Vikings Re-Sign LB Audie Cole
10:30am: The Vikings have officially announced Cole’s new deal.
9:09am: A day before becoming an unrestricted free agent, linebacker Audie Cole has agreed to a new deal with his current team, according to Tom Pelissero of USA Today (via Twitter). Pelissero reports that the Vikings are re-signing Cole, whose rookie contract had been set to expire. It’s a one-year deal for Cole, tweets Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
[RELATED: Vikings, Phil Loadholt agree to new contract]
A seventh-round pick in 2012, Cole has played a role on special teams for the Vikings in his 41 NFL games to date, and has also seen some playing time on defense. His best season came in 2013, when he started five games, earning 45 tackles and a sack.
Cole’s 2015 campaign came to an early end in November, when the Vikings placed him on their injured reserve list due to a fractured ankle. Given his limited contributions on defense and the fact that he’s coming off a season-ending injury, Cole probably isn’t in line for much more than the minimum salary.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Jets Show Interest In Adam Jones, Other CBs
After spending big on cornerbacks in free agency a year ago, the Jets aren’t shying away from exploring the market again this time around. According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, New York is among the teams that have shown interest in Bengals free agent Adam Jones. Meanwhile, Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports tweets that the team is “nosing around” the market, having also inquired on Prince Amukamara and others.
Last March, in Mike Maccagnan‘s first offseason as the team’s general manager, the Jets landed Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie, and Buster Skrine on lucrative, long-term contracts. The team has since parted ways with Cromartie, whose deal didn’t feature any guaranteed money beyond the first year, and now is back in the market for possible help at cornerback.
Jones, 32, is generating plenty of interest, so the Jets will have competition if they decide to make a play for him. On Monday, Florio identified the Ravens, Browns, Dolphins, Raiders, Cowboys and Vikings as potential suitors for Pacman.
Both Amukamara and Jones ranked among the top five cornerbacks currently available on the free agent market in our look at this year’s top defensive options.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Free Agent Rumors: RBs, Trevathan, Giants
The Titans reached an agreement on a trade to acquire DeMarco Murray on Monday, and before the week is out, their division rivals in Houston may have a new running back of their own. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter), the Texans are among the teams with “strong interest” in free agent back Lamar Miller. Rapoport adds that the market for the top running backs available, including Miller, Doug Martin, and Chris Ivory, could heat up today.
Here’s more from around the NFL on free agents:
- The Bears and Titans are among the teams that will make it challenging for the Broncos to re-sign free agent linebacker Danny Trevathan, reports Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (Twitter link). Trevathan previously said that he expected to receive interest from his old head coach John Fox in Chicago.
- The Giants have been making a push in recent days to re-sign defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, and are continuing to talk to him, writes Jordan Raanan of NJ.com. There is plenty of competition though, per Raanan, who notes that the market has been “aggressive,” with a handful of suitors in play.
- While the Giants remain in the hunt for JPP, it doesn’t appear they’re in the mix for defensive end Mario Williams at this time, per Raanan, who adds that Big Blue has inquired on free agent defensive end William Hayes.
- Free agent wide receiver Travis Benjamin has “piqued the interest” of the Texans and a few other NFL teams, sources tell Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.
Colts’ Trent Cole Accepts Pay Cut
8:31am: According to Tom Pelissero of USA Today (via Twitter), Cole got a $1MM roster bonus guaranteed in exchange for accepting a pay cut, and the move saved a total of about $1.5MM in space for the Colts.
7:47am: Colts outside linebacker Trent Cole appears set to remain in Indianapolis for 2016 after the club reworked the final year of his contract to lower his base salary. According to Field Yates of ESPN.com (Twitter link), Cole accepted a salary reduction from $4.25MM to $2MM.
Cole, 33, signed a two-year, $14MM contract with the Colts last March that would have paid him $4.25MM this year, along with $1MM in prorated bonus money and up to $2MM in per-game roster bonuses. Assuming the other aspects of the deal remain unchanged, his 2016 cap hit will be trimmed from $7.125MM to $4.875MM.
In his first year as a Colt, Cole didn’t have quite the impact the team had been hoping for. While his Pro Football Focus grade was respectable – he placed 34th out of 110 edge defenders – Cole recorded just three sacks, matching a career low.
The club could have cleared more than $6MM from its cap by releasing Cole, but it seems Ryan Grigson, Chuck Pagano, and the rest of the Colts’ decision-makers saw enough from the veteran pass rusher to want to keep him around. Instead of saving $6MM+, the club creates $2.25MM in cap savings by reducing Cole’s pay.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Dolphins, Jordan Cameron Rework Contract
The Dolphins will retain tight end Jordan Cameron for the 2016 season on a reworked contract, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald (via Twitter). Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets that the agreement between the two sides involves a pay cut.
[RELATED: Dolphins agree to acquire CB Byron Maxwell, LB Kiko Alonso]
Cameron, 27, caught 80 passes and scored seven times during his Pro Bowl season in 2013, but he was slowed by injuries in 2014 during his final year in Cleveland, and posted modest numbers in his first season in Miami. Playing and starting all 16 games, Cameron recorded 35 receptions for 386 yards and three touchdowns.
Considering how his two-year, $15MM deal with Miami was back-loaded, Cameron was set to count for $9.5MM against the cap this year, and the Dolphins could have created $7.5MM in cap savings by releasing him. However, new head coach Adam Gase told reporters at the combine in February that the veteran tight end was in the team’s plans for 2016.
Since Cameron is entering the final year of his contract, any agreement that lowers his cap hit would have to involve either an extension or a pay cut, and it sounds like the two sides opted for the latter. With Cameron set to earn a $7.5MM base salary, there’s some room for the Dolphins to bring that number down, perhaps giving the tight end a chance to earn some of the money back in incentives. The specific details aren’t yet known.
Rand Getlin of the NFL Network first reported over the weekend that Cameron and the Dolphins were discussing a restructured contract.
Extra Points: Megatron, JPP, Cardinals, Wallace
The Lions hope to know whether receiver Calvin Johnson will return or retire by Tuesday, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, as his decision will greatly impact how they approach free agency. If Megatron retires or the Lions release him by Wednesday, they’ll open up over $11MM in cap space for 2016. Otherwise, Johnson’s $15.95MM base salary and $24MM-plus cap number will go on the team’s books this year.
Here’s more from around the NFL, including some intriguing notes on pending free agents:
- There’s “optimism” that the Giants will be able to re-sign defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, reports ESPN’s Dan Graziano, who adds that the club has offered JPP a one-year deal. Other possible suitors are “hesitant” to offer Pierre-Paul a long-term pact, per Graziano. However, there’s an “aggressive” market for his services, writes Jordan Raanan of NJ.com. Thus, it’s hard to believe he’d have to settle for a one-year deal.
- If Pierre-Paul leaves New York, he could go to the Cardinals. They’ll pursue JPP, Mario Williams and the previously reported William Hayes, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 (Twitter link).
- The Vikings reportedly wanted to bring back wideout Mike Wallace at a reduced cost as of last Friday, but Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports “would be shocked” if he isn’t released by Wednesday (Twitter link). The Vikings will save $11MM if they part with Wallace.
- The Jets and Ryan Fitzpatrick are the best fit for one another, opines the New York Daily News’ Manish Mehta, who expects the two to renew their relationship. Mehta lists a two-year deal with $14MM in guarantees as the floor for Fitzpatrick’s next contract, adding that the ceiling on guarantees could stretch to $18MM.
- The Raiders are looking for a replacement for inside linebacker Curtis Lofton, according to Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle (Twitter link). Last month, $3.5MM of Lofton’s $5.35MM base salary for 2016 became guaranteed. The Raiders had to pay it because Lofton had an arm injury at the time, per Tafur, and a team isn’t allowed to release a player if he’s hurt when he’s due guaranteed money.
- Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette examines the Steelers’ need for a cornerback, suggesting this year could be the first time since 1997 that the team uses a first-round pick on a corner.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
FA Rumors: Osweiler, Sean Smith, Adam Jones
The latest rumors on a slew of free agents-to-be:
- The Broncos have offered quarterback Brock Osweiler a three-year contract worth ~$39MM, according to Troy Renck of The Denver Post. That runs a bit contrary to a weekend report that stated the Broncos had offered $45MM for three years.
- Seven teams have expressed interest in Jets running back Chris Ivory, per Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News (Twitter link). The Buccaneers and Raiders are among those clubs, per a report from earlier tonight.
- The Raiders “have reached out” to Chiefs corner Sean Smith‘s camp, per Scott Bair CSNBayArea.com (Twitter link). Smith is the fourth high-profile pending free agent whom the Raiders have been connected to today, joining Ivory, Malik Jackson and Kelechi Osemele (links to Jackson and Osemele stories: 1, 2).
- Bengals veteran corner Adam Jones has several potential suitors, according to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, who lists the Ravens, Browns, Dolphins, Raiders, Cowboys and Vikings as teams that could end up with the 32-year-old. The Bengals would like to retain Jones, per Florio.
- The Bears are expected to go after Patriots defensive lineman Akiem Hicks, writes Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Bears general manager Ryan Pace and player personnel director Josh Lucas were in the Saints’ front office when they drafted Hicks in 2012, Biggs notes.
- The Giants, Eagles, Dolphins and Bears are interested in Chargers corner Patrick Robinson, reports ESPN’s Josina Anderson (Twitter link).
Colts Sign Dwayne Allen To Four-Year Deal
9:12pm: Tom Pelissero of USA Today has more financial details on Allen’s contract (Twitter links). He’ll collect $17MM over the first two years if he earns $500K each season in 46-man roster bonuses. Allen got $11.5MM guaranteed at signing and is due a $2MM roster bonus in 2017.
7:16pm: The Colts have officially signed Allen, according to a team press release.
“From Jim Irsay and his family on down we are very pleased to announce the re-signing of Dwayne Allen,” said general manager Ryan Grigson. “Besides the broad skill set and overall talent level he brings, Dwayne’s tenacity and physicality has always been what has set him apart from the beginning. His genuine love for the people of this community, its fans and for the game of football is what makes him special.”
6:46pm: The Colts and tight end Dwayne Allen have agreed to a four-year, $29.4MM deal, according to Pro Football Talk (on Twitter). Allen, who was scheduled to hit free agency Wednesday, will receive a large portion of that money ($12MM, to be exact) next season, PFT adds. He’s now 13th among tight ends in total contract value. 
Allen has appeared in 43 regular-season games since the Colts selected him in the third round of the 2012 draft, totaling 91 receptions, 11.5 yards per catch, and 13 touchdowns.
Other than 2013, when he played only one game, Allen is coming off the least productive season of his career. The 26-year-old racked up just 16 catches in 13 games – averaging a meager 6.8 yards per reception – and registered a mere touchdown. Allen hasn’t been able to match the production he put up during a 45-catch, 521-yard rookie season, though he did record a personal-high eight touchdowns in 2014.
Given Allen’s career numbers, such an expensive contract looks like a significant coup for him and a head-scratcher for the Colts. It should also signal the end of fellow tight end Coby Fleener‘s time in Indianapolis. Fleener, also a 2012 draft pick, has far outpaced Allen statistically to this point in their careers, having accrued 50-plus catches in three straight seasons. He’s expected to reach the open market Wednesday.
Photo courtesty of USA Today Sports Images.
Raiders, Vikings Pursuing Kelechi Osemele
8:36pm: The Raiders aren’t alone in coveting Osemele. The Vikings are “surging” after him, according to Rand Getlin of NFL.com (Twitter link).
8:22pm: The Raiders are the favorites in the race for arguably the best offensive lineman in this year’s free agent class, Kelechi Osemele, reports FOX Sports’ Mike Garafolo (Twitter link). Osemele is expected to garner upward of $10MM per year, Garafolo adds.
Since the Ravens selected Osemele in the second round of the 2012 draft, the 333-pounder has lined up at guard and both 
tackle spots, starting in all 51 of his NFL appearances (14 last season). After beginning the 2015-16 campaign at guard, the 26-year-old shifted to left tackle and ultimately graded out 18th among 77 qualifying tackles at Pro Football Focus.
[RELATED: PFR ranks the top 50 FAs of this year’s class]
A report late last month indicated that the Ravens had made an “aggressive” offer to Osemele, but their decision to move him to left tackle (the most lucrative position on the offensive line) could ultimately help lead to his departure.
The Raiders might have a vacancy at left tackle as early as Wednesday if pending free agent Donald Penn signs elsewhere. Penn, who has appeared and started in 16 games in each of the last eight regular seasons with the Bucs and Raiders, is expected to reach the open market. Whether he returns to the Raiders will impact where Osemele lines up (if he signs with Oakland), ESPN’s Adam Caplan tweets. It doesn’t appear that the Raiders will have to choose between Penn and Osemele at left tackle, though, as they’re at a “stalemate” with Penn in contract talks, per CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora (Twitter link).
In addition to their pursuit of Osemele, we learned earlier tonight that the Raiders are also interested in Broncos defensive lineman Malik Jackson as free agency draws closer. Led by a core of talented youth, the Raiders showed encouraging signs during a 7-9 finish last season and now look poised to put their $60MM-plus of spending room to good use in the coming days.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Jags, Bears, Raiders Interested In Malik Jackson
With the legal tampering period underway and free agency drawing ever closer, Broncos defensive lineman Malik Jackson is on the verge of a significant payday. It’s just a matter of which team will pony up for the 26-year-old. While the reigning Super Bowl champions are trying to retain Jackson, having offered him anywhere from $11MM to $12MM per annum as of last week, they’re certainly not the only club intrigued by the four-year veteran. In fact, the Jaguars, Bears and Raiders have “expressed serious interest” in Jackson, reports Mike Klis of 9News.
Based solely on cap space, the defense-needy Jaguars have the best chance to sign Jackson. The Jags have an NFL-high 
$82.24MM of spending room. Oakland, Denver’s AFC West rival, is in third at over $60MM. The Bears rank seventh at just under $47MM, while the Broncos lag well behind in the $9MM range.
The Raiders and Bears have obvious connections to Jackson through their head coaches. Oakland’s Jack Del Rio was the Broncos’ defensive coordinator during the first three years of Jackson’s career (2012-14), and the Bears’ John Fox was Denver’s head coach during that time span. Jackson logged little playing time as a fifth-round rookie while Fox and Del Rio were at the helm, but he partook in back-to-back 16 game seasons in his next two campaigns and amassed nine sacks. The 293-pounder has shown great versatility since entering the league, having thrived in two 4-3 positions (defensive tackle and end) and as a 3-4 five-technique end.
Jackson recorded a personal-best 45 tackles and five sacks during his third straight 16-game regular season in 2015-16, finishing 16th out of Pro Football Focus’ 123 qualifying interior defenders in overall performance (subscription required). PFR’s Luke Adams ranks Jackson the second-best free agent in this year’s class.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.