Active Market Expected For Riley Cooper
Coming off a breakout 2013 season, Riley Cooper is poised to hit unrestricted free agency next month, and the wide receiver is expected to draw significant interest if and when he hits the open market, a league source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. While Eagles GM Howie Roseman has referred to the team’s receiving situation as “complicated,” the team would like to bring back Cooper, according to Florio.
Cooper, 26, became a full-time starter for the Eagles in 2013 in the absence of the injured Jeremy Maclin, and notched career-highs in virtually every category. Cooper finished the year with 47 receptions, 835 yards, and eight touchdowns. Still, with Maclin headed to free agency as well, the club may not have the cap flexibility to re-sign both players. There’s a belief among Eagles beat writers that the team will try to re-sign one of the two, then draft a receiver, though there’s no consensus on which veteran will return.
Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer expects Maclin to be a priority for the Eagles, while suggesting that Cooper could earn in the neighborhood of $5MM per year on the open market. ESPN.com’s Phil Sheridan, meanwhile, is skeptical of Cooper’s free agent value, predicting that the club is more likely to re-sign Cooper than Maclin. Sheil Kapadia of PhillyMag.com also weighed in this morning, writing that if the market for Cooper is as active as Florio suggests it will be, the Eagles would be wise to move on and focus on Maclin.
There’s a good chance that the Eagles will meet with reps for both free agent receivers at this week’s scouting combine.
DB Notes: Delmas, Finnegan, Ward
Saftey Louis Delmas will start off his free agent tour by meeting with the Steelers, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Delmas, 26, was released by the Lions on February 13. After missing time due to injuries in 2011-12, Delmas played all 16 games in 2013, finishing with 64 tackles and three interceptions, while grading out better against the pass than the run, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Steelers‘ interest derives from two factors: the impending free agency of Ryan Clark, and the contract of Troy Polamalu. Clark is 34 years old and struggled last season, and while Polamalu is still playing at a high level, he has a cap number of approximately $10.9MM, and was listed among Joel Corry’s list of pay cut candidates. Florio suggests that signing Delmas could give the Steelers leverage when asking Polamalu to reduce his salary.
A few more notes regarding defensive backs:
- Rams cornerback Cortland Finnegan struggled mightily last season, ranking as the second-worst corner in the league according to Pro Football Focus, and NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport speculates he could be a candidate for release (via Twitter). Cutting Finnegan would save the Rams $4MM against the cap.
- Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com responded to Rapoport’s tweet, and noted that Finnegan is guaranteed $3MM in base salary, so asking him to take a pay cut, at least initially, would make the most fiscal sense.
- Sheil Kapadia of PhillyMag.com has an extensive breakdown of safety T.J. Ward using All-22 footage, and speculates he could be a fit for the Eagles. Ward played under Eagles coach Chip Kelly while at Oregon.
- Continuing the Eagles-safety theme, Phil Sheridan of ESPN.com takes a look at several options to improve the defensive backfield woes in Philadelphia.
- While there will be much interest in Ward, the Browns don’t intend to let him get away, according to Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com.
NFC East Notes: Hall, Orakpo, Eagles
DeAngelo Hall and the Redskins are working on an extension, reports Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. While Hall is often maligned for the flaws in his all around game, he still has supporters in Washington. “After an inconsistent 2012, Hall took a massive pay cut and became the Redskins’ best defensive back in 2013, recording four interceptions, scoring three defensive touchdowns and covering the opposing team’s best receiver,” Tarik El Bashir of CSNWashington.com writes. “He also took fewer penalties and seemed to embrace a leadership role in the locker room.” Here are some other notes from around the NFC East:
- While the team negotiates with Hall, the Redskins have a decision looming regarding what to do with the franchise tag. Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com believes the team will apply the non-exclusive tag on Brian Orakpo. The tag comes with a projected salary of $10.9MM, but will allow other teams to negotiate with Orakpo. The Redskins would still have the opportunity to match.
- The Eagles may not be going after big names in free agency, but Jimmy Kempski of Philly.com has found three potential bargains the team could pursue. Marcus Benard, Graham Gano, and Ted Ginn Jr. could be options for the Eagles in 2014.
- DallasNews.com put together a photo gallery highlighting ten offensive linemen the Cowboys could target in this year’s draft.
Extra Points: Franchise Tag, Pitta, Eagles
Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com compiled a list of players who could possibly be franchise-tagged, including three he labeled as “no-brainers” in Saints tight end Jimmy Graham, Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy, and Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes. The most intriguing note, however, is that the Browns might not franchise safety T.J. Ward because head coach Mike Pettine, formerly the defensive coordinator in Buffalo, may want Bills safety Jairus Byrd in Cleveland quarterbacking his defense. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com chimed in on Twitter with the same idea.
Other news from around the NFL:
- The Ravens face a Jimmy Graham-like dilemma with pass-catcher Dennis Pitta (whom Rosenthal thinks will get the tag), as far as whether he will receive the receiver or the tight end designation, writes Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun. Cap expert Joel Corry noted within the article that a potential grievance would be messy, and that a long-term deal is the best option for all parties.
- Jimmy Kempski of Philly.com lists several free agents for the Eagles to consider, and among them is veteran linebacker Marcus Benard, who graded positively as a pass rusher, but came in just below average against the run, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
- The Steelers need to draft a tall wide receiver to play opposite Antonio Brown, argues Scott Brown of ESPN.com.
- Chargers GM Tom Telesco is looking for defensive players with the attitude and style of the Seahawks, or what he deems a “run-and-hit mentality,” according to Derek Togerson of NBC San Diego. The Chargers defense improved down the stretch, but the team will need to look to the draft and/or free agency to strengthen the unit even further.
Eagles WR Notes: Maclin, Cooper, McCluster
The Eagles face a difficult decision this offseason when it comes to their wide receiver group, as both Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper enter free agency. Each player offers promise, but each also carries considerable risk, as the team at Pro Football Focus notes in their latest “Free Agent Duel” piece.
Maclin, who missed the 2013 season with a torn ACL, has the higher pedigree as a former first-round pick, and his speed would fit nicely in Chip Kelly’s offense, which features many screens and quick out patterns. However, Maclin has always been higher on promise than productivity, as he has never surpassed 1,000 yards receiving, and graded out poorly in 2012 by PFF’s metrics. Cooper, whose roster spot was in peril due to offseason drama until Maclin’s injury, had a breakout season as the number two option for the Eagles in 2013. He was even better at catching deep passes than fellow receiver DeSean Jackson, and he built rapport with quarterback Nick Foles. Cooper has only produced at this level for one season, however, while Maclin has offered roughly the same results for a few more years.
Their price tags figure to be roughly similar, as Maclin will be forced to take a discount due to his recent injury, and Cooper may be seen as having only succeeded in a stats-friendly system. Maclin has shown a willingness to return to the Eagles, so perhaps that will swing the pendulum in his favor. Ultimately, it seems unlikely the Eagles will be able to retain both, as they have other needs, specifically on defense, that need to be met.
A few other Eagles morsels:
- Phil Sheridan chimes on the receiver situation as well, noting that he believes Cooper is the most likely to remain with the Eagles. Cooper might find that his league-wide value is not as high as thinks, and staying in Philadelphia will be the most logical decision.
- Maclin, meanwhile, could end up with the Chiefs or the Jets, where he would have familiarity with Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinwheg, respectively.
- Sheridan thinks that receiver Dexter McCluster could be an interesting add for the Eagles, as he could offer some versatility on offense, as well as help on special teams.
- Finally, Sheridan speculates that the top four options on the 2014 Eagles receiver depth chart will be Jackson, Cooper, a first-round pick, and Arrelious Benn.
NFC East Notes: Joseph, Austin, Maclin
Giants’ defensive tackle Linval Joseph took to Twitter on Friday to express his feelings on his impending free agency, writes Dan Benton of SportsMedia101.com. “I want to be back with the Giants next year,” said Joseph. “This where it all started; just want to take care of my family and put on that blue every Sunday.” This announcement was in response to the Redskins saying they would pursue him one free agency begins on March 11. While he is looking to command a very large contract, he would like to get that deal agreed upon with the Giants before he hits free agency. Here are some other rumors from across the NFC East:
- The Giants‘ biggest need in free agency needs to be the offensive line, writes Dan Graziano of ESPN.com. The team is likely to cut Chris Snee and David Bass, and could let Kevin Boothe walk in free agency. They will also need to replace David Diehl, who retired this offseason, and despite not being the stalwart left tackle he once was, still provided value in his versatility. Graziano believes with all of these changes, the team will not be able to wait until the draft to retool, and therefore must be active in free agency to replace these players.
- Miles Austin and Kyle Orton are likely cap casualties for the Cowboys, writes Todd Archer of ESPN.com. While the team may be able to restructure Orton’s deal if he still wants to remain with the team, Archer believes the writing has been on the wall for a while regarding Austin’s departure.
- While earlier today our own Matt Feminis wrote about Jeremy Maclin‘s intentions to return to the Eagles in 2014, Phil Sheridan of ESPN.com was less than convinced. He writes that Riley Cooper is much more likely to return to the team as a cheaper option, and that the team will look to draft a receiver as well. Sheridan sees Maclin securing a long-term deal elsewhere, possibly with Chiefs or Jets, where he has more familiarity with the coaching staff.
- With the likely retirement of London Fletcher and Perry Riley‘s free agency, the Redskins need to look outside the organization to replace their inside linebackers, writes Tarik El Bashir of CSNWashington.com. Bashir lists Karlos Dansby as the best available at the position, but believes the younger Donald Butler would be the best fit. Other notable options could be Brandon Spikes and Jon Beason, among others.
Jeremy Maclin Wants To Stay Put
While much of the Eagles’ off-season speculation has centered around the uncertainty of the receiving corps, free agent Jeremy Maclin desires to stay in Philadelphia. Speaking with Zach Berman of Philly.com, Maclin said, “I’ve always stated, this is where I want to be. The Eagles have stated the same thing. We’ll continue to get on the same page with all that and get something done.”
Berman also took to Twitter, reiterating Maclin’s genuineness: “FWIW, Maclin has remained in Philly area this offseason to work out and has been around team facility. Desire to stay is not lip service.”
Maclin, recovering from the second tear of his right ACL, will not be 100% when free agency opens in March, but his rehab is progressing well and the injury will not deter suitors wanting a 26-year-old playmaker. He expects to be cleared for non-contact activity in the spring and believes there is “no question” he’ll be ready for training camp. Berman explains the free agent’s looming decision by writing, “Maclin must decide between taking a short-term “show-me” deal, or sign a long-term deal that likely won’t be of the same value he would have earned had he been healthy in 2013.”
NFC Notes: Dimitroff, Shields, Orakpo, Eagles
Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff was put under the microscope by the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Dawson Devitt, who published the first part of an exhaustive retrospective analysis of the GM’s transaction history 2008-09, including free agency, cuts, trades, extensions and drafts. The verdict? More good than bad.
Other opinions from NFC writers:
- Packers free agent cornerback Sam Shields‘ arrow is pointing up, according to ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky, who says the 26-year-old is worth $7-8MM per year. Shields has blazing speed to run with outside burners and has improved leaps and bounds with his technique and tackling.
- With Henry Melton, Jay Ratliff and Nate Collins set to hit free agency, defensive tackle “will have to be a top priority” for the Bears, according to ESPN Chicago’s Michael C. Wright, who believes the team will add interior defenders in the draft, via free agency and still attempt to bring back its own free agents.
- The Redskins can re-sign both Brian Orakpo and Perry Riley provided both players don’t ask for unreasonable deals, says ESPN Washington’s John Keim.
- Thanks to second-year head coach Chip Kelly’s familiarity with college players, Dallas Morning News writer Rick Gosselin believes the Eagles are in a window when they have a distinct draft advantage. Gosselin cites past examples of Jimmy Johnson‘s move from the University of Miami to the Cowboys, Jim Harbaugh‘s jump from Stanford to the 49ers and Pete Carroll’s escape from USC to the Seahawks when the coaches drafted players they were familiar with, creating the core of winning NFL teams. Kelly, who recruited nationally for Oregon, “spent four years with the Ducks so he has a four-year window when he’ll know the draft board better than the NFL lifers,” contends Gosselin.
NFC Notes: Vikings, Falcons, Packers, Graham
With Matt Cassel and Josh Freeman headed for unrestricted free agency, the Vikings will have some decisions to make at quarterback this offseason. Despite Christian Ponder‘s subpar performance in 2013, the team is confident will return, GM Rick Spielman tells ESPN.com’s Ben Goessling (Twitter link). As Goessling notes though, Spielman sounds committed to the idea of bringing in a young QB, and says the club will “at least two” signal-callers to the roster.
Let’s round up a few more Friday items from across the NFC….
- The Falcons are giving “strong consideration” to hiring former Rams GM Billy Devaney to their front office, reports Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (via Twitter). The Falcons, who recently added Scott Pioli to their ranks, employed Devaney as recently as 2007, when he was an assistant GM in Atlanta.
- Even if the Packers hope to retain both of their restricted free agents – safety M.D. Jennings and linebacker Jamari Lattimore – it may not make sense to tender either player for $1.389MM, says Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com, suggesting that the team could try to sign both players for something close to the minimum salary.
- There’s a good chance that contract negotiations between Jimmy Graham and the Saints will go to the eleventh hour, but it’s not entirely clear when the clock will strike as midnight, as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk explains.
- Re-signing punter Donnie Jones should be the easiest call for the Eagles this offseason, according to Phil Sheridan of ESPN.com.
Extra Points: Bills, Knighton, Eagles, Ravens
After we heard yesterday that New York State had appointed several members to a committee tasked with exploring the possibility of a new stadium for the Bills, team president and CEO Russ Brandon released a statement indicating that the franchise’s primary focus is on upgrading Ralph Wilson Stadium (link via The Buffalo News). Mike Rodak of ESPN.com also passes along several comments made by Erie County executive Mark Poloncarz on WGR 550, explaining why a new stadium might not be viable in the short term.
Here’s more from around the NFL:
- Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton reportedly intends to seek a new contract this offseason, but the odds of him receiving one aren’t great, according to Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com.
- Wide receiver will be a position to keep an eye on in Philadelphia this offseason, as the Eagles decide whether they’ll bring back Jeremy Maclin and/or Riley Cooper. Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer takes an in-depth look at the position.
- Given the presence of new offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak and the high value the club places on special teams, free-agent-to-be Jacoby Jones has multiple reasons to consider a return to the Ravens, says Clifton Brown of CSNBaltimore.com.
- While it won’t necessarily be anywhere near the top of the team’s to-do list this offseason, the Ravens should make an effort to upgrade their defensive line if they can, writes Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun.
- Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk expects it to be a buyer’s market for free agent receivers this offseason, and thinks that the Patriots, among other teams, could benefit.
- Don’t expect much excitement from this year’s restricted free agent market, writes ESPN.com’s John Clayton, who says that this year’s class of restricted free agents is among the least impressive in recent memory.
- Anthony Kuehn of the Detroit Free Press takes an in-depth look at the Lions’ 22 free-agents-to-be.