who is eligible to hit the open market at season’s end.
The two Thomases have typically been the focus of discussions on which players the Broncos should lock up long term, and they received most of your votes when I asked last month which extension candidate should be the team’s top priority. However, Harris’ importance to Denver’s defense shouldn’t be overlooked.
According to Pro Football Focus’ grades (subscription required), Harris has been the league’s third-best cornerback this season, and his +11.7 grade in pass coverage is tops in the NFL. PFF’s data indicates that the 25-year-old has been targeted 45 times this season for just 22 receptions, 185 yards, no touchdowns, a pair of INTs, and a 41.4 passer rating. Those stats don’t appear to be an aberration either — a year ago, Harris ranked eighth among corners, per PFF, which placed him ahead of notable extension recipients like Patrick Peterson and Joe Haden.
Since Harris was coming off a torn ACL, the Broncos managed to bring him back on a one-year restricted free agent tender worth just $2.187MM, but the former undrafted free agent unlikely to be that affordable in 2015 and beyond. It will be interesting to see how aggressive the Broncos are in pursuing a new deal with Harris, since the team has cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Bradley Roby locked up for the next several seasons.
Although we know Wes Welker likely won’t be a priority for the Broncos, the team presumably wants to find a way to bring back both Thomases and Harris, all of whom are eligible for unrestricted free agency this winter. Harris will be in position to command a substantial raise though, and if the two sides can’t work something out, he figures to draw plenty of interest on the open market in March.
Highest-Paid Players On Injured Reserve
Every one of the NFL’s 32 teams has control over how it spends its money and uses its cap space, but clubs have far less control over ensuring that their players avoid injuries. Given how many fluke collisions and non-contact injuries we see end seasons every year, a team needs a certain amount of luck to remain relatively healthy over the course of a 16-game season.
Through this season’s first nine weeks, every NFL team has had multiple players land on season-ending injured reserve, and in many cases, those clubs now have a decent chunk of their overall cap commitments sitting on IR. As one of our PFR Glossary entries outlines, “dead money” is a term applied to cap hits for players who are no longer on a team’s roster, but the cap numbers for players on injured reserve can be viewed as another form of dead money. These players’ seasons are over, and they aren’t counting toward their respective teams’ 53-man rosters, but their salaries still count against the cap.
Listed below are the top 10 highest-paid players by 2014 cap hit who have landed on season-ending injured reserve this season. Players who were given the designation to return aren’t included here.
- Sam Bradford (QB), Rams: $17.61MM
- Brian Orakpo (LB), Washington: $11.455MM
- Alex Mack (C), Browns: $10MM
- Paul Posluszny (LB), Jaguars: $9.5MM
- Jake Long (T), Rams: $9.25MM
- Darnell Dockett (DT), Cardinals: $8.75MM
- Dannell Ellerbe (LB), Dolphins: $7.425MM
- Victor Cruz (WR), Giants: $7.424MM
- Jerod Mayo (LB), Patriots: $7.288MM
- Tyvon Branch (S), Raiders: $7.157MM
As this list shows, some teams have had worse luck than others, and some of those clubs have been able to overcome that bad luck better than others. The Rams have two players in the top five of this list, and that doesn’t even take into account defensive end Chris Long, who is on IR with the designation to return and whose $12MM+ cap hit would rank second behind Bradford if he were included on this list. With well over $30MM in salaries currently sitting on IR, it’s hardly a surprise that the Rams have struggled this season and sit in last place in the NFC West.
Other cellar-dwelling teams like the Jaguars and Raiders have a player on this list too, but some teams have held their own despite losing key players — the Cardinals, Browns, and Patriots are among the clubs who have a highly-paid player on IR and still currently have a hold on a playoff spot due to their depth.
Here are the rest of the highest-paid players on IR who round out the top 25 of the current list:
- DeMeco Ryans (LB), Eagles: $6.9MM
- Michael Roos (T), Titans: $6.625MM
- Nick Hardwick (C), Chargers: $6.15MM
- Sam Baker (T), Falcons: $6.05MM
- Matt Cassel (QB), Vikings: $5.75MM
- Stephen Tulloch (LB), Lions: $5.05MM
- Lamarr Houston (DE), Bears: $5.04MM
- Mike DeVito (DE), Chiefs: $4.9MM
- LaMarr Woodley (DE), Raiders: $4.844MM
- Derrick Johnson (LB), Chiefs: $4.55MM
- Morris Claiborne (CB), Cowboys: $4.436MM
- Sean Weatherspoon (LB), Falcons: $4.133MM
- B.J. Raji (DT), Packers): $4MM
- John Abraham (LB), Cardinals: $3.925MM
- Nick Roach (LB), Raiders: $3.771MM
Later this weekend, we’ll take a look at the teams with the most total salary on injured reserve to see exactly how these players are affecting their respective clubs as a whole.
Over The Cap was used in the creation of this post.
NFC Notes: Bryant, Hardy, Morgan
After checking in on a pair of AFC divisions earlier today, let’s head over to the other conference and round up a few NFC items….
- Now that he’s represented by Roc Nation, Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant has changed his stance on discussing a contract extension during the season, indicating earlier this week that he’d be willing to enter in-season negotiations “if it’s right.” Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News takes a look at what the “right” deal for Bryant would entail.
- With an eye toward players like Bryant, Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com points out (at The Sporting News) that the market for wide receivers may be trending down after a handful of recent big-money deals have failed to pay big early dividends. That’s not to say that Bryant and other big-name receivers won’t sign big contracts this offseason, but Fitzgerald expects more difficult negotiations than in the past.
- While his chances of playing this season look increasingly slim, Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy told James Walker of ESPN.com that he still hopes to return to the field this season. Hardy agreed to be placed on the commissioner’s exempt list until his legal case was resolved, and his trial has now been postponed until January.
- Saints head coach Sean Payton confirmed yesterday that the suspension that receiver Joe Morgan is serving came from the team and not the league, and it won’t end Morgan’s season (Twitter link via Evan Woodbery of the Times-Picayune).
- Former Norfolk State wideout Roderick Bell had a tryout with Washington on Thursday, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter).
AFC North Notes: Roethlisberger, Hoyer, Eifert
At age 32, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is playing at an elite level. In the last two weeks, he’s torched the Colts and Ravens for 12 total touchdown passes, and on the season, his 20.4 overall Pro Football Focus rating is tops in the NFL. While Roethlisberger isn’t a free agent until 2016 and there are no extension talks taking place, Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole believes the veteran quarterback will seek approximately $24MM per year on his next deal, which would make him the league’s highest-paid player by average annual value. While it remains to be seen whether Big Ben will receive – or even ask for – that kind of money, he’s certainly in line for a big payday if he keeps up his current torrid pace.
Let’s round up a few more items from around the AFC North….
- After the Browns dismantled the Bengals in Cincinnati last night, Brian Hoyer‘s record as Cleveland’s starter over the past two seasons improved to 9-3 — in games he didn’t start, the Browns posted a 1-12 record. Hoyer’s continued success is great for the Browns’ playoff chances, but it’s pushing the team further into a corner when it comes to making a decision on the signal-caller’s future, writes Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
- Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis told reporters today, including Coley Harvey of ESPN.com (Twitter link), that while tight end Tyler Eifert is on the mend, there’s a chance he misses the rest of the season. Eifert is currently on injured reserve with the designation to return, and is eligible to be activated as soon as next week.
- Even before his domestic violence incident, former Ravens running back Ray Rice appeared to be on the decline, says Tom Pelissero of USA Today. So if he’s reinstated, will Rice even get another shot in the NFL? One personnel director tells Pelissero he believes the running back has “played his last game,” while a GM cautioned to “never say never,” and a veteran scout said he’ll get another chance, but “maybe not right away.”
Matt Feminis contributed to this post.
Titans CEO Talks Roster, GM, Coach, London
Head of Titans ownership Tommy Smith, the team’s president and CEO, appeared today on 104.5 The Zone in Tennessee to discuss his club. At 2-6, the Titans are on their third quarterback of the season and have fallen out of postseason contention early in Ken Whisenhunt‘s first year with the team. While Smith expressed disappointment with the team’s record and place in the standings, he said he’s optimistic and looking forward to seeing what rookie Zach Mettenberger can do in the second half. Via Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com, here are a few more highlights from Smith’s appearance:
- According to Smith, he speaks to general manager Ruston Webster every day and Whisenhunt two or three times per week. Asked if there’s any scenario in which he can imagine making a change at GM or head coach, Smith replied, “I can’t see that at all, no.”
- The Titans came into the season optimistic about the roster, but Smith recognizes there are many areas that need improvement and that there’s a lot of work to do. Admitting that he’s impatient and wants to see results immediately, the owner acknowledged that the team must be realistic about where it is. He identified the offensive line as one of the biggest disappointments on the roster, adding that he has told Whisenhunt he doesn’t care about where someone was drafted or what they’re being paid — if they’re not getting it done, they can be replaced.
- More Smith on the offensive line, which includes high draft picks Chance Warmack and Taylor Lewan, as well as offseason signee Michael Oher: “We have to get consistent performance out of the line. I know the coach is as upset about this as anyone. I know the players are professionals, they expect more of themselves. I’m hopeful and trustful that in the second half of the season we’re going to see better performance out of that group.”
- Smith indicated that the Titans would be happy to play a game in London if the league approached the club about it. However, he didn’t say whether or not he’d be willing to give up a home game to do so.
AFC West Notes: Raiders, Moss, Chiefs
Former San Antonio mayor Henry Cisneros will lead a group of governmental and civic leaders set to meet with Raiders officials today to discuss the possibility of the team moving to Texas should talks with Oakland fall through, per Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News. While Cisneros believes the idea of the Raiders coming to San Antonio is a “50-50 proposition,” it’s hard to imagine the team leaving California, and Jason Cole of Bleacher Report hears the same thing from three sources. According to Cole (Twitter link), owner Mark Davis is using San Antonio as leverage, and there’s “no way” the team moves there rather than staying in Oakland or relocating to Los Angeles.
Here are a few more Friday morning links from around the AFC West:
- Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie’s 2014 draft might save his job, according to CSN Bay Area’s Scott Bair, who says the team’s first three picks – linebacker Khalil Mack, quarterback Derek Carr, and guard Gabe Jackson – look like “franchise fixtures.”
- Could we see 37-year-old Randy Moss back on an NFL field as a player again? The former Pro Bowl receiver confirmed that the Seahawks reached out to him about a possible comeback after trading Percy Harvin, but said he’d only consider coming out of retirement if it meant having an opportunity to catch passes from a player like Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning. “I’m gonna tell you this, for me to come out of retirement for a player such as Peyton Manning, I would consider that,” Moss said last week on Fox Sports’ The Peter Schrager Podcast last week, per Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post. “I really would consider it. I’m still in great shape, I can still run. I’m not the most old, but just by looking at the things I see on Sundays, I can still go out there and catch some passes and catch some touchdowns.”
- The Chiefs had linebacker JoJo Dickson and defensive back Cannon Smith in for auditions this week, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter).
Matt Feminis contributed to this post.
Latest On Adrian Peterson
5:03pm: In a pair of posts at Pro Football Talk, Mike Florio explains that when Peterson agreed to be placed on the exempt list earlier this season, he did so believing the designation would be removed once his legal case was resolved. However, the league has decided to keep him on the exempt list even though the case has concluded, which could potentially be grounds for a lawsuit.
Additionally, since accepting a de facto suspension with pay means that he hasn’t technically been disciplined, Peterson could face further penalties now, though Florio points out that it would hurt the NFL in the long run if the league doesn’t take into consideration the eight games the running back has already missed. As Florio rhetorically asks: “Why would any player decide in future cases to agree to step aside from the playing field pending the resolution of his legal case if he knows that, in the end, any playing time he has missed won’t matter?”
2:44pm: The NFL advised Vikings running back Adrian Peterson this afternoon that his case is being reviewed for potential discipline under the NFL’s personal conduct policy, writes Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Now that his criminal case has been resolved, Peterson has been asked to submit relevant information regarding his case and to meet with “designated experts” who will make recommendations for commissioner Roger Goodell to consider.
As Schefter details, Peterson will also have the opportunity to have a hearing prior to the NFL issuing any discipline. For now though, the running back’s status on the reserve/commissioner’s exempt list remains unchanged. And Schefter hears from sources that it’s “highly unlikely” there will be resolution on Peterson’s case until next week, at the earliest (Twitter link).
Although Peterson’s legal case has been resolved without a criminal conviction, his short-term NFL future remains murky. Having spent most of the season on the exempt list, the 29-year-old has already missed eight games, and because he accepted a no-contest plea, his camp will undoubtedly make the case that he should be reinstated immediately.
However, Peterson continued to receive his full salary for those eight games he missed, and hasn’t technically faced a suspension yet — the league’s new domestic violence guidelines call for a six-game ban for a first offense, but it’s not clear whether Peterson’s case falls under that umbrella, or whether that specific penalty applies only in the event there’s a conviction.
It’s also worth noting that both the NFL and the Vikings will have to make decisions on what to do with Peterson. Even if the league decides to forgo additional punishment and reinstate the running back, there’s no guarantee that Vikings ownership would be comfortable with seeing him back on the field for the club’s Week 11 game against the Bears. Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune reported today that the team continues to have “internal discussions” about whether Peterson should be allowed to play again this season.
In a PFR poll earlier today, more than half of our respondents voted that Peterson should be reinstated immediately, while more than 30% believe he should be suspended for the remainder of the 2014 season.
Practice Squad Updates: Thursday
We’ll use this space to round up today’s practice squad signings and cuts from around the NFL:
- A day after cutting him in order to make room on the roster for Leonard Hankerson, Washington has re-signed cornerback Chase Minnifield to its practice squad, the club announced today (Twitter link).
- One wide receiver has replaced another on the Panthers‘ practice squad, according to David Newton of ESPN.com, who tweets that the team has added De’Andre Presley and parted ways with Willie Snead.
- The Seahawks have re-signed linebacker L.J. Fort to their taxi squad, releasing defensive end Ryan Robinson in a corresponding move, per Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times (via Twitter).
Jimmy Smith Out For Season
The Ravens’ embattled secondary was dealt another blow today, according to the team, which announced (via Twitter) that standout cornerback Jimmy Smith underwent surgery on his injured foot and will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2014 season. The injury was initially expected to keep Smith out of action for a few weeks, but it was determined to be serious enough that he now won’t be back until next season.
“The plan for Jimmy was to do more testing once swelling subsided,” said Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, per Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter links). “With this exam, doctors decided he needed surgery. That means Jimmy is finished for the season, but is ready for our offseason.”
The coming offseason could wind up being a big one for Smith, whose rookie contract expires at season’s end. The Ravens exercised their fifth-year option on the 26-year-old for 2015, meaning the team will have him under control for one more year, but working out a longer-term arrangement this offseason for the Ravens’ top cornerback could be in the club’s best interest.
In the meantime, a shorthanded Ravens secondary will look to cope with Smith’s absence as best it can. The team released Chykie Brown and Dominique Franks this week, meaning Lardarius Webb is now the only healthy veteran cornerback on the roster. Defensive backs Danny Gorrer and Tramain Jacobs also figure to see plenty of action, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Baltimore add one more veteran corner before this weekend’s game against the Titans. Currently, there are no defensive backs on the team’s practice squad.
East Notes: Romo, Washington, Prosinski
While Tony Romo has been plagued by back injuries within the last year, recently being forced to the bench with two small fractures in his back, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones doesn’t expect the quarterback to retire anytime soon, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor of ESPNDallas.com.
“I think it’s realistic for him to play five more years,” Jones said of Romo. “I’m aware of his back. Only God knows what is in store for his back. I’ve seen backs out there that you wouldn’t believe how they look on the MRIs and how they look on X-rays. If you’re concerned about his future, then look at his age, and you might say, boy, you need to be thinking about a time when he doesn’t play. I don’t look at it much differently than that with his back, because there have been three very different types of injuries that have caused him to miss games with his back.”
While we wait to see if Romo returns to the field in London this weekend against the Jaguars, as is expected, let’s check in on a few items from out of the NFL’s two East divisions….
- Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com takes an early look at Washington‘s salary cap situation for 2015, including identifying a handful of players who could be cut before next season. While there’s been no indication from the team that those players are in danger of being released, defensive end Stephen Bowen, nose tackle Barry Cofield, and guard Chris Chester are among the players who potentially fit the bill due to a combination of age and cap numbers, says Tandler.
- Safety Chris Prosinski‘s new deal with the Eagles is for two years, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (via Twitter). That doesn’t necessarily mean the former Jaguar will stick in Philadelphia for the 2015 season, but if things goes well this year, he’ll be an inexpensive option in the secondary for next year.
- Jets GM John Idzik was “clearly miffed” by a prank that involved a plane flying over Wednesday’s practice with a banner that read “Fire John Idzik,” according to George Willis of the New York Post, who adds that Idzik vowed the Jets will get things straightened out.
- Earlier today, Eagles head coach Chip Kelly addressed rumors that his team had “soured” on quarterback Nick Foles.