Combine Updates: Boldin, Jags, Dolphins
“It’s not just me who wants Anquan Boldin back,” 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh said today of the team’s No. 1 receiver in 2013, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. Suggesting that the San Francisco decision-makers are unanimous in wanting to re-sign Boldin, Harbaugh added that negotiations are heading in a “positive direction.” The Niners coach wasn’t the only one providing noteworthy quotes this afternoon at the combine. Here are several more notable updates from Indianapolis:
- The Jaguars intend to meet with the top three quarterback prospects – Johnny Manziel, Teddy Bridgewater, and Blake Bortles – this weekend, according to GM Dave Caldwell (Twitter link via Ryan O’Hallaran of the Florida Times-Union). However, Caldwell also suggested it would be beneficial for the team to trade down from No. 3 overall, since the draft is so deep (Twitter link via Hays Carlyon of the Times-Union).
- Asked if he expected prospective free agent Chad Henne to hit the open market, Caldwell replied, “I don’t think so,” suggesting that the Jaguars could reach an agreement with their incumbent starter prior to March 11 (Twitter link via O’Hallaran).
- Broncos head coach John Fox is comfortable with the idea of moving forward with running Montee Ball if Knowshon Moreno leaves Denver in free agency, writes Mike Klis of the Denver Post.
- Responding to a report that suggested the Dolphins might bench Ryan Tannehill for Matt Moore at some point in 2014, new Miami GM Dennis Hickey expressed confidence in Tannehill. Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald has that quote and several more from Hickey, who insisted that free agents will be attracted to the organization despite the recent controversy surrounding the team.
- The Bears head into the 2014 season carrying three punters on their roster, meaning veteran Adam Podlesh will have to fight for the job, according to GM Phil Emery. Drew Butler and Tress Way will also be in the mix, as Jeff Dickerson of ESPN Chicago details.
- Projected first-round tight end Eric Ebron confirmed to reporters, including Matt Zenitz of the Carroll County Times (Twitter link), that the Ravens and Packers are among the teams with whom he’ll interview today. Tight end Jace Amaro will also meet with the Ravens, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter link), while ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky writes that Wisconsin offensive lineman Ryan Groy met with the Packers.
NFC Notes: Nelson, Tuck, Fitzgerald, Mangini
We’ve already published posts on the Vikings, Bears, and Cowboys so far today, but even after rounding up a few team-centric updates, there are still several more notes to pass along on NFC teams. Here’s the latest:
- While there will be plenty of items on the Packers‘ to-do list this offseason, locking up wide receiver Jordy Nelson to an extension is expected to be near the top of that list, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
- There are plenty of notable names among this year’s free agent class of defensive ends, but Justin Tuck’s agent tells Jordan Raanan of NJ.com that he believes his client is the best all-around player of the bunch. “Justin is by far the most complete d-end in the class,” agent Doug Hendrickson said of the longtime Giant. “He can play the 4-3, he can play the 3-4. He obviously had an incredible season last year with every stat he had with the tackles, tackles for loss, the hurries and the sacks. They were up there with the upper-echelon defensive linemen.”
- Asked about a report last month that suggested the Patriots were mulling a Larry Fitzgerald trade last year, Cardinals GM Steve Keim said of the rumor, “I was looking for someone to fire because [the Patriots] never called me” (Twitter link via Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com). That initial report suggested that the Pats’ talks didn’t get very far, so it sounds like they were just internal discussions.
- Former defensive specialist Eric Mangini will be the 49ers’ tight ends coach in 2014, the team confirmed today. Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee was the first to report Mangini’s new role.
- Cornerback figures to be one of the most important positions for the Eagles to address this offseason, writes Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer, exploring some potential options for the team.
- Offensive lineman Gabe Carimi, who was released by the Buccaneers earlier this month, admitted in an appearance on Sirius XM NFL Radio that he was surprised by the move. However, the early cut gave Carimi to test the market ahead of the free agent period. While he had planned to work out for the Bengals and some other teams, the ex-Bear landed with the Falcons this week (Twitter links via Alex Marvez of FOX Sports).
NFC North Rumors: Suh, Tillman, Cobb
The Lions would like to meet with Ndamukong Suh’s reps this week to discuss a new deal for the defensive lineman, but if Suh has hired a new agent, no one has informed the team yet, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Jay-Z and Roc Nation Sports have been linked to Suh, but it’s still not entirely clear if Roc Nation will only represent the 27-year-old for marketing purposes, or if the agency will be negotiating his contracts as well. As we wait for confirmation from Suh’s camp on who will be negotiating his new deal, let’s round up a few more items from out of the NFC North….
- In an appearance on WSCR-AM 670 in Chicago, prospective free agent Charles Tillman continued to leave the door open for a return to the Bears, though he’ll definitely hit the open market, as Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune writes. “If I’m here, sweet,” Tillman said of Chicago. “If I’m not, that’s business.” The veteran cornerback also acknowledged that retirement may not be too far off (“I don’t want to play forever”), but shot down the idea of moving to safety in 2014.
- Packers receiver Randall Cobb is entering a contract year in 2014, and as far as he knows, there haven’t been any extension talks yet between his agent and the team (link via Dan Hanzus of NFL.com). “I would definitely love that,” Cobb said. “But unfortunately that won’t be my decision. That will be on the team to come to me with that decision.”
- Although the Vikings will have to address a “glaring need” at cornerback in either free agency or the draft, safety may be the only position on defense with no turnover this offseason, according to Master Tesfatsion of the Star Tribune.
Demovsky On The Packers
The Packers and agent Drew Rosenhaus have engaged in open dialogue about free agent cornerback Sam Shields, according to ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky, who participated in a chat with fans. Other tidbits:
- Inside linebacker A.J. Hawk‘s 2013 season was his best yet, and Packers coaches value the veteran’s dependability, reliability and accountability despite his physical limitations. Brad Jones, however, must “play much better or they need to find a replacement,” says Demovsky.
- Nick Perry and Jerel Worthy, the team’s first two 2012 draft picks, have both disappointed and it’s unknown if either fit the defensive scheme.
- Demovsky spoke to a scout who believes Johnny Jolly could slide inside to nose tackle if he’s re-signed.
- When asked about the team potentially locking up receivers Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson long-term, Demovsky described Cobb as a “no-brainer,” but wondered if Nelson would “drive a harder bargain” because he took a below-market deal (four years, $12.6MM) in 2011 and his next deal will likely be his last big contract.
- Demovsky does not envision the team splurging for a blockbuster free agent (i.e. a player requiring an $8MM-$10MM signing bonus), but sees a few “mid-level” signings as realistic.
- “Chances are good” the team will draft a developmental quarterback in the mid to late rounds.
NFC North Notes: Combine, Franchise Tags
As teams get ready for the scouting combine next week, Ben Goessling of ESPN.com previews the top priority the Vikings‘ scouts will have going into Indianapolis. He believes the team will draft to improve their defensive line, and sees the team targeting Louis Nix of Notre Dame, Ra’Shede Hageman of Minnesota, and Kony Ealy of Missouri. Here are some other notes from around the NFC North:
- While Goessling has the team using the draft to bolster their defensive line, he has not forgotten about the Vikings‘ free agents. He wrote about the possibility of using the franchise tag on Jared Allen or the transition tag on Everson Griffen, although notes that it is more likely the team pursues a long term deal with Griffen.
- The Packers have enough cap room to use their franchise tag sometime in the next two weeks, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel. Silverstein sees the team using either the franchise or transition tag to help retain one of two players: cornerback Sam Shields or defensive linemen B.J. Raji.
- The Bears are unlikely to utilize their franchise tag, writes Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com. Jay Cutler would have been the only logical candidate for the designation, and the team agreed to a contract extension with him earlier this offseason.
Draft Notes: Farmer, Cowboys, Packers
As we continue to approach the 2014 NFL Draft, various teams have begun to discuss information regarding their draft preferences. According to FanNation, new Browns GM Ray Farmer has stated that he knows which quarterback he wants to draft in May — but he’s not willing to share. Farmer has final say over the 53-man roster, and it remains to be seen whether or not he would be open to changing his mind should coach Mike Pettine or offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan prefer a different quarterback.
Here are a few more tidbits surrounding teams and their draft preferences…
- Assistant director of player personnel for the Cowboys, Will McClay, spoke with KRLD-FM 105.3 sports radio and disclosed his thoughts that having “good football character” is an important quality in a draft prospect.
- The Dallas Morning News’ SportsDayDFW took a look at players that the team might be interested in drafting in the first round. The outlet also covers what 10 offensive lineman, wide receivers, quarterbacks, and linebackers that it thinks that the Cowboys will be most interested in drafting this May.
- Weston Hodkiewicz of Press-Gazette Media writes that after a series of whiffs by the front office on high draft picks in recent years, the Packers‘ 2014 first round pick will be the team’s most important draft pick in recent history. Hodkiewicz highlighted Alabama junior safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama linebacker C. J. Mosley, and North Carolina tight end Eric Ebron as potential Packer first-round targets.
NFC North Notes: Raji, Vikings, Harper
ESPN Wisconsin’s Jason Wilde continues his position-by-position outlook of the Packers by delving into Green Bay’s defensive line and linebackers. With regards to the defensive line, NFL Insider Ian Rapoport recently reported that the Packers would try to remake the unit with smaller and more athletic players, which DC Dom Capers has historically preferred. If the team does go in that direction, it could simply let unrestricted free agents B.J. Raji, Ryan Pickett, Johnny Jolly, and C.J. Wilson–all of whom offer more size than speed or athleticism–find a new employer. The biggest name of that group, of course, is Raji, whose rejection of an $8MM/year offer last fall suggests that he is unhappy with his role in the Packers’ scheme and that he is ready to move on. In any event, Green Bay is looking at a great deal of turnover on the defensive line, and it remains to be seen if they will add depth to the unit via free agency, the draft–the Packers have used a high pick on a defensive lineman in each of the past two years–or both.
As far as their linebackers are concerned, the big question the Packers face is what to do with Mike Neal. Neal was a revelation in 2013, moving from defensive end to outside linebacker and thriving in that role. While that was good news for Green Bay last season, Neal, an unrestricted free agent, is well-positioned to receive a significant offer from another club this season. With 2012 first-round pick Nick Perry still an unproven commodity at this point–injuries have shrouded each of his first two years in the league–the Packers may have no other choice but to retain Neal, lest they face another season with Clay Matthews as the only legitimate play-maker in the linebacking corps.
More notes from the NFC North:
- As noted by our own Rob DiRe last week, Vikings GM Rick Spielman wants to add another two picks to the team’s 2014 draft. ESPN.com’s Ben Goessling thinks the best way to do that would be for Minnesota to trade back from its No. 8 overall selection. Such a move would be especially tempting if the draft’s top quarterbacks are off the board at that point. Goessling adds that, even if the Vikings could not get a top-flight QB with the eighth overall pick, they would be wise to grab Clemson’s Sammy Watkins if he’s still available. Watkins could team with Cordarrelle Patterson, Greg Jennings, and Adrian Peterson to form a formidable group of offensive weapons.
- ESPN.com’s Michael Rothstein believes the top priority for the Lions this offseason is at wide receiver, a belief reinforced by the recent release of Nate Burleson. Tight end would also be a high priority, particularly if the Lions cannot re-sign Brandon Pettigrew. As noted last week, Detroit’s outlook at tight end beyond Pettigrew is uninspiring.
- Although ESPN.com’s Michael C. Wright opined last week that the recently-released Roman Harper would probably cost too much for the Bears to sign, he does note that Harper would still be a viable option if another team does not spend big on him.
NFC Notes: Saints, Packers, Delmas
One of the top priorities for the Saints this offseason (other than re-signing their superstar wide receiver tight end pass catcher) is retooling their secondary, writes Mike Triplett of ESPN.com. The team needs a legitimate number two cornerback to pair with Keenan Lewis, with Triplett suggesting the Panthers’ Captain Munnerlyn as a possibility, despite his desire to remain with Carolina.
- Sources are saying that Packers general manager Ted Thompson will be active in free agency, looking to sign up to five players away from other teams, but Mike Vandermause of PackersNews.com isn’t buying it. The Packers have signed five unrestricted free agents in the last seven years and didn’t sign any three of the past four years. Only Jeff Saturday in 2012 became an every down starter, until he was benched towards the end of the season.
- With Jermichael Finley‘s return unlikely, and Andrew Quarless hitting free agency, the Packers will have to explore other options at tight end, writes Tyler Dunne of the Milwalkee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel. If they are serious about free agency, Scott Chandler or Brandon Pettigrew could be fits, but a more likely scenario is that they would address the position in the draft, where tight end is thought to be a deep class.
- The Falcons are looking to improve the safety position, and Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com believes the team could be interested in Louis Delmas who was recently released by the Lions. Delmas would be an improvement over the inconsistent Thomas DeCoud, and could make a nice pair with William Moore at the back of the secondary.
- The Cardinals have a very good duo of wide receivers in Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd, but last year they weren’t able to install their third receiver, Andre Roberts, into a big role in the offense. This could mean they will struggle to keep him in 2014, writes Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com. He believes Roberts would have to take less money and a smaller role in order to stay.
- Cardinals‘ cornerback Bryan McCann said that he wants to start in 2014. Although that is unlikely to happen in Arizona, he still would like to return to the Cardinals, writes Weinfuss. McCann has never started a game in his four year career, but could bring extra value due to his return skills.
Packers Notes: Cap, Dietrich-Smith, Draft
In an off-season, position-by-position analysis of the Packers, ESPN Wisconsin’s Jason Wilde provided an outlook on the team’s offensive line. While the depth chart isn’t settled, the team is relatively content with its depth and competition heading into 2014. Key points:
- The Pack boasts nearly $30MM in cap space.
- After losing starting left tackle Bryan Bulaga to a season-ending injury in training camp, rookie David Bakhtiari “stepped up in a big way,” but played with inconsistency you’d expect of a fourth-round rookie.
- Left guard Josh Sitton was the most consistent blocker, according to Pro Football Focus, allowing just one sack and eight hurries. At 27, he’s also the oldest of the group.
- Center Evan Dietrich-Smith‘s contract is up, but line coach James Campen wants him back: “I think [Dietrich-Smith] grew as the season went along,” said Campen. “He got better with communication [and] his command with tempo and getting people set and where they had to align. I think still he’s a player that has room to grow.” Wilde expects Dietrich-Smith to be re-signed.
- Bulaga, Bakhtiari, 2013 right tackle starter Don Barclay and 2011 first-rounder Derek Sherrod are viable options and will compete for the starting tackle jobs.
- The team “will almost certainly” add another lineman to the mix in the draft.
NFC Notes: Vikings, Falcons, Packers, Graham
With Matt Cassel and Josh Freeman headed for unrestricted free agency, the Vikings will have some decisions to make at quarterback this offseason. Despite Christian Ponder‘s subpar performance in 2013, the team is confident will return, GM Rick Spielman tells ESPN.com’s Ben Goessling (Twitter link). As Goessling notes though, Spielman sounds committed to the idea of bringing in a young QB, and says the club will “at least two” signal-callers to the roster.
Let’s round up a few more Friday items from across the NFC….
- The Falcons are giving “strong consideration” to hiring former Rams GM Billy Devaney to their front office, reports Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (via Twitter). The Falcons, who recently added Scott Pioli to their ranks, employed Devaney as recently as 2007, when he was an assistant GM in Atlanta.
- Even if the Packers hope to retain both of their restricted free agents – safety M.D. Jennings and linebacker Jamari Lattimore – it may not make sense to tender either player for $1.389MM, says Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com, suggesting that the team could try to sign both players for something close to the minimum salary.
- There’s a good chance that contract negotiations between Jimmy Graham and the Saints will go to the eleventh hour, but it’s not entirely clear when the clock will strike as midnight, as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk explains.
- Re-signing punter Donnie Jones should be the easiest call for the Eagles this offseason, according to Phil Sheridan of ESPN.com.