NFC Notes: Bennett, Cowboys, Falcons, Bucs
General manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll have already dismissed an offseason rumor about Michael Bennett wanting a new contract and/or a trade to Atlanta, but it wasn’t until today that the Seahawks defensive end himself weighed in on the matter, as Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times details.
“I never asked for it. I didn’t come to them asking for a trade,” Bennett said on 710 ESPN Seattle. “I’m still trying to figure out how a guy from Dallas (Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram) makes up a story about me, I’m living in Seattle, I’m like how does that happen? I’m in Hawaii surfing, got the kids surfing in the ocean and they are talking about something else.”
While Bennett downplayed the story, Hill’s initial report said that the defensive end wanted a trade — not that he’d necessarily requested one. Bennett, who didn’t address the part of the story about wanting a new contract, also said today that he has “been talking” to the team, suggesting there’s something worth talking about. So while Bennett almost certainly isn’t going anywhere, I’m not sure there’s absolutely zero truth to the initial report.
Here’s more from around the NFC:
- Florida State cornerback P.J. Williams, who was arrested for DUI last week, paid a visit to Dallas today to meet with the Cowboys, says Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com (via Twitter). The incident could hurt Williams’ draft stock, but as the Cowboys showed when they signed Greg Hardy, they aren’t afraid to add a player who could be facing off-field issues, or an on-field suspension.
- Speaking of players with off-field question marks, Nebraska pass rusher Randy Gregory worked out privately for the Falcons in the days after word of his failed combine drug test broke, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
- In addition to confirming the previously reported visit of Nate Orchard, the Buccaneers also announced today that they hosted TCU linebacker Paul Dawson, LSU defensive end Jermauria Rasco, and Utah defensive back Eric Rowe.
- Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun passes along a pair of updates on recently-signed Eagles, reporting (via Twitter) that wide receiver Seyi Ajirotutu got $380K guaranteed on his minimum salary deal, while cornerback E.J. Biggers didn’t receive a signing bonus on his minimum salary pact.
- Brock Lutes, a Bemidji State basketball player and NFL tight end hopeful, will pay a visit to the 49ers on Tuesday, per Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com (Twitter link).
Extra Points: Tillman, Talib, Los Angeles, Peterson
Let’s take a look at some assorted notes from around the league as we wrap up this Wednesday night…
- Former Bears cornerback Charles Tillman visited the Panthers earlier this evening, reports ESPN.com’s Jeff Dickerson (via Twitter). The reporter notes that the two sides have yet to discuss a contract.
- Rebecca Lopez of WFAA-TV in Dallas reports (via Twitter) that Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib is being investigated for aggravated assault earlier this morning. The 29-year-old’s brother, Yaqub, is also being investigated by police. According to ESPN.com’s Jeff Legwold, the pair were questioned by police early Wednesday, but no one was arrested.
- Addressing a rumor going around, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (Twitter link) dismisses the notion that the Eagles have any real interest in acquiring Johnny Manziel. According to Cole, the Browns tossed out the idea in a conversation with Philadelphia, but it didn’t gain any traction. Of course, Cleveland also reportedly offered the Eagles a first-round pick for Sam Bradford.
- In an extensive and interesting piece, Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times examines nine potential outcomes for an NFL move to Los Angeles, including scenarios in which multiple teams relocate and scenarios in which just one of the Rams, Chargers, or Raiders makes the move.
- The NFL submitted it’s appeal to the Eighth Circuit Court regarding Adrian Peterson, according to USA Today’s Tom Pelissero (via Twitter). Once it’s filed, the NFL Player’s Association will have 14 days to respond. As Pelissero notes (via Twitter), the appeal “has more to do with precedent than Peterson,” adding that the running back could realistically be reinstated regardless of the outcome.
- Count Reggie Bush among those who are rooting for Australian rugby star Jarryd Hayne to make the 49ers. The running back expressed his confidence to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. “I’m sure he’ll make it, I don’t think there’s any doubt in anybody’s mind he’ll make the roster,” Bush said. “He has all the talents and athleticism to be able to play in this league and to be able to play at a high level in this league…I think making the team is actually the least of his worries.”
Ben Levine contributed to this post.
Draft Visits: Titans, Jags, Steelers, 49ers
Having hosted receiver Kevin White for a visit already, the Titans are scheduled to meet with Alabama wideout Amari Cooper next week, according to Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean (via Twitter). While the two players are considered the top two prospects at their position, it would still be a surprise to see either player go as high as No. 2 to Tennessee, so perhaps the team is doing due diligence in case it trades down. Of course, I’d argue that the Titans have multiple positions that are bigger holes than wide receiver, but there’s no harm in exploring every potential option.
Here are more updates on upcoming draft visits, as well as some that have already happened:
- Another top-five team keeping its options open is Jacksonville, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, who reports (via Twitter) that the Jaguars have hosted Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon and Georgia’s Todd Gurley for pre-draft visits. Third overall is almost certainly too high to draft a running back, so the Jags could be doing their homework in case they make a draft-day trade.
- Rapoport also passes along an update on wide receiver DeVante Parker, tweeting that the former Louisville Cardinal has visits with the Jets, Titans, and Bears on his schedule. Parker has also visited the Jaguars and is meeting with the Vikings today.
- Virginia edge rusher Eli Harold, Ole Miss cornerback Senquez Golson, Utah defensive end Nate Orchard, and Auburn tight end C.J. Uzomah all visited the Steelers today, tweets Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
- Speaking of Harold, according to Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports (Twitter link), the Virginia product has visited or worked out for 14 teams, including the Bears, Jaguars, Saints, and Jets.
- The 49ers and Steelers will host Auburn receiver Sammie Coates for visits next week, sources tell Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Coates has also visited the Browns and, as previously reported, the Dolphins.
- Per Wilson (via Twitter), USC tight end Randall Telfer has visited the Eagles, will visit the Patriots, and has a private meeting lined up with the Falcons.
- Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee reports (via Twitter) that that Sacramento State wide receiver DeAndre Carter worked out for the Cardinals this week, and will attend local pro days for the Raiders and 49ers next week.
East Notes: Eagles, Peerman, Jets, Mays
Having signed DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews already this offseason, the Eagles are apparently still considering running backs. Adam Caplan of ESPN.com reports (via Twitter) that the team hosted former Bengals back Cedric Peerman for a visit on Tuesday.
Of course, unlike Murray and Mathews, Peerman contributes much more on special teams than on offense — he racked up an impressive 18 regular season tackles in kick and punt coverage last season, per Pro Football Focus.
Let’s check in on some other items out of the NFL’s two East divisions….
- If running back has been the focus of the Eagles‘ offseason on the offensive side of the ball, they’ve been keying in on cornerbacks on the defensive side. Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com writes that the club is hosting Connecticut defensive back Byron Jones for a pre-draft visit after taking a look at Jalen Collins yesterday. Philadelphia has signed cornerbacks Byron Maxwell, Walter Thurmond, and E.J. Biggers within the last month.
- According to Caplan (via Twitter), the Jets have some interest in signing free agent linebacker Joe Mays, who visited the Chargers after being cut by the Chiefs. New York appears to be working on addressing its linebacker depth this week, having agreed to terms with Erin Henderson yesterday.
- Earlier today, we learned that free agent wide receiver Wes Welker will be paying a visit to the Dolphins.
Draft Notes: Eagles, Fowler, 49ers, Parker
The Eagles have signed three cornerbacks within the last month, adding E.J. Biggers today to go along with Byron Maxwell and Walter Thurmond, but the team continues to consider options at the position with the draft approaching. As Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com outlines, the team hosted LSU cornerback Jalen Collins, a potential scheme fit, on a pre-draft visit today.
Here are a few more draft-related updates from around the NFL:
- Although he thinks he’ll probably end up in Jacksonville with the No. 3 overall pick, Dante Fowler Jr. is meeting with a couple NFC teams in the top 10, according to Albert Breer of the NFL Network, who tweets that the Florida pass rusher will visit the Buccaneers and Falcons this weekend.
- The 49ers are meeting with Louisville receiver DeVante Parker, who is expected to be one of the first wideouts to come off the board, writes Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.
- UTC pass rusher Davis Tull, a former wide receiver, has pre-draft visits lined up with the Saints and Falcons, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
- Over at The National Football Post, Aaron Wilson passes along updates on a pair of prospects, writing that Northwestern quarterback Trevor Siemian has visited the Broncos and is working out for the Bears, while Bowling Green linebacker Gabe Martin is visiting the Cowboys today.
- Per Matt Miller of Bleacher Report (Twitter link), the Cowboys “love” Damarious Randall, and consider the Arizona State alum the best safety in this year’s draft class.
- Rutgers tight end Tyler Kroft has had individual workouts with the Eagles, Jaguars, and Buccaneers, and is scheduled to visit the Bears and Broncos this week, says Dan Duggan of NJ.com.
- The Patriots had a private workout with Northwestern State defensive tackle Deon Simon last week, a league source tells Christopher Price of WEEI.com.
Eagles Sign E.J. Biggers, Seyi Ajirotutu
The Eagles have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with cornerback E.J. Biggers, according to Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter). Pro Football Talk reported earlier today that Biggers was paying a visit to Philadelphia. The team has since confirmed the signing (via Twitter).
Biggers, who will turn 28 in June, has spent his five-year NFL career in Tampa Bay and Washington, playing 76 overall regular season games, including 31 starts. Although he has experience at both cornerback and safety, Biggers primarily played corner in 2014, recording 32 tackles and four passes defended in 465 defensive snaps. He also occasionally contributed on special teams.
Having made a major splash at the start of free agency by landing Byron Maxwell, arguably the top cornerback on the market, the Eagles have continued to fortify the position since then. The club also signed Walter Thurmond in addition to Biggers.
The Eagles also signed wide receiver and special teamer Seyi Ajirotutu to a one-year contract today, according to the club. Ajirotutu, who has spent four of his five NFL seasons with the Chargers, only has 24 career receptions, but the 27-year-old has been a key contributor on special teams in San Diego — in 2014, he had 14 tackles in kick and punt coverage, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
East Notes: Bills, Landry, Eagles, Biggers
So far this offseason, one noteworthy free agent – wide receiver Percy Harvin – has moved from the Jets to the Bills, following Rex Ryan to Buffalo. Now, Ryan and the Bills are considering bringing in another player who played in New York a year ago. According to Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter), former Jets safety Dawan Landry is paying a visit to Buffalo.
The Jets don’t appear to have any interest in retaining Landry, but Pro Football Focus (subscription required) was fond of his 2014 performance, grading him as a top-10 safety in the NFL. We’ll have to see if the Bills have a spot for him in a secondary that has lost Jairus Byrd and Da’Norris Searcy in the last two offseasons.
Here’s more from out of the NFL’s two East divisions:
- As the Eagles eye potential defensive backs, they’ll bring in former Washington cornerback E.J. Biggers for a visit today, according to Pro Football Talk (via Twitter). Biggers, who spent three seasons in Tampa Bay prior to his time in D.C., also has some experience at safety, a position of need for Philadelphia.
- James Walker of ESPN.com wonders if Josh Freeman has a chance to unseat Matt Moore as the Dolphins‘ No. 2 quarterback. As Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun tweeted this morning, Freeman’s deal with Miami is a minimum salary pact with no guaranteed money, so it’s not as if the team has much invested in him.
- Richie Incognito is grateful to the Bills for giving him a second chance in the NFL, and told reporters on Monday that there were times when he didn’t think he’d have the opportunity to continue his playing career (Associated Press link via USA Today).
- Referring to the atmosphere at the Bills‘ facility, LeSean McCoy said there’s “more of a NFL type of feel,” as opposed to the “college feel” he’d experienced in Philadelphia during the last couple seasons, writes Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com. The veteran running back also made some comments about Eagles head coach Chip Kelly yesterday.
Extra Points: A. Smith, Draft, Lions, Eagles
After being released by the Raiders on March 31, defensive lineman Antonio Smith received a phone call from the Broncos just hours later, according to Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post. Smith, who agreed with Denver on a one-year deal worth $2MM, is pleased to be joining a contender. “I am excited. Every piece that you need is on this team, and I know what [the coaching staff] can do with a good quarterback and good offense,” said Smith. “It will be a dangerous combination. I believe wholeheartedly we have a chance of making the last dance.”
Let’s take a look at some more notes from around the NFL…
- Utah defensive back Eric Rowe is flying up draft boards, and while he’s already worked out for the Eagles, he has another workout planned with the Lions, per Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net. The Packers are also interested, per Pauline, but they haven’t scheduled a visit.
- We heard earlier tonight the Cowboys will visit with Arizona State safety Damarious Randall, and Pauline reports that the Lions and Falcons will do so, as well.
- Oklahoma cornerback Julian Wilson has worked out for the Eagles and Patriots and is scheduled to work out for the Falcons, league sources Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. At the NFL scouting combine, Wilson ran a 4.58 40-yard-dash and had a 36-inch vertical leap.
- Wake Forest cornerback Kevin Johnson will is expected to visit the Cowboys, according to Wilson (Twitter link), who adds that Johnson has already worked out for Chargers, Falcons, and Eagles, and will work out for the Ravens, Patriots, and Cardinals. Per Wilson (link), Johnson also had a dinner meeting with the Steelers.
- Using his expected contract value metric, Bryce Johnston of Over the Cap examines the free agent contracts handed out to quarterbacks this offseason.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
NFC Notes: Staley, Draft, Cowboys, Lions
The 49ers converted Joe Staley‘s option bonus to a signing bonus, affecting his cap number for 2015, as CBSSports.com’s Joel Corry (Twitter links) explains. Staley’s cap number has gone from $6.4MM to $7.6MM after his $6MM option bonus was converted. San Francisco, meanwhile, will get a salary cap credit of $1.2MM in 2016. The accounting move won’t result in a salary increase for the offensive tackle. Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap explicates the transaction.
Here’s more the NFC…
- The Buccaneers‘ private workout with Oregon QB Marcus Mariota is set for tomorrow in Eugene, Albert Breer of NFL.com tweets.
- The Cowboys have filled most their 30 allowed spots for draft visits, writes Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, who reports the following players have headed or will head to Valley Ranch in the coming days: running backs T.J. Yeldon, Todd Gurley, Melvin Gordon, Tevin Coleman, Jay Ajayi, and Ameer Adbullah; defensive lineman Bud Dupree and Danielle Hunter; linebacker Benardrick McKinney; and defensive backs Josh Shaw and Damarious Randall.
- The Cowboys will also take a look at a defensive lineman tomorrow, as they’ll meet with UCLA DE Owa Odighizuma, per Rapoport (Twitter link), who adds that the former Bruin will also visit with the Saints. Odighizuma has already visited the Eagles.
- Dallas will be flush with prospects on Tuesday, as the Cowboys will also visit with both versatile Washington product Shaq Thompson and UCLA linebacker Eric Kendricks, according to Rapoport (Twitter link).
- Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com takes an overview of the Lions’ roster, noting that while linebacker is a deep position group, Detroit could afford to spend draft resources on the interior of both the offensive and defensive lines.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
AFC East Notes: McCoy, Wilkerson, Jets
Geno Smith probably wants to put lots of work in during the Jets‘ voluntary offseason program, but he also has financial incentive to do so, as Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com writes. Smith’s contract includes a clause that ties about 32 percent of his 2015 compensation to offseason attendance and he must put in a minimum number of workouts to earn the bonus. Of course, beyond the money, Smith needs to prove himself this season given the mounting criticism and the presence of Ryan Fitzpatrick behind him. Here’s more from the AFC East..
- LeSean McCoy hasn’t spoken to Chip Kelly since the trade that sent him to the Bills, but he has his own theory as to why he was shipped out, as Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes. “I don’t think he likes or respects the stars. I’m being honest,” McCoy said on Monday. “I think he likes the fact that it’s ‘Chip Kelly and the Eagles.’ ” McCoy set a franchise record with 1,607 rushing yards in 2013, but apparently wasn’t the right fit for Kelly’s offense. He was replaced this offseason in Philadelphia by Cowboys star DeMarco Murray.
- Muhammad Wilkerson‘s situation illustrates how fast things change in the NFL, Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap writes. It was rumored last year that he and former Jets GM John Idzik had worked on paramters of a new deal and the sides were somewhat close on an extension. Now, there’s obviously a significant gulf between the two sides and it’s not clear when or if it might be bridged.
- Wilkerson deserves to cash in big, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News opines. The Jets star defensive lineman played the good soldier last year, hoping his big pay day would come as other standouts got their pay days. However, that didn’t happen and he was forced to take a stand this year during voluntary workouts.