Vikings FA Notes: Hill, Brinkley, Clayborn, Selvie
The Vikings have a promising quarterback situation after drafting Teddy Bridgewater with the last pick of the first round last year, but lost their backup when they traded Matt Cassel to the Bills. However, they might already have their eyes on Shaun Hill as a veteran backup, writes Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press.
Hill played with the Vikings between 2002 and 2005, and has experience with offensive coordinator Norv Turner from their time together with the 49ers in 2006. Hill started eight games in 2014 in relief of Sam Bradford.
Here are some more notes from the Vikings as they build their roster for 2015:
- One player currently on the roster who wants to be back is linebacker Jasper Brinkley, writes Tomasson. Brinkley was with the team from 2009-2012 and returned to the team in 2014. “I would love to come back,’’ Brinkley said. “They gave me an opportunity and it still feels like home for me. I would love to definitely come back. Coach Zimmer is doing great things with the team, turning the culture around there and everything is on the up and up.’’
- The Vikings’ big move last season was keeping defensive end Everson Griffen with the team, and this offseason the team could look to add a pass rusher across from their young star. Ben Goessling of ESPN reports that the team has looked into the possibility of signing Adrian Clayborn (via Twitter).
- Another pass rusher the Vikings may be interested in is former Cowboys defensive end George Selvie, according to Goessling (via Twitter).
- One player the team has not reached out to as of yet is division-rival Packers cornerback Davon House, according to Goessling (via Twitter). They also have not expressed interest in Tramon Williams, according to Tomasson (via Twitter). That wouldn’t rule either out as a potential target.
- While the team has reached out to a number of players already and has been rumored to be linked to a few more, Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune warns that rumors fly this time of the year but that does not necessarily mean the Vikings will land all or any of these players.
FA Notes: Spiller, Murray, Thomas, Williams
The Vikings philosophy heading into this offseason may similar to their strategy last year. The team looked for under-the-radar signings, and they were rewarded by one of their bargain contracts. Defensive tackle Tom Johnson inked a minimum one-year contract with the squad, and he ultimately finished the season with 6.5 sacks.
“Tom Johnson last year, we were patient, and he came in and did a nice job for us as an inside nickel rusher,” general manager Rick Spielman told Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. “A lot of times, if you can, you sit back and hopefully let the market settle a little bit.”
It sounds like the organization will be just as patient this time around, especially based on coach Mike Zimmer‘s comments.
“You use free agency to try to plug in a couple of holes here a bit,” said Zimmer. “I don’t believe we’re going to go out and pay some guy a whole bunch of money. Like when I was in Cincinnati and a lot of places, we would kind of go with the lower end of free agents, kind of coach them and hope they fit in the system.”
Let’s take a look at some rumors surrounding the league’s top free agents…
- Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports gives a list of teams that have interest in running back C.J. Spiller (via Twitter): the Patriots, Jets, Dolphins, Cardinals, 49ers, Lions and Washington.
- Furthermore, Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com says Spiller will be an option for the Cowboys if DeMarco Murray signs elsewhere. Regardless, Florio quotes Spiller referring to himself as a “former” member of the Bills.
- Peyton Manning‘s reduced salary doesn’t guarantee that the Broncos will bring back tight end Julius Thomas, writes Florio. The organization is still strapped financially, and Florio notes that come teams, including the Seahawks, Jaguars and Raiders, may have the money to lure him away from Denver.
- The Lions could soon be in the market for a new defensive tackle, and Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press says Cardinals lineman Dan Williams is atop the team’s list of potential Ndamukong Suh replacements.
NFC FA Rumors: Vikings, Seahawks, House
On the eve of 2015’s “legal tampering period,” during which teams can talk to agents for players who are eligible for unrestricted free agency on Tuesday, let’s round up a few FA updates from around the NFC….
- Having started his career in Minnesota, Tarvaris Jackson hasn’t played a game for the Vikings since 2010, but he’d have interest in returning to the team, he tells Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. “I still go (to Minnesota) to train every summer,” Jackson said. “Coming there, I think I could definitely help Teddy out. I love being in Minnesota. It’s a place that I’ll never forget. It’s a part of my life. … I don’t know why (the Vikings) wouldn’t be interested in me.” The Vikings will certainly be in the market for a backup after trading Matt Cassel, so they could take a look at Jackson, who has spent the last couple seasons backing up Russell Wilson in Seattle and is a free-agent-to-be.
- Speaking of Seattle, don’t be shocked if the Seahawks emerge as a viable landing spot for tight end Julius Thomas, tweets Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. A player like Thomas would certainly be a nice addition to Seattle’s offense, giving Wilson a top red zone option.
- Agent Kenny Zuckerman confirmed today that Packers cornerback Davon House expects to reach the open market, and Zuckerman thinks his client will draw “a lot of interest,” writes Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. That doesn’t rule out a return to Green Bay, but it looks like other teams will get the opportunity to pursue House.
- Cornerback Walter Thurmond, who is coming off a season-ending pectoral injury, is not expected to re-sign with the Giants, and Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com expects the Falcons to strongly consider the veteran. Thurmond formerly played on Dan Quinn‘s defense in Seattle.
- Expect the Buccaneers to kick the tires on free agent safety Chris Conte, tweets Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports, pointing out that Conte played for current Bucs head coach Lovie Smith in Chicago.
Extra Points: Yates, Titans, NFLPA, Pats, Rams
Four teams are expressing interest in free agent quarterback T.J. Yates, tweets Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com. Yates did start five games during his rookie season in Houston, but none since, and he attempted just four passes for the Falcons last year. Even with a weak crop of free agent QBs, Yates is likely only receiving inquiries that involve backup jobs.
Let’s look at some more items from around the league…
- Despite many denials on the part of the team, the Titans could still be for sale in 2015, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link). La Canfora reported the same in December, but club CEO Tommy Smith has insisted the Titans are not for sale.
- Another candidate has emerged in the race for NFLPA executive director, as senior director of the players’ union Jason Belser announced that he’ll be running against incumbent DeMaurice Smith, tweets Jason Cole of Bleacher Report.
- The Vikings are close to a new deal with long snapper Cullen Loeffler, per Ben Goessling of ESPN.com (via Twitter). Another long snapper, Denver’s Aaron Brewer, received a new contract earlier today.
- Appearing on CSN New England, NFL.com’s Albert Breer said he’d be surprised if the Patriots lose both Darrelle Revis and Devin McCourty, adding that Revis is the favorite of the two to return to New England.
- After acquiring a pack of picks for giving up the right to draft Robert Griffin III, the Rams should now reverse themselves and surrender whatever is needed to move up and select Marcus Mariota in next month’s draft, argues La Canfora in a separate piece.
- Jets receiver Percy Harvin is due a $10.5MM salary next season, and if he’s still on the roster as of March 19, New York’s draft-pick compensation to Seattle increases from a sixth-rounder to a fourth-rounder. Rich Cimini of ESPN.com runs through Gang Green’s options with its mercurial pass-catcher.
NFC North Notes: Peterson, Suh, Guion
Adrian Peterson has been the model of consistency as an NFL running back, Michael Rand of the Star Tribune writes. The question now is, will he continue to bring that on-field consistency for the Vikings? The latest on that and other news from the NFC North..
- Peterson met with Vikings coach Mike Zimmer and GM Rick Spielman, but it doesn’t sound like he’s quite ready to kiss and make up. “I appreciate Rick and Coach Zimmer coming down to see me today,” Peterson said in a statement, according to Josina Anderson of ESPN (via Twitter). “We had a great dialogue and they were able to understand where I was coming from and concerns my family and I still have. We respect each other and hopefully the situation can pan out so that everyone involved is content.”
- Packers defensive tackle and pending free agent Letroy Guion has agreed to a deferred prosecution agreement, which will result in probation, as Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com writes. Packers general manager Ted Thompson said last month at the NFL scouting combine that the team is monitoring Guion’s situation and coach Mike McCarthy has indicated that he’d be open to having him back. Tyler Dunne of the Journal-Sentinel (on Twitter), meanwhile, spoke to the State Attorney’s office and heard that no agreement has been reached yet. If the end result is probation for Guion, it’ll be highly preferable to jail, which was a possibility.
- The Lions are focused on keeping their own, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com tweets. They haven’t given up on keeping Ndamukong Suh – even though it’ll be tough – and they’ve had productive talks with fellow free agent defensive tackle Nick Fairley this week.
49ers Sign Jarryd Hayne
WEDNESDAY, 4:13pm: Hayne’s signing has been made official, and the NFL’s transaction wire lists him as a kick returner, tweets Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com.
MONDAY, 10:01pm: Australian rugby league star Jarryd Hayne announced on Monday night that he will sign with the 49ers, as Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post writes. Hayne received a $100K guarantee from San Francisco, an impressive sum considering that he’s never played American football before in his life.
“I’m going to be a San Francisco 49er,” Hayne said before putting on a 49ers hat.
49ers coach Jim Tomsula has a background in NFL Europe developing Europeans into NFL players, which helped push Hayne towards choosing SF. Agent Jack Bechta noted that his client also visited with the Seahawks and Lions and indicated that they also had a lot to offer in terms of their plan for developing him. Hayne’s game plan will be to contribute as a return specialist while also trying to make it as a running back. Despite his star status down under, Hayne is prepared to fight for a job and start out on special teams.
The Saints, Vikings, Broncos, Titans, Buccaneers, and Jets also showed interest in the 6-foot-2, 226 pounder.
Vikings Notes: AP, QB, Jennings, Munnerlyn
Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman were among a contingent that flew to Houston today to meet with Adrian Peterson, as Tom Pelissero of USA Today details. Now that the running back has been moved back to the exempt list, open communication is once again permitted, and this will be the first face-to-face meeting between the two sides in months, according to Pelissero. While Peterson hasn’t asked to be traded or released, he is “uneasy” about the possibility of returning to Minnesota, so the goal of today’s meeting for the club is likely to ease some of those concerns.
As we wait to hear how the meeting in Houston goes, let’s round up a few more Vikings-related notes….
- Sources tell Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports that while Peterson hasn’t ruled out the possibility of continuing to play for the Vikings, he has also considered trade destinations, and may be open to restructuring his contract to accommodate a deal. Robinson identifies the Cardinals, Colts, Cowboys, Chargers, and Buccaneers as Peterson’s preferred destinations if he leaves Minnesota.
- The Vikings reached an agreement earlier today with the Bills on a trade that will send Matt Cassel to Buffalo, which means the club will be in the market for a backup quarterback this month. According to Ben Goessling of ESPN.com (via Twitter), the Vikings already have a specific backup in mind. Goessling suggests keeping an eye on Charlie Whitehurst, who was with Norv Turner in San Diego — Turner also has a connection to free-agent-to-be Brian Hoyer.
- Spielman has said the Vikings aren’t likely to make a big splash in free agency, but as Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune observes (via Twitter), the Cassel deal is the latest move toward creating the cap room necessary to keep all free agent options open.
- Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities tweets that the Vikings will likely restructure Greg Jennings‘ contract at some point this month. Conversely, Goessling hears that the team hasn’t approached cornerback Captain Munnerlyn about reworking his deal (Twitter link). Given the cap room created by the Cassel trade, restructuring Munnerlyn’s contract may not be necessary, says Goessling.
North Notes: Webb, Peterson, Langford
The question was never whether the Ravens would approach Lardarius Webb about a pay reduction, it was whether he would take one, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com writes. Hensley runs through the different compromises the two sides could reach and ultimately concludes that the Ravens’ best outcome will be for the two sides to find some middle ground. Even if Webb agrees to a pay cut, however, his contract will be an issue next offseason. Baltimore can gain $6MM of cap room by releasing the cornerback in 2016. More from the North divisions..
- Vikings coach Mike Zimmer is scheduled to fly to Houston on Wednesday to meet with Adrian Peterson to discuss the embattled superstar’s future with the team, two people with knowledge of the plan told Tom Pelissero of USA Today. Vikings GM Rick Spielman is also expected to make the trip to participate in what would be the first face-to-face meeting between the two sides in months.
- Kendall Langford‘s visit with the Lions went well but he’ll continue visiting other teams, according to Nick Wagoner of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (on Twitter). The former Rams defensive lineman will visit the Jets next, followed by the Saints. Langford, who turned 29 last month, inked a four-year, $22MM deal with the Rams in 2012 but was cut late last month.
- Vikings linemen Tom Johnson and Joe Berger both played for the minimum salary last season and both are seeking raises this offseason, Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press writes. Johnson’s agent says that the Vikings are his client’s first choice, but he’ll be seeking a three- or four-year deal in “the right situation and right system.” Johnson, 30, finished second on the team last season with 6.5 sacks.
North Notes: Steelers, Worilds, Peterson, Suh
The Steelers have yet to finalize a restructuring of Maurkice Pouncey‘s contract, the NFLPA tells Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (via Twitter). Pouncey’s current deal takes him through the 2019 season with a $8.1MM cap number in 2015. A full restructure of his deal would save the Steelers $3.8MM in cap space in 2015. More from the North divisions..
- If Jason Worilds signs elsewhere, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (on Twitter) expects the Steelers to go after a pass-rushing outside linebacker in free agency and still use a high pick on one in the draft.
- Vikings GM Rick Spielman says the team has communicated with Adrian Peterson, as Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press writes. “We’ve had open dialogue,’’ Spielman said, while declining to say who has spoken with the running back. “I’ll just leave it at that.”
- Spielman wouldn’t comment on contract renegotiations with Chad Greenway other than saying, “He’s under contract. There’s no deadline. We’re under the cap,” according to Tomasson (via Twitter). Greenway, 32, is due to make $7MM in 2015 with the Vikings. Last year, he missed time thanks to a broken hand and busted ribs.
- The Ndamukong Suh situation shows the complication of simple contract restructurings, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes. The Lions ultimately didn’t use the franchise tag on Suh because things snowballed to the point where they would have had to invest $26.9MM for one more year with him. Next year, the Steelers could face a similar situation with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Though he’ll make only $11.6MM in 2015, his cap number of $18.395MM will result in a franchise tag of $22.074MM in 2016 thanks to the restructurings.
NFC Notes: Bucs, Peterson, FAs
The Buccaneers‘ path from 2-14 back to respectability may not be that far away, writes ESPN’s Mike Sando in an insider piece (subscription required). Citing the likely arrival of Jameis Winston and the potential upgrade from Mike Glennon/Josh McCown at sports’ premier position along with new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter potentially being the best coordinator hire in the league, the Bucs’ re-emergence may not be that far away. One anonymous source is certain Winston is a better player than Marcus Mariota, once thought as the pick here.
“[Mariota] is very similar to Colin Kaepernick but probably has a little better arm because Kaep is so low with his release all the time,” a veteran NFL offensive coach told Sando. “[Mariota] has more arm angles but always throws it flat. Winston will throw it perfectly with enough arc and zip to get it up and down before the safety arrives. He has a real natural feel. He is the guy who can pick up any ball and play any sport and beat you.”
In other matters …
- Vikings GM Rick Spielman offered praise for Adrian Peterson despite the trouble that could mark his exit from Minnesota, the Minneapolis Star Tribune’s Sid Hartman reported. The soon-to-be 30-year-old runner recently returned to the commissioner’s exempt list after this week’s ruling to overturn his suspension.”Everybody talks about the 30-year-old back, but he didn’t have any hits on his body last year and he is different,” Spielman said of the 2012 MVP. “Just very unique from a physical stature standpoint and just he has unique traits that you don’t see very often come through the NFL. I suspect Adrian is going to have a great year next year.”
- NFC West free agent departures could include Mike Iupati, Frank Gore, Dan Williams and Byron Maxwell, and USA Today’s Nate Davis examines each team’s scenario. Among the takeaways, the 49ers allowing both Iupati and Michael Crabtree to leave are advised, as is the Cardinals finding a way to keep improving nose tackle Dan Williams.
- Dallas Morning News columnist Rick Gosselin charts running backs’ career swoons — as well as the long-term deals that gave the Cowboys cap trouble in recent years — around age 29 to illustrate why the Cowboys need to separate from DeMarco Murray despite his monstrous contract-year campaign. Murray will be 27 next season and is the top running back on the market.