Community Tailgate: Least Improved NFL Team
Even with the 2016 offseason largely in the rearview mirror, there are still 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 talking points in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.
Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.
In yesterday’s Community Tailgate, we asked PFR readers which NFL team had improved the most during the 2016 offseason, tossing out the Jaguars, Bears, Giants, and Raiders as possible contenders for that title. Today, we’ll look at the other side of that coin, examining which NFL clubs did the least to reinforce their respective rosters over the past several months.
The Browns are clearly in full-on rebuilding mode, and I even included them as an off-the-wall option in my write-up of the most improved teams, as one could argue that GM Sashi Brown & Co. did a great job amassing future assets through trading down in the draft. However, despite a draft class that was largely applauded, the on-field product in Cleveland figures to be sub-par once again. During the free agent period, the Browns saw Alex Mack, Tashaun Gipson, Mitchell Schwartz, and Travis Benjamin walk out the door, while the club added low-cost options like Robert Griffin III and Demario Davis. Cleveland figures to come away with the maximum of four compensatory picks in 2017, but the 2016 season is likely to be rough.
While the Browns’ struggles have been well-documented, the Broncos were by definition the most successful team of 2015, winning the Super Bowl in Peyton Manning‘s final season at the helm. And while Denver traded up to acquire their quarterback of the future in Paxton Lynch, the club’s second-round pick, Georgia Tech defensive tackle Adam Gotsis was considered a reach. In free agency, the Broncos, hindered by salary cap issues, let a lot of talent leave, as Brock Osweiler, Malik Jackson, Danny Trevathan, Evan Mathis, David Bruton, Ryan Harris, and others left the building. Denver did add a few offensive line reinforcements in Russell Okung and Donald Stephenson, but it’s hard to say that the team is as good as it was in 2015.
The 49ers didn’t lose a ton of talent during the offseason, as guard Alex Boone was the only major defection, but aside from the draft, Trent Baalke and Chip Kelly didn’t add many play-makers, either. It’s possible to argue that the Niners don’t plan on competing in 2016 and thus are amassing assets (like the Browns), but if that’s the case, this offseason can still be considered a failure. San Francisco didn’t trade down once during the draft, and in fact traded up, sacrificing 136 cents on the dollar to move up only nine spots to select a guard. The 49ers also failed to rid themselves of Colin Kaepernick‘s contract, and didn’t make any meaningful free agent signings (apologies to Zane Beadles).
Elsewhere in the NFC West, the Rams managed to find their quarterback of the future in Jared Goff, and it’s hard to blame them for giving up a king’s ransom to secure a long-term option at the most important position on the field. But Los Angeles, which had the fourth-most cap space entering the offseason, didn’t do much to add talent around Goff. The Rams did not make a single upgrade to their offensive line, either in free agency or through the draft, and only used mid-round picks to add offensive weapons. The club also let two high-profile secondary defenders, safety Rodney McLeod and cornerback Janoris Jenkins, walk in free agency.
The Bengals have made a habit of not entering the free agent market, and it’s a strategy that’s worked out, as they’ve made five consecutive postseason appearances. But with a boatload of key free agents leaving this offseason, one might have argued that Cincinnati should have made an effort to bring in a few outside additions. The Bengals did re-sign Adam Jones and George Iloka, but after seeing Marvin Jones, Mohamed Sanu, Reggie Nelson, Leon Hall, and others vanish, Cincinnati made only low-cost free agent signings, including linebacker Karlos Dansby and receiver Brandon LaFell. And instead of considering a trade up to acquire a top-notch receiver in Round 1, the Bengals waited until Day 2, drafting Pittsburgh’s Tyler Boyd, who is thought to be a slot receiver at best.
It’s hard to blame the Chiefs for not making a ton of moves this offseason, as they were strapped for salary cap space. But Kansas City did see quite a few free agent defections, as Sean Smith, Chase Daniel, Jeff Allen, and Donald Stephenson all left for new homes, while Mike DeVito and Husain Abdullah opted to retire. The Chiefs made only one major free agent signing — right tackle Mitchell Schwartz — and drafted only one player, defensive lineman Chris Jones, who can be counted on to contribute in 2016 (although some do think third-round corner KeiVarae Russell has a bright future).
What do you think? Did one of these teams do the least to upgrade its roster? Or did we forget someone? Weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section!
PFR Originals: 5/8/16 – 5/15/16
The original content and analysis produced by the PFR staff during the past week:
- Because most NFL coaching changes happen in January, those moves can often be overshadowed by the postseason and – subsequently – by the major moves that teams makes in free agency and during the draft. However, because those coaching changes shouldn’t be overlooked, Luke Adams ran down 2016’s major coaching moves, looking at new head coaches, coordinators, and more.
- With the 2016 offseason largely in the rearview mirror, I asked PFR readers to weigh in on which NFL club improved the most over the past several months in our latest Community Tailgate. The Jaguars, Raiders, Giants, and Bears were among the teams that I threw out as contenders for that moniker.
- On the flip side, PFR readers were also asked to comment on the NFL team that improved the least during the 2016 offsesason. The Broncos, Browns, Bengals, Chiefs, Rams, and 49ers were all listed as possibilities, as each of those clubs let a lot of talent leave the building during the free agent period.
- We’ve tracked every undrafted rookie free agent signing since the conclusion of this year’s NFL draft — check out our team-by-team recap to see which lesser-known players your favorite team has brought in to compete.
- Zach Links rounded up the best of the football blogs in the latest edition of Pigskin Links.
Community Tailgate: Most Improved NFL Team
Even with the 2016 offseason largely in the rearview mirror, there are still 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 talking points in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.
Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.
NFL teams that “win the offseason” certainly aren’t guaranteed to have success once the regular season begins, especially since the most impactful players in the league are unlikely to even reach free agency — thus earning the right to change teams — in the first place. Additionally, any club that is a contender for the “most improved” moniker likely had a sub-par roster to begin with, meaning expectations should be low. Still, it’s helpful to look back at the past two months and see which teams put in the best efforts, both during the free agent period and through the draft, in order to turn their club into a contender.
The Raiders were very active in free agency, especially on the defensive side of the ball, adding Bruce Irvin, Sean Smith, and Reggie Nelson before drafting West Virginia safety Karl Joseph in the first round and defensive end Jihad Ward and Shilique Calhoun in rounds two and three. Oakland was arguably set at most positions on offense, but they landed former Ravens offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele, paying him $3.7MM more annually than the next-highest paid guard. Veteran left tackle Donald Penn was brought back to anchor the blindside, while Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook was selected as a long-term backup to Derek Carr.
Only one team had more cap space entering the 2016 offseason than the Raiders, and that club — the Jaguars — made it count, landing both Malik Jackson and Tashaun Gipson in an attempt to fortify a defense that ranked 26th in DVOA. That side of the ball wasn’t done being remade, however, as Jacksonville arguably landed two top-10 talents, taking Jalen Ramsey fifth overall before picking up Myles Jack in the second round after injuries caused him to slip. Keep in mind that the Jags have another top defensive talent — edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr. — returning in 2016 after a torn ACL caused him to miss his entire rookie season. Jacksonville didn’t leave the offense untouched, adding left tackle Kelvin Beachum on a very team-friendly deal and signing violent running back Chris Ivory.
The Giants‘ draft left something to be desired, as although Sterling Shepard was an inspired selection in the second round, drafting cornerback Eli Apple at No. 10 overall was thought to be a reach. But New York spent in free agency, signing Olivier Vernon after the Dolphins rescinded his transition tag and also bringing in Damon Harrison and Janoris Jenkins. All three additions got at least $20MM in full guarantees, but Vernon took the cake, securing $40MM in fully guaranteed cash.
Defense was the clear area of need for the Bears over the offseason, and the club knew it, trading up to acquire pass rusher Leonard Floyd in the draft before plucking Jonathan Bullard in the third round. Free agency wasn’t ignored, either, as Chicago revamped its interior linebacking unit by signing both Jerrell Freeman and Danny Trevathan before inking end Akiem Hicks. On offense, the Bears signed Bobby Massie, Ted Larsen, and Manny Ramirez (and drafted Cody Whitehair) to help up front, and added late-round sleepers in running back Jordan Howard and slot receiver Daniel Braverman.
There are certainly other contenders for the title of “most improved” — both the Rams and Eagles landed franchise quarterbacks, the Titans added pieces around Marcus Mariota, and the Buccaneers did the same around Jameis Winston. And depending on how one views the “most improved” label, the Browns had a solid offseason, acquiring assets through the draft in 2016 and amassing draft capital for years to come.
What do you think? Which of the clubs above improved the most over the 2016 offseason? Or did we forget someone? Leave your thoughts in the comment section!
2016’s Major NFL Coaching Changes
Because most NFL coaching changes happen in January, those moves can often be overshadowed by the postseason and – subsequently – by the major moves that teams makes in free agency and during the draft. However, those coaching changes shouldn’t be overlooked.
A year ago, more than half of the league’s 32 teams made changes at at least one of their head coach, offensive coordinator, or defensive coordinator spots, and many of these hirings turned into major stories throughout the 2015 season. New Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase was lauded for his work with Jay Cutler, and new Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter had similar success with rookie Jameis Winston. Both Gase and Koetter turned their one-year OC gigs into head coaching jobs.
Meanwhile, in Denver, Gary Kubiak and Wade Phillips enjoyed a ton of success in their first year as the Broncos’ head coach and defensive coordinator, respectively. Phillips’ impact on the defense, in particular, buoyed the Broncos to a Super Bowl win despite mediocre quarterback play.
Which new coaches could make a similar impact this year? We may have to wait to find out, but there are certainly plenty of candidates. The full breakdown of 2016’s major coaching changes from around the league is below. Interim coaches who were promoted to a permanent job, such as Mike Mularkey with the Titans, aren’t included.
Head coaches:
- Cleveland Browns: Hired Hue Jackson to replace Mike Pettine.
- Miami Dolphins: Hired Adam Gase to replace Dan Campbell (interim).
- New York Giants: Promoted Ben McAdoo to replace Tom Coughlin.
- Philadelphia Eagles: Hired Doug Pederson to replace Pat Shurmur (interim) / Chip Kelly.
- San Francisco 49ers: Hired Chip Kelly to replace Jim Tomsula.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Promoted Dirk Koetter to replace Lovie Smith.
Offensive coordinators:
- Chicago Bears: Promoted Dowell Loggains to replace Adam Gase.
- Cincinnati Bengals: Promoted Ken Zampese to replace Hue Jackson.
- Clevleand Browns: Won’t hire formal OC to replace John DeFilippo.
- Kansas City Chiefs: Promoted Brad Childress and Matt Nagy to replace Doug Pederson.
- Miami Dolphins: Hired Clyde Christensen to replace Zac Taylor.
- New York Giants: Promoted Mike Sullivan to replace Ben McAdoo.
- Philadelphia Eagles: Hired Frank Reich to replace Pat Shurmur.
- San Diego Chargers: Hired Ken Whisenhunt to replace Frank Reich.
- San Francisco 49ers: Hired Curtis Modkins to replace Geep Chryst.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Hired Todd Monken to replace Dirk Koetter.
- Tennessee Titans: Hired Terry Robiskie to replace Jason Michael.
Defensive coordinators:
- Cleveland Browns: Hired Ray Horton to replace Jim O’Neil.
- Indianapolis Colts: Hired Ted Monachino to replace Greg Manusky.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Hired Todd Wash to replace Bob Babich.
- Miami Dolphins: Hired Vance Joseph to replace Lou Anarumo.
- Philadelphia Eagles: Hired Jim Schwartz to replace Billy Davis.
- San Francisco 49ers: Hired Jim O’Neil to replace Eric Mangini.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Hired Mike Smith to replace Leslie Frazier.
- Tennessee Titans: Hired Dick LeBeau to replace Ray Horton.
Special teams coordinators:
- Houston Texans: Hired Larry Izzo to replace Bob Ligashesky.
- New York Jets: Hired Brant Boyer to replace Bobby April.
- San Francisco 49ers: Hired Derius Swinton to replace Thomas McGaughey.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Hired Nate Kaczor to replace Kevin O’Dea.
- Tennessee Titans: Hired Bobby April to replace Nate Kaczor.
Other 2015 head coaches with new jobs:
- Indianapolis Colts: Hired former Dolphins HC Joe Philbin as offensive line coach.
- Minnesota Vikings: Hired former Eagles interim HC Pat Shurmur as tight ends coach.
- New Orleans Saints: Hired former Dolphins HC Dan Campbell as assistant head coach and tight ends coach.
- University of Illinois: Hired former Buccaneers HC Lovie Smith as head coach.
Other 2015 OCs, DCs with new jobs:
- Baltimore Ravens: Hired former Buccaneers DC Leslie Frazier as secondary coach.
- Miami Dolphins: Reassigned former DC Lou Anarumo to defensive backs coach.
- Philadelphia Eagles: Hired former Browns OC John DeFilippo as quarterbacks coach.
- San Diego Chargers: Hired former Jaguars DC Bob Babich as linebackers coach.
- Tennessee Titans: Reassigned former OC Jason Michael to quarterbacks coach.
- University of Cincinnati: Hired former Dolphins OC Zac Taylor as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
- Washington: Hired former Colts DC Greg Manusky as outside linebackers coach.
Recap Of Undrafted Free Agent Signings
Shortly after the 2016 NFL draft ended, teams begin to issue press releases announcing which undrafted players had agreed to – and subsequently signed – contracts with them. All 32 teams have now officially confirmed their undrafted free agent signings, and we’ve rounded them all up below to make it easier to find your favorite team’s UDFA class, along with whatever bonus info has been reported.
It’s worth noting that some of these announcements are now a little outdated, as many clubs made changes to their groups of undrafted free agents following their rookie minicamps, signing new rookies and cutting players that they’d just added a few days earlier. To catch up on those newer signings, you can check out our transactions page or go to a specific team’s page for all the latest news.
Here are the original 2016 UDFA classes for all 32 teams:
AFC East:
AFC North:
AFC South:
AFC West:
NFC East:
NFC North:
NFC South:
NFC West:
PFR Originals: 5/2/16 – 5/8/16
Here’s a rundown of the original content and analysis produced by the PFR staff during the past week:
- If you enjoy this website on your smartphone or tablet, you’ve got to download the free Trade Rumors app! Our must-have app includes all of the articles from Pro Football Rumors, MLB Trade Rumors, and Hoops Rumors in an easy-to-navigate, eye-catching format. You can also customize your feed to your liking receive breaking news notifications for your favorite teams and players. Download it today!
- Who got the biggest free agent deal this offseason? Well, there’s more than one way to measure that and Luke Adams ran it down by three different metrics. Of course, Malik Jackson‘s six-year, $85.5MM deal with the Jaguars comes in as the biggest deal by overall base value. However, when you go by fully guaranteed money, Olivier Vernon‘s $40MM haul takes the No. 1 spot. In terms of average annual value, no one bested quarterback Brock Osweiler who will get $18MM per season from the Texans.
- The NFL Draft brings us a brand new crop of talent but it can also displace established veterans. Following the 2016 draft, Dallas Robinson looked at the players who could be most affected by this year’s incoming class. Ravens tackle Eugene Monroe reportedly won’t be cut after the team picked Notre Dame tackle Ronnie Stanley, but the selection might not bode well for his long-term prospects in Baltimore. In Los Angeles, Nick Foles and Case Keenum are on shaky ground after Jared Goff was taken with the No. 1 overall pick. For takes on Alterraun Verner, DeSean Jackson, Sam Bradford, and others, check out Dallas’ list.
- The deadline for teams to pick up the fifth-year options for players selected in the first round of the 2013 draft has come and gone. Luke ran down all 32 decisions and noted that only three top-10 picks had their 2017 options picked up. Luke Joeckel, Barkevious Mingo, Jonathan Cooper, and Dee Milliner are among the underachieving top-10 picks whose options were declined by their respective teams.
Examining Veteran Players Most Affected By NFL Draft
The 2016 draft class has already made its mark on NFL veterans league-wide, as players like Washington’s Chris Culliver and Tampa Bay’s Connor Barth were cut after their respective clubs selected potential replacements over the weekend. With more moves likely on the horizon, let’s take a look at some other veterans who could be affected:
Baltimore Ravens: Eugene Monroe, T
A day after the Ravens selected Notre Dame tackle Ronnie Stanley sixth overall, a report emerged that indicated Baltimore was unlikely to release Monroe, the club’s left tackle for the majority of the past two-and-a-half seasons. And while the Ravens’ offensive line depth could be augmented by sliding either Monroe or Stanley inside to left guard, it’s fair to question whether Monroe will still be on Baltimore’s roster come September. The 29-year-old has missed 20 games over the past three seasons with various injuries, and is set to count for $8.7MM on Baltimore’s 2016 cap. The Ravens could save $6.5MM by designating him as a post-June 1 cut, a move that seems entirely possible.
Chicago Bears: Lamarr Houston and Willie Young, EDGE
Chicago’s draft class has already had an impact on one veteran, as Matt Slauson was cut soon after the club drafted interior lineman Cody Whitehair in the second round. Houston and Young could be next up on the chopping block, after the Bears added two new pieces to their front seven in the forms of linebacker Leonard Floyd and defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard. Head coach John Fox said in March that the club was unlikely to release either Houston or Young, but Chicago would incur less than $2MM in dead money by making both post-June 1 cuts.
Los Angeles Rams: Nick Foles and Case Keenum, QB
Keenum would likely have more suitors around the league given his play last season, but Foles appears to be the odd man out in Los Angeles after the Rams made Jared Goff the No. 1 overall pick. Foles is generating some trade interest, with as many as five clubs reaching out to the Rams to express intrigue. Foles’ roster bonus has already been paid by LA, so he’d make for a cheap backup option, as an acquiring team would only be responsible for his $1.75MM base salary.
Minnesota Vikings: Captain Munnerlyn, CB
The Vikings are expected to work in second-round pick Mackensie Alexander at slot corner, the position currently manned by Munnerlyn. Head coach Mike Zimmer likes veteran players — as evidenced by Minnesota starting 37-year-old Terence Newman for all 16 games last season — so Munnerlyn is probably safe. His contract expires after 2016, however, at which Alexander’s presence could mean Munnerlyn isn’t re-signed.
New York Jets: Geno Smith, QB
After the Jets drafted Christian Hackenberg in the second round, Smith sits in a rather precarious situation. If New York is unable to come to an agreement with Ryan Fitzpatrick, Smith would likely open the 2016 season as the starting quarterback. But if Fitzpatrick is brought back into the fold — as is still expected — Smith could be on the outs, even though GM Mike Maccagnan has said he’s not opposed to keeping four quarterbacks on the roster.
Philadelphia Eagles: Sam Bradford, QB
We won’t spend much time on Bradford, as his desire to be traded out of Philadelphia has been well-documented even before the club officially drafted Carson Wentz. The Eagles have said they won’t deal their presumptive starting quarterback, but if Bradford continues to sit out team activities, the situation could become increasingly awkward. Working against Bradford is that many of the clubs that previously needed QB help – several of which I documented when looking at destinations for Bradford – have since added signal-callers.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Alterraun Verner, CB
Verner has been a disappointment since signing a four-year deal with the Bucs prior to the 2014 season — he was benched in 2015 (ultimately starting only six games) and graded as the No. 91 cornerback among 111 qualifiers, per Pro Football Focus. With first-round pick Vernon Hargreaves III and veteran Brent Grimes, who signed a two-year deal in March, now on the roster, Verner’s status in Tampa is tenuous at best.
Washington: Pierre Garcon, DeSean Jackson, and Andre Roberts, WR
Washington made one of the more surprising choices of the first round, trading down one spot before selecting TCU wide receiver Josh Doctson. Roberts, a slot receiver who managed only 11 receptions last season, seems like the most obvious release candidate, but Garcon and Jackson may not be safe, either. Washington probably wouldn’t release all three pass-catchers, but post-June 1 cuts of Garcon and Jackson would save the club $8MM each. For what it’s worth, John Keim of ESPN.com adamantly believes the team will hang on to Garcon.
Photos courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Largest NFL Free Agent Contracts Of 2016
It can be difficult to determine the true value of an NFL contract, particularly one signed in free agency. We often evaluate contracts by their average annual value, but an agreement that pays $10MM for one year certainly isn’t as strong a commitment as one that pays $50MM over five years. Meanwhile, the overall value of a deal can make it look more more impressive than it actually is, since players often won’t get the opportunity to play out the full contract before they’re released or asked to take a pay cut.
Fully guaranteed money may be the best barometer by which to assess a new free agent contract, but even that doesn’t tell the whole story. A player who signs a long-term contract with a small amount of guaranteed salary could eventually play out the entire deal and earn the non-guaranteed portion as well, depending on his performance.
One category doesn’t tell the whole story, and you can argue that even all three combined don’t necessarily tell us which players signed the “best” contracts, but using all three categories certainly helps provide a more complete picture.
A year ago, Ndamukong Suh‘s massive long-term contract with the Dolphins ranked first among free agents in terms of overall value, annual average, and fully guaranteed money, while Darrelle Revis‘ pact with the Jets placed second in each category. In 2016, there’s no clear-cut No. 1 deal like Suh’s. In fact, while the same names generally show up among the top five for overall value, annual average, and fully guaranteed money, a different player sits atop each of our three lists below.
Brock Osweiler, Olivier Vernon, Josh Norman, and Malik Jackson represent the top four players – in some order – on all three of our lists, having signed the biggest and best free agent deals of 2016. But there are some other names that show up just once or twice, whose contracts are more difficult to evaluate.
Russell Okung‘s five-year, $53MM contract with the Broncos, for instance, ranks seventh in terms of total value and average annual value, but doesn’t come anywhere close to cracking the top 10 in guaranteed money. Okung’s potential earnings hinge heavily on whether or not the Broncos pick up the option after the first year of the contract. If Denver declines that option, the total value of Okung’s deal will end up being far, far less than $53MM.
Jason Pierre-Paul, meanwhile, shows up at No. 8 in terms of annual average value, but he’s on a one-year contract. The majority of his money is guaranteed, and he’s making a good one-year salary, but he doesn’t have the long-term security or the overall guarantees of the other guys mentioned below.
Finally, it’s also worth mentioning the players who received franchise tags from their respective clubs this offseason. Von Miller, Kirk Cousins, Eric Berry, Cordy Glenn, Alshon Jeffery, Trumaine Johnson, and Muhammad Wilkerson are all expected to make between $10-20MM in 2016, but they were never unrestricted free agents, and their contract situations aren’t resolved yet, so we haven’t included them in our free agency breakdown. Similarly, a player like Sam Bradford, who re-signed with his own team before the free agent period began, is not included below.
Without further ado, here are the biggest free agent contracts of 2016:
Largest contracts by overall base value:
- Malik Jackson, DE (Jaguars): $85.5MM, six years
- Olivier Vernon, DE (Giants): $85MM, five years
- Josh Norman, CB (Washington): $75MM, five years
- Brock Osweiler, QB (Texans): $72MM, four years
- Janoris Jenkins, CB (Giants): $62.5MM, five years
- Kelechi Osemele, G (Raiders): $58.5MM, five years
- Russell Okung, T (Broncos): $53MM, five years
- Damon Harrison, DT (Giants): $46.2MM, five years
- Mark Barron, LB (Rams): $45MM, five years
- Alex Mack, C (Falcons): $45MM, five years
Largest contracts by annual average:
- Brock Osweiler, QB (Texans): $18MM
- Olivier Vernon, DE (Giants): $17MM
- Josh Norman, CB (Washington): $15MM
- Malik Jackson, DE (Jaguars): $14.25MM
- Janoris Jenkins, CB (Giants): $12.5MM
- Kelechi Osemele, G (Raiders):$11.7MM
- Russell Okung, T (Broncos): $10.6MM
- Jason Pierre-Paul, DE (Giants): $10MM
- Sean Smith, CB (Raiders): $9.5MM
- (tie) Damon Harrison, DT (Giants) / Bruce Irvin, LB (Raiders): $9.25MM
Largest contracts by fully guaranteed money:
- Olivier Vernon, DE (Giants): $40MM
- Brock Osweiler, QB (Texans): $37MM
- Josh Norman, CB (Washington): $36.5MM
- Malik Jackson, DE (Jaguars): $31.5MM
- Janoris Jenkins, CB (Giants): $28.8MM
- Kelechi Osemele, G (Raiders): $25.4MM
- Damon Harrison, DT (Giants): $20MM
- Alex Mack, C (Falcons): $20MM
- Brandon Brooks, G (Eagles): $17MM
- (tie) Mark Barron, LB (Rams) / Doug Martin, RB (Buccaneers) / Sean Smith, CB (Raiders): $15MM
Data from Over The Cap was used in the creation of this post.
Fifth-Year Option Decisions For 2017
The deadline for teams to pick up the fifth-year options for players selected in the first round of the 2013 draft has come and gone, with only 17 of 32 players having their options exercised. An 18th player, Lane Johnson of the Eagles, has already signed a long-term extension, so he shouldn’t be grouped with the 2013 draftees whose options were declined or were not applicable for other reasons, but overall, this year’s option decisions reflect how unspectacular 2013’s first round was, particularly at the top.
The 2012 draft was also considered to be bust-heavy in the top 10, but a year ago, six of those 10 players had their fifth-year options exercised for 2016. This time around, only three top-10 picks had their options picked up (plus Johnson’s extension), and Eric Fisher and Tavon Austin certainly weren’t no-brainer decisions. Luke Joeckel, Barkevious Mingo, Jonathan Cooper, and Dee Milliner are among the underachieving top-10 picks whose options were declined by their respective teams.
Of course, just because a player has his option exercised or declined, that doesn’t necessarily dictate his future earnings. These fifth-year options are only guaranteed for injury only for now, so assuming a player stays healthy, his team could still release him by March 2017 without being on the hook for any ’17 salary, even if his option was exercised today. Conversely, a player who had his option declined could have a bounce-back year and do well on the open market next March.
Last year, Mark Barron, Bruce Irvin, and Doug Martin were among the players whose options were turned down. All three signed long-term pacts worth north of $35MM last month. On the other end of the spectrum, Robert Griffin III had his option exercised, but was cut before it became fully guaranteed, and “settled” for a $15MM contract in free agency.
As we wait to see how the latest round of option decisions looks a year from now, let’s recap the action. Here’s a full breakdown of the fifth-year option decisions for 2017:
Exercised:
- Eric Fisher, T (Chiefs), $11.902MM: Exercised
- Ezekiel Ansah, DE (Lions), $12.734MM: Exercised
- Tavon Austin, WR (Rams), $12.268MM: Exercised
- D.J. Fluker, G (Chargers), $8.821MM: Exercised
- Sheldon Richardson, DE (Jets), $8.069MM: Exercised
- Star Lotulelei, DT (Panthers), $6.757MM: Exercised
- Kenny Vaccaro, S (Saints), $5.676MM: Exercised
- Eric Reid, S (49ers), $5.676MM: Exercised
- Justin Pugh, G (Giants), $8.821MM: Exercised
- Kyle Long, G (Bears), $8.821MM: Exercised
- Tyler Eifert, TE (Bengals), $4.782MM: Exercised
- Desmond Trufant, CB (Falcons), $8.026MM: Exercised
- Sharrif Floyd, DT (Vikings), $6.757MM: Exercised
- Xavier Rhodes, CB (Vikings), $8.026MM: Exercised
- DeAndre Hopkins, WR (Texans), $7.915MM: Exercised
- Alec Ogletree, LB (Rams), $8.369MM: Exercised
- Travis Frederick, C (Cowboys), $8.821MM: Exercised
Not exercised:
- Luke Joeckel, T (Jaguars), $11.902MM: Declined
- Dion Jordan, DE (Dolphins): Not applicable this year due to suspension (contract tolled)
- Lane Johnson, T (Eagles): Not applicable due to long-term extension
- Barkevious Mingo, OLB (Browns), $11.925MM: Declined
- Jonathan Cooper, G (Patriots), $11.902MM: Declined
- Dee Milliner, CB (Jets), $11.913MM: Declined
- Chance Warmack, G (Titans), $11.902MM: Declined
- D.J. Hayden, CB (Raiders), $8.026MM: Declined
- EJ Manuel, QB (Bills), $11.357MM: Declined
- Jarvis Jones, OLB (Steelers), $8.369MM: Declined
- Bjoern Werner, OLB: Not applicable due to release
- Datone Jones, OLB (Packers), $8.369MM: Declined
- Sylvester Williams, DT (Broncos), $6.757MM: Declined
- Cordarrelle Patterson, WR (Vikings), $7.915MM: Declined
- Matt Elam, S (Ravens), $5.676MM: Declined
PFR Originals: 4/24/16 – 5/1/16
The original content and analysis produced by the PFR staff during the past week:
- All 253 NFL picks are now in the books after a wild weekend that included plenty of drama. Take a look back at all the action — we’ve listed every pick in the draft both by round and by team.
- Before the draft, PFR’s Rob DiRe analyzed every position in the draft, breaking down the top 15 players at each position on both sides of the ball. Even though the draft has come to a close, Rob’s rankings and writeups are still excellent reading material as rookies try to make their impressions in training camp. Check out the lists here: Top 2016 Offensive Prospects and Top 2016 Defensive Prospects.
- Heading into the weekend, I took at stab at projecting the first round in PFR’s 2016 NFL Mock Draft v2.0.
- After Sam Bradford requested for a trade out of Philadelphia, I took at look at some potential landing spots for the embattled Eagles quarterback.