Broncos Begin Contract Talks With Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas
The Broncos have opened contract talks with the agents of wide receiver Demaryius Thomas and tight end Julius Thomas, general manager John Elway told Mike Klis of The Denver Post. Elway was at the National Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame honoring veteran sportswriter Rick Reilly, but he took a few minutes to address the duo’s contract status.
“We’ve already talked to them to see if we can do something before the beginning of the year,” said Elway. “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 had his second-straight All-Pro season in 2013, finishing with 1430 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. Thomas originally signed a five-year deal worth $9.35MM after being selected as the 22nd pick in the 2010 draft. Klis suggests the wideout could receive a contract worth $12MM annually.
Julius Thomas had a breakout season in 2013. The former fourth-round pick caught 65 passes for 788 yards and 12 touchdowns. Klis believes the tight end could command a contract worth $7MM a year.
The two players figure to be Peyton Manning‘s main targets in 2014, along with veteran Wes Welker. The team lost Eric Decker this offseason (to a five-year, $36MM contract from the Jets) but added Emmanuel Sanders (signed a three-year, $15MM deal) and rookie Cody Latimer.
Seven Teams Holding Mandatory Minicamps This Week
According to Mike Wilkening of Pro Football Talk, the Cardinals, Bengals, Browns, Broncos, Lions, Saints, and Buccaneers will hold their mandatory minicamps this week.
These mandatory minicamps are heavily regulated by the NFL’s CBA. Per the CBA, players undergo physical exams on Monday. The teams may then hold a mandatory veteran minicamp with three days of practice on Tuesday through Thursday. Although pads and contact drills are prohibited for these mini camps, players can wear helmets. Players may be on the field for a total of no more than 3.5 hours per day. No organized team activities, which include medical treatment and taping, may begin prior to 7:00am local time or end after 8:30pm local times, with one hour provided for both lunch and dinner.
Mandatory minicamps are not to be confused with voluntary minicamps, which are allowed to occur prior to the draft only in the event that a team has hired a new head coach that offseason.
AFC Notes: Shorts, Cameron, Patriots
In addition to having a delightful name, Jaguars‘ receiver Cecil Shorts has been one of the few bright spots on the club over the past couple of seasons. Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times Union examines the recent extension that Doug Baldwin signed with the Seahawks, and wonders if a similar contract would make sense for Shorts, who will become a free agent at the end of the 2014 season.
O’Halloran concludes that if Jacksonville were to offer Shorts a contract resembling the one that Baldwin received–the Seahawks added two years to Baldwin’s contract to create a three-year, $13MM with $8MM guaranteed–Shorts should jump at the opportunity. Both players have put up similar numbers during their three years in the league, but considering that the Jaguars drafted highly-touted receivers Allen Robinson and Marqise Lee last month, and given that rookie quarterback Blake Bortles will probably find himself under center at some point this season, Shorts’ stats may take a hit. This is not to mention the fact that Shorts has frequently been able to bolster his numbers in garbage time, when the Jaguars were forced to throw the football and opposing teams were willing to let them eat up big but meaningless chunks of yardage. If the Jaguars are more competitive this season, as they expect to be, those opportunities would decrease.
On the other hand, Shorts is doubtlessly a talented and sometimes electric playmaker, so he certainly could eclipse the 1,000-yard mark and drive up his price, particularly if he is able to stay healthy. As such, both sides would do well to consider an extension, and we will see if they enter into talks as we move closer to training camp.
Now a quick look at the AFC:
- Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com observes that, for the time being, Danny Amendola looks like the player that the Patriots thought they were getting when they signed him to a big free agent deal last year.
- Staying on the subject of the Patriots, Christopher Price of WEEI.com notes that the team is “taking it slowly” with the tackle position. Starters Nate Solder and Sebastian Vollmer have been limited this spring, so the team has been working out Marcus Cannon on the left side of the line and Jordan Devey on the right. Price notes that New England could be on the lookout for depth at tackle, especially since June 1 has come and gone.
- Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com notes that Browns tight end Jordan Cameron‘s already-impressive numbers stand to improve in Kyle Shanahan‘s offense and in the absence of Josh Gordon, and that improvement–along with Cameron’s recent changing of agents–should make any long-term negotiations between the two parties very interesting.
- Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette explains why the Steelers, to the surprise of many, waited until the fifth round of last month’s draft to select a corner. In short, the team believes Antwon Blake and Brice McCain have a great deal to offer should the opportunity arise.
- Mike Klis of the Denver Post reexamines the 2011 draft-day trade between the Broncos and 49ers that landed Colin Kaepernick in San Francisco and Rahim Moore, Quinton Carter, and Julius Thomas in Denver.
West Notes: 49ers, Davis, Bradford
Everyone seems to be weighing in on Colin Kaepernick‘s deal, except for Andrew Luck. “I think it’s odd to comment on anybody’s contract in any industry,” the Colts QB said, according to Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star. When it comes time for Luck’s new deal, you can expect him to earn even more than the possible $21MM per season that Kaepernick will earn under his new deal.
- Vernon Davis told ESPN’s NFL Live earlier today that he approached the 49ers last season about restructuring his deal, long before the current OTAs that he’s skipping, writes Cam Inman of the Mercury News. While the tight end, under contract through 2015, has taken some criticism for staying home, he doesn’t seem to stressed about it. “It’s not mandatory and that’s what I have to keep reminding people,” Davis said.
- Through all the rumors and speculation, Rams QB Sam Bradford never doubted his place with the team, writes Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com. “I didn’t [worry about my job security]” Bradford said. “Throughout the end of last year I was in communication with [general manager] Les [Snead] and (coach) Jeff [Fisher], and they made it very clear what their plan was. Throughout the offseason they continued to make that clear. I knew what my position on this team was.”
- Broncos prized free agent addition Emmanuel Sanders believes that he DeMarcus Ware, Aqib Talib, and T.J. Ward are bringing a new energy to Denver’s locker room, writes Lindsay H. Jones of USA Today Sports. “We are guys that are bringing a different hunger. More hunger to this team,” Sanders. “I feel like that’s what it needs, because these guys have been playing football since February, the offseason was so short, and you’ve got us coming in here being like, ‘Let’s go.’ It’s time to get back there and win it all this time.“
AFC Notes: Kirksey, Ridley, Pats, Gilreath
With few, if any, impact free agents left on the board and the draft behind us, most rosters around the league are starting to resemble what we’ll see during the 2014 regular season, at least once teams have made their cuts. But that doesn’t mean that those rosters aren’t without their holes. In an Insider-only piece for ESPN.com, Tom Gower of Football Outsiders breaks down the AFC West, looking at the remaining needs for the Broncos, Chiefs, Chargers, and Raiders. Those most notable holes are on the offensive side of the ball for the Chiefs (pass-catcher) and Raiders (offensive lineman), and on defense for the Broncos (middle linebacker) and Chargers (cornerback).
Here’s more from around the AFC:
- The Browns have agreed to terms with third-round linebacker Christian Kirksey, the team confirmed today (via Twitter). The agreement, which includes a signing bonus worth about $663K was first reported by Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post.
- Patriots running back Stevan Ridley is entering the final year of his rookie deal, but he told reporters today, including Albert Breer of the NFL Network, that he’s focused on playing “mistake-free” football rather than on his contract situation (Twitter link).
- Field Yates of ESPNBoston.com has the details on James Anderson‘s minimum salary benefit contract with the Patriots, which includes a $15K signing bonus and a $50K roster bonus if he makes the team.
- The Raiders have signed former Wisconsin wideout David Gilreath, agent Sean Stellato tells Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports (Twitter link). Gilreath recorded his first and only career NFL reception during the 2012 season for the Steelers.
AFC Notes: Colts, Steelers, Broncos, Williams
Let’s check in on a few of the latest notes from around the AFC, including a pair of teams making minor transactions….
- After waiving a pair of players yesterday, the Colts have filled those roster spots by signing two players today. Cornerback Johnny Adams and center FN Lutz have signed with the team, according to Craig Kelley of Colts.com (via Twitter). Adams spent some time with the Bills and Raiders in 2013, while Lutz went undrafted this year out of Indiana State.
- The Steelers swapped one wide receiver for another, according to PR man Burt Lauten, who tweets that the club has signed California alum C.J. Goodwin and cut Jasper Collins.
- Alan Robinson of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review wonders if the Steelers might look to bring back veteran Brett Keisel. Pittsburgh is quite thin at defensive end and the longtime Steeler could return as a backup and mentor to second-round draft pick Stephon Tuitt. Still, we heard yesterday from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that Keisel isn’t currently willing to play for the veteran’s minimum.
- In his latest mailbag for the Denver Post, Mike Klis fields several Broncos-related questions from readers, discussing John Elway‘s ability to recruit free agents, the club’s 2014 draft class, and Andre Caldwell‘s role for 2014.
- When Tom Pelissero of USA Today suggested to free agent defensive tackle Kevin Williams that he views the Patriots as a potential fit for the veteran DT, Williams chuckled. “Well, give them a call,” he said. “Tell them to look me up.” Based on Williams’ comment, it sounds like New England hasn’t been in touch, but he confirmed that at least a couple teams have called and that he continues to weigh his options.
Minor Moves: Broncos, Colts, Bengals, Chiefs
Here are Tuesday’s minor transactions from around the NFL, including signings and cuts of players who haven’t seen much NFL action recently (or at all), and the retirement of a former 49ers draft pick:
- The Broncos announced a pair of draft pick signings today, meaning they’ve locked up five of their six draftees within the last two days. Third-round offensive lineman Michael Schofield and fifth-round linebacker Lamin Barrow are the latest players to ink their rookie deals with Denver, as the club confirmed in a pair of press releases. Mike Klis of the Denver Post tweets that the Broncos also waived offensive tackle Ramon Harewood.
- According to Craig Kelley of Colts.com (via Twitter), the Colts have cut quarterback Seth Lobato and cornerback Keon Lyn, both of whom signed with the club last month as undrafted free agents.
- The Bengals have just one open spot left on their 90-man roster after signing offensive tackle Chandler Burden today, tweets Coley Harvey of ESPN.com. A Cincinnati-area native who played his college ball at Kentucky, Burden has previously spent time with the Dolphins and Chiefs.
- Offensive lineman Jason Slowey, who was drafted in the sixth round in 2012 by the Niners, has announced his retirement, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com. Slowey had been playing for the B.C. Lions of the Canadian Football League.
- The Chiefs waived offensive lineman Colin Kelly today, according to Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star (via Twitter).
West Notes: Tebow, Thomas, 49ers, Seahawks
Tim Tebow still has hopes of returning to the NFL someday, even as he continues his television work with the new SEC Network, writes Mike Organ of the Tennessean. Tebow, who lead the Broncos to the playoffs in 2012, spent one season with the Jets before attending training camp with the Patriots in 2013. “I’m training every day and feel like I’m the best that I’ve ever been,” said Tebow. “I still love it, love playing, talking about it, and I’m just excited about whatever the future holds. Who knows what could happen? But I’m excited about it, though.”
More notes from the West divisions:
- Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas is looking at a huge payday, says Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post. Thomas, an unrestricted free agent following the upcoming season, could be in line for a contract close to that of Larry Fitzgerald, who earns over $16MM annually and received $27MM in guarantees.
- Raiders safety Charles Woodson might have retired had the Oakland not re-signed him in March, but that doesn’t mean that 2014 will be the veteran’s final NFL season, tweets ESPN.com’s Paul Gutierrez. Woodson, 37, graded out as the league’s 28th-best safety in 2014 per Pro Football Focus (subscription required), excelling more in coverage than in run defense.
- Sio Moore will likely play more weak-side linebacker for the Raiders next season, says Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com (via Twitter). Moore spent most of 2013 on the strong side, but Oakland’s first-round pick, Khalil Mack, will move into the SAM position.
- Chargers offensive lineman Jeromey Clary, already recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, recently underwent hip surgery, leaving his training camp availability in question, according to Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego.
- The 49ers, along with the Ravens and Packers, are masters of the compensatory pick system, and Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com thinks that San Francisco could be in line for additional picks in the sixth and seventh rounds, citing the losses of Donte Whitner and Tarell Brown.
- Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin had hip surgery today, according to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times (Twitter link). While Condotta notes “there is not real prognosis yet,” Irvin himself chimes in on Twitter, saying that he will return by training camp.
- Several lesser-known players are getting opportunities for the Seahawks, as defensive lineman Jordan Hill is receiving some playing time in nickel packages (filling the void left by Clinton McDonald), and rookie offensive lineman Justin Britt is manning right tackle while Michael Bowie deals with a minor injury, per Jayson Jenks of the Seattle Times.
Broncos Sign Cody Latimer, Two Others
3:50pm: Paradis has also signed his four-year deal, the team announced in a press release. The offensive lineman is the 200th of 256 total draftees to reach an agreement.
3:38pm: One of the NFL’s two teams that had yet to sign any draftees coming into the day, the Broncos have sprung into action, locking up a pair of picks and working on deals with two more. Second-round receiver Cody Latimer announced on Twitter that he has signed his rookie contract with Denver, and the club confirmed in a press release that seventh-round linebacker Corey Nelson has also inked his deal.
In addition to the pair of draftees who already signed, the Broncos are also closing in on agreements with fifth-round linebacker Lamin Barrow and sixth-round center Matt Paradis, according to Mike Klis of the Denver Post. Klis adds that the club’s other two drafted players – first-round cornerback Bradley Roby and third-round tackle Michael Schofield – are expected to complete their respective deals within the next 10 days or so.
Latimer will be in line for a signing bonus worth about $1.017MM, while Nelson’s will be a more modest $48.6K, per Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap. Now that Denver has secured two of its draftees, the Rams are the league’s only club without any draft picks under contract. As our tracker shows, only 57 players remain unsigned, and 11 of those are St. Louis’ picks.
AFC Notes: Vilma, Gronkowski, Manziel, Bills
Joe Philbin and Dennis Allen are among several coaches who have a lot riding on the 2014 season, writes Lorenzo Reyes of USA Today. While the “hot seat” label may be premature, the Dolphins would surely like to see improvement both off-the-field (in the wake of the Jonathan Martin scandal) and on it, with quarterback Ryan Tannehill potentially taking another step forward. The Raiders, meanwhile, used their ample cap space to infuse their roster with veterans, and the team’s leadership obviously hopes Allen can improve upon 2013’s 4-12 record.
More from around the AFC:
- Free agent linebacker Jonathan Vilma reached out to the Dolphins, but Miami was not interested in adding the veteran, reports Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Vilma played only 12 snaps in 2013 following a knee injury.
- Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is reportedly “progressing well” following his January surgery to repair his torn ACL and MCL, according to Ben Volin of the Boston Herald.
- Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan worked with Robert Griffin III in Washington, and he believes RG3 and new Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel have some common traits, per Jim Corbett of USA Today. “Johnny and Robert are very similar,” said Shanahan. “They’re both talented guys who can make plays with their legs. But there comes a time in the NFL when they’re going to keep you in the pocket, and you’re going to have to have that ability to make the throws with your arm and mind. And Johnny, just like Robert, has that arm talent and intelligence to do that.”
- While Jerry Hughes won’t have a problem finding a role in new Bills defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s scheme, fellow pass-rusher Manny Lawson might, writes ESPN.com’s Mike Rodak. Lawson spent most of last season close to the line of scrimmage as a stand-up linebacker, and that position simply doesn’t exist in Schwartz’s defense.
- Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb is happy with the development of 2013 first-round safety Matt Elam, according to Matt Zenitz of the Carroll County Times. “From last year to this year, I see a big jump with his leadership, with him controlling the back end and just being that safety controlling the calls,” said Webb. “I just really like where I see him going.”
- The Broncos’ defensive line is heavy on both depth and competition, writes Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com, and improved line play will be essential if Denver hopes to create opportunities for edge rushers Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware.