AFC Notes: Dolphins, Dalton, Mack, Spikes
If the Eagles trade two-time Pro Bowl guard Evan Mathis prior to the season, it likely won’t be to the Dolphins – who have been a rumored candidate to land the 34-year-old – according to Drew Rosenhaus, Mathis’ agent. “We thought we had a trade with another team leading up to the draft. It was not the Dolphins,” Rosenhaus told the Joe Rose Show, according to Marc Sessler of NFL.com. “We’ve never really gotten close on a trade with the Dolphins.”
Here’s more on some other AFC clubs:
- Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton has become a much-maligned figure during his four years in Cincinnati, but Coley Harvey of ESPN.com doesn’t expect him to be in another uniform in the near future. Harvey notes that releasing Dalton doesn’t become particularly favorable for the Bengals until after 2018, when the six-year, $115MM extension he signed last year won’t have any dead money left on it. Even if Dalton struggles before then, the likelihood of the team cutting the cord is low because finding a replacement would be difficult and entering a rebuild isn’t on the horizon for Cincy.
- Browns center Alex Mack‘s contract has him in a unique situation, writes Tom Reed of Cleveland.com. The 29-year-old has both an opt-out clause in his contract, which he can take advantage of next offseason, and one that prevents the Browns from placing either the franchise or transition tag on him. Mack is mum about his future for the time being, saying that he’ll “talk about that at the end of the season,” but it might be difficult for the Browns to retain him if they don’t turn it around on the field. Since drafting Mack in 2009, the team hasn’t sniffed the playoffs. “I think I definitely want to win games,” Mack said. “It’s very important to me.”
- Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes left the team in acrimonious fashion last offseason and then signed a one-year contract with AFC East rival Buffalo. Back in New England after inking another one-year deal earlier this month, Spikes says he and head coach Bill Belichick are ready to put past drama behind them. “I think we’re both happy that I’m here and we were able to put things aside and let bygones be bygones,” Spikes said, according to Phil Perry of CSNNE.com. “We’re all moving forward. The 2015 season is right around the corner and we’re just trying, each and every day, to get better. I’m happy to be home.”
- The Ravens parted with longtime defensive staple Haloti Ngata earlier this offseason, trading him to Detroit, and it’s going to take a team effort (led by Timmy Jernigan and Brandon Williams) to replace the five-time Pro Bowl nose tackle, writes Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. For his part, Williams is confident the Ravens won’t be adversely affected by the loss of Ngata. “It tells me I just have to step up,” said Williams. “We have to do more. I accept the challenge, willingly, to get out there and do everything I have to do to be my best player, be my best self. And that goes for everybody else on the defensive line. We don’t need anybody to be Haloti. We just need everybody to be their best selves, and we’ll be fine.”
AFC East Notes: Buchanan, Bills, Dolphins
Here’s a look at a few Friday items from out of the AFC East:
- The Bills are hosting free agent outside linebacker Michael Buchanan on a free agent visit today, the team confirmed in a press release. Buchanan hasn’t played much since being drafted by the Patriots in the seventh round in 2013, but he made the most of his limited playing time in his rookie year, picking up a pair of sacks and recovering a fumble. The 24-year-od was waived by the Pats earlier this month.
- With the Bills preparing to move forward on contract talks with All-Pro defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, Mike Rodak of ESPN.com examines different ways the team could clear 2016 cap space in order to better accommodate an extension for Dareus.
- After Chris Chester was released by Washington earlier this week, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald explains why he thinks the Dolphins should be seriously considering the idea of signing the veteran guard. Salguero also suggests monitoring the statuses of Evan Mathis and Zane Beadles, who could become trade or release candidates, if they aren’t already.
East Notes: Hardy, Dolphins, Jets
Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel looked at the fine print of Ryan Tannehill‘s contract with the Dolphins and found that the total value is actually $95.3MM, not $96MM, as previously reported. The deal also protects the Dolphins in case they want to get out from under it. As Kelly notes, executive VP Dawn Aponte is keen on such protections, and that’s how they shed deals with Mike Wallace, Dannell Ellerbe, Philip Wheeler, Brian Hartline, Brandon Gibson, Randy Starks, Shelley Smith and Cortland Finnegan this offseason.
Here’s a look at the AFC and NFC East..
- In a recent chat, a reader asked Bob Sturm of The Dallas Morning News if he thinks the Cowboys will be able to afford Greg Hardy if he gets his suspension reduced and has a phenomenal (partial) season. If Hardy goes back to being a force who averages a sack per game, then he might price himself out of range for the Cowboys. Also, the presence of Randy Gregory might lessen their need for Hardy.
- There are several battles to watch on the Dolphins‘ roster, from jostling at the top of the depth chart to struggles over roster spots, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes. At offensive guard, free agent pickups J.D. Walton, Jeff Linkenbach and Jacques McClendon are likely viewed as depth, with McClendon in particular far from a cinch to make the roster. Running back is also a position to watch as LaMichael James and Mike Gillislee are gunning for the fourth RB spot, though it’s not guaranteed that Miami will carry three backs.
- The Jets‘ hiring of former Packers scout Lee Gissendaner is another great move by the team, Gil Brandt of NFL.com tweets. Gissendaner will serve as a national college scout for Gang Green.
East Notes: Cameron, Shanahan, Patriots
As teams prepare for Phase 3 offseason workouts next week, here are some notes from various NFL destinations.
- Among the players who switched workplaces this offseason, Jordan Cameron is one whose skill set could reshape his new team’s capabilities, writes Matt Bowen of Bleacher Report. One of 2013’s breakout tight ends to change teams this year, along with Julius Thomas and Charles Clay, Cameron’s ability to line up in the slot or out wide and outwork second- and third-level defenders in the red zone could open up the Dolphins‘ playbook, Bowen opines. Of course, Cameron basically sat out in 2014 thanks to injury setbacks, creating a buyer-beware aura that gives this potential a notable caveat. Jets safety Calvin Pryor also appears on Bowen’s list, with the strong safety looming as a strong candidate to line up at linebacker in passing-down sets under new coach Todd Bowles.
- Former Washington coach Mike Shanahan remains steadfast in his pro-Kirk Cousins stance, going so far as to say the fourth-year quarterback “will be a big-time player for a lot of years,” per CSNWashington.com’s summation of Shanahan’s radio interview with 106.7 The Fan’s Grant and Danny Show. Cousins is just 2-7 in his career as a starter, including a 1-4 sample last season when the former fourth-round pick completed 61.5% of his passes.
- The ex-Broncos coach wasn’t as complimentary of free-falling former rookie of the year Robert Griffin III, however, seemingly calling the fourth-year quarterback’s work ethic into question — in adjusting to a pro-style offense — rather than his health record. “He’s got arm strength. He’s a very bright guy,” Shanahan said on WJFK in Washington (as summarized by NFL.com’s Chris Wesseling). “But he hasn’t done things that the NFL asks you to do, and it does take some growing pains to go through that.” Of course, as Wesseling points out, the former coach separating injuries from Griffin’s developmental struggles serves as a convenient explanation, considering Shanahan isn’t blameless regarding Griffin’s injury history.
- Longtime Patriots analyst Tom Curran of CSNNE.com continued his criticism of Roger Goodell‘s handling of Deflategate, labeling the investigation as one-dimensional without going into sufficient detail on the NFL’s procedures in this area.
- In his look at the state of the Eagles going into OTAs, the Philadelphia Enquirer’s Jeff McLane thinks it would be a shock if first-round pick Nelson Agholor didn’t become the team’s second-most-utilized receiver behind Jordan Matthews this season. The Philadelphia writer also predicts more positional versatility from the corps, with Matthews’ 92% slot usage set to fall, especially with Chip Kelly‘s assertion Agholor can handle inside and outside work after pigeon-holing departing Jeremy Maclin as strictly an outside target.
AFC Quotes: Hickey, Chudzinski, Richardson
AFC Mailbags: Dolphins, Ravens, Jags, Colts
It’s Saturday, and that means ESPN.com’s NFL writers are opening their mailbags and answering questions from readers. Let’s start off with notes from the AFC…
- James Walker believes Dolphins coach Joe Philbin‘s job could be in jeopardy if his team doesn’t succeed this season. The team spent money to improve their roster during the offseason, and the writer believes owner Stephen Ross won’t have much patience for another subpar season.
- The Ravens certainly have the money to add another veteran to their squad, and Jamison Hensley thinks that’s a realistic possibility. The team will likely depend on their young players to compete for jobs, but the team could pursue an established player if any of those young players struggle. The writer points to wideout James Jones, running back Pierre Thomas, tight end Jermaine Gresham, defensive lineman Osi Umenyiora and defensive tackle Kevin Williams as the top available free agents.
- When asked which undrafted rookies could make the Jaguars 53-man roster, Michael DiRocco focuses on the team’s group of young linebackers (Thurston Armbrister, Matt Robinson and Todd Thomas). The writer cites the lack of depth at that position, nothing that one of the rookies could contribute as a backup linebacker/special teamer.
- If the Colts decide to keep four running backs, Mike Wells says the final spot will likely be between Vick Ballard and Zurlon Tipton. Frank Gore and Boom Herron have their spots locked down, and Wells believes sixth-round pick Josh Robinson has a good chance of sticking.
- When it comes to the Colts‘ wideouts, Wells says Griff Whalen is likely the odd man out. The team seemingly has six receivers ahead of Whalen on the depth chart, so Wells believes it’s a “long shot” for the former undrafted free agent to make the roster.
Extra Points: Michael Sam, Saints, Dolphins
Let’s look at some assorted notes from around the league…
- Michael Sam‘s deal with the Montreal Alouettes is for one year, but it does contain an option year for 2016, clarifies Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun reported earlier that Sam will earn $100K for 2015, and $150K for 16, well above the usual rate for CFL players.
- We heard earlier today that the Saints would be making some changes to their personnel department, and Mike Triplett of ESPN.com (Twitter link) confirms the firings have begun, as two area scouts have been let go.
- The Dolphins have locked up Ryan Tannehill, Mike Pouncey, and Ndamukong Suh in recent months, but the club’s attitude toward roster-building was forged in 2014, as GM Dennis Hickey explains to Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald.
Poll: Most Improved Revamped Contender?
Every team in the NFL has undergone changes to some extent this offseason, but some clubs have managed to maintain more continuity than others. Among the teams that have overhauled their rosters most significantly are three teams that just missed out on playoff spots by a game or two in 2014. The Eagles, Saints, and Dolphins have all seen major turnover at key spots on their rosters over the past few months.
In Philadelphia, Chip Kelly continues to allow standout offensive players to leave town, trading LeSean McCoy to the Bills and allowing Jeremy Maclin to walk in free agency. The Eagles also have a new starting quarterback (Sam Bradford) and landed the top running back (DeMarco Murray) and cornerback (Byron Maxwell) available in free agency.
While the Eagles’ biggest changes came in free agency, the Saints went the trade route, shipping out Jimmy Graham, Kenny Stills, and Ben Grubbs in separate deals. The team did add a few free agents, including running back C.J. Spiller and cornerback Brandon Browner, but New Orleans will be relying heavily on its rookie class, after having added extra picks in the first and third rounds.
As for the Dolphins, it’s no secret what their biggest offseason move was: Ndamukong Suh was the most noteworthy free agent to change teams in years, and he’s headed to Miami for the 2015 season. However, that was far from the only splash made by the Dolphins. The club also overhauled its wide receiving corps, acquiring Kenny Stills, signing Greg Jennings, and jettisoning veterans Mike Wallace, Brandon Gibson, and Brian Hartline. Ryan Tannehill will also have a new weapon at tight end, in former Brown Jordan Cameron.
As noted above, there are plenty of other teams – both playoff clubs and non-contenders – who underwent major roster changes in the offseason, but few overhauled their rosters as significantly as the Eagles, Saints, and Dolphins. Will that pay off for those teams in 2015? Which of these three teams do you think improved the most this offseason?
Which postseason contender improved the most by revamping its roster this offseason?
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Miami Dolphins 60% (524)
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Philadelphia Eagles 30% (263)
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New Orleans Saints 10% (83)
Total votes: 870
AFC East Notes: Dolphins, Tannehill, Pats
It remains to be seen how Jimmy Garoppolo will do when the Patriots are counting on him, but he looks pretty good throwing spirals on the beach. This week, Pats wide receiver Julian Edelman released video (YouTube link) of him training with the rising NFL sophomore in Los Angeles. While we wait to find out how many games Garoppolo will be starting under center, here’s a look at more from the AFC East..
- The Dolphins‘ new-look front office has new approach to contract negotiations, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald writes. Based on conversations he has had with agents, Salguero has found that Miami is doing business a different way. They’re no longer getting caught up in the weeds as much and there has been less antagonism in negotiations compared to the last regime. That includes the Ndamukong Suh and Ryan Tannehill deals, though the Charles Clay dealings are an exception to that.
- Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap took a closer look at Ryan Tannehill’s brand new contract with the Dolphins. Because of the inclusion of the fifth-year option from his rookie deal, Fitzgerald evaluates the pact as a five year deal rather than a six year one. Tannehill will earn significantly more than Dalton over the course of the deal but Miami is also well protected in the event that he needs to be released. What doesn’t work in the Dolphins favor, however, is the cap charges associated with the contract.
- Those bashing Patriots owner Robert Kraft should be ashamed of themselves, Gary Tanguay of CSNNE.com opines. Kraft could have long ago sold the Pats for much more than the $175MM he paid for them and if he had, there’s no telling where the franchise would have ended up.
East Notes: Tannehill, Spikes, Cowboys, Pats
While Ryan Tannehill‘s new contract with the Dolphins includes $45MM in guaranteed money, only $21.5MM of that amount is fully guaranteed, and $11.5MM of that amount comes in the form of a signing bonus, says Joel Corry of CBSSports.com (Twitter links). As Corry notes, the deal allows the team to pick up more than $4.5MM of much-needed cap relief for the 2016 season. However, even after taking into account Tanehill’s extension, Miami still has more money committed to ’16 contracts than any other team in the NFL.
Tom Pelissero of USA Today (Twitter link) passes along a few details on Tannehill’s contract as well, reporting that the quarterback’s cap hits for 2015 and 2016 are just $4.873MM and $11.64MM respectively. The cap numbers for the last four years of the deal are in the neighborhood of $20MM.
Here’s more from around the NFL’s two East divisions:
- Corry and Pelissero (Twitter links) also have the specifics on Brandon Spikes‘ one-year contract with the Patriots. The pact includes an $800K base salary, $200K in per-game roster bonuses, a $50K workout bonus, a $25K signing bonus, and a $25K Week 1 bonus, along with up to $900K in playing-time incentives. In total, the contract can be worth a max of $2MM.
- We heard earlier this morning that Ben Tate is working out for the Cowboys, but he’s not the only player auditioning for the team today. Rob Phillips of DallasCowboys.com tweets that the Cowboys are working out a group of running backs and wideouts, while Bryan Broaddus of DallasCowboys.com (Twitter link) hears that Felix Jones is also a part of that group.
- Several sources tell Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report that, while the league will deny that any sort of agreement is in place, Robert Kraft‘s decision not to appeal the Patriots‘ DeflateGate penalties was a calculated business move, and those sources think it will have an impact on Tom Brady‘s appeal. One owner also tells Freeman that Roger Goodell had “strong support from many owners” regarding the discipline levied on the Pats, and Kraft almost certainly wouldn’t have won an appeal anyway.
- The Giants confirmed today in a press release that tackle Will Beatty underwent surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle, and will be sidelined for five or six months. Here are more details on that story.