AFC Pre-Draft Visits: Bills, Patriots, Titans
The Bills are hosting a few pre-draft visits today, writes Chris Brown of BufalloBills.com. North Carolina’s star tight end Eric Ebron could be in play for the team in the first round. The Bills are also meeting with defensive end Scott Crichton of Oregon State and LSU’s bruising running back Jeremy Hill. Brown writes that Crichton is projected as a second-round pick and Hill as a mid-round selection.
Here are some other players visiting with AFC teams:
- The Patriots are bringing in Boston College quarterback Chase Rettig for their local pro day, writes Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com. The team already hosted the top quarterback talents, who they are unlikely to draft, but Retig would more likely be a late-round pick. Retig will be able to workout with the team, because he is part of a local visit.
- Another late-round quarterback, Brock Jensen of North Dakota State, has visits scheduled with both the Browns and the Bengals, according to Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports 1 (via Twitter).
- The Steelers will be hosting visits from Minnesota safety Brock Vereen, and South Carolina wide receiver Bruce Ellington, reports Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter).
- Wilson also reports that Titans hosted Florida State defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan and Colorado State linebacker Shaquil Barrett. Jernigan is expected to be a first-round pick.
- Wide receiver Eric Thomas of Troy University has a visit with the Colts, according to Wilson (via Twitter).
Browns Sign Ben Tate To Two-Year Deal
MARCH 30: The specifics of Tate’s contract have come in, and it appears that the deal’s actual value has been “puffed up,” writes Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Tate gets a $1.5MM signing bonus, a fully-guaranteed 2014 base salary of $1MM, and a 2015 base salary of $2.2MM. He can earn up to $750K each season in roster bonuses, but he will only earn that money on a per-game basis for each contest for which he is active. So, as Florio notes, if Tate is injured or struggles, this could easily become a one-year, $2.5MM contract, far from the two-year, ~$7MM deal that was originally reported.
MARCH 18: The base value of Tate’s deal is $6.2MM, with $2.5MM in guaranteed money, tweets Albert Breer of the NFL Network.
MARCH 15, 2:08pm: Tate’ deal is worth $7MM over two years, reports Ian Rapaport of NFL.com (via Twitter). For being one of the top young players at the position on the market, it is a relatively cheap deal, especially compared to the other recently signed tailbacks.
1:38pm: Ben Tate and the Browns have agreed to terms on a two-year deal, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN (via Twitter). The Browns announced that the deal has been signed (via Twitter).
Tate has been stuck behind Arian Foster for his short career so far, but was able to put together a nice season as a secondary ball carrier and injury replacement, amassing 771 yards and four touchdowns last season. His career average of 4.7 yards per carry, along with his relatively fresh legs have made him a potential breakout star for his next team.
The former Texan had been considered the top free agent running back on the market, but the position has been ignored this offseason. Toby Gerhart, Rashad Jennings, and Darren McFadden all received modest deals so far, and other veteran running backs have yet to find a home.
Extra Points: Jackson, Jets, Gilbert, Thomas
While the Chiefs were originally thought to be potential suitors for DeSean Jackson, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports that the team has withdrawn their interest (via Twitter). Kansas City looked into the circumstances surrounding the wide receiver’s recent release, and decided to pull out of the running. Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News added to Rapoport’s report, noting that the Chiefs lacked sufficient cap space to compete for Jackson’s services (via Twitter).
Here are some other notes from around the NFL:
- DeAngelo Hall is excited at the prospect of Jackson joining the Redskins, reports Tarik El Bashir of CSNWashington.com. “Huge, huge, man,” said Hall. “If we could add a piece like that … he’s a threat whenever the ball is in hands.” Hall added that he would be willing to serve as a mentor for his former rival. “If he’s able to come here, man, I’m going to take him under my wing and just try to put him on the right path.”
- Jets‘ owner Woody Johnson spoke about the team’s recent approach to the offseason, saying, “I’m not going to use the word ‘patient’ anymore. We want to do it now,” as writes Mehta (via Twitter).
- The top projected cornerback in the upcoming draft, Oklahoma State’s Justin Gilbert, is scheduled to visit with the Jets, according to Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com (via Twitter).
- Versatile running back DeAnthony Thomas out of Oregon has scheduled a private visit with the Falcons, writes Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. The 5’9″, 170 pound back had over 5,000 all purpose yards at Oregon, known as a dangerous receiver and returner as well as a runner.
Redskins Not Interested In Josh Morgan
Wide receiver Josh Morgan claims that multiple teams have expressed interest in him, and that the Redskins are not involved at this point, reports Tarik El Bashir of CSNWashington.com.
The 28-year-old pass catcher has spent the last two seasons as a Redskin, coming over from the 49ers. Morgan appeared in all 16 games last season, but only tallied 20 total catches and failed to record a touchdown catch.
Morgan, who had his best two season stretch in 2009 and 2010, has failed to record more than three touchdowns in a season. He posted career highs in with 52 catches and 698 yards back in that 2009 season with the 49ers, and has struggled with production ever since.
He will likely fit in as a third or fourth receiver on his next team.
DeSean Jackson Free Agency Rumors
Rumors have been flying since DeSean Jackson‘s release earlier this week, with as many as ten teams potentially interested in acquiring the recently embattled wide receiver on the open market. The first team that will get a crack at Jackson (unless he makes a surprise visit on Sunday) will be the Redskins, with whom Jackson will visit on Monday, according to Diana Marie Russini of NBC News 4 in Washington D.C. (via Twitter).
Here are some other notes from teams connected to Jackson:
- Raider Nation has been making a push for Jackson, as the fans have taken to Twitter to persuade the organization to sign the play making wide receiver. The hashtag #DJaxToOakland is trending, with seemingly endless pleas to bring in Jackson.
- NFL cap, contract, and analytics specialist Brian McIntyre reported that with $18.3MM in cap space, the Raiders have the edge on getting Jackson if they are willing to spend to acquire his services (via Twitter).
- The Jets were thought to be linked to Jackson, due to his history with quarterback Michael Vick and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhingweg. However, Brian Costello of the New York Post reports that the team still hasn’t contacted Jackson to express interest. Ebenezer Samuel of the New York Daily News confirms that general manager John Idzik has not reached out to the wide receiver, and Samuel’s colleague Gary Myers writes that the team is better off not pursuing Jackson in free agency.
- While the Bills are thought to be serious in their interest, Tim Graham of the Buffalo News reports that the team has a predetermined price and will not get into a bidding war (via Twitter).
- It should be noted that according to David Gambacorta of Philly.com, LAPD Homicide Detective Chris Barling told the Daily News that Jackson is not involved with any gang-related crime.
Bills’ Future In Buffalo Unlikely
With the passing of Bills’ founder and owner Ralph Wilson earlier this week, the somber news has been followed by the idea that the Bills are a candidate for relocation. Wilson, of course, was a huge proponent for keeping the Bills in Buffalo.
New ownership, however, would most likely be less enthused about keeping the Bills in the city they originated in over 50 years ago when they sprung up as a part of the American Football League. Donn Esmonde of The Buffalo News writes that it would be unexpected if the team remained there past the current lease, which is set to expire in 2022 and can be bought out in 2019.
Esmonde spoke to two authorities on the business of sports, Ted Fay who teaches sports management at SUNY Cortland, and David Carter who teaches sports business at USC. Neither of them are optimistic that the Buffalo would be able to retain their beloved Bills.
“Long term, it’s fair to say the team is at risk of being moved,” said Fay. “Buffalo doesn’t make common sense as a business model.”
Carter, who also serves as a consultant for several NFL-seeking cities and a prospective NFL owner in Southern California, agrees that the Bills are a candidate for relocation.
“Ultimately, I think the money does talk,” said Carter. “You have such a small corporate presence in the region. If you are not in a market that generates added revenue (for an owner), you’re really hamstrung. So I think greener pastures will be explored.”
Esmonde notes that the region of upstate New York does not have a single Fortune-500 company, and Fay adds that while in Los Angeles private citizens can afford luxury suites, the consumer base in Buffalo is one that has not yet been solicited for personal seat licenses, and idea that has become common across the NFL.
Carter believes that on the open market the Bills would not be valued based on their location in Buffalo, but instead on how its worth would be in a larger market.
The scenario in which Buffalo keeps their team longer is specific, and would involve a local ownership group as well as cooperation from the NFL.
“The NFL, as a brand and image, likes those iconic, cold-weather, visceral places like Buffalo,” Fay said. “The league has to weigh the benefits and the costs – not just monetary – of extracting Buffalo from its equation.”
Thanks to Wilson, the organization will have time to decide rather than be yanked out from Buffalo abruptly, but while Wilson has bought the city some time, their long term prospects are still unlikely.
Jason Garrett On Cowboys’ Offseason
Cowboys’ head coach Jason Garrett spoke about his team’s offseason, an unusual one considering the Cowboys are used to being the team that spends big money to acquire high profile free agents. Of course, their dire cap situation made it impossible to spend that money, in fact causing the opposite, as the team was forced to part ways with a few notable contributors, most significantly DeMarcus Ware and Miles Austin.
The team was able to add a few new pieces, with a focus on retooling a defensive line and pass rush that will be without not only Ware, but Jay Ratliff and Jason Hatcher as well. The Cowboys’ response was to add Terrell McClain, Jeremy Mincey, and Henry Melton. David Moore of DallasNews.com was able to transcribe some of Garrett’s thoughts on the new signings, among other things.
Garrett referred to McClain as “an interior player who can have an impact on our team”, and calls Mincey “a really solid football player.” The head coach believes that McClain brings versatility that can be utilized at nose tackle or at a three-technique, and that Mincey could potentially fill a void at defensive end. Garrett lauded Melton’s physical ability, referencing his past as a high school running back.
“You see some of those running back traits in terms of quickness, explosiveness, change of direction,’’ says Garrett. “He was hurt last year and only played in three games. He’s coming off an ACL, but he played very well for Rod Marinelli a couple of years ago and I feel like we can get him to that place.’’
Garrett, the former quarterback, also spoke about picking up Brandon Weeden as a backup to Tony Romo. “We want to develop a guy, and we feel like Brandon Weeden is a guy we can develop,’’ Garrett said of the 30-year-old quarterback. “We feel like he’s got a lot of upside, and we want to get him in an environment where we can help him grow and develop.’’
Garrett also addressed new offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, who has been given play-calling duties despite Bill Callahan calling the plays last season and still being on staff.
“He and I have very similar philosophies about offensive football and how we do things. There are some terminology things that are common to both of our offensive systems and certainly they are philosophically similarly in foundation,” said the head coach. “You always want to evolve your offense from year to year and continue to grow with your system. There is a foundation that we have in place, a philosophy that’s very similar, and we’re excited about the different things that he’s going to bring.’’
While it is unusual for play-calling responsibilities to change hands without letting go of the coach, an equally peculiar move happened on the other side of the ball, where Monte Kiffin relinquished his role as defensive coordinator, a role now filled by Rod Marinelli. Kiffin will still remain on staff as a defensive assistant.
AFC South Notes: Draft, Jackson, Nicks, Mack
While the Titans may not be committed to Jake Locker as their quarterback of the future, the team is unlikely to consider the position with their first-round pick, writes Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com. Even if the Titans were to have their choice between Teddy Bridgewater, Blake Bortles, and Johnny Manziel, Kuharsky believes none of those three would be in the top 11 on their board anyway. The team is much more likely to see what it has in Locker, and possibly look for a quarterback later in the draft to serve as a backup or eventual replacement option down the road.
Here are some other notes from the AFC South:
- Kuharsky also writes that although Mike Evans (wide receiver out of Texas A&M) could be the best player available when the Titans are called up on draft day, the team would be hesitant to take him due to their depth at the position. The team sees Kendall Wright, Justin Hunter, Nate Washington, and Dexter McCluster as a strong group, and may be reluctant to add to it with such a high draft pick.
- The Colts will not have any interest in the recently released DeSean Jackson, writes Mike Wells of ESPN.com. The team may have considered him had they not already added Hakeem Nicks earlier this offseason.
- Speaking about Nicks’ long term future, Wells wrote that if he succeeds this year, he could see the Colts giving him a long-term extension to keep him as one of Andrew Luck‘s weapons going forward, joining him with T.Y. Hilton, Coby Fleener, and Dwayne Allen.
- While Alex Mack still remains a possibiliy, the Colts are not expected to make him a substantial offer, writes Wells. He believes the team is comfortable entering the season with Phil Costa and Khaled Holmes competing to start at center.
- Despite notions that the Texans might be willing to move down in the draft, Daniel Kim of NFL.com writes that currently Jadeveon Clowney is the favorite if they keep the first overall pick. NFL Network’s Kurt Warner says that Clowney is still a better option than Manziel, and Kim notes that four out of six NFL.com mock drafts have the Texans taking the pass rusher.
NFC North Notes: Bears, Lions, Vikings
The Bears added three safeties during free agency, but aren’t yet finished at the position, writes Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com. While Ryan Mundy could be in a position to compete for a starting job, M.D. Jennings and Danny McCray are more likely depth signings who will see time on special teams. The team could still look to add another safety in the draft, or in free agency closer to the season.
Here are some other notes from around the NFC North:
- The Lions will likely be looking to draft the best player available in the first round, which likely means they will not be drafting an offensive lineman, writes Mike Rothstein of ESPN.com. With the top two offensive linemen in Greg Robinson of Auburn and Jake Matthews of Texas A&M likely off the board, Rothstein does not see the team reaching for the next tackle at that pick.
- Rothstein also writes that he does not expect the Lions to rely on the draft to fill all the needs in the secondary. Specifically, he envisions the team signing one of the three safeties who recently visited, in James Ihedigbo, Chris Clemons, and Thomas DeCoud. Signing one of those players would not preclude the team from using the first-round pick on a defensive back.
- The Vikings are in the market for a quarterback in this draft, writes Ben Goessling of ESPN.com, but may not get a chance to draft one early in the first round. The team is exploring other options, appearing at Fresno State’s pro day to watch Derek Carr, and to heading to San Jose State’s pro day to scout David Fales.
AFC South Notes: Texans, Titans, Colts
By trading Matt Schaub to the Raiders, the Texans have even more incentive to take a quarterback with the top pick in the draft, writes Marc Sessler of NFL.com. Ryan Fitzpatrick is not expected to be the answer at quarterback for the team, writes John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. Bryan Fischer of NFL.com writes that NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah’s mock draft has the Texans taking Blake Bortles out of UCF with the first-overall pick.
Here are some more notes from around the AFC South:
- The Titans still have two areas of need on their roster, writes Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com. The team needs to find a pass rusher and a running back, assuming Chris Johnson is traded or released.
- Even with the release of Rob Bironas, Kuharsky does not expect the Titans to target a kicker in the draft. It is more likely the team brings in an undrafted free agent or a veteran to compete with Maikon Bonani for the job.
- The Colts will most likely target the best player available in the draft, writes Mike Wells of ESPN.com. However, general manager Ryan Grigson does tend to prefer certain positions. “You want to continue to infuse the team with draft picks and young players that can grow together and be great together,” Grigson said. “With that being said, yes, you can never have enough corners, you can never have enough pass-rushers and you can never have enough linemen.