Extra Points: Options, Bucs, Ravens, Panthers
The new CBA could hinder the availability of elite talent on the free agent market, writes John Clayton of ESPN.com. With long-term contract prices exceedingly high, teams will look to use the fifth-year option on many 2011 first-round-picks who would’ve been free agents after the upcoming season. Players like Cam Newton, Von Miller, and A.J. Green will likely have their options picked up by their respective teams, followed by progressive talks towards long-term deals. Compounding the situation is the fact that the top seven picks of the 2010 draft have contracts that do not expire until after the 2015 season. Because teams will have to conserve cap space to hammer out inevitable extensions for star-level players, mediocre free agents may have to be willing to sign for less money than might be expected.
More NFL notes to close out your weekend:
- The Buccaneers plan to draft a quarterback, but in what round is still a question, says Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Johnny Manziel remains a possibility if he slips to pick No. 7, as Bucs coach Lovie Smith noted: “I had time to watch quite a few games, and I had a chance to watch him — a lot. So you add all that up.”
- Boise State offensive lineman Matt Paradis, who worked out for the Patriots on Wednesday, recently visited with the Broncos, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post.
- The Ravens have improved this offseason, but their offensive line (particularly left guard and right tackle) is still in flux, writes Greg Bedard of the MMQB.com.
- The Panthers receiving corps and offensive line are both listed among Pro Football Focus’ Gordon McGuinness’ list of offensive units that took a step back this offseason (via ESPN insider – subscription required). Carolina lost pass-catchers Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell, and Ted Ginn, while their offensive line suffered the retirement of Jordan Gross and is still awaiting the decision of Travelle Wharton.
- On the Over the Cap podcast (audio link), Jason Fitzgerald stated that he believes the Chiefs will extend quarterback Alex Smith this summer. Signing Smith, whose contract expires after the upcoming season, would lower his cap figure and allow the team more cap space, enabling them to negotiate new deals for young players like Justin Houston.
NFC Notes: Smith, Cowboys, Seahawks, Bell
49ers linebacker Aldon Smith was arrested this afternoon at Los Angeles International Airport following an incident where he allegedly falsely indicated that he possessed a bomb, according to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. The episode reflects poorly not only on a Niners team that has dealt with several off-the-field issues over the past month (the Colin Kaepernick investigation and the Chris Culliver arrest), but also on Smith himself, who has been embroiled in personal struggles over the past year, including missing five games last season while spending time in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility.
This incident could have implications on Smith’s future with the 49ers: as ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson points out, the team has not decided whether to pick up the fifth-year option they hold on Smith. If San Francisco decides that the young edge rusher’s personal issues make him too difficult to trust, they could opt to decline the option, estimated to be worth more than $9MM. The deadline to decide on the option is May 3.
Other news from the NFC:
- Rainer Sabin of the Dallas Morning News examines the Cowboys draft strategy regarding developmental quarterbacks, and wonders why the team hasn’t copied the strategy of the Patriots and Packers and drafted an heir apparent to Tony Romo.
- The Seahawks might look ahead to 2015 needs rather than simply draft to fill immediate positional vacancies in the upcoming draft, writes Andy Benoit of the MMQB.com. Seahawks general manager John Schneider is a forward-thinking executive, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him eschew a pressing receiver need in favor of stockpiling defensive talent.
- Byron Bell is expected to slide from right to left tackle for the Panthers, helping to replace the void created by Jordan Gross‘ retirement, according to David Newton of ESPN.com. Bell was below-average last season according to Pro Football Focus (-2.8 grade), but both Gross and coach Ron Rivera think Bell should be much improved in 2014. Additionally, Carolina’s tight cap situation meant they couldn’t sign a free agent left tackle, and the premier options in the draft likely won’t last until pick No. 28, so Bell looks to be the team’s only option.
Extra Points: Mack, Dolphins, Manziel
It was rocky there for a while, but Alex Mack says that there’s no bad blood between him and the Browns now that he’s back in the fold. “It’s been a long, hard road, but I’m here and I’m happy,” Mack told Mary Kay Cabot of the Plain Dealer. “I’m excited. I’m fired up. There’s no bad blood. Now that it’s done, I’m happy.” The new deal, which averages $8.4MM a year, makes Mack the highest paid center in the NFL and gives him the opportunity to become a free agent after two years. More from around the NFL..
- Today’s mailbag with Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com was, unsurprisingly, filled with questions regarding the Browns and Mack. One reader asks if there could have been an easier and less stressful way for the Browns to retain their Pro Bowler. Grossi says that the best way to avoid a repeat would be for Cleveland to be proactive with their pending free agents and re-sign core guys a year before their contracts lapse.
- In his Twitter mailbag, a reader asks James Walker of ESPN.com about the Dolphins‘ running back picture. Daniel Thomas, Mike Gillislee, and Marcus Thigpen will all be fighting for roster spots and since Thigpen can also pitch in as a kick returner and receiver, it’ll be Thomas and Gillislee fighting for one spot on the depth chart.
- Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon-Journal believes that Johnny Manziel has the swagger needed to succeed in a tough quarterback town, but he wonders if it will be enough to convince the Browns to bet on him.
- USC junior free safety Dion Bailey has met with the Panthers and the Bengals, a league source tells Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Bailey intercepted five passes last season and had 61 tackles with 6.5 for losses and is drawing middle-round grades from draft analysts.
- Should the Buccaneers draft a top wide receiver to pair with Vincent Jackson or a quarterback for the future? Gary Shelton of the Tampa Bay Times says Tampa Bay needs to go out and get a signal caller to succeed Josh McCown.
NFC Notes: Vikings, Bears, Panthers
Jon Bon Jovi is reportedly interested in buying the Bills, but we shouldn’t expect fellow 80’s icon Mike Ditka to follow suit and go after a team of his own. “I’ve had an interest, but I’m not in a position where I can do something like that. Jon Bon Jovi is,” the former Bears coach told the Chicago Sun-Times. “I’m satisfied having been a player and a coach. I don’t have to be an owner or an executive. That doesn’t do anything for me.” Tonight’s look at the NFC..
- With Toby Gerhart out of the picture in Minnesota, the Vikings would be wise to draft a running back, writes Mark Craig of the Star Tribune. The Vikings are in obvious need of support at tailback behind Adrian Peterson, who is 29 and comes into 2014 with a very serious injury history. Since being drafted seventh overall in 2007, Gerhart has been the only tailback drafted by the Vikings. It seems likely that they’ll break that streak this year.
- It’ll be tough for the Bears to fill Devin Hester‘s shoes, but they’re hoping to hit on a modest investment in former CFL receiver Chris Williams, writes Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Williams, who could be a factor in the return game, wants to show the world that he’s ready for the NFL grind after his pit stop north of the border. “Everyone’s situation is different and everyone ends up where they are for a reason. It doesn’t necessarily mean you were not good enough. I made the best of what I could and now that I am getting this opportunity, I want to show I can be helpful and successful on any team,” Williams said.
- There’s some panic surrounding the Panthers after their wide receiver fire sale, but tight end Greg Olsen is acting as the voice of reason, writes Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. “I know everyone at one point was kind of panicking. Would it have been nice to have those (receivers) back? Of course,” Olsen said. “But I think we’ve signed a lot of guys that can fill a lot of those roles. We’re putting it together. It’s hard to judge a team in March. When the season gets closer, that will be a better example of what our team is.”
NFC Notes: Packers, Bucs, Vikings, Eagles
The Packers have two quarterbacks on the roster (Aaron Rodgers and Scott Tolzien), but the team is expected to sign a backup and draft a developmental passer, writes ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky. In his mailbag piece, Demovsky also mentions the team is monitoring Johnny Jolly‘s progress from neck surgery and he could return.
Other NFC notes:
- Sticking with the Packers, Demovsky provides a salary-cap breakdown of the team’s defense.
- The Packers are famously conservative in their approach to free agency, but that has not been the Buccaneers’ philosophy this offseason, writes ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas. Since the start of free agency, the team has spent $74.3MM in guaranteed money, and “No other team is even close.”
- Pass protection is a skill the Vikings are prioritizing as they search for Toby Gerhart‘s replacement, says ESPN.com’s Ben Goessling.
- The Eagles prioritize size, speed and separation in their receivers, and believe this year’s draft crop is loaded with attractive prospects. In a piece for Philly.com, Jeff McLane says, “…the Eagles won’t have to stray from their promise to select the best available player because — as general manager Howie Roseman said in February at the NFL combine — there will be a receiver the team covets in every round.”
- The Redskins are also looking to add a receiver or two, but they’re looking to upgrade the bottom of the depth chart, writes the Washington Post’s Mike Jones and ESPN.com’s John Keim, who mentions the team “received little help on special teams from receiver last season.”
- USC center prospect Marcus Martin has met with the Saints, Eagles and Panthers, according to Aaron Wilson of National Football Post.
NFC South Notes: Panthers, Graham, Saints
There’s a lot of talk about the moves that the Panthers have made after parting ways with Steve Smith, but the receiver himself isn’t losing sleep over it. “What I think about what’s going on is I concern myself with what’s going on in Baltimore and I no longer concern myself with what’s going on with the Carolina Panthers,” Smith said, according to David Newton of ESPN.com. “But I concern myself with what’s going on in Charlotte, N.C. “I do my football camp here. But I no longer have the luxury to be a part of that [team], so I don’t concern myself with it. Not that I’m upset. Not that I’m mad. It’s just the fact of the business.” Panthers GM Dave Gettleman brought in Jerricho Cotchery, Tiquan Underwood, and Jason Avant in an effort to replace the team’s all-time leading receiver and it remains to be seen how that will pan out. More out of the NFC South..
- Albert Breer of NFL Network (on Twitter) gets the sense that a deal for Saints tight end Jimmy Graham will get done but, as is often the case, not until closer to the deadline in July.
- Breer adds (link) that he believes that after the roster purge, the Saints could still bring back some of the vets like Robert Meachem, Jonathan Goodwin, and Jabari Greer between now and training camp. Meachem, 29, had 16 catches for 324 yards and two touchdowns in his 2013 return to New Orleans.
- Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link) adds the Saints to the list of teams hosting Boise State pass rusher Demarcus Lawrence for visits. The Patriots, Jets, and Cowboys will also get a good look at the 6’3″, 245-pound prospect. We heard earlier today that the Falcons were one of 10 teams Lawrence was scheduled to visit.
Minor Moves: Packers, Panthers, Lions, 49ers
Here are today’s minor transactions, our post for rounding up cuts of little-used players, under-the-radar signings, and contract restructures. Any additional moves will be included at the top of the list throughout the afternoon and evening….
- Wide receiver Sederrik Cunningham has been waived by the Packers, says Wes Hodkiewicz of the Green Bay Press-Gazette (via Twitter). As Hodkiewicz notes, Cunningham missed last season after injuring his wrist on the first day of training camp.
- The Panthers have cut wide receiver R.J. Webb, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). Webb spent last season on injured reserve after being signed by Carolina as an undrafted free agent.
- Defensive end Kourtnei Brown has been claimed off waivers by the Lions, tweets Wilson. Brown, who has yet to appear in a regular-season NFL game, had been cut by the Bills yesterday.
Earlier updates:
- CFL standout Alex Hall has signed with the Panthers, according to the team’s Twitter account. Hall, a former Giant and Brown who played his college ball at St. Augustine’s in Raleigh, racked up 16 sacks last season for the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The pass rusher visited the Titans earlier this week.
- The 49ers have waived wide receiver Brandon Carswell, the club announced today in a press release. Carswell signed with the Niners last June, but suffered a torn ACL during his first practice with the team, and subsequently spent the season on injured reserve.
Pauline’s Latest: Pryor, Evans, Gaines, Pats
Here’s the latest draft buzz from Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net:
- Sources close to the club say that Louisville safety Calvin Pryor will be a priority for the Lions if he drops to the second day of the draft. I imagine that’d be the case for most teams, considering Pryor is widely considered one of the top two or three defensive backs in the draft.
- There’s a consensus that Texas A&M wideout Mike Evans will be a top-10 pick, and the team that lands him may ultimately trade up or down to do it. Pauline identifies the Rams, Eagles, and Ravens as possible landing spots for Evans. Philadelphia could also be in the mix for receivers like Brandin Cooks or Marqise Lee.
- Rice cornerback Phillip Gaines had dinner with the Jaguars last month and has worked out for the Bengals and Buccaneers. Gaines also has trips lined up with the Giants, Cardinals, and Dolphins.
- The Patriots recently worked out Virginia Tech’s Logan Thomas and D.J. Coles, and Pauline suggests that there’s a belief New England will draft a quarterback this year, since the team expects to lose Ryan Mallett a year from now. As for Coles, the Pats had the receiver do plenty of tight end work during position drills.
- Prior to tearing his ACL during a workout with the Saints, offensive lineman Brandon Thomas had official visits set up with the Raiders, Cowboys, Dolphins, and Panthers. He was also scheduled to work out for the Buccaneers and Giants. The workouts are obviously off the table now, but it’s not clear which of the visits will still happen, if any, says Pauline.
- Towson running back Terrance West was impressive during his Pro Day and appeared to solidify himself as a fourth-round pick, according to Pauline.
Rapoport On Clowney, Carr, Verrett
NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport has passed along a handful of updates on notable pre-draft visits this morning, including a note on a likely top-five pick, and a couple more on potential first-rounders. Let’s check out what Rapoport has for us (all link go to Twitter)….
- The Rams, who hold the No. 2 pick, are hosting defensive end Jadeveon Clowney for a pre-draft visit today, according to Rapoport. It’d be a surprise if St. Louis drafted Clowney, considering the club has a strong defensive line already and has more pressing needs at other positions. Still, the Rams will do their homework on the player considered by many pundits to be the top prospect in the 2014 class.
- Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr will visit the Buccaneers on Wednesday and the Browns the following week, says Rapoport. The Cleveland visit is particularly noteworthy, since the Browns already privately worked out Carr.
- TCU cornerback Jason Verrett recently worked out for the Panthers and is visiting the Falcons today, a source tells Rapoport. Verrett visited the Cardinals earlier this week, and reportedly met with the Steelers and Jets recently as well.
Panthers Sign Thomas DeCoud
The Panthers have announced (via Twitter) that they have signed free safety Thomas DeCoud to a two-year deal. With the signing, the Panthers have filled a void in their secondary while also plucking a free agent away from one of their divisional rivals. The deal can reach $3.75MM and includes a $500K signing bonus, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter).
DeCoud will help give the Panthers depth at safety behind Charles Godfrey, who is coming off of Achilles surgery. While DeCoud started for the Falcons for the last five years and is a former Pro Bowler, he had by far the worst season of his career in 2013. The 29-year-old racked up just 44 tackles and failed to intercept a pass for the first time since becoming a starter.
Godfrey, meanwhile, remains a restructuring candidate for Carolina as his $7.1MM 2014 cap figure makes him the fifth-highest paid player on the Panthers’ roster. The veteran missed the final 14 games of 2013 with a torn achilles.