Free-agent period

[IE]

With a recently announced $10 million increase in the salary cap, all 32 NFL teams have a little extra space in their wallets and a little more flexibility to be creative.



THREE TEAMS TO WATCH



1. Oakland Raiders: The Raiders haven't played in a postseason game since losing the Super Bowl to the Jon Gruden-coached Buccaneers in 2003, but you can't blame the current front office or coaching staff for such futility. The Carson Palmer trade set them back a few years both in the NFL Draft and in free agency, but entering Year 3 of the Reggie McKenzie/Dennis Allen era, it's time to see what these two can do when given the resources to build a roster. The last two offseasons were all about clearing the books, loading up on young, cheap talent and looking toward 2014. Now 2014 is here, and the Raiders have a league-high $64 million to spend, so all eyes will be on the silver and black come Tuesday.

2. Cleveland Browns: If the Patriots, Steelers and Packers are the league's poster boys for stability and tradition, the Browns are the NFL's poster boys for futility. In February, the team fired yet another GM, and in January, they hired yet another head coach (third coach in 13 months). Ray Farmer (the new GM) and Mike Pettine (the new head coach) actually have a ton of young talent on the roster (Josh Gordon, Joe Haden and Joe Thomas are three of the best players at their respective positions). With close to $50 million to spend this offseason, they could (gulp) finally be ready to compete in the AFC North in 2014. A few savvy signings this week would be steps in the right direction.

3. Indianapolis Colts: The Colts front office and coaching staff believe they're just a few steps away from being a legitimate Super Bowl contender. In 2013, Indianapolis beat the Seahawks, 49ers, and Broncos. Andrew Luck is going to be in talks to ink a megadeal either this year or next, but Indianapolis has more than $40 million to spend this offseason. Philip Rivers, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady aren't getting any younger. Indy's right there. Now's the time to strike while the iron is hot. No one knows this more than outspoken owner Jim Irsay.

 

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FIVE BUDDING YOUNG TALENTS WHO'€™LL ATTRACT THE MOST INTEREST

1. Jairus Byrd, safety, 2013 team - Buffalo Bills: Just 27 years old, Byrd is entering the prime of his career and is coming off his best season yet. He is arguably one of the three best safeties in the NFL. Safeties don't always attract the biggest bucks, but Byrd could buck the trend.

2. Michael Johnson, defensive end, Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals boasted one of the best defensive lines in football in 2013. Unfortunately, they can't all be paid top dollar. Johnson plays every down and is sturdy against the run. Geno Atkins, Carlos Dunlap and Johnson made one of the best young trios in the league. Alas, Johnson will likely end up playing elsewhere in 2014.

3. Eugene Monroe, offensive tackle, Baltimore Ravens: Monroe arrived in Baltimore midseason and immediately took the defending champions' offensive line from one of the worst in the league back to the middle of the pack. After starring in obscurity in Jacksonville, the former top 10 pick out of Virginia could fetch top dollar from a playoff contender in need of some stability on the blind side.

4. Lamarr Houston, defensive end/defensive tackle, Oakland Raiders: Young defensive ends who can excel in a 3-4 and 4-3 scheme do not grow on trees. Houston, just 26, starred for a Raiders team that didn't get much national attention or prime-time pub over the past four years. Versatile, hungry and capable of getting to the quarterback and stopping the run, he should fetch big dollars come Tuesday afternoon.

5. Alterraun Verner, cornerback, Tennessee Titans: Verner is not a household name yet, but he will be soon. I asked a GM recently his thoughts on the 25-year-old player, and he told me Verner was recognized as one of the very best in the game. That tells you something. Cornerback Sam Shields got big money to stay with the Packers last week. I'd be surprised if Verner doesn't get even more.



FIVE NAMES YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW WHO COULD ATTRACT BIG MONEY THIS WEEK



1. Alex Mack, center, Cleveland Browns: Mack has been one of the few bright spots for a Browns team that's lived in the AFC North cellar for much of the time he's played there. The Browns put a transition tag on him, which means they can match any offer for Mack but won't receive compensation if he signs elsewhere. Right now, the market is set for about $10 million in 2014. Don't be shocked if a team spreads the salary out over a long-term contract and snatches him away.

2. Linval Joseph, defensive tackle, New York Giants: On a defensive line featuring bigger names like Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Jason Pierre-Paul, Joseph has quietly become one of the more promising defensive tackles in the NFL. Just 25 and probably a bit out of the Giants' pay range, Joseph could fetch top dollar this week and cause more than a few fans to scratch their heads and ask, "Who?!"

3. Jared Veldheer, offensive tackle, Oakland Raiders: Out of tiny Hillsdale College and playing on prime time twice a year (at most) in Oakland, Veldheer quietly morphed into one of the league's top 10 offensive tackles. Capable of playing the right side or left and still improving, Veldheer could see a surprisingly big payday this week from a team hungry to bolster its offensive line.

4. Art Jones, defensive tackle, Baltimore Ravens: Jones isn't as famous as his two brothers - New England Patriots 2012 first-round pick Chandler and UFC star Jon - but he's about to have an awfully nice payday. The versatile big fella had his best season as a pro in 2013 and is the rare defensive tackle that can consistently get to the quarterback and also be sturdy against the run.

5. Corey Wooten, defensive tackle, Chicago Bears: Wooten had a big 2012 season in a 4-3 scheme with seven sacks on the edge, but was moved to the 3 technique in 2013. It wasn't the right fit. In early January, he had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his hip and will be fully healthy by May. Still just 26, lots of potential here. A good fit for a 4-3 team with pass rushing needs.






FIVE VETERAN FREE AGENTS WHO STILL HAVE AT LEAST 2-3 GOOD YEARS IN THEM

1. Justin Tuck, defensive end, New York Giants: Tuck didn't have the type of 2012 or 2013 he probably wanted, but still showed flashes. Osi Umenyiora got a fairly big deal with the Falcons, and Dwight Freeney got one with the Chargers last year. Tuck has more than just a little game left in his legs and wants a third ring.

2. Donte Whitner, safety, San Francisco 49ers: A locker room leader, a fierce hitter and strong in coverage, Whitner still has a lot to offer. Talk to receivers around the league, and they'll tell you Whitner is still one of the safeties they fear the most.

3. Kevin Williams, defensive tackle, Minnesota Vikings: An 11-year veteran and onetime star of a feared defensive unit, Williams played just 66 percent of the Vikings' defensive snaps last season. He missed one game (the season opener) in 2013, marking the first time he missed a game since 2005. When needed, he stepped in at nose tackle and played well versus the Redskins in a rare Vikings victory.

4. Jon Beason, linebacker, New York Giants: When the Giants acquired Beason at the start of the 2013 season, it seemed like it was a guy who was on his last legs. Then, he ended up being the best player on the defense. When healthy, Beason is one of the most reliable linebackers in the game. Amazing veteran leader, too.

5. Tyson Clabo, offensive tackle, Miami Dolphins: After eight years with the Falcons, Clabo signed a one-year deal with Miami and played in 15 games on the most dysfunctional offensive line in the league. Back on the free-agent market, he's still got some good football left in him.

 

[IX_Bender]

Cap't Obv loves him some McCown to Bucs.

 

[AR182]

I am hoping the Giants will be able to keep Joseph & Beason & think Tuck will resign with the Giants....

 

[AR182]

Since he is only 26, I think Revis will be a hot commodity when he is released....

 

[bjfinste]

The Raiders have done a pretty nice job at trying to erase the blackboard created by the previous front office. That team/roster was so poorly run, and had so many awful contracts that it was going to be an epic rebuilding job by anyone taking over. Phase I is pretty much complete and these guys have more or less a clean slate to start with (although still hampered with a few more traded-away draft picks). I'm very interested to see what these guys are able to do the next couple years.

 

[gardenweasel]

denver signs two defensive backfielders in ward( at 5.5 mill a season..reasonable according to some sources) and talib(for 57 mill/26 guaranteed) and look to sign ware....i guess the lure of legal weed helps loads when you`re trying to buy a championship....

i hope the `9ers trounce them in the super bowl...

 

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The Chargers have agreed to sign Donald Brown, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The deal is similar to the one signed by Toby Gerhart earlier today. It?s a three-year pact worth $10.5MM with $4MM guaranteed.

Brown is cashing in coming off his best season as a pro, setting career highs in yards per carry and rushing touchdowns. Brown salvaged the Colts? running game after Trent Richardson struggled to fit in to the team?s game plan.

Brown will join Danny Woodhead and Ryan Mathews in the Chargers? backfield. He would be a great complement to Woodhead if Mathews injury concerns force Woodhead into an every down role.

 

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Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun has provided plenty of interesting tidbits on Twitter this morning, so let?s round up a few of the highlights.

Wilson first reported yesterday that if Steve Smith is cut by the Panthers, the veteran receiver would draw serious interest from the Ravens, and it sounds like that interest would be mutual. Sources tell Wilson that Smith would be ?highly interested? in Baltimore if he becomes a free agent.



It looks like the first free agent visit for defensive lineman Antonio Smith will be with the Redskins, as Wilson reports that Smith is heading to Washington today. We heard yesterday that the longtime Texan would also meet with the Titans, Rams, and Raiders, though the visit to St. Louis was shot down in a later report.

 

[AR182]

The Raiders have done a pretty nice job at trying to erase the blackboard created by the previous front office. That team/roster was so poorly run, and had so many awful contracts that it was going to be an epic rebuilding job by anyone taking over. Phase I is pretty much complete and these guys have more or less a clean slate to start with (although still hampered with a few more traded-away draft picks). I'm very interested to see what these guys are able to do the next couple years.

The Raiders letting their OT & DT go was very puzzling....They are both young & very productive & were 2 guys to build around, not let walk out the door....The Ghost of Al Davis is still around the Raiders offices...

 

[gardenweasel]

The Chargers have agreed to sign Donald Brown, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The deal is similar to the one signed by Toby Gerhart earlier today. It?s a three-year pact worth $10.5MM with $4MM guaranteed.

Brown is cashing in coming off his best season as a pro, setting career highs in yards per carry and rushing touchdowns. Brown salvaged the Colts? running game after Trent Richardson struggled to fit in to the team?s game plan.

Brown will join Danny Woodhead and Ryan Mathews in the Chargers? backfield. He would be a great complement to Woodhead if Mathews injury concerns force Woodhead into an every down role.

i agree totally about donald brown(sort of surprised the colts let him go)....he seemed a bit lost early on in his career but appears to have found his niche.......he may not have the physicality to be an every down back(even though he was very durable in college),but,with matthews filling that role,he(along with woodhead) will be very effective complements in that backfield....love the idea of having two,quick,well rounded gamers like woodhead and brown providing depth....

chargers on the come?....a darkhorse?.......could be...i like what they`re doing....

 

[AR182]

i agree totally about donald brown(sort of surprised the colts let him go)....he seemed a bit lost early on in his career but appears to have found his niche.......he may not have the physicality to be an every down back(even though he was very durable in college),but,with matthews filling that role,he(along with woodhead) will be very effective complements in that backfield....love the idea of having two,quick,well rounded gamers like woodhead and brown providing depth....

chargers on the come?....a darkhorse?.......could be...i like what they`re doing....

I like Donal Brown also....

 

[bleedingpurple]

Very happy the purple were able to land Joseph

 

[IX_Bender]

Mercenary Revis sets up his island on a 1 year 12m dollar deal with NE

 

[AR182]

Mercenary Revis sets up his island on a 1 year 12m dollar deal with NE

He is like Deion, going from team to team for money....

Anyway NE had to make this deal after losing the other guy....

 

[IX_Bender]

Yeah, Patties fans are thrilled but I don't see anyway hes not this years Talib.


One and done.

Paid to play, and will play well (big contract year), then goes off to a big multi year abusrd payload for some other team on the 'verge' that doesn't see the final year of it (just like TB)

 

[AR182]

Yeah, Patties fans are thrilled but I don't see anyway hes not this years Talib.


One and done.

Paid to play, and will play well (big contract year), then goes off to a big multi year abusrd payload for some other team on the 'verge' that doesn't see the final year of it (just like TB)

He is just playing the game....

Don't know if I disagree with it....

 

[bjfinste]

The Raiders letting their OT & DT go was very puzzling....They are both young & very productive & were 2 guys to build around, not let walk out the door....The Ghost of Al Davis is still around the Raiders offices...

Agree on both guys. The only thing that I can think is that they were both holdovers from when Davis was still around and running the show and they want to completely turn the page. Veldheer is a really nice pickup by Arizona; exactly what it needed at what was arguably the weakest spot on the roster.

 

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The Arizona Cardinals have signed former Panthers WR/KR Ted Ginn Jr to a 3-year deal.

 

[IE]

The Oakland Raiders have signed DE Justin Tuck.