FA Notes: Newman, Johnson, Clay, Lowery
As Peter King of The MMQB.com observes in his latest column, spending big in free agency often doesn’t translate to wins in the next season or two. As such, this year’s spenders – such as the Jets, Eagles, Dolphins, and Jaguars – should be wary about how much of an on-field impact their signings will have in 2015. A team like the Ravens, on the other hand, has enjoyed great success by consistently letting big free agents leave for other teams, then collecting compensatory picks for those players and replenishing the roster with young talent.
Here are a few more free agent updates:
- Veteran cornerback Terence Newman will turn 37 in September, but he intends to continue his playing career. Per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter), Newman visited the Vikings yesterday, and is headed to New England today to meet with the Patriots.
- When Michael Johnson‘s new four-year contract with the Bengals was initially reported, figures of $20MM and $24MM were cited as the overall value of the deal. Rapoport offers some clarity on that front, tweeting that the $20MM base value increases to $24MM if Johnson records 10 or more sacks during the 2015 season.
- Rex Ryan has been the “driving force” behind the Bills‘ pursuit of tight end Charles Clay, a source tells Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News. Having become familiar with the Dolphins tight end over the last few years of AFC East divisional games, Ryan badly wants Clay in Buffalo, and the Bills continue to prepare an offer sheet for Miami’s transition player.
- Safety Dwight Lowery admits that the Falcons haven’t shown much interest in re-signing him, and says he hasn’t spoken to new head coach Dan Quinn, as Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com writes. Atlanta is still without a starting free safety, so it’s possible the team will circle back to Lowery at some point.
- Referring to an article in Australia’s Courier-Mail, former Seahawks defensive lineman Jesse Williams suggested in a tweet that he didn’t actually speak to the outlet. The Courier-Mail piece indicated that Williams himself said he expected to re-sign with Seattle, so it’s not clear whether or not a new deal with the club is actually in the works.
- Earlier today, I listed a few of the top free agents still on the board at each position.
Chargers To Sign Stevie Johnson
11:02am: Johnson’s three-year contract has a base value of $10.5MM and includes additional performance-based incentives, tweets Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter), the deal can be worth up to $12MM.
9:55am: After taking the night to weigh his options, Stevie Johnson has decided to sign with the Chargers rather than the Patriots, sources tell Dianna Marie Russini of NBC4 Washington (Twitter link). Johnson has reportedly narrowed his choice down to those two teams after visiting San Diego and New England, and Russini tweets that his family played a big part in his decision. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter), it’ll be a three-year deal for Johnson with the Chargers.
Johnson, 28, spent the first six seasons of his NFL career with the Bills before being sent to San Francisco a year ago in a trade. While the Kentucky product didn’t make a real impact for the 49ers, he enjoyed some success in Buffalo, putting up three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2010 to 2012, and grabbing 23 touchdowns during that three-year stretch.
Having been released by the Niners earlier this month, Johnson will return to the AFC for the 2015 season, joining forces with Philip Rivers and Keenan Allen in San Diego. The Chargers, who lost Eddie Royal to the Bears in free agency last week, had been on the lookout for veteran receiving help to complement Allen. The team also added Jacoby Jones, though it’s not clear how significant a role the return specialist will play on offense.
In addition to the Chargers and Patriots, the Jets and Browns were among the other teams mentioned as potential suitors for Johnson.
Pats, Chargers Vying For Stevie Johnson
8:22pm: The Jets have jumped in to express their interest in Johnson, but the receiver has narrowed his choice to the Patriots or the Chargers, tweets Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. Johnson will make his decision tomorrow morning, writes Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
3:34pm: Johnson’s decision is expected to come down to New England and San Diego, with the 49ers unlikely to bring back the veteran receiver, according to Russini and Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee (Twitter links).
2:39pm: Johnson left his visit with the Patriots today without signing, tweets Russini. That doesn’t necessarily mean the wideout won’t eventually agree to join the Pats, but he appears to be weighing all his options before making a decision. Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports tweets that the Chargers are still in play as well.
1:16pm: Stevie Johnson is visiting the Patriots today, and it appears very possible that the veteran wideout won’t leave New England without a new deal in place. According to Dianna Marie Russini of NBC4 Washington (via Twitter), sources say Johnson is “very likely” to sign with the Pats, perhaps as soon as today.
The Patriots are familiar with Johnson, who spent the first six years of his career with the division-rival Bills. The 28-year-old was very productive in Buffalo from 2008 to 2013, recording three separate seasons of 70+ catches and 1,000+ yards. The Bills traded Johnson to San Francisco last offseason and he wasn’t nearly as successful as a 49er, totaling just 35 receptions in 13 games for the team.
If Johnson ends up making things official with the Pats, he’d join a receiving corps that includes Danny Amendola – who restructured his contract to remain in New England – as well as Brandon LaFell, Julian Edelman, and Brandon Gibson. Throw in Rob Gronkowski and another former Bill, Scott Chandler, who reportedly agreed to terms with the Pats, and Tom Brady should have plenty of pass-catching targets at his disposal in 2015.
Johnson also visited the Chargers and has drawn interest from the Browns, among other potential suitors.
Contract Details: Morgan, Gilchrist, Cameron
Here are some details on several of the new contracts agreed to or signed by free agents within the last few days:
AFC deals:
- Derrick Morgan, OLB (Titans): Four years, $27MM base value. $10.5MM fully guaranteed. $6MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun).
- Marcus Gilchrist, S (Jets): Four years, $22MM base value. $10MM guaranteed (Twitter link via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com).
- Jordan Cameron, TE (Dolphins): Two years, $15MM base value. $5MM fully guaranteed. $4MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Wilson).
- Paul Fanaika, OL (Chiefs): Three years, $6.5MM. $1.75MM signing bonus. Incentives and escalators available (Twitter links via Wilson).
- Alan Branch, DT (Patriots): Two years, $4.3MM base value. $700K signing bonus. Option for 2016 (all Twitter links via Wilson).
- Tyrod Taylor, QB (Bills): Two years, $3.35MM base value. $1.15MM fully guaranteed. $400K signing bonus. Third year voids (all four Twitter links via Wilson).
NFC deals:
- Jasper Brinkley, LB (Cowboys): Two years, $6.5MM base value. $2MM guaranteed, $2MM option bonus in 2016 (Twitter link via Wilson).
- Akeem Ayers, LB (Rams): Two years, $6MM base value. $2.75MM guaranteed. $1.3MM roster bonus in 2015 (Twitter links via Wilson).
- Andrew Gachkar, LB (Cowboys): Two years, $5.2MM base value. $1.2MM signing bonus. Up to $1MM in annual incentives (Twitter link via Wilson).
- Nick Fairley, DT (Rams): One year, $5MM base value. $1.5MM roster bonus in 2015. Sack and playoff incentives available (Twitter links via Wilson).
- Erik Pears, OL (49ers): Two years, $4.7MM base value. $1MM guaranteed. $500K signing bonus (Twitter links via Wilson).
- Kurt Coleman, S (Panthers): Two years, $2.8MM base value. $600K signing bonus (Twitter links via Wilson).
- O’Brien Schofield, DE (Falcons): One year, $1.7MM base value. $255K signing bonus (Twitter links via Wilson).
- Chris Conte, S (Buccaneers): One year, $1.5MM base value. $1.25MM fully guaranteed (Twitter link via Adam Caplan of ESPN.com).
FA Notes: Freeman, Irving, Moore, Mays
Tim Tebow isn’t the only free agent quarterback attempting an NFL comeback. Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report tweets that ex-Buccaneers signal-caller Josh Freeman recently worked out for the Jets and has several other clubs taking a “hard look” at him. Freeman’s NFL success, which included a 4,000-yard season in 2012, was viewed as more sustainable than Tebow’s, so it certainly wouldn’t be a surprise to see a team give him a shot this summer.
Let’s check in on a few other free agent items from around the NFL….
- Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (Twitter links) has updates on a pair of free agent defenders, reporting that linebacker Nate Irving is visiting the Colts, while defensive back Sterling Moore is on track to visit the 49ers after meeting with the Steelers.
- There’s mutual interest between the Dolphins and quarterback Matt Moore, who has backed up Ryan Tannehill in recent years, writes Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald. However, Moore only wants to return at fair market value, so the free agent quarterback will probably be more inclined to explore his options than to re-sign with Miami for a hometown discount.
- Washington continues to show interest in safety Taylor Mays, and the sides are trying to work out a possible visit, tweets John Keim of ESPN.com.
- Ron Parker drew plenty of reported interest during his few days on the open market, but the Chiefs safety said today that the Falcons were the team with the most interest in him, besides Kansas City, tweets Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star.
- Speaking to reporters today, including Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press (Twitter link), Tyrunn Walker said he was offered a three-year contract by the Patriots but opted for a one-year pact with the Lions instead. I’m guessing the Pats’ offer likely didn’t include any guaranteed money beyond the first year, so opting for Detroit instead will give Walker more freedom, and could land him a larger deal next winter if he has a good year for the Lions.
Patriots Sign Scott Chandler
MONDAY, 4:06pm: The Patriots have made it official, announcing the signing of Chandler today in a press release.
FRIDAY, 12:11pm: The Patriots have reached agreement on a deal with tight end Scott Chandler, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The addition of Chandler gives the Patriots some depth at tight end behind star Rob Gronkowski.
Dianna Marie Russini of NBC 4 (on Twitter) reported earlier today that Chandler narrowed down his list of suitors to the Pats and Ravens. Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (on Twitter) later heard that the tight end wouldn’t be taking his talents to Baltimore and was likely to join up with New England.
Chandler, 30 in July, was released by the Bills on Wednesday. The 6’7″ athlete hauled in 47 catches for 497 yards and three touchdowns in 2014. Chandler was something of a late bloomer in the league, as he did not see any time on an NFL field between his debut in 2007 with the Chargers and his return in 2010 with the Bills. in Buffalo, he asserted himself as a real NFL talent and not just a taxi squad filler.
King’s Latest: Peterson, Hardy, Winston
After publishing a Wednesday Morning Quarterback last week to recap a crazy first day of NFL free agency, Peter King of TheMMQB.com returns to his usual Monday Morning Quarterback piece this week, and the latest installment includes several noteworthy tidbits from around the league. Let’s round up the highlights….
- Addressing a report about the Cardinals‘ possible interest in Adrian Peterson, King cites a “reliable Cardinals source” who indicates Arizona hasn’t had any contact with the Vikings about Peterson. “There is no way we could live with those numbers,” the source said, referring to the three years and $45MM left on the running back’s contract. “We just got Larry Fitzgerald’s contract under control. No way we’d add that salary.”
- One general manager tells King that Greg Hardy is on his club’s free agent list, “but pretty far down.” Many teams believe the veteran defensive end will be suspended by the league for the first six games of the 2015 season.
- Jameis Winston isn’t currently planning to attend the 2015 NFL draft in Chicago, preferring to spend it with family and friends down south, says King.
- King thinks a team like the Falcons or Buccaneers would be a nice fit for free agent pass rusher Dwight Freeney.
- The Jets likely would have blown any rival offer for Darrelle Revis out of the water, so even if the Patriots had been willing to get into the neighborhood of New York’s five-year, $70MM proposal, the Jets probably would’ve just upped the ante.
- The Cowboys started out at a $5MM-per-year price tag for DeMarco Murray, and were willing to stretch that to $6MM annually, but never considered matching the Eagles‘ final offer, which got up to $8MM+.
Vince Wilfork Visiting With Texans
Former Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork is visiting with the Texans in Houston, reports Mark Berman of Fox 26 (via Twitter).
The Texans are in need of a veteran nose tackle and Wilfork would be their top choice, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle (via Twitter).
Wilfork was effective during the Patriots’ Super Bowl run, grading out as 13th best defensive end in the league by Pro Football Focus’ metrics (subscription required). Wilfork is known more as a defensive tackle, and although he has the versatility to shift outside, that would be the role he is likely to play should he land in Houston.
Houston struggled on the interior of its defensives line in 2014, with Ryan Pickett and Jerrell Powe both grading out poorly as defensive tackle, ranking 65th and 76th out of the 81 players to line up for 25% of their teams snaps at the position (subscription).
McClain also points out the connection Wilfork has with defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, with whom he won a Super Bowl as a rookie in 2004. McClain knows there are still a few teams interested, and that Wilfork is not close to making a decision (via Twitter). The Patriots are among those teams, and are reportedly interested in bringing him back.
AFC East Notes: Johnson, Revis, Gachkar, Clay
The Patriots have been targeting wide receiver Stevie Johnson since his release from the 49ers, and we learned yesterday that Johnson would be visiting the team on Monday. Tom E. Curran of CSNNE.com believes that could be the last visit Johnson takes, saying the team “find a way to make sure he sticks around.”
“He is only 28-years-old, 6’2″ a little under 200 pounds, absolutely electric in getting off the line of scrimmage and making people miss,” said Curran. “What happened last year at San Francisco you wonder? That’s a horrible passing game. I talked to our collegue Matt Maiocco with CSN Bay Area, and he said the only guy that could be satisfied out there was Anquan Boldin.”
- The AFC East got a lot stronger this offseason, with the Bills, Jets, and Dolphins all bringing big names onto their teams and look to be generally improved from 2014. The Patriots, on the other hand, actually lost their best defensive player in Darrelle Revis to their division rival Jets, who signed him to a five-year deal with $39MM in guaranteed money. The Patriots were not worried about the the guaranteed money, but did balk at a three-year contract with no outs for the team, writes Ben Volin of the Boston Globe.
- Although linebacker Andrew Gachkar just signed with the Cowboys, he was very interested in the Patriots, who he visited with earlier during the free agency period, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN (via Twitter). However, family ties in Dallas helped him decide to join the Cowboys.
- The Charles Clay saga wages on, as both the Bills and Dolphins seem intertwined with the versatile pass catcher’s future. However, no updates are imminent, according to Tim Graham of the Buffalo News (via Twitter). The Dolphins are waiting for the Bills to give Clay an offer sheet.
AFC Rumors: Bowe, Johnson, Cameron
Dwayne Bowe will spend the night in Cleveland and begin his visit after dinner with Browns officials, ESPN’s Josina Anderson reports on Twitter.
Bowe’s visit will continue into Sunday, the Cleveland Plain Dealer’s Mary Kay Cabot reports.
Displaced from his near-decade-long post as the Chiefs‘ No. 1 wide receiver by Jeremy Maclin earlier this week, Bowe is currently discussing work in a place that’s had worse wideout luck. The Chiefs released Bowe after eight seasons earlier this week after making substantial 2015 commitments to Maclin and franchise player Justin Houston.
A 2007 first-round pick, Bowe has an obvious connection to the Browns, with current GM Ray Farmer having served as the Chiefs’ director of pro personnel from 2006-12.
Down their own No. 1 wide receiver in Josh Gordon, the Browns added possession target Brian Hartline earlier and lost out on retaining their top eligible pass-catcher, Jordan Cameron, in a confusing back-and-forth sequence Thursday. Despite Bowe’s inconsistency, he’d be an upgrade in Cleveland and likely on a friendlier cap number than the $14MM he was to occupy on the Chiefs’ cap this season after signing a long-term extension in 2013.
In other AFC news …
- Cabot sheds some light on the latest Cleveland talent relocating his talents to South Beach. In the piece, Cabot discusses the Browns’ preference for Charles Clay over Cameron before backing off due to the Bills‘ infatuation with the Dolphins’ transition player. Cameron said in his introductory presser with the Dolphins he never had a verbal agreement with the Browns despite the media reports to the contrary. The other key piece of information from this report: Cleveland offered Cameron to the Seahawks for Percy Harvin last season before the wideout was dealt to the Jets.
- Stevie Johnson will visit the Patriots on Monday, tweets NBC4 (Washington D.C.) anchor Dianna Marie Russini. This summit comes after Johnson met with the Chargers on Friday. The Patriots already signed Brandon Gibson to bolster competition among their reserve wideouts, although Johnson comes with a higher pedigree. The Jets also are a team that could make a play for Johnson as his former offensive coordinator and quarterback — Chan Gailey and Ryan Fitzpatrick, respectively — reside there, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport on Twitter.
- The Chargers’ receiver pursuit also includes ex-Jaguars No. 1 target Cecil Shorts, tweets Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune.