AFC East Notes: Bills, Hughes, Pats, Dolphins
The Bills are trying to work out a new agreement with pass rusher Jerry Hughes to keep him in Buffalo in 2015 and beyond, but the club would prefer not to resort to the franchise tag, as GM Doug Whaley explained this week, per John Kryk of the Toronto Sun.
“We’re trying to avoid that.” Whaley said. “Because we’re trying to get him long-term for sure … so they (can say), hey, we got a good deal, and we say as the Buffalo Bills we got a good deal.”
As Kryk points out, the franchise tag for Hughes would likely work out to close to $15MM for one year, which would mean the Bills would be paying their four defensive lineman nearly $50MM in 2015, which seems somewhat unpalatable. Restructuring Mario Williams‘ deal could provide a little cap relief, but Whaley said that’s not something the team is consider right now, though “it’s something in our back pocket.”
Let’s check out a few more notes from around the AFC East….
- Although the Bills are trying to re-sign C.J. Spiller, the team is also eyeing running backs, preparing for the possibility that Spiller departs in free agency, per Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News. Whaley expressed enthusiasm about the depth at running back in this year’s draft, but also didn’t rule out adding a back in free agency.
- Unsurprisingly, Darrelle Revis continues to be the Patriots‘ No. 1 priority, writes Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. According to Howe, while New England explores the possibility of reaching a new agreement with the cornerback, the team is being deliberate with its other offseason objectives.
- The Dolphins have met with the representatives for their own pending free agents this week, but there’s nothing major to report yet on that front, tweets Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald.
East Notes: Bills, Cowboys, Eagles, Dolphins
Based on comments made by Bills general manager Doug Whaley today, Joe Buscaglia of WGR550 (Twitter link) believes free-agents-to-be C.J. Spiller, Brandon Spikes, and Da’Norris Searcy will be allowed to explore their options on the open market next month. Conversely, it sounds like the team badly wants to re-sign Marcus Easley prior to March 10 (Twitter link).
Let’s round up several more items relating to the league’s East teams….
- While Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray are receiving most of the attention in Dallas this offseason, linebacker Rolando McClain is also someone the team is “very interested” in re-signing, according to Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones (link via Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram).
- The Cowboys were pleased with Brandon Weeden‘s work as Tony Romo‘s backup in 2014, but won’t rule out the possibility of upgrading at that spot if the opportunity presents itself, writes Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com. “Everybody is always competing in this league,” Jones said. “There is nobody guaranteed anything. That includes Weeden and everybody.”
- Prior to their release of tight end James Casey today, the Eagles didn’t have any discussions about reducing Casey’s salary and keeping him, tweets Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News. According to Bowen, the veteran is looking for a bigger role than he had in Philadelphia, so he may get that opportunity with a new team.
- Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com believes the Eagles may find a logical trade partner in the Buccaneers, since GM Jason Licht hasn’t been shy about making deals since taking over the job. In Mosher’s view, Bucs safety Dashon Goldson makes sense as a trade target for Philadelphia.
- The issue for the Dolphins when it comes to Mike Wallace isn’t as simple as cutting or keeping the veteran wideout, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, who writes that the team is almost certainly trying to restructure Wallace’s deal, or get him to take a pay cut.
East Notes: Cowboys, Callahan, Tannehill
Speaking to the media in Indianapolis on Wednesday, Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett referred to Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray as “cornerstone players,” and said he loves them and wants both players back in Dallas. Addressing Murray specifically, Garrett added that “both sides are talking.” However, he also cautioned that “the business of the NFL is real” (three Twitter links via Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News, Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, and ESPN’s Josina Anderson).
Here’s more from out of the NFL’s two East divisions:
- New Washington offensive line coach Bill Callahan tells Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com (Twitter link) that there were offensive coordinator opportunities available for him last month, but he opted for the job in D.C. instead. I would guess that either Callahan didn’t think he’d be a frontrunner for those offensive coordinator positions, or Washington just made it very much worth his while not to explore those opportunities.
- Restructuring Tony Romo’s contract will backfire at some point, but it’s a worthwhile gamble for Cowboys, Bob Sturm of The Dallas Morning News opines. There’s “no doubt” in Sturm’s mind that they will push a lot of the quarterback’s 2015 money into 2016.
- Quarterback salaries are what they are, Dolphins GM Dennis Hickey acknowledged on Wednesday while speaking to reporters, including Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, adding that his team feels comfortable investing in Ryan Tannehill as its QB of the future.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
AFC East Notes: Pouncey, Wilkerson, Pats
Dolphins center Mike Pouncey, due $7.4MM in the final season of his contract, said Monday he was left with the impression that the Dolphins want to work out a multi-year deal this offseason, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes. “I think I’ll be a Dolphin for a long time,” Pouncey said. Pouncey wants to move back to center and he’s advocating Miami to sign a “really good veteran guard.” Specifically, he wants the Dolphins to go after impending free agent Mike Iupati. Here’s more from the AFC East..
- New Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan has a meeting with Muhammad Wilkerson‘s agent on his schedule for this week in Indianapolis, writes Rich Cimini of ESPN New York. Wilkerson is heading into the final year of his contract and is extension-eligible, so while the two sides probably won’t reach an agreement this week – and may not even exchange figures – they’ll touch base with an eye toward getting something done eventually.
- If Danny Amendola is cut by the Patriots, Chris Gasper of CSNNE.com doesn’t think they should turn to Wes Welker to replace him. Getting Welker back now, he says, would be adding him a year or two late at this point. The wide receiver has suffered multiple concussions over the course of his career and it appears that they have taken a toll.
- Legendary offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia has returned to work for the Patriots on a temporary basis through the end of the 2015 draft, a source tells Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. Scarnecchia also helped the Patriots last year around this time.
Luke Adams contributed to this post.
NFC Notes: Wilson, Gore, Vikes, Gholston
Former agent Joel Corry tells Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times that he can envision the Seahawks and Russell Wilson‘s camp coming to a creative compromise on a contract extension. A good halfway point for the two sides could be a deal that comes in at significantly less money than a top quarterback would receive, but with that money fully guaranteed. Corry throws out the idea of a possible five-year contract that would guarantee Wilson something like $75-$80MM.
Here’s more from around the NFC:
- Frank Gore doesn’t appear likely to re-sign with the 49ers this offseason, according to Matt Miller of Bleacher Report (video link), who identifies the Colts, the Dolphins, and Washington as probable suitors for the veteran running back. Based on the conversations Miller has had with executives around the league, he names Indianapolis as the most likely landing spot for Gore.
- The Vikings will meet with agent Hadley Engelhard in Indianapolis this week, according to Darren Wolfson of ESPN 1500 Twin Cities (via Twitter). Engelhard represents current Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn as well as free agent wideout Mike Williams.
- Former sixth overall pick Vernon Gholston hasn’t appeared in a regular season NFL game since 2010, but the ex-Jets edge defender announced today on Twitter that he has a tryout with Washington on tap.
- Pass rushers will likely be atop the Falcons‘ list of priorities this winter, prompting Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com to explore just how much the team should be willing to invest in the position.
- After tackling the AFC last week, former agent Joel Corry focuses on one pressing offseason issue for each of the 16 NFC teams in a piece for CBSSports.com. The topics addressed by Corry include Larry Fitzgerald‘s future in Arizona, Jerry Jones‘ willingness to keep spending on the Cowboys, and the moves the Saints will make to get under the cap.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Extra Points: Bradford, Rice, Starks
The Rams introduced their new offensive coordinator, Frank Cignetti, on Friday. The most significant information that came from Cignetti’s press conference was the vote of confidence given to quarterback Sam Bradford, writes NFL.com’s Kevin Petra.
Bradford, the No. 1 overall pick in 2010, has been inconsistent and injury prone during his five-year career, with an underwhelming 79.3 passer rating and just 49 of a possible 80 regular-season appearances. Bradford missed all of last season with a torn ACL and there was some question as to whether the Rams would bring him back in 2015, the final year of his deal, but head coach Jeff Fisher and Cignetti officially put such speculation to rest.
Asked if he wanted Bradford back next season, Fisher said, “That’s correct, yes. He’s been in the building since the season ended. He’s doing well,” according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Jim Thomas.
Fisher even said Bradford’s presence influenced the promotion of Cignetti, who was previously St. Louis’ quarterbacks coach.
Bradford’s cap number for next season is a whopping $16.58MM, and Thomas wrote earlier this week that the team hopes to restructure the 27-year-old’s contract.
Here’s more from around the NFL:
- Clifton Brown of CSNBaltimore.com took a look at the factors working for and against Ray Rice in his quest to return to the league after a yearlong hiatus resulting from the 28-year-old’s assault of his then-fiancée. Working in Rice’s favor, according to Brown, is that the likes of Michael Vick and Richie Incognito recently found second chances after committing serious off-the-field offenses. Conversely, one of the reasons Rice might not find much of a market is his poor 2013 performance. Rice was among the worst starting running backs in the league that year, amassing just 660 yards and four touchdowns in 15 games. His 3.1 yards-per-carry average was significantly lower than his career mark (4.3).
- Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com sees “virtually no chance” of Washington using the franchise tag on anyone this offseason. Tandler notes that the $13.75MM cost for tagging outside linebacker Brian Orakpo would be too steep, and fellow free agents-to-be Niles Paul, Roy Helu and Jarvis Jenkins aren’t candidates to be among the five highest-paid players at their respective positions. Earlier this month, our own Luke Adams covered the possibility of Washington using the franchise tag this offseason, also concluding that it was unlikely.
- Dolphins defensive lineman Randy Starks is one potential cap casualty who could make sense for the Patriots, tweets the Boston Globe’s Ben Volin. The 31-year-old Starks is scheduled to count $6MM against Miami’s cap in 2015.
East Notes: Dolphins, Wallace, Maclin, Bills
A possible contract extension for starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill will be a top priority for the Dolphins this offseason, but the club will also need to secure a backup, writes Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. In Salguero’s view, considering Tannehill has been sacked more than any other QB in the league over the last two seasons, Miami will target a veteran backup who could potentially salvage the season if he were forced into action. Given his history with the team, free-agent-to-be Matt Moore may be the Dolphins’ best bet, but there should be no shortage of veteran alternatives on the market.
Here’s more from around the NFL’s two East divisions:
- Nothing is off limits this offseason for wide receiver Mike Wallace, including being retained, traded or released by the Dolphins. Mulling the idea of a Wallace trade, James Walker of ESPN.com names three potential suitors for the veteran wideout, identifying the Seahawks and Colts as the best fits.
- It doesn’t make much sense for Jeremy Maclin to sign a deal with the Eagles right now, writes Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com, pointing out that Maclin could end up being the best receiver on the market in a few weeks depending on how teams use their franchise tags. If Maclin were to sign an extension with Philadelphia now, he could short-change himself by millions – or tens of millions – during his best chance to “hit the jackpot.”
- Appearing on WGR 550 in Buffalo today, Bills head coach Rex Ryan indicated the team is keeping every option open in the search for an answer at quarterback. “We are in the evaluating stages. So, we’re looking,” Ryan said, per Joe Buscaglia of WGR 550. “We’ve got the draft coming up, free agency is coming up. You’re looking at all those type of things. Are there some scenarios out there, are there trade possibilities? You look at every possible scenario there is. From Doug Whaley all the way to our scouts, all our positional coaches… we’re looking at that. Believe me, we’ll be prepared for every scenario out there.“
- Andrew Brandt of TheMMQB.com makes 12 predictions for the coming offseason, forecasting that DeMarco Murray will return to the Cowboys on a team-friendly deal, Dallas will pay Dez Bryant a top-of-the-market multiyear contract, and Darrelle Revis will pass up a potentially bigger offer to return to the Patriots.
Minor Moves: Tuesday
We’ll use this space to round up Tuesday’s minor transactions from around the NFL, starting with a former third-round pick finding a new home. Any additional updates will be listed at the top of the page throughout the evening. Here’s the latest:
- The Dolphins announced that they have signed free agent tight end Ryan Taylor, according to ESPN.com’s James Walker (on Twitter). Taylor was waived by the Browns in December.
- Free agent cornerback Curtis Brown, who entered the league in 2011 as a Steelers third-round pick, has signed with the Jets, the team announced today in a press release. Although Brown saw a good chunk of playing time on defense in 2012 as the nickel corner in Pittsburgh, he was relegated primarily to special teams duty in 2013 before an ACL injury sidelined him and led to his release. We heard last week that the 26-year-old had a workout scheduled for today with the Jets, so presumably that audition went well.
- Washington has signed a pair of offensive lineman, announcing in a press release that Tyler Larsen and Ty Nsekhe have been added to the team’s offseason roster. Larsen, a former Utah State center, spent time with the Dolphins last summer, while Nsekhe was removed from the Saints’ injured reserve list back in September.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
East Links: Giants, Murray, Eagles, Dolphins
As we heard last night, the Giants are expected to officially finalize their deal with former Calgary Stampeders offensive lineman Brett Jones at some point this week, and Jordan Raanan of NJ.com breaks down five things Giants fans should know about the CFL’s 2014 Offensive Lineman of the Year.
As of today, NFL teams can formally sign CFL players whose contracts with their 2014 teams have expired, so Jones likely won’t be the last player making the move south this week. Cornerback Delvin Breaux, wide receiver Duron Carter, and offensive lineman Ben Heenan are among the players who were released from their CFL contracts early and have already reached agreements with NFL teams.
Let’s round up a few more notes from around the league’s two East divisions….
- Lee Singer of ESPN.com lays out several reasons why the Cowboys should be careful when it comes to negotiating with free agent running back DeMarco Murray this offseason. Singer touches on the oft-repeated points related to Murray’s workload and the devaluation of the running back position, and also points out that the Cowboys have some internal candidates who could step up if they don’t re-sign Murray or bring in a veteran replacement.
- Re-signing Jeremy Maclin should be a top priority for the Eagles this winter, but coming to an agreement with the wideout may not be easy, says Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com in his preview of the club’s offseason. It may also be in Philadelphia’s best interest to bring back quarterback Mark Sanchez, in Fitzgerald’s view.
- Fitzgerald also takes a closer look at the contract extension that Ryan Tannehill and the Dolphins may or may not be discussing, suggesting that – if it happens – it would be a deal that would benefit both sides.
Extra Points: Bradford, Mariota, Manning
Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link) hears from executives that some quarterback-needy teams in position to potentially have a shot at drafting Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston would actually prefer to roll the dice on former No. 1 overall pick Sam Bradford, if the Rams decide to release him. Of course, that may end up being a moot point, since St. Louis has expressed interest in bringing back Bradford, assuming he’s willing to restructure his contract. More from around the NFL..
- Within that same video, Cole suggests that Ravens linebacker Pernell McPhee is likely to hit the open market next month, since the club views him as a complementary player rather than a core piece, and will want to use its available cap room elsewhere.
- Peyton Manning is back home in New Orleans and training with the intent to play the 2015 NFL season, a source close to the quarterback told Jeff Duncan of The Times-Picayune. Manning wants to talk with Broncos executive vice president and general manager John Elway before announcing his intentions for the 2015 season and hopes to chat with him in the next couple of days. Manning, 39 in March, is the NFL’s oldest starting quarterback.
- Mike Preston of The Baltimore Sun says the Ravens should pick a top cornerback in the draft. The top four cornerbacks right now appear to be Michigan State’s Trae Waynes, Wake Forest’s Kevin Johnson, Washington’s Marcus Peters, and LSU’s Jason Collins.
- While it appears that the previously reported changes to the Packers‘ coaching staff will indeed happen, the team has yet to formally finalize those moves, writes Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com.
- The Dolphins may not be in talks yet with quarterback Ryan Tannehill on a long-term contract extension, but one could certainly be in the cards. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald explored what a deal for the signal-caller might look like.
- The Raiders announced that they have hired Rod Woodson as an assistant defensive backs coach, according to Bill Williamson of ESPN.com (on Twitter). That means that defensive backs coach Marcus Robertson is the lone holdover from the 2014 staff.