NFC Notes: Redskins, Bears, Graham
New Redskins’ head coach Jay Gruden has decisions to make on how much of the Bengals’ offensive scheme he will implement, and how much of the Redskins’ system he will keep, write Rich Tandler and Tarik El-Bashir of CSNWashington.com. Tandler notes that at Gruden’s introductory press conference, the new coach mentioned that he liked how effective the Redskins zone blocking was in 2013. That would bode well for the interior of the offensive line already in place, as the team could look to keep Kory Lichtensteiger, Will Montgomery, and Chris Chester. Of those three, only Chester’s cap hit is high enough to provoke a release. However, if Gruden does bring over the power blocking scheme the Bengals employed, El-Bashir writes that the offensive line must be completely retooled to be a bigger, stronger unit. Here is some other news from the NFC:
- Bears’ center Roberto Garza has not yet begun talks of a new contract for the 2014 season, but believes there is still a shot he is back with the team next season, writes Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times. “Obviously I want to be back there,” Garza said. “They told me they want me back, so we’ll see.”
- Finley also wrote that another Bears free agent, Charles Tillman, would be open to all teams if Chicago doesn’t re-sign him, and would be particularly excited to find a new home in Tampa Bay with his old coach Lovie Smith. “Obviously, it makes the deal probably a little sweeter just because it’s a former head coach,” Tillman said. “You do know the system, you know the scheme.”
- Drew Brees made headlines last week by saying that he thought of Jimmy Graham as a tight end rather than a receiver, but now emphasizes that regardless of position, he only cares that Graham is playing for the Saints, writes Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Brees appeared on the Dan Patrick show on Friday, to make it clear his feelings on the situation. “I want Jimmy back!” Brees said. “I want Jimmy Graham back!”
Potential QB Options For Browns
The Browns’ 2013 season was highlighted by the rise of Josh Gordon and an improving defense, but with a 4-12 record, there is still plenty of work to be done with this roster. The most glaring problem was the lack of consistent quarterback play. The Browns, with two first round draft picks and a new coaching staff, are in a great position to explore a variety of options to improve the position in 2014.
On the Roster:
Brandon Weeden‘s first two seasons have been considered a disappointment, considering he was a first-round-pick who will be 31 years old this season. Brian Hoyer showed some promise in two games before losing his season to a torn ACL, although after five years as mostly a backup, he has not done enough to warrant a long term commitment. Jason Campbell had some ups and downs given the chance to start, but at this point in his career he is more qualified to be a veteran backup than a starter on a rebuilding team. All three are under contract for 2014, but the organization has given the perception that they would like to move on from Weeden, and even if they decided to start the season with Hoyer (or even Campbell), it would be as a stopgap at best, unless proven otherwise.
In the Draft:
With three big names at quarterback being talked about as options at the top of the draft, the Browns hope to have a chance to draft a signal-caller with the fourth overall pick. The team is reportedly very high on Texas A&M star Johnny Manziel, with speculation that if he is on the board, Cleveland would most likely take him. Of course that depends on what happens in front of them, where the Texans and Jaguars are both also looking for quarterback help, and the Rams potentially willing to move out of the second overall pick, presumably for a team trying to jump up and potentially grab one of the star passers. Depending on how the draft unfolds, and the Browns’ assessment of the other big names at quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater of Louisville and Blake Bortles of UCF, the future of the team could be decided on draft day.
The Browns also own the 26th overall pick, acquired from the Colts in the Trent Richardson trade. This only increases their options. It gives them the extra ammo to move up in front of the Jaguars if they target a quarterback they want. It also allows them to fill another position at the top of the draft, and look at the next tier of quarterbacks with their later pick. Options there would be Derek Carr of Fresno State, A.J. Macarron of Alabama, and Zach Mettenberger of LSU. If they wait until a later round, they will still have notable names such as Clemson’s Tajh Boyd, San Jose State’s David Fales or Georgia’s Aaron Murray, among others.
In Free Agency:
If the Browns are looking for a quick fix, they could pursue one of the likely cap casualties from around the league. Michael Vick is not likely to return to Philadelphia, but is committed to finding a new home as a starting quarterback. If the Texans proceed to draft a quarterback first overall, as John McClain of the Houston Chronicle believes (via Twitter), then Matt Schaub would also be an available option for the quarterback starved Browns. Also, with a large cap hit and the emergence of Geno Smith as the starter, Mark Sanchez may find himself looking for work this offseason. All three of these options would represent a lateral move for the Browns, but could give them time to develop a younger quarterback should they pass on the more highly touted options at the top of the draft.
Via Trade:
In a less likely scenario, the Browns could look to trade for a backup currently on another roster. Albert Breer of the NFL Network tweeted a link to an article his old colleague Mike Lombardi wrote in 2012. In the article, Lombardi praised the job that Kyle Shanahan did with the Redskins in Robert Griffin III‘s first season, and how impressed he was that Shanahan got production out of not one but two rookie quarterbacks that season, saying that a team that hires Shanahan should look to pair him with Kirk Cousins. Now, Lombardi is the Browns’ general manager and the team just hired Shanahan as the offensive coordinator, making Cousins an intriguing option.
Falcons Need To Upgrade Right Guard
The Falcons’ offensive line is in major need of an upgrade following a disappointing 2013 campaign, writes Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com. As a team, the Falcons allowed franchise quarterback Matt Ryan be sacked 44 times last season, which tied them for the tenth most in the NFL, according to NFL.com.
While the Falcons moved second year offensive lineman Peter Konz from center to guard due to his struggles, the team would prefer to move him back to his natural position of center. Garrett Reynolds and Harland Gunn also had time at right guard, though neither is set up to be the long term answer at the position.
McClure does provide a few options the Falcons could pursue in free agency that could sure up the unit in 2014:
- Zane Beadles – Beadles will be starting at guard in the Super Bowl tomorrow for the Broncos, but is set to hit free agency this offseason looking for a long term deal. The 27-year-old Pro Bowl talent has played left guard and right tackle in his NFL career, after playing left tackle in college at Utah. His versatility makes him a great fit on an offensive line that is rebuilding. While the Broncos are expected to try and re-sign him, if he hits the market at a reasonable price, McClure thinks the Falcons might make a run at him.
- Jon Asamoah – Asamoah was a big part of the Chiefs’ success this year, paving the way for Jamaal Charles big season. However, the cap-strapped Chiefs will have to make some difficult decisions on which of their free agents to retain. If the 25-year-old Asamoah reaches the market, Falcons’ general manager Scott Pioli (who drafted Asamoah in 2010) could make him a long term solution at guard.
- Willie Colon – While Colon is not necessarily a long term solution, if the Jets draft a guard they may release the 30-year-old lineman. McClure notes that new Falcons’ offensive line coach Mike Tice lobbied hard for Colon to join the Bears last season, before the former Steeler decided to join Rex Ryan and the Jets, but if Tice pushes for his services again it is possible that the Falcons use him as a stopgap on a short term contract.
AFC North Notes: Taylor, Burress, Spagnuolo
Ike Taylor has been the Steelers’ top corner for a number of years, but Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Sulia link) believes he could be released this offseason. With a salary of $7MM and a cap hit of close to $13.9MM, the best case scenario Dulac envisions is the long time Steeler taking a big pay cut to stay with the team. Here is other news from around the AFC North:
- Former Steelers receiver Plaxico Burress is reportedly mulling retirement, according to Kyle Meinke of mlive.com. “We’ll see how I feel,” Burress said. “If I don’t (feel healthy), I’m very satisfied with things in this business. I’m not just going to go out there and risk my physical health, just to go out and prove people wrong.” Burress did not appear in a regular season game for the Steelers last year, and was unlikely to be with the team in 2014.
- The Ravens have hired former Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo as their secondary coach, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. Spagnuolo came to fame as the coordinator of the great Giants’ defense that stopped the 2007 Patriots’ bid for a perfect season. He was also named assistant head coach. The Ravens also hired Brian Pariani as their tight ends coach, previously the tight ends coach for the Texans.
- The Browns were reportedly turned off by Gary Kubiak‘s contract demands, writes Tania Ganguli of ESPN.com. He allegedly asked to be “head coach of the offense”. Kubiak went on to be hired as the offensive coordinator of the Ravens, replacing Jim Caldwell.
NFC North Notes: McCown, Tillman, Turner
Without an extension or a new contract from the Bears, Charles Tillman will be the most accomplished of all the free agent cornerbacks this offseason. Despite that, his age might take him out of the running for a large contract, according to Joel Corry of the National Football Post (via Twitter). Corry sees that Tampa Bay would be a logical fit, where Tillman could reunite with Lovie Smith. Here are some other notes from the NFC North:
- Josh McCown has been a prominent name after filling in for Jay Cutler for five games this season, and there was thought to be an opportunity to compete for a starting job next season, but Scott Krinch of CSNChicago.com believes that McCown is sincere in saying he wants to return. “It’s going to have to look really good for me to go someplace else,” McCown stated. “Because my heart is in Chicago and that is where I want to be.”
- Norv Turner will join Mike Zimmer’s staff in Minnesota to be the Vikings offensive coordinator, reports Derek Wetmore of ESPN (via Twitter). Turner was the offensive coordinator for the Browns in 2013.
- The Lions have been looking for a second receiver to supplement Calvin Johnson‘s production for years, but Hall of Fame receiver and ESPN analyst Cris Carter does not believe that should be the team’s top priority, writes Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. While Carter states that the team already passes for 5,000 yards as it is, he believes that a healthy Nate Burleson will be enough of an upgrade as to allow the organization to focus on its other shortcomings. Birkett does note that the Lions had the highest drop percentage in the NFL last year, and that general manager Martin Mayhew has taken a receiver in every draft he has been in that position.
Patriots Notes: Wendell, Talib, Daly
The Patriots have already started their offseason process of improving their roster, and Zuri Berry of Boston.com ranked the team’s top 12 players set for free agency. The list is of course highlighted at the top with Aqib Talib and LeGarrette Blount. However, he has center Ryan Wendell as the Patriots’ third priority, ahead of bigger names such as Brandon Spikes and Julian Edelman. Wendell was far from an All-Pro center this past year, but Berry notes that the success the offensive line had as a group only raises the importance of bringing back their center at what is likely only to be a small raise. Other notes from the Patriots’ offseason:
- The list of Patriots’ free agents also includes both Michael Hoomanawanui and Matthew Mulligan, the tight ends who were pushed into starting roles due to the losses of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, noting that neither’s presence on the roster is guaranteed next year. The surprise thought from Berry is that the team could opt to pass on Edelman in favor of the much cheaper Austin Collie, who despite difficulty staying on the field, made a few big plays this season.
- Count Devin McCourty as someone who wants Talib back in New England, writes Jeff Howe of BostonHerald.com. “He’s been a key part,” McCourty said.“I hope he is back. That doesn’t just go for him. I hope a lot of our guys stay where we’re at, especially in the secondary. We have a good core, and I hope we can stay together as long as possible.”
- Brendan Daly was hired as a Patriots’ defensive assistant, according to Patriots.com. Daly has been a defensive line coachin the NFL since 2005, most recently for last year’s Vikings under Leslie Frazier.
Redskins Notes: Free Agents, Polumbus, Davis
The Redskins’ plan to be active in free agency has already been chronicled, but don’t expect them to add any big name free agents, writes Rich Tandler of RealRedskins.com. While the team should have close to $30MM in cap space, the roster has many holes that need to be filled. If the Redskins re-sign Brian Orakpo, as most pundits and fans think they will, the organization will most likely not have the resources to attract another player on the level of Broncos receiver Eric Decker or Bills safety Jairus Byrd. Other notes on the Redskins:
- We already looked at a few players who were likely to be released earlier today, but Tandler wrote that he also believes Will Montgomery, Kedric Golston, and Brandon Meriweather could find themselves looking for a new team this offseason. All three players are on the wrong side of 30 years old, and if a younger, cheaper option were to present itself, the Redskins could go in that direction.
- Tyler Polumbus will receive a small bump in salary, from $1MM to $1.5MM, thanks to an escalator in his contract, according to Tandler, who cites Brian McIntyre (via Twitter). However, Tandler writes that this could be bittersweet news as the increase in salary also raises Polumbus’ chances of being released in favor of a cheaper draft pick.
- While it was reported that free agent tight end Fred Davis would receive a six-game suspension in 2014 for a failed drug test, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk hears from a source that that report isn’t “technically accurate.” According to Florio, it’s unclear exactly how the report is inaccurate. The ban could end up being longer or shorter than six games, but the idea that the suspension will be lifted entirely is unlikely. The uncertainty only makes Davis’ impending free agency more of a question mark this offseason.
Steelers Prioritizing Re-Signing Jason Worilds
The Steelers have 21 unrestricted free agents hitting the market this offseason, writes Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. However, team president Art Rooney II only had one name on his mind when talking about the team’s priorities for the offseason: linebacker Jason Worilds.
“Jason Worilds is certainly somebody who came on and showed what he can do,” Rooney said. “Particularly over the second half of the season.”
Worilds is considered to be the second best outside linebacker available in free agency this offseason, behind only Brian Orakpo. The fourth-year linebacker finished last season with seven sacks in the last eight games.
The rest of the list of free agents includes such names as long-time Steeler Ryan Clark, young receiver Emmanuel Sanders, and the team’s three top options at running back after Le’Veon Bell.
NFC Notes: Redskins, 49ers, Tillman
Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett has a lot of decisions to make, writes John Keim of ESPN.com. Key members of a defense that struggled last year are set to hit free agency, but Keim doesn’t think the team will just let them walk and start from scratch. He anticipates the Redskins to retain Brian Orakpo, Perry Riley, and DeAngelo Hall.
- Keim also noted that the Redskins could have a few notable cuts, including Adam Carriker, Saverio Rocca, Stephen Bowen, and Chris Chester. Between inconsistent performance and injuries, Keim would not be surprised if any of those players become cap casualties.
- The 49ers secondary is a question mark as the team is making roster decisions, according to Bill Williamson of ESPN.com. The idea that the team might release Carlos Rogers and would not be able to re-sign Donte Whitner was broached yesterday, but Williamson adds that Eric Wright is unlikely to return unless it is for the veteran’s minimum. He also noted that Perrish Cox and Darryl Morris would both be given opportunities to make the roster in training camp after showing promise at times last season.
- Charles Tillman did not receive a new contract at season’s end, meaning there is a chance the Bears will not bring him back next in 2014, writes Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. “I’m not worried about it,” said the Pro Bowl cornerback. “I am just going to see what happens. I have some options, I have some thoughts.” Tillman will be 33 years old next season.
Extra Points: Stafford, Packers, Seahawks
New Lions offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi discussed his new quarterback, Matthew Stafford, with Eric Edholm of Yahoo Sports.
“The good news is that he’s not broken, that much is clear,” Lombardi said. “There’s an awful amount of talent there. His arm is something to behold. We used to sit in the Saints quarterback room and just marvel at his passes — all the depths, the whole field in play. He really can sling it. That’s a great thing to have.”
Stafford, a former first overall pick, should evoke higher praise at this point in his career than “not broken.” While he has put up huge number the past few years, he has struggled with turning the football over, and the Lions were perceived to have underachieved, only reaching the playoffs one time with Stafford under center. Still, the Lions quarterback is here to stay, on an big contract that runs through 2017. Hopefully for Lombardi and new head coach Jim Caldwell, they can get him from “not broken” to “very good” in a short amount of time. Here is some other news from around the league:
- Packers receiver James Jones will hit free agency this offseason, and Weston Hodkiewicz of PackersNews.com is skeptical that the Packers will be able to keep the third member of their dangerous receiving corps. Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson are both on team friendly contracts, but each is entering the last years of those deals. Both could get big extensions, and with the emergence of undrafted rookie Jarrett Boykin, the 30-year-old Jones may be the odd man out.
- While the Seahawks are preparing for the Super Bowl, general manager John Schneider has been in Mobile, Alabama preparing for the 2014 NFL Draft, writes Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. Schneider is also going to have some decisions to make in free agency, as receiver Golden Tate and defensive end Michael Bennett will be among the team’s unrestricted free agents this offseason. Up against the cap as the Seahawks are, even after they cut some of their expensive contracts, they will still have to prepare for Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman to reach free agency after 2014, and Russell Wilson the year after that.
- The Dolphins’ general manager search continues, as they have started their second round of interviews with in-house finalist, assistant general manager Brian Gaine, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. They interviewed Patriots director of pro personell Nick Caserio earlier today. Caserio is also a finalist, and will interview for the second time tomorrow, reports Tom E. Curran of CSNNE.com (via Twitter).