Week In Review News & Rumors

NFL Draft:

• After the Rams picked Jared Goff with the first overall pick, and the Eagles selected Carson Wentz No. 2 overall, Laremy Tunsil‘s fall to No. 13 following a social media snafu became arguably the biggest story of the weekend. Other headlines included the Titans trading back up to No. 8 for offensive tackle Jack Conklin, the Broncos moving up to select quarterback Paxton Lynch, and the Cowboys reportedly considering trades up to acquire a long-term franchise QB. We’ve posted the complete results of the draft both by round and by team, and you can follow all the weekend’s news by visiting our 2016 NFL Draft page.

Headlines:

• An appeals court reinstated Patriots quarterback Tom Brady‘s four-game suspension — Brady is said to be mulling oer options with his legal team.
• Sam Bradford has requested a trade out of Philadelphia, but the Eagles are unlikely to honor his demand.
• Dolphins safety Reshad Jones is holding out in the hopes of landing an extension.
• The Raiders seem to be one step closer to relocating to Las Vegas.

Signed:

• Bears – Brian Hoyer, QB (link)
• Broncos – Garrett Graham, TE (link)
• Chiefs – Mike Williams, WR (link)

Released:

• Bengals – A.J. Hawk, LB (link)
• Chargers – Mike Scifres, P (link)

Traded:

• Browns – acquired CB Jamar Taylor from the Dolphins in exchange for a 2016 seventh-round pick

2017 Fifth-Year Options:

• Giants – Justin Pugh, OL (exercised)
• Lions – Ziggy Ansah, DE (exercised)

Headlines:

• The Eagles made a jump to the top of the draft, acquiring the No. 2 overall pick from the Browns in exchange for a bevy of picks. Philadelphia is thought to be targeting North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz.
• After the Panthers surprisingly rescinded Josh Norman‘s franchise tag, the star corner agreed to a five-year, $75MM deal with Washington.
• Justin Houston underwent ACL surgery earlier this offseason, but the Chiefs pass-rusher is expected to play in 2016.
• Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence is facing a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

2017 Fifth-Year Options:

• Chargers – D.J. Fluker, T (exercised)
• Cowboys – Travis Frederick, C (exercised)
• Falcons – Desmond Trufant, CB (exercised)
• Jets – Sheldon Richardson, DL (exercised)

Signed/Re-Signed:

• Broncos – Ronnie Hillman, RB (link), Shiloh Keo, S and Brandian Ross, S (link)
• Falcons – Chris Chester, G (link)
• Giants – Josh Brown, K (link)
• Packers – Don Barclay, OL (link)

Released:

• Cardinals – Cory Redding, DT (link)
• Jaguars – Sergio Brown, S (link)
• Texans – Brian Hoyer, QB (link)

Waivers:

• Dolphins – claimed DT Chris Jones off waivers from the Patriots

Headlines:

• The Rams made perhaps the biggest move of the offseason, moving up to No. 1 in the draft through a trade with the Titans. Los Angeles will meet with both Jared Goff and Carson Wentz ahead of the draft as it determines which quarterback to select.
• Even after trading down, the Titans might be working to move back into the top 10 picks. Meanwhile, the Browns are rumored to have made the No. 2 overall pick available.
• Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon‘s petition for reinstatement was denied — he can apply again on August 1.

Signed/Re-Signed:

• Patriots – LeGarrette Blount, RB (link)
• Rams – Greg Zuerlein, K (link)
• Saints – Tim Hightower, RB (link)
• Seahawks – Brandon Browner, CB (link)
• Washington – Greg Toler, CB (link)

Released/Waived:

• Patriots – Dominique Easley, DL (link); Chris Jones, DL and Ishmaa’ily Kitchen, DL (link)
• Steelers – Cortez Allen, CB (link)
• Texans – Brian Hoyer, QB (link)

2017 Fifth-Year Options:

• Bears – Kyle Long, G (exercised)
• Bengals – Tyler Eifert, TE (exercised)
• Saints – Kenny Vaccaro, S (link)
• Texans – DeAndre Hopkins, WR (exercised)

Retired:

• Mike DeVito, DL (link)
• Percy Harvin, WR (link)
• Jason Hatcher, DL (link)

Headlines:

• The Jets acquired offensive tackle Ryan Clady and a seventh-round pick from the Broncos in exchange for a fifth-round pick.
• The Jets’ acquisition of Clady was necessitated by the departure of left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson, who has decided to retire.
• The Bengals extended the contract of head coach Marvin Lewis through the 2017 season.
• Former Saints defensive end Will Smith was tragically murdered in New Orleans.
• Bills running back LeSean McCoy was not charged in relation to a February altercation involving off-duty police officers.

Signed/Re-Signed:

• 49ers – Tony Jerod-Eddie, DL (link)
• Bills – Zach Brown, LB (link); Sterling Moore, CB (link); Fernando Velasco, OL (link)
• Broncos – Jared Crick, DE (link)
• Chargers – Jeff Cumberland, TE (link)
• Eagles – Stefen Wisniewski, OL (link)
• Giants – Kelvin Sheppard, LB (link)
• Jets – Jeremy Ross, WR (link)
• Panthers – Kyle Love, DT (link)
• Raiders – Reggie Nelson, S (link) and Aldon Smith, LB (link)
• Saints – Tim Hightower, RB (link)
• Texans – Quintin Demps, S (link)

Waived:

• Packers – Nate Palmer, LB (link)

Suspended:

• Falcons – Jalen Collins, CB (four games)
• Jaguars – Aaron Colvin, CB (four games)

Retired:

• Tyler Polumbus, T (link)

Rumors:

• The 49ers and Broncos were thought to be close to reaching a Colin Kaepernick trade agreement, but the latest reports have that deal on hold. Check out the latest rumors on the proposed swap from Saturday and Sunday.
• The Texans and quarterback Brian Hoyer are expected to part ways, either through trade or release.
• The Dolphins and Chiefs have discussed a trade involving a running back, with the likely centerpiece being Kansas City RB Knile Davis.
• The Raiders are expected to shop tight end Mychal Rivera as the draft approaches.
• Former Patriots and Bills tight end Scott Chandler is contemplating retirement following offseason surgery.

Extended:

• Chiefs – Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West, RBs (link)
• Patriots – Patrick Chung, S (through 2018)

Signed/Re-Signed:

• Bears – Omar Bolden, S (link); Ted Larsen, G (link); Manuel Ramirez, OL (link)
• Bengals – Karlos Dansby, LB (link)
• Chiefs – Stevie Brown, S (link)
• Jets – Bruce Carter, LB (link)
• Lions – Stevan Ridley, RB (link) and Geoff Schwartz, OL (link)
• Packers – Jared Cook, TE (link)
• Panthers – Brandon Boykin, CB (link)
• Patriots – E.J. Biggers, CB (link); Clay Harbor, TE (link); Terrance Knighton, DT (link)
• Saints – Nick Fairley, DT (link)
• Seahawks – Chris Clemons, DE (link)
• Texans – Brandon Weeden, QB (link)
• Vikings – Chad Greenway, LB (link)
• Washington – Vernon Davis, TE (link)

Released:

• Browns – Donte Whitner, S (link)

Retired:

• Husain Abdullah, S (link)

Headlines:

• The Browns signed former No. 2 overall pick Robert Griffin III to a two-year deal worth $15MM.
• Justin Houston underwent ACL surgery in February, meaning the Chiefs’ star pass-rusher could miss part or all of the 106 season.
• The Saints are expected to extend head coach Sean Payton through the 2020 season.
• The Panthers will exercise their 2017 fifth-year option for defensive tackle Star Lotulelei.
• The NFL tweaked the injured reserve/designated to return rule.

Signed/Re-Signed:

• Bills – Leonard Hankerson, WR (link)
• Buccaneers – Bryan Anger, P (link)
• Colts – Patrick Robinson, CB (link)
• Cowboys – Alfred Morris, RB (link)
• Dolphins – Kraig Urbik, G (link)
• Eagles – Rueben Randle, WR (link)
• Falcons – Courtney Upshaw, LB (link)
• Jets – Erin Henderson, LB (link)
• Lions – Jeremy Kerley, WR (link)
• Patriots – Nate Washington, WR (link)
• Saints – Craig Robertson, LB (link)
• Titans – Rashad Johnson, S (link)

Restricted Free Agency:

• Cowboys – signed Raiders DE Benson Mayowa (link)
• Saints – matched Bears‘ offer to TE Josh Hill (link)

Rumors:

• Von Miller aiming for $22MM annually (link)
• Jim Irsay says Colts hope to extend Andrew Luck by July 4 (link)
• Josh Norman seeking $16MM per year (link)
• Jets shopping Muhammad Wilkerson? (link)
• Dolphins exploring trade market for RBs (link)
• LB Karlos Dansby visiting Bengals (link)
• Steelers host C Stefen Wisniewski (link)
• Saints favorites for DT Nick Fairley; Patriots out (link)

Although we’ll typically round up every major transaction and bit of news in our Week in Review, the free agent frenzy — even during the second phase — renders that approach completely untenable. We’ll highlight the key moves here, but remember that you can visit PFR’s Top 50 Free Agents post to see that status of the league’s top FAs; click on the Newsstand tag to filter the site down to the largest news stories; or use the Transactions tag to focus on roster movement.

Headlines:

• The Cardinals made a big move for 2016, acquiring edge rusher Chandler Jones from the Patriots in exchange for guard Jonathan Cooper and the No. 61 pick.
• The Patriots weren’t done trading, as they acquired tight end Martellus Bennett and the No. 204 pick from the Bears in exchange for the No. 127 pick.
• C.J. Anderson will remain in Denver, as the Broncos matched the Dolphins’ four-year, $18MM offer sheet to the restricted free agent running back.
• Steelers receiver Martavis Bryant was suspended for the entire 2016 season as a result of multiple substance abuse violations.
• Ravens cornerback Tray Walker tragically died as a result of injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident.

Notable Signings/Re-Signings:

• Broncos – Russell Okung, T (link)
• Cardinals – Chris Johnson, RB (link) and Evan Mathis, G (link)
• Chargers – Casey Hayward, CB (link)
• Jaguars – Prince Amukamara, CB (link) and Kelvin Beachum, T (link)
• Patriots – Chris Long, DE (link) and Shea McClellin, LB (link)
• Ravens – Mike Wallace, WR (link) and Eric Weddle, S (link)
• Raiders – Donald Penn, T (link)
• Saints – James Laurinaitis, LB (link)
• Vikings – Andre Smith, T (link)

Notable Releases:

• Browns – Dwayne Bowe, WR (link) and Karlos Dansby, LB (link)
• Ravens – Will Hill, CB (suspended 10 games)

Other:

• Former Packers nose tackle B.J. Raji won’t play in 2016 (link)
• Free agent safety Walter Thurmond is contemplating retirement (link)
• Cowboys sign Raiders RFA Benson Mayowa to offer sheet (link)

Headlines:

• After 18 years in the NFL, Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning will announce his retirement on Monday.
• The Ravens and quarterback Joe Flacco agreed to an extension through the 2021 season.
• The Patriots are close to extending quarterback Tom Brady.
• Center Alex Mack opted out of his Browns contract, making him a free agent.

Franchise/Transition Tags:

• Bears – Alshon Jeffery, WR (assigned franchise)
• Bills – Cordy Glenn, T (signed franchise)
• Broncos – Von Miller, LB (assigned exclusive franchise)
• Chiefs – Eric Berry, S (assigned franchise)
• Dolphins – Olivier Vernon, DE (assigned transition)
• Jets – Muhammad Wilkerson, DE (assigned franchise)
• Panthers – Josh Norman, CB (assigned franchise)
• Rams – Trumaine Johnson, CB (accepted franchise)
• Ravens – Justin Tuck, K (signed franchise)
• Washington – Kirk Cousins, QB (signed franchise)

Released:

• Bills – Anthony Dixon, RB (link), Leodis McKelvin, CB (link), Kraig Urbik, G and Mario Williams, DE (link)
• Chargers – Donald Brown, RB (link) and Donald Butler, LB (link)
• Colts – Andre Johnson, WR (link)
• Dolphins – Greg Jennings, WR (link)
• Falcons – Roddy White, WR (link)
• Jaguars – Zane Beadles, G (link) and Chris Clemons, DE (link)
• Panthers – Nate Chandler, T and Dwan Edwards, DT (link), Charles Johnson, DE (link)
• Patriots – Scott Chandler, TE and Brandon LaFell, WR (link)
• Ravens – Daryl Smith, LB (link)
• Saints – Marques Colston, WR (link)
• Texans – Arian Foster, RB (link), Garrett Graham, TE and Rahim Moore, S (link)

Rumors:

• Buccaneers RB Doug Martin expected to hit open market
• Broncos increase offer to QB Brock Osweiler
• Bears working to trade TE Martellus Bennett
• Free agent DE Mario Williams visits Dolphins
• Giants interested in Charles Johnson and Mario Williams
• LB James Laurinaitis to visit Saints and Falcons

Signed/Re-Signed:

• 49ers – Shaun Draughn, RB (link)
• Eagles – Sam Bradford, QB (link)
• Lions – Tyrunn Walker, DL (link)
• Packers – Mason Crosby, K (link)
• Raiders – Marquette King, P (link)
• Saints – Josh Scobee, K (link)
• Titans – Brice McCain, CB (link)
• Vikings – Kenrick Ellis, DT (link) and Andrew Sendejo, S (link)

Suspended:

• Browns – Armonty Bryant, DL (four games)

Free Agent Rumors:

• Broncos optimistic for long-term deal with linebacker Von Miller (link)
• Defensive end Olivier Vernon could be tagged-and-traded by the Dolphins (link)
• Running back Doug Martin is likely to leave the Buccaneers (link)
• Browns receiver Travis Benjamin plans to test free agent market (link)
• Safety Tashaun Gipson preparing to move on from Browns (link)

Franchise Tags:

• Bears – Alshon Jeffery, WR (likely)
• Bills – Cordy Glenn, LT (likely)
• Rams – Trumaine Johnson, CB (likely)
• Ravens – Justin Tucker, K (announced)
• Washington – Kirk Cousins (latest)

Extended:

• 49ers – Brent Celek, TE (through 2019) and Quinton Dial, DT (through 2019)
• Eagles – Malcolm Jenkins, S (through 2020)

Released/Waived:

• Colts – Jonathan Newsome and Andy Studebaker, LBs (link)
• Eagles – DeMeco Ryans, LB (link)
• Jets – Antonio Cromartie, CB (link)
• Saints – Marques Colston, WR (link)

Signed:

• Broncos – Phil Taylor, DT (link)

Other News:

• The NFL announced the 2016 salary cap will be set at $155.27MM.
• 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has requested permission to seek a trade.
• Offensive tackle Anthony Davis will apply for reinstatement after sitting out the 2015 season.
• Two clubs have inquired about trading for Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III.