NFL Pro Bowlers In Contract Years
The NFL announced its Pro Bowlers for the 2015 season on Tuesday night, and while those rosters will certainly undergo some changes in the coming weeks – as players with injuries or on Super Bowl teams bow out and are replaced by alternates – it’s worth noting that several players in this initial crop are in contract years, and will be eligible for free agency this winter.
Currently, there are eight players in contract years among the Pro Bowlers, and not all of them are players you might expect. When we ranked the top free agents of 2016 earlier this month, we placed Bears wideout Alshon Jeffery second overall, but Jeffery didn’t get a Pro Bowl nod, partly due to the injuries that have slowed him down this season, and partly due to the star-studded group of receivers he was up against.
Similarly, our list of this offseason’s top 10 potential free agents included a pair of left tackles, Russell Okung of the Seahawks and Cordy Glenn of the Bills. However, given the strong group of left tackles that are locked up to long-term deals – including Tyron Smith (Cowboys), Jason Peters (Eagles), Joe Thomas (Browns), and others – neither Okung nor Glenn could crack the initial Pro Bowl roster.
Here are the eight potential free agents who earned Pro Bowl berths:
- Eric Berry, S (Chiefs)
- Doug Martin, RB (Buccaneers)
- Von Miller, OLB (Broncos)
- Reggie Nelson, S (Bengals)
- Josh Norman, CB (Panthers)
- Mike Tolbert, FB (Panthers)
- Muhammad Wilkerson, DL (Jets)
- Charles Woodson, S (Raiders)
Berry, Miller, Norman, and Wilkerson earned spots on our top-10 list, and each of those four standout players should be in line for either the franchise tag or a lucrative long-term contract. However, the extension cases for the other four players on this list aren’t quite to cut-and-dried.
Woodson, of course, has an expiring contract, but isn’t expected to sign another one, having announced earlier this week that he’ll retire after the season. That takes him out of the extension equation entirely.
Martin is having an excellent bounce-back season in Tampa Bay, and is the most logical candidate to receive the biggest free agent deal for a running back this offseason. As we saw last winter though, not many running backs sign massive free agent contracts, and 2015’s biggest deal – DeMarco Murray‘s – won’t exactly encourage teams to invest heavily at the position. So there’s a ceiling on how much Martin will earn this winter, despite his Pro Bowl berth.
Nelson and Tolbert are interesting cases. Nelson’s counting stats (an NFL-best eight interceptions) and Pro Football Focus grades (10th among safeties) suggest he’s had a very strong year, but he’ll also be entering his age-33 season, so it’s fair to question whether he’s deserving of a contract in the range of the ones that Berry and perhaps Eric Weddle will sign.
As for Tolbert, his Pro Bowl nod comes at one of the league’s least-valued positions, and he’s also now on the wrong side of 30, which is generally bad news for running backs. I expect he’ll draw interest from plenty of teams if the Panthers don’t lock him up, but as a 30-year-old fullback, his earning potential is limited.
One more player worth mentioning is Browns center Alex Mack. Technically, Mack still has three years remaining on his contract, but he’ll have the opportunity to opt out this winter, and coming off a Pro Bowl season, there’s a good chance he’ll take advantage of that option.
Ultimately, these eight players – plus Mack – aren’t likely to get a huge boost to their annual salaries on their next contracts simply because they made the Pro Bowl. In fact, Tuesday’s Pro Bowl announcement may very well have a more tangible impact on players with Pro Bowl bonuses in their current contracts.
Still, you can bet that the representatives for these potential free agents will be sure to point to this year’s Pro Bowl roster to help make their case that their clients are among the best players in the NFL at their respective positions.
Browns Place Andrew Hawkins On IR
The 2015 season has officially come to an end for Browns wide receiver Andrew Hawkins, who was placed on injured reserve today by the team, according to a press release. Cleveland signed linebacker Jayson DiManche from its practice squad to replace Hawkins on the 53-man roster.
Hawkins, 29, has missed the Browns’ last four games due to a concussion, and hadn’t been expected to return to the field this season. In the eight games he played – and started – for Cleveland, he recorded 27 catches on 43 targets for 276 yards.
Because Hawkins was a restricted free agent when he signed an offer sheet with the Browns, the team will have him at a bargain price for the next two seasons. The front-loaded offer Cleveland made to discourage the Bengals from matching included cap hits of $5.8MM in 2014 and $5MM in 2015, but only $1MM in 2016 and $1.8MM in 2017, so the veteran wideout likely won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.
Giants Re-Sign Brandon Meriweather
Less than a week after cutting him loose, the Giants have re-signed veteran safety Brandon Meriweather to their 53-man roster, the team announced today in a press release. In a corresponding move, the club officially placed fullback Nikita Whitlock on injured reserve, as was previously reported.
Meriweather, a starting safety for the Giants’ first 11 games, had been inactive during his last two weeks before his release, as he dealt with a knee issue. However, he should be healthy now, considering the Giants cut him without an injury designation, and have now re-signed him. The 31-year-old had 53 tackles and a pair of interceptions for New York this season.
Giants safety Cooper Taylor suffered a concussion during the club’s 38-35 loss to the Panthers on Sunday, leaving just two healthy safeties on the roster, so it makes sense that New York would want to add some depth at the position. And, of course, Meriweather is a logical fit, considering his familiarity with Steve Spagnuolo‘s system.
Extra Points: Draft, Rams, Chargers, LA
After recently taking a tumble from a hotel window, Mississippi defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche has been suspended for his team’s upcoming bowl game, Daniel Paulling and Hugh Kellenberger of The Clarion-Ledger report. It’s not all bad news for Ndemkiche, however, as the junior announced that he’s forgoing his senior season to enter the NFL draft. Once a projected first-round pick, it’s unclear how recent off-field issues will affect his stock.
Here’s more from around the league…
- Another underclassmen, Rutgers linebacker Steve Longa, is also throwing his hat in the draft ring, as he tells Dan Duggan of NJ.com. Longa, who has posted three consecutive 100-tackle seasons, says he did receive information on his draft stock from the league’s advisory board, but declined to share those specifics.
- Ground has been broken at Hollywood Park in California, and now the only question is whether the Rams will move west, as Sam Farmer and Nathan Fenno of the Los Angeles Times write. Rams owner Stan Kroenke, who is building the arena, plans to move ahead with its construction regardless of his club’s status. NFL owners are expected to meet in mid-January, and could vote to approve the project.
- League sources tell Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune that neither LA plan – the Rams in Inglewood or the Raiders/Chargers in Carson – has enough owner support to pass, but each could get enough anti-votes to ensure that it does not get approved. An extra year in San Diego, write Acee, could be exactly what the Chargers need in order to make their case to stay in the area long-term.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/22/15
Here are Tuesday’s practice squad signings and cuts from around the NFL, with new moves added to the list throughout the day:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: OL Collin Rahrig (press release via team)
Buffalo Bills
- Signed: QB Zac Dysert (Twitter link via Jon Scott of TWC News), TE Jacob Maxwell (Twitter link via Mike Rodak of ESPN.com)
Chicago Bears
- Signed: CB De’Vante Bausby, DL Davon Coleman (Twitter link via team)
- Cut: DL Toby Johnson
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: LB Edwin Jackson, WR Joshua Stangby, DT Joe Vellano (press release via team)
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: S Earl Wolff (Twitter link via Tad Dickman)
- Cut: CB Rashaad Reynolds
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: LB Alex Singleton (Twitter link via Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press)
New York Jets
- Signed: WR Joe Anderson (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle)
San Diego Chargers
- Signed: P Kasey Redfern (press release via team)
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: WR Deshon Foxx, WR Antwan Goodley (Twitter link via Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times)
- Cut: DT Justin Hamilton
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: WR Andre Davis, LB Darius Eubanks (press release via team)
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: WR Gavin Lutman, QB Bryn Renner (Twitter link via Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com)
- Cut: QB Mike Kafka, WR Rico Richardson
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/22/15
Tuesdays are typically busy days for roster changes during the NFL regular season, and even with the holidays around the corner, this week is no different. Here are the latest minor transactions from around the league:
- The Packers announced that they’ve placed long snapper Brett Goode on injured reserve, signing fellow snapper Rick Lovato to take his place. Per Wes Hodkiewicz of PackersNews.com (Twitter link), Goode tore his ACL during Sunday’s game against the Raiders.
- The Bears announced (via Twitter) that they’ve promoted defensive tackle D’Anthony Smith from the practice squad, waiving running back Antone Smith to create a roster spot. D’Anthony has spent time with the Jaguars, Lions, and Seahawks, while Antone had seen just one carry for Chicago this year.
- With Marcus Mariota ailing, the Titans have signed quarterback Alex Tanney off the Colts’ practice squad, reports Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com (Twitter link). Tanney, known for his “trick-shot” Youtube videos, will back up Zach Mettenberger on Sunday. Tennessee placed defensive tackle Mike Martin on injured reserve to create a roster spot.
Earlier updates:
- The 49ers have signed running back DuJuan Harris from off the Ravens‘ practice squad, cutting running back Travaris Cadet to make room, tweets Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com noted this afternoon (via Twitter) that the knee injury sustained by Shaun Draughn didn’t appear to be serious, but the club wanted to add some insurance just in case. San Francisco may get some added insurance in the form of Mike Davis, who is currently on the IR-DTR list, and will begin practicing this week, per Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee (Twitter link).
- After somehow playing through a fractured fibula for three quarters on Sunday, safety David Bruton will head to injured reserve, officially ending his season, the Broncos confirmed today in a press release. Safety Shaun Prater will take the open spot on the roster, with Bruton expected to require four to six weeks to recover from his injury.
- As expected, the Browns formally placed starting right guard John Greco on injured reserve today, per a team release. Cleveland has re-signed wide receiver Darius Jennings to the roster, after waiving him last week.
- The Buccaneers have filled the opening on their 53-man roster by promoting wide receiver Evan Spencer from their practice squad, the team announced today in a press release. Spencer was selected in the sixth round of this year’s draft by Washington.
- The Bills are elevating wide receiver Walter Powell to their active roster from the practice squad, per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link). Powell figures to replace Robert Woods, who is expected to land on IR.
- Giants fullback Nikita Whitlock is headed to the injured reserve list, reports Jordan Raanan of NJ.com. Whitlock suffered a knee injury that isn’t expected to be a long-term issue, but it will keep him sidelined for the club’s last couple games of the season.
NFC Notes: Saints, Packers, Eagles, Panthers
With the Saints‘ season winding down, Evan Woodbery of NOLA.com revisits the September trade that sent defensive lineman Akiem Hicks to New England in exchange for tight end Michael Hoomanawanui. As Woodbery writes, neither player has made a huge impact for his new team, though New Orleans has had to play Kevin Williams a little more than expected to compensate for the loss of Hicks, and the Saints’ lack of depth.
- Having landed on injured reserve on Monday, Packers wide receiver Ty Montgomery will undergo surgery on his ankle next week, agent Damarius Bilbo tells Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. Although the rookie’s high ankle sprain – sustained in October – had healed, there’s still cartilage damage that needs to be repaired.
- The Eagles could be without their starting nose tackle as they make a run for the postseason, Derrick Gunn of CSNPhiladelphia.com reports (via Twitter) that Bennie Logan could be out for the remainder of the season. A source tells Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News that Logan will miss this weekend’s contest against Washington.
- The Panthers will have a roster exemption for defensive end Wes Horton until next Monday, tweets Howard Balzer of the SportsXchange. Horton has been reinstated from his four-game suspension, but won’t be able to return to action until Carolina places him on its 53-man roster.
Community Tailgate: Should Saints Sit Brees?
As the NFL regular season nears its home stretch, there are plenty of topics and storylines to discuss, and PFR’s Community Tailgate is designed to address those stories. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. We’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.
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We learned earlier tonight that Saints quarterback Drew Brees has a torn plantar fascia in his right foot, the same injury that has kept Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning out since Week 10. Despite the tear, reports indicate that Brees is considered day-to-day, and that he hopes to play in the club’s final two games.
But even if Brees wants to participate in Weeks 16 and 17, should New Orleans let him? The Saints are mathematically eliminated from earning a postseason berth, so their next two contests — against the Jaguars and Falcons — have no significance (at least for the Saints themselves). Those games do have implications for Jacksonville and Atlanta, and while teams competing with those two franchises for playoff spots might not be happy if the Saints play without their star quarterback, New Orleans has to value the health of Brees over those concerns.
And while backup Matt Flynn might be the favorite to make starts if Brees does sit, the Saints might also consider playing 2015 third-round pick Garrett Grayson during the last two games of the season. Grayson has only been active for one game and hasn’t seen any live action, but with little on the line, New Orleans could take this opportunity to give the Colorado State alum a chance.
On the other hand, head coach Sean Payton and general manager Mickey Loomis (not to mention Brees himself) probably want to finish as strong as possible after struggling though a miserable campaign. Brees, as competitive as they come, obviously isn’t eager to sit on the bench if he isn’t forced to. And Saints fans, especially those who have already paid for tickets for the final two games, surely want to see their franchise QB in action.
What do you think? Should the Saints rest Brees for the final two games of the year (even if he’s deemed able to play)? Or should they let him play out the string? Weigh in below in the comments section with your thoughts!
Drew Brees Has Torn Plantar Fascia
An MRI revealed that Saints quarterback Drew Brees is dealing with a torn plantar fascia in his right foot, according to Ed Werder of ESPN (Twitter link). It’s the same injury suffered by Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, and coincidentally, Werder reports that Brees is waiting for the opinion of Dr. Robert Anderson, the same physician who treated Manning.
The injury occurred during the first half of last night’s contest between New Orleans and Detroit; Brees was noticeably limping and flexing his right leg/foot for much of the night. The tear is in Brees’ plant foot, meaning throwing the ball could be quite difficult and/or painful for the remainder of the year, but sources tell Werder (Twitter link) that Brees hopes to play in season’s remaining two games.
The Saints are out of playoff contention, so it wouldn’t be out of the question for the club to shut down its star quarterback now instead of allowing him to continue playing. Veteran Matt Flynn would likely start in his absence, but the team could also turn to 2015 draft pick Garrett Grayson, who was inactive last night.
Workout Notes: Bears, Broncos, Patriots
Clubs continue to update their emergency lists as the season winds down, so let’s take a look at the latest workouts from around the league…
- We’ve learned the names of half of the eight players the Broncos worked out today, as Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports (via Twitter) that in addition to the previously-reported Still, Denver tried out defensive end DeAngelo Tyson, linebacker Dekoda Watson, and defensive tackle Phil Taylor.
- The Colts also tried out a couple of additional players, including kick returner Demarius Washington and defensive back Terell Floyd, tweets Wilson.
- Looking for depth along their front seven, the Texans worked out linebackers Jordan DeWalt-Ondijo and Xzavier Dickson, per Wilson (Twitter link).
Earlier updates:
- The Bears auditioned six players today, including running backs Vick Ballard and Alonzo Harris, receiver Chris Harper, and defensive linemen Davon Coleman, Euclid Cummings, and Keith Browner (Twitter links via Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune). The 25-year-old Ballard is the most notable name here, as he ran for more than 800 yards during his rookie season with the Colts before suffering a string of injuries.
- Not to be outdone, the Broncos tried out eight players, including former Bengals defensive tackle Devon Still, per Field Yates of ESPN (Twitter link). Still, a former second-round pick, hasn’t played in 2015, but after announcing last month that his daughter’s cancer is in remission, he surely has many around the NFL rooting for him.
- The Patriots brought in a pair of CFL defensive ends for workouts, auditioning Freddie Bishop and Cleyon Laing earlier today, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN.com (Twitter link).