Minor Moves: Thursday
With this year’s NCAA basketball tournament underway, the Colts‘ latest signing is a topical one. According to a team release, Indianapolis has signed Demarco Cox, a 6’8″, 294-pound basketball center who played his college ball at Ole Miss and Georgia Tech. Cox played football in high school before choosing basketball in college, and will be joining the Colts as an offensive tackle. While he may not be a good bet to make the team’s regular season roster, Cox should get a look from the Colts’ coaching staff this summer.
Here are the rest of Thursday’s minor transactions from around the NFL, with the latest moves added to the top of the list throughout the day:
- Restricted free agent Dezman Moses re-signed with the Chiefs, Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun tweeted. Kansas City Star reporter Terez Paylor noted Moses’ one-year agreement earlier this month, according to a source (Twitter link). Moses played for the Chiefs in 2013 as a backup linebacker after starting six games for the Packers in 2012. The Chiefs waived Moses during training camp last season after he underwent elbow surgery, and the former undrafted free agent spent 2014 on injured reserve. This marks the second reserve backer Kansas City brought back this offseason after inking Josh Mauga to a new deal earlier this month.
- The Seahawks have brought back defensive lineman D’Anthony Smith, a former third-round pick who was with the team last season, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com. The ex-Jaguar, who has played 28 regular season NFL games, spent 2014 on Seattle’s injured reserve list.
- Linebacker Reggie Walker has moved from one AFC West team to another, according to agent David Canter, who tweets that the former Charger has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Broncos. After playing a career-high 549 defensive snaps in 2013, Walker returned to a much smaller role for San Diego in 2014, recording 12 total tackles and 0.5 sacks while playing 150 defensive snaps and contributing on special teams.
Earlier updates:
- Former Packers running back DuJuan Harris has signed a one-year deal with the Vikings, according to agent Andy Simms (Twitter link). The 26-year-old Harris, who played sparingly for Green Bay in 2014, was non-tendered by the club earlier this month, making him an unrestricted free agent.
- Free agent offensive tackle Byron Stingily has agreed to terms with the Titans on a multiyear contract that will keep him in Tennessee, the club announced today in a press release. According to Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com (via Twitter), it’s a two-year contract worth $2.5MM, and it features an additional $800K in incentives. Stingily, who started at right tackle down the stretch for the Titans in 2014, could have an opportunity to claim the starting job in 2015 with Michael Roos and Michael Oher no longer on the roster.
- The Jets have signed free agent tackle James Brewer, the team announced today in a press release. Brewer, who spent his first four years with the Giants, will be making the move from one New York team to the other, and figures to provide depth on the offensive line for the Jets. Brian Costello of the New York Post first reported (via Twitter) that the team had agreed to terms on a one-year deal with Brewer, who started eight games in 2013 but didn’t play much last season.
FA Notes: Connolly, Gresham, Ellis, Barksdale
After passing along several updates on free agency this morning, we’re back this afternoon with another round-up. Here’s the latest on a handful of players still on the market:
- The Patriots would like to re-sign Dan Connolly, but the veteran offensive lineman is also receiving interest from the Seahawks and Bears as a center, and from the Dolphins and Buccaneers as a guard, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The 32-year-old has been a mainstay in New England for the last few years, but had a down year in 2014, placing among the bottom 10 guards in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
- Tight end Jermaine Gresham is meeting with a doctor tomorrow to determine the severity of a back injury, and could be headed for surgery later this week, according to Rapoport (via Twitter). Greshman still expects to be ready for training camp, but that’s a giant red flag for potential suitors, and explains why he remains unsigned. Teams in need of a tight end – such as the Bills, Raiders, and Browns – figure to monitor Gresham’s situation, tweets Rapoport.
- Free agent defensive lineman Kenrick Ellis could potentially make the move from one New York team to another. According to Brian Costello of the New York Post (via Twitter), the former Jet is visiting the Giants today.
- The Titans have maintained interest in Joe Barksdale, arguably the top tackle left on the market, says Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (via Twitter). Since hitting free agency last week, Barksdale has frequently been linked to the Titans and the Rams, who are still interested in re-signing him.
- Veteran free agent Samson Satele is looking for a team that will give him the opportunity to compete for a starting center job, tweets Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.
Draft Notes: Mariota, Ray, Parker, Agholor
We’ve already looked at a few upcoming draft visits in some earlier posts today, so let’s go ahead and round up the rest of today’s draft-related news…
- The Buccaneers hosted Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota today, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Per Rapoport, Mariota’s visit to Tampa will be similar to Jameis Winston‘s meeting several weeks ago, and Mariota will meet with all of TB’s decision-makers.
- Edge rusher Shane Ray will be a busy man, as the Missouri product has pre-draft visits lined up with the Ravens, Falcons, Titans, and Jaguars, tweets Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports.
- Like Ray, Louisville receiver DeVante Parker will have a full schedule, as he has 12 visits on his calendar during the next month, per Gil Brandt of NFL.com (Twitter link), who adds that Parker will first meet with the Dolphins.
- Another receiver — USC’s Nelson Agholor — visited with the Eagles today, according to Getlin (via Twitter). Eagles head coach Chip Kelly recruited Agholor while the former was at Oregon, Getlin adds.
- The Eagles are hosting multiple prospects, as Mississippi State linebacker Benardrick McKinney will visit Philadelphia today and tomorrow, per Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (Twitter link).
Contract Details: Morgan, Gilchrist, Cameron
Here are some details on several of the new contracts agreed to or signed by free agents within the last few days:
AFC deals:
- Derrick Morgan, OLB (Titans): Four years, $27MM base value. $10.5MM fully guaranteed. $6MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun).
- Marcus Gilchrist, S (Jets): Four years, $22MM base value. $10MM guaranteed (Twitter link via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com).
- Jordan Cameron, TE (Dolphins): Two years, $15MM base value. $5MM fully guaranteed. $4MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Wilson).
- Paul Fanaika, OL (Chiefs): Three years, $6.5MM. $1.75MM signing bonus. Incentives and escalators available (Twitter links via Wilson).
- Alan Branch, DT (Patriots): Two years, $4.3MM base value. $700K signing bonus. Option for 2016 (all Twitter links via Wilson).
- Tyrod Taylor, QB (Bills): Two years, $3.35MM base value. $1.15MM fully guaranteed. $400K signing bonus. Third year voids (all four Twitter links via Wilson).
NFC deals:
- Jasper Brinkley, LB (Cowboys): Two years, $6.5MM base value. $2MM guaranteed, $2MM option bonus in 2016 (Twitter link via Wilson).
- Akeem Ayers, LB (Rams): Two years, $6MM base value. $2.75MM guaranteed. $1.3MM roster bonus in 2015 (Twitter links via Wilson).
- Andrew Gachkar, LB (Cowboys): Two years, $5.2MM base value. $1.2MM signing bonus. Up to $1MM in annual incentives (Twitter link via Wilson).
- Nick Fairley, DT (Rams): One year, $5MM base value. $1.5MM roster bonus in 2015. Sack and playoff incentives available (Twitter links via Wilson).
- Erik Pears, OL (49ers): Two years, $4.7MM base value. $1MM guaranteed. $500K signing bonus (Twitter links via Wilson).
- Kurt Coleman, S (Panthers): Two years, $2.8MM base value. $600K signing bonus (Twitter links via Wilson).
- O’Brien Schofield, DE (Falcons): One year, $1.7MM base value. $255K signing bonus (Twitter links via Wilson).
- Chris Conte, S (Buccaneers): One year, $1.5MM base value. $1.25MM fully guaranteed (Twitter link via Adam Caplan of ESPN.com).
Latest On Sam Bradford
Ever since the Eagles acquired Sam Bradford last Tuesday, there’s been no shortage of speculation and rumors surrounding the 27-year-old quarterback and Philadelphia’s plans for him. Let’s take a look at the latest…
- Both Eagles head coach Chip Kelly and Rams head coach Jeff Fisher have claimed they were offered a first-round pick from a separate team in exchange for Bradford. The Browns were tossed out as a viable option to have made that offer, appearing on the Michael Kay Show today, former NFL general manager Charley Casserly said he’s heard it was in fact Cleveland who was willing to surrender a first-rounder (link via Connor Orr of NJ.com).
- From what she can gather from talking to NFL coaches at West Virginia’s pro day, Josina Anderson of ESPN says (Twitter link) that many league insiders still believe the Eagles plan to use Bradford as trade bait, specifically to move up the No. 2 pick and select Marcus Mariota. That would presume that the Titans would be interested in Bradford, despite reports that they’ll stick with Zach Mettenberger at QB.
- Of course, if the Titans really wanted Bradford, they could have dealt with the Rams themselves, adds Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com (Twitter link). I would add here that perhaps St. Louis had its eye on Nick Foles as a long-term option at quarterback, something Tennessee couldn’t provide via trade.
- If the Eagles do intend to keep Bradford for the long haul, they could tack on a few years to his contract and insert a no-trade clause, effectively ending any speculation about his future in Philadelphia, writes Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
Titans To Sign Perrish Cox
The Titans have agreed to the terms of a contract with cornerback Perrish Cox, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Cox will joining the team on a three-year deal worth $15MM, reports Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports (via Twitter).
Cox intercepted five passes for the 49ers in 2014, after playing limited snap counts for the team in 2012 and 2013. He also appeared in two games for the Seahawks in 2012 before returning to the 49ers.
Cox had also visited Washington and Cleveland this week, and was weighing his options, according to Josina Anderson of ESPN (via Twitter). The Ravens were also pursuing Cox, according to Getlin (via Twitter).
Contract Details: Orakpo, D. Williams, Allen
Here are some key details on some of the notable contracts agreed to or signed by free agents this week:
- Brian Orakpo, OLB (Titans): Four years, $31MM base value. $8.5MM fully guaranteeed. $5MM signing bonus (Twitter links via Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun).
- Dan Williams, DT (Raiders): Four years, $25MM base value. $15.2MM guaranteed. $4MM roster bonus in 2015 (Twitter links via Wilson and Tom Pelissero of USA Today).
- Nate Allen, S (Raiders): Four years, $23MM base value. $6.9MM fully guaranteed (Twitter links via Wilson)
- Lance Kendricks, TE (Rams): Four years, $18.5MM base value. $6.75MM fully guaranteed. $4MM roster bonus in 2015 (Twitter links via Wilson).
- Malcolm Smith, LB (Raiders): Two years, $7MM base value. $3.75MM fully guaranteed. $2MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Pelissero).
- Blaine Gabbert, QB (49ers): Two years, $4MM base value. $500K signing bonus (Twitter link via Wilson).
- Henry Melton, DT (Buccaneers): One year, $3.75MM base value. $3.25MM fully guaranteed. $1.25MM available in incentives (Twitter link via Pelissero).
- Adrian Clayborn, DE (Falcons): One year, $3MM base value. $750K signing bonus. $1.25MM available in incentives (Twitter links via Wilson).
NFL Issues Performance-Based Bonuses
The NFL has announced and issued its performance-based pay bonuses for the 2014 season, according to a press release from the league. The bonuses, which are based on a player’s playing time relative to his salary level, come from a pool of $3.633MM per team. Here are the top performance-based pay amounts for the past season:
- Seantrel Henderson, T (Bills): $373,671
- Corey Linsley, C (Packers): $339,566
- Russell Bodine, C (Bengals): $318,612
- Avery Williamson, LB (Titans): $315,120
- E.J. Gaines, DB (Rams): $308,338
- Zach Fulton, G (Chiefs): $303,352
- Kelvin Beachum, T (Steelers): $297,687
- Preston Brown, LB (Bills): $293,179
- Michael Wilhoite, LB (49ers): $292,406
- Paul Worrilow, LB (Falcons): $287,413
AFC Rumors: Fins, Bush, Pats, Gresham, Titans
After signing Jordan Cameron and completing a deal for Kenny Stills, the Dolphins may not be done making moves, according to Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald, who notes that the team continues to work on a possible long-term deal for tight end Charles Clay. Beasley adds that the team appears to be open to keeping Mike Wallace, but that may hinge on the wideout’s willingness to redo his contract, so it looks like that situation remains uncertain for the time being.
Here’s more from around the AFC:
- Running back Reggie Bush is moving forward with his Patriots visit, and is meeting with the team today, tweets Field Yates of ESPN.com. We heard yesterday that a meeting with the Pats was on Bush’s schedule. The former Lion, who has also visited San Francisco this week, could be a good fit in a Shane Vereen-type role. Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link) believes there’s a good chance the Patriots could come away with either Bush or Percy Harvin, noting that the team has interest in both players.
- According to Tom Curran of CSNNE.com (via Twitter), the Patriots aren’t currently in on any trade talks for Eagles guard Evan Mathis. We heard yesterday that New England had expressed interest in Mathis, who appears to be on the trade block.
- A source tells Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle (Twitter link) that despite the team trying to lock him up this week, talks between the Raiders and tight end Jermaine Gresham are “dead for now.”
- Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com (Twitter link) hears that free agent offensive tackle Joe Barksdale is an option the Titans will consider. Tennessee lost two tackles this offseason, as Michael Roos retired and Michael Oher was released.
Titans Sign Brian Orakpo, Derrick Morgan
1:39pm: The Titans have now officially announced their deals with Orakpo, Morgan, and the three other players they agreed to sign today (Twitter link).
7:05am: After staying relatively silent throughout the first few days of 2015’s free agent period, the Titans have made their big splash on Friday morning, fortifying their defense with a pair of pass rushers, per multiple reports. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter), the team has agreed to terms with former Washington linebacker Brian Orakpo. Meanwhile, Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean reports (via Twitter) that the club has also reached a deal to re-sign its own marquee free agent, Derrick Morgan.
Both players will be signing lucrative four-year contracts with Tennessee. Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports has the terms on both deals, tweeting that Orakpo’s four-year pact will have a $32MM base value, with $13.5MM guaranteed, and can be worth up to $35MM overall. Morgan’s deal is worth just a little less, with a max value of $30MM, a base value of $27MM, and $10.5MM in guarantees, tweets Garafolo.
The pair of signings are extra intriguing for a Titans defense that will be bringing aboard former Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau for the coming season. Having made the switch to a 3-4 scheme a year ago, the Titans went through some growing pains en route to a 2-14 record, but LeBeau is expected to help smooth things out in 2015, and having a pair of talented pass rushers like Orakpo and Morgan on the outside should only help that transition.
Orakpo, 28, is coming off a disappointing 2014 season that ended after just seven games when he tore his pectoral muscle and was placed on injured reserve. Still, despite the fact that he logged just 0.5 sacks last year, the former first-round pick was viewed as one of the top free agent players a year ago, when he was coming off a 10.5-sack season and earned a franchise tag from Washington.
Orakpo, who had a multi-day visit to Tennessee this week and was expected to eventually visit the Cardinals if he didn’t work something out with the Titans, was ranked as the NFL’s fourth-best 3-4 outside linebacker in 2013 by Pro Football Focus’ grades (subscription required). Per PFF, Orakpo racked up an impressive 51 total quarterback pressures in ’13.
As for Morgan, his return to Tennessee is a little surprising, since he is considered a better fit as a 4-3 defensive end, and has never really lived up to his first-round billing in five seasons with the Titans. However, despite modest sack totals (his 6.5 in 2014 matched a career high), Morgan graded as a top-10 outside linebacker according to PFF, which ranked him eighth in 2014 and credited him with 49 total quarterback pressures.
Morgan paid visits to the Falcons and Buccaneers this week, and was reportedly scheduled to hit Dallas for a meeting with the Cowboys next. Instead, he’ll be returning to Tennessee, where LeBeau will be tasked with getting the most out of the former 16th overall pick, who will be entering his age-26 season.
When I ranked PFR’s top 50 free agents last weekend, both Orakpo and Morgan squeezed into the top 20, at 19th and 20th respectively. Outside of Greg Hardy, who has his share of off-field question marks, the two players looked like the clear-cut top pass rushers still available as we neared the end of the first week of free agency. The Titans did well to get them both, and if the club were to add to its front seven next month by drafting a player like USC’s Leonard Williams to complement Jurrell Casey, the defense in Tennessee could look significantly more dangerous heading into the 2015 season.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.