NFC East Notes: Giants, Beason, RFAs, Eagles
Already today, we’ve heard that the Redskins are prepared to use their franchise tag on prospective free agent Brian Orakpo, the Eagles have re-signed defensive end Cedric Thornton, and Washington has re-signed safety Jose Gumbs. Let’s round up a few more items out of the NFC East on what’s shaping up to be a busy day….
- Re-signing linebacker Jon Beason is currently the Giants‘ top priority, reports Jordan Raanan of NJ.com. With their focus on Beason, the Giants have yet to formally extend an offer to defensive end Justin Tuck. The team also still has some hope that defensive tackle Linval Joseph will return, but believes he may be too expensive to keep.
- The Giants will not tender restricted free agent fullback Henry Hynoski, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean Hynoski will play elsewhere next season, as it sounds like the team still has interest in bringing him back at a lesser rate.
- Center Jim Cordle, another Giants restricted free agent, also won’t receive a tender offer from the club, a source confirms to Conor Orr of the Star-Ledger (Twitter link). Again, that doesn’t necessarily preclude a return for Cordle.
- Hynoski and Eagles receiver Arrelious Benn are among the new clients for agent Drew Rosenhaus, tweets Liz Mullen of SportsBusiness Journal. While Hynoski is eligible for free agency, Benn remains under contract with Philadelphia for now. However, the team could create $1MM in cap savings by releasing Benn, who is coming off a torn ACL, so it’s possible he hits free agency at some point.
- With many of their own notable free agents and extension candidates locked up, the Eagles will turn their attention to free agency, writes Phil Sheridan of ESPN.com, identifying safeties Jairus Byrd and T.J. Ward as a couple potential targets for Philadelphia.
Eagles Re-Sign Cedric Thornton
The Eagles have re-signed defensive end Cedric Thornton to a one-year deal, the team announced today (Twitter link). Thornton had been an exclusive rights free agent, so while he didn’t previously have a contract for 2014, he couldn’t sign with any NFL team except the Eagles.
Thornton, 25, had an excellent second season in Philadelphia, starting all 16 games for the team. In addition to racking up 62 tackles and a sack, Thornton graded as one of the NFL’s best run-stopping 3-4 defensive ends, according to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required).
Terms of the deal have yet to be disclosed, but given his limited leverage in negotiations, Thornton will likely be on a minimum salary contract for 2014. The Southern Arkansas alum will be eligible for restricted free agency a year from now.
Eagles May Gauge Interest In DeSean Jackson
The Eagles could possibly look to trade receiver DeSean Jackson, according to Jimmy Kempski of CSNPhilly.com. Kempski is clear that the team will not actively shop Jackson, but if another team called with interest, “the Eagles certainly wouldn’t laugh and hang up.”
Jackson is entering the third year of five-year, $47MM deal he signed in March 2012. The star receiver, who enjoyed the best season of his career in 2013 in Chip Kelly’s new offense, has had contract squabbles before, including this year, leading a team source to state that a new pact was unlikely. According to Kempski, Jackson’s attitude has rubbed some in Eagles headquarters the wrong way, and his personality may run counter to the type of “locker room culture that Chip Kelly is trying to cultivate.” Additionally, fellow receiver Jason Avant had acted as something of a buffer between Jackson and receivers coach Bob Bicknell; Avant, however, is expected to be released.
There is also a disconnect between recent comments by Eagles general manager Howie Roseman and the team’s roster construction. The team recently re-signed both Riley Cooper and Jeremy Maclin, and is now second in the league in wide receiver investment, something Roseman might be concerned about. “We’re trying to figure out the whole dynamic of it,” said the GM. “You can only put a limited amount of resources at a particular position before it starts taking out from other places.”
Still, a trade of Jackson does seem unlikely. He is a great fit in Kelly’s scheme, with his ability to both stretch the field and act as a weapon on short out patterns. He ranked as the seventh-best receiver by both Pro Football Focus’ and Football Outsiders’ metrics. The Eagles, meanwhile, would be relegated to relying on the one-year sample size of Cooper, and, in Maclin, a player coming off of a torn ACL. In the event of Jackson’s being made available, there would certainly be a market for his services, with the 49ers among his potential suitors, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com.
NFC East Notes: Jordan, Eagles, ‘Skins, Giants
If Dolphins defensive end Dion Jordan is actually on the trade block, as some reports suggest, the Eagles would make for an exceptional trade partner, writes Phil Sheridan of ESPN.com. While Jordan struggled mightily in his first season in Miami, he did play under Eagles head coach Chip Kelly while both were at Oregon. Kelly, who had Jordan rated among the top four prospects in the 2013 draft, would seem to know exactly how to get the best production of the second-year end. As far as compensation, Sheridan notes that while the Dolphins could be interested in defensive end Brandon Graham or running back Bryce Brown, the most likely scenario would entail the Eagles sending draft picks to South Beach in exchange for Jordan.
Other notes from around the NFC East:
- In a mailbag segment, Sheridan argues that the Eagles should let safety Nate Allen leave via free agency, writing that a fresh start would be best for both player and team. He goes on to list safety, edge rusher, and cornerback as the three most important positions for the Eagles to fill this offseason.
- Geoff Mosher and Reuben Frank of CSNPhilly.com profile free agent defensive end Lamarr Houston, and examine his fit with the Eagles. Mosher doesn’t think Houston would be enough of an upgrade to be worth the dollars he will command, while Franks believes Houston’s time with an unwatchable Raiders squad might depress his value.
- There are several names that could be of interest to the Redskins when free agency begins, writes Rich Tandler of RealRedskins.com. He lists defensive end Arthur Jones, offensive guard Geoff Schwartz, and linebacker Brandon Spikes as possible fits. The Redskins have almost $30MM in cap space with which to work.
- In a piece for CSNWashington.com, Tandler notes that the NFL Network’s Charley Casserly believes the Redskins will look to get bigger along the offensive line. “If you think of [new Redskins head coach Jay] Gruden in Cincinnati, they had a much bigger offensive line than what he’s inheriting in Washington,” said Casserly. “So they need to get bigger to be able to drop-back pass better.”
- Donald Brown, Ben Tate, and Rashad Jennings could all be options for the Giants at running back, opines Dan Graziano of ESPN.com. The team could also look to re-sign Andre Brown, and hope for contributions from David Wilson as he recovers from a neck injury.
NFC Notes: Foles, Pettigrew, Young, Gerhart
Eagles quarterback Nick Foles is the team’s unquestioned No. 1 entering 2014, but the team has yet to publicly declare its belief in the third-year passer as the team’s long-term solution, points out Philly.com’s Jeff McLane. Some believe the team still has doubts and is leaving itself some wiggle room, acknowledging the possibility (likelihood?) Foles regresses this season. There is a business element at play, too. Because Foles’ rookie contract cannot be renegotiated until after 2014, it’s prudent for the club to hold off on making any long-term declarations.
- In light of recent transactions, Eagles GM Howie Roseman demonstrated he paid attention to the successful and unsuccessful aspects of the Joe Banner/Andy Reid era, says Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Mike Sielski, who believes the previous regime undervalued the importance of veteran leadership. “[Roseman] recommitted the Eagles to rewarding homegrown talents such as Kelce and Cooper, and he’s acknowledged that certain older players are special cases.”
- With Jimmy Graham franchise tagged and Dennis Pitta re-signed, the Lions‘ Brandon Pettigrew is potentially the most attractive free agent tight end, says ESPN.com’s Michael Rothstein.
- Meanwhile, the Lions have another free agent worth prioritizing, according to mlive.com’s Kyle Meinke, who says defensive end Willie Young‘s pending free agency “has hardly been discussed.” Plagued by inconsistency in the past, Young took a step forward in 2013, collecting 47 tackles and three sacks and ranking 16th in the league amongst 4-3 defensive ends, according to Pro Football Focus.
- It is expected that Vikings backup running back Toby Gerhart will leave in free agency, according to ESPN.com’s Ben Goessling.
Jeremy Maclin Passed On Long-Term Deal
Earlier today, Jeremy Maclin and the Eagles came to terms on a one-year deal that will keep the wide receiver with the team in 2014. In the negotiations, Maclin reportedly turned down a five-year contract in favor of the short-term, prove-it deal, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Enquirer (via Twitter).
Maclin is thought to have preferred the shorter contract that would allow him to show that he has recovered from an ACL tear that sidelined him for all of 2013, writes Sheil Kapadia of PhillyMag.com.
“There was a multiyear deal out there,” Maclin said. “It just wasn’t what I particularly wanted or my side particularly wanted. But we knew that we wanted to be here so I think this was the way to get it done, for me to come back here and play football.”
While the deal makes sense in that a long-term contract at a higher price could be available after a productive season, it stands to reason that Maclin could have entertained long-term deals on the free market this offseason, possibly at a higher price than the Eagles were willing to pay. Many teams were thought to be interested in the 25-year-old receiver, including the Broncos and Jets.
Maclin does not think the deal will truly turn into a one-year stint with the team. Likely he believes that a long-term contract could come during the 2014 season, a deal that would keep him with the Eagles for a long time.
“I’m excited to get a chance to play in Chip’s offense,” Maclin said. “I’m excited to be able to help this team get to the next level. I think this is a place where I can showcase my skills and I’m comfortable around all my teammates, guys who have been here. I think this was just the right spot for me.”
Eagles Re-Sign Maclin To One-Year Deal
The Eagles and Jeremy Maclin have reached an agreement on a one-year, $5.5MM contract, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter). It’s the latest in a series of new deals for Eagles players, on the heels of multiyear contracts for offensive linemen Jason Peters and Jason Kelce and wide reciever Riley Cooper. 
The team has confirmed the agreement, which could be worth up to $6MM, according to Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports 1 (Twitter link). $3.5MM of that figure is guaranteed, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
“Jeremy is an ideal player for our scheme with his combination of size, speed, strength and route-running ability, in addition to his dynamic playmaking talent,” Eagles GM Howie Roseman said in a statement. “We’re happy to see him rehabbing well and to get him under contract for the 2014 season.”
When the Eagles re-signed Cooper, a report suggested that a new deal for Maclin was expected as well. However, we heard yesterday that Maclin was seeking a one-year, make-good contract, while the team preferred a multiyear pact. By the looks of it, the Eagles relented, which will allow the former first-round pick to hit the open market a year from now, if he so chooses.
Maclin, 25, grabbed between 56 and 70 balls for the Eagles in each of his first four seasons, with 26 total touchdowns. However, he suffered a torn ACL in training camp in 2013, sidelining him for the season and derailing his chances of putting up big numbers in a contract year. By inking a one-year deal, Maclin, who should be healthy for the 2014 season, will get a chance to be a part of Chip Kelly‘s explosive offense — a return to his usual form could result in more lucrative multiyear offers for Maclin next winter.
The Eagles’ agreement with Maclin takes another top-tier receiver off the 2014 market. The Jets and Broncos were among the teams prepared to make a run at the Missouri alum, according to Schefter (Twitter link). Now, those clubs will have to look elsewhere in a free agent class that could feature Eric Decker, Julian Edelman, Hakeem Nicks, Golden Tate, and Emmanuel Sanders, among others.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
NFC East Notes: Eagles, Redskins, Ware
While Eagles general manager Howie Roseman didn’t want to specifically address reports that his team met with Johnny Manziel at the combine in Indianapolis, the GM’s comments to Phil Sheridan of ESPN.com at least indirectly explained why Philadelphia might want to talk to a top prospect like Manziel.
“You never know when the opportunity is going to come to get a player,” Roseman said. “It may be now in the draft, it may be in free agency, it may be via trade. If you look at your notes and you haven’t met the guy and the head coach is coming down the hallway and he’s going, ‘Hey, how was this guy when he came out?’ – and you’re kind of going, ‘Help.'”
Here’s more on the Eagles and a couple of their NFC East rivals:
- Recently extended Eagles Jason Kelce and Riley Cooper were more interested in gaining some long-term security in a place they wanted to play than testing the open market, as Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer details.
- The Redskins are among the teams to express interest in free agent linebacker D’Qwell Jackson, though as of late last night, the team had yet to set up a visit with him, according to John Keim of ESPN.com. Within the same piece, Keim also provides details on DeAngelo Hall‘s and Chris Baker‘s new contracts with the team, and takes a look at where things stand with several other Washington free agents.
- With both sides drawing lines in the sand publicly, the negotiations between the Cowboys and DeMarcus Ware figure to be tough, writes David Moore of the Dallas Morning News. Ware’s cap number for 2014 is currently an untenable $16MM+.
Eagles Expected To Release Jason Avant
The Eagles are expected to release veteran wide receiver Jason Avant before his $1MM roster bonus is due next month, tweets Adam Caplan of SiriusXM. Avant’s $1MM roster bonus is due on March 15th and they’ll save $3.25MM once he’s cut loose.
Avant, well-regarded within the organization and locker room, is coming off of his least productive season since 2008. While teammate Riley Cooper took a seismic step forward in 2013, Avant hauled in just 38 catches for 447 yards and two touchdowns across 14 games. That’s a far cry from his 2012 campaign where he caught 53 passes for 648 yards, good for 46.3 yards per game average.
The Eagles agreed to a four-year deal with Cooper earlier this week that will keep Nick Foles‘ favorite target in Philadelphia for quite a while. Meanwhile, they continue to work on a new deal with the ultra-athletic but oft-injured Jeremy Maclin. The Eagles want to sign him to a multi-year pact while his value is low while Maclin is looking for a one-year, make-good deal.
Eagles Cap Details: Peters, Cooper, Kelce
Offensive tackle Jason Peters, center Jason Kelce, and wide receiver Riley Cooper have all reached long-term contract agreements with the Eagles this week, and the details of those deals have slowly become public over the last couple days. Here’s a quick breakdown of how the three contracts look:
- Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com has the specifics on Peters’ new contract, including a new chart that clearly exhibits how the annual figures. The deal includes a $5MM signing bonus and a $5MM roster bonus for 2014, so Peters will receive $10MM of his guarantee before the 2014 season even begins. Additionally, his full ’14 base salary (down to $1.75MM) is now guaranteed, as is a portion of his 2015 salary ($4MM of $6.8MM). The contract also includes $3MM in escalators based on Pro Bowl and All Pro selections.
- Fitzgerald also has the year-by-year breakdown of Cooper’s new five-year contract, which included a $4MM signing bonus. According to Fitzgerald, Cooper’s $1MM base salary for 2014 is fully guaranteed, as is $3MM of his 2015 base salary ($4MM). The receiver can ensure that an extra $1MM in base salary is guaranteed in both 2015 and 2016 if he remains on the roster beyond the fifth day of those league years. Fitzgerald’s piece on Cooper’s deal also takes a look at how it might affect the rest of the secondary receiver market.
- Cooper’s contract includes annual escalators worth $625K from 2015 to 2018, tweets Tom Pelissero of USA Today. As Fitzgerald’s chart details, that means the deal only amounts to a total of $22.5MM over five years, with the possibility of Cooper earning an extra $2.5MM via those escalators.
- According to Pelissero (Twitter links), Kelce’s base salary for 2014 remains the same, before jumping to $3MM in 2015. Both of those amounts, plus $2.602MM of his $4MM base salary for 2015, are fully guaranteed. The center also received a $6MM signing bonus, and his deal includes $200K per year in Pro Bowl escalators.
- Overall, the three new contracts resulted in an extra $1.409MM being added to the Eagles’ 2014 cap total, tweets Pelissero.