Broncos Notes: Franklin, Knighton, Gase
The Broncos have done some reshuffling along their offensive line this offseason — Ryan Clady will return from injury to protect Peyton Manning‘s blindside at left tackle, meaning his replacement last season, Chris Clark, will move to right tackle to compete with Winston Justice. In turn, Orlando Franklin, the 2013 starter on the right side, will find a new home at left guard, taking over for the departed Zane Beadles. As Mike Klis of the Denver Post writes, Franklin initially perceived the position switch as a slight, before deciding to embrace the move for the good of the team. The 6’7″, 320-pound Franklin is larger than a typical guard, and he admits he still has some work to do in order to master the position. “I’m definitely not a finished product, but I’m more comfortable today than what I was nine weeks ago at the position,” said Franklin. “It’s like learning all over again. Offensive tackle is a little different. They’ve got a lot more moves and there’s a lot more space. Being inside, yeah, they’re a lot bigger in there, but it’s like fighting in a phone booth.”
- In a separate piece, Klis expounds on the confidence of defensive tackle Terrance Knighton, who excelled last season after signing a two-year contract with Denver. “…I think I’m in the prime of my career. I honestly don’t feel like there’s a center that can block me,” said the 27-year-old. “I’ll just keep working at it. I’ve watched film from last year, and I’ve watched future opponents. Right now, I’m just trying to go out there and dominate and continue where I left off.” Knighton, who will earn a base salary of $1.5MM in 2014, could be in line for a sizeable deal next offseason if he continues to perform well.
- Offensive coordinator Adam Gase was the hot name among head coaching candidates this offseason, and was atop the Browns’ wishlist, writes Woody Paige of the Denver Post. However, Gase admits he made some poor play-calls in the Super Bowl, and feels the Broncos can accomplish even more on offense in 2014. Of course, that would lead to his being even more in demand next offseason, but Paige thinks Gase might stick around in Denver for the remainder of Manning’s tenure, and even posits that the 36-year-old could become the Broncos’ head coach at some point in the future.
- Fielding an imposing pass rush shouldn’t be a problem for the Broncos given the presence of Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware, but ESPN.com’s Jeff Legwold thinks 2013 fifth-rounder Quanterus Smith could be a wild card next season. Smith was leading the nation in sacks while at Western Kentucky in 2012 before he tore his ACL; he then spent all of last season on injured reserve.
- In a separate piece focusing on OTA highlights, Legwold opines that receiver Emmanuel Sanders, signed to a three-year deal in the offseason, has exhibited versatility and put in extra work with Manning, leading Legwold to believe that rapport could continue into the regular season.
Extra Points: Fitzpatrick, Hughes, Thomas, Robinson, Carr, Kennard
- With the Texans hitching their wagon to veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (known more for his intelligence than his physical ability) in 2014, Houston Chronicle beat writer Brian Smith released a few sobering tweets about Fitzpatrick’s prospects as a starter. Says Smith: “Recurring criticism of Fitzpatrick by analysts: Too much of a gunslinger with not enough of an arm.”
- The Bills have a new defensive scheme this year under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, but Jerry Hughes‘ deployment won’t change. “He’s brought in his 4-3 scheme, but as far as what I’m doing it’s pretty much the same thing I did last year,” Hughes told Mark Gaughan of the Buffalo News. “My hand is in the ground and I’m coming off the edge trying to create pressure to get to the quarterback.” Drafted by the Colts in the first round in 2010, Hughes disappointed in Indianapolis. However, a trade to Buffalo last year gave Hughes new life as a pass-rush specialist, and he capitalized on the opportunity. Hughes registered 10 sacks, nine more quarterback hits and 39 quarterback hurries. In fact, he ranked first in the league in Pro Football Focus’ Pass Rush Productivity metric. Hughes will make just under $4MM this season before hitting free agency.
- ESPN’s James Walker came up with two notable names when asked about potential surprise veteran cuts by the Dolphins: “Some veterans I think who are on the bubble include former Jeff Ireland draft picks who didn’t live up to their potential. Running back Daniel Thomas and tight end Michael Egnew come to mind. The Dolphins are no longer waiting on their potential. Both former highly-touted picks must bring it this summer or they could lose their roster spot.”
- Julius Thomas, who emerged as a Pro Bowl tight end for the Broncos last season, could be a franchise tag candidate next year. Accordingly, he’s monitoring the Jimmy Graham situation with interest, writes the AP’s Arnie Stapleton.
- Rams No. 2 overall pick Greg Robinson admits the mental part of the game is giving him trouble early in his NFL career (via ESPN’s Nick Wagoner): “It’s frustrating that I’m not up to pace right now because the playbook is more intense and things are changing but once I get back to where I’m comfortable, things will calm down and I can be myself out there…Right now it’s a lot of thinking going on, it causes me to move a little slower. Once I get up to speed, I can move with the snap count and stuff like that.”
- Raiders second-round rookie Derek Carr has already ascended to No. 2 on the depth chart behind Matt Schaub, relays CSN Bay Area’s Scott Bair.
- Giants rookie fifth-rounder Devon Kennard “impressed coaches in the spring program and could be in the mix to start on the strong side,” according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano. A 6-3, 250-pounder out of USC, Kennard, whose father was a Super Bowl winning center for the Cowboys, was viewed as a tweener prospect, albeit one with outstanding intangibles and make-it traits.
- Free agent offensive guard Garrett Reynolds visited the Cowboys, per ESPN’s Adam Caplan (via Twitter). Reynolds started 23 games over the last three years for the Falcons, but struggled last season and was released in February.
AFC West Notes: Chargers, Signings, Mack
Chargers‘ head coach Mike McCoy is excited about his team, and Kevin Acee of the UT San Diego has highlighted a few players who could back up the coach’s expectations. Acee sees Manti Te’o, Andrew Gachkar, and Melvin Ingram coming together to form a deep linebacking group (one that could exclude Larry English). He also likes third-year tight end Ladarius Green, the running game behind a strong offensive line, and a few rookies who could make an impact.
Here are some other notes from around the AFC West:
- The Chargers have also claimed defensive tackle Chas Alecxih, according to Michael Gehlken of the UT San Diego (via Twitter). Alecxih, the former Chief, completes the team’s 90-man roster.
- The Chiefs announced that they have signed wide receiver Mark Harrison, according to their official team Twitter page. Harrison spent 2013 with the Patriots, placed on the reserve/non-football injury list last summer.
- Raiders‘ defensive coordinator Jason Tarver has been trying to find creative ways to use first-round pick Khalil Mack in the team’s defense this season, writes Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com. “What’s nice about Khalil is he has size and athletic ability, so that he can do some things on the edges of your defense, both in the run game and in the pass game, with his power, his length and his ability to bend and move.” said Tarver. “Those are traits that you want as many players as you can have on your defense, as many of those as we can get, the happier a coordinator is.”
- The Broncos have solidified their roster to position themselves for a return to the Super Bowl this year, but the right tackle position is still up in the air, writes Sayre Bedinger of PredominatelyOrange.com. The team has Chris Clark, who filled in admirably for Ryan Clady on the left side last season, as the frontrunner for the role. They also drafted offensive tackle Michael Schofield out of Michigan, and re-signed Winston Justice. Bedinger also notes that 2013 sixth-round pick Vinston Painter is still valued and could be a dark horse for a starting job on the offensive line.
AFC Notes: Manning, Flowers, Steelers, Bills
When I examined Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas as an extension candidate earlier today, I pointed out that the timeline for Peyton Manning‘s retirement could play a role in when Thomas signs his next contract and the amount of that deal. For now though, it doesn’t appear that retirement is in the star quarterback’s immediate plans. As Arnie Stapleton of The Associated Press writes, while the reigning MVP has considered the possibility of ending his career, Manning’s current goal is to play out his current contract, which runs through 2016.
Here’s more from around the AFC:
- Brandon Flowers is reportedly visiting another team after his trip to San Diego, but that mystery club isn’t the Steelers, reports ESPN.com’s Scott Brown. Pittsburgh is one of the clubs that has been linked to the free agent cornerback, though as today’s PFR poll shows, only about 12% of you feel that Flowers will land with the Steelers.
- Jon Bon Jovi, who is interested in buying the Bills, had a two-hour lunch with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in New York this week, write Ian Mohr and Stephanie Smith of the New York Post. The New Jersey native has joined Toronto-based investment group Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment in a bid to purchase the franchise.
- Meanwhile, more potential bidders for the Bills – Buffalo Sabres owners Terry and Kim Pegula – have acknowledged they’re keeping tabs on the sale of the team, as Robert J. McCarthy of the Buffalo News details. The Pegulas’ statement, which came via Sabres VP of public and community relations Michael Gilbert, said that “out of respect for the process being conducted by representatives of the Wilson estate and the Bills, they will not be making any additional comments about the sale process.”
- Although the Ravens made a flurry of moves today, signing five players that they tried out this week, cornerback Kevin Thomas didn’t receive a contract from the club. Still, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter), Thomas is on the team’s “standby list” and could receive an offer during training camp.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Extension Candidate: Demaryius Thomas
Earlier this offseason, the Broncos watched as a receiver who averaged 86 receptions, 1,176 yards, and 12 touchdowns during his last two seasons in Denver departed in free agency, signing a five-year deal with the Jets. Although the Broncos reportedly had some interest in re-signing Eric Decker, the team didn’t appear to go to great lengths to retain him, in part because Denver still has another wideout, Demaryius Thomas, who is a year away from free agency himself and matched or exceeded Decker’s numbers in those two seasons.
After hauling in just 54 passes during his first two NFL seasons, Thomas broke out when Peyton Manning arrived in Denver, averaging 93 catches, 1,432 yards, and 12 TDs in 2012 and 2013. In addition to posting massive numbers in the traditional receiving categories, Thomas also performed extremely well according to advanced stats. Football Outsiders ranked him third in 2012 and first in 2013 in terms of DYAR, while Pro Football Focus’ grades had him as the league’s second-best wideout in 2012 and fifth-best in 2013 (subscription required).
When Decker hit free agency, his true value was subject to increased scrutiny. Many observers wondered how much of Decker’s production was tied to the fact that he was catching passes from Manning and benefiting from defenses focusing on Thomas, Wes Welker, and the Broncos’ other weapons. It’s fair to assume that Thomas will face the same questions, and it’s also reasonable to conclude that perhaps he wouldn’t be posting the same sort of numbers in an offense with a mediocre quarterback throwing him the ball, into more frequent double or triple coverage.
Still, Thomas’ combination of size, speed, and hands make him one of the league’s better wideouts no matter whose passes he’s catching and who’s covering him, and his relative youth (26) means he should have plenty more prime years on the way. So it makes sense that the Broncos have initiated extension talks with the former 22nd overall pick, perhaps even offering him a new five-year contract already, though there are conflicting reports on whether an official proposal is actually on the table.
A look at the list of top wide receiver contracts at OverTheCap.com shows that plenty of five-year deals have been signed in recent years — Greg Jennings ($45MM), Vincent Jackson ($55MM), Dwayne Bowe ($56MM), Mike Wallace ($60MM), and Percy Harvin ($64.25MM) are just a few of the players whose current contracts span five years and have base values that range from between $9-13MM annually. In his talks with the Broncos, it makes sense that Thomas and his reps would push to exceed the figures for players like Wallace and Harvin, whose resumés weren’t quite as impressive as the Denver receiver’s is.
Only two receivers have a larger per-year value on their current contracts than Harvin, with Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald in a stratosphere all on their own, averaging more than $16MM per season. Both players are also on seven-year deals, rather than five-year pacts. Johnson signed his latest contract after a season in which he grabbed 16 touchdowns and nearly racked up 1,700 receiving yards, while Fitzgerald’s extension came on the heels of four straight Pro Bowl seasons in which he never caught less than 90 balls, even when Derek Anderson and John Skelton were the ones throwing those balls.
Based on his accomplishments so far, Thomas doesn’t appear qualified to join Johnson and Fitzgerald in that $16MM+ range, but it seems clear he should surpass Harvin and potentially become the third-highest-paid receiver in the NFL, depending on what happens with Dez Bryant and 2015’s other free agents. I’d expect Denver to be exploring a deal in the range of $65MM for five new years, with $20MM+ in guaranteed money.
Whether that sort of commitment appeals to Thomas is the big question. Another huge year could move him a step closer to Megatron/Fitzgerald territory, perhaps warranting a deal in the neighborhood of $14-15MM annually. However, the former Georgia Tech standout might be wise not to overplay his hand. Not reaching an agreement with the Broncos this year means the team could use its franchise tag on him next year, postponing his free agency until 2016. By that point, there’s a decent chance Manning will no longer be quarterbacking in Denver, which may make the Broncos reluctant to spend huge money on a receiver if they’re not confident about a new signal-caller getting him the ball. Thomas would still be in line for a big multiyear deal on the open market, but the best way to maximize his payday could be to ink that next contract when his numbers are still getting that Manning bump — that means doing it sooner rather than later.
As such, I expect we’ll see Thomas and the Broncos reach a long-term agreement before or during training camp. If it’s a five-year deal, something in the range of $65-70MM seems about right to me. Whether the two sides agree with that assessment remains to be seen.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
AFC Notes: Titans, Vick, Ravens, Chiefs, Bills
According to recent reports, the Broncos may or may not have offered Demaryius Thomas a five-year contract extension, but there’s no doubt that discussions are open between the two sides, prompting Joel Corry of the National Football Post to examine what a new deal for the star wideout might look like. Corry points out that matching the massive contracts signed by Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald probably isn’t likely for Thomas and other standout receivers approaching free agency. But as I suggested last week, the five-year, $60MM+ deals signed by Mike Wallace and Percy Harvin in recent years could be used as benchmarks in negotiations between Thomas and the Broncos.
Here’s more from around the AFC:
- The Titans worked out a pair of linebackers, Quentin Groves and Marvin Mitchell, on Monday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Neither player received a contract from the club right away, however. Per Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean (via Twitter), the Titans are also auditioning WR/FB Dorin Dickerson this week at their minicamp.
- Michael Vick is on a one-year contract with the Jets, but the signal-caller feels like he has about three years left at his “current level,” as he tells Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post (Twitter link). Although the “current level” qualifier makes it unclear whether Vick plans to continue his playing career beyond that point, it sounds like he hopes to play for at least a couple more seasons after his current deal expires.
- Asked today about a potential contract extension with Baltimore, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata told reporters that he’d “love to be a Raven for life” (Twitter link).
- We heard yesterday that several veteran cornerbacks would be trying out for the Ravens at their minicamp this week, and Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun adds one more name to the list of participants today: Kevin Thomas, a Colts third-round pick in 2010 who hasn’t appeared in a regular season game since 2011. Wilson adds in a pair of tweets that cornerback Bobby Felder, linebacker Austin Spitler and wide receiver Dezmon Briscoe are also trying out for the Ravens.
- Former Missouri defensive back Kip Edwards was one of four non-roster players to audition for the Chiefs at the club’s minicamp today, tweets Adam Teicher of ESPN.com. Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star (Twitter link) provides the other three names: Cornerback Quinton Byrd, and wide receivers Mark Harrison and Cole Stanford.
- In a series of three tweets, Joe Buscaglia of WGR 550 AM and Mike Rodak of ESPN.com report that wide receiver Tori Gurley, cornerback Kamaal McIlwain, and cornerback Sam Miller are auditioning for the Bills at their minicamp.
No Offer Yet For Demaryius Thomas?
Yesterday, word spread quickly that the Broncos had extended Demaryius Thomas a five-year contract offer, but this morning Pro Football Talk cites a source who says, “Nothing is going on” and an offer has not been made.
Mike Florio adds his spin on the situation, saying, “It’s possible that discussions have centered on structure or concepts or whatever, and that different interpretations can be applied to whether an actual offer was extended. Regardless, to the extent that the reports of a five-year offer suggest that a deal could be coming, there’s still a very, very long way to go.”
Broncos Offer Demaryius Thomas Five-Year Deal
As we heard earlier this week, the Broncos have begun extension talks in earnest with two of their top pass-catchers, and according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post, discussions have progressed to the point of an offer for Demaryius Thomas. Per Renck, the club has offered the wide receiver a five-year extension. While Denver has also initiated negotiations with Julius Thomas, no offer has been made yet to the tight end.
“We’ve already talked to them to see if we can do something before the beginning of the year,” GM John Elway said earlier this week, referring to the pair of Thomases. “We’d like to get something done before the beginning of camp. We don’t want to do anything once training camp starts. They’re both in their last years and we’d like for them to stay and be Broncos for a long time.”
Demaryius Thomas, 26, has posted back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons since the arrival of Peyton Manning in Denver in 2012, averaging 93 catches, 1,432 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns per year. As Mike Sando wrote today in an Insider-only piece for ESPN.com, the former first-round pick is one of the best receivers headed into a contract year in 2014, ranking alongside Dez Bryant at the top of a star-studded list that also includes Michael Crabtree, Randall Cobb, and Jordy Nelson, among others.
While it’s not clear what sort of money the Broncos have offered Thomas over the course of five years, it certainly should exceed the $36.25MM that former teammate Eric Decker received from the Jets this offseason. Assuming Thomas aims to be paid like an elite NFL receiver, he’ll likely be looking to match or exceed the five-year, $60MM+ deals signed by Mike Wallace and Percy Harvin in recent years.
Extra Points: Cardinals, Rams, Orton, Adams
The Cardinals are looking to possibly add some established veterans, but it’ll be a waiting game for those seeking employment, writes Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com. The Cards worked out veteran right tackle Tyson Clabo recently but the two sides have been unable to come to an agreement. Urban is reminded of the dance that the Cards did with tackle Eric Winston last season before ultimately signing him to a below asking price deal right before training camp.
- The Rams will not receive their $3MM offset on cornerback Cortland Finnegan‘s signing with the Dolphins until the 2015 cap year, writes Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. However, that bit of news had no bearing on the team’s decision to restructure the contract of center Scott Wells, which created some immediate salary relief. Finnegan signed a two-year deal with Miami in March.
- The Kyle Orton watch will be on when the Cowboys hold their mandatory minicamp June 17-19, writes Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com. Coach Jason Garrett reiterated that he anticipates Orton to take part in the minicamp, but he has not had any recent conversations with the Cowboys backup and he says he’s not sure Orton has a copy of the playbook to understand the changes implemented by new playcaller Scott Linehan.
- Unrestricted free agent safety Mike Adams tells Alex Marvez of FOX Sports 1 (on Twitter) that the 49ers, Browns, Jets, and Patriots are potential landing spots for him. However, he says the door for re-signing with the Broncos is likely closed.
- Even though there is no long-term deal imminent, Steelers linebacker Jason Worilds is hoping that will change before the start of the season. “I hope so, but it is one day at a time,” said Worilds, according to Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “If I continue with that approach, everything will fall in line.”
- By the time training camp starts in late July, John McClain of the Houston Chronicle (on Twitter) expects Texans GM Rick Smith to sign a veteran offensive tackle to compete for the swing tackle job.
- Browns coach Mike Pettine is already making a strong impression in Cleveland, writes Jim Corbett of USA Today Sports. The 47-year-old has instilled a strong work ethic in his new team and showed wisdom when he said no to HBO’s “Hard Knocks” for this offseason.
Broncos Sign First-Rounder Bradley Roby
The Broncos have signed first-round cornerback Bradley Roby to his rookie contract, the team announced today in a press release. The move ensures that Denver has now locked up its entire 2014 draft class, as Roby was the last of the club’s six selections to put pen to paper.
“When we looked at the board, No. 1, he was the top guy on our board,” GM John Elway said of Roby during the draft. “When we talked about immediate help and a talented guy like that, he’s the guy that would have the biggest impact on us. So that even made it more of a thrill for us that he was still there.”
The 31st overall pick last month, Roby is in line for a signing bonus worth about $3.376MM, according to Jason Fitzgerald’s figures at OverTheCap.com. The overall four-year value of the contract for the Ohio State product will be in the neighborhood of $6.953MM, and the deal will include a fifth-year club option for 2018.
As our draft pick signing tracker shows, with Roby now under contract, only 12 first-round picks remain unsigned.