Le’Veon Bell, Steelers Far Apart
So much for the positive updates on talks between Le’Veon Bell and the Steelers. On the eve of the league’s franchise tagging deadline, the running back says that the two sides are far apart in talks (via ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler). Furthermore, Bell added that he was not bluffing in January when he said that he is contemplating retirement if he does not get the kind of deal he is after. 
“We’re not coming to a number we both agree on — they are too low, or I guess they feel I’m too high,” Bell said. “I’m playing for strictly my value to the team, that’s what I’m asking. I don’t think I should settle for anything less than what I’m valued at.”
Instead of looking at his value in terms of what he brings to the Steelers, Bell gets the sense that the team is putting a greater focus on the running back market as a whole. Currently, Falcons tailback Devonta Freeman stands as the game’s highest-paid running back at $8.25MM per year. Bell has previously stated that he wants a deal that reflects his value not just as a runner, but as a lethal pass catcher. He remains more optimistic about talks than he was last year, but he doesn’t see anything coming together between now and Tuesday afternoon.
“We might get something done,” Bell said. “I’m hoping for something to get done but I’m not expecting it to [before Tuesday].”
As it stands, the Steelers are expected to tag Bell for a second consecutive season, this time at the inflated cost of $14.544MM. The mechanism, in theory, would keep Bell in place for the 2018 season, but his retirement threat could throw a wrench into plans, depending on how seriously it is received by the Steelers.
Cowboys Apply Tag To Demarcus Lawrence
The Cowboys and defensive end Demarcus Lawrence will not reach a long-term deal before Tuesday’s franchise deadline, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). With no long-term deal in place, the Cowboys have followed through on their plan to apply the one-year franchise tag on Lawrence for 2018, as David Moore of the Dallas Morning News tweets.
The one-year placeholder will cost the Cowboys $17.5MM. Per league rules, the two sides still have until July 16 to hammer out a new contract. If no agreement is reached between now and then, Lawrence will remain with the Cowboys at a costly rate for the coming year.
The Cowboys would like to smooth out Lawrence’s cap hit and the defensive end would like to have the financial security of a long-term pact. However, it won’t come cheap. Agent David Canter also represents defensive end Olivier Vernon, who signed the largest contract in NFL history for his position when he landed a five-year, $85MM deal with the Giants in 2016. It is believed that Canter is seeking at least $17MM/year to match Vernon’s contract.
Lawrence racked up 14.5 sacks in 2017, nearly double Vernon’s total from his contract year. He also graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 3 ranked DE, putting him behind only Cameron Jordan and Von Miller amongst edge rushers.
Raiders Release LB Aldon Smith
Aldon Smith‘s time with the Raiders has officially come to an end. On Monday, the Raiders announced that Smith has been released from his contract. 
Smith was named as a suspect in an alleged domestic violence incident over the weekend and cops were searching for him as recently as Sunday night. On Monday morning, TMZ Sports learned that Smith has checked into rehab. Given his history, the Raiders didn’t have to think hard about moving on from Smith.
Smith posted 3.5 sacks for Oakland in nine games during the 2015 season before being hit with a one-year suspension. He also served a nine-game ban in 2013 for violating the league’s personal conduct and substance abuse policies. Despite all of that, GM Reggie McKenzie handed Smith a two-year, $11.5MM deal in the spring of 2016.
The former first-round pick has not seen the field since November 15, 2015. At this rate, he may never don an NFL jersey again. He’s already under suspension for previous off-the-field incidents, so he’s nowhere near the radar of any club at this time.
Smith stands as one of the greatest wastes of talent in recent NFL history. In his second year as a pro, Smith amassed 19.5 sacks and 66 total tackles for the 49ers, en route to Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro selections. Even in an abbreviated 2013 campaign, Smith tallied 8.5 sacks and 34 tackles in 11 contests.
Eagles Seeking More Than 1st, 4th Round Picks For Nick Foles
The Eagles have set a sky high asking price for Nick Foles. In order to part with the reigning Super Bowl MVP, the Eagles are telling teams they’ll need more than the first- and fourth-round picks they received from the Vikings in the Sam Bradford trade, according to Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com (on Twitter). 
[RELATED: Eagles Offered Second-Round Pick For Foles By AFC Team]
With roughly two weeks to go between now and the start of free agency, the Eagles can afford to set the bar high. That’s presumably what the Eagles are doing here. While Foles is a quality quarterback and arguably a stronger option than any free agent QB not named Kirk Cousins, it’s hard to imagine the Eagles netting such a return for him. It’s also hard to see the Eagles holding on to Foles as their backup given his $7MM+ cap hit and the team’s limited financial flexibility. The likely outcome here is that Foles will be traded and it will probably be for less than what the Eagles are currently asking for.
For what it’s worth, Mortensen reports that the Eagles have received multiple offers for Foles, but they have not been actively shopping him. We don’t know the nature of every offer put in front of them, but we do know that one AFC team has already pitched a second-round pick for the 29-year-old.
Eagles Offered Second-Round Pick For Nick Foles
An AFC team has offered a second-round pick for Eagles quarterback Nick Foles, according to a source with direct knowledge of the situation who spoke with Geoff Mosher of FanRag. The source says that the proposal was made to Philadelphia earlier this offseason. 
The Eagles, ideally, would like to hold on to the Super Bowl MVP, but that’s a luxury they might not be able to afford given their serious numbers crunch. In a vacuum, Foles’ $7.6MM cap charge is completely justifiable, but the Eagles have bigger needs to address than the backup QB role.
The Eagles are already primed to lose tight end Trey Burton to free agency and nickel cornerback Patrick Robinson could also fly the nest. Moving Foles could help the Eagles in their bid to retain Robinson, or at least give them the draft ammo necessary to replace him and fill other holes.
The identity of the AFC team in question is not known, but the Browns, Bills, and Jets would all be logical suitors. The Dolphins, who may not be 100% confident in Ryan Tannehill, could also fit the profile of a team with interest in Foles.
Antonio Cromartie Retires From NFL
Antonio Cromartie is calling it a career. The longtime NFL cornerback took to Instagram on Monday morning to announce his retirement from professional football. 
“Today is the day I knew I would eventually have to face, but one I never wanted to accept,” Cromartie wrote. “After 27 years of playing football, today I say farewell. God blessed me with the opportunity to play in the NFL for 11 years, and after much consideration and prayer, I’d like to officially announce my retirement.”
Cromartie entered the league as a first-round pick of the Chargers in 2006. He put himself on the map in the following season when he tallied a league-high ten interceptions en route to his first Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro selections. Later, he went on to spent four seasons with the Jets (2010-2013) and one with the Cardinals (2014) before returning to Gang Green (2015) and finishing out with the Colts (2016).
We haven’t heard Cromartie’s name pop up since his four-game stint in Indianapolis came to a close in October 2016, but the cornerback was apparently hoping to resurrect his career up until today. As his 34th birthday approaches in April, Cromartie will now transition to the next phase of his life.
We here at PFR wish Cromartie, an 11-year NFL veteran, the best in retirement.
Steelers Expected To Tag Le’Veon Bell
Despite some early optimism at getting a multi-year deal done, the Steelers are expected to franchise tag running back Le’Veon Bell before the Tuesday deadline, barring a dramatic turn in talks (Twitter link via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com). Both sides will continue working on a deal, but it sounds like Bell will first be held in place with a one-year, $14.544MM tender. 
If they go through with the tag, this will mark the second straight year in which the Steelers have franchised Bell. Last year, Bell did not take kindly to Pittsburgh’s long-term offers and took his time before signing the one-year placeholder. The running back wound up skipping training camp and the preseason before finally inking the tender in early September. It’s conceivable that Bell could take a similar approach this year if talks stall once again.
For what it’s worth, Steelers GM Kevin Colbert is optimistic about the team’s odds of re-signing Bell.
“I believe I am [confident]. … I think with both sides wanting to get something done,” the longtime Steelers GM said. “… I think that certainly aids your ability to get that done.”
Last year, Bell rejected a five-year offer that would have paid him a guaranteed $30MM over the course of the first two years and $60MM overall. No one knows exactly what Bell is asking for this time around, but he has indicated that he would accept a deal with $50MM guaranteed.
Ravens Inquiring About Jarvis Landry
Count the Ravens among the teams now connected to Jarvis Landry. The franchise-tagged wideout has been given permission to facilitate a trade and will sign his franchise tender to do so, and another receiver-needy suitor has emerged.
The Ravens join the Bears and at least three other teams among those to have discussed a potential deal with Landry’s agent, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports (on Twitter).
No agreement is imminent, but the Ravens being involved signifies they’re inquiring about the successful slot target as a potential solution amid a receiving corps rebuild. Ozzie Newsome indicated in Indianapolis the team is looking at a rebuild of its wideout cadre.
Baltimore does not have a reliable young talent on its roster. Its Breshad Perriman investment has not worked out. Mike Wallace is also a free agent and will turn 32 before next season. Soon to be 30, Jeremy Maclin has one year remaining on his contract after a disappointing season.
Landry’s tag is expected to be worth $16.2MM, and the Bears — the team most linked to Landry thus far — have far more cap space than the Ravens at $63MM-plus. The Ravens’ cap situation is again unenviable. As of Sunday night, they stand to possess $9MM-plus in cap space and have among the least in the league.
Maclin could be cut to save $5MM, but $2.5MM in dead money would come with that move. A Brandon Carr cut has a $4MM-$3MM cap savings-dead money outcome, with an Austin Howard release saving $3MM but tagging the Baltimore cap with $2MM.
But Baltimore is inquiring and would presumably be ready for an extension to reduce Landry’s 2018 cap hit.
Seahawks, Falcons Talking Bennett Trade
The Seahawks discussing sending Michael Bennett to work with his former defensive coordinator. The Falcons are talking to the Seahawks about a deal for the veteran defensive end, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.
Multiple teams are talking to the Seahawks about a deal for Bennett, but the Falcons are the only confirmed suitor. They would make sense considering Dan Quinn and Bennett’s relationship and the team utilizing a 4-3 scheme very similar to the Seahawks’.
Despite having three years left on his latest Seahawks deal, Bennett’s been on the trade block during the Combine. McClure identified the 10th-year defensive end as being a Falcons fit because of the aforementioned reasons but also due to Atlanta’s present need for interior pass rush. Bennett started all 16 Seahawks games last season and was a key cog on both of Seattle’s Super Bowl teams.
Bennett registered 8.5 sacks in 2017 and booked his third straight Pro Bowl trip. Long a well-regarded player by the advanced-metrics community, Bennett didn’t receive quite as high of a grade from Pro Football Focus last season (No. 36 edge defender) but was still productive. He often provides an inside pass rush on passing downs, and could have some starter seasons left if shipped to Atlanta. No Falcon under contract registered more than six sacks last season.
Three seasons and more than $26MM remain on the 32-year-old defensive end’s contract. John Schneider said the Seahawks are taking numerous calls this offseason about deals for their veteran components, with Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman candidates to be moved as well. Bennett will count $7.36MM toward a team’s cap this season, and considering multiple teams are talking with the Seahawks, prying him away from Seattle may well take a trade.
Police Searching For Aldon Smith
Aldon Smith was identified as a suspect in an alleged domestic violence incident. Police are pursuing Smith, who fled the scene Sunday after this incident occurred, Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com reports.
The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries after this alleged altercation, which is believed to have occurred Saturday night, and the San Francisco Police Department has begun a search for the 28-year-old Smith. Bair reports SFPD Special Victims Unit would like to interview Smith upon apprehension.
Smith, who TMZ reported got engaged last week, is currently suspended from the NFL for previous off-the-field infractions. Charges being filed for this would make it difficult to believe he could work his way back into the league.
Bair reports that the two-year Raiders contract Smith signed in 2016 is not believed to have tolled for 2016 but adds that he would still be a member of the Raiders if he were reinstated. While it’s highly unlikely he’ll ever play for the Raiders again, Smith still being tied to the team would seemingly mean the 2017 season did toll.
That seems like immaterial at this point due to the litany of legal issues the former All-Pro outside linebacker has encountered.
Smith cooperated with a domestic violence investigation in February 2017 and was the passenger of a vehicle his girlfriend drove into an unmanned police car in March of last year. Reports from last year did not indicate the former first-round pick was particularly close to being reinstated after he’d applied in fall 2016. It’s quite possible Smith will not play in the NFL again. He has not played in a game since November 2015.