FA Rumors: Dunbar, Bears, Givens, Bills
Free agent running back Lance Dunbar is continuing his NFC tour today, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, who tweets that Dunbar is visiting the Bears. The veteran back, who has spent his first four seasons in Dallas, has also paid visits to the Seahawks and 49ers since free agency began.
Dunbar, 26, was on the verge of becoming a legit weapon out of the backfield for the Cowboys last season, racking up 21 receptions in just three full games, including 10 catches for 100 yards in Week 3 against the Falcons. However, in his fourth game, Dunbar suffered a torn ACL that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. While his upside will appeal to teams seeking a receiving option at running back, Dunbar will have to convince those clubs that he’ll be back to full health for the 2016 season.
Here’s more on free agency from around the NFL:
- After visiting the Jets on Tuesday, wide receiver Chris Givens is meeting with the Eagles today, according to Schefter (via Twitter). Givens, who was traded from the Rams to the Ravens last October, was targeted 53 times in Baltimore, but only hauled in 19 of them for 346 yards and a touchdown.
- In addition to confirming a pair of previously-reported visits, the Bills also announced today (via Twitter) that they’re hosting tight end Jim Dray for a Wednesday visit, and brought in wide receiver Deonte Thompson on Tuesday.
- The Seahawks hosted free agent guard Amini Silatolu for a visit on Tuesday, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com.The former-second pick, who also met with the Cardinals, hasn’t been a full-time starter since his rookie season in 2012, but he’s only 26 years old and could appeal to a Seattle team that doesn’t seem interested in spending a ton on its offensive line.
- Free agent linebacker Sean Spence, having already visited the Dolphins and Jaguars, is meeting with the Titans on Wednesday, a source tells Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com (Twitter link). A third-round pick in 2012, Spence was limited to just 31 games during his four years with the Steelers due to injuries.
- The Jets and Texans are both making an effort to sign free agent safety Antonio Allen, tweets Newsday’s Kimberley Martin. Allen, who visited Houston this week, missed the entire 2015 campaign with an Achilles injury.
Joique Bell Visiting Bills
Running back Joique Bell is visiting the Bills tonight, according to Rand Getlin of NFL Network (on Twitter). 
Bell saw time in 13 games last season, rushing for 311 yards off of 90 carries with four touchdowns. He also produced as a pass-catching back, hauling in 22 receptions for 286 yards. Bell was an important part of the Lions’ backfield rotation since 2013, but the club cut him earlier this year, opting instead to move forward with incumbents Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick, and Zach Zenner. The Lions saved $1MM by cutting Bell while carrying $2.5MM in dead money.
Bell might not be a superstar running back, but he could help the Bills fill the gap in the event that LeSean McCoy is suspended. McCoy, who earned a Pro Bowl nod during his first season with the Bills in 2015, is under investigation for his role in an altercation at a Philadelphia nightclub in which McCoy and three of his companions fought with at least two off-duty police officers.
McCoy was held back by injuries in his first season with the Bills but was being counted on for a bounce back year in 2016. In 2013, McCoy was rated as the very best tailback in football according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), racking up a 27.3 overall rating which was more than 8 points higher than the runner-up, Jamaal Charles.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Bills Rework Dan Carpenter’s Contract
The Bills have made some minor changes to kicker Dan Carpenter‘s contract, according to Mike Rodak of ESPN.com. The move creates a small amount of cap space and suggests that his place on the regular-season roster is not a lock.
According to Rodak, Carpenter’s pay has been reduced by $250K (from $2.025MM to $1.775MM), and a $250K roster bonus that was due this week is now contingent on him making the Week 1 53-man roster.
If he does make the roster, Carpenter will receive that $250K bonus and if he reaches certain performance incentives, he’ll also earn back his lost $250K in salary. However, if he struggles in camp and loses the starting job, the veteran kicker would lose out on that $500K, plus his remaining $1.775MM base salary, which is non-guaranteed.
The tweaks to Carpenter’s contract only free up another $250K in cap room for the Bills — that extra space likely won’t be put to use anytime soon, but it at least gives the club a little more breathing room. If Buffalo does decide to cut Carpenter before the season begins, it would create another $1.7MM+ in cap savings.
In 2015, Carpenter converted a respectable 23 of 27 field goals (85.2%), but struggled with the longer extra point, missing six of them over the course of the season.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
FA Rumors: Okung, Kerley, Bruton, Allen
Now that they’ve agreed to sign offensive tackle Ryan Harris, the Steelers are out of the running for free agent tackle Russell Okung, a source tells Pro Football Talk (Twitter link). It’s not clear if the Steelers are also out on Kelvin Beachum – since he’s their own free agent, they may be more willing to bring him back – but it seems clear that they’re willing to let him walk if he gets a better offer elsewhere.
With the Steelers no longer in contention for Okung, that likely reduces the field of suitors for the former first-round pick to three teams — the Seahawks, Lions, and Giants. Harris almost certainly won’t earn as much on his new deal as guys like Okung and Beachum will on theirs, but his signing may have given the tackle market the push it needs to get other players signed. Stay tuned.
Let’s round up a few more free agent rumors and updates from across the league….
- After losing one of their wideouts – Chris Hogan – to the division-rival Patriots, the Bills are taking a look at another free agent receiver from the AFC East. Adam Caplan of ESPN.com reports (via Twitter) that Buffalo is bringing in ex-Jet Jeremy Kerley for a visit. Having recently been cut by New York, Kerley would likely compete for the No. 3 receiver spot and punt-return duties if he were to sign with the Bills.
- Washington hosted safety David Bruton on a free agent visit on Tuesday, a source tells John Keim of ESPN.com. Bruton, a special-teamer who held his own when forced into action on defense for the Broncos, recently told Arran Anderson of KMGH-TV (Twitter link) that Denver had expressed interest in re-signing him, but he wanted to explore the market if the price wasn’t right.
- Free agent defensive back Antonio Allen, who missed the 2015 season due to an Achilles injury, is visiting the Texans, tweets John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. Allen made 18 starts in the Jets’ secondary from 2012 to 2014.
- Linebacker Shea McClellin is making a visit with the Seahawks, per Caplan (via Twitter). The Bears recently signed Jerrell Freeman and Danny Trevathan, signaling that McClellin’s time in Chicago has likely come to an end.
- Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram confirms (via Twitter) that the Cowboys‘ previously-reported visits with cornerback Leon Hall and defensive end Chris Long will both take place on Wednesday.
Extra Points: Rams, M. Bryant, Bills, D. Jackson
Over the weekend, it was reported that the NFLPA had concerns about player contracts with the Rams in light of their move from Missouri to California. That issue, as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes, has been sorted out.
“The team’s legal move to California coincides with the start of the offseason program on April 18,” Rams executive V.P. of football operations and COO Kevin Demoff said via email. “As such, all contracts are still subject to Missouri law at time of signing. We were able to work with agents on a simple fix saying the contracts will transfer to California law once the team move is official.”
The union was concerned that players would be forced to pay California taxes, which are higher than Missouri taxes, on salaries incurred before the move. Now, it appears that they will be able to save some money on any paychecks processed before April 18th.
Here are a few more odds and ends from around the NFL:
- In the wake of Martavis Bryant‘s year-long suspension becoming official on Monday, the Steelers issued a statement (via Steelers PR man Burt Lauten, on Twitter): “We are very disappointed that Martavis Bryant has put himself in this current situation of being suspended by the League. He is at a crossroads of his professional life, and he needs to understand significant changes need to occur in his personal life if he wants to regain his career as a Pittsburgh Steeler. We are hopeful that Martavis will take the necessary steps to develop the discipline in his personal life to become a successful player and a good teammate.”
- The Bills officially announced multiple changes to their defensive coaching staff, including the hiring of a new defensive line coach, John Blake. Buffalo had recently parted ways with 2015’s DL coach, Karl Dunbar.
- Colts linebacker D’Qwell Jackson was found guilty of simple assault in a court room on Monday, Mike Wells of ESPN.com writes. The case stemmed from a February 2015 altercation with a delivery driver. Jackson could face a maximum of 180 days in jail, and while that seems unlikely, discipline from the NFL is possible once the case wraps up. The linebacker’s sentencing is scheduled to take place on April 6th. The Colts released the following statement on the matter: “We’re disappointed to read reports of D’Qwell Jackson’s misdemeanor verdict in Washington, D.C. We’ve not had an opportunity to review any of the evidence or testimony from the trial and have not made any determination as to any action we might take as a result.”
- After re-signing with the Bengals last week, offensive tackle Eric Winston will seek a second term as president of the NFL Players Association, writes Tom Pelissero of USA Today. The current expectation is that Winston will run unopposed.
Luke Adams contributed to this post.
Free Agent Rumors: Fairley, Hall, Moore, Harvin
On the first day of the 2016 legal tampering period last Monday, we learned that the Jets had some interest in defensive tackle Nick Fairley. It doesn’t appear there’s been much movement on that front in the last eight days, but Gang Green isn’t the only club eyeing the ex-Ram.
According to Mark Eckel of NJ.com, there are three or four teams with “serious interest” in Fairley. The Eagles are one of those teams, and the Saints and Jets might be two of the others, though that’s not certain. Eckel’s source is “fairly certain” that the free agent defensive lineman won’t return to the Rams after spending a season with the team.
As we wait to see where Fairley lands, here are a few more free agent rumors from around the NFL…
- After having visited the Cardinals, free agent cornerback Leon Hall is now set to meet with the Cowboys, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Hall is one of several Cincinnati defensive backs to reach the open market this year — he and Reggie Nelson remain unsigned, while George Iloka and Adam Jones reached new deals the Bengals.
- Veteran quarterback Matt Moore has been surveying his options on the free agent market, and the Dolphins reportedly prefer not to spend much for a backup QB, but the two sides could still find their way back to one another. According to Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald, Moore is meeting with the Fins today, a signal that the player and team are open to a reunion.
- Moore isn’t the only free agent scheduled to meet with the Dolphins. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald tweets that veteran edge defender Andre Branch will be in Miami for a visit tonight and Wednesday, as the club continues to consider defensive end options.
- A return to the Bills or a deal with the Ravens are among the possible outcomes for wide receiver Percy Harvin this offseason, writes Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Florio doesn’t cite any sources, so it’s not clear whether he’s reporting Buffalo and Baltimore as potential landing spots for Harvin, or simply speculating.
East Notes: Bills, Cowboys, Dolphins, Pats
The latest from the NFL’s two East divisions:
- The Bills have fired defensive line coach Karl Dunbar after one year on the job, reports Kimberley A. Martin of Newsday (Twitter link). Dunbar had worked under head coach Rex Ryan with both the Jets and Bills since 2012.
- The Cowboys are “intent” on decreasing cornerback Brandon Carr‘s $13.8MM cap hit, so whether he sticks with the team will hinge on his willingness to take a pay cut – something he may be open to – writes David Moore of The Dallas Morning News. Carr, who will turn 30 in May, joined the Cowboys in 2012 and has since intercepted six passes, though he hasn’t registered a pick since 2013.
- The Dolphins haven’t closed the book on signing a veteran wideout at some point to replace the departed Rishard Matthews, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. As Jackson notes, available options include big names like Anquan Boldin, Marques Colston Roddy White and Percy Harvin.
- The Patriots didn’t make a push to sign tight end Ben Watson before he agreed to a deal with Baltimore earlier this week, but they might have done so had he come cheaper, according to Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com. Watson, who got two years and $8MM from the Ravens, was the Patriots’ first-round pick in 2004. He was with the franchise through the 2009 campaign, catching 167 passes and 20 touchdowns.
- Patriots guard Tre’ Jackson missed both of the team’s playoff games with a knee injury. As a result, he has undergone a knee scope within the last month, per Reiss, who adds that it’s unlikely to affect the 23-year-old’s long-term availability. Jackson, a fourth-rounder last year, appeared in 13 games and made nine starts as a rookie.
Newton, Peterson, Others Get Salary Guarantees
Several NFL players have contracts containing language which states that they’ll get a full or partial salary guarantees for 2016 and/or 2017 if they remained on their respective teams on Friday, the third day of the league year. Let’s check in some of those players (link courtesy of CBS Sports’ Joel Corry):
- Cam Newton, quarterback (Panthers): $13MM base salary for 2016 is now fully guaranteed. Friday is also the deadline
for the Panthers to pick up Newton’s 2020 option for $10MM. - Eli Manning, quarterback (Giants): $17.5MM base salary for 2016 is now fully guaranteed.
- Jay Cutler, quarterback (Bears): $16MM base salary for 2016 is now fully guaranteed.
- Adrian Peterson, running back (Vikings): $7MM base salary for 2016 is now fully guaranteed.
- Julio Jones, wide receiver (Falcons): $11.5MM base salary for 2017 is now fully guaranteed.
- A.J. Green, wide receiver (Bengals): $6MM roster bonus is payable.
- Brandon Marshall, wide receiver (Jets): $9.5MM base salary for 2016 is now fully guaranteed.
- Mike Iupati, guard (Cardinals): $6.75MM base salary for 2016 is now fully guaranteed, as is $2MM of Iupati’s $8MM base salary for 2017.
- Rodney Hudson, center (Raiders): $7.35MM base salary for 2016 is now fully guaranteed.
- Gerald McCoy, defensive tackle (Buccaneers): $13.25MM base salary for 2017 is now fully guaranteed.
- Marcell Dareus, defensive tackle (Bills): $9.75MM base salary for 2017 is now fully guaranteed.
- Justin Houston, linebacker (Chiefs): $14.75MM of Houston’s $14.9MM base salary in 2016 is now fully guaranteed, as is $6.75MM of his $16.35MM base salary for 2017.
- DeAndre Levy, linebacker (Lions): $5.25MM base salary for 2016 is now fully guaranteed.
- Aqib Talib, cornerback (Broncos): $8.5MM base salary for 2016 is now fully guaranteed.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Patriots Sign Chris Hogan; Bills Decline To Match Offer Sheet
Wide receiver Chris Hogan will be a Patriot, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, who reports (via Twitter) that the Bills have declined their right of first refusal. That means Hogan will head to New England under the terms of the three-year, $12MM offer sheet he signed with the club.
The Bills had five days to decide whether or not to match the Patriots’ offer to Hogan, but the team didn’t even take one full day before making its decision.
Having tendered Hogan with a low-end tender worth $1.671MM, the cap-strapped Bills weren’t expected to be able to go much higher for him, and won’t receive any compensation for losing him. The offer sheet the wideout signed with the Patriots reportedly carries a $5.5MM first-year cap hit, which made it even more difficult for Buffalo to match.
In 2015, Hogan hauled in 36 catches for 450 yards and two touchdowns. The New Jersey native had a similar season in 2014 for the Bills when he caught 41 passes for 426 yards and four scores.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has done serious research on Hogan, so much so that he knows the 27-year-old could serve as a backup (left-footed!) punter should the need ever arise. While Hogan likely won’t be pressed into action as a punter, he’s capable of contributing on special teams as well as on offense.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Compensatory Picks For 2016 NFL Draft
The NFL has officially announced the 33 compensatory picks for the 2016 NFL draft. These picks are awarded to the teams that suffered the most significant free agent losses during the 2015 offseason. So, for instance, the Lions, who lost Ndamukong Suh, get the top compensatory pick this year.
The comp pick formula assigns picks who suffered the largest net losses, so teams that signed multiple free agents have a lesser chance of receiving picks. These selections can’t be traded.
Here’s the full breakdown, by round and by team:
By Round:
Round 3:
- Detroit Lions
- New England Patriots
- Seattle Seahawks
- Denver Broncos
Round 4:
- Green Bay Packers
- Baltimore Ravens
- San Francisco 49ers
- Baltimore Ravens
- Dallas Cowboys
- Denver Broncos
- Green Bay Packers
- Cleveland Browns
- Buffalo Bills
Round 5:
- Arizona Cardinals
- Seattle Seahawks
- Cleveland Browns
- Cleveland Browns
- San Francisco 49ers
- San Diego Chargers
Round 6:
- New England Patriots
- Baltimore Ravens
- Detroit Lions
- San Francisco 49ers
- Dallas Cowboys
- San Francisco 49ers
- New England Patriots
- Seattle Seahawks
- Dallas Cowboys
- Dallas Cowboys
- Buffalo Bills
- Denver Broncos
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- New England Patriots
By Team:
- Dallas Cowboys (4)
- New England Patriots (4)
- San Francisco 49ers (4)
- Baltimore Ravens (3)
- Cleveland Browns (3)
- Denver Broncos (3)
- Seattle Seahawks (3)
- Buffalo Bills (2)
- Detroit Lions (2)
- Green Bay Packers (2)
- Arizona Cardinals (1)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (1)
- San Diego Chargers (1)