NFC East Notes: Eagles, Redskins
The Eagles have experience with tight ends Brent Celek, Zach Ertz, and James Casey, and they could employ their skill sets in multiple tight end formations early in the season, writes Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com. As the season goes on, and rookie receivers Jordan Matthews and Josh Huff become more comfortable in the offense, their roles could increase as well.
Here are some other notes from around the NFC East:
- Eagles‘ punter Donnie Jones and gunner Brandon Boykin were keys to the team’s special teams in 2013, and could anchor a unit that will help win games this season, writes Jimmy Kempski of Philly.com. The punting game particularly is set to be a strong point in 2014.
- The Redskins were not particularly strong in the kicking game last season, but are poised to improve under a new coaching staff this season, writes Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com. Tandler sets a goal of averaging 25 yard per kickoff return, which would start to turn their fortunes in a positive direction.
- Redskins‘ offensive coordinator Sean McVay was impressed by Robert Griffin III during OTAs, writes John Keim of ESPN.com. Griffin, who was unable to call audibles under former head coach Mike Shanahan, will not have some flexibility at the line of scrimmage.
Birkett On Lions’ Roster
The Lions are still working to sign star defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to an extension, and by doing so the team will gain some immediate cap relief, reports Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press (via Twitter). He also notes that the team was in a similar situation when they freed up $3MM after signing quarterback Matthew Stafford last offseason.
Here are some other notes from Birkett from around the Lions (all links via Twitter):
- On the timetable of the negotiations, Birkett expects the team to get a deal done before training camp, much like they did last year with Stafford. In a separate tweet, he says the likelihood of the extension coming is at 55% in his opinion.
- When asked if guard Rob Sims and linebacker C.J. Mosley could be cut in favor of younger players, Birkett says he doesn’t see it happening. The moves wouldn’t be necessary to sign Suh, so there is no reason to part with veterans who could still be productive players.
- While the team’s top two wide receivers will be superstar Calvin Johnson and offseason acquisition Golden Tate, the team has four players competing to work out of the slot. Although Kevin Ogletree and Kris Durham are in the mix, Birkett predicts either Ryan Broyles or Jeremy Ross will ultimately take that spot.
- While the fight for the number three receiver has a number of options, the most likely answer will be first-round pick Eric Ebron, according to Birkett. Though nominally a tight end, he could have the explosiveness to cause mismatches out of the slot or tight to the formation in some sets.
NFC Links: Eagles, Murphy, Robinson
The Eagles depth chart is still in flux, but the receivers are already beginning to fall into different roles, writes Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com. Riley Cooper and Jeremy Maclin have been constants as the top two outside receivers on the first team, but both Brad Smith and rookie Jordan Matthews have spent time in the slot with the first team. Matthews has also moved to the outside on the second team. Mosher does expect Maclin to play in the slot in the first team in three-receiver sets.
Here are some other links from around the NFC:
- Redskins’ rookie linebacker Trent Murphy is using his flexibility to contribute to the defense in more ways than one, writes Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com. Head coach Jay Gruden was impressed with his ability to line up at multiple positions in different situations, and outside linebackers coach Brian Baker was impressed with his literal flexibility as a taller player who can bend rushing off the edge.
- Rams‘ first-round pick Greg Robinson was moved from tackle to guard in order to help transition to the NFL game, and he is still getting used to the transition according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. “It’s just everything happens faster inside,” Robinson said. “Outside you have a little more time to kick. The guys are faster but these guys are just quick and trained to rush the passer. It’s just about keeping my feet working and knowing when to pull.”
- 49ers‘ cornerback Chris Cook is working on his ball skills, writes Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. Despite the team’s need at the position, Cook needs to erase the perception that he plays the ball poorly in the air if he wants to impact the defense in 2014.
Extension Candidate: Dez Bryant
Dez Bryant
entered the NFL amidst an air of controversy. As a sophomore at Oklahoma State, Bryant caught 87 passes and 19 touchdowns, piling up close to 1,500 yards in the process. He was set to return for his junior year as not only the top receiver in the nation, but as a dark horse Heisman candidate. However, his season was cut short when he was ruled ineligible for failure to disclose his relationship with Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders.
After sitting out, Bryant entered the 2010 NFL Draft, where he was expected to be the first receiver selected. During the pre-draft process, controversy arose again, surrounding an inappropriate question he was asked by then Dolphins’ general manager Jeff Ireland. Bryant ended up dropping in the draft, before being selected 24th overall by the Cowboys. He was the second receiver taken, after Demaryius Thomas, who is also a part of our Extension Candidate Series this offseason.
Bryant struggled at times on and off the field during his first two NFL campaigns, but showed flashes and managed to catch 15 touchdown passes through his second year, despite missing five games. He also added two punt return touchdowns as a rookie.
Although Bryant found more trouble his first few seasons in the NFL, he has truly come into his own as an elite receiver the past two seasons. Bryant caught 92 passes in 2012, eclipsing 1,300 yards and hauling in 12 touchdowns. Last season, he grabbed 93 footballs for over 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Bryant is about to enter the final year of his rookie deal, and is scheduled to earn $1.78MM in 2014. He remains positive that a deal will get taken care of, reports Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
“That’s going to take care of itself. I’m very confident in the work I put in. Whatever happens, happens,” said Bryant. “All I know is I’m going to continue to keep doing my job. That alone shows my dedication and love I have for the game. I’m going to let it work out.’’
The Cowboys are not in a great place in terms of the salary cap, especially after the monster extension that they gave Tony Romo, but upcoming extensions are expected for both Bryant and left tackle Tyron Smith. However, the amount of money Bryant will demand is still up in the air. Brandon Marshall‘s three year, $30MM extension could be seen as the floor for Bryant in terms of annual salary. At the same time, expecting him to reach a number north of $15MM per year is also unlikely, even if he produces on par with Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald did in their contract years. Especially with the Fitzgerald contract, teams could be unwilling to devote that much money to one receiver.
Of course, with the salary cap climbing this year, and expected to continue to increase in the near future, a contract in the area of what Johnson and Fitzgerald may not an impossible benchmark. For Thomas, the receiver that was drafted just ahead of him, our own Luke Adams projected the Broncos would offer something in the area of five years and $65MM, with over $20MM in guaranteed. Bryant should be in line for something similar.
These two players’ negotiations will be linked very closely this offseason. If Luke is correct in his assessment that Thomas will sign his extension before the season, I figure Bryant will be on a similar timetable, and would not be surprised if after one signs, the other ends up with a slightly larger extension shortly after. Of course, with Bryant’s history of injury and off the field trouble, the Cowboys could play hardball and wait to see how he makes it through one more season. If that’s the case, Bryant could be anywhere in 2015, from preparing for a Megatron-type extension to being the second coming of Hakeem Nicks, depending on how he handles the season.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
NFC Notes: Gabbert, Cromartie, Peterson
The 49ers acquired Blaine Gabbert from the Jaguars earlier this offseason, with the hopes that he could become the backup to Colin Kaepernick. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman had good early impressions of Gabbert, writes Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. “(I’m) excited about Blaine,” said Roman. “He asks all the right questions.”
Gabbert appears humbled in his time with Jacksonville, and is ready to make a new start. “I just came in here and tried to put my best foot forward every day and really enjoy the process and get better on a consistent basis,” Gabbert said. “That’s what you look for in the spring — just consistent improvement and getting comfortable in the offense and with the new surroundings and the new guys you’re working with.”
Here are some other notes from around the NFC:
- While Cardinals‘ superstar Patrick Peterson has emerged as one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL, but his new teammate Antonio Cromartie is not sold on his skills, writes Nate Davis of USAToday.com. “You got three young guys that are up and coming, but right now it’s either me or (Revis) when we’re healthy. … We have zero help at all; we tell the safety to roll up to the other side. So we know what we can do,” said Cromartie. “I want these guys (Sherman, Peterson and Haden) to be on an island by themselves and play zero coverage (no safety help) – they (haven’t done) it yet. They haven’t done anything that me and Revis have done in a Rex Ryan defense.”
- As new offensive coordinator Norv Turner implements his offense on the Vikings, one key aspect he would like is increasing Adrian Peterson‘s role in the passing game, writes Derek Wetmore of 1500ESPN.com. “A big part of that is finding ways for Adrian to not have to run in such crowded areas all the time. He’s going to have to do that, that’s part of his job, he’s the best in the league at it.,” said Turner. “But if we can get him more space we can take advantage of his great abilities.”
- The Packers have an open starting job at tight end with Jermichael Finley not re-signed, writes Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. Andrew Quarless filled in well for Finley last season, but has not reported for OTAs this season as he looks for a new contract. In his absence, rookie Richard Rogers has emerged as a possible frontrunner for the starting job.
- T.J. Yates, who was traded from the Texans to the Falcons on Wednesday night, tells D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he couldn’t be happier with his change of scenery.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Different Types Of Contract Structures
Yesterday afternoon, Joel Corry of CBS Sports explained the differences between deal structures, in terms of how the money is paid out and guaranteed to players.
In his article, he describes four types of structures that occur commonly in NFL contracts:
- Signing Bonus
- Signing Bonus and Salary Guarantees
- Signing Bonus and Option Guarantees
- Pay as you go
The differences between these four basic concepts are small, but they each have their advantages in terms of how cap space is utilized.
Corry explains that in the first type, which relies on the signing bonus, the player’s base salary is kept low early in the deal but the cost of cutting the player is high due to the guaranteed bonus. However in the pay as you go method, the guaranteed money is all at the beginning, so if the player is released a limited amount of dead money will remain on the books.
The other structures fall somewhere in between, and while this is his attempt to simplify it, contracts are complex and can sometimes overlap.
This could come into play while NFL teams begin negotiating their next batch of contract extensions.
Corry also lists team by team which salary structure they prefer for their largest contracts. He explains the details of the contracts, and how he expects the team to act going forward. To see Corry’s explanation of your favorite team’s strategy, check out his article.
NFC East Notes: Watkins, Linehan, Orton
The Eagles have concluded their OTA period, and Jimmy Kempski of Philly.com has highlighted five players who impressed during spring practices. Among those who left a good impression were Arrelious Benn and Darren Sproles. Benn has an uphill battle for one of the roster spots at receiver, and his injury history hurts has chances, but he looks to have recovered from the ACL injury that caused him to miss all of 2013. Sproles however looks custom fit for the Chip Kelly offense, and could be dangerous in the passing game.
Here are some other notes from around the NFC East:
- Fourth-round pick Jaylen Watkins has wowed the Eagles‘ coaching staff with his football IQ, especially defensive backs coach John Lovett, reports Jake Kaplan of Philly.com. Watkins, who played corner and safety at Florida, has been tasked with learning both cornerback and nickelback in the new defense, even though he is only a rookie. “When you talk to him about his defense at Florida, he knew what everybody did,” Lovett said. “I talked to the defensive coordinator [D.J. Durkin] down there. They put him in at positions that he hadn’t even practiced that week because he knew what everybody was doing. He’s really got a great football IQ.”
- Scott Linehan will be running the show for the Cowboys‘ offense in 2013, and that should mean a lot of throwing the football, writes Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. In three years with the Lions, Matthew Stafford averaged 42 pass attempts per game under Linehan. Tony Romo averaged only 36 last year.
- Although Cowboys backup Kyle Orton has already accrued over $150,000 in fines and de-escalators for the time he has missed, but Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com still believes the veteran quarterback will return to the team and play out the season. Archer predicts Orton could skip the first week of training camp, before reporting around July 27th of 28th.
- Redskins‘ outside linebacker coach Brian Baker has been working hard to teach fundamentals to his position group, writes John Keim of ESPN.com. He also worked on tackling drills during special teams, and the teams has put a special emphasis on that phase of the game, using all their coaches’ skills to benefit their special teams.
- The Giants have also concluded their OTAs, so Jordan Raanan and Connor Orr of NJ.com have put together their best guess at the depth chart. A lot can happen during training camp and the preseason, but they have penciled in a presumed lineup for the upcoming season.
NFC West Links: 49ers, Mayowa, Pryor, Cards
During this slow time between OTAs and training camp in the NFL, one topic that stays in the public mind is the talk of contract extensions. Bob McManaman of AZCentral.com takes a look at a few players who are up for extensions and discusses who actually deserves the raise. Among his favorite NFC West players who have earned big money are the 49ers‘ Alex Boone and the Cardinals‘ Patrick Peterson. Although Vernon Davis and Seahawks‘ running back Marshawn Lynch are threatening holdouts, they are less serious candidates in McManaman’s opinion.
Here are some other stories from around the NFC West:
- The 49ers have upgraded their receiving corps and now the onus is on Colin Kaepernick to succeed, writes Mark Purdy of the Mercury News.
- The 49ers have a number of storylines to watch for as they prepare for training camp, writes Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. Barrows discusses the holdout, new faces, and position battles among other things in his round up.
- Seahawks‘ pass rusher Benson Mayowa is ready to contribute to the team’s vaunted defense, writes Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. Benson added 15-20 pounds of bulk to his frame, and could be in contention for the famous LEO spot in the defensive scheme, behind projected starter Cliff Avril.
- Terrelle Pryor is working hard and diligently to win the Seahawks‘ backup quarterback job behind Russell Wilson, writes Jerry Brewer of the Seattle Times. Pryor did rule out a position change. “I don’t know how to catch. I don’t know how to run the ball as a running back,” said Pryor. “I’ve been a quarterback my whole life.”
- The Cardinals are still looking for a starting right tackle, and former Ole Miss teammates Bobby Massie and Bradley Sowell are competing for the job, writes Justin Janssen of ArizonaSports.com. General manager Steve Keim has been impressed with the competition, particularly Massie. “Both those guys have been battling hard,” said Keim. “Bobby actually showed some real strides as we got to the middle of OTAs and our final minicamp. He did a nice job. He’s got all the physical tools.”
- While the Cardinals are excited about their rookie class, Keim has tried to temper expectations, writes Janssen. “When you sit in my chair, you have to temper your enthusiasm a bit and wait until the pads come on,” said Keim. “Because we all know that a lot of guys can look great running around in shorts and helmets, but when the lights come on and the big boy pads come on, things can quickly change.” That being said, he had some great things to say about Deone Bucannon, Troy Niklas, and John Brown.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Texans Notes: QBs, Reed, Clabo, Posey
The Texans have one of the more interesting quarterback situations in the NFL this year, as they elected to pass on taking a quarterback in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft, despite it being a pressing need on a team that made the playoffs in 2012. After trading Matt Schaub to the Raiders, and trading backup T.J. Yates to the Falcons, the team has newly signed veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick penciled in as the starter. Behind Fitzpatrick, they have fourth-round pick Tom Savage and Case Keenum, who showed flashes in some playing time last year. While Fitzpatrick is the starter for now, Savage has impressed despite being raw, writes Tania Ganguli of ESPN.com. While Savage and Keenum are battling for the backup job, she wouldn’t be surprised to see Savage take the field at some point this season, if Fitzpatrick struggles with performance or injuries.
Here are some other notes from around the Texans:
- Pass rusher Brooks Reed has been taking reps at inside linebacker, writes Ganguli, and has looked good adjusting to the position. She adds that he is still better suited for the outside, and there is a good chance he stays at outside linebacker this year.
- Offensive tackle Tyson Clabo visited with the Texans on Thursday, reports Adam Caplan of ESPN (via Twitter). The veteran could help fill a hole at right tackle. Clabo also recently visited with the Cardinals, but did not sign a deal.
- Whether or not Andre Johnson is playing for the Texans in 2014 and beyond, the team needs to develop another receiving option, writes Stephen Forsha of ToroTimes.com. While DeAndre Hopkins has settled in as the second option, Forsha predicts that DeVier Posey could make the leap to become the third receiving threat for the Texans (or the second if Johnson is traded, released, or holds out).
Appeals Court Reopens NFL Collusion Case
In a surprise ruling, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit overturned Judge David Doty’s decision to dismiss the NFLPA’s collusion claim against the NFL, reports Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
The claim stems from the negotiations of the most recent collective bargaining agreement, which was preceded by an uncapped year in 2010. During that year without a salary cap, the NFLPA believes the NFL colluded using unwritten rules about spending, creating an illegal and unspoken salary cap, and therefore suppressing the players’ earning potential.
Their argument is strengthened by cap penalties given out to both the Cowboys and Redskins in 2012, as punishment for loading up on salary during the uncapped year. The NFLPA will argue that they spent fairly according to the collective bargaining agreement’s rules for that year, and were punished for going above a threshold of salary set in meetings behind closed doors.
Judge Doty, known as a player friendly judge, dismissed the case due to the NFLPA signing to a new agreement with the NFL. However, the business-friendly appeals court reversed the decision, saying the NFLPA has the right to prove that the settlement was compromised by “fraud . . ., misrepresentation, or misconduct.”
“[T]he [NFLPA] bears a heavy burden in attempting to convince the district court that the Dismissal was fraudulently procured,” the appeals court clarified. “We hold only that the [NFLPA] should be given the opportunity to meet this burden.”
The appeals court went on to note that the burden of proof is met “in only the most exceptional of cases.”
Even still, the NFLPA is happy to have the opportunity to see the case back in a courtroom. ”Our union will always pursue and protect the rights of its players,” according to the NFLPA’s statement. “We are pleased that the Eighth Circuit ruled that players have the opportunity to proceed with their claims. Through discovery and a hearing, we can understand how collusion took place. We have notified the NFL of its obligations to preserve all relevant documents and communications.”