NFL Free Agency begins at 4:00pm this afternoon, and we here at SportSmasher.com are hearing a lot of rumors and have spent the last few days trying to get a feel for what areas each team is targeting this offseason, and trying to separate fact from fiction. Here are the news, notes and tidbits of information that we are hearing as we approach Free Agency:
- The biggest contract that will be inked today will be when former Kansas City Chiefs left tackle Branden Albert signs his deal with the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins allowed the most sacks in the NFL in 2013, and their offensive line was struggling before they lost starters Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito to the much publicized bullying scandal, so they will revamp this unit this offseason through free agency and the draft.
- Another player that will get paid is former Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson, who has some interest from the Minnesota Vikings (who would really like to upgrade their pass rush), but it seems that the favorites to land Johnson are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs like Johnson and vice versa, and with mutual interest, a long term deal should be struck.
- A hot name over the past few days has been former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Andre Roberts, an underrated player, but multiple sources confirm that the is expected to sign with the Washington Redskins.
- The Cleveland Browns are expected to sign former 49ers safety Donte Whitner, who is a local product, and who attended Ohio State University.
- The Browns are also expected to sign former Chiefs running back/slot receiver/return specialist Dexter McCluster, who apparently is following General Manager Ray Farmer over from Kansas City.
- With Whitner signing with the Browns, fellow safety T.J. Ward is expected to leave Cleveland, and his biggest suitors have been the Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions. Chip Kelly was Ward’s college coach at Oregon, so I would say the Eagles are slight favorites.
- I have heard from multiple sources that they would be “shocked” if former Vikings pass rusher Jared Allen did not sign with the Denver Broncos.
- Another hot name right now is massive New York Giants defensive tackle Linval Joseph, who the Giants would love to keep, but who could prove to be too costly. The Dallas Cowboys would love to sign Joseph, however they would not have the cap space to do so, unless they cut DeMarcus Ware. The Redskins and Vikings are also among several interested teams.
- Hakeem Nicks has played his last game in New York, the former Giants wideout has multiple teams interested, and would love to play for his hometown Carolina Panthers. However, keep an eye on the Baltimore Ravens and Indianapolis Colts, both teams are very interested.
- It sounds like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will release Darrelle Revis today, and many teams will be interested in the cornerback who signed a giant contract just last offseason, with the New England Patriots leading the way. Other interested teams include the Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts and others.
- If the Tampa Bay Bucs are able to trade Darrelle Revis, it would have to be a team with significant cap space, and the Cleveland Browns are being mentioned as a potential destination.
- The Denver Broncos want to retain wide receiver Eric Decker, however he has a lot of suitors, including some unexpected ones. His hometown Minnestoa Vikings and the Oakland Raiders are interested in Decker, as is the Indianapolis Colts. Hard to imagine leaving Peyton Manning for the quarterback situations in Oakland or Minnesota, however money talks.
- The Redskins seem committed to upgrading their secondary, they are sniffing around all of the cornerbacks, but ESPN’s John Clayton predicts that talented but troubled former Patriots cornerback Aquib Talib ends up in Washington.
- The Arizona Cardinals have made upgrading their left tackle position a priority this offseason, and word is they are likely to sign former Raiders left tackle Jared Veldheer once free agency starts.
- The New York Giants are looking to rebuild their offensive line, and are targeting both former Kansas City Chiefs guard/tackle Geoff Schwartz and former Green Bay Packers center Evan Dietrich-Smith at the start of free agency, both players could sign with Big Blue. Count the St. Louis Rams as another suitor for Geoff Schwartz.
- Cornerback Dominique Rogers-Cromartie is expected to stay with the Denver Broncos, the two sides are working together, trying to get a deal done.
- Offensive tackle Eugene Monroe is expected to sign a long term deal to remain the left tackle of the Baltimore Ravens.
- Offensive guard Jon Asamoah, formally of the Kansas City Chiefs is getting a lot of interest from the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons among other teams.
- The Carolina Panthers are trying to trade wide receiver Steve Smith, who has played his entire career with the team, and they are receiving interest from teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles and others.
- After missing out on defensive end Michael Bennett, who re-signed with the Seattle Seahawks earlier this week, the Chicago Bears are pushing hard to sign former Oakland Raiders defensive lineman Lamar Houston.
- I hear that the New York Jets are interested in former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate.
- The New York Jets are also very interested in former Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis, who the Colts would like back. I have also heard the Jets tied to former Carolina Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn, so upgrading cornerback seems like a priority for Gang Green.
- I have heard that former Saints running back Darren Sproles has interest from the Washington Redskins, New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos among others.
- Former Tennessee Titans cornerback Alterraun Verner has been a very hot name in recent days, with the Denver Broncos, New York Jets and New England Patriots all interested.
- The New York Giants want to keep Justin Tuck, and Justin Tuck wants to stay with the New York Giants, and I hear both sides are working towards a deal.
- An interesting free agent is safety Jarius Byrd, who is expected to leave the Buffalo Bills, and who Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine is trying to talk into joining him in Cleveland. Pettine was Byrd’s defensive coordinator in Buffalo. I have heard the Philadelphia Eagles or Detriot Lions could also emerge as suitors.
- It sounds like the Cleveland Browns will sign former Houston Texas quarterback Matt Schaub, who could begin the year as the starter, as they slowly bring along whichever quarterback they select in the 2014 NFL Draft.
- The Washington Redskins re-signed linebacker Perry Riley to a multiyear contract, however, they are still looking for inside linebackers. One to keep an eye on is former Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes.
- Chicago Bears backup quarterback Josh McCown was impressive while filling in for injured Jay Cutler last season, and the Bears would love to keep him as Cutler insurance, but he has other suitors including the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Bucs and Houston Texans.
- The New York Giants would really like to sign former Packers tight end Andrew Quarless, who played under Giants offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo in Green Bay, but they have competition. I have heard that six to eight teams are interested in Quarless.
- Former Carolina Panthers safety Mike Mitchell is generating some buzz, and the Panthers would like to keep him, but the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills are among the other interested teams.
- The Tennessee Titans are expected to cut running back Chris Johnson, they are trying to trade him right now, but it’s tough to trade a player when everyone knows you are going to cut him.
- Former Jacksonville Jaguars star running back Maurice Jones-Drew has drawn interest from the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets.
- The Oakland Raiders are sniffing around at running backs, including their own Rashad Jennings, and Knowshon Moreno.
- Moreno is also getting interest from the Miami Dolphins.
- I have heard former Houston Texans running back Ben Tate linked to the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets and Tennessee Titans.
- I have heard that the Baltimore Ravens could make a late push for Cleveland Browns center Alex Mack, who everyone was expecting to stay in Cleveland as recently as last night.
- Several teams with needs along the defensive line are interested in underrated Houston Texans defensive tackle Earl Mitchell, who one source told me could be the best value of this free agent class.
- Have heard the Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots and New York Giants all linked to former Green Bay Packers tight end JerMichael Finley, but he first needs to pass a physical, as he is still recovering from a scary bruised spinal cord injury.
- The Chicago Bears had some discussions about trading defensive end Julius Peppers, but I hear that with his career winding down and his massive contract, that a trade would be totally impossible.
- The New England Patriots are interested in former Steelers wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, but they are not alone, keep an eye on the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions.
- Former Rams offensive lineman Roger Saffold was reported to be close to signing with the Oakland Raiders as recently as last night, but I’m hearing that a deal did not get done, and while the Raiders are still a possibility he could sign elsewhere.
- New England is trying to keep Julian Edelman, but if they are unable to do so, they have backup options. These are rumored to be Darren Sproles or Emmanuel Sanders.
- The Houston Texans have released tight end Owen Daniels, who I’ve already heard could land in Baltimore, due to his ties to former Texans head coach and former Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak.
- DeMarcus Ware is not happy with the Dallas Cowboys, and has demanded that they decide on his future prior to the 4pm beginning of free agency.
- The Atlanta Falcons have re-signed defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux, the interest reuniting was mutual by both parties.
- Former Bills linebacker Arthur Moats will join his former defensive coordinator Mike Pettine with the Cleveland Browns.
- Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones has interest from the New York Giants, New York Jets and Detroit Lions. Giants offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo was the Packers QB coach last season, and will be installing a similar offense in New York.
- The Detroit Lions will keep running back Joique Bell, who they signed to a two year deal.
- Defensive end Tyson Jackson is a free agent, and the Chiefs would like to keep him, but the Falcons, Dolphins and others are also interested.
- The Washington Redskins could be a landing spot for talented but troubled former Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt, I’m told it would be a low risk deal for the Redskins.
- The New York Giants have made an offer to former Raiders running back Rashad Jennings. It is believed that Jennings will take the offer to the Raiders before the 4pm deadline to see if Oakland will match.
- The Buffalo Bills are pushing hard to keep tight end Scott Chandler before the 4pm deadline.
- The Cleveland Browns have been the most active team by far today, they will apparently sign linebacker Karlos Dansby, his other suitors (including Titans and Cardinals) feel they are out.
- The New York Giants have re-signed backup running back Peyton Hillis to low risk two year deal.
- Do not count out the Oakland Raiders as a potential landing spot for Darrelle Revis via trade, according to multiple sources. Oakland is interested.
- A sleeper team for former Packers wide receiver James Jones is the Seattle Seahawks.
- Former Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Arthur Jones, a Chuck Pagano favorite, will sign with the Indianapolis Colts. Jones had a lot of teams interested. He is the brother of Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones and UFL light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones.
- The New York Giants have resigned safety Stevie Brown, who missed the entire 2013 season with a knee injury, but was one of the league’s most improved players in 2012.
- The New England Patriots were unable to reach an agreement with wide receiver Julian Edelman and he will test the free agent market.
- The New England Patriots have a visit scheduled with linebacker Wesley Woodyard, who they think would be a good fit for their defensive scheme.
- Denver Broncos will keep wide receiver Andre Caldwell on a two year deal.
- The Baltimore Ravens are interested if the Carolina Panthers part ways with wide receiver Steve Smith via trade or release.
- The Cincinnati Bengals have cut center Kyle Cook, who started all 16 games for the team in 2014.
- The Baltimore Ravens are interested in Julian Edelman, who the Patriots want back, but who will test the market.
- There was interest in Atlanta Falcons center Joe Hawley, but he will remain with the Falcons on a two year deal, he would not have lasted long on the open market.
- The Texans have released cornerback Brice McCain.
- The Giants and backup quarterback Curtis Painter have agreed that he will return to the team.
- The New York Jets would like to keep offensive tackle Austin Howard, however he is expected to hit the market, and several teams have already reached out to him. Jets making late push to keep him in New York.
- ESPN’s Ed Werder is reporting that the Dallas Cowboys are likely to release DeMarcus Ware today, a shocking move, because they repeatedly talk about being in “Win Now” mode. Cutting your best defensive player is no way to “Win Now”. Expect a lot of interest from both 3-4 and 4-3 teams, although aware is older and has some injury concerns, he’s still one of the best pass rushers in the league.
- The Atlanta Falcons have released Pro Bowl safety Thomas DeCoud.
- Roger Saffold, as discussed above the Raiders were interested, and he has agreed with Oakland. Done deal.
- Branden Albert to Miami as discussed above is a done deal.
- Earl Mitchell, the Texans defensive tackle is visiting the Dolphins tonight, and the team plans on signing him.
- Former Broncos offensive guard Zane Beadles has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
- The 49ers acted quickly to replace Donte Whitner and signed former Indianapolis Colts safety Antoine Bethea.
- Other done deals discussed above: Donte Whitner to the Browns, Michael Johnson to the Bucs, Lamar Houston to the Bears, Karlos Dansby to the Browns, Arthur Jones to the Colts, Jared Veldheer to the Cardinals, Andre Roberts to the Redskins, Eugene Monroe stays with Ravens.
- Former Giants tight end Brandon Myers has signed with the Tampa Bay Bucs.
- Former Seahawks defensive tackle Clinton McDonald has signed with Tampa Bay Bucs.
- Former Browns guard Sean Lauvao had signed with the Washington Redskins.
- The Tennessee Titans have signed former Kansas City Chiefs return man and offensive weapon Dexter McCluster.
- Linebacker D.J. Williams stays with Bears on one year deal.
- 49ers release cornerback Carlos Rogers.
- The Atlanta Falcons sign guard Jon Asamoah, defensive end Tyson Jackson and defensive tackle Paul Soliai. Clearly they are trying to improve in the trenches.
- The Jaguars signed former Seattle Seahawks corner Walter Thurmond, who follows his old coordinator Gus Bradley to Jacksonville.
- The New York Giants have signed versatile linebacker O’Brien Schofield,who won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks in 2014. Productive player who can help them rush the passer.
- As discussed earlier, the Giants have also added offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz who can play both guard and tackle. Will likely start at guard in 2014, but the versatility he brings is an added bonus.
- Cornerback Vontae Davis resigns with the Indianapolis Colts.
- The Philadelphia Eagles signed former Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins to a three year deal worth over $16 million.
- The Jaguars traded former first round pick quarterback Blaine Gabbert to the 49ers for a sixth round pick.
- Former Browns safety T.J. Ward has signed with the Broncos as rumored earlier. Big upgrade in Denver.
- Former Raiders running back Rashad Jennings is flying to New York to sign with the Giants.