FA Notes: Fairley, Cowboys, Saints, Eagles
Following news that Nick Fairley was cleared of his DUI charge, the Lions defensive tackle made it clear that he wants to stay in Detroit longterm.
“I love Detroit, to be honest,” Fairley said (via Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press). “I feel the city, the people in it. I love the atmosphere of basically the hard work that they bring. I’m just all work, and that’s definitely the vibe I get from the city, and I like it.”
The former first-rounder struggled through a knee injury in 2014, finishing with career-lows in tackles (eight) and sacks (one).
Let’s take a look at some more notes regarding this year’s free agent class…
- If the Cowboys were to let one free agent get away, Tim Cowlishaw of The Dallas Morning News believes it would be linebacker Bruce Carter. With Sean Lee and Anthony Hitchens under contract, the team has enough flexibility to let the 27-year-old go.
- The Saints re-signed kicker Shayne Graham and linebacker Parys Haralson earlier this week, and Evan Woodbery of NOLA.com tweets that the team committed a combined $90K in signing bonuses to the duo. With both players’ cap hits being worth an estimated $585K, Woodbery concludes that the team ultimately spent $1.26MM on the two players.
- The Eagles need to have a strategy to improve their secondary heading into this offseason, writes Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com. The writer believes the team will move on from defensive backs Bradley Fletcher and Nate Allen, and he also mentions that the team could decide to cut Cary Williams and his $6.5MM salary. While the team has some in-house candidates to replace that trio, Mosher opines that the team may pursue some of the second-tier free agents, including Packers cornerback Davon House and 49ers defensive back Chris Culliver.
NFC East Notes: Mariota, Giants, Orakpo
On one hand, trading up from No. 20 to land Marcus Mariota would be a crazy idea for the Eagles given their holes. On the other hand, doing whatever it takes to get the Oregon star makes perfect sense for head coach Chip Kelly and the Eagles, writes Mike Slelski of The Inquirer. If Kelly considers the draft a complete crapshoot, as he has suggested before, then making Mariota his top priority would make all the sense in the world. While you ponder what figures to be the biggest sports story in Philadelphia this spring, here’s more out of the NFC East..
- Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News looked at the Giants‘ cap situation and their biggest needs to address. Recently, Pro Football Rumors detailed the Giants as a part of our Offseason Outlook series.
- In today’s chat, a reader asked Bob Sturm of The Dallas Morning News if Brian Orakpo could be a fit for the Cowboys if he becomes a free agent. Orakpo could potentially be had on a one-year deal, but as a 3-4 outside linebacker, he probably couldn’t be a great fit for Dallas’ scheme. He could be a Sam linebacker, possibly, but he probably wouldn’t be worthwhile unless he was unsigned after the draft and the Cowboys had some cash laying around.
- More from Sturm, who writes that he would be fine with paying Dez Bryant $70MM over five years or maybe even $84MM over six years, giving him an average annual value of $14MM. That yearly figure would put Bryant just below the likes of Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald, but above the other wide receivers. Still, Sturm isn’t sure that the Cowboys are willing to go that far right now.
NFC Notes: AP, Bynes, McCown, 49ers, Eagles
The Vikings announced today that they’ve promoted Kevin Warren to chiefs operating officer of the franchise, and Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk wondered this morning if that could mean the end of Adrian Peterson‘s time in Minnesota. After all, when Peterson said during the 2014 season that someone in the organization was working against him, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the running back was referring to Warren.
However, on a conference call this afternoon, Warren told reporters, including Ben Goessling of ESPN.com (all Twitter links), that he’d welcome back Peterson with open arms. Although Warren didn’t deny Schefter’s report, he did say, “I can tell you my feelings about Adrian are very positive. I hope he finishes his career here in Minnesota.”
As Goessling observes in his latest ESPN.com article on Peterson, the tone from the Vikings’ front office when discussing the running back seems to have shifted. Whether that signals an increased willingness from the Vikings to bring back the former MVP, or perhaps a desire to improve their trade leverage, things should get interesting as his reinstatement nears, writes Goessling.
Here’s more from across the NFC:
- Linebacker Josh Bynes, who had been eligible for restricted free agency, won’t receive a contract tender from the Lions, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Nonetheless, the Lions have informed Bynes that they’d still like to re-sign him, presumably at a rate closer to the minimum salary. The 25-year-old will have a chance to speak to other suitors next month.
- There’s no truth to rumors that Josh McCown could’ve remained with the Buccaneers if he had been willing to accept a pay cut, according to the quarterback (link via Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune). McCown also indicated that at least a half-dozen teams have already expressed interest in signing him (Twitter link via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times).
- The 49ers have key free agents in Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree, and Mike Iupati, but the franchise tag isn’t a viable option to keep any of those three players, writes Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. I reached the same conclusion last weekend when I looked at the NFC West’s franchise tag candidates.
- Examining the inside linebacker position for the Eagles, Sheil Kapadia of PhillyMag.com says he thinks the team should try to extend Mychal Kendricks this offseason. Kapadia also admits he has “no clue” which direction the Eagles will go with DeMeco Ryans, who is generally productive when healthy, but has a pricey cap hit ($6.9MM) that includes no guaranteed money.
Brandon Graham Seeking $20MM Guarantee?
Eagles edge defender Brandon Graham, who is eligible for free agency next month, will be seeking a four-year deal in the neighborhood of $30MM, with $20MM in guaranteed money, reports Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com. Mosher tucks away this nugget in the middle of a larger look at the team’s key free agents and doesn’t cite a specific source, but states it definitively enough that it certainly appears to be more than just idle speculation.
On the surface, that might seem like an unrealistic asking price for Graham, who has been a backup for the Eagles for nearly his entire rookie contract. However, even though the former first-round pick hasn’t put up huge traditional stats, Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required) have loved his production. In 2014, Graham graded as the league’s third-best 3-4 outside linebacker, despite appearing in just 524 defensive snaps; in 2013, he saw even less playing time (331 snaps), but still ranked 15th among 42 qualified players at his position. Graham had his best season in 2012, per PFF, placing second among 4-3 defensive ends with a +30.1 grade in only 435 snaps.
Despite potentially being an underrated asset, landing a contract that features $20MM in guaranteed money still looks a little too ambitious for Graham. By comparison, only one player in last year’s free agent class (Branden Albert) signed a deal that included $20MM in fully guaranteed money. Perhaps Graham could achieve that goal of a $20MM guarantee if we also take into account salary guaranteed for injury only, but I don’t expect him to score a massive payday. This is the time of year when players’ asking prices often greatly exceed the actual prices on which they’ll eventually settle.
Still, as Mosher notes, Graham could be a player whose value will be “discovered” during next week’s scouting combine in Indianapolis, as team executives and agents come together for the first time this offseason. It’ll be interesting to see whether Graham draws significant interest from teams that view him as an every-down player, or if other clubs will also view him as a pass-rushing specialist, like the Eagles did — that would limit his overall stock. Considering he did his best work as a 4-3 defensive end before Philadelphia changed schemes a couple years ago, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the 26-year-old pursued primarily by teams running a 4-3 defense.
East Notes: Dolphins, Wallace, Maclin, Bills
A possible contract extension for starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill will be a top priority for the Dolphins this offseason, but the club will also need to secure a backup, writes Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. In Salguero’s view, considering Tannehill has been sacked more than any other QB in the league over the last two seasons, Miami will target a veteran backup who could potentially salvage the season if he were forced into action. Given his history with the team, free-agent-to-be Matt Moore may be the Dolphins’ best bet, but there should be no shortage of veteran alternatives on the market.
Here’s more from around the NFL’s two East divisions:
- Nothing is off limits this offseason for wide receiver Mike Wallace, including being retained, traded or released by the Dolphins. Mulling the idea of a Wallace trade, James Walker of ESPN.com names three potential suitors for the veteran wideout, identifying the Seahawks and Colts as the best fits.
- It doesn’t make much sense for Jeremy Maclin to sign a deal with the Eagles right now, writes Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com, pointing out that Maclin could end up being the best receiver on the market in a few weeks depending on how teams use their franchise tags. If Maclin were to sign an extension with Philadelphia now, he could short-change himself by millions – or tens of millions – during his best chance to “hit the jackpot.”
- Appearing on WGR 550 in Buffalo today, Bills head coach Rex Ryan indicated the team is keeping every option open in the search for an answer at quarterback. “We are in the evaluating stages. So, we’re looking,” Ryan said, per Joe Buscaglia of WGR 550. “We’ve got the draft coming up, free agency is coming up. You’re looking at all those type of things. Are there some scenarios out there, are there trade possibilities? You look at every possible scenario there is. From Doug Whaley all the way to our scouts, all our positional coaches… we’re looking at that. Believe me, we’ll be prepared for every scenario out there.“
- Andrew Brandt of TheMMQB.com makes 12 predictions for the coming offseason, forecasting that DeMarco Murray will return to the Cowboys on a team-friendly deal, Dallas will pay Dez Bryant a top-of-the-market multiyear contract, and Darrelle Revis will pass up a potentially bigger offer to return to the Patriots.
NFC East Notes: Rolle, Murray, Dez, Cox
Appearing on SiriusXM NFL Radio this week, Giants safety Antrel Rolle explained why he wants to return to New York, despite being eligible for free agency next month. As Rolle tells it, he feels like there’s unfinished business to take care of with the G-Men.
“I want to go back to the Giants for the mere fact that I feel like I still have work to do,” Rolle said. “No matter how good or bad the season may have been for myself, we’ve got one championship and I feel like that’s not enough. I feel like there’s more, obviously there’s more in the tank and I feel like there’s more that I need to provide as far as my services with that organization to try and help them win another title. That’s something that weighs heavy on my mind.”
Here’s more from around the NFC East:
- As he has said before, running back DeMarco Murray would like to stay with the Cowboys, and intends to remain in Dallas if he feels like the club gives him the best chance to win a Super Bowl. “Obviously I think they want me here,” Murray said Tuesday night, according to Todd Archer of ESPN.com. “I want to be here. It’s just finding the … just what helps them, what helps me. Things like that. I think both sides want to be here, so I think we’ll see where it goes.” After being named the 2014 offensive player of the year and leading the NFL in rushing with 1,845 yards, Murray headlines this year’s free agent market for running backs, which I examined yesterday.
- As Liz Mullen of SportsBusiness Journal wrote yesterday, Roc Nation Sports and CAA have ended their two-year partnership, as planned. That parting of ways would seem to come at an inopportune time for Dez Bryant, who is represented by Roc Nation’s Kimberly Miale and CAA’s Tom Condon. However, Miale tells Rainer Sabin of the Dallas Morning News that she and Condon are still representing the Cowboys wideout as he nears free agency.
- Defensive lineman Fletcher Cox is exactly the sort of homegrown talent the Eagles should try to lock up and make a part of their long-term core, writes Sheil Kapadia of PhillyMag.com in his look at the team’s defensive line situation. As a 2012 draftee, Cox is extension-eligible for the first time this offseason, though the club also holds a fifth-year option on him for 2016.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
East Links: Giants, Murray, Eagles, Dolphins
As we heard last night, the Giants are expected to officially finalize their deal with former Calgary Stampeders offensive lineman Brett Jones at some point this week, and Jordan Raanan of NJ.com breaks down five things Giants fans should know about the CFL’s 2014 Offensive Lineman of the Year.
As of today, NFL teams can formally sign CFL players whose contracts with their 2014 teams have expired, so Jones likely won’t be the last player making the move south this week. Cornerback Delvin Breaux, wide receiver Duron Carter, and offensive lineman Ben Heenan are among the players who were released from their CFL contracts early and have already reached agreements with NFL teams.
Let’s round up a few more notes from around the league’s two East divisions….
- Lee Singer of ESPN.com lays out several reasons why the Cowboys should be careful when it comes to negotiating with free agent running back DeMarco Murray this offseason. Singer touches on the oft-repeated points related to Murray’s workload and the devaluation of the running back position, and also points out that the Cowboys have some internal candidates who could step up if they don’t re-sign Murray or bring in a veteran replacement.
- Re-signing Jeremy Maclin should be a top priority for the Eagles this winter, but coming to an agreement with the wideout may not be easy, says Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com in his preview of the club’s offseason. It may also be in Philadelphia’s best interest to bring back quarterback Mark Sanchez, in Fitzgerald’s view.
- Fitzgerald also takes a closer look at the contract extension that Ryan Tannehill and the Dolphins may or may not be discussing, suggesting that – if it happens – it would be a deal that would benefit both sides.
Sunday Roundup: Broncos, Hudson, Bradford
Let’s have a look at some links from around the league on this slow news day:
- Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post believes that, even if Peyton Manning returns in 2015, the Broncos should still find ways to get meaningful snaps for Brock Osweiler.
- Mike Klis of the Denver Post provides a complete offseason breakdown for the Broncos, which includes the team’s contingency plans should Manning retire (of course, his retirement would create an additional $19MM of cap room that would allow Denver to surround Osweiler with talent). Klis says the Broncos’ top priority will be finding a right tackle, and he therefore puts Bryan Bulaga at the top of the team’s shopping list.
- Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star fleshes out his tweet from a few days ago with a deeper look into the decision the Chiefs will have to make regarding free agent center Rodney Hudson. Paylor also confirms that the Chiefs are expected to use the franchise tag on Justin Houston.
- Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes that the Rams are in pretty good financial shape. Even though the team’s cap number currently sits just shy of $143MM, with the projected league salary cap to be somewhere between $140MM and $150MM, Thomas notes that St. Louis has plenty of options to reduce their cap number, including a restructure of Sam Bradford‘s contract or even an outright release of the former No. 1 overall pick.
- Tommy Lawlor of PhiladelphiaEagles.com offers his offseason blueprint for the Eagles, noting that even if the team hands out a big-money deal to Jeremy Maclin, it should still have enough room to shop for a couple of starters in free agency.
- Free agent cornerback Ike Taylor said that if there is any one person he would follow, it would be Dick LeBeau (Twitter link to SiriusXM NFl Radio). As our Zach Links wrote several days ago, Taylor is one of a number of long-time Steelers who could finish their playing days in a Titans uniform under LeBeau’s tutelage.
- Summarizing reports from various sources, Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk confirms that free agent tight end Jermaine Gresham is unlikely to remain with the Bengals.
East Notes: Wallace, Cowboys, Foles
The future of Dolphins receiver Mike Wallace has been up in the air virtually since the ink dried on the five-year, $60MM deal he signed with Miami in 2013. Even before the 2014 season began, we heard that Wallace could be on the trading block, and questions regarding his status with the team arose again within the past couple of weeks.
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Wallace and GM Dennis Hickey recently had a meal together, suggesting that Miami is open-minded about retaining Wallace and will not release him without first determining whether the situation is salvageable. Jackson breaks down the cap ramifications of whatever decision the team ultimately makes, noting that the Dolphins will absorb a $12.1MM cap hit if Wallace is on the team, $9.6MM if he is cut without a post-June 1 designation, $6.6MM if he is traded, and $5.2MM if he is cut with a post-June 1 designation (which also would entail a 2016 cap hit).
Now let’s take a look at a few more links from the league’s east divisions:
- Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com previews the Jets‘ quarterback options this offseason, writing that the team is likely to bring in a veteran quarterback and a rookie signal-caller to challenge Geno Smith. Cimini names Ryan Fitzpatrick as a particularly viable veteran option if he is released by the Texans. Fitzpatrick knows new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey‘s system well from the time the two spent together in Buffalo.
- Finding a way to retain both Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray is at the top of the Cowboys‘ priority list this offseason, but Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News writes that Dallas desperately needs to draft upgrades at every level of its defense. George goes on to examine the state of the team’s defensive line, linebackers, and secondary.
- Former Pro Bowl tackle Tra Thomas, who served as a coaching intern and offensive assistant coach with the Eagles for the past several seasons, says that the team needs a running quarterback in order to effectively run Chip Kelly‘s offense. As Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com notes, Thomas’ comment is interesting because “it is the closest thing the Eagles have had to a coach…coming out and saying [Kelly] needs a running quarterback,” and because the questions surrounding Nick Foles‘ status with the team are rooted in the fact that he is incapable of beating teams with his legs.
- Speaking of the Eagles‘ quarterback situation, NFL Network draft guru Mike Mayock has said that former Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota is a “projection” for every team in the league except Philadelphia (link via Tucker Bagley of PhillyMag.com).
- Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com examines the emphasis that new Washington GM Scot McCloughan will place on player development.
NFC Links: Eagles, Lynch, Suh, Panthers
Former offensive tackle Tra Thomas was a member of the Eagles coaching staff this past season, but the 40-year-old wasn’t retained for 2015. Thomas spent time as a full-time assistant on both offense and defense, and he felt like he was actually making an impact on the players.
As a result, it was a surprise when he learned he wouldn’t be back with the organization next season.
“I was a little bit surprised just because when I switched over to the outside linebackers, they improved last year,” Thomas said on 97.5 The Fanatic in Philly (via Sheil Kapadia of PhillyMag.com). “The last season, they put up 16 sacks, and then you switch me over to the other side, I start working with ’em, and then this past season we put up 26.5 sacks. Connor Barwin went from five sacks to 14.5 sacks. So I was a little bit surprised just because you can look at the numbers and see that there was improvement in that group. But it’s just the way it goes.
“I went in and asked Coach [Kelly] what my situation was gonna be, and what I was told was that position I had was just kind of something they made up for me to get me some experience on this side of the game, and that it’s not gonna exist next year.”
More from the Eagles amid notes from the NFC…
- Looking ahead towards the Eagles‘ tight end depth in 2015, Kapadia believes the team will ultimately keep Brent Celek and Zach Ertz. Due to James Casey‘s contract, Kapadia believes the team will part ways with the veteran if they think Trey Burton can adequately replace him.
- It isn’t a guarantee that running back Marshawn Lynch will play in the NFL next season, writes Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com. With only one year remaining on his contract, Florio believes the threat of Lynch not playing could be enough to force the Seahawks to pay the running back. According to the writer, there’s also a chance that the 28-year-old has simply decided he’s “had enough.”
- Following news yesterday that the Lions informed a free agent defensive tackle that they expect Ndamukong Suh to be back in Detroit next season, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press says the two sides have not resumed negotiations.
- As the Panthers seek help on the offensive line, Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer suggests the team checks out former Ravens and Titans lineman Michael Oher. The former first-rounder was released by Tennessee earlier this week.