Patriots S Duron Harmon Detained After Marijuana Smuggle Attempt In Costa Rica
Patriots safety Duron Harmon was denied entry into Costa Rica after attempting to bring marijuana into the country, according to Costa Rican newspaper La Nacion. Harmon was briefly detained before being sent back to the United States. 
The 27-year-old defensive back attempted to bring in 58 grams of marijuana inside a can of iced tea, three pipes with cannabis oil, a THC candy and four containers with compressed marijuana, weighing 4.3 grams. The Patriots issued a statement Saturday morning regarding the incident, via Ben Volin of the Boston Globe (on Twitter):
“We are aware of the situation involving Duron Harmon Friday night in Costa Rica. He has since returned to the U.S. and we are seeking to gain more information. At this time, we have no further update.”
Harmon (via Instagram) issued an apology Saturday night.
Volin doesn’t expect the Patriots to release Harmon following the incident but does expect the Patriots or the NFL to step in and hand down some sort of punishment (on Twitter). The league has yet to comment on the incident.
The Patriots took Harmon in the third round of the 2013 draft and he’s missed just one game thus far in his career while making 15 starts. Last season, Harmon tallied a career-high four interceptions and seven pass defenses. Harmon is once again slated to work alongside Patrick Chung and Devin McCourty as a safety in the Patriots’ secondary.
Falcons Sign CB/ST Justin Bethel
The Falcons have signed former Cardinals cornerback and special teamer Justin Bethel, per a Falcons release. ESPN’s Field Yates first reported that a deal between the two sides was done (on Twitter) and ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss first reported that Bethel was likely headed to the Falcons (on Twitter).
Bethel’s deal will be for one year, though the terms have of the deal have yet to be revealed, per ESPN’s Vaughn McLure (on Twitter).
Bethel, 27, has been one of the NFL’s most prominent gunners, having already been selected to three Pro Bowls, and has seen more time at cornerback in recent years with the Cardinals.
Bethel represents the Falcons’ biggest free-agent offseason splash thus far. Up until Saturday, their only free-agent addition was signing former 49ers guard Brandon Fusco and re-signing defensive end Derrick Shelby. The Falcons had hosted Bethel for a visit on Wednesday.
The Cardinals are dealt another loss to their secondary having already watched Tyrann Mathieu sign with the Texans following his release. They added depth to their secondary Friday by signing Bene Benwikere to a one-year deal. Safety Tyvon Branch remains the Cardinals’ final unsigned unrestricted free agent in their secondary.
Bethel didn’t start a single game at cornerback in his first three years in the NFL after the Cardinals took him in the sixth round of the 2012 draft. Over the last three years, though, he’s accumulated 14 starts at cornerback opposite Patrick Peterson. He’s racked up four interceptions in that time, including a pick-six in each season.
The Falcons have Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford locked in at cornerback with long-term deals. While Bethel is likely to contribute on the Falcons’ special teams they are thin in their cornerback depth. Brian Poole, Blidi Wreh-Wilson and Marcelis Branch currently serve as the only other cornerbacks on the roster outside of Trufant and Alford.
Bears Re-Sign CB Marcus Cooper To 1-Year Deal
The Bears are bringing back free-agent cornerback Marcus Cooper with a one-year, $2.5MM deal, according to Adam Caplan (on Twitter). Cooper had a visit on Friday with the Cardinals, who agreed to a one-year deal with cornerback Bene Benwikere, but they were still reported to have interest.
Cooper appeared in 15 games last season for the Bears, making four starts. His most extensive playing time came with the Cardinals in 2016 when he played in 15 games (13 starts) and collected four interceptions. The metrics were not kind to him that season, though, as he ranked No. 62 among 84 qualifiers in Football Outsiders‘ success rate.
Chicago signed Cooper to a three-year, $16MM deal following his 2016 campaign with the Cardinals but released him last week. He played on just a quarter of the Bears’ defensive snaps last season, ranking fourth out of the team’s cornerbacks.
The Bears have made their secondary a priority this offseason, placing their transition tag on Kyle Fuller and re-signing Prince Amukamara. Cooper is set to work with the likes of Bryce Callahan and recently-signed Sherrick McManis as backups to Fuller and Amukamara.
The 49ers drafted Cooper in the seventh round of the 2013 draft out of Rutgers. He never suited up for the 49ers, though, and spent three seasons with the Chiefs before landing with the Cardinals in 2016.
Extra Points: Thomas, Cowboys, Saints, Falcons, Mettenberger
While appearing on the Ireland sports talk show “Off The Ball” Seahawks safety Earl Thomas didn’t sound overly confident in his status with the Seahawks for the upcoming season.
“Hopefully I stay,” Thomas said on the talk show via Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. “But right now nobody knows. It’s a guessing game. So we’ll see.”
Thomas, a three-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler, is set to enter the final season of his four-year, $40MM deal with Seattle. The Seahawks have reportedly shopped Thomas around in trade talks, with the Cowboys believed to be one of the teams interested in trading for the Texas native.
“In my case, whether I’m in Seattle or anywhere else, I’m going to be rich and happy regardless,” Thomas continued.
The Seahawks are reportedly seeking first- and third-round picks for Thomas’ services. He didn’t miss a game through the first six years of his career but has missed seven games over the last two seasons due to various injuries. The Seahawks’ “Legion of Boom” has seen a shakeup this offseason, with the departure of Richard Sherman to the 49ers. Fellow cornerback Byron Maxwell is an unrestricted free agent this offseason as well.
Here’s more from around the NFL:
- The Cowboys’ addition of Allen Hurns wasn’t meant to signal the end of the Dez Bryant era in Dallas, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter), but rather that Hurns will work as a complementary piece to Bryant. The Cowboys signed Bryant to a five-year, 70MM deal in 2015. Along with the two-year deal for Hurns, the Cowboys added wide receiver Deonte Thompson on a one-year contract earlier this week.
- Saints owner Gayle Benson is set to assure her counterparts at next week’s owner’s meetings that she has no plans to sell the team and is confident in her staff following the death of her husband and longtime Saints owner, Tom Benson, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports (on Twitter).
- The Falcons do not have interest in signing free-agent defensive end Robert Ayers, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The Falcons were reported to have interest in Ayers, along with the Saints and Panthers, before they signed re-signed defensive end Derrick Shelby.
- While the Falcons are reportedly out on Ayers, they have not closed the book on signing free-agent linebacker Pernell McPhee, per Ledbetter. The Falcons, who visited with McPhee on Wednesday, have three linebackers on the roster now, with Deion Jones, De’Vondre Campbell and Duke Riley. McPhee has spent the last three seasons with the Bears and has tallied four sacks in each of the last two years.
- Former Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger has been added to the Spring League for its upcoming season, per Pro Football Talk (on Twitter).
Contract Details: Burnett, Bodine, Williams
Let’s take a look at the most recent new contracts around the NFL:
AFC
- Morgan Burnett, S (Steelers): Three years, $14.35MM. $4.25MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle).
- Kyle Williams, DT (Bills): One year, $5.5MM. $4.5MM guaranteed. $2.25MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Mike Rodak of ESPN.com).
- Russell Bodine, C (Bills): Two years, $5MM. $2.15MM guaranteed. $1.15MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Rodak).
- Matthew Slater, ST (Patriots): Two years, $5.2MM. $1MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Ben Volin of the Boston Globe).
- Clinton McDonald DT (Broncos) Two years, $7MM. $1MM roster bonus. $3MM guaranteed (Twitter link via Mike Klis of 9News).
NFC
- Tramon Williams, CB (Packers): Two years, ~$10MM (Twitter link via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com).
- Alex Okafor, DE (Saints): Two years, $6.787MM. $1.5MM guaranteed. $1.5MM signing bonus (link via Nick Underhill of the Advocate).
- Jonathan Cooper, G (49ers): One year, $4.95MM. $4MM guaranteed. $2MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Tom Pelissero of NFL.com).
- Sylvester Williams, DT (Lions): One year, $3.5MM. $3.4MM guaranteed. $1.5MM available via playtime incentives (Twitter links via Pelissero and Cameron Wolfe of ESPN.com).
- Luke Willson, TE (Lions): One year, $2.5MM. $1.4MM guaranteed. $900K signing bonus (Twitter link via Justin Rogers of the Detroit News).
- Kai Forbath, K (Vikings): One year, $790,000 base salary (Twitter link via Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press)
AFC Notes: Pryor, Browns, Dolphins, Burfict, Rosen, Clowney
Terrelle Pryor had hoped to return to the Browns, prior to agreeing to a deal with the Jets, but the Browns offer didn’t come close to the Jets’ in terms of money, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. The former Ohio State and Raiders quarterback is coming off a disappointing season with the Redskins, in which he was ranked 109th out of 166 wide receiver candidates, per Pro Football Focus.
It’s not shocking that Pryor, 28, wished to return to Cleveland under Hue Jackson. The Browns converted him into a wide receiver full-time prior to the 2015 season and Pryor caught 77 passes for 1,007 yards receiving and four touchdowns in 2016.
Luckily for Pryor, one of the quarterbacks behind his superb 2016 campaign, Josh McCown, is back on a one-year deal with the Jets. The Browns have already added Jarvis Landry to their receiving corps this offseason but are still looking for upgrades at receiver, and were also reportedly interested in Allen Hurns before he signed with the Cowboys.
Here’s more from around the AFC:
- Browns owner Jimmy Haslam was among the team’s contingent to take in Josh Allen‘s pro day Friday, per Kabot. The Browns hold the first and fourth overall picks in the upcoming draft. The Browns were one of 13 teams in attendance to watch the Wyoming quarterback throw but their group of eight officials was the largest of any team, according to Andrew Groover of NFL Network (on Twitter).
- To help fill the shoes of Ndamukong Suh, who played 877 snaps last season — sixth-most of defensive tackles in the NFL — the Dolphins plan on using William Hayes at both defensive end and defensive tackle, per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Jackson also expects defensive linemen Jordan Phillips, Davon Godchaux and Vincent Taylor to pick up extended playing time with the loss of Suh.
- The suspension of Vontaze Burfict for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances didn’t come as a surprise to the Bengals. The team was aware of Burfict’s failed test before the regular season ended on Dec. 31 and were waiting for an arbitrator to hear Burfict’s appeal, according to Jim Owczarski of the Cincinnati Enquirer. The NFL has yet to comment on Burfict’s suspension, including what he tested positive for and when his appeal will be heard.
- The Browns, Bills and Jets, along with the Giants, have held private workouts for Josh Rosen, the former UCLA quarterback said Friday on the Rich Eisen Show (via Calvin Watkins of Newsday)
- While at an event in the Houston area Friday, Jadeveon Clowney expressed his interest in remaining with the Texans long term, including finishing his career with the team, per Mark Berman of Fox 26 KRIV (on Twitter). Clowney, 25, is entering the final season of his rookie deal. “I want to be here. Hopefully they lock me in [and] I’ll be here forever,” Clowney said. “It would mean a lot. It’s something I’ve always dreamed of. I want to finish my career here”
Martellus Bennett Announces Retirement
Tight end Martellus Bennett announced on his Twitter account (link) that’s he’s “moving on” from football after a 10-year career in the NFL. Though Bennett never used the word “retire” in his Twitter post, he confirmed in to NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero that he is retiring from the league. 
“I’ve decided to move on from the world of football and into the fantastical and wondrous world of creativity,” Bennett said in a Twitter message. “I’m beginning what I believe to be my life’s work.”
In a mid-season Instagram post while with the Packers, Bennett said he anticipated this past season would be his last. However, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported last month that Bennett intended on returning for the 2018 season.
Bennett, 31, appeared in seven games for the Packers last season before being waived and picked up by the Patriots. The Patriots released Bennett earlier this month after he ended the season on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. He totaled 30 catches for 286 yards receiving without a touchdown catch this past season between his time with the Packers and Patriots.
The Cowboys originally took Bennett in the second round of the 2008 draft out of Texas A&M. He spent four years with the Cowboys before playing a season with the Giants and then four with the Bears. Bennett’s Pro Bowl campaign came with the Bears in 2014 when he tallied career highs in receptions (90) and receiving yards (996) while catching six touchdowns. He had appeared in at least 14 games in eight of his first nine seasons before appearing in just nine last year.
It’s been an eventful day for the Bennett family. Earlier Friday, Michael Bennett was indicted on felony charges in Texas for his involvement in an incident at NRG Stadium during Super Bowl LI.
Broncos Acquire T Jared Veldheer
The Broncos have announced the acquisition of Cardinals offensive lineman Jared Veldheer in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the upcoming draft (on Twitter). Troy Renck of Denver 7, ABC, first reported that the two sides were nearing a deal involving Veldheer and a late-round pick (on Twitter).
Veldheer, 30, is expected to step in and start at right tackle for the Broncos opposite former first-round pick Garett Bolles at left tackle. The Broncos were previously set to go with Menelik Watson at right tackle after he started the team’s first seven games there last season but was then placed on injured reserve with a calf injury.
Veldheer started 13 games for the Cardinals last season before being placed on injured reserve with a broken ankle. He’s appeared in 106 games over an eight-year career, making 101 starts. The Raiders originally selected Veldheer in the third round of the 2010 draft out of Hillsdale. He’s spent the bulk of his career at left tackle before shifting to the right side of the line last season.
The veteran offensive lineman is set to enter the final season of a five-year, $35MM deal signed with the Cardinals and is slated to have a cap hit of $10.16MM for the upcoming season. The Broncos entered the day with $21.28MM in available cap space, which ranked No. 12 in the NFL.
The addition of Veldheer helps round out the Broncos offensive line. Along with Bolles at left tackle, they’re set to return Max Garcia at left guard, Matt Paradis at center and Ronald Leary at right guard.
The deal creates $3.25MM in dead cap space for the Cardinals but does open up $6.9MM in available space. Newly-signed Andre Smith will likely take over at right tackle for the Cardinals with John Wetzel taking over as the team’s starting swing tackle. The Cardinals also helped beef up their offensive line this offseason by adding right guard Justin Pugh in free agency.
Bills Release DE Ryan Davis
The Bills have cut ties with defensive end Ryan Davis, a source told Eric Edholm of Pro Football Weekly (on Twitter). Davis, 29, appeared in all of the Bills’ regular-season contests last season, including their postseason game, and recorded three sacks. 
The Jaguars originally signed Davis as an undrafted free agent in 2012 out of Bethune-Cookman. Davis recorded a career-high 6 1/2 sacks in 2014 and spent 2016 with the Cowboys before signing a two-year $2.2MM deal with the Bills last offseason.
The Bills are set at defensive end, with Shaq Lawson and Jerry Hughes entrenched as the team’s starters. Davis became more expendable with the Bills’ addition of Trent Murphy in free agency.
Davis enters a defensive end free-agent market that’s headlined by Robert Ayers, Charles Johnson, Benson Mayowa and Jared Crick. Davis was due to have a cap hit of $1.28MM for the upcoming season. His release marked the second loss to the Bills’ defense Friday as free-agent cornerback E.J. Gaines agreed to terms with the Browns.
NFC North Notes: Packers, Vikings, Floyd, Cobb
The Packers brought back cornerback Tramon Williams after he spent two seasons with the Browns and one with the Cardinals but his re-addition to the secondary doesn’t mean the Packers are closing the book on re-signing Davon House, according to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky (on Twitter).
House, 28, started 12 games at cornerback for the Packers last season. He spent the previous two years with the Jaguars after spending the first four years of his career with the Packers, who took him in the fourth round of the 2011 draft.
The Packers have a need at cornerback with Damarious Randall being traded to the Browns. Without House, the Packers would rely on the likes of Kevin King, Quinten Rollins and Josh Hawkins to work alongside Williams at cornerback.
Here’s more from the NFC North:
- The Vikings have heavily contemplated moving Mike Remmers to right guard, with the anticipation that the team would take a player to fill in at right tackle with the No. 30 overall pick in the upcoming draft, according to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (on Twitter). Tomasson also noted that Rashod Hill could be in the mix to take over at right tackle. The retirement of Joe Berger created a void on the Vikings’ offensive line. Remmers started 11 games at right tackle for the Vikings last season.
- Sources also told Tomasson (on Twitter) that the Vikings won’t re-sign wide receiver and Minnesota native Michael Floyd. Last season, the former first-round pick of the Cardinals appeared in 12 games for the Vikings, making one start, and caught 10 passes for 78 yards. The 28-year-old was suspended the first four games of last season for violating the NFL’s Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.
- The Packers hosted free-agent wide receiver Jordan Matthews for a visit Friday. In an online chat with fans, Aaron Nagler of Packers News said firmly that the addition of Matthews wouldn’t affect the roster status for fellow wide receiver Randall Cobb, who’s set to enter the final season of a four-year, $40MM deal. Nagler also said that sources told him Matthews was offered a little over $1MM for a one-year deal after visiting the Cardinals earlier this week.
- On Thursday, we learned that the Bears and Lions were two of the 14 teams in attendance to scout Johnny Manziel at a pro day at the University of San Diego.