Greg Jennings - Pro Football Rumors

Reaction To Stefen Wisniewski Signing

April 18th, 2015 at 2:08pm CST by Rob DiRe

The Jaguars came to terms with one of the more interesting free agents of this offseason in Stefen Wisniewski, signing the former Raider to a one-year deal worth $2.5MM.

Here is some reaction from around the league about Wisniewski’s value, interest, and NFL future:

Wisniewski also visited with the Patriots, Seahawks, Titans, and Washington in free agency, writes Ryan O’Halloran of Jacksonville.com.
One reason the Seahawks might have been hesitant to pursue Wisniewski more adamantly is that the center would likely cost a compensatory draft pick, according to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times (via Twitter).
Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News believed the Vikings had some interest in Wisniewski, but the team never called to pursue him. (via Twitter).
Many Raiders fan were hoping the team could re-sign Wisniewski to play guard next to free agent acquisition Rodney Hudson, but neither the player nor team were interested in that arrangement, according to Bill Williamson of ESPN (via Twitter). Williamson believes the coaching staff did not think very highly of him as a player (via Twitter). He adds that Wisniewski could be added to a long list of recent Raider draft picks to not make it to their second contract in Oakland (via Twitter).
The one-year deal will allow Wisniewski to prove his value before reaching free agency again next offseason, where he could command a larger contract, writes Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports 1 (via Twitter).

AFC South Notes: Jaguars, Jennings, Luck

April 17th, 2015 at 12:01pm CST by Luke Adams

Let’s check in on a handful of Friday items from out of the AFC South….

The Jaguars still have interest in center Stefen Wisniewski and wide receiver Greg Jennings, but haven’t made a contract offer to either player, tweets Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union. Speaking of Jennings, Nick Underhill of The Advocate writes that the wideout has received interest from the Ravens in addition to the four teams he’s been linked to previously — the Saints, Dolphins, Panthers, and Jags. I examined Jennings’ free agent stock this morning.
According to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, front office executives and agents around the NFL are in rare agreement on the issue of Andrew Luck‘s contract situation — both sides are surprised that the Colts aren’t doing whatever they can to sign him to an extension sooner rather than later. Owner Jim Irsay indicated last month that the team likely won’t address the quarterback’s contract until 2016.
In the wake of his new extension and restructure with the Jaguars, linebacker Paul Posluszny said he thinks the deal is mutually beneficial, per Hays Carlyon of the Florida Times-Union. “I want to be a part of this organization and I wanted to do what I could to be here,” Posluszny said. “This was a great opportunity to extend the contract and give me another shot and opportunity to compete with the Jaguars.”

Free Agent Stock Watch: Greg Jennings

April 17th, 2015 at 8:55am CST by Luke Adams

Hundreds of NFL players have found themselves on the free agent market at some point this offseason, but few seem to have had as much fun with the process as Greg Jennings.

The veteran wideout has kept his fans up to date on his latest free agent visits by not-so-subtly alluding to them on Twitter — during a week that included meetings in Jacksonville and New Orleans, he wrote that he had the urge to visit a Jaguar dealership, and suggested he had a craving for some Popeyes. Of course, earlier in the process, Jennings indicated that he was set to announce his new team at 10:00pm pacific time on March 31, but that “announcement” was ultimately an April Fool’s gag.

At some point though, Jennings will find a new home, and it will be interesting to see where he lands and how he adjusts to his new situation. The ex-Packer was one of Aaron Rodgers‘ top weapons in Green Bay, where he spent the first seven years of his NFL career. During the three seasons in which he played all 16 games, from 2008 to 2010, the former second-round pick posted three straight 1,100-yard seasons, averaging about 75 receptions, 1,223 yards, and eight touchdowns per year.

That production in Green Bay earned Jennings a massive five-year, $45MM deal from the Vikings which almost immediately looked like a mistake. With the quarterback situation in Minnesota unsettled, Jennings was catching passes from a combination of Matt Cassel, Christian Ponder, and even Josh Freeman during his first year with the Vikes, and never appeared to be an ideal fit. Even after Teddy Bridgewater emerged as the starter in 2014, Jennings’ production was unspectacular — he recorded just 59 receptions for 742 yards last season.

With his cap number on the rise and his performance on the decline, Jennings was an unsurprising cap casualty last month, as the Vikings opted to add another pricey veteran wideout – Mike Wallace – in his place. Now, as Jennings searches for his next NFL team at age 31, potential suitors will attempt to determine whether the veteran is past his prime, or if he could have a bounce-back season in the right situation.

Within the last few weeks, Jennings has been linked to a number of receiver-needy teams, including the Panthers, Dolphins, Jaguars, and Saints — all of whom he’s visited, and all of whom are certainly logical fits. Miami and New Orleans jettisoned many of their top pass catchers from a year ago, as the Fins parted ways with Wallace, Brandon Gibson, and Brian Hartline, while the Saints traded Kenny Stills and Jimmy Graham. Jacksonville has some promising young wideouts on the roster, including Marqise Lee, Allen Robinson, and Allen Hurns, but the Jags could use a veteran presence in that group. As for the Panthers, their receiving corps was depleted last year, and adding Jarrett Boykin in free agency didn’t change that.

If Jennings is going to bounce back, it will likely be in situation opposite to the one he found himself in with the Vikings two years ago — in that instance, he was the go-to target, but didn’t have a top quarterback capable of getting him the ball consistently. If he were to join a team like the Saints or even the Panthers, Jennings wouldn’t be at the top of the receiver depth chart, but he could become a steady, reliable weapon for a QB like Drew Brees or Cam Newton.

I think the 31-year-old could also be a fit for a veteran team like the Patriots or the Ravens. Oakland doesn’t really meet my criteria, and the team just signed another veteran receiver in Michael Crabtree, but the Raiders shouldn’t be ruled out entirely — after all, GM Reggie McKenzie was in Green Bay’s front office when the Packers drafted Jennings, and Raiders offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave was the OC in Minnesota when the Vikes signed Jennings in 2013.

At this point in his career, the days of five-year, $45MM contracts are long behind Jennings, who will likely have to settle for a modest one-year pact. A team with plenty of cap space, like the Jaguars, would probably be more willing to spend a few extra bucks on the veteran wideout this spring, but he may be better off settling for something closer to the minimum with a team like the Saints, where he could catch balls from a Pro Bowl quarterback and improve upon his Minnesota numbers. That sort of bounce-back year could potentially buoy him to one last multiyear deal with a little guaranteed money a year from now.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Greg Jennings Plans To Visit Saints

April 14th, 2015 at 2:57pm CST by Luke Adams

Greg Jennings appears to be in no rush to decide on a new team, as he continues to make free agent visits and weigh his options. After meeting with the Jaguars yesterday, the plan is for the veteran wideout to visit the Saints, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

So far this offseason, the Saints have parted ways with their top two pass catchers from the 2014 season, trading Jimmy Graham to the Seahawks and Kenny Stills to the Dolphins. Those two players, who combined for nearly 150 receptions last season, netted New Orleans first- and third-round picks for the coming draft, so the assumption has been that the Saints will move forward with Brandin Cooks and Marques Colston anchoring the receiving corps, adding at least one more wideout in the draft.

While that could still be the Saints’ plan, the fact that they’re planning to host Jennings suggests that they remain in the market for possible veteran help at the wide receiver position as well.

Jennings, 31, caught just 59 balls for 742 yards during the 2014 season, prompting the Vikings to cut him just two years into a massive five-year contract. The two-time Pro Bowler never seemed like an ideal fit in Minnesota, so a fresh start could benefit him. However, he’s unlikely to return to the highs of his earlier years in Green Bay. From 2008 to 2010, Jennings averaged about 75 receptions, 1,220 yards, and eight touchdowns per year with the Packers.

In addition to visiting the Jaguars, Jennings also paid a visit to Miami to meet with the Dolphins, and has been linked to the Panthers.

Greg Jennings Visiting Jaguars

April 13th, 2015 at 9:13am CST by Luke Adams

Three weeks ago, at the NFL owners’ meetings, Jaguars general manager David Caldwell confirmed that his team had some interest in wide receiver Greg Jennings, but cautioned that no visit had been scheduled. Now, it appears that visit will finally happen. According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Jennings is scheduled to pay a visit to Jacksonville to meet with the Jags today.

Jennings, 31, caught just 59 balls for 742 yards during the 2014 season, prompting the Vikings to cut him just two years into a massive five-year contract. The two-time Pro Bowler never seemed to fully fit in Minnesota, so a fresh start could help. However, he’s unlikely to return to the highs of his earlier years in Green Bay. From 2008 to 2010, Jennings averaged about 75 receptions, 1,220 yards, and eight touchdowns per year with the Packers.

The Jaguars have a nice young core at wide receiver, even if former fifth overall pick Justin Blackmon never plays another game for the team — and even after losing Cecil Shorts in free agency. Marqise Lee, Allen Robinson, and Allen Hurns currently sit atop the team’s depth chart, so the club could use a veteran to complement that young group. Of course, the biggest name among the Jags’ pass-catchers is Julius Thomas, who inked a lucrative five-year contract with the team earlier in free agency.

Prior to visiting the Jaguars, Jennings paid a visit to Miami to meet with the Dolphins. The veteran wideout has also been linked to the Panthers.

Wes Welker Visiting Dolphins

April 8th, 2015 at 8:16am CST by Luke Adams

Nearly a month after the 2015 free agent period officially got underway, veteran wideout Wes Welker has finally been linked to a potential suitor, and it’s a team he has played for in the past. According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, Welker is paying a visit to Miami today to meet with the Dolphins.

It appeared through the first few weeks of free agency that Welker’s age (34 next month) and injury history might be scaring off potentially interested teams, and there was some uncertainty about whether or not he’d continue his playing career. However, the Dolphins are one club in need of a veteran receiver. Miami parted ways with Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline, and Brandon Gibson this offseason, and has hosted Michael Crabtree and Greg Jennings for visits recently, as the team considers potential complements for Jarvis Landry and Kenny Stills.

According to Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald, Jennings – who visited the Dolphins yesterday – left the club’s facility without a contract, though an agreement between the two sides remains “very much a possibility.” Of course, the Fins may not return to negotiations with Jennings until they talk to Welker and get a sense of the former Bronco’s asking price.

Welker, an 11-year veteran, spent some time with the Dolphins near the start of his career, before the team sent him to New England in a 2007 trade. Since that deal, Welker has racked up 794 receptions in eight seasons for the Patriots and Broncos, and earned five Pro Bowl nods. 2014 was by far his worst season during that stretch, however, as injuries limited him to 14 games, in which he totaled 49 catches and just 464 receiving yards.

Per Salguero, the Texans showed “mild interest” in Welker prior to the start of free agency, but the Dolphins are believed to be the first team to host him for a visit.

Greg Jennings To Visit Dolphins

April 7th, 2015 at 9:29am CST by Luke Adams

The Dolphins continue to eye free agent wideouts, and will bring another one in for a visit today, reports Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. According to Salguero, former Viking Greg Jennings is paying a visit to the team.

The Dolphins are in the market for some veteran help at wideout after parting ways with Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline, and Brandon Gibson via trade or release so far this offseason. The receiving corps is currently led by youngsters Jarvis Landry and Kenny Stills, who have plenty of talent, but only three combined years of NFL experience between them.

Miami previously brought in veteran free agent Michael Crabtree for a visit, and there were conflicting reports on whether or not the team made him a contract offer in the neighborhood of $3MM. Either way, it doesn’t appear the ex-Niner will be joining the Dolphins, so perhaps Jennings will be a better fit.

If he reaches an agreement with Miami, Jennings would be replacing the player who replaced him in Minnesota — Jennings was released by the Vikings after they acquired Wallace from the Dolphins. The 31-year-old, who has been linked to the Panthers and Jaguars since becoming a free agent, caught just 59 balls for 742 yards during his final season in Minnesota, prompting the team to cut him just two years into a massive five-year contract.

AFC Notes: Jennings, Smith, Texans

March 31st, 2015 at 10:27pm CST by Zachary Links

As the coach of the Bills, Rex Ryan finds himself interacting with the team’s decision-makers in ways that he rarely did with the Jets over the last couple of years, Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News writes. There’s no hidden agendas or anything else,” Ryan said. “This is who we are, this is what we want, and there isn’t anybody in this organization that doesn’t want anything other than building a championship team.” Here’s more from the AFC..

Greg Jennings has been connected to the Raiders thanks to his relationship with GM Reggie McKenzie and the team’s need for a wide receiver, but there has been no word of any interest on that front, Bill Williamson of ESPN.com tweets. On Twitter earlier tonight, Jennings indicated that he’ll disclose his next team at midnight CT. The Panthers, Jaguars, and Dolphins have all been linked to the former Viking.
The Texans are now in discussions with versatile defensive lineman Antonio Smith, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. John McClain of the Houston Chronicle previously reported that Houston had interest in a reunion. Smith, 33, was released by the Raiders on Tuesday afternoon. Things could move quickly between Smith and Houston, Rapoport adds.
Smith wouldn’t be returning to the role he previously played for the Texans, which was being a starting defensive end, opposite J.J. Watt. A year later, however, he could be more amenable to that sub-package role in which Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel would like to use him, Tania Ganguli of ESPN.com writes. She adds that Smith has an affinity for Houston, which could help pave the way for him to return as a third-down pass-rusher.
While the Chiefs could create $5.2MM in cap savings by releasing linebacker Derrick Johnson, team chairman Clark Hunt doesn’t expect the veteran to go anywhere, writes Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star. “There will be a point in time where we address [his contract],” Hunt said. “But it just hasn’t been germane to this point.”

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

FA Rumors: Texans, Housler, Ravens, Jennings

March 31st, 2015 at 4:57pm CST by Luke Adams

Matt Schaub, Jacquizz Rodgers, and Jason Trusnik are among the free agents who have reached agreements with various teams around the league today, but there are still plenty of players on the open market looking for new homes. Here’s the latest on a few of those players:

The Texans have interest in bringing back free agent defensive lineman Antonio Smith, who was released by the Raiders today, tweets John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. A starter for five seasons in Houston and a Pro Bowler in 2011, Smith received interest from the Texans last year in free agency before he signed with the Raiders, notes McClain (via Twitter). The Broncos, who now employ former Texans defensive line coach Bill Kollar, are also expected to have interest, tweets Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com.
The Ravens had discussions with free agent tight end Rob Housler, but while there’s mutual interest between the two sides, there’s no deal at this point, writes Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. According to Wilson, Housler and the Ravens are expected to continue talking in hopes of finding a financial compromise. Baltimore is in the market for tight end help with Dennis Pitta‘s status uncertain for 2015 and beyond.
Veteran wideout Greg Jennings tweeted today that he’s “glad to be wrapping this free agency process up,” suggesting that he’s close to signing with a new team. The Panthers, Jaguars, and Dolphins have all been linked to the former Viking, and I expect we’ll find out where he’s heading within the next day or two.
Asked today about Jennings, Panthers head coach Ron Rivera didn’t rule out signing the free agent receiver, but said that adding Jarrett Boykin took the pressure off the team to add another player at the position before the draft (Twitter link via David Newton of ESPN.com).
Discussing the team’s approach to free agency today, Rivera pointed to former Panthers safety Mike Mitchell as the sort of player the team likes to target, according to Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. Mitchell, who was a part-time contributor before becoming a starter in Carolina, was “on the cusp” of taking the next step and assuming a larger role, as Rivera explains.

FA Rumors: Schaub, Barnes, Myers, Jaguars

March 30th, 2015 at 12:42pm CST by Luke Adams

The Raiders opted to replace Matt Schaub with Christian Ponder as their backup quarterback heading into 2015, releasing Schaub earlier this month. However, it doesn’t appear that the veteran signal-caller will be out of work for long. Per Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter), Schaub will likely sign a new deal this week. The Jets, Ravens, and Falcons are among the teams in the running to land him.

Let’s check in on a few other items related to free agents….

Free agent offensive lineman Tim Barnes, who played center and guard for the Rams, is visiting the Chiefs today, according to Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (via Twitter). Kansas City already fortified its interior offensive line by acquiring Ben Grubbs from the Saints, but the team is looking for additional pieces, having lost a big one in center Rodney Hudson.
Speaking of free agent centers, ex-Texans lineman Chris Myers is visiting the Seahawks today, a source tells Schefter (Twitter link). Seattle sent Max Unger to New Orleans earlier in March, and has been eyeing free agent centers, including Stefen Wisniewski.
Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union takes a closer look at free agent wideout Greg Jennings to determine whether he’s a fit for the Jaguars.
The Ravens aren’t necessarily done adding free agents, but there aren’t many noteworthy players still on the board at the positions they’d want to target. Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun examines some of the free agent options for the team at wide receiver, tight end, cornerback, and a couple other spots.