Free Agent Rumors: Browns, Harrison, Titans
The Browns have had a knack for stealing headlines in recent years, but that trend could come to a halt this offseason. New Browns executive vice president Sashi Brown is not looking to make a splash in free agency, various agents tell Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL.com (on Twitter). The Browns already lost out on one significant free agent target today when Marvin Jones signed a lucrative deal with the Lions.
Here are the latest free agent rumors:
- There’s nothing brewing right now between the Titans and free agent defensive tackle Damon Harrison, Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com tweets.
- Safety Tashaun Gipson is a longshot for the Eagles but it’s not out of the question, Geoff Mosher of 97.5 The Fanatic (on Twitter) hears.
- The Seahawks are working to bring back Brandon Mebane, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.
- The Rams are in good position to bring back linebacker/safety Mark Barron, a league source tells Vincent Bonsignore of the Daily News (on Twitter).
- The Jets are sniffing around the free agent tackle market and that could spell the end of Breno Giacomini in New York, Alex Marvez of FOX Sports tweets.
Eagles Sign Leodis McKelvin
9:56pm: McLane offers a minor clarification, tweeting that the base value of McKelvin’s contract is actually $6.2MM.
2:46pm: McKelvin’s deal carries a max value of $6MM, which means that his base value is less than that, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer (on Twitter).
2:29pm: The Eagles and Leodis McKelvin have agreed to terms on a two-year contract, the team announced (on Twitter). The two-year deal is worth just over $6MM, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.
New Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz coached McKelvin in Buffalo, so Philly has been thought to be a logical landing spot for him ever since he was released earlier this month. McKelvin was also scheduled to meet with the Cowboys, so the signing has the added benefit of beating out an NFC East rival.
McKelvin, selected 11th overall in the 2008 draft, had been preparing to enter the final year of his contract with the Bills. Recent reports had suggested the team would explore a reworked contract with McKelvin in an attempt to keep him around, but Buffalo ultimately parted ways with him instead, allowing him to hit the open market.
Despite being a first-round pick, McKelvin never developed into a shutdown corner for the Bills, or even a full-time starter — he has only started more than nine games in a season twice in his career, due to both performance and injuries. In 2015, McKelvin grabbed two interceptions to go along with 32 tackles, nine passes defended, and a fumble recovery. Pro Football Focus ranked him 83rd out of 111 qualified cornerbacks.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Eagles Favorites For Chase Daniel; Two Other Teams Interested
Three clubs are “heavily involved” in negotiations with free agent quarterback Chase Daniel, but the Eagles are viewed as the frontrunner, according to Dianna Marie Russini of ESPN.com (Twitter link). However, cautions Russini, a deal between Daniel and Philadelphia is not yet done.
Just this afternoon, a report indicated that the Eagles could be interested in Daniel, even after agreeing to re-sign starting QB Sam Bradford to a two-year deal. Daniel, of course, has spent the past several seasons in Kansas City under former OC Doug Pederson, who is now Philadelphia’s head coach. The connection is there, but whether Daniel would want to be relegated to a backup role once again is an open question.
Daniel, entering his age-30 season, is almost all promise — he’s only attempted 77 passes in his career while backing up Drew Brees and Alex Smith. But in a league where competent quarterback play is so rare (yet so needed), it’s easy to see a club taking a chance on Daniel as its starter. He’d already been one of the backups in the NFL, earning $3.33MM annually during his time with Kansas City.
Daniel ranked as PFR’s No. 3 available quarterback, slotting in behind Brock Osweiler and Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Free Agent Rumors: Ivory, Eagles, Powers
Chris Ivory wants roughly $6.5MM per year and is looking for at least a three-year commitment, Kimberley A. Martin of Newsday tweets. Some might view that as an ambitious ask, but Ivory could net that sort of deal this offseason given that there are many teams with significant cap space to use. On PFR’s list of top free agent running backs, Ivory stands as the No. 4 option behind Doug Martin, Lamar Miller, and Matt Forte.
Here are the very latest free agent rumors:
- The Eagles have reached out to linebacker Nigel Bradham, Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer tweets. The 26-year-old has a history with Philly DC Jim Schwartz.
- Jerraud Powers says he’s unsure about future with the Cardinals as free agency nears, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com writes. “I think it’s close but at the same time, it’s not,” Powers said. “We’ve been in talks, but I don’t know what the waiting process is like. I’m starting to think that maybe they’re just going to move in another direction.” Powers, who made $4.35MM last season, wants a three- or four-year deal. He also says that he wants to join a club with a “winning pedigree” that can contend in 2016.
- The Giants are nowhere near done making moves on the defensive line, Jordan Raanan of the Star-Ledger tweets. Raanan cautions to expect several more big moves. Earlier today, the Giants reached agreement with JPP on a new deal.
- Charles Johnson has already visited the Giants and Buccaneers, but he might be signing with a different club based on the tone of this tweet. “2mor u will know my future!!! It’s going to be epic,” Johnson wrote.
Free Agent Rumors: Broncos, Massie, Daniel
Now that defensive lineman Malik Jackson has agreed to join the Jaguars, we can expect the Broncos to make a serious run at Cardinals free agent right tackle Bobby Massie, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (on Twitter). Massie could reportedly command north of $8MM per season, so it was unlikely that Denver would have been able to afford both Jackson and the offensive tackle.
Here’s the very latest free agent news:
- Even though the Eagles have re-signed Sam Bradford, the Eagles could still pursue Chiefs quarterback Chase Daniel, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). Eagles coach Doug Pederson, who is the former OC in KC, is quite fond of Daniel.
- The Vikings are not close on a deal with guard Mike Harris, per Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press (on Twitter). Harris’ camp has been looking for roughly $5MM on a two-year deal while the Vikings are offering $3.5MM over two. Harris is currently planning on testing the market.
- The Bears are one of “multiple” teams that have expressed interest in defensive end Akiem Hicks, per Kevin Fishbain of Pro Football Weekly (on Twitter).
- Four teams have expressed varying degrees of interest in linebacker Demario Davis, a source tells Seth Walder of the Daily News (on Twitter).
- The Bills‘ signing of Richie Incognito means that Buffalo will not be adding free agent guard Jahri Evans, Peter Schrager of FOXSports.com (on Twitter) hears. The Bills hosted Evans on a visit on Monday. Evans has started 153 games for the Saints dating back 2006 and earned four First-Team All-Pro selections.
Leodis McKelvin Visiting Eagles; Cowboys Next?
Free agent cornerback Leodis McKelvin is paying a visit to Philadelphia today to meet with the Eagles, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). While most pending free agents can’t make visits until Wednesday, McKelvin is eligible to begin doing so now since he was released by the Bills last week.
McKelvin, selected 11th overall in the 2008 draft, had been preparing to enter the final year of his contract with the Bills. Recent reports had suggested the team would explore a reworked contract with McKelvin in an attempt to keep him around, but Buffalo ultimately parted ways with him instead, allowing him to hit the open market.
Despite being a first-round pick, McKelvin never developed into a shutdown corner for the Bills, or even a full-time starter — he has only started more than nine games in a season twice in his career, due to both performance and injuries. In 2015, McKelvin grabbed two interceptions to go along with 32 tackles, nine passes defended, and a fumble recovery. Pro Football Focus ranked him 83rd out of 111 qualified cornerbacks.
The Eagles are in the market for cornerback help after agreeing to trade Byron Maxwell to the Dolphins, and McKelvin would represent a more affordable option than many other players on the free agent market. Rapoport suggests that a deal between the two sides could “come quickly.” However, if McKelvin and the Eagles don’t work something out while he’s in Philadelphia, a visit to Dallas to meet with the Cowboys is next up on the 30-year-old’s schedule, per Rapoport.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
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).
Free Agent Rumors: Wisniewski, Browns, Pacman
The Browns have expressed interest in Jaguars free agent center Stefen Wisniewski, a league source tells Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer (on Twitter). The Browns are in danger of losing three-time Pro Bowl center Alex Mack to free agency and they could turn to the 26-year-old as a replacement. Hue Jackson was the coach in Oakland when the Raiders used their 2011 second round draft choice on Wisniewski.
The latest free agent rumors from around the NFL:
- The Browns have expressed interest in free agent cornerback Adam Jones, a league source tells Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer (on Twitter). Jones, a Bengals free agent, has been heavily linked to Miami in recent weeks thanks to his connection with defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.
- The Vikings and Matt Asiata are far apart on a possible contract, Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press (on Twitter) hears from a source. Several other teams expressed an interest in the running back on Monday, he adds. Asiata has previously stated that he would like to return to Minnesota.
- 49ers free agent Alex Boone and Cardinals free agent Bobby Massie are two offensive linemen who could get north of $8MM per season, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (on Twitter) hears.
- The Vikings have reached out to the representative of Bengals free agent linebacker Vincent Rey, per Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press (on Twitter). The Vikings are in need of a linebacker and Mike Zimmer is familiar with Rey from their previous time together.
- Backup quarterback Drew Stanton is unlikely to return to the Cardinals, an NFL source tells Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic (on Twitter).
- The Eagles had significant interest in signing wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey before he re-upped with the Steelers, as Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com tweets.
FA Rumors: Whitehead, Clayborn, Vikings, Jags
With Kiko Alonso set to head to Miami once the trade between the Dolphins and Eagles becomes official, Philadelphia will be in the market for a new linebacker. And Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com hears that the Eagles are targeting a player with whom new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is familiar.
According to Shorr-Parks, the Eagles have expressed interest in Lions linebacker Tahir Whitehead, who can become a free agent this week. Whitehead ranked as our top non-rush outside linebacker when we examined 2016’s top defensive free agents over the weekend, and he’d represent an upgrade over Alonso. However, he’ll also be more expensive, so we’ll see if Howie Roseman and the Eagles can make it work.
Here’s more updates on free agents around the NFL:
- Free agent defensive lineman Adrian Clayborn, who has experience playing inside and outside, is drawing interest from a few teams, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Rapoport identifies the Giants, Jaguars, Cowboys, and Dolphins as some of the clubs “lurking” on Clayborn.
- Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press passes along a couple updates on the Vikings‘ free agent prospects, reporting (via Twitter) that the team has inquired on safety Reggie Nelson, who previously played for Mike Zimmer in Cincinnati. Tomasson adds (via Twitter) that he’s hearing offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele may be too expensive for Minnesota.
- Could defensive lineman Malik Jackson be a top target for the Jaguars this week? Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk explains why it could be a good match, noting that Jacksonville is believed to have several targets for the first wave of free agency.
- Free agent wide receiver James Jones tells Josina Anderson of ESPN (Twitter link) that he wants to keep playing for “at least three more years”
- Buccaneers safety Keith Tandy, an unrestricted free agent, has been in talks to return to Tampa Bay, and there’s a good chance he re-signs with the team within the next few days, says Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times (Twitter link).
Dolphins Agree To Acquire Byron Maxwell, Kiko Alonso
3:15pm: The Dolphins will be taking on Maxwell’s full contract for 2016, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter links), who adds that the cornerback’s deal will be reworked for 2017.
2:25pm: Maxwell and Alonso have both been informed that they’re being dealt to the Dolphins, pending physicals, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Contract work between the Dolphins and Maxwell is being finalized, tweets Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. The deal can’t become official until the start of the new league year.
2:02pm: The Dolphins and Eagles are attempting to finalize a trade that would send Maxwell and linebacker Kiko Alonso – another Kelly acquisition – to Miami in exchange for draft-pick compensation, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
10:49am: The Dolphins and Eagles are discussing a trade that would send cornerback Byron Maxwell to Miami, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, who tweets that it’s “in the works.”
Less than a year ago, Maxwell signed a six-year, $63MM contract to join the Eagles as a free agent. With Chip Kelly no longer making personnel decisions in Philadelphia this offseason, it seems the club is interested in moving on from the former head coach’s most expensive addition.
Maxwell’s contract would leave $4.8MM in dead money on the Eagles’ cap if they were to move him in a trade. For the Dolphins, it would mean taking on a fully guaranteed $8.5MM base salary for 2016, plus a partially guaranteed $10MM base salary ($3MM guaranteed) for 2017. Maxwell’s salaries for 2018 to 2020 are fully non-guaranteed.
In his first season in Philadelphia, Maxwell was underwhelming, though that impression can be attributed to the increased expectations that his huge contract brought with him. Prior to 2015, Maxwell had only made 17 career starts, and the fact that the Seahawks’ secondary also featured Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor, and Earl Thomas certainly helped him look better. As the top option in a weak free agent class of corners, Maxwell got paid more than he should have.
If the Dolphins acquire Maxwell, the team will likely either rework his contract or make additional roster moves to help accommodate the deal. Miami is in the market for help at cornerback, with Brice McCain released and Brent Grimes and Jamar Taylor coming off unspectacular 2015 campaigns. As Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald tweets, Grimes – whose cap hit is $9.5MM in 2016 – could be affected by a Maxwell trade.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.