Jeremy Maclin Rumors: Thursday
The Eagles have been the league’s most active team this week, locking up two offensive linemen, Jason Peters and Jason Kelce, to lucrative long-term extensions, and re-signing prospective free agent agent receiver Riley Cooper. However, the team still isn’t done. According to several reports, Philadelphia would like to get something done with free-agent-to-be Jeremy Maclin before he hits the open market on March 11. Here’s the latest on negotiations between the two sides, with the newest updates up top:
- A source with knowledge of the situation tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that Maclin hopes to sign a one-year, make-good contract, while the Eagles prefer a multiyear deal. Presumably, the club is looking to buy low on Maclin’s upside, while the receiver would rather bet on himself in the hopes of landing a bigger deal a year from now.
Earlier updates:
- A league source tells Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com that Maclin and the Eagles are “talking and making progress” toward a new contract, but no deal is imminent, and the wide receiver could still decide to test the market in March. ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter also hears that the two sides are having conversations but aren’t close to an agreement yet (Twitter link).
- Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer says (via Twitter) there are still hurdles to clear in the discussions between Maclin and the club, but that a deal “should happen” within the next week or two.
- There’s a “lot of optimism” that an agreement will be reached, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, who tweets that the Eagles and Maclin are hoping for major progress in the next day or two.
- If the Eagles don’t lock up Maclin by March 11, he figures to draw interest from at least four to six teams, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
Eagles, Cooper Agree To Five-Year Deal
9:22am: Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk provides a few more details on Cooper’s salary, reporting that $4MM comes in the form of a signing bonus, $4MM in base salary is fully guaranteed, and $2MM in 2015 salary is guaranteed for injury only. That $2MM becomes fully guaranteed if Cooper is still on the roster on the first day of the 2015 league year.
8:38am: Cooper’s deal includes $10MM in guaranteed money, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com.
THURSDAY, 8:03am: The agreement between Cooper and the Eagles is actually for a five-year contract, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Schefter reports that the deal will be worth $25MM, good for a $5MM annual average.
Meanwhile, Mosher continues to hear that the deal is essentially a four-year pact, and is only five years “by letter of the law.” He tweets that the final year is likely voidable.
WEDNESDAY, 8:18pm: The Eagles and wide receiver Riley Cooper have agreed to a four-year deal, according to Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com (on Twitter). Cooper is expected to ink the deal tomorrow. Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer first reported that the two sides were nearing agreement.
Cooper, 26, closed out his rookie deal in style with a breakout season in 2013. After being at the center of a preseason controversy when he used a racial slur, Cooper got positive attention by setting career-highs in receptions (47), receiving yards (835), and receiving touchdowns (8). Terms of the deal are not yet known but some speculated that he would see multiyear offers in the $5MM per year range if he hit the open market.
In addition to Cooper, Eagles receiver Jeremy Maclin is also eligible for unrestricted free agency in March. While some thought that it would turn into a one-or-the-other scenario, today’s reports indicate that both could be back in Philly for 2014. The Eagles freed up a little cap room earlier today when they extended Jason Peters‘ contract, so it’ll be a little easier to find space for both of their free agent receivers.
Eagles To Extend Jason Kelce
THURSDAY, 8:05am: The Eagles and Kelce are in agreement on an extension, which will be a six-year deal worth $37.5MM, reports Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (via Twitter). According to Caplan, $13MM of that money will be guaranteed.
Since Kelce hadn’t been slated to hit free agency until next winter, he’s now under contract for seven years, through the 2020 season. His deal can max out at over $40MM, and makes him one of the top five highest-paid centers in the NFL.
WEDNESDAY, 4:37pm: It’s been a busy day for the Eagles, who have announced a long-term contract extension for left tackle Jason Peters and are reportedly closing in on a new deal for Riley Cooper. However, it seems the club isn’t done making moves. According to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Eagles are expected to announce a new multiyear extension for center Jason Kelce in the near future, perhaps as soon as tomorrow.
Kelce is set to enter the final year of his rookie contract in 2014, and has developed into one of the league’s top centers since being selected in the sixth round of the 2011 draft. The 26-year-old started all 16 games for the Eagles in 2013, and his performance ranked first among 35 qualified centers, according to Pro Football Focus’ metrics (subscription required).
Contracts for centers aren’t as lucrative as those inked by left tackles, and Kelce’s new salary may also be limited by a lack of public recognition for his play — unlike Peters, he has yet to earn a spot in a Pro Bowl. Still, an annual salary of $4MM+ would make Kelce one of the top 10 highest-paid centers in the NFL, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him receive more than that from the Eagles.
Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com and McLane (Twitter links) both reported earlier today that Kelce would likely be the next Eagles lineman to receive a contract extension.
Riley Cooper, Eagles Nearing Agreement
The Eagles and prospective free agent Riley Cooper are close to reaching an agreement on a new contract, reports Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. According to McLane, the team and the wide receiver could officially strike a deal on a multiyear contract within the next few days.
Cooper, 26, had a breakout season in 2013, the final year of his rookie contract. After being at the center of a preseason controversy when he used a racial slur, Cooper looked very good on the field, setting career-highs in receptions (47), receiving yards (835), and receiving touchdowns (8). A report last week suggested the former fifth-round pick was expected to have several interested suitors if he reached free agency, perhaps receiving multiyear offers in the $5MM per year range. It’ll be interesting to see what sort of figures Cooper and the Eagles agree upon, if he’s content not to test the open market.
In addition to Cooper, Eagles receiver Jeremy Maclin is also eligible for unrestricted free agency in March, creating what GM Howie Roseman called a “complicated” situation. There have been conflicting reports on which player the team has prioritized this offseason, but according to McLane, a new deal for Cooper doesn’t necessarily mean the club will let Maclin walk. McLane still expects Philadelphia to sign Maclin to a one-year, make-good pact. The Eagles freed up a little cap room earlier today when they extended Jason Peters‘ contract, so perhaps the club will take advantage of that extra flexibility to retain both its key free agent receivers.
This year’s deep class of free agent receivers had the potential to create a buyer’s market, particularly with several more attractive alternatives available in May’s draft. However, at least a couple of the top-tier options seem likely to come off the board before March 11. Anquan Boldin and the 49ers are also reportedly nearing an agreement that will keep Boldin off the market.
Extra Points: Revis, Falcons, Eagles, Cap
Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com reported yesterday that rival teams are calling the Buccaneers to inquire on the availability of Darrelle Revis, with a number of execs believing a trade is possible. However, Roy Cummings of the Tampa Bay Times is skeptical. Speaking to Cummings, new head coach Lovie Smith said the Bucs will rely heavily on man coverage: “Whether we win or lose is going to be based on how we play man coverage” (Twitter links). That approach suggests that the team is likely to keep the league’s best cover corner on the roster, though we’ll have to wait to see if new GM Jason Licht is in agreement.
Here’s more from around the NFL:
- In an article examining the likelihood of the Falcons releasing safety Thomas DeCoud, D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution suggests that if the team can’t secure a free agent safety by DeCoud’s guarantee date (March 15), hanging on to him remains possible.
- While multiple reports have suggested the Eagles will likely prioritize re-signing Jeremy Maclin over Riley Cooper, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk hears that it’s the other way around, and based on what he’s hearing, “it’s not even close.”
- Not many agents and teams were close to reaching free agent or extension agreements at this year’s combine, according to Jack Bechta at the National Football Post. Bechta, who represents multiple free agents himself, speculates that the increased gap in between the combine and the free agent period this year may be contributing to slower-than-usual negotiations.
- With 2014’s projected cap number up to $132MM, or perhaps even higher, ESPN.com’s Kevin Seifert has updated his look at the salary cap space each team is expected to have heading into the new league year. As Seifert’s chart shows, the new cap projections mean that the Raiders now have $66MM+ of space.
- Former Packers executive Andrew Brandt explains a few aspects of the NFL’s salary cap in a piece for TheMMQB.com.
NFC East Rumors: Kelce, Giants, Redskins
Standout offensive tackle Jason Peters re-upped with the Eagles today, agreeing to a contract extension that adds four more years to his current deal, keeping him under contract through 2018. While Peters was the first Philadelphia offensive lineman to reach a new agreement this offseason, he likely won’t be the last, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com and Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer (Twitter links). Both reporters believe it’s just a matter of time until the Eagles also announce an extension for center Jason Kelce, whose rookie contract is set to expire a year from now.
Here are a few more Wednesday updates on the Eagles’ three division rivals:
- As the Giants look to upgrade their offensive line, the club is eyeing potential free agent guards, according to Jordan Raanan of NJ.com. While New York does think veteran Chris Snee will return in 2014, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link), the team could target players like Jon Asamoah, Geoff Schwartz, Chad Rinehart, Zane Beadles, and Shawn Lauvao in free agency, says Raanan.
- A few former teammates thought Corey Webster would retire after his contract with the Giants voided this month, but Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports 1 says (via Twitter) the veteran cornerback plans to play in 2014. Due to injuries and poor play in 2013, Webster is unlikely to land much more than a minimum contract in free agency.
- Redskins linebacker Bryan Kehl, who is eligible for free agency next month, has yet to discuss a new deal with the team, tweets Tarik El-Bashir of CSNWashington.com (Twitter link). Meanwhile, the club continues to talk to free agent linebacker Brian Orakpo, but no agreement is imminent, writes Mark Maske of the Washington Post.
- Although safety is an area of need for the Cowboys this offseason, Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News explains why the team shouldn’t consider addressing the position in the first round of the draft.
Eagles Extend Jason Peters
10:12am: Peters’ new contract, which has now been confirmed by the team, will create about $2MM in cap savings for the Eagles in 2014, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com.
8:52am: The Eagles have reached an agreement to extend the contract of Pro Bowl offensive tackle Jason Peters, agent Vincent Taylor tells ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (Twitter link). According to Schefter, Peters will ink a four-year deal worth $41.3MM, with $19.55MM in guaranteed money.
Peters, 32, had been set to enter the last year of his contract, which would have paid him a base salary of $9.65MM. It’s not clear yet exactly how the new deal will break down season to season, but according to Tom Pelissero of USA Today (Twitter link), the contract adds four new years onto Peters’ current pact, rather than including the 2014 season. As such, the Eagles will have their left tackle under contract through 2018, and his full five-year deal maxes out at $51MM+.
The agreement will also create more short-term flexibility for the club by reducing Peters’ $10.292MM cap number for the ’14 season, tweets Pelissero. Meanwhile, the Arkansas alum will earn $10MM in bonuses before July 1 of this year, his agent tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).
Although the contract runs through Peters’ age-36 season, there’s no guarantee he’ll remain on Philadelphia’s roster until the end of the 2018 season. Still, it’s a significant commitment on the Eagles’ part, and one that will likely allow Peters to retire as an Eagle, for which his agent praised Philadelphia GM Howie Roseman, according to Rapoport.
It’s also the sort of commitment that Peters has earned. Coming off an Achilles injury that wiped out his 2012 season, the former Bill started all 16 games for the Eagles in 2013, earning his sixth Pro Bowl berth and his second first-team All Pro nod. While Peters didn’t quite return to the very top of Pro Football Focus’ rankings, he got close, placing fourth among 76 qualified tackles (subscription required). He’ll anchor the Eagles’ line and protect Nick Foles‘ blind side for the foreseeable future.
NFC Rumors: Bucs, Saints, Finley, Cowboys
The Buccaneers are making a push to re-sign fullback Erik Lorig, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. The strong blocker has opened up holes for Doug Martin and the club’s other running backs and can also pitch in at tight end (link). La Canfora still expects the unrestricted free agent to test the open market, but he could still wind up back in Tampa Bay even if he does (link). More from around the NFL..
- The Saints have had discussions with tackle Zach Strief, wide receivers Joe Morgan and Robert Meachem, and linebacker Parys Haralson, and now we can add another name to the list. Larry Holder of the Times-Picayune reports that New Orleans has also engaged in early discussions on a new deal with safety Rafael Bush.
- There’s a healthy market forming for Packers free agent tight end Jermichael Finley, who is coming off of injury, La Canfora tweets. A longterm deal doesn’t seem all that likely but he could do well on a one or two year pact.
- Todd Archer of ESPN.com (on Twitter) senses that the Cowboys will not restructure Brandon Carr‘s contract because they don’t want to push money into future caps.
- Reuben Frank and Jeff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com look at 28-year-old safety Chris Clemons as a possibility for the Eagles. Mosher writes that he wouldn’t be surprised in the least if Clemons winds up in green.
- The Giants and safety Stevie Brown have talked about a new deal, agent Blake Baratz tells Ed Valentine of Big Blue View.
QB Rumors: Vick, Cassel, McCown
As Andrew Cohen writes at OverTheCap.com, at least two former starting quarterbacks, Mark Sanchez and Matt Schaub, will likely be cap casualties in the coming days or weeks. Both players are expected to be released, as their respective teams move on to alternative options and take advantage of the cap savings.
While Sanchez and Schaub haven’t reached free agency yet, several other signal-callers appear poised to hit the open market in a couple weeks, assuming they don’t re-up with their current teams before March 11. Here are the latest rumors on a few of the top options on the QB market, mostly courtesy of Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com:
- A strong market is forming for Michael Vick, and while the Jets have been mentioned as a potential suitor, league sources believe the team may refrain from spending in the range that Vick would require, says La Canfora.
- The Raiders are considering multiple free agent quarterbacks, and Oakland may represent the best spot for Vick to start immediately. However, it’s still possible that Vick re-signs with the Eagles.
- The Vikings, 49ers, Buccaneers, and Texans are exploring free agent options as well, according to La Canfora.
- Matt Cassel is viewed as a decent bet to return to Minnesota, but if he doesn’t, the Texans are a likely suitor for him.
- Josh McCown is drawing interest from several teams, including, as we’ve already heard, the Bears and Jets. However, New York’s interest will again be dependent on how much the club is willing to spend on a veteran QB.
- Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com makes a case for why the Jets should re-sign Vick.
Eagles Rumors: Ryans, Mathis, Brown, FAs
DeMeco Ryans finished the 2013 season as the 54th-ranked inside linebacker of the 55 that qualified, according to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required). But despite the subpar grades from PFF and a $6.9MM cap number in 2014, the Eagles linebacker isn’t going anywhere, writes Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Even asking Ryans to take a pay cut is unlikely, according to McLane, who says that the veteran commands more respect than virtually any other player in the locker room, and that “forcing” him to accept a reduced salary wouldn’t go over well with his teammates.
McLane also provided several other Eagles-related tidbits from the combine in Indianapolis, so let’s round them up….
- All-Pro guard Evan Mathis figures to barely crack the top 15 highest-paid guards in the NFL next season, but don’t expect Philadelphia to increase his salary, says McLane, adding that a holdout from Mathis isn’t likely either.
- Head coach Chip Kelly may prefer running back Chris Polk to Bryce Brown as LeSean McCoy‘s primary backup. That makes Brown a trade candidate this offseason, and there’s a “healthy market” for him, according to McLane. However, reaching a deal won’t be easy, due to the increasing salary cap.
- According to McLane, several agents asked him at the combine if there was any chance of cornerback Brandon Boykin and linebacker Mychal Kendricks leaving their current reps. In other words, both players, who will enter their third seasons in 2014, are viewed as hot commodities. Boykin and Kendricks will be eligible for contract extensions after the ’14 season.
- McLane can’t see the Eagles going into the 2014 season with Matt Barkley as the primary backup behind starting quarterback Nick Foles. Multiple scouts at the combine told McLane that they’ve seen enough to declare the former fourth-round pick a backup at best.
- Cornerback Cary Williams is expected to remain on Philadelphia’s roster beyond the fifth day of the new league year, which would ensure that his $4.75MM base salary for 2014 becomes guaranteed.
- “All signs” point to punter Donnie Jones re-signing with the Eagles, though other free agents like safety Kurt Coleman, defensive end Clifton Geathers, and linebacker Phillip Hunt look like good bets to hit the open market.