Week In Review News & Rumors

The headlines from the past week at PFR:

Key Signings:

• The Steelers signed linebacker Arthur Moats to a one-year contract.
• The Lions signed safety James Ihedigbo to a two-year deal.
• The Bears signed defensive end Jared Allen to a four-year pact.
• The Rams signed quarterback Shaun Hill to a one-year deal.
• The Redskins signed linebacker Brian Orakpo on a one-year franchise tender.
• The Rams signed defensive lineman Alex Carrington to a one-year contract.
• The Vikings signed offensive lineman Vlad Ducasse to a one-year deal.
• The Titans signed edge defender Shaun Phillips to a two-year pact.
• The Eagles signed quarterback Mark Sanchez to a one-year contract.
• The Raiders signed running back Maurice Jones-Drew to a three-year deal.
• The Patriots re-signed center Ryan Wendell to a two-year pact.
• The Steelers signed running back LeGarrette Blount to a two-year contract.
• The Texans signed safety Chris Clemons to a two-year deal.
• The Dolphins signed running back Knowshon Moreno to one-year contract.

Extensions/Options:

• The Cardinals will exercise their 2015 option on cornerback Patrick Peterson.
• The Bengals signed defensive tackle Domata Peko to a two-year extension.
• The Ravens signed newly-acquired center Jeremy Zuttah to a five-year extension.
• The Patriots signed defensive tackle Vince Wilfork to an extension through 2016.

Waiver Claims:

• The Redskins claimed defensive end Brandon Moore off waivers from the Chiefs.
• The Jaguars claimed fullback Bradie Ewing off waivers from the Falcons.

Released:

• Receiver DeSean Jackson (link)

Rumors:

• Terrelle Pryor is likely to be traded or cut (link)
• DeSean Jackson rumors (link)

Other:

• Bills owner Ralph Wilson passed away at the age of 95.

View the PFR Transactions page for more news and notes.

The headlines from the past week at PFR:

Key Signings:

• The Saints re-signed offensive lineman Zach Strief to a five-year deal.
• The Giants signed cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to a five-year contract.
• The Patriots signed receiver Brandon LaFell to a three-year pact.
• The Raiders signed receiver James Jones to a three-year contract.
• The Browns signed restricted free agent receiver Andrew Hawkins, after the Bengals declined to match an offer sheet.
• The Cowboys signed defensive tackle Henry Melton to a deal that could have a duration of up to four years.
• The Raiders signed offensive tackle Donald Penn to a two-year pact.
• The Bills re-signed tight end Scott Chandler to a two-year deal.
• The Panthers signed receiver Jerricho Cotchery to a two-year contract.
• The Cardinals signed cornerback Antonio Cromartie to a one-year deal.
• The Falcons signed return specialist Devin Hester to a three-year contract.
• The Texans signed quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to a two-year pact.
• The Steelers signed receiver Lance Moore to a two-year contract.
• The Jets signed quarterback Michael Vick to a one-year deal.

Trades:

• The Raiders acquired quarterback Matt Schaub from the Texans in exchange for a 2014 sixth-round-pick.
• The Ravens acquired center Jeremy Zuttah from the Buccaneers in exchange for a 2015 mid-round-pick.

Released:

• Receiver Earl Bennett (link)
• Quarterback Mark Sanchez (link)

Retirements:

• Cornerback Chris Carr (link)
• Quarterback Greg McElroy (link)

Other:

• Free agent offensive tackle Eric Winston was elected president of the NFL Players Association.

The onset of free agency brought a flurry of news this past week:

• The Jets released receiver Santonio Holmes.
• Defensive end, Michael Bennett, perhaps the top free agent available, re-signed with the Seahawks.
• The Dolphins signed safety Louis Delmas.
• Veteran cornerback Carlos Rogers was released by the 49ers.
• Slot receiver Andre Roberts agreed to a four-year deal with the Redskins.
• Offensive guard Jon Asamoah struck a deal with the Falcons.
• The Buccaneers signed defensive end Michael Johnson to a five-year contract.
• Longtime Texans tight end Owen Daniels was released by the team.
• Defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux re-signed with the Falcons.
• The Browns signed linebacker Karlos Dansby to a four-year deal.
• The Falcons released safety Thomas DeCoud.
• The Browns signed safety Donte Whitner to a four-year contract.
• Receiver/special teamer Dexter McCluster signed with the Titans.
• The Ravens re-signed offensive tackle Eugene Monroe.
• Cornerback Vontae Davis re-signed with the Colts on a four-year pact.
• The Eagles added to their defensive backfield by signing safety Malcolm Jenkins.
• Safety T.J. Ward signed on with the Broncos.
• The Raiders re-signed running back Darren McFadden to a one-year deal.
• Safety Mike Mitchell signed with the Steelers.
• The Bears signed defensive end Lamarr Houston to a five-year contract.
• The Falcons bolstered their defensive line by signing defensive lineman Paul Soliai and Tyson Jackson.
• The Browns signed Bengals restricted free agent wide receiver Andrew Hawkins to an offers sheet which the Bengals are unlikely to match.
• The oft-rumored deal between offensive tackle Branden Albert and the Dolphins officially came to fruition.
• The Colts signed defensive lineman Arthur Jones to a five-year deal.
• Cornerback Aqib Talib signed with the Broncos.
• Running back Donald Brown signed with the Chargers.
• Defensive tackle Earl Mitchell agreed to a deal with the Dolphins.
• The Buccaneers signed quarterback Josh McCown, and coach Lovie Smith immediately named him the starter.
• The Giants and offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz agreed to a deal.
• Defensive tackle Randy Starks re-signed with the Dolphins.
• The Browns released former first-round quarterback Brandon Weeden.
• The 49ers signed safety Antoine Bethea to replace Donte Whitner.
• The Lions signed receiver Golden Tate to start opposite Calvin Johnson.
• Running back Rashad Jennings agreed to a pact with the Giants.
• Receiver Jacoby Jones re-signed with the Ravens.
• The Buccaneers signed cornerback Alterraun Verner.
• The Jaguars signed running back Toby Gerhart.
• Cornerback Corey Graham agreed to a four-year deal with the Bills.
• The Broncos signed veteran linebacker DeMarcus Ware to a three-year contract.
• The Saints signed safety Jairus Byrd to a six-year pact.
• Offensive tackle Austin Howard signed a five-year deal with the Raiders.
• The Cardinals signed offensive tackle Jared Veldheer.
• Defensive tackle Linval Joseph signed with the Vikings.
• The Eagles acquired running back Darren Sproles from the Saints in exchange for a fifth-round-pick.
• The Buccaneers signed offensive tackle Anthony Collins to five-year deal.
• Receiver Eric Decker agreed to a deal with the Jets.
• The Patriots signed cornerback Darrelle Revis to a one-year contract.
• Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork asked the Patriots for his release.
• The Raiders signed defensive lineman Justin Tuck to a two-year pact.
• Defensive lineman Ziggy Hood signed with the Jaguars.
• The Jaguars signed defensive end Chris Clemons.
• Offensive lineman Rodger Saffold agreed to re-sign with the Rams after his contract with the Raiders fell through.
• The Vikings signed cornerback Captain Munnerlyn.
• Defensive lineman LaMarr Woodley agreed to a two-year deal with the Raiders.
• The 49ers acquired offensive tackle Jonathan Martin from the Dolphins.
• Receiver Ted Ginn signed a three-year contract with the Cardinals.
• The Titans signed linebacker Wesley Woodyard.
• Tight end Brandon Pettigrew re-signed with the Lions on a four-year deal.
• Linebacker Daryl Smith returned to the Ravens on a four-year pact.
• The Redskins signed defensive lineman Jason Hatcher.
• The Giants re-signed linebacker Jon Beason.
• Center Evan Dietrich-Smith signed with the Buccaneers.
• The Jets signed offensive tackle Breno Giacomini.
• Veteran cornerback Cortland Finnegan signed a two-year deal with the Dolphins.
• The Bears brought back cornerback Charles Tillman on a one-year contract.
• Receiver Steve Smith signed a three-year pact with the Ravens.
• Defensive lineman B.J. Raji re-signed with the Packers.
• The Titans signed offensive lineman Michael Oher.
• Receiver Hakeem Nicks signed a one-year deal with the Colts.
• The Bills signed linebacker Brandon Spikes.
• Defensive lineman Julius Peppers signed with the Packers.
• The Patriots signed cornerback Brandon Browner to a three-year contract.
• The Patriots also re-signed receiver Julian Edelman.
• Running back Ben Tate signed with the Browns.
• Receiver Brandon LaFell agreed to a three-year deal with the Patriots.
• The Broncos signed receiver Emmanuel Sanders.

You can view the rest of the week’s many moves at the PFR Transactions Page.

With the start of free agency less than 48 hours away, let’s look at the top stories of the past week:

• The Redskins used their franchise tag on linebacker Brian Orakpo.
• Receiver Anquan Boldin re-signed with the 49ers on a two-year-deal.
• The Browns placed the transition tag on center Alex Mack.
• The Steelers used the transition tag to retain linebacker Jason Worilds.
• Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy signed his franchise tender.
• Offensive guard Uche Nwaneri was released by the Jaguars.
• The Eagles cut receiver Jason Avant.
• Fullback Le’Ron McClain was released by the Chargers.
• The Titan re-signed safety Bernard Pollard.
• The Redskins cut defensive lineman Adam Carriker and punter Sav Rocca.
• Cornerback Derek Cox was released by the Chargers.
• The Chargers also released cornerback Johnny Patrick, who was then claimed by the Jets.
• Veteran Falcons running back Jason Snelling announced his retirement.
• The Browns cut receiver Davone Bess in light of his off-the-field issues.
• Safety Aaron Williams agreed to a four-year extension with the Bills.
• The Dolphins re-signed cornerback Brent Grimes to a four-year deal.
• The Steelers extended both tight end Heath Miller and safety Troy Polamalu.
• The Bears released punter Adam Podlesh.
• Tight end John Carlson was released by the Vikings; he then signed a three-year contract with the Cardinals.
• The Steelers cut veteran offensive lineman Levi Brown and linebacker Larry Foote.
• The Rams will release cornerback Cortland Finnegan.
• The NFL has reinstated free agent cornerback Brandon Browner, but he will have to serve a four-game suspension during the 2014 season.
• Running back Bobby Rainey agreed to a two-year extension with the Buccaneers.
• The Bears re-signed defensive lineman Jeremiah Ratliff to a two-year contract.
• The Broncos released cornerback Champ Bailey.
• Center Samson Satele was released by the Colts.
• The Browns and kicker Billy Cundiff agreed to a one-year contract.
• Defensive lineman Ropati Pitoitua agreed to terms on three-year deal with the Titans.
• The Bengals re-signed offensive lineman Mike Pollak to a three-year pact.
• Quarterback Matt Cassel agreed to two-year, $10MM deal to remain with the Vikings.
• The Colts and punter Pat McAfee agreed to a five-year, $14MM contract.
• The Colts also signed linebacker D’Qwell Jackson to a four-year, $22MM deal.
• Tight end Clay Harbor signed a two-year contract with the Jaguars.
• Quarterback Chad Henne will remain with Jaguars after agreeing to a two-year, $8MM deal.
• The Saints released veteran receiver Lance Moore.
• The Jaguars signed the recently-released defensive lineman Red Bryant to a four-year, $17MM contract.
• Tight end Jeff Cumberland and the Jets agreed to a three-year deal worth $3.7MM.
• The Packers signed cornerback Sam Shields to a four-year deal worth $39MM.
• Offensive guard Daryn Colledge was cut by the Cardinals.
• The Vikings re-signed defensive end Everson Griffen to a five-year contract worth $42.5MM.
• The Jets released cornerback Antonio Cromartie.

A look back at the week’s headlines:

• The Bears re-signed safety Derrick Martin and center Taylor Boggs.
• The Titans re-signed running back Jackie Battle.
• The Panthers cleared cap space by restructuring the contracts of center Ryan Kalil and running back Jonathan Stewart.
• The Raiders extended the contract of running back Taiwan Jones.
• The Panthers offensive line was dealt a blow as tackle Jordan Gross announced his retirement.
• Rumors abounded that several teams have inquired as to the availability of Buccaneers cornerback Darrelle Revis.
• The Eagles signed veteran left tackle Jason Peters to an extension.
• The Texans signed tight end Zach Potter.
• The Browns released linebacker D’Qwell Jackson.
• Center Jason Kelce signed an extension with the Eagles.
• The Eagles also signed receiver Riley Cooper to a five-year contract.
• The Bears signed longtime center Roberto Garza to a one-year pact.
• The Redskins and defensive lineman Chris Baker agreed to terms on a new deal.
• The Ravens cut fullback Vonta Leach and linebacker Jameel McClain.
• The Bears signed veteran tight end Dante Rosario.
• The Eagles are expected to release receiver Jason Avant.
• The Panthers signed kicker Graham Gano to a four-year contract.
• The 49ers signed center Daniel Kilgore to an extension, which could signal the end of Jonathan Goodwin‘s tenure in San Francisco.
• The Bears re-signed cornerback Kelvin Hayden.
• The Patriots intend to release safety Steve Gregory.
• Tight end Dennis Pitta agreed to a five-year contract with the Ravens.
• The Chargers re-signed linebacker Donald Butler.
• The Eagles culminated their series of moves by signing receiver Jeremy Maclin to a one-year deal.
• The Seahawks officially released defensive lineman Red Bryant, as well as receiver Sidney Rice.
• The Jets opted to use their franchise tag on kicker Nick Folk.
• Linebacker Jasper Brinkley was cut by the Cardinals.
• The Cowboys released former secound-round-pick Everette Brown.
• The Panthers placed their franchise tag on defensive lineman Greg Hardy.
• Several reports indicated that the Dolphins had gauged interest in receiver Mike Wallace and defensive lineman Cameron Wake and Dion Jordan. The team denied the reports.
• The Cowboys plan to release center Phil Costa.
• The salary cap was officially set at $133MM.
• The Raiders re-signed offensive lineman Khalif Barnes.
• The Saints placed the non-exclusive tag on pass-catcher Jimmy Graham, but a battle over his position designation likely looms.
• Cornerback Sam Shields will not re-sign with the Packers before the start of free agency.

With the combine upon us, there is a ton of action happening around the league. Let’s look back at the week’s headlines:

• We learned the details of the Terrell Suggs contract extension.
• The Bears signed defensive lineman Austen Lane.
• Panthers quarterback Cam Newton will not hold out, but does hope to work out a contract extension.
• The Colts cut running back Tashard Choice and defensive lineman Jake McDonough.
• Free agent safety Kerry Rhodes does not believe he was blacklisted from the NFL because of rumors regarding his sexual orientation.
• The Cowboys won a coin flip for the 16th overall draft pick, meaning the Ravens will pick 17th.
• The Packers agreed to sign running back Michael Hill.
• Cornerback DeAngelo Hall re-signed with the Redskins.
• The Falcons signed offensive lineman Gabe Carimi, and, in a related move, cut offensive lineman Garrett Reynolds.
• Receiver Jonathan Baldwin agreed to restructure his contract with the 49ers.
• Linebacker/special teams ace Brendon Ayanbadejo announced his retirement.
• Ravens running back Ray Rice is expected to be suspended after video surfaced of his physical altercation with his fiancée.
• Free agent tight end Fred Davis was suspended indefinitely for substance abuse, and was arrested a day later for DUI.
• The Saints will not tender restricted free agent defensive tackle Tom Johnson.
• The Patriots hired Michael Lombardi as a member of their front office.
• After recently claiming him off waivers, the Lions signed safety Isa Abdul-Quddus to a contract for 2014.
• Receiver Anquan Boldin is close to reaching a deal to re-sign with the 49ers.
• The Lions will retain two exclusive rights free agents: receivers Kris Durham and Jeremy Ross.
• Receiver Sidney Rice was released by the Seahawks.
• The Giants agreed to a one-year extension with head coach Tom Coughlin, ensuring he will remain in New York through 2015.
• The Panthers exercised both the 2014 and the 2015 options on linebacker Thomas Davis‘ contract.
• Rumors swirled that the Browns nearly traded for 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh.
• Defensive lineman Kenyon Coleman announced his intentions to retire.
• The salary cap was increased to a projected $132MM.

The NFL offseason surged on this week, so let’s take a look back at the flurry of moves:

• The Colts signed safety David Sims, and waived offensive lineman Justin Anderson.
• The Buccaneers cut four players: quarterback Jordan Rodgers, running back Michael Hill, offensive lineman Gabe Carimi, and defensive lineman Derek Landri.
• The Seahawks signed three players: linebacker Mike Taylor, tight end Travis Beckum, and defensive back Terrance Parks.
• Leadership turnover continued in Cleveland, where the Browns announced Ray Farmer as their new general manager. Former GM Mike Lombardi was fired, and team president Joe Banner will transition out of the organization by May.
• One-time star quarterback Vince Young hopes to continue his playing career.
• Offensive lineman Greg Van Roten was released by the Packers, but caught on with the Seahawks just three days later.
• The Broncos gave John Elway a three-year contract extension, and added “general manager” to his title.
• The Raiders signed running back Kory Sheets of the CFL.
• The Saints cleared cap space by waiving safety Roman Harper, defensive lineman Will Smith, and cornerback Jabari Greer, as well as announcing they will not re-sign linebacker Jonathan Vilma.
• The Chiefs will not re-sign offensive tackle Branden Albert.
• Veteran Redskins linebacker London Fletcher is still 99% sure he will retire.
• The Lions released receiver Nate Burleson, and waived safety Louis Delmas.
• The Browns plan to void the guarantee in receiver Davone Bess‘ contract, citing his off-the-field issues.
• Former Giants defensive end Dave Tollefson announced his retirement.
• The Buccaneers signed quarterback Mike Kafka.
• NFL commissioner Roger Goodell earned over $44MM last year.
• The Chargers signed linebacker Cordarro Law of the CFL.
• The Saints re-signed kicker Shayne Graham and offensive lineman Bryce Harris.

With the conclusion of the Super Bowl, the offseason began in earnest this past week. Let’s take a look back at some of the bigger stories:

• The Lions kicked off the offseason by claiming safety Isa Abdul-Quddus from the Saints, and the Bengals released punter Shawn Powell.
• The Browns officially hired Kyle Shanahan as their offensive coordinator.
• Former Packers safety Nick Collins is attempting an NFL comeback, his career having been derailed by a neck injury.
• Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald restructured his contract.
• Seahawks receiver Golden Tate is willing to take a hometown discount to stay in Seattle.
• The Colts signed offensive lineman Jack Breckner.
• The Falcons released veteran corner Asante Samuel and linebacker Stephen Nicholas.
• The Chiefs signed long-snapper Thomas Gafford.
• The Redskins re-signed receiver Aldrick Robinson to a one-year deal.
• The Chiefs signed receiver Weston Dressler of the CFL.
• Saints quarterback Drew Brees is contemplating a run for president of the Players’ Association.
• The Broncos re-signed defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio to a two-year contract.
• The Colts signed linebacker Henoc Muamba of the CFL.
• The Redskins re-signed exclusive rights free agent Doug Worthington to a one-year deal.
• Heisman winner Jameis Winston of Florida State plans to stay in college for two more seasons.
• Matt Cassel opted out of his contract with the Vikings, making him a free agent.
• The Raiders re-signed offensive lineman Lamar Mady.
• The Cardinals and punter Dave Zastudil agreed to a two-year extension last month.
• The Lions re-signed veteran center Dominic Raiola to a one-year contract.
• The Vikings released linebacker Erin Henderson.
• The Eagles and receiver Joe Anderson agreed to a deal.
• The Chiefs parted ways with defensive back Dunta Robinson.
• The Giants voided the contracts of tight end Brandon Myers and defensive back Corey Webster.
• The Colts hired former Browns head coach Rob Chudzinksi as a special assistant to Chuck Pagano.
• Jets defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson said he won’t hold out of training camp.

This week culminated with a showdown between the unstoppable force (Broncos offense) and the immovable object (Seahawks defense) in Super Bowl XLVIII, but there were plenty of news items and notes leading up to the big game. Let’s recap Super Bowl week together in the links listed below…

• The Falcons announced contract extensions for head coach Mike Smith, president/CEO Rick Mckay and general manager Thomas Dimitroff.
• The Ravens hired former Texans head coach Gary Kubiak to be Baltimore’s new offensive coordinator.
• The Bills are hoping to re-sign free agent safety Jairus Byrd.
• The Panthers signed head coach Ron Rivera to a three-year contract extension worth between $4-5MM annually. Rivera was named the Associated Press Coach of the Year.
• The Packers and free agent cornerback Sam Shields are in talks on a new contract.
• The Cowboys promoted Rod Marinelli from defensive line coach to defensive coordinator.
• Dolphins offensive lineman Jonathan Martin told NBC Sports’ Tony Dungy that he hopes to continue his NFL playing career next season.
• The Broncos are not expected to re-sign free agent running back Knowshon Moreno.
• Giants defensive end Justin Tuck is looking forward to hitting free agency.
• The Rams hired Gregg Williams to replace Tim Walton as the team’s defensive coordinator.
• Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is “absolutely” willing to restructure his deal if “that’s what needs to be done.”
• Free agent kicker Adam Vinatieri is not considering retirement and hopes to continue kicking in the league for “two or three more years.”
• Rams owner Stan Kroenke bought a 60-acre lot in Inglewood, California, prompting speculation that the team could be return to the Golden State. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell cautioned against “overreacting” to the news.
• Jaguars owner Shad Kahn said his team will be drafting a quarterback in the upcoming NFL draft, “maybe two.”
• Free agent tight end Jermichael Finley said he wants to remain a “Packer for life,” but mentioned Seattle as a possible destination.
• The Ravens would like to retain the services of wide receiver/kick returner Jacoby Jones if the price is right.
• The Browns hired Kyle Shanahan as the team’s offensive coordinator.
• Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins told the team he is open to a trade and said he believes he is ready to be a starting quarterback in the league.
• Michael Vick said he will “absolutely” be a starting quarterback in Week One of the 2014 NFL season. ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter mentioned the Buccaneers and Jets as potential landing spots.
• Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker will explore his options in free agency after the expiration of his rookie contract.
• The Seahawks tabbed extending safety Earl Thomas, not cornerback Richard Sherman, as the team’s number one priority this offseason.