Vikings Release Greg Jennings
8:45pm: The Vikings will not designate Jennings as a post-June 1 cut, according to Goessling on Twitter. That means Jennings’ release saves the Vikings $5MM, but $6MM worth of dead money remains on the team’s 2015 cap.
7:20pm: Jennings reportedly failed his physical, according to ESPN’s Adam Caplan on Twitter.
2:07pm: Jennings was asked to restructure his contract in order to remain with the team, but the two sides were unable to reach an agreement, according to Goessling (via Twitter). Jennings was willing to take a pay cut, writes Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News (via Twitter). The two sides must not have been able to agree on a number, according to Wolfson.
1:16pm: The Vikings have released veteran wide receiver Greg Jennings, according to the team’s public relations and communications department (via Twitter).
The team will save $5MM in cap room by cutting Jennings, according to Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com (via Twitter). Ben Goessling of ESPN adds that he expects the team to designate him a post-June 1st cut in order to save another $4MM (via Twitter).
Jennings’ release comes shortly after the team traded for Mike Wallace. The Vikings attempted to sign Wallace in 2013 but landed Jennings instead, according to Field Yates of ESPN (via Twitter).
NFC Notes: Brown, Mays, Lewis, Satele
With Ron Parker, Kendrick Lewis, Rahim Moore, and Antrel Rolle all signing deals over the past few days, the safety market has evaporated before the Giants’ eyes, writes Jordan Raanan of NJ.com.
Without many options on the roster or left in free agency, Raanan believes the team will have to do their best to re-sign veteran Stevie Brown, who played with the team in 2012 and 2014, missing the season in between. Brown intercepted eight passes in 2012, ties for second in the NFL that season.
Here are some other notes from around the NFC:
- While discussing some of Washington’s options left in free agency, John Keim of ESPN forgot to mention that the team had interest in safety Taylor Mays (via Twitter). While there was mutual interest, there has been no official visit.
- Cornerback Keenan Lewis now wants to retire with the Saints despite his previous demand at a guaranteed contract or a release, NOLA.com’s Katherine Terrell reports. New Orleans’ No. 1 corner also denied an NFL.com report that indicated the Saints are re-working his contract. Lewis has three years left on his deal with base salaries totaling $10.8MM.
- The Vikings hosted former Buccaneer and Bengal Michael Johnson for a visit today, according to the Vikings’ public relations and communication department (via Twitter). The team could place Johnson at defensive end opposite Everson Griffen.
- The Bears could be in the market for a veteran center, and Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune suggests that Samson Satele is a name to keep an eye on (via Twitter).
- The Panthers have filled a number of holes this offseason, and with draft picks, injury replacements, and contract extensions still to be accounted for, general manager Dave Gettleman will likely have to wait another year before making a huge extension, writes Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. He does, however, give five names to watch as possible value signings the team could target this offseason, including Osi Umenyiora, Mathias Kiwanuka and Charles Tillman.
- Holding the No. 1 draft choice isn’t the only perk of finishing with the league’s worst record. The Buccaneers hold the No. 1 waiver priority thanks to their 2-14 record last year, and they intend to capitalize on it, reports the Tampa Bay Times’ Rick Stroud. “It’s a huge deal,” Bucs general manager Jason Licht told Stroud. “Bigger than people realize.” The Texans signed three players with their No. 1 position last season.
Sam Robinson contributed to this report.
Adrian Peterson Rumors: Saturday
Last we heard out of Minnesota, the Vikings were intent on keeping Adrian Peterson. However, there are still many details that need to be worked out before the two sides can come together again. Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports provides some insight into Peterson’s possibilities.
Here are some recent updates revolving around Peterson’s situation:
- Although the Vikings may want to see Peterson in purple in 2015, the star running back is still not happy in Minnesota, according to Robinson (via Twitter).
- Robinson adds that if Peterson does land on the trading block that the Cardinals would likely offer a high draft pick for his services.
- Robinson also writes that once teams start making trade offers, that the Vikings should be able to get at least a second-round pick for Peterson (via Twitter).
- As for the oft-rumored Cowboys’ potential interest, Robinson believes that Peterson is not in their plans (via Twitter). He does not expect the Cowboys to join in the bidding.
Latest On Michael Johnson
Michael Johnson entered the league as a third-round pick of the Bengals in 2009. Following a successful five-year tenure with the franchise, the defensive end inked a five-year contract worth nearly $44MM with the Buccaneers last offseason.
Tampa Bay decided to part ways with the 28-year-old earlier this week, and a reunion with Cincinnati seemed logical. Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com says Johnson is still very close with some of his former teammates, and the writer focuses on a quote by the former Bengal in November.
“They’re my brothers and going to work with them every day, it was fun. It didn’t feel like a job,” Johnson said. “We had fun every day, especially on Sundays. We had a special group there and I’ll always have very fond memories of our time there.”
More on the former Georgia Tech standout…
- As expected, Johnson is choosing between the Bengals and the Vikings, tweets ESPN.com’s Ben Goessling.
- Johnson had a “very good visit” with the Vikings, according to Mark Craig of the Star Tribune (via Twitter). The defensive end spent the night in Minnesota, which Craig says is a good sign for the organization.
- However, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press says nothing can be “deduced” from Johnson’s prolonged stay in Minnesota (on Twitter). The writer notes that it’s been the player’s plan all along to stay in Minnesota until Saturday.
- Despite a successful meeting, Goessling warns (on Twitter) that Johnson will probably leave Minnesota today without a contract.
NFC Notes: Housler, Barksdale, Wright
Former Cardinals tight end Rob Housler visited the Falcons, ESPN Falcons reporter Vaughn McClure pointed out on Twitter. Although benched in favor of 2014 free agent acquisition John Carlson, Housler, with a 4.46 40-yard dash to his credit, was serviceable as a part-time starter in 2012 and 2013 and could be an upgrade in Atlanta.
The former Florida Atlantic talent would join a corps fronted by Levine Toilolo, who Pro Football Focus rated as its fourth-worst tight end last season (subscription required) in his bid to replace Tony Gonzalez.
In other news as the second wave of free agency persists …
- Bruce Arians told radio station 97.5 TheFanatic he’s excited to venture into draft preparations without any actual needs, per a tweet from ESPN Cardinals reporter Josh Weinfuss. Most notably, the Cardinals fortified their offensive front with premier guard Mike Iupati and underrated center A.Q. Shipley and brought in second-level defensive help in linebackers Sean Weatherspoon and LaMarr Woodley.
- The Rams‘ push to retain Joe Barksdale remains pertinent with some teams calling him the best right tackle left, ESPN’s Adam Caplan tweets. Of course, the LSU product’s decision may linger with his wedding set for tomorrow, relays ESPN Rams beat man Adam Wagoner via Twitter.
- Lance Kendricks‘ decision to sign a second contract with the Rams, a four-year, $18.5MM accord, featured a Falcons bid reportedly higher, adds Wagoner on Twitter. This could be good news for Housler.
- After losing Chris Culliver to Washington earlier today, the 49ers are hosting Shareece Wright on a visit with “lots of mutual interest,” notes NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport on Twitter. A soon-to-be 28-year-old corner coming off two seasons as a starter for the Chargers, Wright has interest from three other teams, the San Diego Union-Tribune’s Michael Gehlken reported on Twitter.
- The Texans‘ acquisition of ex-Broncos free safety Rahim Moore didn’t come without a fight from the Vikings, ESPN1500 Twin Cities reporter Darren Wolfson notes (Twitter link). Moore requested more money from the Vikings than the Texans had to bid, and Minnesota wouldn’t oblige.
Thursday Roundup: Weddle, Peterson, Harvin
The Chargers still have over $21MM in cap space, and could look to spend that money to add to the team this offseason. Meanwhile, star safety Eric Weddle is coming into the last year of his contract and is unsure of his future with the team, writes Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com.
“I think I’ve earned [a new deal],” Weddle said. “But it has to work both ways. They have to want it, too. And if they don’t, then we will play it out and I’ll be a free agent next year “I want to be here, but I understand the situation and what they want to do. If I’m a part of it — great. If not, then I plan on making this season a memorable one and we’ll see what happens from there.”
- The Vikings are focused on keeping Adrian Peterson, not trading him, writes Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune. But Vensel’s colleague at the Star Tribune, Michael Rand, believes the stars are aligning for the Cowboys to make a trade for Peterson.
- Percy Harvin has finished his visit with the Bills, and he is mulling other possible visits, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports (via Twitter). La Canfora adds that the Harvin situation could begin to wrap itself up as early as this weekend.
- Brian Orakpo is in Tennessee on a visit and is planning to meet with the Cardinals next. However, he might not make it to Arizona if the Titans can get a deal in place before he leaves tonight, writes John Keim of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
- Shelley Smith has left Seattle without a deal and will now visit the Broncos, tweets Mike Klis of the Denver Post.
- Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star looks ahead to the rest of the Colts‘ offseason, noting that the team has already made its big splashes with the additions of Andre Johnson, Trent Cole, and Frank Gore. However, Holder expects Indianapolis to perhaps add a safety like Louis Delmas or Kendrick Lewis and/or an offensive lineman in the second wave of free agency, when better bargains can be had. The Colts currently have around $15-16MM in available cap space.
- 49ers GM Trent Baalke does not appear especially concerned about losing last year’s starting cornerbacks Chris Culliver and Perrish Cox should those two players sign elsewhere in free agency. As Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News writes, Baalke is confident that the team has capable internal options to fill the void.
Rory Parks contributed to this post.
Contract Details: Maxwell, Murray, McPhee
Here are some key details on some of the notable contracts agreed to or signed around the NFL this week:
NFC deals:
- Byron Maxwell, CB (Eagles): Six years, $63MM base value. $25MM fully guaranteed. $6MM signing bonus (Twitter links via Tom Pelissero of USA Today and Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun).
- DeMarco Murray, RB (Eagles): Five years, $40MM base value. $42MM max value. $18MM fully guaranteed (Twitter link via Albert Breer of the NFL Network).
- Pernell McPhee, OLB (Bears): Five years, $38.75MM base value. $8.675MM fully guaranteed (Twitter link via Pelissero).
- Antrel Rolle, S (Bears): Three years, $11.25MM base value. $4.9MM guaranteed. $3.9MM roster bonus in 2015 (Twitter link via Wilson).
- Tom Johnson, DT (Vikings): Three years, $7MM base value. $2.75MM guaranteed. $1.5MM roster bonus in 2015 (Twitter link via Wilson).
- Matt Prater, K (Lions): Two years, $4.55MM base value. Third-year team option for 2017 (Twitter link via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press).
AFC deals:
- Davon House, CB (Jaguars): Four years, $24.5MM. $10MM fully guaranteed (Twitter link via Pelissero).
- James Carpenter, G (Jets): Four years, $19.1MM base value. $5MM fully guaranteed (Twitter link via Pelissero).
- Owen Daniels, TE (Broncos): Three years, $12.25MM base value. $3MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Pelissero).
- Mike Adams, S (Colts): Two years, $4.25MM base value. $1.2MM guaranteed (Twitter link via Wilson).
FA Rumors: Morgan, Orakpo, Cameron
Derrick Morgan won’t be signing with the Buccaneers, according to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The Falcons are out on Morgan too after signing Adrian Clayborn, Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com tweets. More free agent news from around the league..
- The Titans are still in the hunt for both Morgan and Brian Orakpo, and their best-case scenario would be to land both edge defenders, tweets Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean.
- Tight end Jordan Cameron is still in Miami and there’s a lot of mutual interest between him and the Dolphins, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Meanwhile, his old team, the Browns, remain the mix and a third team is also in the running.
- Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (Twitter link) hears that there has been a lot of interest in free agent defensive end Michael Johnson, but it’s unclear if any team besides the Bengals or Vikings have a shot at him. Johnson, of course, played for Cincinnati prior to joining the Bucs last year, and was coached there by Mike Zimmer.
- The Chiefs have had exploratory talks with former Rams center Tim Barnes, Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star tweets. Paylor expects the Chiefs to sign a veteran center, whether it’s Barnes or someone else.
- The Steelers are generally quiet when it comes to free agency and trades, but Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (on Twitter) hears that they’re exploring options for a kick returner.
Eagles Working To Trade Evan Mathis
1:48pm: The Patriots have also expressed interest in Mathis, reports Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald (via Twitter). Meanwhile, Jim Thomas tweets that the Rams have denied having interest, though he rightly points out that the team adamantly denied that they had any interest in trading Sam Bradford.
1:29pm: Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com adds the Bills and Vikings to the list of teams “sniffing around” on Mathis, and says the Saints may be involved as well (Twitter link).
1:23pm: The Dolphins have been in touch with the Eagles about Mathis, reports Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald (via Twitter). The Rams are also believed to be in the mix, per Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (via Twitter).
1:11pm: The Eagles are working to trade guard Evan Mathis, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (via Twitter). Dealing Mathis would be just the latest move in what has been a wild offseason for the Eagles.
Finding a marker for Mathis shouldn’t be too difficult considering his performance last season. Even though he only saw time in nine games, Mathis’ overall score of 25.8 (per Pro Football Focus, subscription required) ranked him as the second-best offensive guard in the NFL last season. The year prior, Mathis graded out as the very best guard in the NFL.
Mathis’ deal calls for him to earn a $5.5MM base with $1MM prorated in 2015, good for a total of $6.5MM. With an extra $500K in his base salary in 2016, that number jumps slightly to $7MM. Mathis is 33, but guards tend to age a little bit better than most other positions.
Michael Johnson To Visit Vikings
Michael Johnson‘s first visit will be with the Vikings, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter). Nothing is finalized yet, but the powwow will probably take place on Friday (link).
Johnson, 28, was released by the Buccaneers just one year after inking a five-year, $43.75MM contract to help solidify Tampa Bay’s defensive line. Like most Bucs, Johnson had an underwhelming 2014 campaign — he logged just four sacks, and Pro Football Focus graded him as the league’s 53rd-best 4-3 defensive end, out of 59 qualified players (subscription required).
The Vikings were linked to Johnson early on in his free agent process thanks to the connection between the defensive end and head coach Mike Zimmer. On Wednesday, a source told Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press that the two are still close and that Johnson nearly went to Minnesota last year as a result.
The Bengals, Johnson’s old team, have also expressed interest.