HEADLINES

NFC South Notes: Falcons, Jones, Galette

February 19th, 2015 at 7:20pm CST by Zachary Links

Even though the Falcons could use some more depth right now, GM Thomas Dimitroff doesn’t regret blowing up the 2011 draft to land Julio Jones, Will Brinson of CBSSports.com writes. “I feel depth — let’s talk about depth. You can talk about depth at so many levels,” Dimitroff said. “Maybe what we passed up, what went to Cleveland, you can juxtapose that again. I know how important Julio is to this team, the game-breaking skills he has. We wanted our offense to have that presence.” Here’s more from the NFC South..

  • Junior Galette‘s attorney, Ralph Whalen, issued a statement indicating that the domestic violence charges against his client have been dismissed, according to Evan Woodbery of The Times-Picayune (on Twitter). The Saints linebacker could still face NFL discipline for the January incident.
  • Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon is eligible for free agency next month, and there’s “definite interest” in the veteran from at least one AFC team, tweets Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com.
  • The Buccaneers added a new executive to their front office today, announcing in a press release that they’ve hired Duke Preston as the club’s new director of player development. Preston previously held the same position at the University of Notre Dame.

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

Packers Notes: Kuhn, Guion, Hawk, Bulaga

February 19th, 2015 at 6:14pm CST by Zachary Links

He’s not at the top of the Packers’ free-agent priority list, but veteran fullback John Kuhn could still be in the team’s plans for 2015, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com writes. Kuhn’s agent, Kevin Gold, said he has a meeting scheduled for Thursday with the Packers to talk about a contract for next season. The fan favorite didn’t sign his one-year, $1.03MM deal with Green Bay until April of last year, so it could be a while before we see a new contract. More from Green Bay..

  • GM Ted Thompson won’t go into detail on Letroy Guion‘s case and would only say that he’s “monitoring” the situation, as Demovsky writes. Guion is scheduled to hit the open market in March.
  • Meanwhile, coach Mike McCarthy would “love” to have Guion back and is hoping to get the “green light” to negotiate a deal with him, Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette tweets.
  • The agent for Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk doesn’t have any meetings scheduled with the team and hasn’t heard any talk of the club cutting his client or asking him to take a a pay cut, according to Demovsky. Green Bay would save $3.5MM by cutting the 31-year-old.
  • McCarthy also wants Bryan Bulaga back in Green Bay, but said that things are in the “business phase” at present, Jason Wilde of ESPNWisconsin.com tweets.
  • McCarthy had nothing but good things to say about veteran Julius Peppers and made it clear that he wants him back in 2015, Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette tweets.

Latest On FA Market For WR, CB

February 19th, 2015 at 5:35pm CST by Zachary Links

NFL executives around the league are scared that Larry Fitzgerald‘s deal with the Cardinals will inflate the free agent market for wide receivers, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link). The new contract surprised three different execs, who didn’t see him getting $11MM per season for two years.

Executives expected the wide receiver market to be more in the $7-$8MM range and believed that Fitzgerald would fall near the top of that range. His new deal, as many have posited, probably comes in at around $6MM over market value. Still, Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill did not want to lose his franchise player and he believes that Fitzgerald sets a phenomenal example for teammates on and off-the-field. While the quantifiable stats make the deal an overpay in the eyes of most, Bidwill believes that No. 11’s value goes beyond his on-field production. In 2014, Fitzgerald hauled in 63 catches for 784 yards and two touchdowns.

Meanwhile, Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net hears that the belief around the league is that the available corners will be overpaid in free agency as the demand will far outweigh the supply. The need is great for many teams like the Saints and Bears, who could look to sign not one but two cornerbacks on the open market. The Patriots won the Super Bowl with the help of two free agent corners in Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner and it’s not hard to see other teams eagerly trying to replicate that success.

Minor Moves: Thursday

February 19th, 2015 at 4:59pm CST by Luke Adams

While most teams around the NFL are busy this week getting a look at this year’s draft prospects or finding out where they stand with their top free-agents-to-be, some clubs are still making minor roster moves. Here’s the latest from around the league, with any additional Thursday transactions added to the top of the list throughout the evening:

  • According to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News (via Twitter), the Giants have re-signed offensive lineman Dallas Reynolds, who was on track to become a restricted free agent. Reynolds only played 32 offensive snaps in 2014, serving as a reserve on New York’s line. He’ll likely be in line for a minimum-salary deal.
  • With Chris Jones facing restricted free agency, the Cowboys have added another punter to their roster, according to Robert Klemko of TheMMQB.com, who reports (via Twitter) that Australian-born Tom Hornsey signed with the team.
  • As part of the process that saw him join the Cardinals‘ coaching staff, linebacker Larry Foote has been formally released by the team, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. Foote, who had been set to hit the open market next month anyway, will have the opportunity to sign a new deal with Arizona this summer if he decides to continue his playing career.

Combine Pressers: Colts, Bengals, Falcons

February 19th, 2015 at 4:18pm CST by Luke Adams

The last of today’s head coach and general manager press conferences with the media are in the books, so let’s check in on the highlights for the noteworthy sessions that we haven’t already covered. Here’s the latest, with all links going to Twitter accounts for reporters on the scene in Indianapolis:

Colts general manager Ryan Grigson and head coach Chuck Pagano:

  • The team will take a look at all its options at the safety position, which may be an area of need. Grigson indicated that the Colts would like to re-sign Mike Adams, who “never played like he was long in the tooth.”
  • Both Pagano and Grigson stressed the importance of improving the team’s running game. Asked about the possibility of adding a workhorse back, Pagano said he’d love to have a player like that, but added that the club could get the production it needs with a committee approach.
  • Expect the Colts to always be on the lookout for pass rushers. Grigson said today that even if he had 12 pass rushers, he’d want a 13th.
  • Veteran wideout Reggie Wayne hasn’t yet informed the team if he wants to play in 2015. As Grigson notes, everyone knows what he means to the organization, so if Wayne does continue his career, it will almost certainly happen in Indianapolis — for now, he doesn’t have a contract for next season.

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis:

  • According to Lewis, there have been no discussions yet about his contract, which is set to expire after the 2015 season.
  • Lewis didn’t exactly give a ringing endorsement for Jermaine Gresham when he was asked today if there’s a place on the Bengals for the free-agent-to-be going forward. The veteran tight end is considered likely to land elsewhere this offseason.
  • According to Lewis, the Bengals have made a conscious effort to draft high-character plays in recent years. The head coach acknowledged that in some cases he can’t “fix” a player with off-field issues, and he doesn’t want to waste his time dealing with the distractions.
  • Lewis confirmed that he has spoken to veteran defensive back Terence Newman, who wants to continue his playing career. It’s not clear yet if there will be a spot in Cincinnati for Newman, who will turn 37 in September.

Falcons head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff:

  • We covered Dimitroff’s presser earlier this afternoon, but the GM also spoke to local media off to the side, and addressed a few more topics. Among them: Dimitroff said the Falcons would like to get a deal done quickly with kicker Matt Bryant, who is eligible for free agency.
  • We heard this morning that the Falcons haven’t opened negotiations yet on a contract extension for Julio Jones, but Dimitroff was adamant today the club wants to keep the standout receiver in Atlanta for years to come.
  • Both Dimitroff and Quinn are high on running back Devonta Freeman, whom the GM thinks could be a full-time back in Kyle Shanahan’s offensive scheme.
  • According to Dimitroff, Quinn’s philosophy is that you don’t have to pay a huge amount for a pass rusher. The GM added that he believes the free agent class has some depth at that spot, and it’s worth noting that Quinn’s defense in Seattle frequently rotated part-time specialists in and out as a way of pressuring the quarterback.
  • Cornerbacks Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford should be scheme fits for the Falcons’ new system, per Quinn.

Payton: No Plans To Rework Brees Contract

February 19th, 2015 at 3:38pm CST by Luke Adams

Despite the fact that the team is further over the projected 2015 cap than any other club in the league, the Saints don’t have any plans at the moment to reduce Drew Brees‘ cap hit for the coming year by reworking his contract, according to head coach Sean Payton. As Katherine Terrell of the Times-Picayune details, Payton told Pro Football Talk that the Saints haven’t discussed a restructure or an extension for the star QB.

“I don’t think that’s something that’s going to be happening anytime soon or something that [Brees] or his agent have talked to [general manager] Mickey [Loomis] about,” Payton said.

It seems a little hard to believe that the Saints will leave Brees’ contract untouched, considering the team is currently more than $23MM over the projected cap (per OverTheCap.com), and the quarterback’s cap number for 2015 is $26.4MM. For comparison’s sake, during the 2014 season, only two players had cap hits higher than $20MM — Ndamukong Suh ($22.41MM) and Eli Manning ($20.4MM).

Of course, a simple restructure – converting base salary into a signing bonus – would increase 2016’s cap hit beyond its current $27.4MM figure, making it even more unpalatable. But a new contract extension that added a couple years to Brees’ current deal could potentially reduce the cap hits for both seasons, and provide the signal-caller with a chunk of up-front money. It will be interesting to see what series of moves the Saints complete to create cap space if Brees’ contract isn’t involved. Other candidates for restructures or pay cuts include Junior Galette, Jimmy Graham, Jairus Byrd, Marques Colston, and Jahri Evans, as our Zach Links detailed in his preview of the team’s offseason this morning.

Payton was also asked about the Saints’ three biggest offseason needs during his conversation with PFT, and Nick Underhill of The Advocate tweets that the head coach identified cornerback, interior offensive lineman, and pass rusher as three positions on which to focus.

East Notes: Bills, Cowboys, Eagles, Dolphins

February 19th, 2015 at 3:06pm CST by Luke Adams

Based on comments made by Bills general manager Doug Whaley today, Joe Buscaglia of WGR550 (Twitter link) believes free-agents-to-be C.J. Spiller, Brandon Spikes, and Da’Norris Searcy will be allowed to explore their options on the open market next month. Conversely, it sounds like the team badly wants to re-sign Marcus Easley prior to March 10 (Twitter link).

Let’s round up several more items relating to the league’s East teams….

  • While Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray are receiving most of the attention in Dallas this offseason, linebacker Rolando McClain is also someone the team is “very interested” in re-signing, according to Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones (link via Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram).
  • The Cowboys were pleased with Brandon Weeden‘s work as Tony Romo‘s backup in 2014, but won’t rule out the possibility of upgrading at that spot if the opportunity presents itself, writes Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com. “Everybody is always competing in this league,” Jones said. “There is nobody guaranteed anything. That includes Weeden and everybody.”
  • Prior to their release of tight end James Casey today, the Eagles didn’t have any discussions about reducing Casey’s salary and keeping him, tweets Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News. According to Bowen, the veteran is looking for a bigger role than he had in Philadelphia, so he may get that opportunity with a new team.
  • Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com believes the Eagles may find a logical trade partner in the Buccaneers, since GM Jason Licht hasn’t been shy about making deals since taking over the job. In Mosher’s view, Bucs safety Dashon Goldson makes sense as a trade target for Philadelphia.
  • The issue for the Dolphins when it comes to Mike Wallace isn’t as simple as cutting or keeping the veteran wideout, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, who writes that the team is almost certainly trying to restructure Wallace’s deal, or get him to take a pay cut.

Combine Pressers: Broncos, Falcons, Panthers, Chiefs

February 19th, 2015 at 2:33pm CST by Luke Adams

As we’ve done several times over the last couple days, we’re rounding up noteworthy comments from head coaches and general managers from their sessions with the media at the combine in Indianapolis. Here are a few of this afternoon’s highlights, with all links going to Twitter:

Broncos general manager John Elway (via Lindsay Jones of USA Today):

  • Elway sidestepped a question about whether or not Peyton Manning‘s contract situation will play a role in the QB’s decision for 2015, but said that he believes the future Hall-of-Famer will return. “We’re hopeful Peyton comes back. We want him back. He has not given me a definitive answer,” Elway said.
  • There’s no deadline for Manning to make his decision, according to Elway. That includes March 9, when his 2015 salary becomes guaranteed.
  • Elway confirmed that the Broncos intend to use their franchise tag on Demaryius Thomas if the two sides don’t work out a longer-term agreement by March 2.
  • Terrance Knighton has recently voiced frustration with the slow process of contract negotiations, and Elway said today that he “can’t calm” that frustration. Per Elway, most deals for free-agents-to-be will be consummated right before the free agent period begins on March 10.

Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff (via Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com):

  • The Falcons are excited about the No. 8 overall pick, and while they could go in any number of directions, adding a pass rusher figures to be their preference.
  • According to Dimitroff, the team has yet to make any decisions on its current players, including free-agents-to-be or potential cap casualties.
  • Dimitroff said today that his first order of business after the club hired Dan Quinn was to discuss the team’s new scheme and how players will fit into that scheme. Presumably, that discussion covered players currently on the roster as well as potential outside targets.
  • The general manager stressed that he’s “very excited” about working with Quinn, who will have control over the 53-man roster. The two men will work together, and if there’s a disagreement, the head coach will make the final call, per Dimitroff.
  • Dimitroff said there’s no doubt in his mind that Josh McDaniels, who interviewed with the Falcons, will be an NFL head coach again.

Panthers head coach Ron Rivera (via David Newton of ESPN.com):

  • The Panthers were pretty quiet last year when it came to adding free agent receivers, but Rivera said today that GM Dave Gettleman will pull the trigger on a wideout in the right situation. The head coach also noted that the team needs to find a way to make plays over the top and to stop those plays on defense, which suggests Carolina will be targeting speedy wideouts and/or cornerbacks.
  • The Panthers aren’t in the market for a quarterback, per Rivera. While that’s not particularly surprising, given the presence of Cam Newton, it’s a little notable since the former first overall pick is entering the final year of his contract.
  • Left tackle Byron Bell, who is eligible for free agency, did some nice things for the Panthers in 2014, according to Rivera. However, the coach didn’t say whether or not the team would look to retain Bell for 2015 and beyond.

Chiefs general manager John Dorsey (via Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star):

  • Asked about free-agent-to-be Justin Houston, Dorsey said discussions with the pass rusher’s agent are “ongoing.” The GM didn’t explicitly say that the Chiefs will franchise Houston if a long-term deal can’t be reached, but he did say he plans on having the NFL’s sack leader back in 2015, which strongly suggests that the tag is in play.
  • Kansas City can afford to keep backup quarterback Chase Daniel, who has a cap hit of $4.8MM in 2015, according to Dorsey. However, he didn’t go so far as to say Daniel will return.
  • Third-string quarterback Tyler Bray also remains in the Chiefs’ plans for now, per Dorsey.

Frank Gore To Seek $4MM Annual Salary

February 19th, 2015 at 1:51pm CST by Luke Adams

As he nears unrestricted free agency, veteran running back Frank Gore appears to be seeking about $4MM per year on a new deal, says Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. According to La Canfora, people around the NFL believe that Gore’s best chance – and perhaps his only chance – to land that kind of money is if he returns to the 49ers.

Gore and the Niners have both publicly expressed interest in continuing their relationship, though an Instagram post from the running back earlier this week suggested he was skeptical that the team’s front office is as eager as he is to work out a new deal. Matt Miller of Bleacher Report indicated earlier this week that Gore seems unlikely to re-sign with San Francisco — Miller identified the Colts, the Dolphins, and Washington as probable suitors for the 31-year-old.

Although Gore will turn 32 in May and has racked up nearly 2,500 career carries, a $4MM annual salary doesn’t seem unreasonable for a back who has rushed for more than 1,100 yards in each of the last four years, and has never averaged less than 4.1 yards per carry in a season. For comparison’s sake, Chris Johnson inked a two-year, $8MM deal with the Jets last winter, though that contract admittedly didn’t work out too well for the team. For Gore, a deal worth $4MM per year would be a step down from his current pact, which averages $6MM+.

We heard earlier today that running back Shane Vereen, who is younger than Gore but has never produced like the longtime Niner – will aim for $5MM per year. Ultimately, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see both backs settle for contracts in the range of $3-3.5MM annually.

NFC West Notes: Seahawks, Rams, 49ers

February 19th, 2015 at 1:37pm CST by Luke Adams

While it’s being viewed as something of an inevitability that the Seahawks will work out an extension with Russell Wilson as he enters the final year of his rookie contract, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com isn’t so sure it’s a lock. La Canfora thinks it’s possible that Wilson chooses to gamble on himself, playing out the final year of his deal before signing a massive extension next winter.

Sources tell the CBSSports.com scribe that there hasn’t been a ton of progress made so far on any extensions for notable QBs, including Wilson, Andrew Luck, and Cam Newton. That will likely change, and if Wilson does reach an agreement with the Seahawks this offseason, expect to be a “mega-deal” and not anything similar to the more modest arrangements agreed upon by guys like Andy Dalton and Colin Kaepernick.

Here’s more from around the NFC West:

  • Seahawks general manager John Schneider confirmed today that his team won’t be using its franchise tag prior to the March 2 deadline, tweets Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. That doesn’t come as a surprise — as I wrote earlier this month, cornerback Byron Maxwell is really the only viable candidate, and the Seahawks aren’t likely to spend big on him.
  • After interviewing Jeff Garcia for the role, the Rams have opted to hire another ex-NFL quarterback as their QB coach, according to ESPN’s Derek Tyson, who tweets that former Heisman winner Chris Weinke is joining Jeff Fisher‘s staff in St. Louis.
  • Echoing comments made by GM Trent Baalke yesterday, albeit using different terminology, 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula told reporters today that he intends to “shoot the bologna” with Justin Smith soon, writes Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. According to Tomsula, he has had a similar conversation with Smith – who may retire – at the end of the last three or four seasons.
Load More Posts