Patriots Sign Nine To Futures Deals
The Patriots announced that they have signed nine practice squad players to contracts for 2015, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN.com (Twitter links):
- Chris Barker OG
- Jake Bequette DE
- Garrett Gilbert, QB
- Justin Green, DB
- Caylin Hauptmann, OL
- Jonathan Krause, WR
- Eric Martin, LB
- Deontae Skinner, CB
- Dax Swanson, CB
Some of the signings, like Barker, were previously reported but not officially announced until today. Back in November, the Pats elevated the salaries of Bequette and Barker to $10K a week, well over the customary salary of $6,300 per week.
Minor Moves: Thursday
We’ll keep track of today’s minor moves here..
- Offensive lineman Chris Barker has signed a one-year futures deal with the Patriots, a source tells Jeff Howe of The Boston Herald (Twitter link). Barker was waived from the Pats’ 53-man roster in late October but was quickly re-signed to their taxi squad after clearing waivers. The University of Nevada product went undrafted in 2013.
AFC East Notes: Bills, Hughes, Dolphins, Jets
During the Bills‘ sale process last year, several intriguing names surfaced as potential bidders, but no group ever emerged as a serious threat to Buffalo Sabres owners Terry and Kim Pegula, who ultimately assumed control of the franchise. Months later, Tim Graham of the Buffalo News adds one more noteworthy name to the list of one-time suitors for the team. According to Graham, former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter explored the possibility of investing in the Bills while playing his final MLB season. Presumably, Jeter would have been a part of a larger group, considering the final sale price for the franchise was $1.4 billion.
While we try to wrap our heads around the idea of Jeter as a Bills shareholder, let’s check in on several more items from across the AFC East….
- The Bills will have to think long and hard about whether or not edge defender Jerry Hughes is a good fit in Rex Ryan‘s defensive system, writes Mike Rodak of ESPN. If the free-agent-to-be, coming off consecutive seasons of 10+ sacks, is looking to be paid like a top-10 defensive end, that would mean an annual salary of $8.3MM+ and/or $20MM+ in guaranteed money. That seems a little too pricey if Hughes is relegated to a part-time pass rusher under Ryan.
- Responding to a piece by his colleague Dave Hyde, Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun Sentinel explores how difficult it would be to replace a handful of Dolphins starters if the team decides to cut them for cap purposes.
- In an Insider-only piece for ESPN.com, Field Yates takes a look at some good and bad cap situations around the NFL, identifying the Jets as a club with one of the most favorable outlooks.
- If the Patriots cheated by deflating footballs in the AFC’s championships game, they’re hardly alone, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, who details a number of rules violations committed by other NFL teams over the years. Per Florio, the NFL is currently investigating four cases of game-integrity violations — Deflategate, the Browns’ sideline texting incident, the Falcons’ artificial crowd noise, and one unknown issue.
Extra Points: Tannehill, Foles, Bryant
Former Creative Artists Agency employee Ben Dogra is now the co-CEO of the football division at Relativity Sports, as Darren Heitner of Forbes.com writes. As of September 26, Dogra was on record as representing 39 players signed to NFL deals, but it’s not clear how many he’ll be taking over with him. Dogra will share duties with contract advisor Eugene Parker, an interesting twist since the two men were bitter rivals for nearly two decades in the business. More from around the NFL..
- There is a lot of work for the Dolphins to do this offseason, but their biggest decision might be how to handle the contract situation of starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill, James Walker of ESPN.com writes. Miami could trigger Tannehill’s expensive fifth-year team option at $15MM, work out a long-term extension, or roll the dice and wait it out with the QB. The $15MM option is obviously steep, but Miami could theoretically justify it by contrasting it to Tannehill’s $2.117MM salary for 2015. Averaged out, that’s just $8.5MM per year.
- Sheil Kapadia of Philadelphia Magazine looked at the Eagles‘ quarterback spot. There has been buzz that the Eagles will replace quarterback Nick Foles with Marcus Mariota, but it seems like a longshot that they can move up to No. 1 to grab the Oregon product. Instead, Kapadia sees Foles staying while the Eagles bring in a new backup to replace Mark Sanchez and a developmental prospect to replace Matt Barkley.
- Tim Cowlishaw of The Dallas Morning News is optimistic when it comes to the Cowboys‘ chances of keeping their two star free agents. He’s about 100% certain that Dez Bryant will be back in Dallas and 70-75% on DeMarco Murray.
- The Patriots announced that special teams coordinator Scott O’Brien is retiring and assistant coach Joe Judge has been elevated to his role, according to Ben Volin of The Boston Globe (on Twitter).
- The Eagles announced (on Twitter) that Matthew Harper will be the team’s new assistant defensive backs coach while Michael Clay will be the new assistant special teams coach. The Eagles (link) also hired Princeton’s inside linebackers coach Stephen Thomas to be the team’s defensive quality control coach.
- Alabama Director of Football Operations, Joe Pannunzio, is also headed to the Eagles, according to Aaron Suttles of The Tuscaloosa News (on Twitter).
North Notes: Felton, Webb, Branch
Mike Zimmer led the Vikings to a 7-9 record in his first season despite a long list of personnel issues, including the loss of Adrian Peterson. Some folks might have been surprised, but not Bengals coach Marvin Lewis. “I thought he did an outstanding job, a fine job,” Lewis said of his longtime defensive coordinator, according to Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press. “I know they’re excited for next year (in Minnesota).” More from the North divisions..
- Fullback Jerome Felton, who has decided to opt out of the final year of his deal with the Vikings, told Ben Goessling of ESPN.com that he was frustrated by the absence of Peterson in 2014. “Once Adrian went down, it changed things,” Felton said. “For a while there, my numbers went back up and I started playing well. But when you have the best running back in the world, that changes the offense. (Offensive coordinator) Norv (Turner) and (running backs coach) Kirby (Wilson) were always great communicating with me. The team supported me in what I was doing. It was a tough year from the standpoint of wanting to do more, but I felt like I grew as a leader this year. I didn’t let those things turn me into a negative influence in the locker room. I tried to keep supporting my guys.”
- Lardarius Webb’s contract is an offseason issue the Ravens will likely have to address, Clifton Brown of CSNBaltimore.com writes. Webb still has three years remaining on a contract due to pay him $8MM in base salary next season. The Ravens could use a more cap-friendly deal, because even if they cut him, they would only save $2MM in cap room. Webb should be open to some sort of adjustment because he probably wouldn’t get more than $8MM on the open market.
- Patriots defensive tackle Alan Branch told Alex Marvez of FOX Sports (Twitter link) that the Browns expressed interest in signing him in October. However, he liked the defense in New England and wanted to play alongside Vince Wilfork.
Cole’s Latest: Browns, Draft, Revis, Wilfork
As free agency and the draft inch closer, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report figures to be busy, providing the latest buzz from around the NFL. Today, he has posted two videos passing along the whispers he’s hearing regarding the Browns’ plans at quarterback and what lies ahead for two key Patriots defenders. Let’s dive in and round up the highlights….
- Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reported yesterday that the Browns are optimistic that Johnny Manziel, currently in rehab, will be ready to go for training camp, and don’t plan to walk away from the young quarterback. Still, according to Cole, it sounds as if the team is mulling the possibility of trying to trade up for one of the top two signal-callers in this spring’s draft. Cole reports that Cleveland prefers Marcus Mariota to Jameis Winston, and may be well-positioned to make a move, since no other team has two 2015 first-round picks to dangle in an offer.
- Cole echoes a weekend report from Adam Schefter, indicating that the Jets and Bills will have interest in Darrelle Revis if he reaches the open market. According to Cole, the Jets will be a “major player,” particularly since Revis loves New York and would seriously consider a reunion with the team. Before Revis hits free agency though, the Patriots will likely try to work out a long-term agreement, and Cole says the cornerback will take a couple weeks to decide whether or not he wants to continue going year to year as he approaches age 30. Of course, the Pats could also simply pick up Revis’ 2015 option, but that would result in a $25MM cap hit.
- Vince Wilfork‘s cap number for 2015 jumps up to nearly $9MM, and the Patriots could save most of that total by cutting him this offseason, as Cole observes. Given Wilfork’s shaky performance down the stretch (he recorded a -6.0 grade in the postseason, per Pro Football Focus) and New England’s tendency to cut ties with longtime contributors when they’re no longer providing value, that doesn’t necessarily bode well for the big defensive lineman. However, Cole says Wilfork likes the idea of going out on top, so it’s possible he’ll decide to retire.
East Notes: Revis, Washington, Butler, Jets
Cornerback Darrelle Revis technically remains under contract with the Patriots for a second season for now, but with a $25MM cap hit looming, it seems awfully unlikely that the star corner will actually play out the second year of that deal, despite recent reports that suggest the Pats will consider picking up the option. If Revis were to become a free agent, he’d be one of the most coveted players on the market, but would he be the top defender available? Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press asked seven current or former players whether they’d prefer to sign Revis or Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, and Suh narrowly edged Revis, by a 4-3 margin.
Here’s more from around the league’s two East divisions:
- Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com and John Keim of ESPN.com each take a look at Washington‘s offseason today, with Tandler delving into GM Scot McCloughan‘s potential approach to free agency, while Keim identifies a few players who could become cap casualties this winter.
- In addition to saving the Super Bowl with his last-minute interception on Sunday, Patriots defensive back Malcolm Butler practically saved Derek Simpson’s career as an agent as well, writes Natalie Pierre of AL.com. As Pierre explains, Butler was Simpson’s only client in three years to sign an NFL contract and stick on a 53-man roster, saving the agent from having to restart the certification process.
- Former Jets tight ends coach Steve Hagen has shifted to assistant special teams coach on Todd Bowles‘ staff, a source tells Alex Marvez of Fox Sports (Twitter link).
- ESPN.com’s Todd Archer examines how a possible lucrative contract extension for Marshawn Lynch could affect the stock of Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray this offseason.
Super Bowl XLIX Free Agent Performances
It’s not realistic to expect a player’s value in free agency to drastically increase or decrease based on one game. However, if there is an opportunity for that future free agent to show the NFL what he’s got, it’s the Super Bowl.
There were plenty of impending free agents for both squads in last night’s game, and several of those players made major contributions. Let’s review how the looming free agents fared in Super Bowl XLIX, with the snap counts and ratings via Pro Football Focus’ advanced statistics (subscription required):
Patriots:
- Shane Vereen, RB: Four rushes, 13 yards/ 11 receptions, 64 yards/ 52 snaps, 0.2 PFF Rating
- James Develin, FB: One reception, six yards/ one kick return, five yards/ 16 snaps, -1.1 PFF Rating
- Daniel Connolly, OG: 76 snaps, 0.9 PFF Rating
- Devin McCourty, S: Five tackles/ 53 snaps, -0.2 PFF Rating
- Akeem Ayers, LB: One QB hit/ 12 snaps, 0.5 PFF Rating
- Alan Branch, DT: Three tackles/ 20 snaps, 0.2 PFF Rating
- Sealver Siliga, DT: Four tackles/ 39 snaps, -0.4 PFF Rating
- Stephen Gostkowski, K: 4/4 extra points/ 1.4 PFF Rating
Active, but didn’t play or compile stats: LB Jonathan Casillas, LB Chris White, LS Danny Aiken
Injured reserve/inactives: RB Stevan Ridley, WR Brian Tyms LB James Morris
Seahawks:
- Jermaine Kearse, WR: Three receptions, 45 yards/ 52 snaps, 0.1 PFF Rating
- Ricardo Lockette, WR: Three receptions, 59 yards/ one tackle/ 30 snaps, 1.4 PFF Rating
- Bryan Walters, WR: Two punt returns, six yards/ six snaps, -0.1 PFF Rating
- Tony Moeaki, TE: Four snaps, 0.2 PFF Rating
- Will Tukuafu, FB: 12 snaps, 2.1 PFF Rating
- James Carpenter, OG: 54 snaps, -3.5 PFF Rating
- Kevin Williams, DT: Three tackles/ 40 snaps, 0.8 PFF Rating
- Landon Cohen, DT: 19 snaps, -0.4 PFF Rating
- Demarcus Dobbs, DE: 33 snaps, 0.1 PFF Rating
- O’Brien Schofield, LB: One QB hit/ 37 snaps, 1.1 PFF Rating
- Byron Maxwell, CB: Five tackles/ 76 snaps, -1.4 PFF Rating
- Jeron Johnson, S: One tackle
- DeShawn Shead, S: Two tackles
- Clint Gresham, LS: -1.0 PFF Rating
Active, but didn’t play or compile stats: QB Tarvaris Jackson, OG Lemuel Jeanpierre, LB Michael Morgan, LB Malcolm Smith
Injured reserve: WR David Gilreath, TE Anthony McCoy, OG Stephen Schilling, LB Heath Farwell, DT D’Anthony Smith, DT Greg Scruggs
AFC Notes: Cody, Manziel, Hightower, Bills
The Ravens made their release of defensive tackle Terrence Cody official today, cutting ties with him just weeks before he was scheduled to hit free agency. The timing of the move can be explained by Cody’s off-field legal troubles — according to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter links), the Baltimore County Police Dept. announced today that Cody has been indicted for animal cruelty by a grand jury, and was processed and released on a $10K bail. In a series of tweets, Zrebiec details the charges against Cody, which include multiple counts of animal abuse or neglect involving a dog, illegal possession of an alligator, and marijuana possession. A former second-round pick, Cody figured to draw some interest in free agency, but the charges against him figure to diminish his value significantly.
Here’s more from around the AFC:
- The fact that Johnny Manziel has entered rehab does not mean he must be placed in the NFL’s substance abuse program, but the league would have the power to do so. League spokesman Greg Aiello has declined to confirm one way or the other whether the Browns quarterback will enter into the program, according to Mike Wilkering of Pro Football Talk.
- Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower will undergo labrum surgery now that the team’s season is over, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Hightower should be ready to go for the 2015 season.
- Mike Rodak of ESPN.com takes a look at potential release candidates on the Bills, predicting that the team will at least think about cutting linebacker Keith Rivers, guard Kraig Urbik, and cornerback Leodis McKelvin.
- Prior to hiring Joker Phillips as their new wide receivers coach, the Browns interviewed former Alabama State head coach Reggie Barlow for the position, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com.
- Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap previews the Chargers‘ offseason, suggesting that the team should do what it can to re-sign free agents like King Dunlap and Brandon Flowers.
- Titans fans could surely be frustrated by the production of former player (and current Patriots linebacker) Akeem Ayers, but ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky believes the organization missed out on another defender who played last night. Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett gave the Patriots fits during the Super Bowl, and Kuharsky wonders what could have been had Tennessee pursued him in free agency in 2013.
Ben Levine contributed to this post.
Patriots Win Super Bowl XLIX
The Patriots overcame a national scandal and a ten point deficit in the fourth quarter to top the Seahawks 28-24 and capture yet another Vince Lombardi trophy. Tom Brady threw for four touchdowns, including the go-ahead score to Julian Edelman, to secure his fourth Super Bowl ring. The Seahawks nearly retook the game on a wild drive, assisted by Jermaine Kearse‘s unbelievably fortunate catch. However, at the 1 yard line, the Seahawks opted to throw and Pats corner Malcolm Butler came away with Russell Wilson‘s errant pass. The Seahawks bid to repeat came up just short while the Patriots made it clear that their dynasty is far from done.
When the Patriots are done washing off the champagne and sleeping off their hangovers, they’ll turn their attention to a most pivotal offseason. The Pats hold a whopping $20MM option on cornerback Darrelle Revis that would carry a $25MM cap hit, so they’ll likely try and work out a new long-term deal with him instead. Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork and wide receiver Danny Amendola could become cap casualties in order to carve out significant cap room. Safety Devin McCourty is a possible franchise tag candidate and the Pats can also be expected to look into an extension for him.
The Seahawks, meanwhile, will start their offseason by finding a replacement for defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who is hours away from being named as the next head coach of the Falcons. Seattle has already made a “huge” extension offer to Marshawn Lynch that would allow him to plow through defenders as a member of the Seahawks for the rest of his career. Meanwhile, long-term extension talks with Wilson are expected to take place right away now that the Super Bowl is in the books. Wilson is expected to become the highest-paid player in NFL history, with Aaron Rodgers‘ $22MM AAV serving as the starting point in negotiations. Aside from those offensive stars, the Seahawks will have other high-priority players on the agenda, including cornerback Byron Maxwell, who is set to hit the open market.
After the completion of a most memorable Super Bowl, it is now officially the offseason for all 32 NFL teams. Let the madness begin.