NFC Notes: Marshall, Redskins, Bucs, 49ers
Under the conditions of Brandon Marshall‘s new contract with the Bears, the receiver will receive $22.3MM guaranteed, all coming in the next two years. That includes a $7.5MM signing bonus, a $7.3MM base salary for 2014, and a $7.5MM salary for 2015, says Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. As Biggs outlines, the deal also features annual $200K workout bonuses, and includes an escalator for 2017 if the Bears make it to the Super Bowl in any of the first three seasons of the contract.
Here’s more from around the NFC:
- In addition to signing second-round linebacker Trent Murphy, the Redskins made a pair of minor moves today, signing free agent wideout Rashad Ross and waiving receiver Kofi Hughes (Twitter link). Ross was recently cut by the Chiefs, while Hughes had been signed earlier this month out of Indiana as an undrafted free agent.
- Mike Biehl, who has worked for the Chargers for the last 13 years, has joined the Buccaneers as the club’s director of college scouting, according to a team release. Said GM Jason Licht on the hiring of Biehl: “He’s coming from an organization that has been among the winningest and most successful in the NFL during his time there and whose foundation has been built around draft picks, which was important as we researched all candidates.”
- The 49ers‘ rookie minicamp will feature several local prospects, according to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, who tweets that UC Davis tight end Taylor Sloat, Stanford linebacker Chase Thomas, and Stanford running back Anthony Wilkerson will participate.
- The Cardinals will audition Arizona State wide receiver Kevin Ozier at their rookie camp, writes Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post.
South Notes: Andre Johnson, Texans, Saints
In a series that has been running for several weeks, former agent Joel Corry and former Jets executive Ari Nissim have been conducting mock negotiations between J.J. Watt‘s reps and the Texans, giving National Football Post readers an idea of what real extension discussions might look like. In the fifth installment of the series, the two sides ultimately decide to table negotiations, having failed to reach a middle ground that works for both sides. It should be interesting to look back at these hypothetical talks if and when Watt and the Texans actually do agree on a new deal to see how the numbers compare.
Here’s more from out of the NFL’s two South divisions:
- The Texans don’t have interest in trading Andre Johnson, and it would be difficult financially anyway, so head coach Bill O’Brien and GM Rick Smith are working with and talking to the standout receiver in an effort to alleviate his concerns about the club’s direction, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter links). Johnson voiced some frustration with his role and his future last week.
- Drew Brees, who missed the Saints‘ summer practice sessions and workouts two years ago before signing a long-term deal in July, is familiar with Jimmy Graham‘s current position, as Mike Triplett of ESPN.com details. “It’s a leverage game and it’s back and forth. And the team has a job to do and the player has a job to do in regards to their contract,” Brees said. “And so you just understand that that’s the way it is, and you live with it. And when he’s here, I know he’ll be ready to play. I know he’ll be staying in good shape and all those things. I’m not worried about Jimmy Graham. When he comes back, he’ll be ready.”
- In pieces for ESPN.com, Triplett, David Newton, Vaughn McClure, and Pat Yasinskas wrap up the offseason moves for the Saints, Panthers, Falcons, and Buccaneers, respectively.
NFC Notes: Suh, Witten, Falcons, 49ers
Speaking to reporters after practicing with his Lions teammates today, Ndamukong Suh attempted to reinforce the idea that he likes playing in Detroit and wants to remain with the team long-term, but his comments resulted in more questions than answers. As Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press outlines, Suh alluded to having an opportunity on draft day in 2010 to be selected by a team besides the Lions, in the same way that Eli Manning pushed to land on the Giants rather than the Chargers.
“It is my choice. It is, for sure, my choice,” Suh said, when asked if he really had any say in which team selected him. “But like I said, that’s water under the bridge. I’m here in Detroit, I’m happy to be here in Detroit, I’m going to continue to play my heart out as I’ve always done and continue to do.”
Although Suh brought up the 2010 draft in order to illustrate his satisfaction with being a member of the Lions, it may have had the opposite effect, since it hadn’t been public knowledge that the defensive tackle even entertained the possibility of a Manning-esque move back in ’10.
Here’s more from around the NFC:
- At age 32, Jason Witten is one of the oldest players on the Cowboys, but he said earlier this week that he hasn’t considered retirement at all, and doesn’t necessarily believe he’s in the final stages of his career. Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News has the details and quotes.
- Asked about Atlanta’s receiving duo of Julio Jones and Roddy White, Falcons owner Arthur Blank said that he’d like to see both players remain with the club for their entire careers, writes Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com. Jones had his fifth-year option picked up for 2015, while White is entering the final year of his deal, so both players figure to discuss contract extensions soon. “We love Roddy, and Julio as well, so we’ll continue to work with them and their agents closely,” Blank said.
- Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com passes along an interesting story from Tom Elliott of the St. Cloud Times about Bemidji State’s Zach Noreen, a basketball player who received a minicamp invite from 49ers GM Trent Baalke despite not having played a football game since 2009 in high school.
- Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune and Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com have provided signing bonus info for the Bears‘ and Buccaneers‘ UDFA signings, respectively. We’ve updated our posts on those signings with those bonus amounts.
Bucs Sign Four Players, Cut Three
The Buccaneers have announced a series of roster moves, officially adding four players and cutting three to make room on the 90-man roster. As Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com details, the team has signed quarterback Alex Tanney, wide receiver Quintin Payton, and tight end Ian Thompson. The club also confirmed the signing of tight end Cameron Brate, whose deal was reported yesterday. To clear space on the roster, defensive lineman David Hunter, punter Jacob Schum, and quarterback Brett Smith have been waived.
Of the Bucs’ new additions, Tanney represents perhaps the most interesting name. The former Monmouth signal-caller has yet to appear in a regular-season NFL game, but he has spent time with the Chiefs, Cowboys, and Browns, and was cut by Cleveland last week. While Tanney is a long shot to make the 53-man roster, given the presence of Josh McCown, Mike Glennon, and Mike Kafka, Tampa Bay liked him enough to cut loose Smith, who was just signed last week as an undrafted free agent.
Minor Moves: Grant, Bucs, Panthers, Morris
Here’s a look at tonight’s minor moves..
- Free agent linebacker Larry Grant, who started eight games for the Rams back in 2010, has signed with the Browns, according to agent David Canter (Twitter link). In recent seasons, Grant spent time with the 49ers and Bears, though he appeared in just two games last year before being cut.
- The Buccaneers have agreed to sign undrafted free agent tight end Cameron Brate out of Harvard, Adam Caplan of ESPN.com tweets.
- The Panthers announced that they have signed fourth-round pick Tre Boston and fifth-round selection Bene’ Benwikere, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. Boston, a strong safety out of North Carolina, is a converted cornerback.
- The Patriots announced that they have released rookie linebacker James Morris. Morris, an undrafted free agent out of Iowa, was signed by the Pats just four days ago. Morris, 22, was just the sixth player in Iowa history to record 400 career tackles after finishing with 400 tackles, 10 1/2 sacks and six interceptions as a three-year starter.
- Former Iowa State safety Jacques Washington has been invited to the Dolphins‘ rookie mini-camp this weekend, according to agent Donte Robinson (on Twitter). Washington was second in the Big 12 in tackles per game (9.9) this past season and was a three-year starting free safety for the Cyclones.
- The Raiders cut veteran defensive lineman David Carter, Wilson tweets. Carter, 26, signed a reserves/futures deal with Oakland back in January.
- The Rams were awarded Travis Bond off waivers from the Panthers, tweets Wilson. Carolina dropped Bond yesterday while signing punter Jordan Gay.
- The Raiders signed undrafted free agent defensive end Denico Autry, tweets Wilson.
- The Browns signed undrafted defensive back K’Waun Williams, tweets Wilson. At Pittsburgh last season, Williams led the team with seven pass breakups and was second with two interceptions.
- The Texans were awarded Conor Boffeli off waivers from the Vikings and Anthony Dima from the Browns, Wilson tweets.
NFC Notes: Glennon, Crabtree, Jeffery, Eagles
Although a few trade rumors were swirling around Buccaneers signal-caller Mike Glennon prior to the draft, head coach Lovie Smith made it clear in speaking to reporters earlier this month that he views Glennon as the team’s quarterback of the future. In addition to making that view public, Smith has also been assuring Glennon of the same thing privately, according to the quarterback himself, who said today that the coach called him twice during the draft to assure him there was no truth to trade rumors involving him (Twitter links via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times).
Here’s more from around the NFC:
- Jay Cutler’s extension last year with the Bears was viewed as the potential floor for Colin Kaepernick’s next contract with the 49ers, and as Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com explains, Chicago’s new agreement with Brandon Marshall could also provide a blueprint for talks between Michael Crabtree and the Niners.
- Meanwhile, with Marshall locked up, the Bears figure to turn their attention to their other top wideout, Alshon Jeffery. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk wonders what sort of deal the 24-year-old Jeffery may be in line for if the 30-year-old Marshall is worth $10MM per year.
- With the Eagles‘ 90-man roster now full, Sheil Kapadia of PhillyMag.com takes a look at the club’s offensive depth chart, breaking down positional battles and the odds of several recent signees making the team. Over at ESPN.com, Josh Weinfuss takes a similar look at the Cardinals‘ depth chart.
- New Giants tight end Xavier Grimble tells Jordan Raanan of NJ.com (Twitter link) that the 49ers, Falcons, Redskins, and Raiders were among the clubs who reached out to him after he went undrafted.
Minor Moves: Benn, Steelers, Bucs, Chapas
- As expected, the Eagles have re-signed receiver Arrelious Benn days after releasing him. Terms of the deal weren’t announced, but Benn’s contract was reworked in order to avoid the $1.1MM he was due this season, writes Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com. Benn, who missed last season because of a torn ACL, is not guaranteed a roster spot, however, as the Eagles added a pair of rookie receivers — second-rounder Jordan Matthews and fifth-rounder Josh Huff — to groom behind veterans Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper.
- The Steelers have inked sixth-round nose tackle Daniel McCullers (all 6-7, 350 pounds of him) and seventh-round tight end Rob Blanchflower, per Pro Football Talk. McCullers in particular has a realistic chance of carving a niche with the team, as the mammoth nose tackle with exceptionally long arms is an ideal, two-gapping anchor if he plays to his potential. He’s underachieved to this point, however, and was drafted lower than his ability dictates for a reason.
- Meanwhile, the Steelers will have to wait until June 2 to free up money to sign their top three draft picks, according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (via Twitter).
- The Buccaneers announced they’ve signed fifth-rounder Kevin Pamphile, an offensive tackle out of Purdue.
- The Ravens will sign ex-Jaguars fullback Shaun Chapas, per Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). Chapas, 26, was a seventh-round pick of the Cowboys in 2011. He had a brief stint with the Lions in 2012 and spent time on Jacksonville’s practice squad and active roster last season.
NFC South Notes: Bucs, Panthers, Saints
The NFL is a grown man’s league, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have taken notice.
First-round receiver Mike Evans and second-round tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins both stand 6 feet 5, imposing figures amongst their defensive counterparts. Both players have basketball backgrounds. As the Tampa Bay Times’ Rick Stroud writes, the Bucs and coach Lovie Smith like their basketball players.
“My experience is that anybody can’t go out there and play basketball,” Smith said. “It takes a good athlete with quickness, size, vertical (jump). Normally, that translates to getting good production on the football field.”
Stroud points out a number of former hoopsters who excelled in pro football, including Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates and Jimmy Graham. Getting position on your defender in football is similar to boxing out for a rebound in basketball, and it looks like the Bucs are hoping to cash in on the trend.
More from the NFC South below…
- With a potential opening at punt returner, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports the Bucs gave third-round pick Charles Sims, sixth-round pick Robert Herron and undrafted receiver Solomon Patton a shot to impress coaches at Saturday’s minicamp.
- The Panthers are expected to sign 6-foot-8, 320-pound tackle David Foucault, says Joseph Parson of the Charlotte Observer. The University of Montreal product impressed during the two-day rookie minicamp and figures to be the second Canadian lineman to sign with the team after coming to camp on a tryout basis.
- The signing of former Browns receiver Greg Little has been discussed by Panthers brass, but the team is not planning to sign him at this point, two sources told Person.
- There’s no denying the talent of Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy, says Jonathan Jones of the Observer. But, his recent actions have his future in question.
- In a heartwarming story, Saints coach Sean Payton announced the team signed former Tulane safety Devon Walker, who was paralyzed from the neck down in 2012, Andrew Lopez of The Times-Picayune writes.
- After spending 2013 in the Arena Football League, former LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson was on hand at Saints minicamp Saturday as a tryout invitee, Lopez reports.
Extra Points: Motta, Williams, West, Lewis-Moore, Steen
“There appears to be some doubt about Atlanta Falcons safety Zeke Motta‘s playing status this season as he continues to recover from neck surgery,” writes ESPN’s Vaughn McClure. Motta underwent surgery in December to repair a cervical fracture, but he hasn’t been medically cleared and won’t be participating in the team’s offseason program. William Moore is entrenched at one safety spot, but with Motta out of the picture, that leaves Dwight Lowery, Kemal Ishmael and rookie fifth-rounder Dez Southward battling for the other position.
More from around the league. . .
- Tom Crabtree has been released by the Buccaneers, as reported by. . .Tom Crabtree, formerly of the Buccaneers (via Twitter).
- Ryan Williams‘ workout for the Cowboys wasn’t your run-of-the-mill look-see, tweets Charean Williams of the Star-Telegram, as 24 scouts, coaches and staff were watching.
- Browns rookie running back Terrance West confirmed what most suspected immediately following his third-round selection (94th overall) — the Ravens texted his agent their intention to draft him 99th overall. Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer shared the information (via Twitter).
- Ravens 2013 sixth-rounder Kapron Lewis-Moore, who missed last season while recovering from a torn ACL, is participating in the team’s rookie minicamp, and Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun tweets that the big defensive lineman looks impressive.
- Undrafted free agent guard Anthony Steen of Alabama has a realistic chance of making the Cardinals, believes Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com.
- Offensive tackle J’Marcus Webb tried out for the Panthers, but was not immediately extended a contract, according to Aaron Wilson at National Football Post. Webb was a much-maligned three-year starter for the Bears (2010-12) before appearing in eight games (one start) for the Vikings last year.
- Draftees are signing sooner than ever, writes BuffaloBills.com’s Chris Brown, who explains why: “Even though the salary cap went up more than eight percent, there is a freeze on signing bonuses so all this year’s picks will get the same signing bonus as the players did last year who were taken in their draft slot. . .The reason why bonuses are staying flat is because teams borrowed money from future rookie pools (2012, 2013) after the lockout in 2011 to make sure that rookies that year wouldn’t be paid less than the rookies from 2010 prior to the readjustment in salary cap and the rookie wage scale. . .So essentially the only increases the 2014 draft class is seeing is in their base salaries.”
Draft Signings: Jets, Pats, Saints, Chiefs
With many rookie minicamps underway, it’s clear that a good portion of the players drafted last week have been eager to get their contract situations taken care of so they can focus solely on football. Several more draftees reached agreements or signed their deals today, so let’s round up the latest….
- No team drafted more players than the 12 the Jets selected last week, and few clubs have been more proactive about getting those draftees under contract. The club announced today in a press release that Jalen Saunders, a fourth-rounder, is the latest player to sign on the dotted line, meaning only first-round safety Calvin Pryor and two other Jets draft picks still need to ink their deals.
- Fourth-round running back James White and seventh-round receiver Jeremy Gallon have signed with the Patriots, tweets Field Yates of ESPN.com. We heard earlier today that Cameron Fleming had also signed, so New England is putting a dent into its draft class.
- In addition to confirming the previously reported signing of sixth-rounder Tavon Rooks, the Saints announced today that they’ve also locked up a pair of fifth-round picks, safety Vinnie Sunseri and linebacker Ronald Powell. Both players should receive four-year deals worth a little less than $2.4MM, according to Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap, and their signings mean New Orleans has secured half of its 2014 draft class.
- Fourth-round running back and receiver De’Anthony Thomas is the latest draftee to sign with the Chiefs, tweets Adam Teicher of ESPN.com. Thomas should be in line for a signing bonus of about $420K, per Fitzgerald.
- Safety Ahmad Dixon became the fourth Cowboy taken in the seventh round to sign his rookie deal, according to Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
- According to Robert Herron himself (via Twitter), the former Wyoming receiver officially put pen to paper today for the Buccaneers, making him the first Tampa Bay draftee to sign his deal. The club has since confirmed Herron’s tweet, and noted that fifth-round pick Kadeem Edwards has also signed (Twitter link).