Panthers Sign Kelvin Benjamin, Trai Turner
The Panthers have become the 11th team in the NFL to lock up their entire 2014 draft class, announcing today (via Twitter) that first-round receiver Kelvin Benjamin and third-round guard Trai Turner have signed their rookie contracts. The club had previously locked up second-rounder Kony Ealy and its three other late-round draftees.
As the 28th overall pick in the draft, Benjamin is in line for a signing bonus worth $3.894MM, according to Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap. Benjamin, a former Florida State standout, will also have a fifth-year option on his deal which the team can exercise for the 2018 season. As for Turner, per Fitzgerald’s numbers, his signing bonus is a more modest $540K, with an overall four-year value of about $2.796MM on this deal.
As I noted this morning, coming into today, only 52 draft picks remained unsigned. With Benjamin and Turner now under contract, only 50 more still need to put pen to paper. You can follow the progress with our tracker.
NFC Links: Panthers, Bucs, Lions, Packers
We’ve taken a look at rumors from the NFC West and NFC East this afternoon. Now let’s focus on some links from the North and South divisions…
- There is enough room on the Panthers roster for both Tyler Gaffney and Kenjon Barner, says ESPN.com’s David Newton. The running backs’ skills on special teams, in addition to the age of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, means the young players will likely stick around.
- Cornerbacks Josh Norman and Josh Thomas are in “prove-me” years and may not make the Panthers roster, Newton mentions in the same article.
- The Buccaneers have four quarterbacks in Josh McCown, Mike Glennon, Mike Kafka and Alex Tanney. There’s no way all four are sticking around, and The Tampa Tribune’s Roy Cummings says that keeping three may even be a stretch. New coach Lovie Smith carried three quarterbacks in seven of his nine seasons with the Bears, but even Smith hinted that the Bucs’ will likely only carry two.
- Lions wideout Kris Durham‘s biggest threat for a roster spot is Kevin Ogletree, writes ESPN.com’s Michael Rothstein. The writer says it would be tough for both players to make the final roster.
- Keeping four running back is not out of the question for the Packers, says ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky. The team’s current halfbacks are Eddie Lacy, James Starks, DuJuan Harris and Johnathan Franklin. As Demovsky points out, that’s a group with a lot of injury risk.
Panthers Sign Second-Rounder Kony Ealy
The Panthers have locked up second-round defensive end Kony Ealy, according to the team, confirming today in a press release that Ealy has signed his four-year rookie contract. The former Missouri pass rusher is the fourth of six Carolina draftees to ink his deal, with only first-round wideout Kelvin Benjamin and third-round guard Trai Turner still unsigned.
“We had a first-round value on Kony Ealy. He’s got a lot of potential,” general manager Dave Gettleman said in a statement. “You cannot have too many pass rushers. You can’t. It’s impossible.”
The 60th overall pick, Ealy should be in line for a signing bonus worth just under $900K, according to Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com. Overall, Ealy’s contract will have a base value of approximately $3.547MM.
The Importance Of June 1st
Many of the most important dates of the NFL offseason have already come and gone, but this Sunday represents another day that team executives around the league have circled on their calendars. Here’s a brief summary of why June 1 is important, and what we can expect starting next Monday, after that deadline has passed:
- As we explained in a PFR Glossary entry, players released or traded after June 1 count against the cap differently than players who were cut or moved earlier in the offseason, with teams able to spread the player’s dead money across multiple years. So we could see a handful of veterans released or dealt once June 1 is behind us.
- Several players were released earlier in the offseason and designated as post-June 1 cuts, meaning their cap hits will finally be reduced starting in June. Those players are LaMarr Woodley (Steelers; $8MM cap savings), Carlos Rogers (49ers; $6.6MM), Miles Austin (Cowboys; $5.5MM), Steve Smith (Panthers; $5MM), David Bass (Giants; $5MM), Daryn Colledge (Cardinals; $5MM), and Thomas DeCoud (Falcons; $3.4MM). Each of those teams was starting to approach the cap limit, so the new savings will give them the flexibility to lock up draft picks and possibly revisit the free agent market.
- Speaking of free agents, June 1 represents the deadline for teams to extend contract tenders to their unrestricted FAs. If a club’s former veteran player remains unsigned, that team can make him a one-year offer worth 110% of his previous cap number (minus workout and incentive payments). For former players who were on rookie contracts, the one-year tender is worth 100% of the player’s previous base salary. Players who receive these June 1 tenders have until July 22 to sign with another team — after that date, the player’s previous team retains exclusive negotiating rights throughout the season.
- Most free agents won’t receive tender offers, meaning they become free after June 1 to sign with any club without being tied to future draft compensation. As such, we’ll likely see an increase in veterans inking contracts, since teams will no longer have to worry that signing those players will reduce their chances at compensatory 2015 draft picks.
Details from Over The Cap were used in the creation of this post.
OTA Previews: Panthers, Bears, Seahawks
It’s the calm before the storm tonight, as most teams are set to begin OTAs either tomorrow or Wednesday. Given that, let’s take a quick look at some of the main storylines to follow as we inch ever closer to training camp:
- Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer summarizes the uncertainty facing the Panthers after they replaced nearly their entire secondary and drew criticism for the way they handled their receiving corps. Person wonders who will replace Steve Smith as the team’s primary receiving threat, if Byron Bell is ready to slide over to left tackle, and if Ed Dickson can rekindle the embers of high-level ability he once flashed in Baltimore.
- Like the Panthers, the Bears are prepared to head into the season with a pair of new safeties, and Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune describes the positional battle about to unfold between incumbent Chris Conte and new additions like Ryan Mundy and Brock Vereen.
- Staying on the Bears, Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune looks at the adjustments first-round pick Kyle Fuller will have to make as he enters his first OTAs, and Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune takes a deeper look at Shea McClellin‘s transition from defensive end to linebacker.
- Rich Tandler and Tarik El-Bashir of CSNWashington.com looks at what the Redskins must do to fix a special teams unit that floundered in 2013.
- Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com writes that the Chargers will continue to focus on pursuit as OTAs unfold, a concept that escaped them far too often last year, and Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune writes that Manti Te’o enters his second year of OTAs at his mental and physical peak.
- Randy Covitz of the Kansas City Star looks at a couple of Chiefs highlights from the days leading up to tomorrow’s OTAs, such as the excellent weekend that converted basketball player Demetrius Harris–who spent last season on Kansas City’s practice squad–enjoyed.
- Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times looks at five burning questions facing the defending champion Seahawks.
NFC Mailbags: Redskins, Rams, Panthers, Lions
It’s Saturday, and that means a fresh batch of mailbags from ESPN.com’s NFL writers. Let’s take a look at some from around the NFC…
- Trent Murphy was certainly a fallback option for Brian Orakpo, but that doesn’t mean Orakpo won’t re-sign with the Redskins, says John Keim. He adds that the smart move would be to keep both players.
- Rams‘ writer Nick Wagoner thinks the team will carry three quarterbacks, including Garrett Gilbert. He cautions that the rookie is not a lock to make the roster.
- The money that the Rams would gain from cutting Austin Pettis could be enticing, Wagoner says. Stedman Bailey‘s suspension might mean that Pettis is sticking around, though.
- Wagoner thinks the team will bring in a veteran linebacker, similar to what the team did last season with Will Witherspoon.
- The Panthers will definitely be adding players as they’re cut from other teams, writes David Newton. The writer says General Manager Dave Gettleman is “saving money under the salary cap for a rainy day.”
- The Lions could potentially keep six wide receivers on their 53-man roster, says Michael Rothstein. He lists Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate as locks and believes Jeremy Ross will find a spot. He says one of Kris Durham, Kevin Ogletree and Naaman Roosevelt will make the roster, as well as one of T.J. Jones and Ryan Broyles. His wild card for the sixth spot would be Corey Fuller.
- Rothstein doesn’t think the Lions should make a move right now for Asante Samuel. He adds that they could make a move for a cornerback eventually, especially if Chris Houston can’t return.
- Dwayne Harris‘ job is safe with the Cowboys, opines Todd Archer. Besides being a solid wideout, his skills on special teams make him a lock.
NFC Notes: Giants, Durant, Washington, Floyd
“It seems everyone in the free world with an interest in football wants to know why the Giants didn’t draft a tight end and what they’re going to do to shore up the position,” writes Giants.com Senior Writer/Editor Michael Eisen. However, Eisen says GM Jerry Reese likes his two young, developmental tight ends (Adrien Robinson and Larry Donnell) and wants to see what the team has in veterans Kellen Davis and Daniel Fells and rookie free agent Xavier Grimble before addressing the position.
In other NFC news and notes…
- The 49ers waived offensive tackle Luke Marquardt, a 2013 undrafted free agent out of Azusa Pacific who has been sidelined with foot problems, according to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.
- In a “Buy or Sell” piece for the Cowboys’ website, former NFL executive Bryan Broaddus says the days of linebacker Justin Durant being useful have passed, and DeVonte Holloman and Kyle Wilber possess the athleticism and three-down utility to compete for the Sam linebacker job.
- Bears 2013 sixth-round defensive lineman Cornelius Washington could be a roster casualty if his raw ability doesn’t manifest more consistently, believes ESPN’s Michael C. Wright.
- Panthers receivers coach Ricky Proehl‘s “ability to teach and develop talent is almost as valuable as having extra draft picks,” asserts ESPN’s David Newton.
- Cardinals receiver Michael Floyd, a first-round pick in 2012, is showing signs that he’s ready to take his game to another level, writes Darren Urban on azcardinals.com. Quarterback Carson Palmer praised Floyd, and receivers coach Darryl Drake said, “The only person that can keep [Floyd] from being good is him.”
- The Cardinals brought in 17 tryout players for rookie minicamp, and ESPN’s John Weinfuss has the list.
South Notes: Andre Johnson, Texans, Saints
In a series that has been running for several weeks, former agent Joel Corry and former Jets executive Ari Nissim have been conducting mock negotiations between J.J. Watt‘s reps and the Texans, giving National Football Post readers an idea of what real extension discussions might look like. In the fifth installment of the series, the two sides ultimately decide to table negotiations, having failed to reach a middle ground that works for both sides. It should be interesting to look back at these hypothetical talks if and when Watt and the Texans actually do agree on a new deal to see how the numbers compare.
Here’s more from out of the NFL’s two South divisions:
- The Texans don’t have interest in trading Andre Johnson, and it would be difficult financially anyway, so head coach Bill O’Brien and GM Rick Smith are working with and talking to the standout receiver in an effort to alleviate his concerns about the club’s direction, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter links). Johnson voiced some frustration with his role and his future last week.
- Drew Brees, who missed the Saints‘ summer practice sessions and workouts two years ago before signing a long-term deal in July, is familiar with Jimmy Graham‘s current position, as Mike Triplett of ESPN.com details. “It’s a leverage game and it’s back and forth. And the team has a job to do and the player has a job to do in regards to their contract,” Brees said. “And so you just understand that that’s the way it is, and you live with it. And when he’s here, I know he’ll be ready to play. I know he’ll be staying in good shape and all those things. I’m not worried about Jimmy Graham. When he comes back, he’ll be ready.”
- In pieces for ESPN.com, Triplett, David Newton, Vaughn McClure, and Pat Yasinskas wrap up the offseason moves for the Saints, Panthers, Falcons, and Buccaneers, respectively.
Minor Moves: Grant, Bucs, Panthers, Morris
Here’s a look at tonight’s minor moves..
- Free agent linebacker Larry Grant, who started eight games for the Rams back in 2010, has signed with the Browns, according to agent David Canter (Twitter link). In recent seasons, Grant spent time with the 49ers and Bears, though he appeared in just two games last year before being cut.
- The Buccaneers have agreed to sign undrafted free agent tight end Cameron Brate out of Harvard, Adam Caplan of ESPN.com tweets.
- The Panthers announced that they have signed fourth-round pick Tre Boston and fifth-round selection Bene’ Benwikere, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. Boston, a strong safety out of North Carolina, is a converted cornerback.
- The Patriots announced that they have released rookie linebacker James Morris. Morris, an undrafted free agent out of Iowa, was signed by the Pats just four days ago. Morris, 22, was just the sixth player in Iowa history to record 400 career tackles after finishing with 400 tackles, 10 1/2 sacks and six interceptions as a three-year starter.
- Former Iowa State safety Jacques Washington has been invited to the Dolphins‘ rookie mini-camp this weekend, according to agent Donte Robinson (on Twitter). Washington was second in the Big 12 in tackles per game (9.9) this past season and was a three-year starting free safety for the Cyclones.
- The Raiders cut veteran defensive lineman David Carter, Wilson tweets. Carter, 26, signed a reserves/futures deal with Oakland back in January.
- The Rams were awarded Travis Bond off waivers from the Panthers, tweets Wilson. Carolina dropped Bond yesterday while signing punter Jordan Gay.
- The Raiders signed undrafted free agent defensive end Denico Autry, tweets Wilson.
- The Browns signed undrafted defensive back K’Waun Williams, tweets Wilson. At Pittsburgh last season, Williams led the team with seven pass breakups and was second with two interceptions.
- The Texans were awarded Conor Boffeli off waivers from the Vikings and Anthony Dima from the Browns, Wilson tweets.
Extra Points: Irsay, Super Bowl, Minor Moves
Colts’ owner Jim Irsay spoke publicly for the first time since being entered into rehab, and Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star noted some of the highlights in a series of tweets. Holder writes that Irsay has been aware of the Colts dealings, and has been following the team through the offseason. This includes conversations with head coach Chuck Pagano and general manager Ryan Grigson.
Here are some other notes from around the NFL:
- Former Colts’ center Jeff Saturday is prepared to make a pitch for Indianapolis to host the Super Bowl in 2018, writes Mike Wells of ESPN.com. “I’m excited to get in front of the owners and present for our city,” Saturday said. “It’s not about what we did in 2012. I look forward to Super Bowl 52 being in Indianapolis. I think it’ll be a great day for all of us.”
- The Saints are also vying for the 2018 Super Bowl, led by Jay Cicero of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, writes Larry Holder of NOLA.com. “I just know from the 20-something years we’ve been doing this, this is the most creative, thorough (bid). … We’ve put everything on the table. Everything. It’s the most use of our resources,” Cicero said. “Things we’ve never done and things the NFL has never seen before.”
- The Saints have signed fourth-round pick Khairi Fortt, the team announced on their website NewOrleansSaints.com. Fortt, an outside linebacker out of California, is the final draft pick to sign with the team.
- The Panthers have signed linebacker Billy Boyko to a two-year deal, reports Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer (via Twitter). Boyko was made available after being cut by the Raiders.
- The Titans have signed five players from their rookie minicamp, reports Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean. The team signed running Waymon James of TCU, receiver Julian Horton of Arkansas, offensive lineman Viondy Merisma, cornerback Winston Wright and linebacker David Gilbert. The Titans released fullback Quinn Johnson, cornerback George Baker, linebacker Jamal Merrell and receiver Eric Ward (who was waived/injured) to make room on the roster.