Jets Notes: Jackson, Vick, Free Agency
With Michael Vick set to visit the Jets tomorrow, it’s worth noting that New York is among the teams that has inquired on Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson, says Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). While landing Jackson may be a long shot even if the team does sign Vick, Rapoport notes that the two players are close from their time in Philadelphia.
That nugget on Jackson wasn’t the only Jets-related item in the news today, however. GM John Idzik and head coach Rex Ryan spoke to the media on a conference call, and Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post rounded up several of the highlights, so let’s dive in….
- Despite the public perception that the Jets have been too cautious in free agency and have missed out on several targets, Idzik isn’t concerned: “We said all along that we would be judicious and selective in free agency. Nine days into free agency, we feel we’ve been productive.”
- Idzik also stressed that the Jets have done well to bring back many of their own free agents, including linebacker Calvin Pace and offensive lineman Willie Colon.
- Ryan insists he’s happy with the cornerbacks on the roster, though Idzik said there “may be trade talks” to strengthen the position (Twitter link).
- While Idzik didn’t mention Vick by name, he hinted that the team has interest in the veteran signal-caller in part due to his connection to offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg: “Whenever you have inside knowledge on a player… that is a tremendous advantage. There is less projection, especially if you’re dealing with a position that entails a lot like quarterback.”
Bears Expected To Cut Eric Weems
Earlier this week, we heard that the Bears had asked wide receiver and special teamer Eric Weems to accept a pay cut. Today, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports (via Twitter) that Weems has declined that request, and will likely be released as a result.
Weems, 28, had a very limited role on offense or as a returner last season, appearing in just 24 offensive snaps and returning five kicks. His primary contributions came in kick and punt coverage, where he logged eight special teams tackles.
Heading into the final year of his contract, Weems is on the books for a $1.6MM cap number. Cutting him will leave the Bears with $500K in dead money on the cap, but will clear Weems’ $1MM base salary and a $100K workout bonus from the team’s books.
The Bears also released wide receiver Earl Bennett earlier this week when he declined a pay cut.
FA Rumors: Fitzpatrick, Ihedigbo, Underwood
When the Titans released Ryan Fitzpatrick last week, there was an expectation that it wouldn’t take long for the veteran quarterback to find work. Fitzpatrick remains on the market, but at least one potential suitor has emerged. According to Mark Berman of FOX 26 Houston (Twitter link), Tennessee’s division rivals, the Texans, are hosting Fitzpatrick for a visit today.
Let’s round up a few more Thursday odds and ends related to the free agents still available….
- According to Mike Triplett of ESPN.com (via Twitter), center Brian De La Puente finished his visit in Washington and is still considering multiple options, including the Redskins and Saints.
- Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports (via Twitter) that safety James Ihedigbo, repped by a new agent, has at least two other teams in the mix for him besides the Lions, who seemed to be close to signing him earlier this week. The Ravens appear to be one of those two, as Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun notes (via Twitter).
- Wide receiver Tiquan Underwood is visiting the Panthers today, says Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times (via Twitter). The receiver-thin Panthers already signed Jerricho Cotchery today, and it “looks promising” that they could add Underwood as well.
- Richie Incognito, who is aiming to return to the NFL in 2014, believes the Raiders make “a lot of sense” as a possible destination, writes Michael Silver of NFL.com.
- Free agent defensive back Chris Owens had a visit this week with the Steelers, tweets Aaron Wilson.
- Wilson also reports (via Twitter) that the Broncos tried out free agent safety Jordan Pugh.
- The Bengals have confirmed (via Twitter) that Louis Murphy visited the club today, which means the wide receiver left the meeting without a deal in place.
49ers To Extend Bruce Miller
The 49ers and Bruce Miller have agreed to a three-year contract extension for the fullback, reports Bill Williamson of ESPN.com (via Twitter). According to Williamson (via Twitter), Miller’s new deal will make him one of the highest paid fullbacks in the NFL.
Miller, who suffered a broken scapula in Week 15, would have been eligible for unrestricted free agency following the 2014 season. The former seventh-round pick rated as a top-five fullback in the league last season according to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required), contributing primarily as a blocker but also catching 25 passes out of the backfield.
Williamson reported earlier in the week that the two sides were engaged in extension talks and suggested that the Niners were excited for Miller to assume a bigger role in 2014. With Anthony Dixon no longer on the roster, the 26-year-old Miller could see more short-yardage opportunities.
Bucs To Sign Mike Jenkins
The Buccaneers have reached an agreement on a contract with Mike Jenkins, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, who reports (via Twitter) that the free agent defensive back will sign a one-year deal. Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports reports (via Twitter) that the agreement, which has now been confirmed by the Bucs, will be worth $1.5MM, with another $500K available via incentives.
Most of the reported interest Jenkins received this week came from the Cardinals and Buccaneers, so it makes sense that he’d land in Tampa after the Cards agreed to terms with Antonio Cromartie. Jenkins, a longtime Cowboy, spent last season in Oakland, starting 15 games for the Raiders and piling up 65 tackles to go with a pair of interceptions.
Jenkins ranked in the middle of the pack among cornerbacks last season, according to Pro Football Focus’ metrics, due to a subpar grade in pass coverage, but the Bucs may view him as a good fit for their defensive scheme under new head coach Lovie Smith. The team has also added cornerback Alterraun Verner since free agency opened, parting ways with Darrelle Revis.
Panthers Expected To Sign Antoine Cason
THURSDAY, 1:57pm: Cason’s visit with the Panthers is now scheduled for tonight, according to Pro Football Talk (via Twitter).
WEDNESDAY, 3:49pm: According to Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer, Cason was scheduled to visit with the Panthers today, but the meeting was canceled amid Cason’s decision to switch to agent Drew Rosenhaus. It’s unclear whether the switch to Rosenhaus affects the seemingly impending deal between Cason and the Panthers, but both sides appear to have interest in rescheduling the visit, tweets Person.
1:10pm: Free agent defensive back Antoine Cason will sign with the Panthers soon, according to Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic (via Twitter). Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (Twitter link) confirms that the two sides are finalizing a contract that will be signed within the next few days.
Cason, a former first-round pick, saw just 169 defensive snaps for Arizona last season after playing as a full-time starter for the Chargers from 2010 to 2012. Even in limited action for the Cardinals though, the 27-year-old made a number of big plays, recovering three fumbles and grabbing a pair of interceptions, including one for a touchdown. According to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (via Twitter), Cason has been on the Panthers’ radar “for weeks” and is a good fit for their defensive scheme.
The Panthers have been seeking help at cornerback, having already lost a 2013 starter (Captain Munnerlyn) to Minnesota, and with another of 2013’s key contributors (Drayton Florence) no longer under contract. A report from Garafolo last night indicated that the team was eyeing Cason and Terrell Thomas, and could ultimately sign one or both.
Panthers Sign Jerricho Cotchery
1:56pm: Cotchery’s two-year contract will be worth $5MM, tweets David Newton of ESPN.com.
1:43pm: The Panthers have officially announced their two-year deal with Cotchery in a press release.
12:01pm: Cotchery has agreed to terms with the Panthers, according to Everett Levy of Goal Line Football, Cotchery’s agency (Twitter link).
11:34am: After a week and a half of losing wide receivers in free agency, the Panthers finally appear poised to add one of their own. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports (via Twitter) that the team is nearing a contract agreement with free agent receiver Jerricho Cotchery.
Cotchery, 31, has spent the last three seasons with the Steelers, and had his best season for the team in 2013, recording 46 receptions and 602 receiving yards. He also blew away his previous career high with a surprising 10 touchdown grabs. A return to Pittsburgh was a possibility for the veteran receiver, who was said to be deciding between the Steelers and Panthers earlier this week.
Assuming the Panthers and Cotchery finalize a deal, the ex-Steeler may become Carolina’s No. 1 wide receiver by default. So far this offseason, the club has released Steve Smith and seen Ted Ginn Jr., Brandon LaFell, and Domenik Hixon sign with other teams, leaving Marvin McNutt and Tavarres King atop the depth chart.
Steelers Won’t Lose Pick For Tomlin Incident
The book has been closed on an incident from 2013’s Thanksgiving night game between the Baltimore and Pittsburgh, the Steelers announced today. According to a press release from the club, the NFL has informed the Steelers that they won’t lose a draft pick for the incident.
During a kickoff return by Jacoby Jones of the Ravens, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin strayed onto the sideline and field before jumping out of Jones’ way. The league fined Tomlin $100K at the time and warned that further penalties could be forthcoming, but has decided that the fine will suffice.
Seahawks Sign Stephen Schilling
The Seahawks have signed free agent offensive lineman Stephen Schilling, according to agent Doug Hendrickson of Relativity Sports (Twitter link). Schilling had been eligible for exclusive rights free agency with the Chargers, but the club elected not to tender him a contract.
Schilling, a sixth-round pick in 2011, saw less than 200 total offensive snaps during parts of three seasons with the Chargers. The Bellevue, Washington native, who played his college ball at Michigan, will likely receive a minimum salary contract with a chance to earn a regular season roster spot.
NFC Notes: Jackson, Saints, Ihedigbo, Vikings
The Eagles reportedly want at least a third round pick for DeSean Jackson via trade, but Jimmy Kempski of Philly.com believes that might actually be optimistic. This year’s draft is unusually deep, meaning that the asking price for picks will be exceptionally high. Clubs may also be concerned about how productive Jackson could be in their own offenses as opposed to Philadelphia’s system. Here’s more from around the NFC:
- Larry Holder of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that cornerback Keenan Lewis has restructured his contract, creating some 2014 cap space for the Saints. Holder adds in a separate article that the club created $1.4MM in 2014 cap savings with Pierre Thomas‘ new deal.
- Safety James Ihedigbo has hired a new agent and the Lions can resume their pursuit of him if they want, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press (on Twitter). Ihedigbo and Detroit appeared to be on the one-yard line in reaching an agreement but a snafu involving the safety’s agent held things up. The 30-year-old started all 16 games last season for the Ravens after recording just 15 starts in the first five years of his career.
- Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com breaks down Henry Melton‘s newly-signed contract with the Cowboys, which could be worth as little as $2.25MM and as much as $29MM.
- The Cowboys, Seahawks, Bears, and Dolphins had some level of interest in defensive tackle Tom Johnson before he agreed to sign with the Vikings, a source tells Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (Twitter link).
- Finding a replacement for Toby Gerhart to back up Adrian Peterson at running back sounds like a low priority for the Vikings, writes Mark Craig of the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Zach Links contributed to this post.