FA Notes: Wisniewski, Lowery, Housler, Sam
One of the last of our top 50 free agents who is still without a deal, center Stefen Wisniewski has seen his market move slowly in part because he underwent shoulder surgery this offseason to repair a torn labrum. However, things may be picking up for the former Raider.
According to Albert Breer of the NFL Network (via Twitter), Wisniewski visited the Patriots earlier this week, and Adam Caplan of ESPN.com tweets that the center visited the Jaguars today. There’s no deal with either team in place yet, but it could just be a matter of time until Wisniewski find a new home.
Here’s more on Wisniewski and a few other free agents:
- The Vikings could use an interior lineman like Wisniewski, but Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities says (via Twitter) that Minnesota hasn’t expressed any interest in the veteran free agent.
- According to Breer (via Twitter), free agent safety Dwight Lowery visited the Colts this week. The last update on the Lowery front came two weeks ago, when he admitted the Falcons hadn’t shown a ton of interest in re-signing him.
- The Bengals are hosting tight end Rob Housler for a free agent visit on Thursday, writes Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. Tyler Eifert figures to take on a bigger role for Cincinnati in 2015 if he’s back to full health, but with Jermaine Gresham unlikely to return, the Bengals could use another tight end. Housler has also visited Atlanta and Baltimore, and received a contract offer from the Ravens.
- Tight end Emmanuel Ogbuehi, who spent time on the Browns‘ and Ravens‘ practice squads in 2014, is visiting the Vikings and Buccaneers this week, according to Wilson.
- The Montreal Alouettes hold Michael Sam‘s CFL rights, and general manager Jim Popp told Herb Zurkowsky of the Montreal Gazette this week that he believes his team has a “50/50” shot at signing the former Rams draftee.
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.
Minor Moves: Tuesday
Here are Tuesday’s minor transactions from around the NFL:
- The Cardinals have signed quarterback Chandler Harnish, the team announced today, per Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com. Harnish, who was cut by the Colts prior to the 2014 regular season, spent some time with the Vikings throughout the year. He figures to help shoulder the load during Arizona’s offseason workouts with Carson Palmer still on the mend.
- The Jaguars have waived fullback Bradie Ewing, leaving the team without a fullback on its roster, tweets Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com. Jacksonville’s primary fullback in 2014, Will Ta’ufo’ou, didn’t receive a contract tender from the team earlier in the month, making him an unrestricted free agent. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter), Toby Gerhart could see some time at the position in 2015.
- Former Arena League guard Michael Huey has signed with the Chargers, per Field Yates and Eric Williams of ESPN.com (via Twitter). San Diego also removed a pair of players from its roster, cutting center Jeff Baca and defensive lineman Chas Alecxih.
Poll: Best Major Free Agent Signing Of 2015?
A year ago, no free agent received more fully guaranteed money than the $20MM offensive tackle Branden Albert got from the Dolphins. However, this time around, several big-name players blew by that threshold, with eight players in total matching or surpassing $20MM in fully guaranteed money, per Over The Cap. Here’s the full list of those signees, along with the terms of their new deals:
- Ndamukong Suh, DT (Dolphins): Six years, $114.375MM. $59.955MM guaranteed.
- Darrelle Revis, CB (Jets): Five years, $70MM. $39MM guaranteed.
- Charles Clay, TE (Bills): Five years, $38MM. $24.5MM guaranteed.
- Jeremy Maclin, WR (Chiefs): Five years, $55MM. $22.5MM guaranteed.
- Byron Maxwell, CB (Eagles): Six years, $63MM. $22MM guaranteed.
- Devin McCourty, S (Patriots): Five years, $47.5MM. $22MM guaranteed.
- Julius Thomas, TE (Jaguars): Five years, $46MM. $21MM guaranteed.
- Kareem Jackson, CB (Texans): Four years, $34MM. $20MM guaranteed.
We’ll take a closer look in the coming weeks at how exactly these contracts stack up against one another, and which players made out the best, but for now, we’re just concerned with evaluating which teams made the best and worst decisions among this group.
What do you think? Is the $60MM in guaranteed salary for Suh a mistake for the Dolphins, or does his talent ensure that he’ll be well worth the money? Perhaps one of the other players on the list represents a more worthwhile investment for his team? Which of these players was the best major free agent signing of the offseason? Cast your vote below and let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
Which major free agent signing was the best?
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Darrelle Revis, Jets ($39MM guaranteed) 24% (299)
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Devin McCourty, Patriots ($22MM guaranteed) 23% (279)
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Ndamukong Suh, Dolphins ($59.955MM guaranteed) 16% (195)
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Jeremy Maclin, Chiefs ($22.5MM guaranteed) 12% (148)
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Byron Maxwell, Eagles ($22MM guaranteed) 10% (119)
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Julius Thomas, Jaguars ($21MM guaranteed) 7% (85)
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Charles Clay, Bills ($24.5MM guaranteed) 5% (67)
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Kareem Jackson, Texans ($20MM guaranteed) 3% (39)
Total votes: 1,231
AFC Notes: Welker, Colts, Jaguars, Draft
As Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk writes, there haven’t been any reports linking Wes Welker to any teams, which suggests the veteran free agent isn’t drawing much interest on the open market. Welker indicated earlier in the offseason that he has no plans to retire, despite a history of head injuries, but the Broncos don’t seem to be all that enthusiastic about a reunion, and the receiver’s injury history may be scaring off other potential suitors.
While we wait to see if April brings better news for Welker, let’s round up a few more items out of the AFC….
- Although they locked up veteran safety Mike Adams at the start of this year’s free agent period, the Colts remain on the lookout for more help at the position, writes Kevin Bowen of Colts.com. According to Bowen, the club is still “actively pursuing” another safety to help fortify the secondary.
- It’s only been a little more than two years since general manager Dave Caldwell assumed control of the Jaguars, but just seven players remain from the roster that he inherited in 2013, writes Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union.
- Speaking of those Jaguars, they likely won’t be all that active in free agency in the weeks leading up to next month’s draft, but Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union points to a few positions where the team may still consider veteran options, including center and wide receiver.
- Memphis cornerback Bobby McCain has had private workouts for the Patriots and the Colts, league sources tell Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. McCain projects as a probable late-round pick.
- Wilson also passes along an update on Indiana wide receiver Shane Wynn, reporting that Wynn has visits lined up with the Browns and Raiders. The Cleveland native ran the 40-yard dash in 4.23 seconds, making him one of the fastest players in this year’s draft class.
FA Rumors: Schaub, Barnes, Myers, Jaguars
The Raiders opted to replace Matt Schaub with Christian Ponder as their backup quarterback heading into 2015, releasing Schaub earlier this month. However, it doesn’t appear that the veteran signal-caller will be out of work for long. Per Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter), Schaub will likely sign a new deal this week. The Jets, Ravens, and Falcons are among the teams in the running to land him.
Let’s check in on a few other items related to free agents….
- Free agent offensive lineman Tim Barnes, who played center and guard for the Rams, is visiting the Chiefs today, according to Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (via Twitter). Kansas City already fortified its interior offensive line by acquiring Ben Grubbs from the Saints, but the team is looking for additional pieces, having lost a big one in center Rodney Hudson.
- Speaking of free agent centers, ex-Texans lineman Chris Myers is visiting the Seahawks today, a source tells Schefter (Twitter link). Seattle sent Max Unger to New Orleans earlier in March, and has been eyeing free agent centers, including Stefen Wisniewski.
- Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union takes a closer look at free agent wideout Greg Jennings to determine whether he’s a fit for the Jaguars.
- The Ravens aren’t necessarily done adding free agents, but there aren’t many noteworthy players still on the board at the positions they’d want to target. Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun examines some of the free agent options for the team at wide receiver, tight end, cornerback, and a couple other spots.
Extra Points: FAs, Bishop, Browns, Jennings
Free agency’s impact portion’s conclusion opens the door to early examinations of a star-studded — as of now, before new contracts are signed and franchise tags are applied — 2016 class. USA Today looks at a contingent that includes Eli Manning, Dez Bryant, Von Miller, A.J. Green and Marcell Dareus, among many other top-caliber performers.
The crop is high on pass-catchers and pass-rushers. Demaryius Thomas, particularly if the Broncos cannot get a deal done for Miller this offseason, becomes an interesting name, with Julio Jones and T.Y. Hilton joining Bryant and Green as No. 1 receiving options. Of the aforementioned wideouts, Thomas, who could be franchised for a second straight season, probably has the best chance of reaching the market, with Peyton Manning‘s waning career tied inextricably to his.
Aldon Smith, Justin Houston and Jason Pierre-Paul headline the edge-pursing group, with the disgruntled Houston likely facing a lengthy staredown with the Chiefs and Smith’s off-field issues potentially holding up his future with the 49ers.
With Russell Wilson‘s mega-contract forthcoming with the Seahawks, middle linebacker Bobby Wagner could become an intriguing name in next year’s class.
On to some additional news from Saturday night …
- Former Packers longtime second-level cog Desmond Bishop will visit the 49ers on Monday, reports Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com on Twitter. Reeling from retirements and injuries, the 49ers, who signed the 30-year-old San Francisco native in December after now-retired Chris Borland suffered a season-ending malady, have a need at the position. Bishop’s played both middle and outside linebacker in his eight-year career. The 49ers are also bringing in Lance Briggs for a visit Monday, as we noted earlier.
- The Browns are facing a future that may not include Alex Mack after the 2015 season, with the transition-tagged center having an opt-out clause in the contract he signed with the Jaguars before the Browns matched it last spring. Cleveland is likely to select a center or an interior lineman with versatility high in the draft, writes ESPNCleveland’s Tony Grossi. The All-Pro center cannot be traded in an NBA-style expiring-contract scenario since a no-trade clause resides in Mack’s contract to prevent such a move.
- Johnny Manziel and Connor Shaw are going to be the Browns‘ quarterback options this season, Grossi said, with the focus of adding a franchise-caliber signal-caller on the agenda for next offseason. Although the Browns may add a lower-tier prospect in the draft, Grossi noted the team won’t target Sam Bradford in a last-minute trade centered on the No. 19 pick they attempted to send to the Rams for him, instead preferring to use the two first-round picks as supplementary pieces.
- Miami (Ohio) University cornerback Quinten Rollins will visit the Browns, Cowboys, Lions and Panthers, Yahoo Sports’ Rand Getlin notes on Twitter. The 2014 MAC defensive player of the year (after a seven-interception season) despite playing just one year of college football has visits with 10 teams scheduled.
- Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union took a detailed look at Greg Jennings‘ 2014 film and points out the potential fit for the Jaguars. Jettisoned after two unremarkable Vikings years, the 31-year-old Jennings would be an upgrade in Jacksonville, which houses Allen Hurns and Marqise Lee — two of Pro Football Focus’ least-favorite receivers; subscription required — and a talented but coming-off-injury Allen Robinson as its top-3 targets.
- In a chat with readers, Dallas Morning News reporter Rainer Sabin does not expect the Cowboys to draft a quarterback this year and believes the team will replenish its lacking defense with the No. 27 overall pick, unless they feel the need to use the valuable slot to replace DeMarco Murray.
AFC Notes: Mariota, Clowney, Jaguars
Probably the most-discussed prospect during this year’s pre-NFL draft cycle, Marcus Mariota has drawn the interest from numerous teams who think they have a chance to either select him in the top 10 or move up to No. 2 to make the pick.
At No. 6, the Jets are doing their research. GM Mike Maccagnan and five additional “decision-makers” flew to Eugene, Ore., to work out the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, reports Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.
New coach Todd Bowles and offensive coordinator Chan Gailey joined the Jets’ contingent. Bowles noted earlier this week Geno Smith remains the Jets’ starter, but the former second-round pick has played wildly inconsistent football in two seasons.
Elsewhere around the AFC …
- Last year’s No. 1 pick and the most-hyped defender to come out of college this decade, Jadeveon Clowney is making “terrific progress” on his recovery from microfracture surgery, the Houston Chronicle’s John McClain reports. Clowney, who told McClain he couldn’t put weight on his right leg until around seven weeks transpired after his Dec. 2014 surgery, hopes to be back on the field by Texans training camp. But the microfracture procedure is one of the worst to undergo if the goal is a quick recovery, although Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce emerged to make an impact less than 12 months after an October 2013 procedure.
- The Jaguars are “almost certain” to take Florida defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. at No. 3 overall, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. opined to the Florida Times-Union‘s Hays Carlyon. As for the Jags’ second-round pick at No. 36: Kiper noted running backs Todd Gurley and Tevin Coleman (Indiana) before mentioning Texas A&M tackle Cedric Ogbuehi, a former projected first-rounder who sustained a torn ACL in the Liberty Bowl, as a possible wild-card choice, per the Times-Union. Ogbuehi played guard alongside 2013 Jags No. 2 overall selection Luke Joeckel with the Aggies in 2012. Kiper cites the Jaguars’ myriad additions in free agency providing flexibility in Round 2.
- The former coaches of the Jags’ marquee free agent signings, Julius Thomas, Davon House, Jermey Parnell and Dan Skuta, offered positive stances about their fits in Jacksonville, reports the Florida Times-Union’s Ryan O’Halloran.
- After helping the Ravens save more than $2MM in 2015 cap space, Lardarius Webb hopes to finish his career in Baltimore, reports the Baltimore Sun’s Aaron Wilson. The longtime Ravens corner can earn up to $18MM over the next three years thanks to $500K playing-time incentives in each of those prospective seasons. “Doing the restructure, I’m glad it helps the team financially to make more moves to make the team better,” Webb told Wilson. “It’s not easy losing great players like Torrey Smith, Haloti Ngata and Pernell McPhee, but this happens every year.”
AFC Mailbags: Jets, Steelers, Bengals, Colts, Jags
It’s Saturday mailbag time, and as free agency is coming to crawl, ESPN.com’s NFL writers are opening their mailbags and answering questions from readers. Here are some notes from the AFC:
- While the Jets have been linked to Marcus Mariota at six, Rich Cimini would be stunned if the team tried to trade up to get him.
- The Steelers released Hines Ward ago despite his legendary status in Pittsburgh, but are willing to wait for Troy Polamalu to decide for himself whether it is time to retire. The difference being this time around the team does not have any pressing salary cap issues that are being held up by the decision, according to Scott Brown.
- The Bengals signed Pat Sims, and fans want to know if the team will still add to their defensive line. Coley Harvey doesn’t think they will go that route early in the draft, writing that the signing likely indicates they will look to fill holes elsewhere in rounds one through three.
- The Colts have had one of the more miserable running back situations in the league over the past few seasons, due to injury, poor performance, and Trent Richardson. They will have a chance to put more assets toward the position in the draft, although Mike Wells hesitates to say which round the team will find a back deserving a draft pick.
- The Jaguars need to have an impactful draft class, and Michael DiRocco answers a number of questions in his mailbag regarding draft prospects. He writes that the he thinks the team would take Leonard Williams over Dante Fowler Jr. if both were available, that he would be surprised of Todd Gurley was available for them in round two, and that Randy Gregory’s positive marijuana test should scare them.
- The Texans were plagued for most of their existence with the inability to find a second receiver to complement Andre Johnson. In 2015, Johnson won’t be there anymore, and the team will now try to find a player to complement DeAndre Hopkins. The coaching staff values versatility, writes Tania Ganguli, and that could leave an “outside receiver” like DeVier Posey the odd man out.
- The Raiders made a choice to sign Dan Williams over Terrance Knighton, and Bill Williamson answers the simple question, why? Williamson writes the team saw Williams as a more reliable long-term option, with Knighton’s weight issues.
- The Chiefs signed Jeremy Maclin to add some firepower to a position group that failed to register a single touchdown catch in 2014. Still, the situation was desolate enough that Chiefs’ fans are still wondering if the team will target a wideout high in the draft. Adam Teicher writes that they could be interested in Davante Parker if he is available at No. 18, but the chances of taking Dorial Green-Beckham are diminished with Maclin in the fold.
Draft Notes: Gregory, Mariota, Flowers, Collins
News broke earlier this week that Nebraska defensive end Randy Gregory failed a drug test at last month’s combine, but there’s still no shortage of interest in the highly touted 22-year-old as the NFL draft approaches. According to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.Net (Twitter link), almost a half-dozen new teams have scheduled visits with Gregory since finding out about his failed drug test. Pauline names the Chargers and Steelers as a couple of clubs that will meet with Gregory, whom draft experts regard as a first-round talent.
Here’s more on several draft prospects and the teams interested in their services:
- Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News writes that Jets brass will head to Oregon on Saturday to work out quarterback Marcus Mariota. Representing the Jets will be general manager Mike Maccagnan, head coach Todd Bowles, offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, quarterbacks coach Kevin Patullo, director of college scouting Rex Hogan and director of player personnel Brian Heimerdinger. The Jets have the sixth overall selection in the draft and are in need of a franchise quarterback, but it’s not expected that Mariota will fall to their pick.
- Miami’s Ereck Flowers, who might be the first offensive tackle taken in this year’s draft, will visit the Buccaneers and Panthers, per Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com. Campbell writes that “all four NFC South teams are showing significant interest” in Flowers, who will also powwow with the Browns, Colts and Chargers.
- Michael DiRocco of ESPN tweets that LSU cornerback Jalen Collins will meet with the Jaguars.
- The Dolphins will host Michigan linebacker Jake Ryan on April 2, according to ESPN’s James Walker.
- Former Missouri wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham will visit the Titans sometime in April, Terry McCormick of TitansInsider.com reports.
- Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun tweets that the Browns will meet with Indiana center Collin Rahrig prior to his Pro Day workout.