West Notes: LA, Chargers, Broncos, Cardinals
With several NFL teams (including the Chargers) interested in moving to Los Angeles, Nick Canepa of the San Diego Union-Tribune looks at the concept of relocation fees, the money that a club will have to pay to the league in exchange for changing cities. Per Canepa, the owners haven’t formalized the price tag of moving just yet, but he hears that it could be anywhere from $250MM to $500MM. As Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk explains, commissioner Roger Goodell has the “discretion to adjust the transfer free based on the NFL’s interest in encouraging the move or discouraging the move,” so if the league is in favor of a team moving to LA, the fee could conceivably be (relatively) modest.
Let’s take a look at some more notes from the West divisions:
- In an in-depth piece on teams’ departures effect on cities, Jonathan Horn of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports cities that lose teams pay more to bring football back than keeping their existing franchises. Houston, which lost the Oilers after the 1996 season, topped the list in paying $519MM to spawn the Texans. St. Louis, Baltimore, Cleveland and Houston averaged just more than $225MM in costs for their respective new stadiums. So while a club like the Chargers could vacate its home city, its conceivable that San Diego fans could yearn for an NFL return in due time.
- The Broncos made it a priority to bring in players who were familiar with new head coach Gary Kubiak‘s offensive scheme, a strategy that is especially evident along the offensive line, writes Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com. Center Gino Gradkowski and guard Shelley Smith, acquired via trade and free agency respectively, each have a history with both Kubiak and offensive coordinator Rick Dennison.
- With this year’s draft less than four weeks away, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com examines who could be available to the Cardinals with the 24th pick, noting that the club could be in a position to take the best player available. Weinfuss points to Stanford tackle Andrus Peat and Kentucky edge rusher Bud Dupree as logical candidates for Arizona.
Sam Robinson contributed to this post.
Broncos Acquire Gino Gradkowski
THURSDAY, 3:05pm: Gradkowski has officially passes his physical with the Broncos, making the deal official, tweets Denver PR man Patrick Smyth.
WEDNESDAY, 3:08pm: According to Ed Werder of ESPN.com (via Twitter), the Ravens will get the Broncos’ 2016 fourth-round pick in the deal, while Denver gets Baltimore’s 2016 fifth-rounder.
2:39pm: The Ravens and Broncos have both confirmed the trade. The deal involves 2016 draft picks going both ways, but the exact picks aren’t yet known, tweets Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun.
2:13pm: The Broncos and Ravens are working to finalize a trade that would send veteran center Gino Gradkowski to Denver, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (via Twitter). It doesn’t sound as if a deal is official yet, but Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun reports (via Twitter) that it will happen.
Gradkowski, 26, started all 16 regular season contests at center for the Ravens in 2013, but was supplanted on the depth chart by 2014 trade acquisition Jeremy Zuttah, and is now a reserve for the team. Pro Football Focus (subscription required) wasn’t particularly fond of Gradkowski’s 2013 play, though his -15.6 overall grade was almost entirely a result of a poor pass-blocking performance — he was adequate as a run blocker.
The Broncos, who lost guard Orlando Franklin in free agency, had been in the market for interior line help even after signing veteran guard Shelley Smith. The team could end up playing Manuel Ramirez at center and identifying a replacement at left guard for Franklin, or Ramirez could be shifted to guard with Gradkowski taking over at center. Heading to Denver will reunite Gradkowski with former Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, who is now the Broncos’ head coach.
The compensation heading to Baltimore in the deal has yet to be reported, but I wouldn’t expect it to be more than a late-round draft pick. Gradkowski, a beneficiary of 2015’s proven performance escalator raises, had been set to earn a base salary of $1.542MM, so clearing that money from their books and replacing him with a cheaper backup was probably part of the Ravens’ incentive to make the move.
Broncos To Sign Antonio Smith
Just two days after he was released by the Raiders, veteran defensive lineman Antonio Smith has found a new home in the AFC West. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link), via agent Drew Rosenhaus, Smith has agreed to a one-year, $2MM deal with the Broncos.
Smith, 33, spent five years with the Cardinals and then five years with the Texans before signing with the Raiders last March. A Pro Bowler in Houston, Smith played nearly 800 snaps at defensive tackle for Oakland in 2014 before he was cut. His overall -3.9 Pro Football Focus grade (subscription required) wasn’t bad, though that final number comes from a combination of an excellent pass-rushing grade (+18.3) and a subpar grade against the run (-20.0).
The Texans were said to be very interested in reuniting with Smith, reaching out to him shortly after he hit the free agent market this week. However, it makes sense that the Broncos would’ve been involved in the bidding as well — new Denver head coach Gary Kubiak, defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, and defensive line coach Bill Kollar were all in Houston during Smith’s time there.
Draft Visits: Jets, M. Davis, Orchard, Raiders
It would be a little surprising to see the Jets take a receiver with the sixth overall pick after signing Eric Decker and trading for Brandon Marshall during the last two offseasons, but the team is bringing in wideout Amari Cooper today for a pre-draft visit, reports Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News (via Twitter). With Cooper viewed as a near lock to be selected in the top 10, it’s more likely the Jets are doing due diligence and keeping their options open rather than making the Alabama product a priority.
Here are some details on several more pre-draft visits around the NFL:
- We heard yesterday that South Carolina running back Mike Davis has a visit lined up with the Patriots, but New England is far from the only team eyeing him. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets that Davis also has workouts or visits scheduled with the Buccaneers, Seahawks, Browns, and Falcons.
- Utah defensive end Nate Orchard, a projected second-round pick, confirmed that he met with the Browns, dining with defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil and outside linebackers coach Brian Fleury, per Kevin Jones of ClevelandBrowns.com.
- According to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (all Twitter links), the Raiders are taking a look at a handful of prospects today, working out South Dakota offensive lineman Matt Huffer, and hosting New Hampshire center Mike Coccia and Texas Southern defensive back Tray Walker.
- Northwestern safety Ibraheim Campbell, a potential second-day pick, has worked out for the Buccaneers, Browns, and Texans, and has workouts on deck with the Bears and Eagles, writes Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post.
- Delaware State defensive end Rodney Gunter, who had 57 tackles and seven sacks in his senior season, visited the Chiefs, a league source tells Wilson.
- The Broncos are hosting New Hampshire tight end Harold Spears for a pre-draft visit, according to Wilson.
FA Rumors: Texans, Housler, Ravens, Jennings
Matt Schaub, Jacquizz Rodgers, and Jason Trusnik are among the free agents who have reached agreements with various teams around the league today, but there are still plenty of players on the open market looking for new homes. Here’s the latest on a few of those players:
- The Texans have interest in bringing back free agent defensive lineman Antonio Smith, who was released by the Raiders today, tweets John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. A starter for five seasons in Houston and a Pro Bowler in 2011, Smith received interest from the Texans last year in free agency before he signed with the Raiders, notes McClain (via Twitter). The Broncos, who now employ former Texans defensive line coach Bill Kollar, are also expected to have interest, tweets Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com.
- The Ravens had discussions with free agent tight end Rob Housler, but while there’s mutual interest between the two sides, there’s no deal at this point, writes Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. According to Wilson, Housler and the Ravens are expected to continue talking in hopes of finding a financial compromise. Baltimore is in the market for tight end help with Dennis Pitta‘s status uncertain for 2015 and beyond.
- Veteran wideout Greg Jennings tweeted today that he’s “glad to be wrapping this free agency process up,” suggesting that he’s close to signing with a new team. The Panthers, Jaguars, and Dolphins have all been linked to the former Viking, and I expect we’ll find out where he’s heading within the next day or two.
- Asked today about Jennings, Panthers head coach Ron Rivera didn’t rule out signing the free agent receiver, but said that adding Jarrett Boykin took the pressure off the team to add another player at the position before the draft (Twitter link via David Newton of ESPN.com).
- Discussing the team’s approach to free agency today, Rivera pointed to former Panthers safety Mike Mitchell as the sort of player the team likes to target, according to Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. Mitchell, who was a part-time contributor before becoming a starter in Carolina, was “on the cusp” of taking the next step and assuming a larger role, as Rivera explains.
West Notes: D. Thomas, Wheeler, Tate
Here are a few Monday afternoon updates from out of the AFC and NFC West divisions….
- Demaryius Thomas, who has yet to sign his franchise tender, won’t take part in Peyton Manning‘s annual workouts at Duke or attend the Broncos‘ offseason program, the star wideout said today, according to Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com. It’s not unusual for a player who receives the franchise tag to skip his team’s spring workouts, and Thomas is still hoping that he and the team can work out a longer-term deal. “My agent is dealing with that right now,” Thomas said. “I’m in the loop, but I’m letting [GM John] Elway and my agent handle that, come up with something.”
- Former Dolphins linebacker Philip Wheeler is visiting the 49ers today, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Wheeler saw most of his 384 defensive snaps last season as an outside linebacker in Miami’s 4-3 scheme, but presumably the Niners are viewing him as an inside linebacker, after Patrick Willis and Chris Borland retired.
- Rapoport also passes along word of another visit, tweeting that former Bengals receiver and return man Brandon Tate visited the Chiefs. Tate caught just 31 passes during his four years in Cincinnati, but returned more than 250 combined punts and kicks during that stretch.
Sunday Roundup: Panthers, Thomas, Levy
Let’s take a look at some notes from around the league on this Sunday afternoon:
- David Newton of ESPN.com passes along a couple of Panthers items. He believes an extension for Cam Newton will get done before the season begins, but both sides will wait until Russell Wilson signs his new deal before really moving forward. The ESPN scribe also expects an extension for Thomas Davis to happen at some point, but there is no real rush to get it done immediately.
- Although the Broncos have to seriously consider taking a quarterback with one of their ten draft picks, Mike Kiszla of The Denver Post does not see any of this year’s crops of signal-callers outside of Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota as a legitimate heir to Peyton Manning.
- Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com writes that Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians plans to give second-year quarterback Logan Thomas “a ton of work” this offseason. Most of Thomas’ reps will come with the second unit, but given that Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton are coming off injury, there should be opportunities with the first team as well.
- Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com believes the Bears will look to the draft for a wide receiver to complement Alshon Jeffery, and they will only turn to the free agent pool if they are unable to adequately address their needs with a rookie or two.
- Now that Ndamukong Suh is gone, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com believes DeAndre Levy might be the player to build around as the cornerstone of the Lions‘ defense.
- If Jimmy Smith were to hit the open market next offseason, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com believes he would be the best cornerback in the free agent class. But Hensley thinks the Ravens will either lock Smith up with a long-term extension or else put the franchise tag on him, as he is too valuable for the team to let go. Byron Maxwell‘s new six-year deal with the Eagles, which includes $25.5MM guaranteed and has an AAV of $10.5MM, would be a good benchmark for a Smith extension.
- David Moore of The Dallas Morning News says it is unlikely that Adrian Peterson will end up with the Cowboys, but given the unpredictability of owner Jerry Jones, it is too soon to dismiss the possibility altogether.
C.J. Anderson To Enter OTAs As Starter
The centerpiece of a reshaped offense during the latter portion of last season, C.J. Anderson will get a weighted chance at an encore for the Broncos, reports DenverBroncos.com’s Andrew Mason.
Gary Kubiak announced the former 2013 undrafted free agent who totaled 1,173 yards from scrimmage after stepping in for multiple injured runners will open the Broncos’ OTAs next month as the starter.
“He made a big jump as a player, and I think he’s earned the right to walk in to the offseason program — the OTAs — and line up as our starter,” Kubiak told Mason. “But he’s got to continue to earn it on a daily basis. I think he’s shown he has all the ability to be an excellent starter in this league, so we’re really looking forward to working with him.”
There were previous rumblings of a more open competition heading into training camp, but Anderson is the only runner in the Broncos’ top trio that didn’t suffer a season-altering injury in 2014. A groin ailment sidelined Montee Ball, 2014’s opening-night starter, and paved the way for Ronnie Hillman (two 100-plus-yard games after taking over for Ball as the starter in Week 4) before the smaller ball-carrier sustained a foot sprain that sidelined him for nearly two months.
Early-round draft picks Hillman (third round, 2012) and Ball (second, 2013) have enjoyed sporadic success in Denver, but neither matched the run Anderson did last season. The stout runner seems a natural fit in Kubiak’s zone-blocking system that’s made stars out of several backs, most recently undrafted talent Arian Foster. In more than 100 extra snaps last season, however, Foster couldn’t match Anderson’s production, according to Pro Football Focus, which rated him as a top-4 halfback (subscription required).
This could begin a more stable offseason for Anderson, who was fourth on the Broncos’ depth chart last summer after showing up to training camp in less-than-optimal condition and a healthy scratch in Week 5 against the Cardinals before his steady ascent.
Extra Points: Pagano, Bradford, Broncos
Colts head coach Chuck Pagano is entering the final year of his contract and, despite news this week that the team isn’t planning to extend him prior to the 2015 campaign, the 54-year-old isn’t concerned about his long-term status. Pagano issued a statement Friday that expressed his excitement about “coaching the Colts this season and for many years to come,” tweeted Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star.
More on Pagano and the rest of the NFL:
- Pagano shouldn’t be coaching for his job in 2015, barring a disastrous season, writes Mike Chappell of RTV6. Chappell cites the Colts’ progress under Pagano, who took over a team that went 2-14 in 2011 and has since coached it to three straight playoff appearances, as a reason to retain him long term. The Pagano-led Colts have gone 33-13 in the regular season during his tenure, giving them the NFL’s fourth-best record in that time span.
- Newly acquired Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford is working hard with center Jason Kelce to learn the team’s offense, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. McLane notes that Bradford had accuracy issues during his time with the Rams, but that aspect of his game could improve in Eagles coach Chip Kelly’s system. Both Nick Foles, whom Philly traded for Bradford, and Mark Sanchez posted career-best completion percentages under Kelly.
- Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak acknowledged that the team needs to improve its offensive line, per Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post. “Right tackle, we’ve got some issues,” said Kubiak. “We have to get better up front.” The Broncos will presumably attempt to upgrade right tackle via the draft, in which they have the 28th overall pick. Renck cautions that it’s no sure thing a rookie will step in and succeed as a starter, however.
- The Panthers signed free agent offensive tackle Michael Oher earlier this month and added fellow tackle Jonathan Martin on Friday. Given those acquisitions, Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer tweeted doubt that Carolina will use its first-round pick in this year’s draft on an O-lineman. The Panthers could instead target a receiver, running back or edge rusher with the 25th overall selection, according to Person.
NFL Adjusts 2015 Compensatory Picks
No one outside of the NFL quite has a full handle on the formula the league uses to determine the 32 compensatory draft picks that are handed out on an annual basis. And as it turns out, the formula is complicated enough that even the NFL itself made a few errors when it announced 2015’s compensatory picks earlier this week.
While the majority of this year’s picks remain unchanged, the Panthers, Broncos, and Steelers were all affected by today’s changes. Here are the adjustments made by the league:
- Panthers‘ sixth-round pick (No. 213) becomes fifth-round pick (No. 174), per Bryan Strickland of Panthers.com (via Twitter).
- Broncos‘ sixth-round pick (No. 208) becomes seventh-round pick (No. 250), per Mike Klis of the Denver Post (via Twitter).
- Steelers‘ seventh-round pick (No. 252) becomes sixth-round pick (No. 212), per the team (via Twitter).
While those are the only picks to undergo significant changes, many other fifth-, sixth-, and seventh-round picks will move up or down a spot, based on these adjustments.
You can view the complete draft order for 2015, which has been updated to reflect today’s news, right here. We also have an updated breakdown of 2015’s picks by team.