AFC East Links: McCoy, Patriots, Dolphins
One of the more surprising offseason moves has been the LeSean McCoy trade. The running back was traded to the Bills earlier in the month, and the two sides soon came to an agreement on an extension. Meanwhile, the Eagles replaced McCoy with a pair of big names, DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews.
McCoy did not mince words when he was asked about the Eagles‘ offseason strategy. In fact, while appearing on the The Rich Eisen Show, the 26-year-old touched on Chip Kelly‘s willingness to pay new running backs, but not one of their stars (via Sheil Kapadia of PhillyMag.com):
“I thought about that a little bit,” he said. “I didn’t understand it. I should say that. And Chip I think is a really good coach. I think this is something different for him kind of managing both, from being a coach to now kind of managing the team as far as the players that they get and they pay.
“I saw that they originally were trying to get Frank Gore, and he backed out. So then when they got DeMarco and they got Ryan Mathews, I thought it was like a panic move. With that media in Philadelphia, they can get tough on you. So I guess that was just the way to make it right. I don’t know. I can’t really answer it. They took two backs to replace one. I think DeMarco’s a hell of a back. I think he’ll do a good job there. I’m not sure how that went.”
Let’s take a look at some more notes from the AFC East…
- Defensive end Jabaal Sheard has plenty of reasons to be excited. Not only did he sign a two-year, $11MM contract with the Patriots, but he also went from a non-playoff team to a Super Bowl contender. “Coming from a not-so-good program to a great program that has been winning and doing well, I’ve just been excited,” Sheard told Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. “I want to win in the league, and I want to be part of a great organization. That was a big part of me signing.”
- Another new member of the Patriots, tight end Scott Chandler, is thrilled about the opportunity to compete for a championship. “I’ve been playing for a while, and I wanted to be a part of an organization that has a pretty good chance to win,” said Chandler (via Howe). “Mr. (Robert) Kraft and coach Belichick have done an amazing job of not only creating that but sustaining it for a long period of time. I’m looking forward to going into this year and doing whatever I can to be a part of that.”
- Dolphins safety Louis Delmas re-signed with the organization yesterday, and the 27-year-old revealed that he’s quickly recovering from his season-ending ACL tear. “The knee is great,” Delmas said (via ESPN.com’s James Walker). “My doctors and my training staff have been doing a great job of managing me and making sure I’m doing everything protocol-wise to be able to play the first game of the season…I definitely know that I will be ready for the first game of the season.”
Draft Notes: Rowe, Carter, Anthony
As teams are setting up their draft boards, many are meeting with prospects to try to learn as much as they can as they prepare for the 2015 NFL Draft.
Here are a few prospects that have visited with organizations, with new updates added to the top:
- The Dolphins will host Utah defensive back Eric Rowe, reports Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. Rowe projects as either a cornerback or a safety depending on which team drafts him, and with good size and speed he could be a impact player later in the draft. Wilson also writes that Rowe will meet with the Ravens, Lions, Buccaneers, and Texans.
- The Ravens met with Sacramento State receiver DeAndre Carter, writes Wilson. Carter was the top receiver in FCS competition last year, catching 99 passes for over 1,300 yards and 17 touchdowns on his way to becoming a first-team All American selection.
- The Saints worked out Clemson linebacker Stephone Anthony, writes Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (via Twitter). Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, linebackers coach Joe Vitt, and assistant general manager Jeff Ireland met with Anthony.
AFC Notes: Delmas, Broncos, Steelers
Some notes from the AFC on Friday.
- Re-signed to a one-year contract by the Dolphins on Friday, safety Louis Delmas is ahead of schedule in rehabbing a torn ACL, reports ESPN’s James Walker. Delmas is confident he’ll be ready for Week 1 to start in Miami for the second straight season.
- Prior to Jacob Tamme committing to the Falcons and Mitch Unrein deciding to sign with the Chargers on Thursday, the Broncos attempted to bring both back, reports Mike Klis of the Denver Post. This keeps with Denver’s stingy offseason. The only other player the Broncos opted to keep was also mostly a backup in his first four years, tight end Virgil Green, while they allowed Julius Thomas, Rahim Moore, Terrance Knighton, Orlando Franklin and Nate Irving to leave.
- ESPN reporter Mike Sando listed his 10 worst-value signings (subscription required), placing the Dolphins’ salary cap-reshaping pact with Ndamukong Suh first. Byron Maxwell (Eagles), Chris Culliver (Washington), Buster Skrine (Jets) and Thomas round out the top five.
- In an interview with Steelers president Art Rooney II, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reporter Mark Kaboly notes the team’s signing of DeAngelo Williams may represent the entirety of their outside-the-organization accords. Rooney expects to fill the spots of cornerback and outside linebacker in the draft, just as the team usually does to replace departed free agents.
- The Chargers’ starting lineup will look a bit different in 2015, Eric D. Williams of ESPN said in his projection of the Bolts’ new starters. Williams expects Branden Oliver to succeed Ryan Mathews, with Chris Watt getting the first look at center after the retirement of Nick Hardwick. Defensively, San Diego could go with Ricardo Mathews over former second-rounder Kendall Reyes and Jeremiah Attaochu for the exiting Dwight Freeney, per Williams.
- Rooney expects to implement a rule prohibiting players wearing eligible numbers to line up as ineligible receivers, noted Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reporter Mark Kaboly on Twitter. The Patriots used this surprise tactic in their comeback win over the Ravens in the AFC divisional playoffs.
Dolphins Re-Sign Louis Delmas, LaMichael James
12:35pm: The Delmas signing has been confirmed by agent Drew Rosnehaus (via Twitter), while the team announced its new deal with James (Twitter link). Delmas’ one-year contract with Miami is worth up to $3.5MM, tweets Breer.
12:23pm: The Dolphins have re-added a pair of players to their roster, according to reports. Per Albert Breer of the NFL Network (via Twitter), the club is re-signing safety Louis Delmas, while Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald reports (via Twitter) that the team has brought back running back LaMichael James as well.
Delmas, who turns 28 in April, started 12 games at safety for the Dolphins last season, racking up 60 tackles and grabbing one interception, which he returned for an 81-yard touchdown. He also recovered a pair of fumbles and recorded a sack. In his 844 defensive snaps, Delmas graded as about an average safety, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required), receiving middle-of-the-pack marks for both his run defense and his pass coverage.
James, 25, entered the league in 2012 as a second-round pick by the 49ers. Despite his draft pedigree, the Oregon product was never able to produce in San Francisco, and was virtually buried behind Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter on the team’s depth chart. James played in just 14 games during his first two seasons, contributing mostly on special teams — he racked up only 39 rush attempts and five receptions during that span. When he found himself behind Gore and rookie Carlos Hyde on the Niners’ depth chart last year, James requested and was granted his release.
The Dolphins signed James to their practice squad in September and eventually promoted him to their active roster, but he didn’t see much action in Miami either — the Oregon product had just three carries in 2014. James had been eligible for restricted free agency, but was non-tendered by Miami and presumably re-signed at a lesser rate.
Draft Rumors: Mariota, Winston, Williams
If Jameis Winston goes No. 1 to the Buccaneers, expect the Titans to receive a flurry of offers at No. 2, suggests CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora. The NFL insider anticipates the Rams, Browns, Eagles, Chargers and Saints to consider making a move for Marcus Mariota.
Armed now with the Seahawks‘ No. 31 pick in addition to their own at No. 13, the Saints may be in the last year of Drew Brees‘ tenure and could continue their makeover offseason with a move for the Oregon spread prodigy, La Canfora muses, and he notes the Chargers at No. 17 could be in the same boat with Philip Rivers, whose deal expires after 2015.
Some other notes from an extensive day of draft rumors …
- In case Tampa Bay has an 11th-hour change of heart, Tennessee will prepare by hosting Winston on a private workout around Winston’s pro day (March 31), 247Sports reported. Mariota is due to visit the Titans in April.
- Armed with possibly the worst tight end situation heading into free agency, the Falcons added two former starting tight ends to their corps today in Jacob Tamme and Tony Moeaki. But they also worked out the draft’s top tight end, Minnesota’s Maxx Williams, earlier this week, according to ESPN Falcons reporter Vaughn McClure. A pass-rusher remains the priority at No. 8, notes McClure, but the Falcons have also worked out Michigan’s Devin Funchess — a tight end/wide receiver hybrid.
- Florida State cornerback P.J. Williams worked out for the Lions today, Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com reports. Williams, who NFL.com’s Mike Mayock lists as the fourth-best corner in the draft, watched tape with Lions coaches during his visit.
- The Patriots met with Stanford defensive tackle David Parry after the Cardinal’s workout today, Draftinsider.net’s Tony Paulie notes on Twitter.
- West Georgia rising defensive line prospect Tory Slater will visit the Falcons and Seahawks, National Football Post writer Aaron Wilson said. Slater, who had 10 sacks last season and played wide receiver in high school, will tour the Falcons’ facilities April 7 and trek to Seattle on April 16.
- Utah cornerback/safety Eric Rowe will visit the Ravens, Dolphins and Lions and conduct private workouts with the Texans and Bucs, according to Wilson, writing this report for the Baltimore Sun. Neither Rowe nor Slater are top-10 prospects at their respective positions according to ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.
Bills Sign Charles Clay
4:13pm: After the Dolphins formally declared their intention not to match Buffalo’s offer sheet, the Bills have officially announced the signing of Clay.
3:08pm: According to James Walker of ESPN.com (via Twitter), the paperwork has officially been filed by the Dolphins to the NFL, confirming their decision and making Clay a Bill.
10:24am: The Dolphins have decided not to match the Bills’ offer sheet for tight end Charles Clay, according to Pro Football Talk (via Twitter). While the team has a few more days to change its mind, Miami is moving on, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter), paving the way for Clay to become a member of the Bills.
Clay, who turned 26 last month, saw his numbers dip a little in 2014 after he set career highs with 69 receptions, 759 yards, and three touchdowns in his breakout 2013 season. Still, the Dolphins liked him enough to make him their transition player, assigning him a one-year tender worth $7.071MM.
The transition tag essentially makes a free agent restricted, allowing his current team to match any offer sheet from a rival suitor. However, Miami won’t receive any compensation for losing him now that the team has decided not to match Buffalo’s offer.
That Bills’ offer was a massive one — Buffalo will lock up Clay for five years at a price tag of $38MM, and the deal includes more than $20MM in guaranteed money, according to reports. The former sixth-round pick is the latest offensive weapon to join Rex Ryan in Western New York, following recent additions LeSean McCoy and Percy Harvin to the Bills.
As for the Dolphins, while they lose Clay, they also free up some cap space by removing his $7MM+ transition offer from their books. The team has also lined up a replacement already, signing Jordan Cameron last week to join Dion Sims at the tight end position.
FA Notes: Dolphins, Jackson, Selvie, Newman
Having decided not to match the Bills’ offer sheet for tight end Charles Clay, the Dolphins may be prepared to spend the money saved on Clay on some other free agents. According to Pro Football Talk (via Twitter), in addition to hosting wide receiver Michael Crabtree, Miami is also having quarterback Tarvaris Jackson and center J.D. Walton in for visits.
Jackson, in particular, is an intriguing potential fit for the Dolphins. The team still needs a veteran backup behind Ryan Tannehill, and while Miami’s preference may be to re-sign Matt Moore, Jackson could come a little cheaper.
Here are a few more free agent notes from around the NFL:
- Defensive end George Selvie, who has reportedly drawn interest from the Buccaneers and Vikings so far in free agency, is visiting the Giants today, according to Art Stapleton of The Record (Twitter link).
- The Vikings and cornerback Terence Newman have discussed some contract figures, but weren’t close to a deal as of late last night, per Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities (Twitter link). If the veteran corner were to join the Vikings, he’d reunite with former Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.
- Free agent offensive tackle Corey Hilliard is paying a visit to the Jets, tweets Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Hilliard, a former Lion, is a solid swing tackle when he’s healthy, but injuries have derailed his last two seasons.
- In a piece for The Sporting News, Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap takes a look at the players who have done the best and worst so far in free agency.
Extra Points: Saints, Greenway, Tebow, Eagles
After years of loading up on salary, the Saints have now swung back in a far different direction – shedding veterans who make too much money and loading up on draft picks, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. La Canfora wondered if coach Sean Payton is loading up on draft picks to make a play for Marcus Mariota and he spoke with football execs who felt that the Oregon quarterback would be a terrific fit with what he wants to do at the quarterback position. While the Saints have Drew Brees under center, 2015 could be the last go ’round for the veteran in New Orleans.
Let’s round up a few more notes from across the league….
- Veteran linebacker Chad Greenway tells Tom Pelissero of USA Today (Twitter link) that his agent and the Vikings are working on a new contract that would keep him in Minnesota for the 2015 season.
- In the wake of Tim Tebow‘s workout with the Eagles earlier this week, Albert Breer of the NFL Network takes a closer look at the former first-round pick’s efforts to get back on an NFL roster.
- The Eagles have made a lot of moves this offseason but their wide receiver situation remains a bit murky, as Sheil Kapadia of Philadelphia Magazine writes. The group of remaining free agents is not very interesting, headlined by Greg Jennings, Michael Crabtree and Dwayne Bowe. Given that the Eagles don’t have a ton of cap space to work with, it seems unlikely that they’re going to sign a wide receiver, Kapadia writes.
- Following Chris Borland‘s surprise retirement, Matt Bowen of Bleacher Report, a former NFL player, spoke to a handful of fellow NFL veterans, and most of them said the rewards of playing in the NFL outweigh the risks. However, Borland’s decision “definitely has heightened awareness that the balance could be shifting.”
- For now, it seems that the Dolphins‘ offense has taken a step backward, Chris Perkins of the Sun Sentinel writes. Assuming that Charles Clay leaves for Buffalo, Miami is left with question marks when it comes to touchdowns in the red zone, even with Jordan Cameron in the fold. Meanwhile, there are also some uncertainties surrounding the power running game, the deep passing game, and even the quarterback (to an extent).
- The Jaguars have signed president Mark Lamping to a five-year contract extension, according to Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union (on Twitter). Lamping’s deal was set to expire in a few weeks, so the new pact has been in the works for some time (link).
Luke Adams contributed to this post.
AFC East Notes: Clay, Jets, Pats
The Bills have lost sight of value with their offer sheet to Dolphins tight end Charles Clay, Mike Rodak of ESPN.com writes. The Bills can afford the deal under the 2015 cap and they should benefit from the projected growth of the NFL’s cap over the next several years, but it will be difficult for Clay to live up to that massive five-year, $38MM pact. Here’s more from the AFC East..
- If the Bills really want Clay, they should give him the ability to void his contract in 2017 since it’d be difficult to picture the Dolphins matching that, Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap tweets.
- James Walker of ESPN.com says the Dolphins should just let Clay walk. Clay is good, but not elite, and Miami already has an in-house replacement ready in the newly-acquired Jordan Cameron.
- Inside linebacker Jamari Lattimore is visiting with the Jets, according to Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (on Twitter). Lattimore, a former UDFA, has spent all four years of his career with the Packers. Over the last two seasons, Lattimore has racked up 74 tackles to go with two sacks and an interception.
- Ravens free agent defensive end Lawrence Guy is scheduled to visit the Jets on Thursday, according to Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun. Guy was claimed off waivers last season after being cut by the Chargers early in the 2014 season. The 6-foot-4, 318-pounder had 16 tackles in eleven games and one start last season as he emerged as a solid rotational guy for Baltimore.
- The Jets also announced that Giants free agent offensive lineman James Brewer will be visiting, according to Brian Costello of the New York Post (on Twitter).
Michael Crabtree Visiting Dolphins
Niners free agent wide receiver Michael Crabtree is visiting with the Dolphins today, according to Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports (on Twitter). Crabtree, he notes, would be a great addition to an otherwise young receiving corp. This marks Crabtree’s first reported visit of the offseason. On Tuesday night, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported that the market for the outspoken wide receiver was rather weak.
Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter) notes that Crabtree was the No. 1 player on the Jets’ board when he came out in 2009. Now, former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum is the head decision maker in Miami, so this could be a rather perfect marriage.
In 2014, Crabtree appeared in all 16 games for the 49ers, hauling in 68 catches for 698 yards and four scores. While San Francisco was undoubtedly delighted to see Crabtree play a full season after missing the bulk of 2013, those numbers didn’t match his best production in 2012, when he had 85 grabs for 1,105 yards and nine touchdowns.