Latest On Colin Kaepernick, Broncos
TUESDAY, 6:15pm: While Kaepernick isn’t totally opposed to the idea of reducing his salary as part of a trade, he isn’t interested in a pay cut as significant as Denver has proposed, writes Mindi Bach of CSNBayArea.com.
A source tells CSNBayArea.com that the Broncos actually want to reduce Kaepernick’s salary to $7MM for 2017 in addition to 2016. Considering the Niners quarterback currently has the ability to earn more than $14MM in 2016 alone through base salary and bonuses, it makes sense that he wouldn’t have interest in a deal that would pay him about the same amount over the course of two years.
MONDAY, 6:43pm: The talks have stalled due to the issue with Kaepernick’s salary, but they’re not necessarily done for good, Mark Maske of The Washington Post tweets.
1:18pm: Colin Kaepernick is staying put in San Francisco, at least for now. The 49ers quarterback refuses to take a pay cut and the Niners are refusing to pay off part of his contract to help facilitate a trade with Denver, according to a source who spoke with Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (on Twitter). 
Trade speculation involving Kaepernick swirled all weekend, with conflicting reports on whether or not the Broncos and 49ers were close to reaching a trade agreement. Although there was some disagreement on how close the two sides were on agreeing to trade compensation, virtually every report suggested that Denver would want Kaepernick at a reduced salary. Now we know that No. 7 is unwilling take a pay cut from his current $11.9MM figure, which is fully guaranteed. The Niners are also unwilling to eat a portion of that to ease the Broncos’ financial commitment.
Earlier today we learned that Kaepernick was spotted on a flight from Denver to the Bay Area, meaning that he is reporting to the 49ers. By reporting, Kaepernick is able to cash in on his $400K workout bonus, but he likely won’t be able to do much as he continues to rehab from injuries.
The Broncos’ quarterback depth chart currently consists of Mark Sanchez and Trevor Siemian and while they have said that they would be willing to head into the season with Sanchez as the starter, they have been exploring their options and heavily considering a Kaepernick deal. The 49ers, meanwhile, have Blaine Gabbert under contract and theoretically could afford to part with Kaepernick. Still, they have been steadfast in their desire to get value in return for the one-time superstar and unwilling to split the check.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
AFC North Notes: Harrison, Steelers, Ravens
Veteran outside linebacker James Harrison remains under contract with the Steelers for another season, and is due a $1.25MM base salary for 2016. However, it remains to be seen whether Harrison, who would be the NFL’s oldest defensive player, will return for one more year. Among those interested in Harrison’s decision on his future? His teammates in Pittsburgh.
Steelers guard Ramon Foster tweeted to Harrison today, asking whether he’s coming back for 2016, to which Harrison replied, “I can’t say for sure but it’s looking good for the home team!” Agent Bill Parise tells Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Twitter link) that his client has yet to make a final decision, suggesting that may not happen until camp, but it sounds like Harrison may not be ready for retirement quite yet.
Here are a few more items from out of the AFC North:
- Alabama defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson is visiting Pittsburgh and meeting with the Steelers today, per Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (Twitter link). Even in a strong draft class for interior defensive linemen, Robinson projects as a probable first-round pick.
- Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome says wide receiver Breshad Perriman and left tackle Eugene Monroe making good progress from their respective injuries, as Garrett Downing of BaltimoreRavens.com writes. Perriman, a 2015 first-round pick, has resumed running but is still working to get back to full strength.
- Ravens assistant general manager Eric DeCosta says the team has talked extensively with Eastern Kentucky outside linebacker Noah Spence, as Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com writes. “We’ve studied him at length and we’ll make the best decision for the team,” DeCosta said.
- As we detailed earlier, free agent wideouts Hakeem Nicks and Mike Williams worked out today for the Bengals.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Hakeem Nicks, Mike Williams Work Out For Bengals
TUESDAY, 4:09pm: In addition to Williams, veteran free agent Hakeem Nicks also worked out for the Bengals today, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Having lost two key receivers this offseason, Cincinnati appears to be surveying the market for potential depth, and the team will likely address the position in the draft as well.
MONDAY, 4:20pm: The Bengals will work out wide receiver Mike Williams on Tuesday, as Jim Owczarski of The Enquirer tweets.
Williams, a Buffalo native, signed with the Bills prior to the 2014 season and was expected to bolster the team’s passing game after the departure of Steve Johnson. Instead, he compiled just 142 yards and one touchdowns on eight receptions in 2014. Williams was reportedly unhappy in Buffalo and, in December of that year, the Bills decided to cut ties with him. Aside from a workout with the Giants in October of 2015 and a workout for the Patriots in late March, we haven’t heard much about the former fourth-round pick in recent months.
In other Bengals news, the team recently signed linebacker Karlos Dansby to a one-year, $2MM deal with another $250K available in incentives. For an early look at Dansby in his new Bengals jersey, head to our Instagram page and give us a follow.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
South Notes: Jaguars, Thompson, Saints, Bucs
Ohio State edge rusher Joey Bosa is among the players visiting the Jaguars today, according to John Oehser of Jaguars.com (via Twitter). However, Bosa is far from the only marquee prospect in town to meet with the Jags.
Mark Long of The Associated Press tweets that Florida cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III is also making a visit to Jacksonville, while Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link) adds several more names to the team’s list of pre-draft visitors. Some of the prospects listed by Rapoport were previously reported, but it’s an impressive group, one that includes Notre Dame tackle Ronnie Stanley and Ohio State cornerback Eli Apple.
As Jacksonville mulls its draft options, let’s round up a few more items from out of the NFL’s South divisions…
- The Colts and Falcons are taking a long look at Boise State safety Darian Thompson, Rand Getlin of NFL.com tweets. As previously reported, Atlanta had multiple members of its front office out at Thompson’s Pro Day.
- Utah State linebacker Nick Vigil will visit the Saints, a source tells Nick Underhill of The Advocate (on Twitter).
- Former University of Miami cornerback Artie Burns is in Tampa today visiting the Buccaneers, Jenna Laine of Sports Talk 1040 The Team tweets.
Luke Adams contributed to this post.
Minor NFL Transactions: 4/5/16
Today’s minor moves from around the NFL:
- The Dolphins have claimed defensive back Ifo Ekpre-Olomu off waivers from the Browns, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). The Oregon product suffered a major knee injury before the 2015 Rose Bowl, tearing his ACL and dislocating a bone in his right knee. Although the injury dropped him to the seventh round in last year’s draft, Ekpre-Olomu possesses plenty of upside if he can get healthy.
Earlier updates:
- Dillon Farrell has signed with the Giants, according to his reps at Tier 1 Sports Management (on Twitter). The signing reunites Farrell with new offensive line coach Mike Solari, who held the same position in San Francisco from 2010-14. The UDFA out of New Mexico also spent some time on Tennessee’s taxi squad last year.
- The Raiders announced that they have signed long snapper Andrew East. The Vanderbilt product first came into the NFL as a UDFA in 2015 and spent training camp with Kansas City. In February of this year, he inked a deal with Seattle, only to be waived in March.
- Buccaneers safety Bradley McDougald has signed his one-year restricted free agent tender, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (via Twitter). McDougald started 15 games for the Bucs in 2015.
- The Buccaneers also announced that ERFA long snapper Andrew DePaola has inked his tender. DePaola has been Tampa Bay’s full-time long snapper since the start of the 2014 season.
Bills Sign Sterling Moore
The Bills announced that they have signed Sterling Moore. With Moore in the fold, the Bills have now signed their third defensive free agent in two days. It’s a one-year deal, per Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (via Twitter). 
Moore, 26, starting nine games at nickel for the Buccaneers in 2015. In total, Moore racked up 45 tackles, six pass breakups, an interception and three forced fumbles. Moore first broke into the league as a UDFA out of SMU in 2011 with the Raiders. However, he did not see regular burn until the 2014 season. In 2014, Moore ranked 22nd out of 108 qualified cornerbacks during his time at the position, per Pro Football Focus. Last year, Moore placed 64th out of 111 qualified corners, per PFF (sub. req’d).
Now, Moore will aim to see even more time on the field in Buffalo, though it’s currently a crowded group. The Bills have nine cornerbacks under contract as of this writing.
This week, the Bills also inked cornerback Corey White as well as linebacker Zach Brown.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Lions Sign Stevan Ridley
TUESDAY, 1:33pm: Ridley’s deal is now official, as Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com tweets.
FRIDAY, 12:46pm: After visiting Detroit this week, free agent running back Stevan Ridley will sign with the Lions, as he announced himself today on Instagram. Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com (Twitter link) confirms the agreement, reporting that it will be a one-year contract for Ridley, who thanked the Jets and their fans in his Instagram statement.
“To the Organization and city of NEW YORK I truly thank you for all the love,” Ridley wrote. “But now it’s on to Detroit for me! I can’t be happier for another shot to tote this pill and showcase the gifts I’ve been truly blessed with! Detroit, I’ve got a surprise for you this year, I promise. I’m ready to get to work with my new family, so April 18th can’t come soon enough!”
A former third-round pick, Ridley averaged 5.1 yards per carry in limited action during his rookie season in 2011, then exploded for 1,263 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 2012. However, fumbling issues landed him on the bench in New England, and a devastating ACL/MCL injury limited him in both 2014 and 2015.
After spending his first four years in the NFL with the Patriots, Ridley signed with the Jets last season, but didn’t see the field all that much after coming off the PUP list. With Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell handling the majority of the workload out of the backfield, Ridley took over for Zac Stacy as the No. 3 back and earned just 36 carries, totaling only 90 yards for a career-worst 2.5 yards per attempt.
For the Lions, Ameer Abdullah figures to head into the 2016 season as the No. 1 option on the depth chart, and Theo Riddick should get plenty of work too, but the club was in need of some veteran depth after releasing Joique Bell earlier in the offseason.
Depending on the price, which shouldn’t be exorbitant, taking a flier on Ridley to see if the 27-year-old can come close to regaining his old form is a worthwhile roll of the dice for GM Bob Quinn, who was in New England’s front office when the Pats drafted the running back.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Tyler Polumbus Announces Retirement
Everyone wants to leave the game of football on a high note and Tyler Polumbus is doing just that. On Tuesday, the veteran offensive lineman took to Facebook to announce his retirement from the NFL: 
“In 2008 Liz and I began the journey of a lifetime,” he wrote. “8 years and 4 teams later we feel that it is time to call it a career in the NFL. When this journey began I was just hoping that I could make the team with extremely long odds in front of me as an undrafted rookie. I thought it would be amazing to say that I played a season or two with the Denver Broncos. I never imagined that God would keep opening door after door for me to continue in this game. I am incredibly grateful for His mercy, grace, and blessings He has given my family.”
Polumbus, a University of Colorado product, broke into the league with the Broncos as a UDFA in 2008. The tackle’s journey took him to the Seahawks, Falcons, and Washington before he came full circle and signed with Denver in the 2015 season. Now that he has a Super Bowl win and plenty of cash in the bank for his family, Polumbus is calling it a career.
Over the course of nine NFL seasons, Polumbus appeared in 112 games and made 57 starts.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
NFC Rumors: Cowboys, Giants, Lions
The latest out of the NFC:
- Defensive end Jason Jones is still in play for the Cowboys, a source tells David Moore of the Dallas Morning News (on Twitter). However, the deal would have to be similar to the one-year, $1.1MM deal that Jack Crawford agreed to with Dallas on Monday.
- Former Dolphins linebacker Kelvin Sheppard visited the Giants on Monday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter).
- The Giants brought in offensive linemen Ben Ijalana and Byron Stingily for a visit on Monday, as Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports tweets.
- The Lions‘ pre-draft visits are underway, and the team looked at offensive line prospects on Monday, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, who tweets that tackles Jerald Hawkins (LSU), Shon Coleman (Auburn), Caleb Benenoch (UCLA), and Jason Spriggs (Indiana) are meeting with the Lions.
- Bowling Green center-guard Alex Huettel worked out for the Lions, a source tells Wilson (on Twitter).
- Ohio State safety Vonn Bell has (or has had) meetings, workouts, or visits with the Cardinals and Vikings as well as the Jaguars, as Rand Getlin of NFL.com tweets.
- The Saints conducted private workout for Cal wide receiver Darius Powe on Monday, a source tells Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle (on Twitter). Powe didn’t have any drops, according to a source, and drew praise from New Orleans brass.
- The Eagles are hosting Florida wide receiver DeMarcus Robinson on a visit, a source tells Geoff Mosher of 97.5 The Fanatic (on Twitter).
Luke Adams contributed to this post.
AFC Rumors: Nelson, Raiders, Chiefs, Bowers
Vic Tafur of The San Francisco Chronicle (on Twitter) expects the Raiders to get a deal done with free agent safety Reggie Nelson, who is in Oakland tonight to meet with team brass and will continue his visit with the team on Tuesday. After Nelson is wined and dined and briefed on the team’s plans for him, Tafur is expecting the Raiders to ink the veteran defender, who stands as one of the best available free agents still on the board.
Here’s more from the AFC:
- The Chiefs worked out defensive end Da’Quan Bowers and cornerback Phillip Adams yesterday, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Bowers, a former second-round pick of the Buccaneers, returned to Tampa Bay late last season. Adams has been with six NFL teams and could be on his way to joining his seventh.
- Linebacker Myles Jack is among the players visiting the Jaguars today, as Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com tweets. The 6’1”, 225-pounder saw time at both inside and outside linebacker, safety, nickel corner, and running back, and even returned the occasional kick for UCLA. He’s widely regarded as one of the best players in this year’s class.
- Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle has the details on Darryl Morris‘ one-year deal with the Jets, tweeting that the cornerback signed a minimum salary contract with a $75K signing bonus.
- Jarvis Jenkins‘ two-year contract with the Jets calls for him to earn $6MM with $3MM ($1.5MM signing bonus + $1.5MM base) guaranteed, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.com. Jenkins will carry a cap charge of $2.25MM in year one and $3.75MM in year two of the deal.
- Oregon State defensive tackle Kyle Peko is visiting with the Chiefs today, according to Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star (on Twitter).
- Clemson safety Jayron Kearse is visiting the Jaguars today, Getlin tweets.