West Notes: Wilson, 49ers, Raiders, Thomas
As the NFL world awaits the outcome of the Seahawks/Russell Wilson extension negotiations, the quarterback sat down with ESPN.com’s Marty Smith to discuss the offseason.
Among the topics of discussion, of course, was Wilson’s contract situation. As he previously stated, the former Super Bowl champion isn’t concerned about money:
“Ultimately, it comes down to the play. Let my play speak for itself and let the rest take care of itself. Continue to love the game for what it is and continue to fight no matter how much I’m getting paid, whether it’s $25 million or $1.5 million. I’ll be ready to go.”
Wilson also seemed to squash any doubt about his relationship with the Seahawks, saying the two sides don’t have “a bad relationship by any means.”
Let’s take a look at some more notes from the NFL’s western divisions…
- ESPN.com’s Nick Wagoner compares the 49ers signing of head coach Jim Tomsula to the Rams 2006 signing of Scott Linehan. The Rams had opted for a completely different personality following the firing of Mike Martz, and Wagoner believes the 49ers are doing the same thing following the firing of Jim Harbaugh. Linehan ended up coaching two-plus seasons in St.Louis, compiling an 11-25 record.
- Hope for a Raiders stadium in Oakland is “dim,” according to ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson (via Twitter). Meanwhile, the writer says the proposal for a stadium in Carson “continues to have steam.”
- In an interview on Broncos.com, 9 News’ Mike Klis says Broncos wideout Demaryius Thomas will play for the team in week one, but how he gets there remains a mystery. Klis believes that a contract will be finalized prior to the July 15th deadline, but he also notes that the franchise tag isn’t necessarily a bad deal for Thomas.
Extra Points: Bennett, Sam, Manning, HGH
Making an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Cliff Avril said this week that he supports fellow Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett in his quest for a new contract, writes Kirk Larrabee of 247Sports.com.
“I’ve been through the whole contract situation, so I don’t fault him from wanting a new deal from a standpoint of they cut you after a year if they feel you don’t play as well as that contract,” Avril said. “If you feel like you outplayed the contract after a year, go for it. What’s the worst they can tell you? I don’t blame him for that … Hopefully they figure something out, if not this year, hopefully he outplays it again next year and they make sure something happens next year.”
Here are a few more Friday odds and ends from around the NFL (and the CFL):
- Former Mizzou pass rusher Michael Sam returned to Montreal and is expected to be at the Alouettes’ team meetings this Sunday and at practice the following day, reports Herb Zurkowsky of the Montreal Gazette. Sam left the team about two weeks ago for personal reasons, but GM Jim Popp indicated earlier this week that he thought the former Rams seventh-rounder draftee would be back.
- Using this week’s Peyton Manning trade rumor as a point of reference, Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report explains that NFL teams and executives often engage in “hypothetical” trade discussions, which gives them plausible deniability if word of those talks leak. As for Manning, one general manager tells Freeman that the Broncos “would be stupid not to talk to teams” about trading him, even if a deal was never likely.
- Since the NFL’s instituted human-growth hormone testing last October, no player has tested positive. However, it’s possible that those glowing results can be attributed to the limitations of the test. Dr. John Lombardo tells Alex Marvez and Gil Brandt on SiriusXM NFL Radio that the current test has a “very short window,” meaning a player who used HGH a few days before being tested may not test positive. A new test in development would have a much longer window – about five to eight days – according to Lombardo.
- In case it needed to be clarified, Falcons PR man Jay Adams (Twitter link) and head coach Dan Quinn (link via ESPN.com) both confirmed this week that Quinn’s comments about bringing 53-year-old Herschel Walker to the team’s training camp were made in jest.
AFC Notes: Browns, Mariota, Gordon
Troy E. Renck of The Denver Post looked at five big issues facing the Broncos in 2015. Chief among them, he says, is Peyton Manning‘s age. No quarterback has won the Super Bowl at age 39 and only five have played a full season at his age. This season he has a better ground game than before, but it remains to be seen if he can succeed with the schemes of Denver’s new regime. Here’s more from the AFC..
- Prior to the draft, there was buzz that the Browns could make a play for Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. Recently, the No. 2 overall pick, now property of the Titans, confirmed that there was no conversation between him and Cleveland. “There was a lot of scenarios,” Mariota said, according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer. “I never had any contact with the Browns. Um, so, yeah.” Cabot wonders if the Browns will come to regret that.
- A Browns official has corresponded with suspended wide receiver Josh Gordon this offseason, according to a source who spoke with Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. Gordon is serving a one-year suspension for multiple violation of the league’s substance abuse policy, but it would seem that Cleveland hasn’t totally washed its hands of him. Despite all his problems, Gordon stands as one of the most naturally talented wide receivers in the NFL. In 2013, Gordon hauled in 87 catches for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns.
- Ryan O’Halloran of The Florida Times-Union took his best stab at predicting the Jaguars‘ initial 53-man roster. At running back, he believes that Corey Grant will edge Storm Johnson, who saw significant playing time in 2014, and NFL notable Bernard Pierce. Ultimately, he feels that Jacksonville won’t keep a fullback, but it also won’t hold on to five tailbacks.
Community Tailgate: 6/24/15
We’re still a few months away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. This month, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.
Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.
Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning has been a subject of debate among NFL fans for over a decade, and while that argument typically relates to their on-field résumés and legacies, the two quarterbacks are battling it out again this week, as a Manning trade rumor threatens to overtake Brady’s suspension appeal as the NFL’s hot topic du jour.
After a report surfaced that the Broncos and Texans discussed a potential Manning deal this offseason, sources from both sides came out and shot down the report, with the Broncos’ denials sounding particularly emphatic. We may never hear the full story on just how extensive the conversations between the two teams were, assuming they happened at all, but for the purposes of today’s discussion, we’re not interested in the specifics — we’re curious about the general idea of the Broncos trading Manning.
As Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com writes, the Broncos may find themselves at a crossroads soon, with their window for a championship potentially closing. Head coach John Fox, offensive coordinator Adam Gase, and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio all left Denver this offseason; Eric Decker, Julius Thomas, and Wes Welker are no longer Broncos; Ryan Clady is out for the 2015 season with a torn ACL; and – perhaps most importantly – while Manning had another excellent season in 2014, he didn’t look like quite the same quarterback that shattered records in 2013.
The initial report on Manning yesterday, from 94.1 FM Denver/96.9 FM Boulder radio host Benjamin Allbright, suggested that certain members of the Broncos organization wanted to get the Brock Osweiler era underway in Denver. That may or may not be true, but what do you think? Would it have been in the Broncos’ best interests to move on from Manning this offseason? Assuming the team could’ve gotten at least a modest trade haul for the future Hall of Famer, would it have made sense for Denver to see what Osweiler can do, rather than clinging to the hopes of making one last run with Manning?
Jump into the comment section below to voice your thoughts and opinions. We look forward to hearing what you have to say.
Broncos Deny Manning/Texans Trade Talk
4:26pm: Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter) hears that they rumors regarding Manning are similar to the ones that were surrounding 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick not long ago. The Texans were doing their due diligence on quarterbacks and called around the league. One of those QBs, it seems, was Manning.
12:52pm: A top-level Broncos source continues to insist that the club never made a call regarding a Manning trade, and never considered moving the quarterback, says Mike Klis of 9News (Twitter links). Could the Texans have made the call then? Maybe, tweets Klis.
As a point of comparison, Klis notes (via Twitter) that the Seahawks called the Broncos last year asking if they’d take Percy Harvin for Julius Thomas, and Denver immediately dismissed the idea. The 9News scribe hints that this could have been a similar scenario.
WEDNESDAY, 10:47am: Despite the slew of denials from the Broncos and Texans, a source tells SportsRadio 610 in Houston that the two teams had “very preliminary” talks about Manning before the five-time MVP signed his reworked deal with Denver (link via CBS Houston).
Generally, when separate outlets from separate cities are reporting a story like this one, it didn’t just materialize out of thin air (no pun intended). So I wouldn’t be surprised if the Broncos and Texans briefly discussed the possibility early in the offseason. However, it sounds like those talks might have happened almost in passing – if they happened at all – and never got close to becoming serious.
TUESDAY, 8:57pm: Multiple Broncos officials who spoke with Troy Renck of The Denver Post (on Twitter) denied the rumor “in [the] strongest terms.”
8:26pm: Elway told Mike Klis of 9NEWS (on Twitter) that the rumored trade proposal is “not true.”
8:00pm: John McClain of the Houston Chronicle (on Twitter) spoke with three Texans sources who all said the story is not true.
7:32pm: If those talks ever took place, then it’s news to agent Tom Condon. “Neither the Texans, the Broncos, or Peyton Manning ever talked to me about a trade anywhere,” Condon told PFT (on Twitter).
The Texans, meanwhile, declined to comment (link).
7:18pm: Broncos PR man Patrick Smyth took to Twitter to deny a report that the Broncos attempted to trade quarterback Peyton Manning to the Texans.
Earlier this evening, 94.1 FM Denver/96.9 FM Boulder radio host Benjamin Allbright (Twitter links) reported that Denver tried to trade Manning this offseason to Houston. “Certain elements” of the Broncos organization, he said, wanted to jump start the Brock Osweiler era in Denver. Allbright said that he was unable to get on-the-record confirmation anyone in either organization, but Smyth offered up a rather strong comment on the report.
“Here’s one for the record – The speculation is false, and your report is inaccurate,” Smyth tweeted.
Manning, 39, had another excellent season for the Broncos in 2014, putting up 4,727 passing yards to go along with 39 touchdown passes. However, he was hampered by injuries late in the season and struggled down the stretch, particularly in the team’s divisional playoff loss to the Colts, in which he totaled just 211 passing yards on 46 attempts.
Given the way the season ended, plus the fact that head coach John Fox and offensive coordinator Adam Gase both found new jobs, there was some doubt that Manning would return for another year. However, John Elway, Gary Kubiak, and the Broncos maintained all along that they’d welcome back the former MVP. In March, Manning announced that he’d return for the 2015 campaign and Denver was outwardly happy to have him back in the fold.
In early March, Manning agreed to a deal that reduces his base salary for the coming year from $19MM to $15MM. That extra $4MM will still be available to the future Hall-of-Famer via incentives, but he’d have to reach the Super Bowl to earn any of it — he’ll reportedly receive $2MM if the Broncos win the AFC, and another $2MM if they win the Super Bowl.
AFC Notes: Tarell Brown, Gipson, Fins
The Ravens‘ secondary was their weakest unit last season, and it may have cost them a chance at the AFC Championship game. To that end, the team has added Kyle Arrington and Cassius Vaughn in free agency this offseason, and Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun believes Baltimore may not be done bolstering its cornerback corps. Wilson writes that the Ravens have shown interest in 30-year-old free agent corner Tarell Brown, who played for the Raiders last season after spending the first seven years of his career with the 49ers.
Although Brown finished with a -4.6 overall rating last year per Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required), placing him 75th out of 108 eligible corners, he did play through a broken foot, and he finished with strong ratings in each of the previous three seasons, even ranking as the 13th-best corner in the league in 2012. He also brings significant starting experience, having started 114 games in his career while amassing 295 tackles and 11 interceptions. Brown may not be a top-flight corner, but he would offer solid production and invaluable depth for a relatively modest price.
Let’s take a look at a few more notes from around the AFC:
- Unless the Browns make Tashaun Gipson a blockbuster offer, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com believes Gipson will play out the 2015 campaign on his second-round tender and take his chances on the open market next offseason.
- Terry Pluto of The Plain Dealer saw Johnny Manziel practice recently, and Pluto writes that Manziel did make “a few good medium throws” and is reportedly limiting his pre-snap issues, but he did struggle with red-zone drills and appears to have difficulty seeing the whole field. Pluto writes that Manziel is currently “not even close to the caliber of play that Josh McCown has shown at quarterback.”
- Troy E. Renck of The Denver Post examines the five biggest issues the Broncos face heading into training camp next month, including their left tackle and inside linebacker positions.
- Ben Volin of The Boston Globe examines the Patriots‘ salary cap situation, noting that despite carrying over $14MM in dead money, New England is sitting pretty with just under $10MM in cap space. Of course, considering the number of departures the team has had to deal with this offseason, it is not surprising that the Pats have some spending flexibility.
- The Dolphins have a good problem in that it will be more difficult for the team to pare the roster to 53 players than it has been in recent seasons, according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald. Jackson writes that there is a glut of high-ceiling, if unproven, talent in Miami’s secondary, and the team will have to make sacrifices in other areas to retain that talent.
- In the same piece, Jackson writes that the Dolphins may have interest in Evan Mathis, but they are not currently interested in “consolation prize” guards like Dan Connolly and John Moffitt.
- Ryan O’Halloran of The Florida Times-Union offers his projections on the Jaguars‘ 53-man roster.
Extension Candidate: Malik Jackson
One of the more intriguing players to suit up for the Broncos’ defense in recent years, Malik Jackson has a similarly interesting case for long-term employment in Denver.
Aside from Von Miller, finding a performer who’s made more flash plays on that unit the past two seasons than Jackson is difficult, but whether he’s a cornerstone talent like Miller on that defense is a layered case and depends largely on how Jackson is used in his contract year.
The Broncos have opted to unleash their hybrid performer in spurts during the past two seasons, and the results give the former fifth-round pick in 2012 an obvious case for an integral role in this season’s defense.
Jackson’s performance is hard to question, and the former Tennessee and USC cog’s eventual second contract will be one of the interesting test cases for Pro Football Focus.
Jackson managed a strange feat that will make him valuable if/when he hits free agency next March: he managed to be a top-12 player at both defensive tackle and defensive end in successive seasons on PFF’s advanced metrics without the team undergoing a scheme change.
From his six sacks in 2013 playing primarily as a 4-3 3-technique tackle to his three last season in an off-the-bench role spelling DeMarcus Ware and 2012 draft class companion Derek Wolfe at end, Jackson was rated as the 12th- and third-best player (subscription required) at his respective positions despite playing just 52.7 and 52.3% of Denver’s snaps in those campaigns. His 578 snaps last year ranked just 30th among 4-3 defensive ends, more than 400 behind Cameron Jordan‘s position-leading total.
Although Gary Kubiak‘s stated desire to play Jackson plenty due to the flashy plays the new coach has seen on film, the Broncos clearly prefer Jackson as an off-the-bench performer despite the success at each juncture, creating a junction point in his career coming up. Will clearing the 60-snap plateau for the first time in a game deprive him of the energy with which he plays and hamper his ascent?
Denver will now use a 3-4 scheme after Wade Phillips‘ arrival, and this would seemingly benefit the 6-foot-5, 284-pound tweener of sorts, with it requiring a bigger defensive end that can stop the run. With Ware relocating to outside linebacker opposite Miller in this set, it opens up a void for a pass-rusher up front, since Wolfe hasn’t shown much in that department since his rookie season. Jackson could also be used inside in passing-down scenarios this season when Miller and Ware potentially return to three-point stances on the edges, strengthening his case for a hefty second contract.
While Wolfe, who also is a career 4-3 end who will stay up front in a 3-4 alignment this season, excels against the run, Jackson’s showcased a knack for altering both ball-advancement methods. PFF bestowed its third-best run-stoppage grade (for a 4-3 end) upon Jackson last season, and the 25-year-old was the eighth-best pass-rusher in that grouping. Only Michael Bennett was a better multi-dimensional 4-3 end last season, while just J.J. Watt and Sheldon Richardson received higher against-the-pass and against-the-run grades than Jackson.
If Jackson can keep playing at or near the level he’s shown as a second- and third-year player, the Broncos may not be able to afford his fifth.
Demaryius Thomas remains in limbo with the franchise tag looming for his sixth season. If the Broncos do not come to terms on an extension for their Pro Bowl wideout by July 15, the last day franchise players can sign long-term deals, they must reach an accord with Miller to avoid a future without one of them. Unless Miller, who is playing this season on his fifth-year option, receives what would be a monstrous extension in the next nine-plus months, he’ll be in the franchise tag-or-free agency boat with Thomas.
One of them almost certainly will be franchised in 2016, leaving players like Jackson, 2013 tackles leader Danny Trevathan and Wolfe as clear lower-tier priorities despite lengthy statuses in and around the starting lineup. Deadlines generally induce action, and Denver’s re-signed its franchise players in 2012 (Matt Prater) and 2013 (Ryan Clady), which provides hope for a Thomas accord. That would provide some much-needed clarity for the Broncos’ future salary cap situation.
There’s also the matter of Peyton Manning‘s $21.5MM cap figure for 2016 that remains tethered to the Broncos’ plans. Should the 39-year-old quarterback retire, that obviously frees up a lot of money. But whether GM John Elway wants to entrust his team to a still-unknown commodity in Brock Osweiler — also a 2016 free agent despite scant on-field work as Manning’s lanky apprentice — and the low salary that should be attached to him is questionable, meaning potential re-ups for players like Jackson and Trevathan aren’t necessarily improved by a Manning departure after this season.
Plus, with the Broncos opting to splurge on its 2014 free agent class, a move that did yield four Pro Bowlers, instead of second contracts for the bulk of its talented 2011 draft/UDFA contingent (save for Chris Harris, who signed a team-friendly five-year, $42MM deal in December), an interesting build-from-outside methodology has emerged under Elway.
The Broncos largely opted to do the same thing in 2013, with a big free agent balance sheet and a sizable, albeit less-talented, cadre of homegrown players leaving. The second-contract gridlock that’s forthcoming will be an even bigger test for Elway, as Miller and Thomas are top-5 players at their positions.
Miller and, barring a restructure that is certainly in play, Ware could make more than $25MM between them next year. This depends on whether or not Miller is franchised. The Broncos also traded up to take Shane Ray in the first round this year. But Denver hasn’t shied away from bolstering strengths, with Harris re-signing despite Aqib Talib‘s big-money pact and Bradley Roby‘s first-round selection occurring months before.
With a good year, Jackson can aim high, possibly using Pernell McPhee‘s five-year, $38.7MM deal with the Bears as a benchmark. Despite McPhee primarily playing linebacker, his size, versatility and usage rate make him a comparable player, and Jackson probably has a more consistent resume.
If 3-4 defensive end is Jackson’s future, he could find himself on the Jason Hatcher/Desmond Bryant tier that includes an average income of $6.8MM per year. With another production leap in a starting role, it’s not out of the realm of possibility the advanced metrics darling could find himself on the fringe of the class that Jordan, Corey Liuget and Jurrell Casey occupy, with Casey’s $9MM/year serving as that group’s floor.
If that kind of salary demand becomes realistic, the Broncos’ issues with Thomas and Miller will get in the way of making Jackson a long-term part of their defense.
The Broncos not reaching a deal with Demaryius Thomas — as they failed to do last summer with he and Julius Thomas, who bolted for a huge Jaguars offer as a result — would cloud their future with Jackson, now their best defensive lineman and possibly by a large margin. So a future with a long-term deal for their consistent receiver, and a subsequent Miller franchise tag, would be a positive scenario for keeping Jackson in Denver.
Otherwise, with no young depth behind Wolfe and Jackson, the Broncos may have to start over on their defensive front’s edges — as they did at tight end this year, with an inferior talent in Owen Daniels — if these dominoes don’t fall their way.
Photo courtesy USA Today Sports Images
Community Tailgate: 6/18/15
We’re still a few months away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. This week, we’ve launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every day, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.
Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.
Today, we’ll be discussing the crop of top wide receivers who are eligible for contract extensions. Dez Bryant has received most of the headlines this week, but Demaryius Thomas is currently in the same situation as the Cowboys wideout, having received a franchise-tag tender that he has yet to sign. Meanwhile, both A.J. Green and Julio Jones are entering their fifth-year option season, making them eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2016.
All four players could ultimately play out the coming season on one-year contracts and be franchised in 2016, but there’s a belief that once one of the four reaches a long-term agreement with his team, it will provide a template for the other three to negotiate their own deals. It’s just not clear yet what those extensions might look like.
While Calvin Johnson, Antonio Brown, Odell Beckham Jr., and others would have something to say about it, you could make a reasonable case that these four extension candidates are among the top five wide receivers in the NFL. Consider the following résumés:
- Dez Bryant: Has averaged approximately 91 receptions, 1,312 receiving yards, and 14 touchdowns over the last three seasons, earning an All-Pro spot in 2014.
- Demaryius Thomas: His three-year averages (99 catches, 1,494 receiving yards, 12 TDs) match up favorably with Bryant’s, and he’s coming off a career year in which he racked up 111 catches and averaged more than 100 yards per game.
- A.J. Green: Has been a Pro Bowler in each of his four NFL seasons, and surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in each of those seasons as well, despite being slowed by injuries last year. In 2013, his last fully healthy campaign, he totaled 98 catches, 1,426 yards, and 11 TDs.
- Julio Jones: Established new career highs with 104 receptions and 1,593 yards in 2014, earning his second Pro Bowl berth.
All four appear headed for huge paydays, but there’s plenty to debate and discuss. For instance: Will any of these player challenge Calvin Johnson’s seven-year, $113MM+ contract? Which of the four will sign first, and which will receive the largest deal? Which of the four would you want on your favorite team? Would you be reluctant to invest significant money in any of them? We want to hear from you, so head to the comments section to place your bets and voice your thoughts and opinions. We look forward to hearing what you have to say!
John Moffitt Comes Out Of Retirement
3:58pm: The Broncos have officially cut Moffitt, who is subject to waivers, tweets Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports. As Garafolo observes, Moffitt will have to go unclaimed before he becomes a free agent.
11:04am: Back in November 2013, offensive lineman John Moffitt announced that he was moving on from football after spending parts of three seasons with the Seahawks and Broncos. Almost two years later, he’s ready to return to the NFL, according to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports, who reports that Moffitt officially came out of retirement today (TwitLonger link).
A third-round pick by the Seahawks in the 2011 draft, Moffitt appeared in 17 regular season contests for the club in his first two NFL seasons, starting 15 of those games. However, the former Wisconsin Badger was traded to the Broncos after a deal with the Browns fell through, and ended his career shortly thereafter. According to Glazer, Moffitt had drug issues, but has since gone through rehab and “cleaned up his life.”
While the Broncos still hold Moffitt’s rights, the team is releasing him, tweets Glazer. Once the 28-year-old becomes a free agent, he’ll have the opportunity to sign with any team, and he’ll certainly be a younger, cheaper alternative – albeit one with less upside – to fellow free agent guard Evan Mathis.
With Moffitt spending a year and a half away from the NFL, it’s worth noting that recently-retired 49ers offensive lineman Anthony Davis could take a similar path. When Davis announced that he was stepping away from the NFL, he suggested it may just be for a year or two, rather than permanently.
AFC Links: Browns, Broncos, Wilkerson, Pagano
While the loss of Josh Gordon will be a huge hit to the Browns‘ receiving corps, rookie Vince Mayle acknowledged to Nate Ulrich of the Beacon Journal that the team’s wideouts aren’t focused on the loss of their leader.
“It’s just going to be a team effort,” Mayle said. “We’re not really worried about replacing Josh Gordon. We’re focusing on the guys in the room. We’d love to have him, but right now we’re working with what we’ve got. There’s a great group of guys. They all have really good strengths, and they’re all really good to learn from. I’m really happy to be in a room with these guys because they’re all really helpful.”
Let’s take a look at some more notes out of the AFC…
- No team is wasting less money than the Broncos, argues Mike Klis of 9News in Denver. The team has only $1.2MM in dead money (the second-lowest total in the league), and they have only $6.9MM in cap space (the fourth-lowest total in the league). According to Klis, only the Jets approach the Broncos in their “dollar-per-active player allocation,” as New York has $5.28MM in cap room and $3.4MM in dead money.
- ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini examines the many outcomes of the Jets/Muhammad Wilkerson situation. The writer ultimately predicts that the defensive lineman with report to training camp, play the 2015 season under his current contract, and be slapped with the franchise tag following the season. Based on the comments made by Wilkerson’s agent (which indicated the his player is “willing to put the team ahead of his own contractual status”), Cimini surmises that the 25-year-old won’t be holding out.
- Cimini writes that right guard is a major concern for the Jets, and he believes the organization should be on the phone with representatives for Evan Mathis. The writer suggests a two-year, $6MM deal.
- Despite Jim Irsay and the Colts‘ one-year contract offer to head coach Chuck Pagano, ESPN.com’s Mike Wells doesn’t believe the situation will turn into a distraction. If the Colts perform up to expectations, Wells believes Pagano can expect to be paid a “nice lucrative deal” by either the Colts or another franchise.