Week In Review News & Rumors

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.

Headlines:

• The Rams released three veterans on Thursday, cutting defensive end Chris Long, linebacker James Laurinaitis, and tight end Jared Cook.
• The 2016 NFL salary cap may exceed $155MM.

Free Agency Rumors:

• QB Kirk Cousins, Washington not close on deal (link)
• Browns C Alex Mack likely to opt out of deal (link)
• Jets likely to tag DE Muhammad Wilkerson (link)
• Bears undecided on franchise tagging WR Alshon Jeffery (link)
• DE Jason Pierre-Paul unlikely to return to Giants (link)
• Rams considering transition tag for CB Trumaine Johnson (link)
• Dolphins, DE Cameron Wake discussing extension (link)
• Chiefs prioritizing deal for S Eric Berry (link)

Retired:

• Jared Allen, DE (link)
• Rashean Mathis, CB (link)
• Jerod Mayo, LB (link)
• Heath Miller, TE (link)

Released:

• Bears – Jermon Bushrod, T (link)
• Browns – Jim Dray, TE and Randy Starks, DT (link)
• Falcons – Paul Soliai, DT (after March 9)
• Lions – Joique Bell, RB (link); Stephen Tulloch, LB (after March 9); C.J. Wilson, DT (link)

Re-Signed:

• Jaguars – Chad Henne, QB (two years, $8MM)
• Panthers – J.J. Jansen, LS (five years, $5.5MM)
• Titans – Craig Stevens, TE (one year, $2MM)

Suspended:

• Cowboys – Randy Gregory, DE (four games)
• Packers – Mike Pennel, DT (four games)
• Ravens – Nick Boyle, TE (10 games)

Headlines:

• Bills running back LeSean McCoy was accused of assaulting police officers in a barroom fight, and is expected to be served with an arrest warrant next week.
• The Raiders have agreed to one-year deal with O.co Coliseum that will see the club remain in Oakland for at least the 2016 season; the extension also contains options for 2017 and 2018.
• The NFL upheld Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict‘s three-game suspension.

Free Agent Rumors:

• Bears inform Matt Forte he won’t be re-signed (link)
• Anquan Boldin, Percy Harvin contracts void, meaning they will hit free agency (link)
• Buccaneers wary of spending big in free agency (link)
• Broncos attempting to re-sign Malik Jackson (link)
• Reggie Bush wants to continue playing (link)

Extended:

• Packers – Letroy Guion, DT (through 2018)

Signed/Re-Signed:

• Lions – Lamar Holmes, T (link)
• Panthers – Wes Horton, DE (link)
• Raiders – Nate Allen, S (re-signed after being released)

Released/Waived:

• Colts – Ryan Lindley, QB (link)
• Dolphins – Quinton Coples, DE (link); Jason Fox, T (link); Brice McCain, CB (link)
• Eagles – Riley Cooper, WR (link)
• Falcons – Justin Durant, LB and William Moore, S (link)
• Giants – Will Beatty, T and Geoff Schwartz, G (link)
• Saints – Jahri Evans, G and David Hawthorne, LB (link)
• Titans – Michael Griffin, S (link)

Retired:

• Jon Beason, LB (link)

Front Office:

• Falcons – hired Joel Collier as director of pro personnel (link)
• Giants – hired Martin Mayhew of director of football operations/special projects (link)

Headlines:

• Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has reportedly told friends he’ll retire.
• Calvin Johnson has similarly told friends (and Lions head coach Jim Caldwell) that he plans to retire.
• After much speculation, Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch intends to retire.
• The Eagles signed edge rusher Vinny Curry to a five-year, $47MM extension.
• The Raiders expect to remain in Oakland for the 2016 season.

Franchise Tags:

• Broncos – Von Miller, LB (likely)
• Eagles – Sam Bradford, QB (conflicting reports)
• Panthers – Josh Norman, CB (likely)

Free Agent Rumors:

• Bears – TE Zach Miller seeking $5MM per year (link)
• Bengals – WR Marvin Jones plans to test free agency (link)
• Broncos – LB Danny Trevathan expects interest from Bears (link)
• Chiefs – club working on extension for S Eric Berry (link)
• Raiders – LT Donald Penn wants to talk contract (link)

Signed:

• Jets – Dri Archer, RB (link)
• Saints – Vick Ballard, RB (link)
• Washington – Ziggy Hood, DL (link)

Retired:

• Justin Tuck, DE (link)

Off-Field:

• Johnny Manziel:
  • Browns expected to cut Manziel (link)
  • Agent no longer representing Manziel (link)
  • Manziel refuses admittance to rehab (link)
  • Police investigating Manziel (link)
• RB Montee Ball arrested (link)

Extended:

• Chiefs – Travis Kelce, TE (through 2021)
• Eagles – Brent Celek, TE (through 2018); Zach Ertz, TE (through 2021); Lane Johnson, T (through 2021)

Relocation:

• The Chargers announced they will remain in San Diego for the 2016 season, although they have agreed in principle to a deal that gives the club an option to move to Los Angeles in the future.
• The Raiders are exploring a move to Las Vegas, but they are also discussing a short-term lease with O.co Coliseum in Oakland.

Coaching:

• 49ers – Jim O’Neil (defensive coordinator)
• Buccaneers – Todd Monken (offensive coordinator)
• Rams – Rob Boras (offensive coordinator)

Front Office:

• Colts – Ryan Grigson, general manger (extended through 2019)
• Falcons – hired Lionel Vital and Ruston Webster (link)

Retired:

• Mike Leach, LS (link)

Other:

• Dolphins plan to rework Ndamukong Suh‘s contract (link)
• Cowboys don’t plan to re-sign Greg Hardy (link)
• Panthers LB Thomas Davis breaks arm, plans to play in Super Bowl (link)