Ravens Interested In Re-Signing Jacoby Jones If Price Is Right
Ravens receiver/kick returner Jacoby Jones is a pending unrestricted free agent the team would like to have back, though limited cap space means a raise is not in order, according to the Baltimore Sun’s Aaron Wilson.
Jones, 29, ranked in the upper third of the league’s kickoff (28.8-yard average, one touchdown) and punt returners (12.5), while finishing fourth on the Ravens with 37 receptions for 455 yards (12.3) and two scores in 12 games. However, given the emergence of rookie Marlon Brown and the recyclable nature of return men, Jones will be considered an “unaffordable luxury” at his 2013 salary ($3MM base salary plus $1MM roster bonus). Wilson believes the Ravens would welcome Jones back at a discounted number, but there have been no talks to date.
If Jones does re-sign with the team, new offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak will likely have something to do with it. Kubiak was Jones’ head coach in Houston and said the two have a great relationship. “I don’t want to say I was like a father figure to him,” said Kubiak, “but he was like one of my children.”
Should Jones depart, the Ravens are expected to seek younger, cheaper alternatives at the receiver and kick returner positions.
Reiss On Browns, Quinn, Diehl, Pats
Front offices and coaching staffs continue to turn over throughout the NFL, including in New England, prompting ESPN’s Mike Reiss to give his take on several news items. Highlights:
- Turning down ostensibly prestigious, high-profile NFL jobs in fear of stigmatic repercussions is all the rage right now, but before the Dolphins’ convoluted GM search, the Browns were trendsetters. Before hiring head coach Mike Pettine, the team “circled back” on Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels only to be told, ‘Thanks, but no thanks’ a second time.
- Browns CEO Joe Banner told reporters Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn was reluctantly crossed off the list because the Browns did not want to wait until after the Super Bowl, as first reported by Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer (via Twitter).
- Reiss compared the recent retirement of Giants OL David Diehl to that of former Patriot OT Matt Light, implying Diehl’s loss could be more impactful than national perception indicates. Diehl was considered a heart-and-soul-type who brought leadership and dependability to the offensive line.
- Reiss spitballs that the retirement of longtime Patriots offensive line coach/assistant head coach Dante Scarnecchia could open the door for former Rutgers and Tampa Bay head man Greg Schiano to join the coaching staff. Bill Belichick’s relationship with Schiano is well-documented and the New England roster is filled with Rutgers products.
Miami GM Job Risky Proposition
There is certainly something to be said for the fact that only 32 NFL general manager positions exist, but potential candidates for the open GM chair in Miami might be reticent because of the uncertainty and risk attached. The Dolphins are offering interviewees no power beyond roster construction, according to a mailbag piece from ESPN’s James Walker.
Walker highlights the inherent instability a prospective hire would inherit, including the fact he would not have contractual power to make a coaching change. What’s more, in the event Joe Philbin is let go, it’s unclear how much influence the GM would have in selecting a successor. Potential candidates undoubtedly know and understand the importance of a well-oiled power structure, and the Dolphins do not appear to have a solid infrastructure in place for sustained success.
Such an unstable environment could be scaring away candidates unwilling to risk their reputation on a job that could be two or three years and done. This does not even take into consideration the state of the roster going forward. If, for example, a potential candidate is not sold on Ryan Tannehill as a franchise quarterback, it’s easy to understand how an ascending executive would bypass the opportunity, opting not to jump on board a rudderless, sinking ship so as not to jeopardize his industry standing.
Eagles Notes: Cooper, Maclin, Peters, Allen
With free agency looming and approximately $20MM worth of cap space to work with, the Eagles have decisions to make on key players. At the top of the list are receivers Riley Cooper and Jeremy Maclin. The belief among NFL people is that both players will be back next season, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane.
- A combination of factors could work to keep the 26-year-old Cooper, whom GM Howie Roseman calls a “young asset,” in Philadelphia. Cooper made a favorable impression on Chip Kelly, but other GMs could be reluctant to bring him into the locker room after last summer’s incident.
- Maclin, 25, has been a playmaker when healthy, and his skill set is ideal for Kelly’s system, but he’s coming off his second right ACL tear. Consequently, Maclin acknowledges he might be willing to settle for a one-year, “prove-it” contract in an effort to cash in next year.
- The team is pleased with its three tight ends. Zach Ertz is a bargain on his rookie deal, while Brent Celek ($4MM) and James Casey ($3.99MM) are reasonably priced, meaning the trio could remain intact.
- DeMeco Ryans is scheduled to make $6.8MM next year and might have to take a pay cut to stay.
- Franchise left tackle Jason Peters has one year remaining at $9.65MM and could be in line for an extension.
- Free safety Nate Allen is also a free agent and a question mark to return. A second-round pick in 2010, Allen has not taken his game to the level expected when he was drafted, and was “afraid to hit,” according to an unnamed former coach.
Pompei On Bradley, Licht, Babin
A dearth of elite talent in Mobile has created a potpourri of non-traditional headlines. In his latest missive, Bleacher Report’s Dan Pompei explains that Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley has been the “star of the Senior Bowl.” Contained in the NFL Confidential section are the following notes:
- Despite Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith having final say on personnel matters, ownership made the final call on the hiring of GM Jason Licht. It is believed the Dolphins were also sold on Licht.
- Jason Babin is expected to be cut by the Jaguars. At 33, Babin might be relegated to a situational pass-rushing role for his next team.
- One GM calls the 2014 Senior Bowl rosters the worst he’s ever seen, explaining that many of the players expected to be drafted highly are underclassmen. Additionally, several of the most highly regarded seniors opted not to attend the All-Star game. The GM refers to the exhibition as a “second-round game,” saying 15-18 players could come off the board on the draft’s second day.
Pats Notes: Blount, Wilfork, Mallett
The Patriots fell in the AFC Championship Game for the second year in a row, in part because the offense was outgunned, as evidenced by the targeting of the likes of Austin Collie, Matt Slater and Matthew Mulligan. An NFC scout gave his take on the Pats’ anticipated plan of action when he spoke with Christopher Price of WEEI.com. The highlights:
- The scout credited the offense’s adaptability, but questioned its sustainability, citing a lack of high-caliber talent at the skill positions.
- The team would like LeGarrette Blount back, but will not overpay.
- When healthy, the offense has versatile, productive elements with the glaring exception of an outside speed threat to stretch the field vertically.
- The time is now to begin preparing for life without Vince Wilfork, who is 32 and ended the season on IR. Price posits the team could seek young, versatile interior players to facilitate hybrid flexibility.
- A “joker” type, pass-catching tight end could be sought in the draft.
- Backup QB Ryan Mallett is a wild card. Aside from his inexperience, it’s unknown to what extent the team trusts him, though he could hold trade value.