Kirk Cousins Drawing Trade Interest
When he spoke to reporters earlier this week, Redskins GM Bruce Allen said he hasn’t had any trade discussions with other teams about backup quarterback Kirk Cousins. However, there are several clubs interested in potentially acquiring Cousins, according to Mark Maske and Mike Jones of the Washington Post. Maske and Jones hear from a source that it’s unclear if any of those possible trade partners will offer the kind of return the Redskins are seeking, which would likely be a second-round pick, as we learned back in February.
“[The Redskins have] received interest of late from a few teams,” the source said. “But [they] won’t move him unless they get a two because he’s a cheap backup quarterback.”
Although Cousins expressed an openness to being traded earlier in the offseason, Washington had no plans to move him at that point, and a second source suggests to Maske and Jones that a deal still appears unlikely. Despite what a third source describes as “modest” interest in Cousins, a second-round pick may be too high a price to pay for most teams, considering there are a handful of solid QBs with second- or third-round grades in this year’s draft. Those players would be less expensive and under team control for longer than the Redskins’ backup.
Still, if Cousins is going to be dealt this offseason, there’s a decent chance it could happen this week, depending on how the draft plays out. Mike Glennon and Ryan Mallett are among the other backup signal-callers who could find themselves on the trade block this week.
Falcons GM: Trade Up To No. 1 Unlikely
An afternoon report suggested the Texans aren’t expecting to trade the first overall pick, and while that could be an attempt to stir up some last-minute interest, it seems one potential trade partner also views a deal as a long shot. General manager Thomas Dimitroff, whose Falcons have frequently been mentioned as a candidate to trade up to No. 1, tells Rich Hollenberg of the NFL Network that such a move is “highly unlikely” (Twitter link via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com).
Hollenberger tweeted earlier today that Dimitroff confirmed he’s engaged in trade discussions with teams and that a move is possible. A trade up is more likely and Hollenberger gets the sense that the club is leaning toward a pass rusher (Twitter link). However, in another tweet, Hollenberger adds that the Falcons are reluctant to part with their second-round pick in a deal.
Rapoport reported this afternoon that the Falcons may be eyeing the Browns’ pick at No. 4, which figures to be less expensive than No. 1 and could still get them the pass rusher they covet. Jadeveon Clowney figures to be off the board by that point, but there are scenarios in which Khalil Mack will still be available.
Texans Working To Acquire Ryan Mallett?
4:50pm: Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle tweets that the Mallett rumors hold some weight, and confirms that a deal may be completed soon. According to Smith, a potential trade appears to have no bearing on the first overall pick. Smith also tweets that Mallett may have to agree to a contract extension before the Texans would finalize a trade.
3:57pm: A league source tells Ben Volin of the Boston Globe that “the buzz is real” about the Pats and Texans discussing Mallett (Twitter link).
3:36pm: Curran throws a bit of cold water on his own report, tweeting that a second source says there’s “nothing doing” on the Mallett talks at the moment. My guess is that if anything gets done, it will happen after tonight’s first overall pick — if the Texans trade down from No. 1, the team could still draft a quarterback. If Houston selects Jadeveon Clowney first overall, then maybe a Mallett deal becomes more probable.
3:31pm: The Texans and Patriots appear to be in discussions on a trade that could change both teams’ approaches to this week’s draft. Tom E. Curran of CSNNE.com reports (via Twitter) that a deal sending backup New England quarterback Ryan Mallett to Houston “may soon be done.” In a second tweet, Curran adds that nothing’s official yet, but that “the machinations have begun.”
A report back in March suggested that the Texans had inquired on Mallett and had some interest in the former third-round pick, though at the time John McClain of the Houston Chronicle shot down the idea that Houston would acquire the Pats’ backup. Perhaps after taking a longer look at this year’s class of quarterbacks – and maybe deciding to go in a different direction with the first overall pick – the Texans are circling back to Mallett.
As for the Patriots, there have been rumblings that the team is considering drafting a quarterback this year, in part because Tom Brady probably only has a few more seasons left in him, and also because Mallett is entering a contract year. Taking a signal-caller on day two or three of this year’s draft could have provided New England with an insurance policy for Mallett’s potential departure in free agency — if the team decides to move its backup before the draft, a quarterback would become an even more significant priority.
North Rumors: Browns, Ravens, Lions, Steelers
Could it be the Browns, rather than the oft-rumored Texans or Rams, that end up moving down in a deal with the Falcons tonight? Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link) believes that’s a possibility if Khalil Mack is still available at No. 4. Mack remains a strong potential candidate to go to Jacksonville at No. 3, but there are certainly feasible scenarios in which he remains on the board at No. 4, and if Cleveland is eyeing another player, moving down a couple spots and picking up an extra pick or two could be worthwhile.
Here are a few more draft-day updates on AFC and NFC North teams, among others:
- Unsurprisingly, given the familial connection between the two franchises, the Ravens and 49ers have engaged in some trade discussions, per Rapoport (via Twitter). San Francisco has frequently been cited as a team that would like to move up in the first round and has the ammunition to do it.
- Finding help for their respective quarterbacks seems to be a focus for both the Lions and Bills, according to Albert Breer of the NFL Network (via Twitter). That suggests to me that if either team was able to trade up it would be for a wide receiver or an offensive tackle, rather than a defensive player.
- It’s worth keeping an eye on the Steelers and tight end Eric Ebron in the first round tonight, says Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (via Twitter).
- Tight end Jordan Cameron has signed with CAA Sports and will be represented by agents Tom Condon and R.J. Gonser, tweets Liz Mullen of the SportsBusiness Journal. The Browns are reportedly hoping to lock up Cameron before he reaches free agency in 2015.
- The Lions intend to waive linebacker Jon Morgan with an injury settlement soon to free up space to sign undrafted free agents, reports Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Morgan signed a futures contract with the team after the season, but injured his knee during a voluntary workout last month.
QB Rumors: Manziel, Bortles, Vikings, Browns
It seems as if Jay Glazer of Fox Sports has spent a good chunk of this week ruling out potential destinations for Johnny Manziel. After reporting on Tuesday that the Browns wouldn’t pick Manziel at No. 4 and the Raiders would pass at No. 5, Glazer says today (via Twitter) that the Buccaneers won’t draft the Texas A&M signal-caller at No. 7.
Here are a few more QB-related notes, as the start of the 2014 draft inches closer….
- There are mixed reports on which quarterback is No. 1 on the Cowboys‘ draft board. After ESPN.com’s Todd McShay and Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report (Twitter link) suggested earlier today that Manziel is the team’s top choice, Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported (via Twitter) that Manziel is actually behind another QB on Dallas’ board, while Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link) and David Moore of the Dallas Morning News said the Cowboys’ top signal-caller is Blake Bortles.
- Assuming Manziel is still on the board at No. 8, he remains a possibility for the Vikings, according to Rapoport, who tweets that the team’s owners are flying in for a late pre-draft meeting to make a final decision on Minnesota’s first-round pick. Albert Breer of the NFL Network adds (via Twitter) that the club also likes Teddy Bridgewater, though probably not at eighth overall.
- If the Vikings do select a quarterback with a top-10 pick, it would be a first for the franchise, writes Mark Craig of the Star Tribune.
- According to Sal Paolantonio of ESPN (via Pro Football Talk), the Browns commissioned a $100K study of quarterbacks, in an effort to better understand the qualities necessary to succeed at the position. The study, which was started under former team president Joe Banner and was only recently completed, concluded that Bridgewater is the top signal-caller in this year’s class.
West Rumors: Seahawks, Baldwin, Rams, Chargers
With just a few hours left until the 2014 NFL draft gets underway in New York, the first round is rightly the focus of the football world. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a handful of other reports on non-draft subjects. One such report comes from Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post, who writes that the Seahawks recently hosted veteran defensive end Andre Carter for a visit. At age 34, Carter is no longer the difference-maker he once was, but he could be a worthwhile backup piece on an elite defensive unit in Seattle.
Here’s more from around the NFC and AFC West divisions:
- Wide receiver Doug Baldwin is the only unsigned restricted free agent out there, but it sounds like he and the Seahawks are making progress on a longer-term deal, as he tells Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. “I will say things are going in the right direction,” Baldwin said. “I don’t know how much time it’s going to take. They’ve got the draft to deal with. So we are in preliminary talks. But hopefully we will figure something out soon.”
- The Rams are more likely to have trade options with the No. 13 pick than the No. 2 pick, unless Jadeveon Clowney is available at No. 2, tweets Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. If Clowney goes first, Greg Robinson is viewed as the likely pick for St. Louis — if Clowney is still on the board, another team could push the Rams for a trade.
- TheMMQB.com’s Peter King suggested earlier today that if Blake Bortles falls into the twenties, “a team with a very good quarterback” will try to make a trade to land him. King doesn’t name the team, but a Broncos source confirms to Mike Klis of the Denver Post that it won’t be Denver.
- Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune (Twitter link) is hearing rumblings about the Chargers having interest in Missouri defensive end Kony Ealy. Acee adds in a second tweet that cornerback remains the team’s top priority in the first round, but that San Diego is performing due diligence on pass rushers.
Texans Not Expecting To Trade No. 1 Pick
The Texans are “locked in” on the player they plan to select with the first overall pick, and aren’t expecting to trade that pick, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter). Jadeveon Clowney is generally considered the top player in this year’s class, and many mock drafts have him coming off the board first, but Schefter doesn’t specify which player Houston is targeting.
With several hours still remaining until the Texans officially have to make their pick, it’s fair to be skeptical about whether the team has really made its final decision. A huge trade offer from a team looking to move up to No. 1 could make Houston rethink its stance, and perhaps the club leaked this info in order to prompt potential trade partners to increase their offers.
Still, whether it’s Clowney or someone else, it sounds as if the Texans are prepared to select a player at No. 1 if they don’t receive a trade offer to their liking.
Seahawks Sign Richard Sherman To Extension
3:31pm: Sherman’s cap number for 2014 will be $3.631MM, tweets Joel Corry of CBSSports.com. It’ll jump to $12.2MM in 2015, $14.769MM in ’16, $13.631MM in ’17, and $13.2MM in ’18.
1:48pm: Tom Pelissero of USA Today confirms (via Twitter) that Sherman’s four new years are worth $56MM, meaning the overall value of his contract should be $57.431MM.
1:00pm: Just over a week after the Seahawks finalized a long-term extension with one key member of their secondary (Earl Thomas), the team has locked up another one of its top defensive backs. Richard Sherman officially signed a long-term extension with the Seahawks today, ensuring that he remains under contract for an additional four years, through the 2018 season (Twitter link).
Sherman, 26, is viewed as one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks, and you could make the case he deserves to be atop that list. Pro Football Focus’ grades (subscription required) ranked Sherman outside the top five at the position in 2013, though quarterbacks compiled a meager 47.3 QB rating on passes into his coverage, which was the best mark in the league. The former fifth-round pick, who earned his second All-Pro spot in 2013, also grabbed a league-leading eight interceptions.
Back in April, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com reported that Sherman and the Seahawks had made real progress on a new contract that would make him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. At the time, La Canfora suggested that Seattle and Sherman hoped to finalize something in time for the draft, so the two sides ended up meeting that informal deadline.
The new contract also did indeed make Sherman the league’s highest-paid corner. According to Sherman’s website, the deal is worth $57.4MM, with $40MM in guaranteed money. We’ll have to wait on the specifics of those figures to see just how much of that salary is fully guaranteed, as opposed to being guaranteed for injury only. It’s also not entirely clear if the $57.4MM figure includes his 2014 salary ($1.431MM), or if it’s all new money. Assuming it includes his ’14 salary, the four new years would amount to about $56MM, good for $14MM per year.
Per OverTheCap.com’s data, the largest per-year salary at cornerback previously belonged to Darrelle Revis, who is essentially under contract one year at $12MM. Brandon Carr was the runner-up in annual value, at a little over $10MM per year. La Canfora reported last month that several league sources believed the Seahawks were resisting going up to $14MM annually on Sherman’s deal, but it looks like the team ultimately conceded to that asking price. Of course, if you include the 2014 season in Sherman’s contract, it works out to a five-year deal worth less than $12MM per season, which is a little more palatable for the team.
Sherman’s extension could have a significant impact on contract talks for other young star corners around the league, such as the Browns’ Joe Haden and the Cardinals’ Patrick Peterson. Both players will likely be pushing for similar annual salaries on their next deals.
Jay Glazer of Fox Sports (Twitter links) first reported that Sherman and the Seahawks had reached an agreement on a four-year extension that would make him the highest-paid cornerback in the league. Tom Pelissero of USA Today (Twitter links), Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times (Twitter link), and Sherman himself also helped break the story.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Dolphins Exploring First-Round Trades
As draft night nears, the Dolphins are very much open for business, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, who reports that the team has fielded and initiated multiple calls to other clubs, exploring potential trades up or down in the first round.
Salguero notes that the team’s apparent willingness to trade up from No. 19 is somewhat surprising, and he doesn’t have any specific details on possible moves up for Miami. In my view, it may be worth sliding up a few spots if an offensive tackle like Zack Martin or Taylor Lewan slips into the mid-teens. However, a trade down looks like the more likely scenario, particularly since the Dolphins only hold seven picks in this year’s draft, which doesn’t give them a whole lot of ammo to move up.
According to Salguero, the Dolphins have had “preliminary discussions” with the Eagles (No. 22), Browns (No. 26), and Saints (No. 27). The club has also spoken to the Niners, who hold the 30th pick, but may not want to drop behind the Panthers (No. 28), since Carolina also figures to be targeting an offensive tackle with its first pick.
As for specific targets, Salguero identifies Tennessee offensive tackle Ja’Wuan James and Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier as a couple players the Dolphins “love,” and adds that prospects like LSU wideout Odell Beckham Jr., USC receiver Marqise Lee, Virginia Tech cornerback Kyle Fuller, and Virginia offensive tackle Morgan Moses are also on Miami’s radar.
Bills Still Trying To Trade Up
ESPN.com’s Todd McShay cited multiple sources last week in reporting that the Bills were trying to trade up from the No. 9 spot, and it appears the team hasn’t given up on that possibility. According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the Bills have been “burning up the phone lines” in an effort to move up to grab the first or second overall pick.
The Texans (No. 1) and Rams (No. 2) are both reportedly open to the possibility of moving down, so the Bills may try to create a bidding war of sorts, where they’ll pursue a deal with whichever team is asking for less compensation. That strategy could be particularly effective if Buffalo has a couple potential targets in mind, rather than just one.
A trade down to ninth from first or second is significant enough that Buffalo would likely have to include their 2014 second-round pick and a 2015 first-rounder. That’s just my speculation though, and perhaps the asking price could drop as tomorrow evening nears. Houston’s and St. Louis’ best chance at maximizing the value of their picks in a trade would be to draw in other potential partners, like perhaps the Lions or Falcons.
When McShay first reported the Bills’ interest in moving up, he identified Jadeveon Clowney, Greg Robinson, and Sammy Watkins as probable targets for the club, and Florio also names Clowney and Robinson as likely options.
Although defensive line isn’t a notable area of need for Buffalo, adding Clowney would make a strong pass rush even more formidable. Clowney and Khalil Mack, the consensus top two pass rushers in the draft, are expected to be long gone by the time the No. 9 pick rolls around. As for Robinson, he’s generally viewed as the top offensive tackle in the draft, just ahead of Jake Matthews, but other solid options, including Zack Martin and Taylor Lewan could still be in play at No. 9.
For what it’s worth, in a mock draft conducted this week by ESPN.com’s beat writers, Bills reporter Mike Rodak traded up to No. 1 in order to snag Clowney.