East Notes: Jets, Washington, Thomas, Fins
Speaking on a conference call today with season ticket holders, Jets GM Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles offered up a few interesting tidbits, as Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com noted on Twitter. The GM indicated that he likes the No. 6 spot in the draft because it gives the team plenty of flexibility to trade up or down. Addressing the draft, Maccagnan also hinted that the Jets wouldn’t mind picking an offensive lineman at some point, while Bowles praised the depth of the rookie running back class — although the team likes Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell, adding one more back could be a priority.
Here’s more on the Jets, via Cimini, along with a few other items from out of the NFL’s two East divisions:
- Maccagnan also suggested he expects to address Muhammad Wilkerson‘s contract this offseason, with the expectation that the star defensive lineman will remain a Jet for the long term. Meanwhile, Bowles said he’d like to have another quarterback competing with Geno Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Matt Simms.
- It would be surprising if Washington doesn’t add at least one more running back to its roster through free agency or the draft, writes John Keim of ESPN.com. According to Keim, the team has expressed interest in veteran free agent Pierre Thomas, but will likely wait to see how the draft plays out before moving any further with the former Saint.
- As the Dolphins consider adding receiving depth, they aren’t just eyeing draft prospects — they’re also taking a look at a pair of players who went undrafted in recent years. According to Aaron Wilson of the National Post, the club is working out former Boise State wideout Geraldo Boldewijn and trying out former Raiders receiver Thomas Mayo. Boldewijn spent camp with the Falcons last year, while Mayo was a participant in last month’s veterans combine.
- Wilson also tweets that Florida State wideout Christian Green is working out privately for the Eagles today in Tallahassee.
FA Notes: Ravens, Paysinger, Fins, Bengals
The Ravens have accumulated more compensatory draft picks than any other NFL team over the past two decades, and Peter King of TheMMQB.com notes (via Twitter) that the Matt Schaub signing this week is a good example of how the team does it. Schaub, who was cut by the Raiders, won’t count toward the compensatory draft pick formula, but former backup Tyrod Taylor, whose contract expired, will count toward that formula. In other words, by swapping out one backup QB for another, the club could net a seventh-round comp next year.
Here are a few more notes on free agency, including some updates on players who remain unsigned:
- The Dolphins are hosting free agent linebacker Spencer Paysinger for a visit today, reports Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald (via Twitter). Paysinger, who has spent his first four NFL seasons with the Giants, was a regular contributor on defense in 2013, but returned to a backup and special teams role last season.
- Quarterback Josh Johnson, who spent a good chunk of the 2014 season with the 49ers, is visiting the Bengals today, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (via Twitter). La Canfora notes that Johnson’s athleticism and experience in different offensive systems should bode well for his chances of signing with Cincinnati or another team.
- As shown by their apparent interest in veteran guard Dan Connolly, the Buccaneers haven’t given up on the idea of signing an interior offensive lineman in free agency, tweets Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune. It’s not clear yet if the Bucs will shift their focus to another veteran if they don’t land Connolly, or if they’ll simply wait and address the spot in the draft.
- Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times wonders if the NFL’s decision to move up a key free agency date from June 1 to May 12 will affect the Seahawks‘ pursuit of a veteran center.
East Notes: Romo, Dolphins, Jets
The Cowboys threw caution to the wind by converting 94% of Tony Romo‘s $17MM base salary into bonus money and they had good reasons to do so, Rainer Sabin of The Dallas Morning News writes. The accounting maneuver opened up $12.8MM in cap space in 2015, allowing the team to sign its draft picks, make other transactions in the future, and absorb the incentive-laden contract attached to Greg Hardy. Unfortunately, the Cowboys will have to deal with the consequences of that in future seasons. Here’s more out of the East divisions..
- The Dolphins will consider UCF wide receiver Breshad Perriman and Louisville wide receiver DeVante Parker at No. 14, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Amari Cooper (Alabama) and Kevin White (West Virginia) obviously would warrant consideration if either slips to 14, but that isn’t expected to happen.
- Kevin Sherrington of The Dallas Morning News doesn’t see the Cowboys trading for Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. He reasons that if Dallas was unwilling to give $8MM a year to DeMarco Murray, a 27-year-old running back who just put up 1,845 yards, they wouldn’t give a deal like that to someone three years older.
- With Nick Bellore still floating in free-agent limbo, the Jets had no experienced backups behind David Harris and Demario Davis, which made the signing of linebacker Jamari Lattimore a logical move for them, Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com writes. Lattimore also figures to be a factor on special teams. In 49 career games, all with the Packers, he has two sacks and one interception.
- The Cowboys‘ secondary hasn’t been adequately addressed this offseason, Sherrington opines.
Draft Notes: Raiders, Williams, Winston
Peter King of The MMQB doesn’t believe in mock drafts, but today he gave us his “best guess” draft. Going by “the look in coach Ken Whisenhunt’s eyes when he talked about the pick last week at the league meetings,” King projects that the Titans will take Marcus Mariota at No. 2 after Jameis Winston is taken with the top pick. After that, he rounds out the top five with the Jaguars taking Florida outside linebacker Dante Fowler at No. 3, the Raiders selecting USC defensive tackle Leonard Williams at No. 4, and Washington taking West Virginia wide receiver Kevin White at No. 5, before trading him to the Rams for the No. 10 and 72 picks. Here’s a look at today’s draft news..
- The Raiders are high on Williams and could trade up to land him, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link). Oakland is in the pivot spot at No. 4 and although people have pegged them to land a wide receiver, they want the USC superstar and fear that he’ll be gone by No. 3. If they can’t get up land him, Cole says that they could move back to still take White or Amari Cooper while adding another asset.
- The NFL is still concerned about Winston’s maturity, according to Cole (video link). King (on Twitter) adds that the Bucs have done major homework on the FSU star. Their private eyes have interviewed more than 75 people in Winston’s past.
- Winston isn’t the only FSU product tied to the Buccaneers. Guard Josue Matias said he is scheduled to visit the Bucs next week as well, as Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com writes. Matias is viewed by draft experts as a second- or third-round pick. The Bucs, meanwhile, have a glaring need at right guard and their offensive line was one of the worst in the NFL in 2014.
- Former South Carolina guard A.J. Cann is drawing a ton of pre-draft interest, Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports tweets. Right now, Cann has visits and/or workouts scheduled with 14 different teams. Getlin adds that the Ravens, Saints, Vikings, and Buccaneers are among the teams the young lineman will meet with (link).
- South Carolina running back Mike Davis would be a great fit for the Patriots and Matt Miller of Bleacher Report (on Twitter) hears that he indeed has a visit lined up with them.
- Albany tight end Brian Parker will work out for the Eagles and visit the Bengals, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Parker has also drawn interest from the Vikings, Bills, and Seahawks. The 6-foot-4, 260-pounder caught 39 passes for 500 yards and five touchdowns last season.
- The Buccaneers worked out Idaho defensive lineman Quayshawne Buckley on Wednesday, according to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (via Twitter). Pauline describes him as a sleeper and a strong fit for Tampa Bay’s system.
- University of Miami tight end Clive Walford has visits or workouts lined up with the Saints, Falcons, Dolphins, 49ers, Ravens, Chiefs, and Buccaneers, according to Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel (via Twitter).
Stevan Ridley Visiting Jets
A day after paying a visit to the Dolphins, free agent running back Stevan Ridley will continue his AFC East tour by heading to New York today to meet with the Jets, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
Ridley, 26, is returning from a season-ending knee injury and appears unlikely to sign with the Patriots, with whom he has spent his first four NFL seasons. His best season in New England came in 2012, when he rushed for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns as the team’s feature back. Fumbling problems, injuries, and Bill Belichick‘s habit of rotating running backs limited Ridley’s production over the last two seasons.
The Jets re-signed Bilal Powell earlier this offseason, and also have Chris Ivory atop their running back depth chart, but could still use some help at the position. Ivory, who had a career-high 198 carries in 2014, probably isn’t the type of player who will carry a DeMarco Murray-esque load, so a healthy Ridley might be a nice complement for the Jets’ starter.
Ridley has also been linked to the Cowboys and Vikings at various times in free agency, but based on his visits this week, it appears very possible that he’ll remain in the AFC East.
East Rumors: Pats, Dolphins, Boykin, Eagles
While linebacker Rolando McClain opted to return to Dallas, re-signing with the Cowboys today, the Patriots made a competitive offer to the former eighth overall pick. According to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald (via Twitter), New England offered McClain a $4MM contract that was structured similarly to the Dallas deal, which has a $3MM base and $1MM in incentives. If the money was equal, McClain likely made his decision based on the familiarity of the Cowboys’ system, as well as the opportunity for more playing time.
Here’s more from around the NFL’s two East divisions:
- There’s a chance the Dolphins make a trade to acquire either a veteran guard or cornerback right before or during the draft, writes Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. According to Salguero, one potential cornerback target is Brandon Boykin, whom the Eagles are said to be willing to trade. Evan Mathis is another possible trade option for Miami, with Philadelphia reportedly open to considering a deal for just about anyone if the price is right.
- Speaking of Eagles trades, safety Malcolm Jenkins says he and his teammates weren’t too shocked by the team’s decision to send LeSean McCoy to the Bills last month. “You look at the style of runner that Chip [Kelly] wants in his offense and even though Shady is one of the best backs in the league, he’s not necessarily what Chip is looking for all the time,” Jenkins said, per NFL.com. “Chip thinks he’s a great running back, he knows his talent is there, but our (system) is really predicated on downhill, somebody who is going to hit the hole every time.”
- The Eagles hosted UCLA edge defender Owamagbe Odighizuwa for a pre-draft visit yesterday, a source tells Tim McManus of PhillyMag.com (Twitter link).
Dolphins Notes: Thomas, Draft, Trusnik
Dolphins safety and special-teamer Michael Thomas met with coaches and formally signed his contract tender with the team this morning, according to Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald (via Twitter). There was no doubt that Thomas would be back, since he was an exclusive rights free agent and couldn’t negotiate with other teams, but he’s now officially under contract, and the club expects “big things” from him in 2015, says Beasley.
Here’s more on the Dolphins, courtesy of Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald:
- A team source tells Jackson that Auburn receiver Sammie Coates and USC wideout George Farmer are among the prospects being flown in to meet with Dolphins coaches and executives this month. Miami acquired Kenny Stills in a trade with the Saints last month, but Stills alone won’t replace Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline, and Brandon Gibson, so the team remains in the market for receiving help.
- Clemson outside linebacker Vic Beasley doesn’t look like a good bet to fall to the No. 14 pick, but the Dolphins have scheduled a visit with him anyway, says Jackson.
- Miami’s Phillip Dorsett and Florida State’s Rashad Greene are among the receivers the Dolphins have invited to audition for them on their local day on April 10. According to Jackson, FSU tight end Nick O’Leary won’t be in attendance that day due to a scheduling conflict, but he’ll meet with team execs and coaches on April 9 instead.
- Louisville cornerback Charles Gaines and Minnesota safety Cedric Thompson are among the defensive backs slated to visit the Dolphins, per Jackson. The club also intends to audition Miami middle linebacker Denzel Perryman, and sent linebackers coach Mark Duffner to Clemson to work out potential second-round pick Stephone Anthony.
- According to Jackson, the Dolphins didn’t show any interest in retaining linebacker and special-teamer Jason Trusnik, who signed yesterday with the Panthers.
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.
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
Stevan Ridley Visiting Dolphins
Having already seen one of their free agent running backs – Shane Vereen – join a Giants team that has denied them multiple Super Bowl victories within the last decade, the Patriots may now see their other notable free agent back head to a division rival. According to James Walker of ESPN.com, Stevan Ridley is paying a visit to the Dolphins today.
Miami is in the market for some backfield help, with veteran back Knowshon Moreno facing free agency and unlikely to return to the team. Lamar Miller, who ran for nearly 1,100 yards in 2014, is expected to head into the coming season as the team’s No. 1 back, but Ridley would provide a nice complement to Miller, assuming he can stay healthy and avoid the fumbling problems that have occasionally plagued him in the past.
Ridley, 26, is returning from a season-ending knee injury, so a physical exam will likely be a significant part of his visit to Miami, assuming the Dolphins are interested in signing him. Ridley’s best season in New England came in 2012, when he rushed for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns as the team’s feature back. Fumbling problems, injuries, and Bill Belichick‘s habit of rotating running backs limited Ridley’s production over the last two seasons.
Ridley has reportedly received some interest from the Vikings and Cowboys this month, but Minnesota’s interest hinges on whether or not Adrian Peterson will return to the club, and Dallas was linked to Ridley before the team signed Darren McFadden. A report last week indicated that Ridley would likely sign a deal fairly soon with a team besides New England.