Doug Baldwin, Seahawks Moving Toward Deal
9:08am: Baldwin and the Seahawks are “very close” to reaching an agreement, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link), who says to expect a shorter term — perhaps three years.
8:22am: One restricted free agent remains unsigned, but it may just be a matter of time until wide receiver Doug Baldwin and the Seahawks come to an agreement on a multiyear contract. According to Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports (Twitter links), the two sides have been moving toward a deal, and one could be struck “very soon.”
Baldwin, 25, indicated yesterday on SiriusXM NFL Radio (Twitter link) that while he’d like a longer-term contract, he’s prepared to go out and play the 2014 season on his RFA tender, which is worth $2.187MM. He and the Seahawks still have a little time to work out an agreement — if RFAs have yet to sign new contracts or accept their one-year tenders by June 15, their leverage diminishes significantly, since clubs can withdraw those tenders and still regain exclusive negotiating rights.
By the sounds of Garafolo’s report, Seattle and Baldwin should have in agreement in place by that point, and if so, it’ll be interesting to see what it looks like. The Stanford alum has modest career numbers, including 50 receptions for 778 yards in ’13, but he’s still young and could be in line for a bigger role in the team’s offense now that Golden Tate is no longer in the picture. Tate received more than $6MM annually to sign a long-term contract with the Lions this offseason, and while Baldwin may not match that figure, his per-year salary on a multiyear deal would presumably exceed his $2.187MM tender.
If the two sides don’t work something out, Baldwin figures to play out the season on his one-year tender, then become eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2015.
Minor Moves: Steelers, Dolphins, Seahawks
Here are a few of the latest transactions from around the league, including several draft pick signings, waiver claims, and cuts, plus a new contract for a player who was cut by his old team earlier this month:
- Three teams parted ways with recently-signed undrafted free agents or players on reserve contracts, as the Steelers cut offensive lineman Kaycee Ike, the Dolphins dropped running back Cameron Marshall, and the Texans waived guard Kevin Forsch (all Twitter links via Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun). The Packers also waived linebacker Victor Aiyewa, per Wilson (via Twitter).
- Three players cut this week have been claimed off waivers, according to Wilson, who reports (in a series of three tweets) that tackle Michael Ola is headed to the Bears, defensive back Deion Belue was awarded to the Steelers, and receiver Kofi Hughes was claimed by the Texans.
- A couple more updates from Wilson: Luke Marquardt is now on the 49ers‘ injured reserve list (Twitter link), while Garrett Scott has been placed on the Seahawks‘ non-football injury list (Twitter link).
- Having been recently cut by the Seahawks, defensive back Jimmy Legree has signed with the Cardinals, tweets Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer.
Earlier updates:
- The Seahawks became the NFL’s fourth team to finishing locking up its 2014 draft class, announcing last night that fourth-round wide receiver Kevin Norwood and fourth-round linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis have signed their rookie contracts. The Saints, Chiefs, and Bears were the first three clubs to sign all their draftees.
- Sixth-round cornerback Brandon Dixon has inked his four-year rookie deal with the Jets, the team confirmed today in a press release. The 195th overall selection, Dixon is in line for a signing bonus worth about $103K an an overall four-year base value of around $2.324MM, per Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap. The former Northwest Missouri State speedster is the 10th of 12 Jets draft picks to sign his contract.
- The Dolphins have signed former Buccaneers cornerback Anthony Gaitor, according to Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. The appropriately named Gaitor, a seventh-round pick in 2011, remains in the state where he also played his college ball, at Florida International.
Bucs Owner Malcolm Glazer Passes Away
Buccaneers owner Malcolm Glazer has passed away, the team announced today in a press release. Glazer, who was 85 years old, had owned the Tampa Bay franchise since 1995, overseeing the Bucs’ first and only Super Bowl championship in 2002.
During Glazer’s tenure as owner, the Buccaneers transformed from an NFL laughingstock to one of the league’s more respectable organizations. The team had endured 12 straight losing seasons prior to Glazer’s purchase in January of 1995, but totaled nine winning seasons and earned seven playoff berths during his ownership.
Glazer, who also owned the Premier League’s Manchester United, becomes the third longtime NFL owner to pass away this season, following Henry Ford of the Lions and Ralph Wilson of the Bills. According to the Bucs, wife Linda Glazer and her six children will continue to own and operate the franchise.
Our condolences go out to Glazer’s friends and family.
The Importance Of June 1st
Many of the most important dates of the NFL offseason have already come and gone, but this Sunday represents another day that team executives around the league have circled on their calendars. Here’s a brief summary of why June 1 is important, and what we can expect starting next Monday, after that deadline has passed:
- As we explained in a PFR Glossary entry, players released or traded after June 1 count against the cap differently than players who were cut or moved earlier in the offseason, with teams able to spread the player’s dead money across multiple years. So we could see a handful of veterans released or dealt once June 1 is behind us.
- Several players were released earlier in the offseason and designated as post-June 1 cuts, meaning their cap hits will finally be reduced starting in June. Those players are LaMarr Woodley (Steelers; $8MM cap savings), Carlos Rogers (49ers; $6.6MM), Miles Austin (Cowboys; $5.5MM), Steve Smith (Panthers; $5MM), David Bass (Giants; $5MM), Daryn Colledge (Cardinals; $5MM), and Thomas DeCoud (Falcons; $3.4MM). Each of those teams was starting to approach the cap limit, so the new savings will give them the flexibility to lock up draft picks and possibly revisit the free agent market.
- Speaking of free agents, June 1 represents the deadline for teams to extend contract tenders to their unrestricted FAs. If a club’s former veteran player remains unsigned, that team can make him a one-year offer worth 110% of his previous cap number (minus workout and incentive payments). For former players who were on rookie contracts, the one-year tender is worth 100% of the player’s previous base salary. Players who receive these June 1 tenders have until July 22 to sign with another team — after that date, the player’s previous team retains exclusive negotiating rights throughout the season.
- Most free agents won’t receive tender offers, meaning they become free after June 1 to sign with any club without being tied to future draft compensation. As such, we’ll likely see an increase in veterans inking contracts, since teams will no longer have to worry that signing those players will reduce their chances at compensatory 2015 draft picks.
Details from Over The Cap were used in the creation of this post.
Alex Smith, Chiefs Far Apart On Extension
A little over a month ago, we heard that extension talks between the Chiefs and Alex Smith were moving “very slowly,” with some movement expected after the conclusion of the draft. However, with the draft well behind us, Smith and the Chiefs still don’t appear to be moving toward an agreement.
According to Ed Werder of ESPN.com (via Twitter), there has been “very little dialogue” between the two sides, and there’s some skepticism that a deal will be agreed upon in time for the season. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com agrees, tweeting that the sides are still far apart with no progress being made, which is why Kansas City contemplated drafting a quarterback early.
As we noted yesterday, head coach Andy Reid expressed confidence during an appearance on the NFL Network that the Chiefs would get something done soon with Smith, but Terez A. Paylor of the K.C. Star reported a little later that contract talks for the signal-caller have been “almost nonexistent” within the last few months. And today’s reports certainly seem to back up Paylor’s account.
According to Rapoport (via Twitter), if Smith and the Chiefs find a common ground, it will likely happen later in the offseason, rather than now. And if talks remain stagnant, the club appears willing to use the franchise tag next March. As Rapoport adds in a second tweet, there isn’t really a clear-cut market for second-tier quarterbacks, so Smith is likely pushing to be paid like a top-tier option, while the Chiefs may be reluctant to make such a large commitment.
Jay Cutler‘s seven-year, $126MM extension provided the most recent point of comparison for quarterbacks like Smith, who have had some regular-season and playoff success, despite not reaching a Super Bowl. According to Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter), back in January Smith was seeking a deal that exceeded Cutler’s, and that probably hasn’t changed within the last few months.
Smith’s contract talks will be an interesting offseason subplot to follow, as we wait to see who blinks first. The former Niner may risk reducing his value if he heads into the 2014 season without a new deal, but finding a reliable starting quarterback isn’t easy, and it’s not clear if Kansas City has a viable successor on a roster that includes Chase Daniel and Aaron Murray.
Cowboys Rumors: Bryant, Lee, Hitchens
Many of the league’s top wide receivers – including Calvin Johnson, Brandon Marshall, Larry Fitzgerald, and Vincent Jackson – have signed deals in recent years that average at least $10MM and exceed $20MM in total guarantees. While Dez Bryant didn’t cite specific figures, he suggested to Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com that he thinks his next contract should reflect his place among the NFL’s best wideouts.
“Yeah, I deserve it,” Bryant said of a long-term extension. “I deserve it. I feel like I do. I put the work in, but I let that kind of stuff take care of itself. It is what it is. I let my agent talk about it and give me some feedback.”
According to Bryant, agent Eugene Parker has already engaged in preliminary talks with the Cowboys about a multiyear extension. The standout receiver is slated to earn a base salary of $1.78MM along with $250K in workout bonuses in 2014, the final year of his rookie contract.
Let’s check out a few more Cowboys items….
- Would Bryant accept a hometown discount to remain in Dallas? He was somewhat noncommittal in his conversation with MacMahon: “I’m loyal to the squad. I’ve always been. Me and my agent are going to talk about [a hometown discount]. We’ll talk about it. You know, this is big. This is life-changing. Like I said, I’ve done everything asked of me, and we’ll see what happens.”
- In a chat with readers at the Dallas Morning News, columnist Rick Gosselin pointed out that the next contracts for Bryant and offensive tackle Tyron Smith will likely be the biggest deals of their respective careers, so it’s not fair to expect them to accept discounts. Still, Gosselin expects Dallas to keep both players around, since they’re the “shining stars in [Jerry Jones‘] draft legacy.”
- The silver lining in the news of Sean Lee‘s torn ACL is that the linebacker didn’t tear any other ligaments in his knee, says Albert Breer of the NFL Network (Twitter links). That means Lee can likely have surgery sooner, which advances the timetable for his recovery.
- As the Cowboys consider options to replace Lee, rookie linebacker Anthony Hitchens admits that he may not be ready to immediately step up into the starting lineup (link via DallasCowboys.com). “It’s going to take time,” Hitchens said. “I’ve still got to get everything down. If we had a game tomorrow, no, but it’s a good thing we don’t. I have time to get better.”
Extra Points: Incognito, FAs, Finley, Patriots
In the wake of last year’s bullying scandal, Richie Incognito has predictably had trouble finding NFL work. As Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report writes, the offensive lineman’s reps have been contacting teams over the last few weeks and months, but there has been virtually no interest. Said one general manager: “He’s trying to get back in the game, but the door remains shut. No one trusts him.”
Here’s more from around the NFL:
- A pair of veteran free agents, offensive tackle Eric Winston and cornerback Drayton Florence, are expected to make visits next week to unidentified clubs with interest, reports Alex Marvez of Fox Sports. As Marvez notes, interest in unsigned veterans should pick up around the league next week, when June 1 passes and free agents are no longer linked to compensatory draft picks.
- A source tells Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com that Jermichael Finley‘s meeting with the Packers is a “formality.” The free agent tight end had previous plans to travel to Green Bay with his family, so he’ll check in with team doctors, but no medical clearance, contract signing, or even testing is anticipated, according to Demovsky’s source.
- The Patriots and the representatives for Aaron Hernandez have a June hearing scheduled to go before an arbitrator as the team attempts to recoup the former tight end’s signing bonus money, tweets Albert Breer of the NFL Network.
- General manager Jim Popp of the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes confirmed today to Eric Edholm of Yahoo! Sports that former Bengals star Chad Johnson has received his work permit to play in Canada and is “at camp as we speak.”
- Following up on Chris Johnson‘s Twitter plea for the Jets to acquire Andre Johnson, Brian Costello of the New York Post takes a look at a few reasons why trading for the Texans wideout could make sense for the Jets, as well as several reasons why it may not work.
No Progress On Deal For Worilds, Steelers
Alex Mack, one of two players who received transition tenders from their respective teams this offseason, drew some interest on the free agent market and ultimately signed a long-term offer sheet with the Jaguars, which was matched by the Browns. However, while it was an eventful offseason for Mack, we haven’t heard a whole lot about the league’s other transition player, Steelers linebacker Jason Worilds. Rival suitors didn’t seem to have much interest in making a play for Worilds, and according to Alan Robinson of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, there have been “no productive talks” on a long-term deal for the 26-year-old.
When Worilds first accepted his one-year transition tender from the Steelers, which essentially guarantees that he’ll receive a $9.754MM salary for 2014, the two sides were believed to making progress on a multiyear agreement, but talks appear to have reached an impasse. As Robinson writes in a separate piece, Worilds seems likely to play the 2014 season on a one-year deal, which would make him eligible for unrestricted free agency again next winter.
While both Worilds and the Steelers may have interest in working out a longer-term arrangement, neither side is under tremendous pressure to get something done right away. For Worilds, who is already guaranteed nearly $10MM this season, he’d have to receive a significant offer to sign away his prime years, particularly when he’ll have a good chance to improve upon a 2013 season in which he started just 11 games and improve his value. For the Steelers, the need to reduce Worilds’ ’14 cap hit is less urgent after they released LaMarr Woodley, and the club may want to see more than one productive season as a starter out of the linebacker before committing significant years and money to him.
In 792 defensive snaps last season, Worilds recorded eight sacks and 50 overall quarterback pressures. He graded well as both a pass rusher and a run stopper, according to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics, which placed him 12th overall among 3-4 outside linebackers (subscription required).
Browns Likely To Trade For Receiver?
The odds are “better than 50-50” that the Browns will make a trade for a receiver at some point before the season, writes Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com. With Josh Gordon facing a lengthy suspension, Nate Burleson currently sidelined with a broken arm, and Greg Little having recently been cut, the team could use a little more depth at the position, even after signing veterans Miles Austin and Earl Bennett.
As Grossi notes, since 2008, no position has seen more trade action than wide receiver, where 27 players have switched teams. Grossi identifies Andre Johnson and Denarius Moore as two wideouts currently believed to be available on the trade market, though I’d be surprised if Houston decides to move Johnson this offseason. Moore is perhaps a more realistic target, after the Raiders signed James Jones in free agency and claimed Little off waivers from the Browns.
While there’s no guarantee that the Browns add a receiver of note in time for the season, general manager Ray Farmer certainly seems to be leaving the door open for that possibility. Earlier in May, Farmer downplayed the team’s need to pick a receiver in the draft, pointing to trades as one alternative route. And as Grossi points out, just last week the GM reiterated his willingness to explore all possible avenues for receiving upgrades: “We’re going to unearth every guy that’s available.”
Additionally, having picked up an extra first-rounder for 2015 in a trade with the Bills, the Browns could be more inclined to part with a later-round draft pick if it means acquiring a reliable veteran.
Domenik Hixon Tears ACL, Career In Jeopardy
Part of the Panthers’ wide receiver exodus of 2014, Domenik Hixon inked a one-year contract with the Bears shortly after free agency opened in March, and was expected to play a role this season among a group of wideouts led by Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. However, Hixon’s season seems to have come to a premature end. The veteran receiver announced last night on Facebook that he tore his ACL during the team’s first day of OTAs.
“I tore my ACL today for the 3rd time today!” Hixon wrote. “I’m disappointed that I won’t be playing for a Bears team that has the players and coaches to WIN the Super Bowl. I thank God for letting me live my dream of playing in the NFL for 8 years plus. It has truly been FUN! #blessed #lovethisgame.”
As ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter notes (via Twitter), Hixon figures to miss the 2014 season, and based on the receiver’s wording and his injury history, the latest ACL tear could mean the end of his playing career. The former fourth-round pick will turn just 30 in October, but after catching 39 balls for the Giants in 2012, he saw a reduced role in Carolina last season, hauling in just seven passes in 15 games.
Hixon hasn’t made an official decision on retirement yet, so it’s entirely possible he’ll work to rehab his knee and try to get healthy in time for the 2015 free agency period. However, it’ll be an uphill battle for the Akron product, who has accumulated 109 receptions in parts of six seasons for his career.