Broncos To Sign CB Bryce Callahan
The Broncos are signing slot cornerback Bryce Callahan, Benjamin Allbright was the first to report (Twitter link). It’s a three-year deal, tweets James Palmer of NFL.com. The pact is worth $21MM in total and contains $10MM guaranteed, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
Callahan will now reunite with new Broncos head coach Vic Fangio, who coached Callahan as the Bears’ defensive coordinator.A broken foot ended Callahan’s strong contract year, but Fangio coached the slot corner in all four of his NFL seasons. While Callahan will be a natural fit for Fangio’s defense in Denver, his injury and the makeup of the Broncos’ secondary will complicate it.
Chris Harris has handled the Broncos’ slot duties for most of this decade and has become one of this era’s top corners, being most identified for his inside coverage skills. While Harris plays outside in base sets, the Broncos use the veteran corner often in the slot. Harris, though, has requested at multiple junctures to be a full-time boundary corner, so Callahan being brought in may appease the incumbent.
Callahan, 27, finished his abbreviated season as Pro Football Focus’ No. 7 overall corner — just four spots behind Harris — and intercepted two passes in each of the past two seasons. The 5-foot-9 defender coming to Denver will, however, add another short corner to the Broncos’ secondary. Harris and Kareem Jackson stand 5-10.
The Broncos added Jackson on an $11MM-AAV deal earlier this week. Having played both corner and safety in Houston, though mostly corner, Jackson brings hybrid potential for the Broncos. However, Denver lost Bradley Roby and does not plan to re-sign Tramaine Brock, creating a need for two new cornerbacks. Callahan would potentially complete that trio.
The Jets were the only other team linked to Callahan this offseason, with the Bears not expected to pursue him. But the Jets signed former Falcons slot man Brian Poole, taking them out of the running.
Broncos Hosting CB Bryce Callahan On Visit
Vic Fangio and Bryce Callahan will be reuniting soon, with the former Bears cornerback set to visit the Broncos, Ryan O’Halloran of the Denver Post tweets.
A broken foot ended Callahan’s strong contract year, but Fangio coached the slot corner in all four of his NFL seasons. While Callahan would be a natural fit for Fangio’s defense in Denver, his injury and the makeup of the Broncos’ secondary could complicate it.
Chris Harris has handled the Broncos’ slot duties for most of this decade and has become one of this era’s top corners, being most identified for his inside coverage skills. While Harris plays outside in base sets, the Broncos use the veteran corner often in the slot. Harris, though, has requested at multiple junctures to be a full-time boundary corner, so Callahan being brought in may appease the incumbent.
Callahan, 27, finished his abbreviated season as Pro Football Focus’ No. 7 overall corner — just four spots behind Harris — and intercepted two passes in each of the past two seasons. The 5-foot-9 defender coming to Denver would, however, add another short corner to the Broncos’ secondary. Harris and Kareem Jackson stand 5-10.
The Broncos added Jackson on an $11MM-AAV deal earlier this week. Having played both corner and safety in Houston, though mostly corner, Jackson brings hybrid potential for the Broncos. However, Denver lost Bradley Roby and does not plan to re-sign Tramaine Brock, creating a need for two new cornerbacks. Callahan would potentially complete that trio.
The Jets have been the only other team linked to Callahan this offseason, with the Bears not expected to pursue him. But the Jets signed former Falcons slot man Brian Poole, possibly taking them out of the running.
Contract Details: Williams, Webb, Verrett
Here are the latest particulars in recently agreed-upon contracts, courtesy of the Houston Chronicle’s Aaron Wilson (unless otherwise noted).
- Tyrell Williams, WR (Raiders): Four years, $44.3MM. $22MM guaranteed (Twitter link via Wilson).
- B.W. Webb, CB (Bengals): Two years, $10.5MM. $2.5MM guaranteed. $1.5MM signing bonus (Twitter link).
- Jeff Heuerman, TE (Broncos): Two years, $9MM. $2MM fully guaranteed, per Mike Klis of 9News.
- Mike Davis, RB (Bears): Two years, $6MM. $3MM guaranteed. $2MM signing bonus (Twitter link).
- D.J. Fluker, OL (Seahawks): Two years, $6MM. $1MM signing bonus (Twitter link).
- Jason Verrett, CB (49ers): One year, $3.6MM. $1MM guaranteed. $400K signing bonus (Twitter link).
- Markus Golden, OLB (Giants): One year, $3.75MM. $2.25MM guaranteed (Twitter link).
- Brian Poole, CB (Jets): One year, $2MM. $1MM signing bonus (Twitter link).
- Marcedes Lewis, TE (Packers): One year, $2.1MM. $500K signing bonus, per Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com.
- Bruce Ellington, WR (Patriots): One year, $895K. $25K signing bonus (via Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, on Twitter).
Broncos Re-Sign TE Jeff Heuerman
Jeff Heuerman is returning to Denver. Mike Klis of 9News in Denver reports (via Twitter) that the tight end is signing a two-year, $9MM deal with the Broncos.
The 2013 third-round pick has spent his entire four-year career with the Broncos, including a 2018 campaign where he established himself as a legitimate threat in the passing game. Heuerman finished the campaign with career-highs across the board, including receptions (31), receiving yards (281), and touchdowns (two).
The 26-year-old earned more praise from Pro Football Focus for his blocking ability, with the site ultimately ranking him 41st among 70 eligible tight ends. The tight end’s season ended on the injured reserve after he suffered three broken ribs and a bruised lung.
The Broncos lost tight end Matt LaCosse to the Patriots, meaning Heuerman will presumably slide behind Jake Butt on the team’s tight end depth chart. Denver is also rostering Troy Fumagalli and Temarrick Hemingway.
Shaquil Barrett To Visit Bengals
The Bengals are looking for pass-rushing help. Cincinnati is hosting outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett on a visit later today, a source told Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com. 
Barrett is testing the open market for the first time since entering the league as an undrafted free agent back in 2014. He signed with the Broncs originally, and has spent the last five years in Denver. The last we heard was that the Broncos “have had good conversations” with Barrett’s agent, so it certainly seems like he isn’t ruling out a return to Denver.
But Barrett has made it clear he’s looking for more playing time, and he might be able to find it in Cincinnati. At the end of last season, Barrett publicly declared he wanted to be a full-time starter in 2019.
“I want to start. I want to be a guy somewhere. I don’t want to just be a role player,” Barrett said. “I can’t do it. … Reserve role is done for me, unless that’s the only role I got after this year. But that’s not what I’m looking for going into free agency,” Barrett said at the time.
Barrett spent his rookie season on the Broncos’ practice squad, then burst onto the scene in 2015 with 5.5 sacks. He hasn’t been able to replicate that production since, mostly due to lack of playing time, but the Broncos thought highly enough of him to put a second round tender on him last offseason. With the Broncos’ staple of pass-rushers, Barrett was never going to be an every down player in Denver. Last year Barrett played right around 25% of the defensive snaps, and was also a key player on special teams.
TE Matt LaCosse To Meet With Three Teams
It sounds like Matt LaCosse has a number of suitors. Mike Klis of 9News in Denver tweets that the tight end is set to visit with three teams by Saturday. The reporter adds that the Broncos continue to have interest.
The 26-year-old had a breakout season with Denver in 2018, establishing career-highs across the board. In 15 games (five starts), he hauled in 24 receptions for 250 yards and one touchdown. Pro Football Focus gave LaCosse solid marks for his receiving and pass blocking, but they weren’t as fond of his run blocking.
Earlier this month, the Broncos decided not to tender LaCosse as a restricted free agent. The lowest tender option would have been $2.025MM, so we at least have an indication of how far Denver’s willing to take the bidding.
The Broncos could still use another experienced tight end to pair with Jake Butt. The team is also rostering Troy Fumagalli and Temarrick Hemingway.
RFA/ERFA Tender Decisions: 3/13/19
Here is the latest news involving restricted free agents and exclusive-rights free agents, with updates coming throughout the day:
ERFA
Tendered:
- Bears: DE Roy Robertson-Harris, LB Isaiah Irving, OL Rashaad Coward
- Seahawks: LB Austin Calitro, LB Emmanuel Ellerbee, C Joey Hunt, RB J.D. McKissic, CB Kalan Reed
Non-tendered:
- Bears: S DeAndre Houston-Carson (via Howard Balzer on Twitter)
- Bengals: QB Brad Kaaya (via Balzer)
- Cardinals: LB Gabe Martin, DE Zach Moore, C Daniel Munyer (via Balzer)
- Chiefs: TE Alex Ellis (via Balzer)
- Colts: S Ronald Martin (via Balzer)
- Falcons: WR Marvin Hall (via Balzer)
- Giants: DT Kristjan Sokoli (via Balzer)
- Patriots: WR Cody Hollister (Twitter link via Mike Reiss of ESPN.com)
- Raiders: CB Tevin Mitchel (via Balzer)
- Rams: LB Garrett Sickels (via Balzer)
- Ravens: OT Steven Moore (via Balzer)
- Saints: DB Rickey Jefferson (per NOLA.com’s Josh Katzenstein, on Twitter)
- Seahawks: DE Ricky Ali’ifua, DB T.J. Green, RB Tre Madden, DB T.J. Mutcherson
- Steelers: T Joseph Cheek, S Malik Golden, LB Keith Kelsey, TE Jake McGee (via Balzer)
- Vikings: OT Cedrick Lang, TE Josiah Price (via Balzer)
RFA
Tendered at second-round level:
- Seahawks: T George Fant (per Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times, on Twitter)
Tendered at original-round level:
- Chiefs: S Jordan Lucas
- Saints: CB Ken Crawley (Twitter link via Nick Underhill of The New Orleans Advocate)
- Seahawks: DL Quinton Jefferson (via Tom Pelissero of NFL.com, on Twitter)
Non-tendered:
- Bears: LS Patrick Scales (via Balzer)
- Bengals: TE Matt Lengel (via Balzer)
- Bills: TE Logan Thomas (via Mike Rodak of ESPN.com, on Twitter)
- Broncos: QB Kevin Hogan, LB Deiontrez Mount, WR Jordan Taylor (via Balzer)
- Browns: CB Juston Burris, TE Orson Charles (via Balzer)
- Buccaneers: TE Alan Cross, CB Javien Elliott, T Leonard Wester (via Balzer)
- Cardinals: LB Jeremy Cash, OT John Wetzel (via Balzer)
- Chiefs: LB Terrance Smith (via Balzer)
- Dolphins: WR Leonte Carroo (via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald)
- 49ers: S Tyvis Powell (via Balzer)
- Jaguars: OG Chris Reed (via Balzer)
- Jets: DT Destiny Vaeao (via Balzer)
- Panthers: WR Damiere Byrd (via Balzer)
- Raiders: DE Shilique Calhoun (via Balzer)
- Redskins: WR Maurice Harris (per Mike Garafolo of NFL.com, on Twitter), RB Rob Kelley (via Balzer)
- Saints: WR Tommylee Lewis (via Josh Katzenstein of NOLA.com, on Twitter)
Contract Details: Smith, James, Wake
The latest details on deals from around the NFL:
- Za’Darius Smith, OLB (Packers): Four years, $66MM. $20MM guaranteed. $20MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle).
- Ja’Wuan James, T (Broncos): Four years, $51MM. $32MM guaranteed. $12MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Wilson).
- Steven Nelson, CB (Steelers): Three years, $25.5MM. $7.5MM guaranteed. $7.5MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Wilson).
- Cameron Wake, DE (Titans): Three years, $23MM. $9.75MM guaranteed. $4MM signing bonus. (Twitter link via Wilson).
- Latavius Murray, RB (Saints): Four years, $14.4MM. $7.2MM guaranteed. $3.4MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Wilson).
- Spencer Pulley, C/G (Giants): Three years, $8.025MM. $2.325MM guaranteed. (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Jordan Raanan).
- Eric Rowe, CB (Dolphins): One year, $3.5MM. $500K signing bonus. (Twitter link via Wilson).
- Ryan Griffin, QB (Buccaneers): Two years, $2.9MM. $450K signing bonus. (Twitter link via Greg Auman of The Athletic).
- Deone Bucannon, LB (Buccaneers): One year, $2.5MM. $1.45MM guaranteed. (Twitter link via Wilson).
- Brett Hundley, QB (Cardinals): One year, $1.875MM. $750K guaranteed. (Twitter link via Wilson).
Contract Details: Paradis, Saffold, Jackson, Packers
Following another busy day around the NFL, let’s check out some contract details:
- Matt Paradis, C (Panthers): Three years, $27.03MM. $10MM guaranteed at signing, $9MM signing bonus. Salaries: $1MM (2019), $5.5MM (2020), $7.03MM (2021). Pair of voidable years at the end of deal. Twitter links via Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune and Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.
- Rodger Saffold, OL (Titans): Four years, $44MM, $22.5MM guaranteed. $9.5MM signing bonus. Salaries: $3.5MM (2019), $9.5MM (2020), $9.5MM (2021), $9MM (2022). $1MM roster bonus on fifth day of 2022 league year. Twitter link via Wilson.
- Kareem Jackson, DB (Broncos): Three years, $33MM, $23MM guaranteed. First two years are fully guaranteed, including $3MM salary in 2019 and $11MM salary in 2020. $10MM 2021 salary to be exercised at end of 2020 league year. Twitter link via Mike Klis of 9News in Denver.
- Billy Turner, OL (Packers): Four years, $28MM. $9MM guaranteed, all via signing bonus. 2019 cap hit is $4.25MM. Salaries: $1.35MM (2019), $1.75MM (2020), $4.15MM (2021), $5.2MM (2020). Twitter link via Goessling, ESPN link via Rob Demovsky.
- Chris Banjo, S (Packers): One year. $6.9MM, $2.65MM guaranteed, $1.8MM signing bonus. Up to $700K in yearly playing-time incentives. Twitter link via Wilson.
DB Notes: Roby, Boston, Berry
Earlier today, the Texans agreed to sign former Broncos cornerback Bradley Roby to a one-year, $10MM deal. It sounds like the 27-year-old may have left some longer deals on the table, as the defensive back told Mike Klis of 9News in Denver that he turned down a three-year offer from the Steelers and a one-year offer from the 49ers. Roby said that the Browns were also in the mix (Twitter link).
“It’s a prove it deal,” Roby explained. “I feel like I should go back in (the market) while I’m still young.”
Roby left Denver after spending five years with the organization, and it sounds like the veteran holds a bit of a grudge against his former team.
“It’s a business. Denver didn’t want me, they wanted someone else,” Roby said, with the cornerback referring to the team’s acquisition of Kareem Jackson (Twitter link). “No, they tried to word it nice – they were talking about it but they didn’t offer. They got the guy they wanted.”
Let’s check out some more notes revolving around the league’s defensive backs…
- Free agent safety Tre Boston doesn’t expect to sign a deal right away, with the 26-year-old telling ESPN’s Josina Anderson that he expects to be in the “second wave” of safety signings (Twitter link). Boston said that three teams have already reached out to express preliminary interest, including the Raiders. However, following the team’s agreement with Lamarcus Joyner, it’s uncertain if they’ll still have interest. Boston spent the 2018 campaign with the Cardinals, compiling 79 tackles, nine passes defended, and three interceptions.
- Could the Chiefs signing of Tyrann Mathieu spell the end of Eric Berry‘s tenure with the organization? Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio thinks so, as the writer can’t envision the organization paying a combined $27MM for the two players. Considering Berry’s recent injury issues, this isn’t a particularly hot take, but it’s worth noting that the Chiefs will have to make a decision relatively soon. As Florio tweets, another $7.25 million of Berry’s contract will become guaranteed on March 15th.
- A number of safeties earned large paydays yesterday, which was a significant difference from last offseason. CBS Sports’ Brady Quinn explained why safeties were the bigger winner during the NFL’s first day of the legal tampering period.