HEADLINES

Mike Brisiel

Bears To Re-Sign Eben Britton

April 3rd, 2014 at 11:55am CST by Luke Adams

The Bears have reached an agreement to retain free agent offensive lineman Eben Britton, the team announced today (via Twitter). Britton will return to Chicago on a one-year contract, according to the club.

Britton, who spent the first four season of his NFL career with the Jaguars, saw 239 offensive snaps for the Bears in 2013, primarily at right guard. While the sample size was limited, Britton recorded a respectable +4.1 grade according to Pro Football Focus’ metrics (subscription required). He’ll provide line depth for Chicago in 2014.

According to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (via Twitter), the Bears kicked the tires on Mike Brisiel after he was let go by the Raiders, but opted to re-sign Britton instead.

Raiders Release Mike Brisiel

April 1st, 2014 at 3:20pm CST by Luke Adams

The Raiders have officially cut offensive lineman Mike Brisiel, the team announced today (Twitter link). Brisiel had three years remaining on his contract, and his release will leave the Raiders with $3.93MM in dead money on their books for 2014, creating a modest $1.38MM in cap savings.

After starting his NFL career by spending five seasons in Houston, Brisiel started 30 games for the Raiders at right guard over the last two seasons. The 31-year-old, who was in line for a base salary of $3.85MM, was rumored to be a cap casualty earlier this offseason, with one report suggesting he could be released if he didn’t retire. According to Scott Bair of CSNCalifornia.com (via Twitter), Brisiel’s agent has indicated his client intends to return for the 2014 season, so if that’s still the plan, it appears Brisiel will be playing for a new team.

AFC West Notes: Watkins, Pryor, Chiefs

February 23rd, 2014 at 4:59pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Here’s a few notes from the AFC West focusing on the draft and free agency:

  • Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins is an option for the Raiders with the fifth overall pick, writes Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com. Watkins ran a 4.43 40-yard-dash, which was somewhat disappointing, but Bair doesn’t expect it to affect his draft stock. The Raiders have a history of selecting big, speedy receivers, and some believe Watkins could have the same type of immediate effect that A.J. Green and Julio Jones did in their rookie seasons.
  • In his latest mailbag, ESPN.com’s Paul Guiterrez notes that quarterback Terrelle Pryor could become trade bait. Coach Dennis Allen specifically noted that fellow QB Matt McGloin has a future with the Raiders, but made no such declaration about Pryor.
  • Guiterrez also reports that Raiders offensive lineman Mike Brisiel could be released, if he doesn’t retire first.
  • Eric Berry is a candidate for a contract extension with the Chiefs, writes Adam Teichel of ESPN.com. Berry is heading into the final season of his current deal.
  • Teichel goes on to note that the Chiefs could probably re-sign both free agent offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz and Jon Asamoah for what it would cost to retain tackle Branden Albert, also a free agent. However, Schwartz wants to be a starter, and will likely not accept an offer to return as a backup.
  • The Chiefs would only consider drafting a quarterback if things looked bleak regarding an Alex Smith extension, says Teichel.
  • The wide receiver draft class is deep, which is a positive for the Chargers as they look for a play-maker to pair with Keenan Allen, writes ESPN.com’s Eric D. Williams.