NFC Notes: Umenyiora, Sproles, Smith, Rudolph, Dietrich-Smith
A handful of Saturday morning notes from around the NFC leading up to the opening of free agency:
- If Osi Umenyiora declines to accept a pay cut in Atlanta, a Giants reunion would be a possibility, writes Conor Orr of the New Jersey Star Ledger.
- Darren Sproles would be an “outstanding fit for the Bears,” writes Dan Pompei, who says the former Saint could replace Devin Hester and be a dynamic change-of-pace back the team has been unable to field behind Matt Forte. Additionally, Pompei notes the connection between Sproles and offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer, who was with Sproles in New Orleans.
- “Financially, it makes little sense” for the Panthers to release Steve Smith because the team would take a financial hit in each of the next two seasons, says ESPN.com’s David Newton. The writer thinks the decision isn’t so much about money as it is the effect in the locker room. If the veteran’s role is reduced, would he turn sour?
- The Vikings have $41MM worth of cap space to play with, and ESPN.com’s Ben Goessling thinks a chunk of it will go to Kyle Rudolph, who is scheduled to hit free agency next year but has said he wants to remain in Minnesota long-term. It could behoove the team to act now, as Rudolph could see his production (read: value) increase under new offensive coordinator Norv Turner.
- The Packers have expressed their desire to bring back center Evan Dietrich-Smith, says the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel’s Tom Silverstein, who compares Dietrich-Smith’s free agent situation to Scott Wells‘ in 2012. Back then, the team thought they could let Wells negotiate with other teams and still retain his services, but they miscalculated and lost him to the Rams. The Packers are taking the same approach with Dietrich-Smith, who, coincidentally, has the same agent as Wells.
Extra Points: Saints, Bears, Gore, Eagles
Earlier tonight, franchise player Jimmy Graham tweeted that he’s “shocked and disappointed” about everything that’s happened in New Orleans this offseason. Graham is likely referencing the Saints’ decisions to cut offensive weapons Lance Moore and Darren Sproles. According to John Breech of CBSSports.com, there’s a chance the team could release running back Pierre Thomas as well. Albert Breer of the NFL Network tweeted that the decision to cut Moore and Sproles likely stemmed from the large cap numbers of Jahri Evans, Ben Grubbs, Marques Colston, and Brodrick Bunkley.
Let’s look at some other news tidbits from this Friday evening…
- Lance Briggs expressed similar frustrations to Graham with the Bears‘ front office on Friday, saying that if he ran the team, he would “trade all the draft picks and bring my brothers back.” Briggs was presumably referencing players like Charles Tillman, Devin Hester, and Brian Urlacher. While Urlacher retired after last season, the team seems ready to cut ties with Hester and Tillman. It is widely expected that the Bears will also part ways with Julius Peppers due to the eight-time Pro Bowler’s huge cap figure.
- 49ers GM Trent Baalke has said that, considering Frank Gore “had a A++ season” in 2013, the team doesn’t feel it needs to restructure the five-time Pro Bowl running back’s contract this offseason, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com (via Twitter).
- Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer thinks that the Eagles should pursue safety Malcolm Jenkins in free agency. McLane argues that the new free agent would be a better schematic fit for the Eagles than more prominent free agent safeties such as Jairus Byrd and T.J. Ward. He thinks the Eagles could also pursue the Panthers’ Michael Mitchell and the Dolphins’ Chris Clemons, among others.
- Jeff Duncan of The Times-Picayune (via Twitter) thinks that because of the departures of Sproles and Moore, the Saints will be looking for a return specialist this offseason. Duncan speculates that the team could address this void by targeting Devin Hester, New Orleans native Jacoby Jones, or perhaps even a prospect like LSU wide receiver Odell Beckham.
- Desmond Bryant, defensive end for the Browns, says he’s been medically cleared to play after a health scare, according to Marc Sessler of NFL.com and Bryant’s personal Twitter account.
- Tom Reed of the Northeast Ohio Media Group identifies six free agent offensive lineman that could interest the Browns, including San Diego’s Chad Rinehart and Kansas City’s Geoff Schwartz.
- Ravens defensive tackle Terrence Cody, whose contract situation is currently up in the air, has signed with Authentic Athletix NFL agent Peter Schaffer, according to a tweet by Liz Mullen of Sports Business Journalism. Cody had been previously represented by Athletes First.
- Ben Tate told Mark Berman of FOX 26 in Houston that he can become an “elite” running back next season. Tate has not been shy about his plans to test free agency and finally step into a starting role on another team.
- Darnell Dockett called free agent tackle Branden Albert his teammate in a tweet earlier today, according to Joel Thorman of Arrowhead Pride. While Albert’s response to the tweet, which was quickly deleted, deflected Dockett’s comments, it did not directly dispute the teammate comment.
Extra Points: Collins, Bears, Cowboys, Jags
With Eugene Monroe, Branden Albert, and Jared Veldheer all seemingly on the verge of reaching unrestricted free agency, it’ll be an active market for left tackles and the teams seeking them. But the Bengals are hoping to stay out of the mix by locking up Anthony Collins before free agency begins, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Collins should draw a good deal of interest if he becomes available, as Rapoport suggests.
Here’s more from around the NFL on a Friday afternoon:
- The Bears haven’t asked wide receiver Earl Bennett to take a pay cut, according to Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com (Twitter link), and fellow ESPN scribe Michael C. Wright says (via Twitter) that’s the case for defensive end Julius Peppers as well. Of course, there’s still some time for Chicago to approach both players, if the team needs to create some flexibility.
- By officially releasing Phil Costa and restructuring Mackenzy Bernadeau‘s contract, the Cowboys are now about $2MM under the cap with free agency around the corner, tweets ESPN.com’s Todd Archer. That doesn’t necessarily mean the team is done cutting costs though — I’d still expect DeMarcus Ware‘s deal to be addressed in some form.
- As for Costa, Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.com tweets that the Cowboys asked if the veteran center would take a pay cut. Costa declined, as he feels he’ll garner interest elsewhere.
- After re-signing with the Jaguars today, Chad Henne spoke to the media and admitted that he wanted to talk to other teams, but Jacksonville was his No. 1 choice and he decided to forgo the open market when the club made an offer he liked. Meanwhile, head coach Gus Bradley indicated that re-signing Henne doesn’t mean the Jaguars won’t draft a quarterback in May (Twitter links via Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com).
- Punter Pat McAfee told reporters, including Craig Kelley of Colts.com (Twitter link), that he “didn’t really want” to hit free agency and is happy to have re-signed with the Colts.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
NFC North Links: Pettigrew, Allen, Melton
Here’s a roundup of a few Friday morning items on NFC North clubs:
- While Brandon Pettigrew may not be quite as crucial to the Lions’ offense as Dennis Pitta is to the Ravens’ passing attack, the Detroit tight end is a better run blocker and figures to receive a contract in the same ballpark as Pitta, says Justin Rogers of MLive.com. In Rogers’ view, a five-year deal worth about $30MM isn’t out of the question this offseason for Pettigrew.
- Examining Jared Allen’s recent comments about his free agency, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press is skeptical about the Vikings’ chances of re-signing the free agent defensive end.
- Defensive tackle Henry Melton made the Pro Bowl in 2012, but he’s coming off ACL surgery and is eligible for free agency this offseason. Bears GM Phil Emery must decide if an investment in Melton is worth the risk, writes Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Extra Points: Jackson, Carlson, Quarless
The agent for D’Qwell Jackson says that his client asked for his release from the Browns and adds that his client is happy to be with the Colts, tweets Jeff Schudel of The News-Herald. Cleveland would have owed Jackson a $4MM roster bonus on March 16th but they cut him loose well in advance. This could be a case of Jackson’s agent trying to put a positive spin on things – it’s more likely that the Browns asked him to take a pay cut that was too steep for his liking.
- The Jets and Packers are among the clubs with interest in tight end John Carlson, tweets Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports. We learned earlier that Carlson, who was cut loose by the Vikings, is meeting with the Cardinals today.
- The Packers are talking to tight end Andrew Quarless about a new deal before he hits the open market on Thursday, writes Tom Silverstein of the Journal Sentinel. Of course, there’s also uncertainty surrounding the future of fellow tight end Jermichael Finley this offseason, but bringing back Quarless, who hauled in 32 passes for 312 yards and two touchdowns, could give them more certainty at the position.
- There’s mutual interest between the Bears and linebacker D.J. Williams in working out a new deal, tweets Michael C. Wright of ESPN. The two sides are talking and that’s expected to continue through the weekend. The former University of Miami standout spent his whole career in Denver up until 2013 when he joined Chicago. Unfortunately, his season ended when he ruptured his pectoral tendon against the Giants in Week 6.
- Brandon Smith got a two-year deal from the Bills, tweets Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun. The cornerback was an exclusive rights free agent for Buffalo and accepted his offer earlier today.
- The Cowboys are interested in TCU prospect Jason Verrett, writes ESPN.com’s Calvin Watkins. The cornerback is a potential late-first round/early-second round pick, despite the fact that he is recovering from a torn labrum. “[The doctors] feel like it’s gonna be a very short process,” TCU coach Gary Patterson said. “Everybody that’s done it has been able to be back before camp. On the high road, I think that’s what he’s anticipating. That he’ll be back before camp.”
- Steve Serby of the New York Post is less-than-thrilled about the idea of the Jets signing Michael Vick.
- Former Jaguars wide receiver Mike-Sims Walker was released by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.
Michael Bennett To Test Open Market
Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett won’t ink a new deal with Seattle before Tuesday, and will test the open market, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter). After the Seahawks decided not to use their franchise tag on Bennett, he had appeared likely to reach unrestricted free agency.
After playing the 2013 season and winning the Super Bowl on a modest one-year deal worth about $5MM, Bennett figures to see a larger payday this time around. The former Buccaneer played a large part in the Seahawks’ strong pass rush last season, recording 8.5 sacks, forcing four fumbles, and recovering three more. He is viewed as one of the players available this offseason, and in fact ranks first overall on Pro Football Focus’ list of 2014’s top 75 free agents.
The Seahawks have made Bennett an offer, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter), and there appears to be some mutual interest in a reunion. However, the 28-year-old wants to see what other potential suitors have to say. As Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports 1 tweets, the Jaguars and Raiders could be involved. The Bears are also expected to be in the mix, with Martellus Bennett attempting to recruit his brother to Chicago.
Bears Sign Trevor Scott
The Bears have signed free agent defensive end Trevor Scott to a one-year contract, the team announced today (via Twitter). Scott had been available since being released by the Buccaneers in October.
Scott, 29, started his career in Oakland before joining the Patriots and Bucs in the past two seasons. The former sixth-round pick hasn’t been a full-time starter since 2010, though he contributed three sacks as a reserve for New England in 2012.
Since Scott likely represents no more than than defensive line depth for the Bears, he’ll likely be in line for a minimum salary deal. For a player with his experience, that’d be a $730K salary for Scott, with a $570K cap hit for the team.
Contract Updates: Jets, Bills, Ratliff, Titans
Restricted free agent cornerback Darrin Walls agreed to a new deal with the Jets last night, and agent Jordan Woy tweets that it’s a two-year contract. Ellis Lankster, who also agreed on a new deal with the Jets, will be on a two-year, $1.63MM contract, according to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News (Twitter link). Lankster’s pact appears to be worth slightly more than the minimum.
With free agency looming and several players having already signed new contracts or reworked old ones, we have plenty more contract and cap updates to pass along, so let’s dive right in….
- The Bills extended contract tenders to all four of their exclusive rights free agents, and cornerback Brandon Smith has accepted his, according to Joe Buscaglia of WGR550 (Twitter links). With Smith set to return to the team on a one-year, minimum-salary deal, offensive guard Antoine McClain, fullback Frank Summers, and wide receiver Chris Hogan will also be back in Buffalo if and when they sign their tenders.
- Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (Twitter link) has the details on Jeremiah Ratliff‘s new two-year contract with the Bears. It’s worth a total of $4MM, with $600K guaranteed.
- The cap figures on Troy Polamalu‘s new three-year contract with the Steelers are $6.387MM (2014), $8.25MM (2015), and $8MM (2016), with respective base salaries of $1.5MM, $6MM, and $5.75MM, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter link).
- The Browns have extended a contract tender to inside linebacker Craig Robertson, according to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal. Robertson, who was an exclusive rights free agent, will be in line for a minimum salary of $570K for 2014.
- New one-year deals for running backs Jackie Battle (Titans) and Bobby Rainey (Bucs) are both worth the minimum, according to Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean and Tom Pelissero of USA Today, respectively (Twitter links). Battle’s minimum salary ($855K) is a little more substantial than Rainey’s ($570K) due to his extra years of service time.
- Wyatt also shares (via Twitter) a few more specifics on Bernard Pollard‘s two-year deal with the Titans, which has base salaries of $1.65MM in 2014 and $3.1MM in 2015.
Pompei On Byrd, Graham, Joseph, McCown
Dan Pompei of Bleacher Report leads off his latest column by discussing Bills safety Jairus Byrd, who looks poised to reach the open market in the next few days. Many front office executives around the league view Byrd as the top difference-maker of this year’s free agent class, so the 27-year-old figures to draw plenty of interest, even if he won’t come cheap — Pompei suggests the “word on the street” is that Byrd will seek $9MM+ per year. Here’s more from the BR piece:
- The Seahawks are unlikely to pursue franchised Saints tight end Jimmy Graham, since the investment required in Graham could preclude deals for one or more of the team’s own young players.
- Others clubs around the league believe Buccaneers guard Davin Joseph could be available via trade, says Pompei. Joseph is a two-time Pro Bowler, but is owed $6MM in 2014 and turns 31 later this year.
- Josh McCown‘s market is “developing quite nicely,” according to Pompeti, who suggests that it’s starting to look like the free-agent-to-be won’t return to the Bears. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweeted something similar today, indicating that it looks like the signal-caller will hit the open market next week. The Buccaneers, Jets, and Vikings could be among McCown’s suitors, writes Pompei.
- Don’t expect Greg Schiano to join the Patriots‘ staff, despite the time he spent with Bill Belichick at last month’s combine. A source tells Pompei that New England doesn’t have a spot on the staff for the former Bucs head coach, and isn’t likely to create one.
- The 49ers front office “thinks very highly” of defensive line coach Jim Tomsula, according to Pompei, who suggests that if the reported tension between the club and Jim Harbaugh develops into anything real, Tomsula could be next in line for the head coaching job.
NFC Notes: Packers, Hester, Mitchell, Smith
Nate Davis of USA Today ran down the Packers‘ offseason needs and rightfully noted that the D-Line will need to be addressed. Tyson Jackson, Arthur Jones, and Paul Soliai could be candidates for Green Bay, especially since B.J. Raji seems to have played his way off the roster. Here’s more out of the NFC..
- In an interview with NFL Network. Bears return specialist Devin Hester indicated that he’ll likely be elsewhere in 2014, writes Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune. “From my knowledge, I know that Chicago wants to go a different route with me,” Hester said, pretty much confirming a similar report from earlier in the week. “All I can say is thanks to the fans (for) the support. Always been great to me, always been loyal. I couldn’t want to play for a better city than those guys.” Hester averaged 27.6 yards per kickoff return and 14.2 yards per punt return last season, tying Sanders’ touchdown record with an 81-yard punt return against the Redskins in October.
- Panthers safety Michael Mitchell is a shining example of how one-year deals can actually benefit veterans, writes USA Today’s Tom Pelissero. The 26-year-old didn’t get much opportunity in Oakland but after totaling four interceptions, two forced fumbles and 3.5 sacks in 15 games (14 starts) in 2013 with Carolina, he figures to see a bigger pay day this year.
- Tom Sorensen of the Charlotte Observer says Panthers GM Dave Gettleman holds the cards in his standoff with wide receiver Steve Smith. The inventive columnist even goes so far as to come up with dialogue for an imagined meeting between the two men.
- The Vikings want to re-sign veteran wide receiver Jerome Simpson, writes Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press. A source tells Tomasson that Minnesota is interested in a third year with Simpson even though he was arrested in November on suspicion of a DUI.
- It’s no secret that the 49ers are trying to get deals done with Donte Whitner and Tarell Brown before they hit free agency, but it may be difficult to get both men to bypass the open market, writes Bill Williamson of ESPN.com (Twitter links).
- Bears guard Kyle Long has already begun lobbying for the team to sign free agent defensive tackle Nate Collins, writes John Mullin of CSNChicago.com. Earlier tonight, the Bears came to terms with fellow DT Jeremiah Ratliff.