NFC FA Rumors: Cowboys, Seahawks, Lions
We’ve passed along word of all the free agents who have already found homes – old or new – but there are plenty of players still on the market. Let’s take a look around the NFC at some of the day’s free agent rumors….
- Now that Julius Peppers is an unrestricted free agent, the Cowboys have interest in the veteran defensive end, tweets Dianna Russini of NBC Washington. It would have to be a pretty inexpensive deal, given Dallas’ cap limitations.
- Jeff Sullivan of DallasCowboys.com (Twitter link) and Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.com (Twitter link) both classify the Cowboys‘ interest in defensive lineman Henry Melton as strong, and Sullivan suggests there’s mutual interest. Melton will visit with the team and things could move quickly, according to the Dallas writers.
- Free agent receiver Jacoby Jones will visit with the Giants on Wednesday, tweets Josina Anderson of ESPN. The Ravens are still discussing a potential return to Baltimore for Jones.
- The Seahawks are in talks with defensive tackle Tony McDaniel on a new deal that would bring him back to Seattle, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Rapoport also tweets that the Seahawks will meet with free agent tight end Jermichael Finley and wide receiver Taylor Price, while Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times (Twitter link) adds defensive tackle Jason Hatcher to that list.
- Meanwhile, former Seahawks receiver Golden Tate is visiting with the Lions tonight, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter).
- Schefter passes along word via ESPN.com colleague Michael Rothstein (Twitter link) that the Lions have interest in safety Chris Clemons. The Steelers were also originally mentioned as a suitor, but they’re almost certainly out of the mix now that Mike Mitchell is headed to Pittsburgh.
- In their pursuit of a tight end, the Lions are discussing a potential visit for free agent Scott Chandler, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com.
- The Panthers would like to retain free agent receiver Domenik Hixon, but the Bears are also in talks with him, reports Rand Gatlin of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter).
Darrelle Revis Rumors: Tuesday
The Darrelle Revis rumor mill was firing on all cylinders last night, as reports suggested that the Buccaneers had been intensifying their efforts to move the star cornerback in a trade. A variety of details related to Revis’ contract status, including his $13MM base salary, upcoming bonus payments, the team’s ability to unilaterally restructure the deal, and the different draft pick compensation Tampa Bay receives if they release him this week, all contribute to creating a very murky situation. There have already been plenty of updates on Revis overnight and this morning, so we’ll round them up right here, with new updates added to the top of the list throughout the day:
- A Revis trade is now considered unlikely, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). The Browns sound like the most interested team, but the cornerback isn’t willing to take a pay cut to join Cleveland, and other clubs are willing to wait to see if he hits the open market.
- Resolution is expected on Revis by tomorrow afternoon, tweets Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. The Bucs will either move him by 3:00pm CT or release him if there are no takers.
Earlier updates:
- A source tells Pro Football Talk that the Raiders aren’t currently pursuing Revis, but the Browns are (Twitter link).
- Brian Costello of the New York Post hears from a source that Revis would love to return to the Jets (Twitter link).
- The Bucs are trying to clear Revis’ salary – ideally via trade – in order to free up space for several other free agent moves, says Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune (via Twitter).
- Revis rejected a request from the Bucs to accept a pay cut, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. The cornerback’s deal gives Tampa Bay the ability to restructure at any time, but of course that doesn’t mean the club can simply slash Revis’ pay.
- As we noted in a separate post on the Raiders, Oakland is a potential trade partner for the Bucs, according to Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle.
- Tampa Bay is receiving inquiries from teams with cap space, says Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Rapoport suggests that the Browns, with their abundance of cap room, will be a team to watch.
- The Bucs aren’t seeking multiple first-rounders for Revis, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, who suggests (via Twitter) that anything above a mid-round pick might get it done.
- Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report hears from general managers that the Bucs‘ initial asking price for Revis was two No. 1 picks, which drew laughs around the league (Twitter link).
- Former Jets executive Ari Nissim identifies the Eagles, Raiders, Browns, and Jets as teams that would like to get their hands on Revis, but it sounds like those are the clubs who would be first in line if Revis is cut — they won’t necessarily try to trade for him (Twitter links).
- Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer says (via Twitter) that the Eagles won’t trade for Revis “unless it’s [for] peanuts.”
- The Eagles and Patriots are teams worth watching if and when the Bucs release Revis, says Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
DeMarcus Ware Rumors: Tuesday
DeMarcus Ware‘s days of flirting with 20 sacks per season are almost certainly behind him, but the longtime Cowboy is still an intriguing option for teams in need of pass-rushing help. With Ware now on the open market, let’s round a few early rumors on him:
- Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.com hears the Browns may have interest in Ware (Twitter link).
Earlier updates:
- In a statement issued by the Cowboys, owner Jerry Jones didn’t close the door on bringing Ware back to Dallas, suggesting that the team and the defensive end were in “very strong agreement” about exploring that possibility.
- Former Eagles exec Louis Riddick of ESPN.com believes Philadelphia is likely working “very hard” to try to sign Ware (Twitter link).
- Six playoff teams have already expressed some interest in Ware, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter).
- Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk tweets that Ware is expected to have plenty of options, but will be selective about which ones he considers, and hopes to move quickly through the free agent process.
Saints Revisit Trade Options For Sproles
TUESDAY, 6:21pm: After receiving heavy interest in Sproles, the Saints are now planning to trade him rather than release him, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter). While no trade agreement is in place yet, it looks like the veteran running back won’t become a free agent quite yet.
FRIDAY, 5:59pm: Shortly after parting ways with one of their longtime offensive weapons, Lance Moore, the Saints are expected to cut another one. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports (via Twitter) that New Orleans is releasing running back Darren Sproles. According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the move isn’t official yet and the Saints are still trying to find a potential trade partner for Sproles, but will cut him if no deal can be found.
The Saints were said to be shopping both Moore and Sproles earlier this week, along with Pierre Thomas, in an effort to create some cap flexibility. With younger, less expensive players like receiver Kenny Stills and running back Khiry Robinson ready for larger roles, the team can better afford to part ways with veteran contributors like Sproles. The 30-year-old was on the Saints’ cap for a $4.25MM cap number in 2014, but that will now be reduced to $750K in dead money, creating $3.5MM in cap savings for the club.
When the move becomes official, Sproles should draw plenty of interest from teams looking to add running back depth. The ex-Charger had developed into one of the league’s best receiving threats out of the backfield, averaging more than 77 catches per season in his three years with the Saints.
Bears Release Julius Peppers
The Bears have opted to release veteran defensive end Julius Peppers, the team announced today (Twitter link). Assuming the move isn’t designated as a post-June 1 cut, it will create about $9.82MM in 2014 cap savings for the club.
The former second-overall pick of the Panthers joined the Bears before the 2010 season, tallying 37.5 sacks as a Bear. He has been to the Pro Bowl eight times (three times as a Bear), and been selected All Pro three times, most recently in 2010. Peppers is currently 17th on the career sack list, taking down the quarterback 118.5 times.
The 34-year-old pass rusher is now and a free agent, and only one year removed from a Pro Bowl appearance will look to add to his impressive career totals outside of Chicago.
Raiders Re-Sign Darren McFadden
5:46pm: While McFadden’s contract could be worth up to the previously reported $4MM, Joel Corry of the National Football Post reports that it is mostly incentive based, and that $2.25MM is not likely to be earned (via Twitter).
4:34pm: The Raiders have re-signed McFadden to a one-year, $4MM contract, tweets Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com.
3:06pm: It appears likely that Darren McFadden will agree to re-sign with the Raiders on a one-year contract, reports Fallon Smith of CSNBayArea.com (via Twitter). It was reported earlier today that the team had extended an offer to the free-agent-to-be.
McFadden was rumored to be drawing “significant interest” in free agency, so if he returns to Oakland, it will be a bit of a surprise. Reports that surfaced following the end of the team’s season seemed to indicate that the Raiders were more interesting in retaining their other free agent back, Rashad Jennings. However, with Jennings drawing serious interest from the Giants, perhaps a one-year, prove-it deal could be in the best interests of both McFadden and the Raiders.
Steelers Release LaMarr Woodley
TUESDAY, 5:40pm: ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter tweets that the release of Woodley by the Steelers is now official.
MONDAY, 12:34pm: The Steelers will release linebacker LaMarr Woodley when the new league year begins tomorrow, reports ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). According to Schefter, the team will designate Woodley as a post-June 1 cut, allowing his cap number to be spread across 2014 and 2015.
Since signing his massive six-year contract in 2011, Woodley has recorded just 18 sacks in three seasons, after notching 35 from 2008 to 2010. He still graded well above average last season according to Pro Football Focus’ metrics, but his cap hit is untenable for the Steelers, particularly with Jason Worilds locked in at nearly $10MM as the team’s transition player.
Woodley had been slated to earn a base salary of $8MM in 2014, with a cap number of $13.59MM. Designating him a June 1 cut will ensure that only $5.59MM of his cap number counts on the Steelers’ books for 2014. The contract will then represent $8.58MM in dead money on the team’s 2015 cap.
Once he’s officially released on Tuesday, Woodley will be free to sign with any team, and despite the decline in his sack totals in recent years, he’ll still make a very intriguing option for clubs eyeing edge defenders.
Giants Re-Sign Stevie Brown
5:37pm: Brown was re-signed on a one-year contract, worth $3MM in 2014, reports Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News (via Twitter).
1:08pm: Free agent defensive back Stevie Brown has re-signed with the Giants, according to Brown himself, who tweeted, “put the ink to the paper happy to say I’ll b in NY for the 2014 seasons, thanks to my man [agent Blake Baratz] gettin the deal done.” Based on Brown’s tweet, it sounds like a one-year contract, though that hasn’t been confirmed.
Brown, 26, missed the entire 2013 season due to an ACL tear, but should be healthy in time for the 2014 season. Brown appeared in 14 games at safety for the Giants in 2012, starting 11, and recorded a positive grade, according to Pro Football Focus’ metrics. The team figures to continue pursuing free agent defensive backs, but could end up with a low-cost starter or depth piece in Brown, depending on the terms of his new deal.
Rams Release Cortland Finnegan
MARCH 11, 5:28pm: The Rams have officially released Finnegan, according to Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (via Twitter).
MARCH 5, 3:30pm: According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter links), the Rams met with Finnegan today and presented him with multiple options, including taking a pay cut. Finnegan’s tweet suggests he decided to let the team release him. While Finnegan informed Fisher and a few members of the St. Louis front office of his decision after the meeting, many key members of the club’s staff found out the cornerback’s answer when they saw his tweet.
2:30pm: The Rams are releasing cornerback Cortland Finnegan, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (Twitter link). Finnegan himself broke the news first, tweeting, “St. Louis thank you for your letting me play for a classy franchise and coach [Jeff Fisher] nothing but love thank you all.” According to Albert Breer of the NFL Network (Twitter link), the team will have to wait until Tuesday to officially finalize the move, due to cap restrictions.
Finnegan, whose 2013 season was cut short by a fractured orbital bone, was one of the league’s worst corners even before the injury, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). PFF ranked Finnegan 109th out of 110 qualified corners, with a grade of -19.7 in just seven games. A longtime starter for the Titans, the former seventh-round pick was named to the All-Pro first team in 2008, but has seen his production fall off in recent years.
Finnegan had a $3MM roster bonus due next week, and a $10MM overall cap number for 2014. By releasing him, the Rams will create a few million in cap savings, though the exact amount isn’t entirely clear yet. According to Joel Corry of CBSSports.com (Twitter link), the veteran cornerback’s roster bonus was guaranteed for injury and skill, meaning he could still receive it. The team also may designate Finnegan as a post-June 1 cut, which will spread his dead money over 2014 and 2015.
According to Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Twitter link), Fisher expressed an openness in re-signing Finnegan at a later date and a lower salary, but I’d be surprised if that happened. The 30-year-old will immediately become an unrestricted free agent once his release is finalized, and will likely end up signing elsewhere.
Jairus Byrd Rumors: Tuesday
4:59pm: Byrd is visiting with the Saints, as Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that he flew to New Orleans earlier today (via Twitter). It is unclear how serious the meeting is, considering the team’s cap situation.
2:54pm: Byrd’s camp has been most interested in the Redskins and Eagles, but Washington, at least, doesn’t appear willing to pay the safety’s asking price, tweets Russini.
2:20pm: Don’t rule out the Bills if Byrd can’t get big money elsewhere, tweets Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Meanwhile, one exec says he wouldn’t give him big bucks due to health issues (link).
12:44pm: Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets that he’d be “really surprised” if the Redskins are seriously in the mix for Byrd, based on what he’s hearing. Rapoport adds that a return to the Bills still isn’t entirely out of the question for the standout safety either. Russini has been pretty plugged in on the Redskins’ offseason so far, having broken word of multiple signings, so I wouldn’t rule out Washington as a landing spot for Byrd quite yet.
12:29pm: The Redskins and Eagles have extended their on-field rivalry to the offseason, as the two teams are the top remaining suitors for free agent safety Jairus Byrd, according to Dianna Russini of NBC Washington (Twitter links). A source tells Russini that Byrd is likely to decide between one of the two NFC East teams.
Byrd, considered the best safety on the market this offseason and one of the top free agents overall, has reportedly received some level of interest from the Dolphins and Rams, among other teams. However, his alleged asking price of $8-9MM per season may have taken some potential suitors out of the mix.
Earlier today, we heard that things weren’t “heating up” between Byrd and the Redskins, though that could change as the new league year approaches.