Extra Points: Byrd, Murray, Smith, Jets
Miscellaneous news and notes from around the league. . .
- Saints safety Jairus Byrd underwent “optional” back surgery to repair a disc issue, according to Katherine Terrell of Nola.com. While head coach Sean Payton downplayed the seriousness of the procedure, Terrell’s colleague Larry Holder is skeptical, especially since Byrd just inked a six-year, $54MM ($26.3MM guaranteed) deal.
- The Cowboys have acknowledged a contract extension for star receiver Dez Bryant is “a possibility,” but he’s not the only skill player on the roster in need of a new deal, as running back DeMarco Murray is entering the fourth and final year of his rookie pact. The Cowboys are a different team with Murray healthy, asserts ESPN’s Todd Archer, who considers what the team should reasonably be willing to pay to retain Murray’s services beyond 2014.
- Eagles first-round pick Marcus Smith is working exclusively at Connor Barwin‘s “Jack” (left outside) linebacker position, which enables him to learn multiple responsibilities while honing his technique, writes csnphilly.com’s Matt Allibone.
- Michael Wilhoite leads a group of 49ers linebackers vying to keep NaVorro Bowman‘s seat warm, writes Eric Branch on sfgate.com.
- Who says fullbacks are a dying species? More love from Pro Football Focus, who tabs Collin Mooney as the Titans’ “Secret Superstar.”
- With the departure of Antonio Smith, third-year defensive lineman Jared Crick has a chance to take on a more prominent role for the Texans, writes Dale Robertson in the Houston Chronicle.
- The Jets have $23MM in cap space, notes ESPNNewYork.com’s Rich Cimini, who also states the team views Kyle Wilson as a slot corner, “nothing more.” Meanwhile, Cimini hears from scouts that Dimitri Patterson, projected to start outside opposite Dee Milliner, is actually better suited in the slot.
- After losing Morocco Brown to the Browns, the Redskins have promoted Alex Santos to director of pro personnel, according to Zac Boyer of the Washington Times (via Twitter). Santos has spent the last six years as a pro scout.
Saints Sign Jairus Byrd
WEDNESDAY, 5:52pm: Tom Pelissero of USA Today (on Twitter) says Byrd will earn $12.3MM in year one, including the $11MM signing bonus. Byrd has a $6MM roster bonus due next March that will be fully guaranteed next week and a $2MM base and $100K workout bonus that year (link). In 2016, $6MM of his $7.4MM base salary is guaranteed only for injury. In total, Byrd will earn $20.4MM in his first two years (link).
TUESDAY, 11:18pm: Byrd’s deal includes an $11MM signing bonus, tweets Tim Graham of the Buffalo News.
8:53pm: The Saints are giving Byrd a six-year, $54MM contract, tweets Adam Schefter of ESPN. The deal includes a healthy $28MM guaranteed.
8:27pm: The Saints announced that they have signed Jairus Byrd to a six-year deal. In a free agent market chock full of quality safeties, Byrd was the very best and one of the best free agents available at any position.
Byrd was said to have serious interest in signing with the Redskins and Eagles and a return to the Bills was said to be possible, but he’ll be headed to New Orleans instead. The Dolphins and Rams also reached out to Byrd’s camp, though the same could probably be said for a lot of teams.
It’ll be interesting to see what kind of maneuvering the Saints had to do in order to sign Byrd since they were really tight against the cap this offseason. Even though the expected release (or trade) of tailback Darren Sproles should free up some cash for New Orleans, the team was still about $2.4MM from the limit heading into today.
Byrd will now team up with Kenny Vaccaro to give the Saints one of the most threatening safety duos in the entire NFL. Byrd, 27, missed a good chunk of the season with injury but still wound up with 37 tackles and four interceptions across eleven games. Last year in Buffalo, Byrd made $6.3MM after receiving the franchise tag from the Bills.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
AFC Rumors: Jones, LaFell, Mack
The Jets have expressed real interest in Packers free agent wide receiver James Jones, tweets Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. There’s no visit scheduled yet, however. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (on Twitter) adds that the Jets want to sign two wide receivers this offseason.
- The Jets have interest in Panthers free agent wide receiver Brandon LaFell, tweets Brian Costello of the New York Post. However, there’s no visit scheduled just yet (link). The Patriots are known to have interest and the Broncos are also in the mix.
- Four teams have been in contact with Browns free agent center Alex Mack on various levels, Rapoport tweets. Mack is currently waiting for the frenzy to die down. The Colts and Ravens are among the teams with interest (link).
- Defensive tackle Jason Hatcher will be visiting the Raiders today after his visit with the Seahawks, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (on Twitter).
- The Ravens would like to re-sign linebacker Daryl Smith but not at his current asking price, tweets Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun. Brandon Spikes and Wesley Woodyard are among other free agent options. Zrebiec also suggests that they could target Alabama linebacker C.J. Mosley in the draft.
- The Broncos were interested in defensive playmakers all day yesterday, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Before they landed Aqib Talib on a multi-year deal, they tried to get in on Jairus Byrd. Byrd, of course, went to the Saints.
Jairus Byrd Rumors: Tuesday
4:59pm: Byrd is visiting with the Saints, as Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that he flew to New Orleans earlier today (via Twitter). It is unclear how serious the meeting is, considering the team’s cap situation.
2:54pm: Byrd’s camp has been most interested in the Redskins and Eagles, but Washington, at least, doesn’t appear willing to pay the safety’s asking price, tweets Russini.
2:20pm: Don’t rule out the Bills if Byrd can’t get big money elsewhere, tweets Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Meanwhile, one exec says he wouldn’t give him big bucks due to health issues (link).
12:44pm: Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets that he’d be “really surprised” if the Redskins are seriously in the mix for Byrd, based on what he’s hearing. Rapoport adds that a return to the Bills still isn’t entirely out of the question for the standout safety either. Russini has been pretty plugged in on the Redskins’ offseason so far, having broken word of multiple signings, so I wouldn’t rule out Washington as a landing spot for Byrd quite yet.
12:29pm: The Redskins and Eagles have extended their on-field rivalry to the offseason, as the two teams are the top remaining suitors for free agent safety Jairus Byrd, according to Dianna Russini of NBC Washington (Twitter links). A source tells Russini that Byrd is likely to decide between one of the two NFC East teams.
Byrd, considered the best safety on the market this offseason and one of the top free agents overall, has reportedly received some level of interest from the Dolphins and Rams, among other teams. However, his alleged asking price of $8-9MM per season may have taken some potential suitors out of the mix.
Earlier today, we heard that things weren’t “heating up” between Byrd and the Redskins, though that could change as the new league year approaches.
Defensive Back Rumors: Tillman, Bethea, Mitchell
The latest secondary news..
- The Buccaneers are interested in acquiring cornerback Charles Tillman, two sources tell Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune. The Bucs are preparing to part with star cornerback Darrelle Revis and Tillman could come and reunite with coach Lovie Smith.
- Antoine Bethea is a possibility for the 49ers at safety, tweets Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.
- It sounds like the Redskins are now a longshot to land free agent safety Mike Mitchell, tweets Mike Jones of the Washington Post. Mitchell is picking up interest after having a solid year with the Panthers on a one-year, make good contract. Diana Marie Russini of NBC Washington (on Twitter) hears the same thing and says that Jairus Byrd is even less likely.
NFC Rumors: Veldheer, Houston, Byrd, Hawley
It looks like many of the top offensive tackles will fly off the shelves early when free agency gets underway at 3:00pm central time this afternoon. Branden Albert appears to be headed to Miami, while Anthony Collins will likely sign with the Bucs, and Eugene Monroe and the Ravens should work out a new deal. That leaves the Cardinals as the logical landing spot for Jared Veldheer, and Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com says (via Twitter) GMs and agents are essentially viewing that as a done deal, turning their attention to Rodger Saffold and other players. As we wait to see if Arizona can officially lock up the Raiders’ free-agent-to-be, let’s check out a few more updates from around the NFC….
- The Packers were “very interested” in defensive end Lamarr Houston, but appear likely to bow out of the bidding as his price tag increases, says Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
- It doesn’t sound as if things are heating up between Jairus Byrd and the Redskins at the moment, according to Mike Jones of the Washington Post, who hears from a source that the two sides are just having “casual conversations” (Twitter link).
- The Lions have been in recent contact with defensive end Willie Young’s agent about a new deal, but Young looks set to hit the open market and should have a handful of suitors, writes Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
- The Falcons are trying to lock up center Joe Hawley to keep him from reaching the open market, but there are other teams interested in him, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com, who says (via Twitter) talks might go right up to 3:00pm today.
- Tight end Garrett Graham could be a target for the Buccaneers, tweets Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com.
- As they did a year ago, the Eagles could strike quickly in free agency today, writes Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
NFC Rumors: Cowboys, Bell, Vikings, Bears
The Cowboys are interested in re-signing free-agents-to-be Jason Hatcher and Anthony Spencer, but Dallas isn’t the only team with interest in the defensive linemen. According to Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.com, the free agent duo has at least seven interested suitors, including the Cowboys. Dallas is also interested in defensive tackle Henry Melton, according to Watkins (Twitter link), but the ESPN scribe cautions that there are no assurances of a deal, given the Cowboys’ limited cap space.
Here’s more from around the NFC, with free agency less than 24 hours away:
- The Lions continue to work hard on a new deal for restricted free agent running back Joique Bell, and hope to get something done before free agency begins tomorrow, tweets Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
- The Vikings have inquired about free agent defensive lineman Lamarr Houston but he’ll probably wind up elsewhere, tweets Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN. Wolfson adds in a second tweet that the team has kicked the tires on defensive tackle Vance Walker as well.
- Packers free agent Jermichael Finley has yet to receive medical clearance, but nonetheless has visits lined up with potential suitors this week, tweets Tom Pelissero of USA Today.
- Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report views the Redskins as the best potential fit for prospective free agent Darren Sproles, though he says the Patriots could be a dark horse.
- The Bears aren’t currently considering free agents Jairus Byrd or Michael Johnson, according to Patrick Finley and Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times.
- Jason La Canfora’s latest article at CBSSports.com includes plenty of interesting tidbits on free agents. Among them: The Buccaneers may release Jeremy Zuttah this week, and are focusing on signing Anthony Collins. La Canfora adds that the Packers are “very high” on free agent defensive lineman Arthur Jones.
- The door isn’t completely closed on center Jonathan Goodwin winding up back with the 49ers, a source tells Larry Holder of The Times-Picayune (Twitter link). Holder opines that Goodwin would be a good fit with the Saints also if Brian De La Puente leaves.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
DB Rumors: Byrd, Whitner, 49ers, Cromartie
Cornerback is one of the deepest positions on the free agent market this year, and there are plenty of intriguing names among the free agent safeties as well. Let’s dive in and check out the latest rumors on defensive backs….
- A source told Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (Twitter link) last night that the asking price for the top free agent safeties ranged from $6MM (Donte Whitner) to $8MM (Jairus Byrd) per year, with T.J. Ward in the middle at $7MM. Biggs admits that he’s not sure if that’s changed today.
- Albert Breer of the NFL Network (Twitter link) hears that Byrd is asking for more than $8MM, and while that price has scared some teams away, the safety may ultimately land that amount.
- It’s highly unlikely that the Bears land Whitner, according to Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune (via Twitter), who adds that it sounds like Chicago is looking elsewhere for a safety. The team also isn’t likely to be a major player for Byrd, tweets Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times.
- The 49ers and Tarell Brown both appear to be testing the market, with San Francisco exploring other cornerback options and Brown looking into other suitors. Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says the Niners have checked in on Nolan Carroll.
- Top free agent cornerback Alterraun Verner told SiriusXM’s Chris Russo the Patriots are “definitely a possibility” and added that Devin McCourty has been “lobbying” for him to come to New England, tweets Field Yates of ESPNBoston.com.
- Antonio Cromartie told ESPN Radio New York that the Jets never tried to renegotiate his current deal but the “door is open” for a return, tweets Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com. It sounds like he’ll test the market and assess all his options though.
- John Clayton of ESPN.com (on Twitter) offers up an early prediction that Patriots free agent cornerback Aqib Talib will end up with the Redskins.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Dolphins Interested In Jairus Byrd
11:34am: Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald suggests pumping the brakes on any Byrd-to-Miami talk, since he hears it’s a smokescreen (Twitter link).
8:20am: The Dolphins are among the teams expressing “real interest” in prospective free agent safety Jairus Byrd, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). According to Rapoport, while there’s a new regime in place in Miami’s front office, the team appears to be “gearing up for another big year in free agency.”
With cornerback Brent Grimes having already re-signed, and safety Reshad Jones under contract for several more years, Miami’s secondary has a couple solid building blocks. Still, even if the team has other, more pressing needs, there are potential holes to address in that secondary — starting safety Chris Clemons is among the team’s prospective free agents.
Since the window opened for teams to talk to agents about their free agents on safeties, the reports on Byrd have downplayed the interest of clubs we expected to be squarely in the mix. Although the Rams reportedly inquired on the Bills safety, the Browns and Eagles apparently haven’t expressed serious interest. Of course, there’s still plenty of time for both teams, and others, to enter the hunt for the top safety in this year’s free agent class.
Peter King of TheMMQB.com reported this morning that Byrd is seeking a salary of $9MM per year on his new deal, which would make the 27-year-old the NFL’s highest-paid safety by annual average value. When I broke down 2014’s best free agents, I ranked Byrd third overall.
NFC East Rumors: Ware, Redskins, Giants, Eagles
Free agency officially gets underway at 3:00pm central time tomorrow, and there could be resolution on DeMarcus Ware‘s situation in Dallas by then, according to ESPN.com’s Todd Archer. Archer reports that the Cowboys have had “consistent negotiations” with Ware on a reworked contract that would reduce his 2014 cap hit. If the two sides can reach a compromise, it sounds like the standout pass rusher will continue his career in Dallas. Otherwise, he may be cut by tomorrow afternoon.
Let’s round up a few more Monday rumors from out of the NFC East….
- Although the Redskins have inquired on a number of defensive backs, cornerback Antonio Cromartie and safety Louis Delmas don’t appear to be on the team’s radar, according to Mike Jones of the Washington Post (Twitter links). However, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets that Washington’s reported interest in Jairus Byrd is for real, and adds that the Browns are showing genuine interest too.
- The Cowboys have expressed interest in free agent linebacker Wesley Woodyard, writes Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.com.
- While there’s no word yet on whether veteran center David Baas will accept a pay cut, the Giants have expressed interest in prospective free agent center Brian De La Puente, according to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News (via Twitter).
- According to various reports from CSNPhilly.com, PhillyMag.com, The Star-Ledger, and The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Eagles have expressed interest in defensive backs Corey Graham, Antoine Bethea, Nolan Carroll, and Mike Mitchell.
- Last night, Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer identified a few potential fits for the Eagles as the team considers pass rushers, including Mike Neal, O’Brien Schofield, and Rob Jackson. McLane listed Lamarr Houston as a long shot for the Eagles, but the club has at least looked into the defensive end, according to Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News (via Twitter),.