Free Agent Rumors: Spiller, Suh, Harris
League sources tell Dianna Marie Russini of NBC 4 Washington (Twitter link) that C.J. Spiller turned down a contract offer worth $4.5MM per year from the Bills before the team decided to make a move for LeSean McCoy. It’s hard to evaluate Spiller’s decision without knowing how Buffalo’s offer was structured, but presumably the running back will be trying to top that number on the open market next week. More free agent rumors..
- Russini also reports (via Twitter) that the Colts are expected to try to get involved in the Ndamukong Suh derby, if the star defender reaches the open market. Washington, Miami, and the Giants have also been identified as potential suitors this week.
- Expect the Bills to put on a “full court press” for linebacker David Harris, tweets Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, using a cross-sport metaphor. Buffalo was already considered a potential landing spot for Harris due to the Rex Ryan connection, and the trade of Kiko Alonso makes it an even more obvious fit.
- The 49ers are expected to be in the mix for newly-available edge defender Trent Cole, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (via Twitter). Cole would likely be a better fit in a 4-3 system, but he’s been effective enough in Philadelphia over the last two seasons that it looks like 3-4 teams won’t rule out pursuing him.
- Former Packers wide receiver Kevin Dorsey had been scheduled to visit with the 49ers on Tuesday, but the two sides had to cancel the meeting due to bad weather on the East Coast, reports Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. San Francisco is hoping to reschedule Dorsey’s visit, but hasn’t done so yet, per agent Chad Wiestling.
- Expect the Giants to kick the tires of Devin McCourty if he makes it to the open market, tweets Jordan Raanan of NJ.com. Giants safeties Antrel Rolle, Quintin Demps, and Stevie Brown are all eligible for free agency, so the safety position is wide open in New York.
- Veteran defensive end Chris Canty, cut by the Ravens last week, is scheduled to visit the Jets on Friday and Saturday, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). New Jets head coach Todd Bowles and defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers were both on the coaching staff in Dallas from 2005 to 2007 when Canty started his NFL career with the Cowboys.
49ers Shopping Michael Wilhoite
Curtis Lofton isn’t the only inside linebacker reportedly being shopped as a trade chip by an NFC team. According to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, the 49ers are also exploring the possibility of a deal, shopping linebacker Michael Wilhoite.
Wilhoite, 28, saw his first extended action on defense for the 49ers in 2014, starting all 16 games for the club as NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis dealt with injuries. The inexperienced duo of rookie Chris Borland and Wilhoite held its own at the inside linebacker spots for San Francisco, ranking fourth and 36th at the position, according to Pro Football Focus’ grades (subscription required). Wilhoite, a former undrafted free agent, recorded 87 tackles to go along with a pair of interceptions and a forced fumble.
With Bowman and Willis expected back for 2015, and the team needing to find a way to make room for Borland to have a regular role, Wilhoite is somewhat expendable. For a team looking to add an inside linebacker, he’ll come much cheaper than Lofton would, and the Niners’ asking price isn’t high — Barrows writes that the club is seeking a sixth- or seventh-round draft pick for the linebacker, who can also contribute on special teams.
For now, Wilhoite technically doesn’t have a contract, but he’s an exclusive rights free agent, meaning he’d have to sign a one-year, minimum-salary tender from his current club if he wants to continue his career. That’s a formality, and wouldn’t stand in the way of San Francisco completing a deal.
49ers Sign Jarryd Hayne
WEDNESDAY, 4:13pm: Hayne’s signing has been made official, and the NFL’s transaction wire lists him as a kick returner, tweets Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com.
MONDAY, 10:01pm: Australian rugby league star Jarryd Hayne announced on Monday night that he will sign with the 49ers, as Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post writes. Hayne received a $100K guarantee from San Francisco, an impressive sum considering that he’s never played American football before in his life.
“I’m going to be a San Francisco 49er,” Hayne said before putting on a 49ers hat.
49ers coach Jim Tomsula has a background in NFL Europe developing Europeans into NFL players, which helped push Hayne towards choosing SF. Agent Jack Bechta noted that his client also visited with the Seahawks and Lions and indicated that they also had a lot to offer in terms of their plan for developing him. Hayne’s game plan will be to contribute as a return specialist while also trying to make it as a running back. Despite his star status down under, Hayne is prepared to fight for a job and start out on special teams.
The Saints, Vikings, Broncos, Titans, Buccaneers, and Jets also showed interest in the 6-foot-2, 226 pounder.
NFC West Teams Vying For Darnell Dockett
Former Cardinals defensive lineman Darnell Dockett is expected to decide on his new team today, and his old team remains in the mix, along with the rest of that club’s division rivals. Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reports (via Twitter) that Dockett will likely decide between the Cardinals and 49ers, though the Rams and Seahawks are also interested in signing him.
Dockett, who is entering his age-34 season, was sidelined for the entire 2014 season due to an ACL tear. In 2013, the former third-round pick started all 16 games for the Cards, logging 46 tackles and 4.5 sacks. However, Dockett’s cap number for 2015 was nearly $10MM, which forced the club to cut him. According to Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic, the Cards had a one-year offer on the table to Dockett earlier this week worth up to $4MM, with a a base value of $2.5MM.
If Dockett lands with the 49ers, he’d be joining a team with a 3-4 defensive scheme similar to the one in Arizona, and would likely take over the defensive end role vacated by Ray McDonald, who was cut last season due to his off-field conduct. If the Rams or Seahawks emerge as a viable dark horse candidate and land Dockett, he’d have to make the adjustment to a 4-3 system. However, while the 33-year-old visited the 49ers this week, it doesn’t appear that he paid a visit to St. Louis or Seattle, so those clubs look like long shots at this point.
Agent Drew Rosenhaus had suggested on Monday that there was a strong market developing for his client, and that a decision was expected by week’s end.
Extra Points: Spiller, Bryant, Maxwell
Not long after acquiring LeSean McCoy, the Bills called C.J. Spiller to let him know that they would be parting ways this offseason. At this time, suitors with interest in Spiller include the Cardinals, Jets, Dolphins, and the 49ers, according to Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Here’s more from around the NFL..
- Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones told SiriusXM NFL Radio (on Twitter) that franchise tagging Dez Bryant doesn’t mean that the team will allow him to play the year out as they will continue to work on a long-term deal. Jones went on to say that the team really wants DeMarco Murray back and he can’t fault a player for seeing what his options are (link). Of course, there’s a significant gulf between what Murray is asking for and what Dallas has been willing to offer so far.
- Seahawks free agent corner Byron Maxwell is signing with agent Alvin Keels, as Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun tweets. Keels also represents Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor.
- NFLPA attorney Arthur McAfee is trying to get the three nominations from player representatives to make a run the position of executive director, a source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk (via Twitter).
- Sean Gilbert is officially on the ballot in the NFLPA executive director election, according to Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports (on Twitter). John Stufflebeem is also on the ballot, according to Ben Volin of The Boston Globe (on Twitter). Right now, there are four candidates officially on the ballot: Stufflebeem, Gilbert, Andrew Smith, and DeMaurice Smith.
- Peter King of TheMMQB.com explored the Los Angeles situation in depth this week, ultimately concluding that it’s far too early to know whether the Rams, Chargers, or Raiders – or some combination of the three – will ultimately move to L.A. However, there’s more momentum for a move than there has been in the last two decades, and NFL executive Eric Gruber expects to see at least one franchise in the country’s second-largest market within the next five years.
Luke Adams contributed to this post.
AFC Notes: Ginn, Titans, Jaguars, Dunlap
A quick look at the AFC, which will now include star running back LeSean McCoy..
- Ted Ginn Jr. visited the Titans on Tuesday and is expected to visit the 49ers on Wednesday, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The Browns and Panthers have also been linked to Ginn.
- All things considered, Jonathan Massaquoi couldn’t have landed in a much better spot even if he had picked it, Mike Wilkening of Pro Football Talk writes. The 26-year-old was picked off of waivers by the Titans, who are rather thin an outside linebacker. The Titans also have starter Derrick Morgan approaching unrestricted free agency.
- Defensive tackle won’t be a priority position for the Jaguars in free agency, even if the team believes Sen’Derrick Marks won’t be ready for the start of the season, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com writes. All in all, defensive tackle is one of the strongest position groups on the team with Roy Miller, Ziggy Hood, and Abry Jones also in the fold.
- King Dunlap‘s new deal with the Chargers will count against the team’s cap for $4.15MM in 2015, per Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Luke Adams contributed to this post.
AFC East Notes: Jets, Revis, Tannehill, Pats
The Jets have been involved in “serious internal discussions” about the possibility of bringing back cornerback Darrelle Revis, with owner Woody Johnson very much involved in those talks, reports Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. The Jets’ interest in Revis is hardly news, but the closer we get to March 9 without an agreement in place between the Patriots and the star cornerback, the more likely it is that he reaches the open market next week.
Let’s round up a few more items related to the Jets and their AFC East rivals….
- While there have been rumblings in recent weeks suggesting the Jets could target C.J. Spiller in free agency, the team would like to bring back Bilal Powell and will make a “sincere effort” to re-sign him, writes Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com. Cimini estimates that Powell will land a deal that averages between $1.5MM and $2MM per year.
- Brian Costello of the New York Post examines how new Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan will approach the team’s hole at cornerback this offseason.
- Former Packers wide receiver Kevin Dorsey, who recently visited the Patriots, is working out for the Jets today, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Visits with the 49ers and Chiefs are next up on Dorsey’s schedule.
- Ryan Tannehill said today that he has yet to sit down with the Dolphins to discuss a contract extension, tweets Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald. There’s no real rush for the Fins to get anything done, since Tannehill has one more year left on his rookie contract, and the club holds a team option for the 2016 season.
- As Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com details, Patriots safety Devin McCourty spoke to ESPN’s Josina Anderson yesterday after the team announced that it was franchising kicker Stephen Gostkowski, rather than McCourty. The veteran safety didn’t say anything too noteworthy in addressing his contract situation, but acknowledged that not being tagged made it more “realistic” that he could end up somewhere besides New England.
- The Patriots hired former 49ers special-teamer Bubba Ventrone today as an assistant special teams coach, as first reported by Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee (via Twitter). Ventrone, who began his NFL career with the Pats, is just 28 years old, so the move from playing to coaching is a little surprising, but he hadn’t been under contract for the 2015 season.
NFC West Notes: 49ers, Hayne, Smith
The 49ers have emerged as the frontrunners for Australian rugby league star Jarryd Hayne, according to Michael Chammas of The Sydney Morning Herald. There has been mutual interest between the two sides for some time and Chammas hears that the 49ers are likely to be the call when he announces his decision on Tuesday. Hayne is also considering offers from the Lions and Seahawks, according to the report. Here’s more from the NFC West..
- Justin Smith is contemplating retirement, but there’s cautious optimism among the 49ers that he’ll return for one last season, according to Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee. Smith is set to meet with head coach Jim Tomsula later this week to discuss a potential future together. Despite the injuries he has dealt with, Smith is still regarded as one of the top defensive linemen in the league. Smith, for his part, looks like he’s in great shape and from just looking at him it would seem like he’s not ready to ride off into the sunset.
- While veteran cuts are likely coming for the 49ers, it doesn’t appear as if linebackers Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman are going anywhere, says Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com.
- Examining the Seahawks‘ coming offseason, Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap writes that the team probably doesn’t need to make a major push to bring back any of its unrestricted free agents. Byron Maxwell, specifically, could command a contract that exceeds his true value, given the limited number of top cornerback options available, Fitzgerald writes.
Luke Adams contributed to this post.
FA Rumors: Orakpo, Worilds, Dockett, Murray
After franchising him last year, Washington won’t use a tag on edge defender Brian Orakpo this time around, according to Dianna Marie Russini of NBC 4 Washington (via Twitter). However, Russini does add that the two sides are trying to work out a new agreement before next week’s free agent period.
Here are a few more updates on free agents and free-agents-to-be around the league:
- Outside linebacker Jason Worilds, who received the transition tag last year from the Steelers, was the team’s only real candidate to be tagged this year, but Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says the club will allow Worilds to reach the open market (Twitter link).
- Defensive lineman Darnell Dockett has a visit scheduled with the 49ers tonight, reports Ed Werder of ESPN.com (via Twitter). We heard earlier today from agent Drew Rosenhaus that there’s a strong market for Dockett, who will likely have a new deal in place by the end of the week.
- Werder also provides an update on Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray, tweeting that the team intends to make a “respectable” offer to the NFL’s leading rusher. The Cowboys are hoping that Murray will give them a chance to match any offer he receives in free agency, but he’ll have no obligation to do so, and Dallas’ flexibility may be limited.
- Former Eagles offensive lineman Todd Herremans, who is looking for a new NFL home, said today on PFT Live that he’d like to join a contender and win a Super Bowl ring before he retires (Twitter link).
- In addition to his reported visit with the Lions, free agent defensive tackle Kendall Langford has “several” more meetings on his schedule, tweets Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
NFC Notes: Bucs, Peterson, FAs
The Buccaneers‘ path from 2-14 back to respectability may not be that far away, writes ESPN’s Mike Sando in an insider piece (subscription required). Citing the likely arrival of Jameis Winston and the potential upgrade from Mike Glennon/Josh McCown at sports’ premier position along with new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter potentially being the best coordinator hire in the league, the Bucs’ re-emergence may not be that far away. One anonymous source is certain Winston is a better player than Marcus Mariota, once thought as the pick here.
“[Mariota] is very similar to Colin Kaepernick but probably has a little better arm because Kaep is so low with his release all the time,” a veteran NFL offensive coach told Sando. “[Mariota] has more arm angles but always throws it flat. Winston will throw it perfectly with enough arc and zip to get it up and down before the safety arrives. He has a real natural feel. He is the guy who can pick up any ball and play any sport and beat you.”
In other matters …
- Vikings GM Rick Spielman offered praise for Adrian Peterson despite the trouble that could mark his exit from Minnesota, the Minneapolis Star Tribune’s Sid Hartman reported. The soon-to-be 30-year-old runner recently returned to the commissioner’s exempt list after this week’s ruling to overturn his suspension.”Everybody talks about the 30-year-old back, but he didn’t have any hits on his body last year and he is different,” Spielman said of the 2012 MVP. “Just very unique from a physical stature standpoint and just he has unique traits that you don’t see very often come through the NFL. I suspect Adrian is going to have a great year next year.”
- NFC West free agent departures could include Mike Iupati, Frank Gore, Dan Williams and Byron Maxwell, and USA Today’s Nate Davis examines each team’s scenario. Among the takeaways, the 49ers allowing both Iupati and Michael Crabtree to leave are advised, as is the Cardinals finding a way to keep improving nose tackle Dan Williams.
- Dallas Morning News columnist Rick Gosselin charts running backs’ career swoons — as well as the long-term deals that gave the Cowboys cap trouble in recent years — around age 29 to illustrate why the Cowboys need to separate from DeMarco Murray despite his monstrous contract-year campaign. Murray will be 27 next season and is the top running back on the market.