Extra Points: Kaepernick, Jones, Houston, Wilcox
The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin writes that Collin Kaepernick’s new contract is not nearly as large as it seems. As our own Luke Adams thoroughly outlined earlier this week, Kaepernick is only truly guaranteed the amount of his signing bonus combined with the NFL minimum that he is set to make next season: $12.973MM-a figure well short of the recent guaranteed money recently given to Aaron Rodgers ($54MM), Matt Ryan ($42MM), and Tony Romo ($40MM) . Over the next three seasons total, Kaepernick will essentially be guaranteed $44MM, a figure that falls short of future three-year earnings of both Joe Flacco ($62MM) and Jay Cutler ($47MM). Kaepernick will need to earn the vast majority of the quoted $126MM total value of the contract on the gridiron. Here are some other news bits from around the league:
- Former Alabama star lineman Barrett Jones is ready to compete to become the primary interior swingman for the Rams after losing most of his rookie season to injury, writes Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com. Jones will figure to become the Rams‘ long-term starter at center.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times thinks that arrival of Jared Allen bodes very well for fellow recent Bears‘ free agent acquisition Lamarr Houston.
- Brandon George from the Sports Day DFW projects that expectations will be high for second year safety J.J. Wilcox, who George has penciled in to start for the Cowboys alongside Barry Church heading into the 2014-2015 Season.
- Eagles‘ nose tackle Bennie Logan added 10 additional pounds to his frame this offseason, bringing his playing weight to 317-319 pounds, writes Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer. While Logan is still lighter than the average NFL nose tackle’s average weight, he thinks that his size is ideal for the Eagles’ particular defensive schemes.
Sunday Roundup: Sims, ‘Skins, Clausen
Let’s swing around the league to round up some links this afternoon:
- Yesterday, we posted a tweet from Chris McCosky of the Detroit News indicating that guard Rob Sims wanted to reach an extension with the Lions, and today McCosky has published a full-length piece on Sims’ hopes to avoid free agency.
- Rich Tandler of RealRedskins.com writes that the Redskins will probably carry nine offensive linemen this season (they carried eight in 2013), and he also examines the team’s punter battle.
- Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com notes that the 49ers have $5.725MM in cap space after the Colin Kaepernick extension, the Blake Costanzo signing, and the post-June 1 removal of Carlos Rogers‘ salary from the books. However, Maiocco writes that there is no indication the team is close to new deals with any players seeking extensions.
- Bill Williamson of ESPN.com believes Jonathan Baldwin has no chance of making the 49ers roster as a receiver.
- Head coach Marc Trestman says that the Bears‘ signing of Jimmy Clausen has nothing to do with the performance of Jordan Palmer, according to Blake Schuster of the Chicago Tribune.
- Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (subscription required) looks at five pressing questions facing the Rams this summer.
- Greg Gabriel of the National Football Post finishes his list of the top second-and third-round draft choices from last month’s draft to keep an eye on in 2014.
- Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com, in response to a reader who wondered if Jets GM John Idzik did not pursue a No. 1 receiver this offseason because of the talent that could be available in the 2015 free agent class of receivers, writes that newly-acquired Eric Decker is, and will be, the No. 1 guy in New York. Cimini appears to imply that the Jets will not be active in the elite wide receiver market next season.
- Mike DiRocco of ESPN.com examines the Jaguars‘ salary cap situation in 2014 and how much of their $28.4MM in cap space they might roll over into 2015.
NFC Notes: Falcons, Shembo, Bostic, Sherrod
“Our sub defense is our base defense because we play it 65 percent of the snaps,” Falcons head coach Mike Smith tells Daniel Cox of atlantafalcons.com. And while defensive coordinator Mike Nolan’s unit is multiple and versatile, he wants players to be dependable at one job first and foremost, particularly in the secondary: “I would like that back end to be set with guys that are really good at one position. I’d rather have a specific guy right now than a jack-of-all trades. When you get to the front, the jack-of-all trades really becomes a little bit more valuable because when you’re attacking protections…or going from 3-4 to 4-3, those looks, that’s where you want it to be a little bit more versatile.”
Here’s some more morning NFC links:
- ESPN’s Vaughn McClure relays brief quotes from Nolan on his defensive rookies, including fourth-rounder Prince Shembo, who will be used at inside linebacker despite playing outside at Notre Dame.
- Bears outside linebacker Jon Bostic struggled during his rookie season, but the team thinks the second-year pro will be better as the defense moves away from a base cover-2 scheme, writes Adam Jahns in the Chicago Sun-Times. “I feel a lot more comfortable this year, especially with all the changes to the defense,” said Bostic. “A lot of the changes that we did make, it’s a lot more natural for me. I can play how I’ve been taught literally from little league to high school to college to now. It’s back to playing how I used to.”
- Packers 2011 first-rounder Derek Sherrod, who went through the off-season program healthy for the first time, faces a make-or-break season after the team declined his fifth-year option, notes ESPN’s Rob Demovsky in his Saturday mailbag.
- The Seahawks starting linebackers — Bobby Wagner, K.J. Wright and Malcolm Smith — will combine to make approximately$2.86MM in base salary next season, notes Todd Dybas of the News Tribune.
- “If you think [Redskins receiver] Santana Moss is a goner come September, think again,” says Rich Tandler of CSN Washington.
- The Rams are converting defensive lineman Mason Brodine, who spent two seasons on the practice squad, to tight end, per Joe Lyons of the Post-Dispatch.
Extra Points: Bryant, Sam, Fluker
When Cowboys‘ superstar Dez Bryant hits free agency, he wants to be paid like one of the top five receivers in the NFL. Shaun O’Hara and Willie McGinest of the NFL Network argued over whether the young wideout is deserving of that payday, transcripted by DallasNews.com.
Here are some other notes from around the NFL:
- Rams‘ seventh-round pick Michael Sam has had no issues fitting in with the team, according to USAToday. Sam, the first openly gay NFL player, had nothing but great things to say about his teammates. “They respect me as a human being,” said Sam. “And as a football player.”
- Chargers‘ offensive tackle D.J. Fluker is eyeing the Pro Bowl in his sophomore season, writes Michael Gehlken of UTSanDiego.com. Fluker has been boxing to get into shape this offseason, and is poised to avoid decline in his second year.
- Texans‘ head coach Bill O’Brien plans on using three tight ends in his offense, and will give all of them a chance to shine, writes Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle. O’Brien started the tight end trend with the pairing of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez in New England, and could continue to see success with the Garrett Graham, Ryan Griffin and rookie C.J. Fiedorowicz.
Sam Bradford Throws At Rams’ OTAs
Sam Bradford‘s rehabilitation from a knee injury last season is moving along quickly, as the quarterback took part in 7-on-7 drills at Rams’ OTAs earlier today, writes Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Bradford also participated in some 11-on-11 drills, specifically the two-minute drill. He was not expected to be involved in the full team drills.
Bradford took the field wearing a knee brace to protect his injury as he continues to rehab, but he looked sharp throwing the football, writes Thomas. He had good velocity on his throws, completing an array of passes including an impressive deep out to Justin Veltung.
He also threw two touchdown passes during the 7-on-7 period, to tight end Jared Cook and wide receiver Austin Pettis, and showed some mobility moving in the pocket.
“Obviously, it’s good having Sam back just for team morale and everything,” said Pettis. “Sam is one of the better players on this team clearly, and he’s a leader out there, especially on the offensive side. So just having him back in the huddle, we’re kind of more in our comfort zone. . .and we’re able to click a little bit better. Him being back, especially as soon as he has, is definitely a positive for everyone.”
NFC Notes: Giants, Cassel, 49ers, Eagles
A former Packers tight end will work out for the Giants next week, but it’s not the player voted the best remaining free agent by PFR readers last month. Tom Crabtree, not Jermichael Finley, will audition for the Giants, a source tells Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger. Crabtree’s stint with the Buccaneers came to a premature end after an injury-plaged 2013 season, but the tight end is healthy now, according to Orr’s source. While the 28-year-old has never provided consistent production as a pass-catcher, he did make several big plays for the Packers in 2012, racking up 203 receiving yards and three TDs on just eight receptions.
Here’s more from around the NFC:
- When Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner held the same job with the Browns a year ago, he wanted Cleveland to sign Matt Cassel. The Browns ultimately went with the cheaper Jason Campbell instead, but Turner will get his chance to work with Cassel in Minnesota this season, writes Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
- In the view of Joel Corry of CBSSports.com, Colin Kaepernick‘s extension shouldn’t prevent the 49ers from locking up other key players, but it may create less margin for error in the club’s roster decisions.
- In taking an in-depth look at the Eagles‘ quarterback situation, Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer explores how much Nick Foles may get paid on his next contract and suggests Mark Sanchez looks like the favorite for the No. 2 job over Matt Barkley.
- Based on pre-draft assurances from head coach Jeff Fisher and GM Les Snead, Sam Bradford was able to brush off the Johnny Manziel rumors surrounding the Rams last month, as the quarterback tells Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
- Mike Tanier of Sports on Earth tries to make sense of the Panthers‘ moves over the last several months in his piece breaking down the team’s offseason.
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.“
NFC Notes: Goodwin, Saints, 49ers, Giants
The Saints may have landed their new starting center in free agency this week, and it’s a familiar face — Jonathan Goodwin, who is back for his second stint with the club, recognizes that it’s rare to return to a team later down the line, but had always hoped to retire as a Saint, tweets Larry Holder of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. According to Katherine Terrell of the Times-Picayune (Twitter link), head coach Sean Payton confirmed that the Saints waited until June to sign Goodwin in order to avoid him being linked to future draft pick compensation.
Here’s a little more on Goodwin, as well as several other updates from around the NFC:
- Goodwin’s one-year deal with the Saints is a minimum salary benefit contract, but it includes $125K in guaranteed money, per Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). Goodwin received a $65K signing bonus in addition to $60K in guaranteed money on his base salary.
- Before he signed a contract extension to remain in New Orleans, Pierre Thomas thought his days with the Saints were coming to an end, as he admits to Christopher Dabe of the Times-Picayune.
- Investing heavily in Colin Kaepernick would’ve reduced the 49ers‘ leverage in contract negotiations with coach Jim Harbaugh, since the head coach played such a significant role in picking and developing Kaepernick, writes Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. However, since San Francisco has some flexibility to get out of Kaepernick’s deal if need be, that should give the club some flexibility in regard to Harbaugh too.
- Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap takes a closer look at Kaepernick’s extension and wonders if Robert Griffin III could eventually ink a similar contract, since the two signal-callers play a somewhat similar style of quarterback.
- The latest Read Option column from Dan Pompei of Bleacher Report includes several interesting tidbits, including items on Greg Robinson‘s current and future position with the Rams and the Packers‘ reasoning for selecting Davante Adams in the second round over other available wideouts.
- Addressing the team’s decision to cut safety Will Hill following his latest suspension, Giants head coach Tom Coughlin told reporters, including Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News (Twitter link), “When you run a business you have to be able to rely on people to be there when you need them.”
Poll: First Team To Move?
When the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers sold for $2 billion last month, you can rest assured that the NFL league office was hearing cash register noises. It has been nearly 20 years since America’s No. 1 professional sports league has occupied the country’s No. 2 media market, but it seems increasingly likely that they’ll get back to the home of The Doors in the next few years. The league’s ventures into London are also starting to bear fruit and the idea of putting a team in the Europe has a lot of influential supporters, including Falcons owner Arthur Blank. And while it’s long-term profitability may be debatable, Toronto looms large as a possible NFL city with the Bills just over the border.
Business is booming, but it’s hard to imagine that the league will expand beyond 32 teams. As Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk wrote yesterday, there’s already a dearth of capable quarterbacks and that pool will get paper thin in a 34 team league. That leaves relocation as the answer, and Florio ran down the five candidates to go elsewhere.
The Bills, who can’t leave Western New York until after the 2020 season thanks to the work of late owner Ralph Wilson, are the first team listed. Ownership groups from different regions have lined up, including Jon Bon Jovi’s Toronto contingent, but that ironclad contract will keep them in place for some time. The Jaguars are playing in London once per year through 2016, but owner Shad Khan has been vocal about his commitment to Jacksonville. The Raiders could move as soon as after the 2014 season thanks to their stadium situation, though it’s unclear if the league wants owner Mark Davis to take the team out of Oakland. The Chargers have said that they want to remain in San Diego, but Florio still lists them as an L.A. possibility and raises the idea of them doing a Jets/Giants-type split with another tenant. Finally, the Rams‘ lease allows them to leave pretty much whenever they feel like it and the allure of an L.A. return must be strong.
So, if you had to call it now, which team would you say will be on the move first? (If you choose “another team,” let us know which one in the comment section.)
Who Will Be The First NFL Team To Move?
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Rams 27% (196)
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Jaguars 24% (174)
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Raiders 22% (156)
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Bills 10% (70)
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None of these teams will move in the next 10 years 10% (69)
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Chargers 6% (44)
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Another Team 2% (12)
Total votes: 721
Poll: Will L.A. Or London Get An NFL Team First?
The NFL is already a multi-billion dollar industry, and its growth doesn’t figure to slow down any time soon. The next logical step in its progression figures to involve placing a franchise in a foreign city, such as London, or a major, currently NFL-free American metropolis like Los Angeles, which has been without an NFL team since the Raiders moved to Oakland in 1995.
One regular season game has been played each year in London since 2007, and Falcons owner Arthur Blank tells Peter King of TheMMQB.com that this could be a precursor to moving a team to Europe full-time:
“I think it will lead to [a team]. I think it will start with an increased number of games. That will be translated into a very successful series of games, and eventually, I think a franchise. And maybe more than one. London’s a big city … I think eventually having that many games says that we really are playing a season in London, so we probably ought to have a team here. I think it will be a natural progression to a team.”
Blank also told King that he believes there will be “one or more teams” in L.A. in the near future. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross agrees, telling the Wall Street Journal’s Kevin Clark last week that he sees a team in L.A. “within five years” (Twitter link).
Along the same lines, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk examined which teams could be moved to London or L.A., and listed the Bills (who cannot move until 2020), the Jaguars (who will play one game in London through 2016), and the Raiders, Rams, and Chargers, each of whom has been headquartered in L.A at one time.
I think that L.A. is the likelier destination for an NFL franchise. A London-based team would cause all sorts of logistical nightmares for teams, and it makes much more sense to place a team in the second-largest city in the United States. What do you think? Will L.A. or London get a franchise first?
Which city will get an NFL franchise first?
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Los Angeles 87% (428)
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London 13% (65)
Total votes: 493