2014 NFL Free Agents (1 Viewer)

[humpback]

Rotoworld:

Free agent Maurice Jones-Drew's visit with the Steelers ended without a contract.

It doesn't mean the door is closed on Jones-Drew as Le'Veon Bell's backup, but it's certainly a step in the wrong direction. Jones-Drew's camp insists the veteran is drawing plenty of interest, possibly from the Jets. He's going to take his time and search for the right fit because at age 28 with tons of mileage and a declining skill set, his NFL window isn't too wide. Expect more visits shortly.

Related: Steelers

Source: Ed Bouchette on Twitter

Considering who they have to back up Bell, this says a lot about what MJD has left.

Not necessarily- it could say a lot about how much playing time and/or money he wants.

Considering he hasn't been to any other teams and no FA RB is getting much in terms of money, I'll stand by it and say MJD is a biscuit away from being retired.

So you think Pitt didn't know what he had left until he visited?

They gave him a shot. Doesn't seem like anyone else is.

A shot at what? I don't think he was running through combine drills on his visits.

Wait, you think when they bring free agents in they don't run them through their paces? Seriously? Particularly one at the tail end of his career?

Let's recap here- you think that Pitt brought MJD in for 2 days of visits, and they made their decision to pass based on the vigorous workouts they gave him?

 

[MoveToSkypager]

Rotoworld:

Free agent Maurice Jones-Drew's visit with the Steelers ended without a contract.

It doesn't mean the door is closed on Jones-Drew as Le'Veon Bell's backup, but it's certainly a step in the wrong direction. Jones-Drew's camp insists the veteran is drawing plenty of interest, possibly from the Jets. He's going to take his time and search for the right fit because at age 28 with tons of mileage and a declining skill set, his NFL window isn't too wide. Expect more visits shortly.

Related: Steelers

Source: Ed Bouchette on Twitter

Considering who they have to back up Bell, this says a lot about what MJD has left.

Not necessarily- it could say a lot about how much playing time and/or money he wants.

Considering he hasn't been to any other teams and no FA RB is getting much in terms of money, I'll stand by it and say MJD is a biscuit away from being retired.

Pittsburgh probably brought him in, then laid out a plate of donuts to see if he's go for them. He did, so they didn't offer a contract. You have to admit it's a great test.

 

[Faust]

Who's this year's Michael Bennett?

 

[Faust]

Cover Two: Best, worst free agent signings, more early awards

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Rotoworld:

Free agent Maurice Jones-Drew's visit with the Steelers ended without a contract.

It doesn't mean the door is closed on Jones-Drew as Le'Veon Bell's backup, but it's certainly a step in the wrong direction. Jones-Drew's camp insists the veteran is drawing plenty of interest, possibly from the Jets. He's going to take his time and search for the right fit because at age 28 with tons of mileage and a declining skill set, his NFL window isn't too wide. Expect more visits shortly.

Related: Steelers

Source: Ed Bouchette on Twitter

Considering who they have to back up Bell, this says a lot about what MJD has left.

Not necessarily- it could say a lot about how much playing time and/or money he wants.

Considering he hasn't been to any other teams and no FA RB is getting much in terms of money, I'll stand by it and say MJD is a biscuit away from being retired.

So you think Pitt didn't know what he had left until he visited?

They gave him a shot. Doesn't seem like anyone else is.

A shot at what? I don't think he was running through combine drills on his visits.

Wait, you think when they bring free agents in they don't run them through their paces? Seriously? Particularly one at the tail end of his career?

Let's recap here- you think that Pitt brought MJD in for 2 days of visits, and they made their decision to pass based on the vigorous workouts they gave him?

When a free agent comes in for a visit, they tour the facilities, have dinner with the brass and perhaps take a physical. Some one that's been in the league for years is not going through any workouts. That happens when a guys a street free agent mid-season.

 

[humpback]

A shot at what? I don't think he was running through combine drills on his visits.

Wait, you think when they bring free agents in they don't run them through their paces? Seriously? Particularly one at the tail end of his career?

Let's recap here- you think that Pitt brought MJD in for 2 days of visits, and they made their decision to pass based on the vigorous workouts they gave him?

When a free agent comes in for a visit, they tour the facilities, have dinner with the brass and perhaps take a physical. Some one that's been in the league for years is not going through any workouts. That happens when a guys a street free agent mid-season.

Might want to tell him that- he seems to think they weren't happy with his 3 cone drill at the visit.

 

[Coeur de Lion]

A shot at what? I don't think he was running through combine drills on his visits.

Wait, you think when they bring free agents in they don't run them through their paces? Seriously? Particularly one at the tail end of his career?

Let's recap here- you think that Pitt brought MJD in for 2 days of visits, and they made their decision to pass based on the vigorous workouts they gave him?

When a free agent comes in for a visit, they tour the facilities, have dinner with the brass and perhaps take a physical. Some one that's been in the league for years is not going through any workouts. That happens when a guys a street free agent mid-season.

Might want to tell him that- he seems to think they weren't happy with his 3 cone drill at the visit.

 

[zamboni]

Per FBG news site, MJD looking for $3.5 million per. Seems clear why Pitt wouldn't sign him - yet - until he returns from la-la land.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Per FBG news site, MJD looking for $3.5 million per. Seems clear why Pitt wouldn't sign him - yet - until he returns from la-la land.

No, it was clearly because of his performance in individual drills......

 

[mr roboto]

Please stop quoting those nested posts. ####.

 

[coolnerd]

Per FBG news site, MJD looking for $3.5 million per. Seems clear why Pitt wouldn't sign him - yet - until he returns from la-la land.

Well, that is about going rate for low end starters/high end back-ups this off-season???

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Texans agreed to terms with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, formerly of the Texans, on a two-year, $7.5 million contract.
The deal includes $4 million guaranteed. The move should signal the end of Matt Schaub's time in Houston. One of the league's streakiest signal callers, "FitzMagic" isn't reliable enough to start, but is an ideal backup. He's a quarterback who can come off the bench and keep an offense moving. In Houston, the bearded Ivy Leaguer will almost certainly be entrusted with mentoring a rookie quarterback. There's a good chance Fitz will start games in 2014, but an even better chance he won't be fantasy relevant outside of deep, two-quarterback formats.

Related: Titans

Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

Free agent WR Lestar Jean is visiting the Panthers on Thursday.
The Panthers have already tapped the veteran receiver scrap heap in Jerricho Cotchery, and are now searching for younger bargains. A restricted free agent, Jean wasn't tendered a contract by the Texans. That should tell you where his career is at.

Related: Panthers

Source: Joseph Person on Twitter

Jerricho Cotchery's deal with the Panthers is for five years and $8.015 million.
The deal includes a $2.25 million signing bonus, and pays Cotchery a total of $3.5 million in 2014. The final three years are "voidable," and exist for the sole purpose of spreading out Cotchery's cap hit. It's an indication of how truly dire Carolina's cap situation is. For the moment, Cotchery is Cam Newton's No. 1 receiver.

Source: Tom Pelissero on Twitter

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

Per FBG news site, MJD looking for $3.5 million per. Seems clear why Pitt wouldn't sign him - yet - until he returns from la-la land.

Well, that is about going rate for low end starters/high end back-ups this off-season???

I think he'll come down from this. I think he's got some gas left in the tank.

 

[grateful zed]

cant we just move on?

 

[zamboni]

Per FBG news site, MJD looking for $3.5 million per. Seems clear why Pitt wouldn't sign him - yet - until he returns from la-la land.

Well, that is about going rate for low end starters/high end back-ups this off-season???

True, but teams are probably more willing to pay a bit more for younger/less rundown legs, irrespective of past performance. It's largely a young man's position.

 

[humpback]

Jared Allen left Seattle without a contract- they must not have liked how he hit the sled.

 

[msudaisy26]

Jared Allen left Seattle without a contract- they must not have liked how he hit the sled.

I seen a report some where saying he was taking the weekend to think over the offers he has received and would make a decision on Monday.

 

[Slapdash]

Jared Allen left Seattle without a contract- they must not have liked how he hit the sled.

Not true, I'm hearing his 40 time was weak.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Panthers signed WR Tiquan Underwood, formerly of the Bucs, to a two-year contract.
Underwood and Jerricho Cotchery now sit atop the Carolina depth chart at receiver. Underwood, 27, had a career-year last season, catching 24 passes for 440 yards and four touchdowns. He started seven games opposite Vincent Jackson while Mike Williams was sidelined. Underwood owns a career 16.0 YPR mark and will provide a sneaky deep threat for Cam Newton.

Related: Buccaneers

Source: Aaron Wilson on Twitter
Mar 21 - 12:17 PM

 

[Slapdash]

Rotoworld:

Panthers signed WR Tiquan Underwood, formerly of the Bucs, to a two-year contract.
Underwood and Jerricho Cotchery now sit atop the Carolina depth chart at receiver. Underwood, 27, had a career-year last season, catching 24 passes for 440 yards and four touchdowns. He started seven games opposite Vincent Jackson while Mike Williams was sidelined. Underwood owns a career 16.0 YPR mark and will provide a sneaky deep threat for Cam Newton.

Related: Buccaneers

Source: Aaron Wilson on Twitter
Mar 21 - 12:17 PM

Solid move here.

 

[TheFanatic]

When a free agent comes in for a visit, they tour the facilities, have dinner with the brass and perhaps take a physical. Some one that's been in the league for years is not going through any workouts. That happens when a guys a street free agent mid-season.

Aging vets that might not have anything left in the tank will get a work out. They aren't going to just assume he can still run well and right him a multi million dollar check because he said he was 100%.

 

[humpback]

Jared Allen left Seattle without a contract- they must not have liked how he hit the sled.

Not true, I'm hearing his 40 time was weak.

Pfft, I bet he only put up 5 reps on the bench.

 

[Faust]

Source: LeGarrette Blount to visit Steelers

 

[Faust]

James Starks' deal is worth $3.165 million

By Bob McGinn of the Journal Sentinel

Green Bay — The Green Bay Packers left little doubt of their intentions for James Starks this week by signing him to a noteworthy contract for a backup running back.

Starks, an unrestricted free agent, elected to forgo interest from other National Football League teams late Monday and signed a two-year deal that was worth $3,165,626.

The contract contained a $725,000 signing bonus, base salaries of $750,000 this year and $1.175 million in 2015, per-game roster bonuses of $182,813 each year (paid at the rate of $11,426 for each game on the 46-man active roster) and $75,000 workout bonuses each year.

He will count $1.37 million against the salary cap this year and $1.795 million in 2015. His contract averaged $1.583 million.

Starks' guaranteed money of $725,000 was more than twice the $350,000 that tight end Andrew Quarless received last week in his two-year, $3 million deal. Starks was drafted in the sixth round in 2010, one round after Quarless.

The contract stamped Starks solidly behind Eddie Lacy as the No. 2 running back. Veterans Johnathan Franklin (neck-concussion) and DuJuan Harris (torn patellar tendon) are under contract as well as free agents Michael Hill and Orwin Smith.

"A guy like (Denver's) Knowshon Moreno is still sitting out there," an executive in personnel for an AFC team said this week. "It's such a replaceable position. The supply and demand is favorable to the club. History shows you you don't have to spend (a lot)."

In the first 10 days of free agency, nine running backs signed contracts.

Rashad Jennings signed a four-year deal with the New York Giants that included $2.98 million in guarantees.

Signing three-year deals were Toby Gerhart with Jacksonville ($4.5 million guaranteed), Donald Brown with San Diego ($4 million guaranteed) and Anthony Dixon with Buffalo ($750,000 guaranteed).

Besides Starks, two-year contracts were signed by Ben Tate with Cleveland ($2.5 million guaranteed) and Peyton Hillis, who went back to the Giants ($100,000 guaranteed).

Signing one-year deals were Darren McFadden to go back to Oakland ($100,000 guaranteed), Jonathan Dwyer with Arizona ($65,000 guaranteed) and Ahmad Bradshaw to go back to Indianapolis (no guarantees).

Starks, 28, was coming off a four-year rookie contract that averaged $472,575 and had $100,300 in guarantees.

Last season probably was Starks' best in Green Bay, although he was successful as the starter during the four-game championship drive after the 2010 season.

Counting the playoff loss to San Francisco, Starks carried 94 times for 522 yards, three touchdowns and a whopping 5.55-yard average. In contrast, Lacy averaged 4.13 in 305 carries for 1,259 yards.

He averaged just 16.8 snaps in 14 games, missing three October games with a sprained knee.

The process: Tight end Jermichael Finley is at least two months away and maybe several months more from being in position to sign with a team, a source familiar with the situation said this week.

Finley, one of the 10 unsigned players on the Packers' unrestricted list, visited Seattle on March 12. John Schneider, who was scouting for the Packers when they drafted Finley in 2008, is the Seahawks' general manager.

The Seahawks thanked Finley for coming and informed him in so many words to stay in touch after the passage of time would presumably mean additional healing for his bruised spinal cord, according to sources.

Obviously, the Seahawks' opinion will circulate among teams because they were the first club Finley visited.

Finley underwent a cervical fusion Nov. 14 after suffering damage to the C3-C4 area of his spine. He was injured Oct. 20 on a hard hit by Cleveland safety Tashaun Gipson.

Safety Sean Richardson underwent a cervical fusion on Jan. 15, 2013, after suffering a herniated disc in the C5-C6 area of his spine. It was 10½ months later before the Packers' medical staff gave him full clearance to practice and play as a member of the 53-man roster.

Besides Quarless, the Packers have other veterans — Brandon Bostick, Ryan Taylor and Jake Stoneburner — at tight end.

It probably wasn't coincidence that Zach Miller, the Seahawks' starter, signed off on a huge pay cut two days after the visit by Finley. Seattle also has talented underachiever Anthony McCoy, Luke Willson and Travis Beckum at tight end.

Also at play is the $10 million tax-free insurance policy that Finley would collect if he can't play again.

Cap situation: After the signing of Starks, the Packers were $16.149 million beneath their adjusted salary cap of $141.8 million.

They rank eighth in available room, trailing Cleveland ($31.8 million), Cincinnati ($28 million), Oakland ($27 million), Jacksonville ($25.1 million), the New York Jets ($24.4 million), Miami ($19.2 million) and Philadelphia ($16.2 million).

Elsewhere in the NFC North Division, the cap space is $13 million for Minnesota, $7.4 million for Chicago and $2 million for Detroit.

Money count: Hill's two-year deal with the Packers last month was for $1.08 million. It contained no signing bonus.
Follow us: @JournalSentinel on Twitter

 

[Faust]

Video Link:

Front Office View: Best signings of free agency

04:26 – Former general manager Charley Casserly joins "NFL AM" to give his thoughts on some of the best signings of free agency thus far and also reveals who is the best remaining player still on the market.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

When a free agent comes in for a visit, they tour the facilities, have dinner with the brass and perhaps take a physical. Some one that's been in the league for years is not going through any workouts. That happens when a guys a street free agent mid-season.

Aging vets that might not have anything left in the tank will get a work out. They aren't going to just assume he can still run well and right him a multi million dollar check because he said he was 100%.

That's not the way free agency works with veteran players. Its more a recruitment process. If they want to sign him, he will get a physcial. You can read up on it.

When guys that have been out of the league for a while and/or coming off a mjaor injury, like say Beanie Wells, comes into town, then perhaps he gets a workout.

MJD was in for a visit, which is what it sounds like....a visit.

 

[eefflrat]

Any news on Moreno's visit in Miami?

 

[Faust]

an Rapoport ‏@RapSheet 1m

Former Vikings QB/WR Joe Webb is signing with the #Panthers... as a QB, source says.

 

[Slapdash]

Any news on Moreno's visit in Miami?

Left without a deal. Incidentally, Miami has offered ever FA they've brought in so far.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

@SheilKapadia: Michael Vick's career with the Eagles is over. QB signs one-year deal with the Jets: http://t.co/KzpY5hiKrH

 

[humpback]

Any news on Moreno's visit in Miami?

Left without a deal. Incidentally, Miami has offered ever FA they've brought in so far.

He probably screwed this up.

 

[Bri]

Rotoworld:

Texans agreed to terms with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, formerly of the Texans, on a two-year, $7.5 million contract.
The deal includes $4 million guaranteed. The move should signal the end of Matt Schaub's time in Houston. One of the league's streakiest signal callers, "FitzMagic" isn't reliable enough to start, but is an ideal backup. He's a quarterback who can come off the bench and keep an offense moving. In Houston, the bearded Ivy Leaguer will almost certainly be entrusted with mentoring a rookie quarterback. There's a good chance Fitz will start games in 2014, but an even better chance he won't be fantasy relevant outside of deep, two-quarterback formats.

Related: Titans

Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

Fitz isn't a mentor kind of guy. That's an odd statement by roto. I suppose he could, but if he were that type Buffalo and/or TEN would have kept him.

I think Fitz has always been better than a backup, not good enough to start-stuck somewhere in-between.

When he was with the Rams, I loved watching him briefly. He hasn't had as good WRs since.

When we're talking veteran backup I think Fitz is a solid signing for any team.

The NFL as a whole needs to stop weeding out solid veteran QBs that accept (relatively) low salaries for young guys with potential. Too many rosters don't have a solid QB but have three young guys that might someday be great. We need more Fitz's IMO. Guys like Jason Garrett and Frank Reich were quietly important for their teams for so many years. There should be nothing wrong with having a solid backup that produces predictable results. Most teams don't need to draft another young "someday" QB but need a Qb the coach can count on when the young guys stink.

 

[Bri]

The MJD disrespect is ridiculous. He might not be a hall of famer but it's similar to the wrong response common around here when players get old. Not sure what it is-the love for the FF scoring and grrr that it will be gone?

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Free agent LeGarrette Blount will visit the Steelers on Friday.
Blount was originally scheduled to visit on Sunday, but the Steelers decided to push it back until after this week's league meetings. In addition to Pittsburgh, Blount has also drawn interest from the Ravens and Patriots.

Related: Steelers

Source: Aaron Wilson on Twitter

The Baltimore Sun reports the Ravens are interested in LeGarrette Blount.

This move does not make much sense for Baltimore. They already have Ray Rice as the de facto lead back, and Bernard Pierce is waiting in the wings if Rice earns a suspension for his February domestic dispute. Blount could add some insurance, however, and provide a short-yardage hammer for the Ravens. Blount also has interest from the Steelers and the Patriots.

Mar 22 - 9:24 AM
Source: Baltimore Sun

 

[Faust]

Rams coach Jeff Fisher interested in Mark Sanchez

 

[Faust]

Report: MJD reps to meet with four teams in Orlando

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

The Miami Herald hints the Dolphins are not interested in free agent Maurice Jones-Drew.
Top Dolphins beat writer Armando Salguero reports the Dolphins have yet to talk to MJD about a visit or his desire to play in Miami, let alone discuss a contract. The New York Daily News mentioned the Dolphins, Jets, Patriots, and Steelers as teams that plan to visit with Jones-Drew this week at the NFL Owners Meetings. MJD is going to be a complementary piece wherever he lands.

Related: Dolphins

Source: Armando Salguero on Twitter

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

CSN New England reports the Patriots have not contacted free agent Maurice Jones-Drew.
A Monday report claimed the Dolphins, Pats, Steelers, and Jets were "in the hunt" for MJD. Two reports since have shot down Miami and New England's alleged interest. We expect Jones-Drew to either land with the Steelers or Jets at this point. Monday's report may have been agent-driven, attempting to forge a larger market for Jones-Drew than he really has. He's a late-career running back.

Related: Patriots

Source: CSN New England

 

[Faust]

Jets likely in Jones-Drew market, but RB won’t be cheap

 

[Bigboy10182000]

@ProFootballTalk: Bears sign Jared Allen http://t.co/4YHNEWTz2m

 

[Faust]

2014 NFL free agency: Handing out a grade to every NFC team 2014 NFL free agency: Handing out a grade to every AFC team

 

[msudaisy26]

@ProFootballTalk: Bears sign Jared Allen http://t.co/4YHNEWTz2m

Looks like 4 years for 32 million and 15.5 guaranteed

 

[Faust]

Jared Allen's highest offer came from Oakland Raiders

 

[massraider]

Andrew Brandt ‏@adbrandt 31s
Brian Orakpo signs Franchise Tag tender with @Redskins. Now under contract, must attend all mandatory activities or face discipline.

 

[Faust]

Free Agency Losers

 

[The Hank]

Knowshon Moreno signs a 1 yr deal with the Miami Dolphins per Schefter

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Free agent Maurice Jones-Drew is visiting the Raiders.
According to FOX Sports, the sides are "hoping to close a deal quickly." To date, MJD has only visited the Steelers, but the New York Daily News reported earlier this week that the Jets are "in the hunt." Jones-Drew would provide a declining bookend to a fragile Darren McFadden in Oakland. The rebuilding Jags let the veteran runner walk, but the rebuilding Raiders can't stop adding players who are past their prime.

Related: Raiders

Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

 

[RBM]

Funny last line. Jags appear to be on a better path than the Raiders.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

The MJD disrespect is ridiculous. He might not be a hall of famer but it's similar to the wrong response common around here when players get old. Not sure what it is-the love for the FF scoring and grrr that it will be gone?

I guess it's the age, but if he does well it won't be the first time someone was underrated after underperforming coming back from injury. On the other hand, if he lands with the Raiders, not great.

 

[massraider]

The MJD disrespect is ridiculous. He might not be a hall of famer but it's similar to the wrong response common around here when players get old. Not sure what it is-the love for the FF scoring and grrr that it will be gone?

I guess it's the age, but if he does well it won't be the first time someone was underrated after underperforming coming back from injury. On the other hand, if he lands with the Raiders, not great.

True. Look what happened to poor Rashad Jennings when he signed here.