FA Rumors: Steelers, Fitzpatrick, CBs, Chargers
The Steelers are exploring the possibility of adding some pass-rushing help in free agency, and have expressed interest in veteran defensive end Jason Jones, sources tell Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. Jones is said to have a visit with the Dolphins scheduled for today.
Jones, 29, has been a full-time starter in Detroit for the last two seasons, picking up a total of 9.5 sacks in his last two seasons. In 2015, Pro Football Focus ranked him 43rd out of 110 qualified edge defenders, assigning him solid grades as both as a pass rusher and a run defender.
While Jones typically plays defensive end in a 4-3 system, Fowler suggests that the Steelers are intrigued by the possibility of Jones being able to rush from the outside and slide inside when necessary. Pittsburgh runs a 3-4 base, but defensive coordinator Keith Butler runs more 4-3 looks than you’d think, says Fowler.
As we wait to see what happens with Jones, here’s more on free agents around the NFL:
- The “staredown” between the Jets and Ryan Fitzpatrick is continuing today, according to Michael Silver of the NFL Network, who tweets that New York is considering other options. Silver confirms that the Broncos are pondering Fitzpatrick as a backup plan. We heard earlier today that the Browns and Rams don’t have real interest in the veteran QB.
- Prince Amukamara visiting the Jaguars could be the first domino to fall in the cornerback market, tweets Peter Schrager of FOX Sports. While most top free agents are off the board, there are still a handful of intriguing corners available, including Casey Hayward, Brandon Boykin, Brett Grimes, and Patrick Robinson.
- Having lost Ladarius Green to the Steelers, the Chargers are exploring the free agent market for tight ends, and will bring in James Hanna for a visit today, writes Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Hanna, who has been a Cowboy for the last four seasons, is also reportedly on the Vikings’ radar.
- Appearing on SiriusXM NFL Radio, free agent tackle J’Marcus Webb said he has a visit set up with the Seahawks, but he also believes that the Raiders would like to re-sign him (Twitter link via Eddie Borsilli).
- After a heavy focus on skill positions on Thursday, the Patriots have linemen on the radar for today as they schedule free agent visits, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Contract Details: Smith, Martin, Sweezy, Thornton
Here are some of the latest details on recently agreed-upon or signed contracts from around the NFL. All Twitter links are courtesy of Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle unless otherwise indicated…
- Sean Smith, CB (Raiders): Four years, $38MM. $20MM guaranteed. $5MM signing bonus. 2016 $5.75MM base salary is guaranteed. 2017 $5MM salary guaranteed against injury upon signing. 2018 base: $8.25MM. 2019: $8.75MM. $500K annual Pro Bowl incentive. Smith has $4.25MM roster bonus guaranteed on third day of 2017 league year. (Twitter links). $15.25MM fully guaranteed in first 12 months of the deal, per Tom Pelissero of USA Today (on Twitter)
- Byron Maxwell, CB (Dolphins): As part of restructure, gave back $1.5MM in cash on 2017 salary in exchange for $2MM guaranteed in ’17, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter)
- Doug Martin, RB (Buccaneers): Five years, $35.75MM. $15MM guaranteed. $4MM roster bonus on March 14. Guaranteed base salaries of $4MM, $7MM in 2016, 2017. Salaries from 2018-20: $6.75MM, $7MM, $7MM. $1.44MM escalator for stats, playing time, Pro Bowls from 2017-20 (Twitter links)
- J.R. Sweezy, G (Buccaneers): Five years, $32.5MM. $14.5MM guaranteed. $5MM roster bonus on March 15. Base salaries from 2016-20: $4.5MM, $2.5MM, $6.5MM, $5.75MM, $5.75MM. $2.75MM roster bonus in 2017. (Twitter link)
- Cedric Thornton, DE (Cowboys): Four years, $17MM. $9MM guaranteed. $5MM signing bonus. Base salaries 2016-19: $1MM (guaranteed), $3MM (guaranteed against injury), $4MM, $4MM. (Twitter link)
- Tracy Porter, CB (Bears): Three years, $12MM. $4.25MM guaranteed. $900K signing bonus. $1.6MM roster bonus on March 30. Base salaries from 2016-18: $1.5MM, $3.5MM, $3.5MM. $1MM Pro Bowl bonus in each year. (Twitter links via Wilson and Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times)
- Bilal Powell, RB (Jets): Three years, $11.25MM. $250MM signing bonus. 2016 base salary of $850K, which is guaranteed. $2.5MM of $3.75MM 2017 base salary guaranteed. (Twitter link)
- Tony Bergstrom, C (Texans): Two years, $5.75MM. $750K signing bonus. $1.5MM guaranteed. Base salaries in 2016-17: $1.23MM (guaranteed), $2.63MM (guaranteed against injury). $750K roster bonus April 18. (Twitter links)
- Johnson Bademosi, DB (Lions): Two years, $4.5MM. $2.9MM guaranteed. Base salaries in 2016-17: $1.1MM, $1.3MM. $50K annual workout bonus. $400K Pro Bowl incentive. (Twitter link)
Raiders Sign Bruce Irvin To Four-Year Deal
THURSDAY, 7:50pm: The Raiders have officially signed Irvin, the team announced today (link via CSNBayArea.com).
WEDNESDAY, 9:03am: Irvin’s deal with the Raiders will be worth $37MM over four years, including $12.5MM in the first year, tweets Tom Pelissero of USA Today. The deal has a max value of $39MM if Irvin reaches certain Pro Bowl incentives, per Pelissero (via Twitter).
TUESDAY, 8:06pm: The Raiders have reached an agreement with linebacker Bruce Irvin, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Irvin, like all other unrestricted free agents, must wait until 3pm CT on Wednesday to officially sign.
[RELATED: Raiders, Kelechi Osemele agree to terms]
In Irvin and offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele (whom Oakland agreed to sign earlier today), the Raiders have added two of the league’s most coveted free agents — Irvin ranked sixth among PFR’s Top 50 free agents while Osemele ranked fourth. Oakland entered the free agent period with more than $60MM in available cap space, and thus far, they’ve put that money to good use, scoring impressive coups on both sides of the ball.
The Raiders had not been mentioned as a potential suitor for Irvin, so this signing is all the more surprising given that Oakland’s interest had not been reported. Rather, the Jaguars and Falcons — each of whom employ former Seahawks defensive coordinators as head coaches — were thought to be among the favorites to land Irvin, and a report earlier today tied the Cardinals to the edge rusher, as well.
Instead, Irvin will head to the Bay Area, where the Raiders are quietly assembling a solid defense to pair with an offense that is already full of young stars. Irvin will team with Khalil Mack, who posted 15 sacks last year, to form an imposing duo sure to put fear in opposing quarterbacks. Oakland needs more pieces on the defensive side of the ball, to be sure, but Mack and Irvin — along with solid role players like Dan Williams and David Amerson — are a nice start.
A former first-round pick, Irvin became a full-time starter during his sophomore campaign, and has started 37 contests since that time. His sack numbers aren’t eye-popping — he’s totaled just 12 sacks during the past two seasons — but he ranked as the league’s No. 18 linebacker in 2015, per Pro Football Focus. In a scheme different than the Seahawks’, where he’s one of the primary rushers, Irvin should be expected to top those sack totals.
As Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times notes (via Twitter), it’s possible that Ken Norton Jr.‘s presence on the Raiders’ coaching staff made a difference in Oakland being able to land Irvin. Norton Jr. — who is now Oakland’s defensive coordinator — was Irvin’s linebackers coach during his first three seasons in Seattle.
From the Seahawks perspective, losing Irvin is another reminder than a contending club can’t afford to keep everyone. After extending Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, Bobby Wagner, K.J. Wright, and others on defense, Irvin was the odd man out, and Seattle seemed to know that it had no chance to retain Irvin — although, the Hawks could have kept Irvin for one more season had it exercised its fifth-year option.
Depending on the value of Irvin’s new deal with Oakland, the Seahawks figure to earn a compensatory pick (likely either in the third or fourth round) in the 2017 draft.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Free Agent Rumors: Freeman, Neal, Osemele
Here is the latest on some of the top free agents still available and some of the talents who have already landed with new teams.
- After the Packers decided to re-sign Nick Perry at a lower rate than what his fifth-year option would’ve paid him, he could still be joined by Mike Neal next season, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com tweets. The Packers’ 2010 second-round pick started 15 games last season, and the team hasn’t ruled out bringing him back as well to join Perry and Julius Peppers.
- The Colts and Jerrell Freeman aren’t close on a new contract, Chris Hagan of FOX 59 tweets. Mike Chappell of IndySportsCentral.com adds the Colts’ offer for the inside linebacker could be a take-it-or-leave-it proposition. Freeman finished last season as Pro Football Focus’ No. 4-ranked linebacker and as PFR’s No. 23-rated UFA resides as one of the best players still on the market.
- Vikings free agent cornerback Josh Robinson is visiting the Dolphins, a source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk (on Twitter).
- New Raiders addition Kelechi Osemele says that his position is not set in stone, as Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle tweets. Osemele indicated that he will play either tackle or guard depending on what happens for Oakland in free agency and in the draft.
- “I would love to come back [to the Falcons] and revive the feeling we had at the [Georgia] Dome, and revive my career,” free agent linebacker Sean Weatherspoon told Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com. He’ll be meeting with Atlanta brass this evening, per Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (on Twitter).
- New Broncos tackle Donald Stephenson told media (including Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post, Twitter link) that 13-15 teams were interested in him.
Sam Robinson contributed to this report
Sean Smith Signs With Raiders
6:01pm: Smith signed his Raiders contract, according to the team’s official Twitter account.
6:52am: The contract agreed to by Smith and the Raiders is worth $40MM over four years, with $20MM in guarantees, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter).
6:42am: The Raiders are set to make their third major free agent splash of the week, according to Rand Getlin of the NFL Network, who reports (via Twitter) that cornerback Sean Smith has agreed to terms with the club. If and when the two sides make it official, Smith will be leaving the Chiefs to join one of Kansas City’s division rivals.
[RELATED: Raiders agree to sign Bruce Irvin]
For the Raiders, Smith is the third free agent ranked inside our top 10 who has agreed to terms this week with the team. Oakland has also struck deals with offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele and outside linebacker Bruce Irvin, as the club takes advantage of its massive amount of cap room.
Smith, 28, spent the first four seasons of his NFL career in Miami before playing the last three seasons for the Chiefs. Although he’ll only be entering his age-29 season, the former second-round pick already has 100 career starts to his name, and he has been a steady presence in Kansas City in recent years. In 2015, Pro Football Focus ranked him 12th out of 111 qualified cornerbacks, placing him right behind standouts like Chris Harris, Stephon Gilmore, and the recently franchised Josh Norman.
[RELATED: Raiders, Kelechi Osemele reach agreement]
Entering free agency, PFR ranked Smith as the ninth-best player available on the open market. Among cornerbacks, only Janoris Jenkins (fourth) ranked higher, and the Rams corner has since agreed to a five-year, $62.5MM contract with the Giants, setting the market for Smith. Since Jenkins is a little younger than Smith, the former Chief may not land quite as lucrative a contract, but he’s expected to do very well.
The 49ers were also believed to be in the running for Smith, with the Chiefs reportedly making a push to re-sign him on Tuesday night. However, the Raiders were frequently cited as perhaps the most aggressive suitor for the free agent corner, and it looks like they’re on the verge of officially adding him to their roster.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Raiders Sign Kelechi Osemele
THURSDAY, 5:46pm: The Raiders announced (on Twitter) that it’s a done deal.
TUESDAY, 11:26am: Osemele will get a five-year deal that can be worth up to $60MM, according to Getlin (Twitter links). Getlin adds that the base value is $11.7MM per season, which works out to $58.5MM over five years.
9:58am: Osemele’s new contract will be worth more than $11MM annually and will make him one of the top five highest-paid offensive linemen in the NFL, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter)
9:12am: The Raiders are on track to sign one of the top offensive free agents on the market when the new league year begins on Wednesday, according to Rand Getlin of the NFL Network, who reports (via Twitter) that Oakland had reached an agreement in principle with offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele.
Osemele, 26, has been a starter on the Ravens’ offensive line since being selected by the team in the second round of the 2012 draft, earning playing time at right tackle, guard, and – most recently – left tackle. Although he has been slowed a little by injuries in recent years, missing multiple games in each of the last three seasons, Osemele has been a reliable performer on Baltimore’s line. Pro Football Focus ranked him 18th out of 77 qualified tackles in 2015, giving him the second-highest run-blocking grade at the position.
While the Ravens reportedly made a strong effort to bring Osemele back, their cap situation didn’t afford them nearly as much flexibility as the Raiders have. After a strong contract year, the Iowa State product looked poised to become at least the highest-paid guard in the NFL, and perhaps to be paid like a top-10 left tackle.
In fact, Getlin tweets that Osemele’s market was “incredibly hot” and that his deal will “blow the top off” the guard market. That price tag was likely too high for the Ravens and for the Vikings, who were also said to be pursuing Osemele. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets that the Jets also dropped out of the running based on the lineman’s asking price.
Although the Raiders and Osemele have reached an agreement in principle, it’s worth reiterating that no teams can complete deals with outside free agents until Wednesday afternoon at 3:00pm central time. While most verbal agreements are completed at that time, we have seen deals fall apart during the legal tampering period in the past. A year ago, Frank Gore appeared headed to the Eagles before he signed with the Colts instead. Two years ago, the Raiders seemed on the verge of signing Rodger Saffold to a huge contract before concerns over his physical scuttled the deal.
Assuming the two sides do finalize the deal on Wednesday, it will be interesting to see how the Raiders plan to use Osemele. The team could slot him in at guard, but with left tackle Donald Penn eligible to hit the open market on Wednesday himself, Oakland has some flexibility when it comes to Osemele’s role. Their agreement with the ex-Raven may also give the Raiders some leverage in negotiations with Penn, whom they reportedly want to retain. Having entered the day armed with approximately $60MM in cap room, per OverTheCap.com, the club certainly has the flexibility to sign both players.
Osemele ranked fourth overall in our list of this year’s top 50 free agents.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Free Agent Rumors: Robinson, Raiders, Weddle
Can Nate Robinson go from the pages of Hoops Rumors to Pro Football Rumors? In a YouTube video released this week, the diminutive former NBA guard announced that he is going to make a run at the NFL. The well-produced video features testimonials from Marcedes Lewis and Brendon Ayanbadejo, former NBA teammates Jamal Crawford and Glen Davis, as well as former football coach Rick Neuheisel, all of whom insist that Robinson is perhaps the only athlete who could make the transition from professional basketball to professional football.
Robinson originally went to the University of Washington on a football scholarship and made a name for himself on the gridiron with his electrifying plays, but it has been many years since he tried his hand at football. The 31-year-old (32 in May) did not say which position he would like to play in the NFL, but he spoke about both offense and defense in the video, inferring that he might try to market himself as being able to play on either side of the ball.
Here’s the latest news on some of this week’s more typical NFL free agents:
- The Raiders are zeroing in on Eric Weddle, Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle tweets. It’s not immediately clear whether Weddle has a visit scheduled with Oakland. We learned last night that the Steelers are also fond of the veteran.
- The plan is for Akiem Hicks to visit the Bears tomorrow, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune tweets.
- Safety Rashad Johnson is traveling Friday for a visit with the Titans, a source tells Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (on Twitter).
- Chargers GM Tom Telesco says he’s ready for the second wave of free agency, as ESPN.com’s Eric D. Williams writes. Telesco also says that he is open to newly signed safety Dwight Lowery serving as a stopgap for Eric Weddle.
- Cardinals free agent linebacker Sean Weatherspoon will meet with the Falcons on Friday, per Jay Adams of the Falcons (on Twitter).
AFC Free Agent Rumors: Hogan, Pats, Steelers
The latest free agent rumors out of the AFC:
- Bills restricted free agent Chris Hogan is visiting the Patriots today, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The Pats could sign the wide receiver/special-teamer to an offer sheet that the Bills would have five days to match. Pats head coach Bill Belichick has done serious research on Hogan and he likes the fact that he could serve as a backup punter, Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News tweets.
- Steelers H-back Will Johnson has talked with the Jets, Bears, Chargers, and Titans since the opening of free agency, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com writes. Johnson is a versatile blocker and special teamer, but Fowler adds that he could be looking for more carries, too.
- The Chiefs weren’t close to matching the Raiders‘ offer for cornerback Sean Smith, per Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star (on Twitter).
- The Bengals are trying to close on re-signing linebacker Vincent Rey today, as Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com tweets.
Free Agency Rumors: Dolphins, Penn, Bushrod
Before he agreed to terms with Philadelphia, new Eagles linebacker Nigel Bradham also received interest from the Browns, Buccaneers and Jaguars, as he tells Alex Marvez of FOX Sports (Twitter link). Bradham further stated that his former team, the Bills, backed out of contract talks.
Meanwhile, in addition to having lost out on Bradham, the Browns swung and missed on receiver Rishard Matthews, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Caplan reports that Cleveland was one of several teams in play for Matthews, who agreed to sign with Tennessee on a three-year deal.
After a busy day around the NFL, we still have a few more rumors related to free agents who signed today, and free agents who are still on the market. Let’s dive in…
- The Dolphins aren’t looking to invest much money in a backup quarterback, Marvez tweets. Matt Moore is paying a visit to the Cowboys this week, and it seems Moore may not be back in Miami for the 2016 season.
- The Giants have shown interest in free agent left tackle Donald Penn, according to Jordan Raanan of NJ.com (Twitter link). The reliable Penn has started 16 games in eight straight seasons, including the last two in Oakland.
- Offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod, whom the Bears cut last month, is garnering “ample interest” in spite of recent shoulder surgery, reports Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (on Twitter). He’s planning to visit the Dolphins and Vikings, La Canfora adds.
- Prior to re-signing with the Bengals, cornerback Adam Jones drew the Vikings’ attention, he told Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. On Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer, Jones said, “I love Zim. He really treated me well through this, but this is the place where I know.”
- At least four teams – including the Bears – have expressed interest in return man Marc Mariani, per Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports that the 49ers and Raiders are also among those clubs in the mix for Mariani, who played the last two seasons in Chicago.
Luke Adams contributed to this post.
ERFA Tender Decisions: 3/9/16
Unrestricted free agent news will obviously dominate the day, but several clubs also had to make decisions on whether to offer tenders to exclusive-rights free agents. We’ll round up those decisions here:
Tendered
- Buccaneers – Jeremiah George, LB; Jacquies Smith, DE (Twitter link via Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times)
- Chargers – Dontrelle Inman, WR; Kenny Wiggins, OL (Twitter link via Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune)
- Raiders – Denico Autry, DL; Seth Roberts, WR (Twitter link via Seth Bair of CSNBayArea.com)
Non-Tendered
- Bills – Cierre Wood, RB (Twitter links via Mike Rodak of ESPN.com)
- Patriots – Josh Boyce, WR (Twitter link via Mike Reiss of ESPN.com)
- Saints – Austin Brown, DT; Ryan Seymour, OL; Lawrence Virgil, DT (Twitter link via Evan Woodbery of NOLa.com.