Michael Bennett To Turn Himself In; More Details On Indictment
New Eagles defensive end Michael Bennett, who has been indicted on the felony charge of injury to the elderly — which is punishable by up to ten years in prison and/or a $10K fine — is expected to turn himself in tomorrow, per Tom Schad and A.J. Perez of USA Today. Bennett is represented by Rusty Hardin, the well-known Houston defense attorney who has represented Roger Clemens and other high-profile clients. Per Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Hardin indicated that Bennett is currently out of the continental United States and that, as he has not yet met his client, he will refrain from speaking on his behalf at this time.
Once Bennett turns himself in, more specifics will begin to emerge. As of right now, we have the press release from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office noting that Bennett has been indicted, a few details from various sources, and a whole host of unanswered questions.
Zack Rosenblatt of NJ Advance Media took a look at some of those questions yesterday, most of which pertained to the on-field ramifications of the incident (i.e. will the Eagles release Bennett, will they make any precautionary moves to shore up the defensive line, etc.). Today, one of Rosenblatt’s colleagues at NJ Advance Media, Eliot Shorr-Parks, examines the curiosities surrounding the case and sets forth his opinion as to why the Harris County DA will have a difficult time proving its case.
For instance, despite witnessing the alleged assault, a police officer at the scene did not attempt to arrest Bennett and instead allowed him on the field. According to Houston Chief Police officer Art Acevedo, speaking at a press conference on Friday, that was because Bennett was much larger than the officer at the scene, who was operating as a “one-man unit,” and because the officer needed to continue to monitor his area and did not perceive Bennett to be an additional threat to anyone else. Nonetheless, Shorr-Parks wonders why Bennett was not arrested after the post-game commotion if the incident was serious enough to warrant an indictment.
Shorr-Parks also observes that there is no video of the incident, which could certainly complicate matters for the prosecution. He also wonders why the case sat for three months before it was assigned to a detective, and why it took roughly five months from the time the last interview was conducted during the police department’s investigation — with the NRG stadium security manager in October 2017 — to the issuance of the arrest warrant. Finally, he sees Acevedo’s personal attacks against Bennett — Acevedo called Bennett “morally bankrupt” during his press conference — as another red flag.
The police department and DA, of course, have answers for all of those questions, and since it has procured the indictment, it is unlikely the DA will simply dismiss the case without a fight. And regardless of the ultimate outcome, McLane writes that Bennett, always a polarizing figure, has already become a major distraction for the defending Super Bowl champs. Eagles brass will doubtlessly have to answer questions concerning Bennett during league meetings in Orlando this week, but McLane believes the team may have to ride out the storm with him instead of cutting him loose (though Philadelphia could release him and save $5.65MM in cap space without incurring any dead money).
Redskins Likely To Sign LB Pernell McPhee
Free-agent linebacker Pernell McPhee informed the Falcons, following a visit with them, that he intends to sign with the Redskins, sources told Jordan Schultz of Yahoo Sports (on Twitter). ESPN’s John Keim also reported that a deal between McPhee and the Redskins is likely, though nothing is official yet (on Twitter).
The former Bears edge rusher had visited with the Redskins earlier in the week. We had McPhee ranked as the No. 4 edge rusher available in this year’s free-agent class and he was the top player still available at the position based on our rankings.
Washington had extra cap space thanks in part to trading for Alex Smith and letting Kirk Cousins walk in free agency. McPhee joins linebacker Zach Brown (three years, $21MM) and cornerback Orlando Scandrick (two years, $6.85MM) as the team’s free-agent signs on defense.
The Redskins were projected to go with Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith at outside linebacker prior to the news of McPhee’s likely addition. Defensive tackle looks to be next up on the team’s offseason wishlist as they’ve hosted free agents Sylvester Williams and Bennie Logan for visits.
McPhee, 29, struggled to stay on the field in three seasons with the Bears, missing a total of 12 games in his time with the team. Last season, he appeared in 13 games and recorded four sacks. The Bears cut McPhee in late February after signing him to a five-year deal prior to the 2015 season.
McPhee was one of the most sought-after free agents in the 2015 offseason. He was coming off a career-best 7.5 sacks in 2014 with the Ravens and had missed just four games in his four-year tenure with Baltimore. The Ravens originally took McPhee in the fifth round of the 2011 draft out of Mississippi State.
CB Delvin Breaux To Visit With Packers And 49ers
The Packers and 49ers are set to host Saints free-agent cornerback Delvin Breaux for visits, according to Joel A. Erickson of The Advocate (on Twitter). The Saints had the option of extending Breaux a tender as a restricted free agent but elected not to. Erickson also reported (on Twitter) that the New Orleans native and LSU alum wishes to stay at “home.” 
Breaux has already had visits with the Patriots and Broncos. The 28-year-old former CFL standout did not play last season after suffering a setback in his return from a broken fibula in 2016 that limited him to just six games.
The Saints signed Breaux from the CFL prior to the 2015 season and he graded out as a high-end starter in his first year in New Orleans, per Pro Football Focus metrics, starting all 16 games and tallying three interceptions. But he’s failed to recapture the momentum he built in his rookie year.
Reports had indicated that Breaux was close to a deal with the Broncos and was likely to sign with the team if he passed a physical before leaving the visit without a deal. The news of upcoming meetings with the 49ers and Packers points to Denver and New England likely moving on.
The Packers have brought back Tramon Williams but could still stand to add depth at cornerback after trading Damarious Randall to the Browns. The 49ers have already added a big-time cornerback this offseason in Richard Sherman and have Ahkello Witherspoon currently projected to start opposite of the former Seahawks standout.
Seahawks To Sign DT Shamar Stephen
The Seahawks continue to add depth to their defensive line, signing free-agent defensive tackle Shamar Stephen to a one-year deal, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL.com (on Twitter). Stephen becomes the second former Vikings defensive lineman to sign with the Seahawks in as many days, with Tom Johnson agreeing to a deal with Seattle on Friday.
The Seahawks confirmed the signing Saturday afternoon. 
Peliserro also noted (on Twitter) that Stephen sustained a meniscus injury in the postseason and has already undergone surgery this offseason. But he’s expected to be ready for OTAs and the Vikings had also wanted to re-sign him.
Stephen, 27, appeared in 15 games last year, making one start and collected a sack after starting all 16 games for the Vikings in 2016. The Vikings took Stephen in the seventh round of the 2014 draft. Stephen took a visit with the Seahawks earlier this week and had also taken a visit with the Lions. Minnesota signed former Seahawks defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson earlier this month.
Along with Johnson, Stephen is set to join a group of Seattle interior defensive linemen that includes Jarran Reed, Nazair Jones, and Garrison Smith. The Seahawks also have Malik McDowell at defensive tackle after the 2017 second-round pick spent his rookie year on the Non-Football Injury List. McDowell’s status for 2018 still remains in question, though.
Cowboys Restructure Contract For Jason Witten
The Cowboys have restructured the contract for veteran tight end Jason Witten, opening up around $3.5MM in available cap space, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer. Witten is signed through the 2021 season.
Witten, 35, becomes the second Cowboy to restructure his deal of late, with center Travis Frederick doing so last week. Between the restructuring of both deals, the Cowboys have opened up $10.5MM in available cap space.
The Cowboys were certainly in need of more available cap space, especially with the addition of wide receivers Allen Hurns (two years, $12MM) and Deonte Thompson (one year, $2.5MM). Entering Saturday, the Cowboys had $8.04MM in available cap room, which placed them at No. 26 in the NFL, per Spotrac.
Witten has spent his entire 15-year career with the Cowboys and has been selected to 11 Pro Bowls. He’s the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions (1,152), receiving yards (12,448) and most consecutive games played (239). He signed a four-year contract extension last offseason, worth $29.6MM.
Bills To Host CB Phillip Gaines
The Bills will host free-agent cornerback Phillip Gaines at some point next week, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network (on Twitter). Gaines visited with the Colts last week and Garafolo believes his time with the Chiefs, who took him in the third round of the 2014 draft, is coming to an end. 
Buffalo recently lost out on cornerback E.J. Gaines, who signed with the Browns on Friday. At the moment, the Bills are set to role with Vontae Davis and TreDavious White at cornerback. Even if signed, Phillip Gaines would likely serve in a nickel or reserve capacity with the Bills. He could help fill the role of Leonard Johnson, who appeared in 15 games last year for the Bills mostly as a nickel cornerback and remains unsigned as an unrestricted free agent.
The Chiefs signaled that they were likely moving on from Phillip Gaines, who was ranked as the second-worst cornerback in the league in 2016, per Pro Football Focus, after signing David Amerson and Kendall Fuller.
Phillip Gaines, 26, appeared in 41 games in four seasons with the Chiefs, making 16 starts. He ended last season on the injured reserve due to an elbow injury and missed the team’s playoff loss to the Titans.
Raiders To Re-Sign Reggie Nelson
The Raiders are bringing back veteran safety Reggie Nelson on a one-year deal, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). Rapoport notes that Nelson, who spent six seasons with the Bengals, can help teach new defensive coordinator Paul Guenther’s system. Guenther had been the Bengals’ defensive coordinator since 2014 before joining Jon Gruden’s staff this offseason.
Nelson, 34, started all 16 games at free safety for the Raiders last season and is the team’s second free-agent signing at safety this offseason, along with Marcus Gilchrist. It remains to be seen whether Oakland will opt to start Nelson or use him in a reserve capacity while having Karl Joseph and Gilchrist work as the starting safeties. Joseph had a Pro Football Focus grade of 80.8 last season, which was the highest of any defender currently on the Raiders’ roster outside of Khalil Mack.
Nelson was rated as our No. 9 safety available in free agency this offseason, with Gilchrist ranked at No. 7. Oakland also added cornerback Rashaan Melvin on a one-year deal earlier this offseason.
In two seasons with the Raiders, Nelson has yet to miss a start and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2016 for the second time in his career. He was first selected to the Pro Bowl in 2015 while with the Bengals after recording a career-high eight interceptions.
The Raiders also have last year’s second-round pick Obi Melifonwu at safety after he appeared in just five games his rookie season. Entering Saturday, the Raiders had $17.87MM in available cap space, which put them at No. 14 in the NFL.
Patriots S Duron Harmon Detained After Marijuana Smuggle Attempt In Costa Rica
Patriots safety Duron Harmon was denied entry into Costa Rica after attempting to bring marijuana into the country, according to Costa Rican newspaper La Nacion. Harmon was briefly detained before being sent back to the United States. 
The 27-year-old defensive back attempted to bring in 58 grams of marijuana inside a can of iced tea, three pipes with cannabis oil, a THC candy and four containers with compressed marijuana, weighing 4.3 grams. The Patriots issued a statement Saturday morning regarding the incident, via Ben Volin of the Boston Globe (on Twitter):
“We are aware of the situation involving Duron Harmon Friday night in Costa Rica. He has since returned to the U.S. and we are seeking to gain more information. At this time, we have no further update.”
Harmon (via Instagram) issued an apology Saturday night.
Volin doesn’t expect the Patriots to release Harmon following the incident but does expect the Patriots or the NFL to step in and hand down some sort of punishment (on Twitter). The league has yet to comment on the incident.
The Patriots took Harmon in the third round of the 2013 draft and he’s missed just one game thus far in his career while making 15 starts. Last season, Harmon tallied a career-high four interceptions and seven pass defenses. Harmon is once again slated to work alongside Patrick Chung and Devin McCourty as a safety in the Patriots’ secondary.
Falcons Sign CB/ST Justin Bethel
The Falcons have signed former Cardinals cornerback and special teamer Justin Bethel, per a Falcons release. ESPN’s Field Yates first reported that a deal between the two sides was done (on Twitter) and ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss first reported that Bethel was likely headed to the Falcons (on Twitter).
Bethel’s deal will be for one year, though the terms have of the deal have yet to be revealed, per ESPN’s Vaughn McLure (on Twitter).
Bethel, 27, has been one of the NFL’s most prominent gunners, having already been selected to three Pro Bowls, and has seen more time at cornerback in recent years with the Cardinals.
Bethel represents the Falcons’ biggest free-agent offseason splash thus far. Up until Saturday, their only free-agent addition was signing former 49ers guard Brandon Fusco and re-signing defensive end Derrick Shelby. The Falcons had hosted Bethel for a visit on Wednesday.
The Cardinals are dealt another loss to their secondary having already watched Tyrann Mathieu sign with the Texans following his release. They added depth to their secondary Friday by signing Bene Benwikere to a one-year deal. Safety Tyvon Branch remains the Cardinals’ final unsigned unrestricted free agent in their secondary.
Bethel didn’t start a single game at cornerback in his first three years in the NFL after the Cardinals took him in the sixth round of the 2012 draft. Over the last three years, though, he’s accumulated 14 starts at cornerback opposite Patrick Peterson. He’s racked up four interceptions in that time, including a pick-six in each season.
The Falcons have Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford locked in at cornerback with long-term deals. While Bethel is likely to contribute on the Falcons’ special teams they are thin in their cornerback depth. Brian Poole, Blidi Wreh-Wilson and Marcelis Branch currently serve as the only other cornerbacks on the roster outside of Trufant and Alford.
Bears Re-Sign CB Marcus Cooper To 1-Year Deal
The Bears are bringing back free-agent cornerback Marcus Cooper with a one-year, $2.5MM deal, according to Adam Caplan (on Twitter). Cooper had a visit on Friday with the Cardinals, who agreed to a one-year deal with cornerback Bene Benwikere, but they were still reported to have interest.
Cooper appeared in 15 games last season for the Bears, making four starts. His most extensive playing time came with the Cardinals in 2016 when he played in 15 games (13 starts) and collected four interceptions. The metrics were not kind to him that season, though, as he ranked No. 62 among 84 qualifiers in Football Outsiders‘ success rate.
Chicago signed Cooper to a three-year, $16MM deal following his 2016 campaign with the Cardinals but released him last week. He played on just a quarter of the Bears’ defensive snaps last season, ranking fourth out of the team’s cornerbacks.
The Bears have made their secondary a priority this offseason, placing their transition tag on Kyle Fuller and re-signing Prince Amukamara. Cooper is set to work with the likes of Bryce Callahan and recently-signed Sherrick McManis as backups to Fuller and Amukamara.
The 49ers drafted Cooper in the seventh round of the 2013 draft out of Rutgers. He never suited up for the 49ers, though, and spent three seasons with the Chiefs before landing with the Cardinals in 2016.