AFC Notes: Manning, Flowers, Steelers, Bills
When I examined Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas as an extension candidate earlier today, I pointed out that the timeline for Peyton Manning‘s retirement could play a role in when Thomas signs his next contract and the amount of that deal. For now though, it doesn’t appear that retirement is in the star quarterback’s immediate plans. As Arnie Stapleton of The Associated Press writes, while the reigning MVP has considered the possibility of ending his career, Manning’s current goal is to play out his current contract, which runs through 2016.
Here’s more from around the AFC:
- Brandon Flowers is reportedly visiting another team after his trip to San Diego, but that mystery club isn’t the Steelers, reports ESPN.com’s Scott Brown. Pittsburgh is one of the clubs that has been linked to the free agent cornerback, though as today’s PFR poll shows, only about 12% of you feel that Flowers will land with the Steelers.
- Jon Bon Jovi, who is interested in buying the Bills, had a two-hour lunch with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in New York this week, write Ian Mohr and Stephanie Smith of the New York Post. The New Jersey native has joined Toronto-based investment group Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment in a bid to purchase the franchise.
- Meanwhile, more potential bidders for the Bills – Buffalo Sabres owners Terry and Kim Pegula – have acknowledged they’re keeping tabs on the sale of the team, as Robert J. McCarthy of the Buffalo News details. The Pegulas’ statement, which came via Sabres VP of public and community relations Michael Gilbert, said that “out of respect for the process being conducted by representatives of the Wilson estate and the Bills, they will not be making any additional comments about the sale process.”
- Although the Ravens made a flurry of moves today, signing five players that they tried out this week, cornerback Kevin Thomas didn’t receive a contract from the club. Still, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter), Thomas is on the team’s “standby list” and could receive an offer during training camp.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Johnathan Franklin To Retire Due To Neck Injury
FRIDAY, 2:29pm: The Packers have officially waived Franklin, the team announced today in a press release.
THURSDAY, 2:56pm: Agent Kenny Zuckerman says Franklin will be cut by the Packers with a waived-injured designation, and that he and his client will talk to another group of doctors “just to get peace of mind” (Twitter link via Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com).
2:23pm: Packers head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters today, including Jason Wilde of ESPNWisconsin.com (Twitter links), that running back Johnathan Franklin won’t return to the team — a major neck injury will end Franklin’s Packers’ career. While Green Bay’s medical staff is notoriously strict about clearing players with neck injuries, it sounds as if the injury will force Franklin to retire from the NFL.
“Unfortunately this week I have been ruled out of returning for the 2014/15 season and returning to play in the NFL,” Franklin wrote today, on his Twitter account. “But I understand God knows what he is doing and for now he has another platform for me to step upon.”
As Wilde notes, McCarthy told the media today that Franklin’s status will be further addressed and clarified on Friday, so we’ll have to wait for an official announcement on whether the running back’s playing career is over. It certainly seems as if that’s the case though, which would be a devastating turn of events for the former UCLA rusher.
Franklin, 24, was selected in the fourth round of the 2013 draft by the Packers and ran well in limited action for Green Bay last season, piling up 107 rushing yards and a touchdown on just 19 carries.
Pompei On Flowers, Incognito, Holmes, FAs
In his latest Read Option piece for Bleacher Report, Dan Pompei spoke to three front office executives from around the league about the best remaining free agents on the market. Let’s dive right in and check out what Pompei and the trio of execs had to say about the top available players….
- One exec wonders if Brandon Flowers might be declining after a poor 2013, while another likens him to Alterraun Verner, who received a $26MM deal ($14MM guaranteed) from the Bucs earlier this offseason.
- All three of Pompei’s sources agree that Richie Incognito is easily the best interior lineman available, but no teams want to deal with him after last year’s bullying scandal.
- Although Santonio Holmes is the most intriguing unsigned wide receiver, there are concerns about his durability, his asking price, and potentially his off-field presence. “We’d have to look more closely at what happened in New York with him in the locker room,” said one front office man.
- Jason Babin and Ryan Pickett are both entering their mid-30s, meaning teams will proceed with caution. There’s also some concern that both players have become increasingly one-dimensional – Babin as a pass-rusher and Pickett as a space-eater – but the execs think both players will sign somewhere.
- One exec on Josh Freeman: “He is probably better as a starter, but he isn’t going to get a starting job now. And if he knows he’s a backup, he might not prepare like he’s a starter.”
- Michael Bush may be hard-pressed to find a role, since the devaluation of running backs means clubs are more inclined to pick up a rookie who can play special teams rather than a veteran like Bush.
- Offensive linemen Eric Winston, Kyle Cook, and Tyson Clabo also earned mentions to round out the list of 10 players.
Extension Candidate: Demaryius Thomas
Earlier this offseason, the Broncos watched as a receiver who averaged 86 receptions, 1,176 yards, and 12 touchdowns during his last two seasons in Denver departed in free agency, signing a five-year deal with the Jets. Although the Broncos reportedly had some interest in re-signing Eric Decker, the team didn’t appear to go to great lengths to retain him, in part because Denver still has another wideout, Demaryius Thomas, who is a year away from free agency himself and matched or exceeded Decker’s numbers in those two seasons.
After hauling in just 54 passes during his first two NFL seasons, Thomas broke out when Peyton Manning arrived in Denver, averaging 93 catches, 1,432 yards, and 12 TDs in 2012 and 2013. In addition to posting massive numbers in the traditional receiving categories, Thomas also performed extremely well according to advanced stats. Football Outsiders ranked him third in 2012 and first in 2013 in terms of DYAR, while Pro Football Focus’ grades had him as the league’s second-best wideout in 2012 and fifth-best in 2013 (subscription required).
When Decker hit free agency, his true value was subject to increased scrutiny. Many observers wondered how much of Decker’s production was tied to the fact that he was catching passes from Manning and benefiting from defenses focusing on Thomas, Wes Welker, and the Broncos’ other weapons. It’s fair to assume that Thomas will face the same questions, and it’s also reasonable to conclude that perhaps he wouldn’t be posting the same sort of numbers in an offense with a mediocre quarterback throwing him the ball, into more frequent double or triple coverage.
Still, Thomas’ combination of size, speed, and hands make him one of the league’s better wideouts no matter whose passes he’s catching and who’s covering him, and his relative youth (26) means he should have plenty more prime years on the way. So it makes sense that the Broncos have initiated extension talks with the former 22nd overall pick, perhaps even offering him a new five-year contract already, though there are conflicting reports on whether an official proposal is actually on the table.
A look at the list of top wide receiver contracts at OverTheCap.com shows that plenty of five-year deals have been signed in recent years — Greg Jennings ($45MM), Vincent Jackson ($55MM), Dwayne Bowe ($56MM), Mike Wallace ($60MM), and Percy Harvin ($64.25MM) are just a few of the players whose current contracts span five years and have base values that range from between $9-13MM annually. In his talks with the Broncos, it makes sense that Thomas and his reps would push to exceed the figures for players like Wallace and Harvin, whose resumés weren’t quite as impressive as the Denver receiver’s is.
Only two receivers have a larger per-year value on their current contracts than Harvin, with Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald in a stratosphere all on their own, averaging more than $16MM per season. Both players are also on seven-year deals, rather than five-year pacts. Johnson signed his latest contract after a season in which he grabbed 16 touchdowns and nearly racked up 1,700 receiving yards, while Fitzgerald’s extension came on the heels of four straight Pro Bowl seasons in which he never caught less than 90 balls, even when Derek Anderson and John Skelton were the ones throwing those balls.
Based on his accomplishments so far, Thomas doesn’t appear qualified to join Johnson and Fitzgerald in that $16MM+ range, but it seems clear he should surpass Harvin and potentially become the third-highest-paid receiver in the NFL, depending on what happens with Dez Bryant and 2015’s other free agents. I’d expect Denver to be exploring a deal in the range of $65MM for five new years, with $20MM+ in guaranteed money.
Whether that sort of commitment appeals to Thomas is the big question. Another huge year could move him a step closer to Megatron/Fitzgerald territory, perhaps warranting a deal in the neighborhood of $14-15MM annually. However, the former Georgia Tech standout might be wise not to overplay his hand. Not reaching an agreement with the Broncos this year means the team could use its franchise tag on him next year, postponing his free agency until 2016. By that point, there’s a decent chance Manning will no longer be quarterbacking in Denver, which may make the Broncos reluctant to spend huge money on a receiver if they’re not confident about a new signal-caller getting him the ball. Thomas would still be in line for a big multiyear deal on the open market, but the best way to maximize his payday could be to ink that next contract when his numbers are still getting that Manning bump — that means doing it sooner rather than later.
As such, I expect we’ll see Thomas and the Broncos reach a long-term agreement before or during training camp. If it’s a five-year deal, something in the range of $65-70MM seems about right to me. Whether the two sides agree with that assessment remains to be seen.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
NFC North Links: Bears, Vikings, Franklin
The Bears didn’t adhere to the philosophy of the last one to arrive being the first one to leave when it came to their quarterbacks, cutting Jerrod Johnson yesterday rather than the recently-signed Jimmy Clausen. As Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com details, head coach Marc Trestman has been impressed by Clausen during his brief time with the club so far.
“Jimmy’s done a very good job, very maturely fit in and taken the place of trying to learn and work to learn the offense,” Trestman said. “He’s grinded at it. He spent long hours here. He’s had help from the guys in the room to get him to the place he is today. So we’ll see. We’re going through the process of working with our roster. I think he’ll be one of the guys that we do bring back, and we’ll take it one day at a time when we get to training camp.”
Here’s more from around the NFC North:
- The Bears‘ release of veteran defensive lineman Israel Idonije warrants more than just a line on the league’s transactions wire, according to John Mullin of CSN Chicago, who writes that it represents a statement – and the end of an era – for the team’s defensive line.
- After signing a lucrative contract with the Vikings a year ago, Greg Jennings‘ first year in Minnesota was an inconsistent and frustrating one, but as he tells Ben Goessling of ESPN.com, Jennings is optimistic about year two.
- Former Vikings quarterback Rich Gannon believes that the club’s current QB situation is in good hands, writes Michael Rand of the Star Tribune. Rookie Teddy Bridgewater is competing for the No. 1 job with veterans Matt Cassel and Christian Ponder.
- Head coach Mike McCarthy and a few Packers teammates spoke to Weston Hodkiewicz of PackersNews.com about the devastating news that a neck injury will likely end Johnathan Franklin‘s NFL career.
- Earlier today, we learned that longtime Bears long snapper Patrick Mannelly has decided to retire. NFL players don’t come classier than Mannelly, in the opinion of the Chicago Tribune’s David Haugh.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Ravens Finalize Series Of Roster Moves
The Ravens have officially finalized a series of roster moves that includes five signings and three cuts, according to multiple reports from the Baltimore Sun. According to Aaron Wilson, the team has parted ways with undrafted rookies Dexter Moody (S), Xavius Boyd (LB) and Avery Patterson (CB). With the newly-created openings, plus the two other open roster spots, the club has confirmed the signings of cornerbacks Aaron Ross and Dominique Franks, linebackers Nick DiMarco and Austin Spitler and wideout Mike Willie, per Jeff Zrebiec (via Twitter).
Of those five signings, four had been reported yesterday, so only the addition of Willie is new. The Arizona State alum, who went undrafted in 2012, has spent time with the Chargers in past years, though he has yet to appear in a regular-season NFL game.
As for the trio of players who were cut, all three were part of Baltimore’s undrafted free agent class back in May. Patterson received a signing bonus of $3K from the team, while Boyd received $1.5K to sign, but neither bonus was enough for the club to keep them on the roster into training camp.
The Ravens now have a full 90-man roster.
Poll: Where Will Brandon Flowers Sign?
With most free agents snapped up quickly in March, it’s rare to see a Pro Bowler available in June. Players like DeSean Jackson and Chris Johnson were cut later in the offseason, making the free agent market a little more interesting in the spring, but it has been a while since a player of Brandon Flowers‘ caliber became available.
Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required) suggest 2013 was a down year for Flowers as he struggled to fit in new Chiefs defensive coordinator Bob Sutton’s scheme, ranking as just the 87th-best CB in the league among 110 qualified players. However, PFF rated Flowers as a top-seven corner in both 2011 and 2012, and the ex-Chief is still only 28 years old, making him an intriguing option for teams in need of help in the secondary.
So far, the market for Flowers has been hard to nail down. The former second-round pick paid a visit to San Diego this week, so we count the Chargers among his potential suitors. Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports that Flowers has at least one more visit on his schedule, though it’s unclear which club he’s meeting with next.
While the Falcons and Redskins were initially identified as possible favorites to land Flowers, their interest has been downplayed over the last week. The Jets could use cornerback help after losing Antonio Cromartie and missing out on a few free agents, but the club reportedly hasn’t reached out to Flowers. The Vikings inquired, but are believed to be a long shot, with the cornerback not currently planning a visit to Minnesota. The Patriots, Ravens, Steelers, and Lions are among the other teams that have some level of interest in Flowers and may still be in the mix.
With a decision expected soon, we may see a frontrunner emerge for Flowers this weekend, if not today. For now though, it appears to be a wide open field. What do you think? Where will the Pro Bowl cornerback eventually sign?
Patrick Mannelly Announces Retirement
9:18am: The Bears have officially confirmed news of Mannelly’s retirement, via a press release.
“Our family is very grateful for all he has done,” Bears chairman George H. McCaskey said of Mannelly, in a statement. “Not just for the way he’s played on the field, but the way he has carried himself off the field. He’s the epitome of what a Chicago Bear is all about. We’ll miss having him in uniform and wish him the best.”
8:40am: Patrick Mannelly may not be a household name around the NFL, or even in Chicago, but no player in Bears history has played more games for the club over the course of his career than the veteran long snapper. That time will come to an end this year, however, as Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports that Mannelly will announce his retirement today.
Mannelly, 39, entered the league back in 1998 as a sixth-round draft pick out of Duke. Since then, he has appeared in 245 total regular-season contests as Chicago’s long snapper. Mannelly, who has been a team captain for the last six years, had hoped to return for a 17th season after undergoing hip surgery, but maintained that he would have to feel right and feel as if he could still play at an elite level, writes Biggs.
“Pat was great,” Bears kicker Robbie Gould said on Thursday. “Those are tough shoes to fill. That guy is probably the greatest long snapper to ever play the game. Trying to fill those shoes … those guys can’t even think about that. It’s not that it is not possible, it’s something they shouldn’t be worried about.”
“Those guys” who will vie for the long snapper job will be Chad Rempel and Brandon Hartson, who have been competing at the position during the team’s spring practices.
AFC East Notes: Bills, Wilfork, Jets
The Bills franchise is officially on the market, writes John Kryk of QMI Agency, who reports that the club has mailed a non-disclosure agreement from law firm Proskauer Rose and a teaser sale document to prospective bidders. According to Kryk, potential buyers must sign the non-disclosure agreement in order to receive the “offering memorandum,” or sale book, which will contain confidential information regarding the Bills, including financial details such as revenues, assets, and operational costs.
Here’s more on the Bills, and a couple of their AFC East rivals:
- In the aforementioned piece, Kryk goes on to explain that the NFL would like the Bills‘ eventual buyer to be “financially liquid to the extent of possessing at least $200MM in available cash over and above his or her portion of the sale price.” Additionally, financial firm Morgan Stanley will vet prospective buyers before the NFL does, since the firm is familiar with what the NFL accepts and what it doesn’t.
- Speaking today to reporters, including Shalise Manza Young of the Boston Globe (Twitter link), Vince Wilfork said that any issue he may have had with the Patriots and his contract in the offseason has been laid to rest, and that there are no lingering grudges. The veteran defensive tackle reportedly requested his release at one point, but ultimately worked out a new agreement to remain in New England.
- Like coach Rex Ryan, Jets GM John Idzik is feeling playoff pressure this season, writes Gary Myers of the New York Daily News. Other Jets general managers have enjoyed playoff success relatively early in their tenures, which might put the squeeze on Idzik to deliver.
- Jets owner Woody Johnson isn’t concerned about his club’s relatively cost-conscious offseason, writes Kimberly A. Martin of Newsday. “John is picking (players) using the cash that he has,” Johnson told reporters. “Number one, he has some obligations that he has going forward, as you guys know. But it’s really trying to find the best value and best fit for the team and not just wantonly spending in free agency.”
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Ravens To Sign Austin Spitler
4:29pm: The Ravens will also sign edge defender Nick DiMarco, who was among the players to try out for the club this week, tweets Wilson.
4:01pm: On the heels of a successful audition at their minicamp, the Ravens will sign free agent linebacker Austin Spitler to a contract, reports Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. The signing hasn’t been officially announced yet, and details of the agreement aren’t yet known, but it will likely be a one-year pact for the former Dolphin.
Spitler, who will turn 28 this fall, played nearly exclusively on special teams during his four years in Miami, playing only 15 total defensive snaps during his stint with the Dolphins, according to Pro Football Focus’ data. In kick and punt coverage, the former seventh-round pick out of Ohio State logged eight tackles in 2013.
Spitler was one of several players the Ravens tried out this week at their minicamp, and as Wilson notes, the team is expected to add at least one or two more of those non-roster players. Veteran cornerbacks Aaron Ross and Dominique Franks are considered “likely additions,” says Wilson. Besides those players, the Ravens also took a look at defensive tackle Daniel Muir, cornerbacks Drayton Florence, Marquice Cole, Kevin Thomas, and Bobby Felder, and wideouts Mike Willie and Dezmon Briscoe.