Bengals, Pollak Agree To Three-Year Deal
The Bengals have agreed to terms with prospective free agent Mike Pollak on a new contract that will keep the guard off the open market, according to Geoff Dobson of Bengals.com. Alex Marvez of FOX Sports reports (via Twitter) that Pollak’s deal will be a three-year pact.
“I don’t think there’s any question there would have been a market for Mike, but he felt really comfortable playing for [Bengals offensive line coach] Paul [Alexander],” said agent Ken Zuckerman. “He likes the fit and Paul’s approach and is happy about going back there.”
Pollak, 29, has been limited to just eight games over the last two seasons due to injury issues, but started multiple contests at right guard for the Bengals last season and recorded positive grades, according to Pro Football Focus’ metrics. With some injury and free agent question marks along the offensive line, the Bengals will likely rely on Pollak as either the top interior reserve in 2014, or perhaps even as a starter.
I had ranked Pollak, a former second-round pick out of Arizona State, as a second-tier option when I broke down the free agent market for guards earlier this week.
Bengals Tender Hawkins, Rey, Sanzenbacher
The Bengals have tendered contracts to their three restricted free agents, reports Tom Pelissero of USA Today (Twitter link). According to Pelissero, wide receiver Andrew Hawkins, linebacker Vincent Rey, and wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher all received the lowest of the three possible RFA tenders from the Bengals, meaning their one-year offers are worth $1.431MM.
All three players could now choose to accept their respective contract tenders and play for the Bengals on a one-year, $1.431MM contract in 2014. They could also elect to sign an offer sheet with another suitor in free agency next week, though the Bengals will have the right to match any offer. Because Hawkins, Rey, and Sanzenbacher were all undrafted, Cincinnati wouldn’t be eligible for any compensatory picks if the club’s RFAs sign elsewhere.
AFC North Links: Bengals, Ravens, Steelers
Andy Dalton is entering the final year of his contract and Coley Harvey of ESPN.com discusses whether the Bengals should re-sign their quarterback prior to him reaching free agency. At this moment, Harvey thinks the team should pay its third-year player this offseason. It would certainly be a gamble by the Bengals either way, as an unsigned Dalton could lead his team deep in the playoffs and demand a huge payday next offseason. Reversely, Dalton could sign and continue to fail in leading the club through the postseason.
Other rumblings from the AFC North…
- The Ravens have not started contract talks with Michael Oher and are not expected to, sources tell Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). Wilson says the team is instead focusing on re-signing Eugene Monroe.
- The Ravens made the right choice in not using the franchise tag on Monroe, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com writes. While the team needs a left tackle (and while Monroe certainly played well in that role last season), Hensley believes that it wouldn’t have been worth it for the team to dedicate such a large portion of their cap to the position. The writer says it makes more sense to sign Monroe to a long-term deal.
- The Steelers used their transition tag on Jason Worilds earlier today, but there’s no guarantee that he returns, Scott Brown of ESPN.com says. All it would take for Worilds to leave is one team slightly overpaying, and Brown doesn’t sound too optimistic that the Steelers would match a huge offer.
AFC North Notes: Smith, Haden, Dalton
Now that the Ravens have signed Dennis Pitta to a long-term deal, Baltimore’s next biggest priorities are left tackle Eugene Monroe and middle linebacker Daryl Smith. Monroe could still receive the franchise tag before tomorrow’s 4 p.m. deadline, but even if the Ravens do not tag him, they are expected to continue to work towards a multiyear contract extension with him. Meanwhile, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com is “quietly confident” that the team will re-sign Smith, especially since they just released Jameel McClain.
Hensley adds that the bump in the 2014 salary cap makes it a little more likely that the Ravens can re-sign Jacoby Jones, but they will still not want to pay him more than $1-2MM. The team sees Jones as a returner, but if other teams see him as both a returner and receiver, those teams could offer him something closer to the $4MM he made last season. For a team that has a number of holes to fill–and Hensley added that GM Ozzie Newsome would not be afraid to sign some unrestricted free agents this season–Jones might be too much of a luxury item.
More notes from the AFC North:
- Several weeks ago, Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that, despite the posturing of GM Kevin Colbert, the Steelers would not be able to bring back both LaMarr Woodley and Jason Worilds and that Woodley would be released. Although he does not deviate from that stance in his latest piece, he does add an interesting twist. He notes that, according to Pro Football Focus, Woodley graded out as a slightly better player overall in 2013 (when he played, of course) and as a significantly better pass rusher. Although Woodley’s significant cap hit and recent injury history probably means he is still the odd-man out in Pittsburgh, the PFF grades and the increased salary cap at least give reason for pause.
- Some of the Browns‘ top performers are eligible for free agency in 2015, and Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com believes that several of them will receive new contracts this season. He also hears that the team and Joe Haden are close to a new deal.
- Paul Dehner of Cincinnati.com looks at the Bengals‘ quarterback outlook for 2014. Although Andy Dalton is of course the unquestioned starter and the team is not likely to peruse the free agent market for QBs, Dalton’s rocky postseason performances and his entering the final year of his rookie contract make this a pivotal year for him and for his club. Dehner believes mid- to late-round QB prospects like Aaron Murray or Zach Mettenberger would be logical selections for the Bengals.
AFC North Notes: Free Agency, Oher, Rubin
The unexpected salary cap has left many teams feeling better about their situations, and the Bengals are also reaping the benefits of the extra cap space, writes Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. The team only has two starters set to hit free agency, in Michael Johnson and Anthony Collins. They also have a number of lesser players such as Dane Sanzenbacher, Andrew Hawkins, Brandon Tate, and Mike Pollak. Hobson writes that the team has already contacted most if not all the players’ agents, but will keep in mind that extensions for Andy Dalton, A.J. Green, Vontaze Burfict, and Domata Peko will be coming in the near future.
Here are some other notes from around the AFC North:
- The Steelers could have trouble re-signing some of their notable free agents once they hit the market, writes Scott Brown of ESPN.com. Brown writes that the team is unlikely to match or exceed offers that Jason Worilds, Emmanuel Sanders, and Ziggy Hood could command on the free market.
- The Ravens have not made a decision regarding their two free agent tackles, Michael Oher and Eugene Monroe, writes Jamison Henley of ESPN.com. While most pundits and fans do not believe the team will be able to re-sign both players, head coach John Harbaugh has not ruled out bringing back both players. Henley writes that if the team fails to retain Monroe, than it would be more likely that they bring back Oher to play left tackle.
- While Ahtyba Rubin is considered a likely cap casualty for the Browns, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Tom Reed of Cleveland.com writes that the team would be making a mistake in doing so. Reed believes that the cap space the team would save is minimal compared to the talent and leadership they would be losing along their defensive line.
AFC North Notes: Bengals, Ravens, Browns
The Bengals could scour free agency this offseason for a backup quarterback, but don’t expect the team to look at a high-end free agent like Michael Vick to push Andy Dalton. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports that the Bengals don’t have any interest in the prospective free agent, and adds that the club doesn’t want to “shake Dalton’s faith” by injecting Vick into the mix.
Here are a few more items from around the AFC North:
- There’s still a “great gap to bridge” in negotiations between the Ravens and free agent left tackle Eugene Monroe, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. Talks continue between the two sides, with the team hoping to lock up Monroe before the free agent period.
- La Canfora adds in another tweet that he wouldn’t be shocked if Dennis Pitta and the Ravens reach a multiyear contract agreement before the franchise tag is necessary, or perhaps shortly after tagging him. In other words, it doesn’t sound like he expects the situation to reach a point where an arbitrator needs to make a decision on Pitta’s position (tight end or wide receiver).
- Punter Sam Koch is a potential cap casualty for the Ravens, but with the salary cap increase expected to be larger than originally anticipated, the team could potentially carry Koch’s $2.8MM number, writes Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com.
- In the wake of D’Qwell Jackson’s somewhat surprising release, Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com takes a look at a few other players with whom the Browns may part ways in the near future.
AFC North Rumors: Browns, Bengals, Ravens
CBS’ studio show will look a little different in 2014, with longtime analysts Dan Marino and Shannon Sharpe on the way out and a pair of recently-retired players on board. In addition to Tony Gonzalez, Bart Scott will also be joining the CBS team, according to the network. For Scott, who is still just 33 years old, it’s an early transition away from the field, and one that some NFL teams were hoping he’d put off. According to Tom Pelissero of USA Today, Scott had multiple workouts lined up before accepting the CBS job, and the Browns were among his most serious suitors.
Here’s more from around the AFC North:
- A Browns source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that a Monday report suggesting Cleveland’s new coordinators reported to CEO Joe Banner before the team overhauled the front office was not accurate.
- Some reports have suggested that the Bengals may let Michael Johnson walk after signing two other defensive linemen, Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins, to big contracts a year ago. However, according to Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com, the Bengals intend to make every effort to re-sign Johnson, who will “see a lot of activity” if he hits the open market.
- Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun has been keeping close tabs on the players the Ravens have interviewed at this weekend’s combine in Indianapolis, and passes along a couple more updates today. According to Wilson, The Ravens met with a pair of linebackers, Alabama’s Adrian Hubbard and LSU’s Lamin Barrow, as well as Iowa tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz.
Extra Points: Titans, Roos, Harbaugh, Browns
Although the Titans are currently prioritizing this year’s pending free agents and potential cap casualties, the team shouldn’t forget about players like left tackle Michael Roos and defensive tackle Jurrell Casey, whose contracts are up after the 2014 season, writes Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean. In Wyatt’s view, Tennessee can afford to wait to see how Casey fits in a changing defense, but the team would be wise to try to lock up Roos to an extension as soon as possible.
Here are a few more miscellaneous Monday links from around the NFL:
- Former Octagon agents Doug Hendrickson and C.J. LaBoy have joined Relativity Sports, according to Liz Mullen of Sports Business Journal (via Twitter). Mullen adds in a second tweet that the duo will work with and report to Relativity’s football CEO, Eugene Parker.
- If Jim Harbaugh doesn’t receive a contract extension this offseason and the 49ers don’t win the Super Bowl next season, expect the Dolphins to be among the teams pursing the head coach next year, tweets Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports.
- Before he was removed from his role as CEO of the team, Joe Banner had the Browns‘ offensive and defensive coordinators reporting directly to him, reports Pat Kirwan of CBSSports.com. As agent Mike McCartney observes (via Twitter), if Kirwan’s report is accurate, it’s not hard to understand why head coaching candidates would’ve been reluctant to accept the Cleveland job.
- Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who had a stellar performance at the combine, met with nine teams, according to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Twitter link): The Cowboys, Ravens, Bears, Bengals, Vikings, Texans, Lions, Buccaneers, and Rams.
- The Packers, Patriots, and Seahawks met with Rutgers receiver Brandon Coleman, who also had an informal meeting with the Redskins, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
AFC North Notes: Steelers, Bengals, Pitta
The Steelers are very excited about having extra salary cap room this season, writes Steven Ruiz of USA Today. The team looked to be strapped for cash in 2014, but with the extra relief, team president Art Rooney has more room to work with in free agency. The team has 22 players hitting free agency, but could find some cap relief by releasing veterans Ike Taylor, LaMarr Woodley, and Heath Miller. They could also consider restructuring Ben Roethlisberger‘s deal, as he holds a cap number of almost $19MM for 2014. Here are some other notes from the AFC North:
- While the Bengals‘ secondary is thought to be a strength, Joe Reedy of Cincinnati.com believes the team could still target corner at some point in the first few rounds of the NFL Draft. With Leon Hall coming off his second torn achilles in 23 months, Terence Newman entering the final year of his contract, and Adam Jones approaching his 31st birthday, the team does have question marks at the position. Former first-round pick Dre Kirkpatrick has improved, and while the need for a starter is not imminent, in a passing league teams can never have enough guys who can cover.
- The Ravens are still trying to work out a contract with Dennis Pitta, although the two are still not close on an agreement, writes Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. While it was thought he would either be signed long-term or designated with the franchise tag, head coach John Harbaugh leaves open the option that Pitta could hit free agency without receiving the tag. “I think every scenario is possible here,” Harbaugh said. “The franchise tag is very vague right now, so anything could happen.”
- The Ravens have also begun talks with linebacker Daryl Smith, according to Garrett Downing of BaltimoreRavens.com. While Pitta and Eugene Monroe have gotten all the attention, general manager Ozzie Newsome has not forgotton about Smith. “Daryl did a great job for us,” Newsome said. “We have engaged in some conversations with his representative.” Smith was asked after the season if he would like to return to the team, replying emphatically that he would. “Most definitely [I want to return],” said Smith. “I love it here and would love to be back. We’ll see how it goes, though.”
Cohen Predicts Where Top Free Agents Land
Andrew Cohen of OverTheCap.com has been following free agency very closely, giving updates on the cap situations of every NFL team and details on current player contracts. Earlier today, he took a break from crunching numbers to examine the possible destinations on some of the league’s top free agents. After outlining the effective cap space of each NFL team, which takes into account the amount of money they would have to pay their draft selections, he shows a picture of where some of the biggest names could land.
Of his top ten free agents, he sees more than half of them returning to their teams in 2014, either via long-term contract or because of the franchise tag. Some of those players we already thought would end up with extensions or playing next year under the tag,
However, he does see a few key players changing uniforms this offseason, finding some big money with a new franchise:
- Cohen predicts Panthers‘ star Greg Hardy finding a team that run a 4-3 defense and has some cap room, such as the Raiders or Jaguars.
- The top receiver this offseason, Eric Decker has already been linked to Cleveland by Cohen earlier this offseason, and the Browns are still thought to be a front runner for his services, along with the Jets.
- Bengals‘ pass rusher Michael Johnson played under the franchise tag in 2013, and is unlikely to be tagged again. Cohen could see the Falcons cutting Osi Umenyiora and plugging Johnson into his role.
- Because of the Steelers‘ cap woes, Cohen does not think they will have the opportunity to offer Jason Worilds a contract comparative to what he would get on the open market. For that reason, he sees the pass rusher leaving for greener pastures. According to Cohen he might not have to leave the state, as he sees the Eagles 3-4 defense as a perfect landing spot for the outside linebacker.