2014 NFL Free Agency Thread

[T3hRaven]

Since we're probably going to see deals start coming in more regularly, might be time to establish a base for Free Agency.

 

Rounding up the deals of the day for the Chicago Bears:

Jay Cutler, QB

Matt Slauson, OG 

Tim Jennings, CB

 

All of these were fantastic and necessary moves for the Bears.  Starting with Cutler, as much as he gets made fun of for INTs or what have you, he is still a top 5 arm talent in the NFL.  Outside of Flacco and maybe Matt Stafford, no one can sling it like he does.  You have an extremely talented group of receivers for at least two more seasons and a coach who did more with Jay Cutler in a year than anyone has since Shanahan had him in Denver, arguably more.  Their coach clearly gets it, and you need a QB to remain competitive in this league.  That's why the Bears made the move, and made it so quickly.  When you go off the tape it's a no brainer, and when a guy like Cosell's first reaction to people on Team McCown is "Oh stop, stop" that pretty much tells you all you need to know.  He's not the best QB, but he is actually a NFL starter.

 

Now Slauson, is he a great guard?  Well PFF this season had him ranked 6th among all guards in the league.  I don't think he's quite that good, but Slauson is a reliable starter and a huge part of fixing that offensive line this year.  I don't know what the numbers are on the deal, but assuming he was affordable this was the right move.

 

Tim Jennings is the one move I'm questioning here.  He's an older corner who lacks ideal size.  While the corners were not the weak part of that defense this year, they did have a need to enter into a youth movement on that side of the ball with the decline of their aging players and the retiring of Urlacher.  If this is a cheap short term deal this might be the right move though.  The real strong player in that secondary though was Charles Tillman, who may or may not be staying in Chicago.  I don't know how his progression back from injury is going, obviously the Bears organization has a far better grasp on that than me, but Tillman is one of the best CBs in this league despite his age.  They probably don't have the cap space for that now.

 

It is possible that the Bucs cut Revis and Tillman reunites with Lovie Smith.  While arguably the top corner in the game, Revis isn't a Tampa 2 guy.  I think Lovie is a smart enough DC that he will run the hybrid man-zone coverage that will allow Revis to do what he does best and shadow the top receiver, but the Bucs would save a tremendous amount of cash by getting rid of him, I believe.  It would be a wasted first rounder in the trade, but that happens when you switch regimes.

[SecretAgentMan]

Chicago still needs a DT. 

 

How much cap does Chicago have? If they have enough Tillman will get franchised...

 

They might draft DTs back to back 

[redlobster]

Chicago still needs a DT. 

 

How much cap does Chicago have? If they have enough Tillman will get franchised...

 

They might draft DTs back to back 

 

I don't think Chicago will franchise him, I think the tag is just shy of 11 million for a cornerback. Do they have that kind of cap space?

[T3hRaven]

I don't think Chicago will franchise him, I think the tag is just shy of 11 million for a cornerback. Do they have that kind of cap space?

 

I don't know, but I doubt it.  As old as he is, he's not worth that much anyway.  But I think it's safe to say the Bears are going defense heavy in the draft.

[GrimCoconut]

Chicago still needs a DT.

How much cap does Chicago have? If they have enough Tillman will get franchised...

They might draft DTs back to back

Arthur Jones??? Louis Nix 3rd?!

[Ravenslifer]

Scary thing I just heard on NFL.com - the two "best" free agent quarterback options are Michael Vick and Mark Sanchez.

[SecretAgentMan]

Scary thing I just heard on NFL.com - the two "best" free agent quarterback options are Michael Vick and Mark Sanchez.

[GrimCoconut]

Mark Sanchez is a free agent???

[Ravenslifer]

Mark Sanchez is a free agent???

 

Ian Rappaport mentioned him and Vick as free agents, and Kirk Cousins and Ryan Mallett as trade options.  So I'm guessing if he isn't now, it's only because they haven't filed the paperwork yet.

[K-Dog]

Scary thing I just heard on NFL.com - the two "best" free agent quarterback options are Michael Vick and Mark Sanchez.

Oh lord, cue the " cut Flacco hire Sanchez " threads.

There Is no hope for this place if that really happens.

[NFLfan123]

The Bucs won't cut Revis this off season, those rumors are ridiculous

[gabefergy]

Arthur Jones??? Louis Nix 3rd?!

Or they can resign Henry Melton, but he is coming off an injury.

[JO_75]

The Bucs won't cut Revis this off season, those rumors are ridiculous

 

Lovie Smith is not that stupid. No matter the scheme they use under him, Lovie will find a way to utilize Revis's talents to the best of his ability.

[NFLfan123]

Lovie Smith is not that stupid. No matter the scheme they use under him, Lovie will find a way to utilize Revis's talents to the best of his ability.

Yup

Idk why people are speculating they will part ways lol

[T3hRaven]

Yup

Idk why people are speculating they will part ways lol

 

Because Revis gets paid a lot and he's not a scheme fit without modification.

[NFLfan123]

Because Revis gets paid a lot and he's not a scheme fit without modification.

He's not leaving Tampa this season

That's the bottom line

Lovie will love to have him

[gabefergy]

Because Revis gets paid a lot and he's not a scheme fit without modification.

Lovie does a lot of different schemes, not strictly Tampa 2. You don't cut your best player because of scheme.

[JO_75]

Lovie does a lot of different schemes, not strictly Tampa 2. You don't cut your best player because of scheme.

 

Lovie just said in his first press conference that there will be room for a cover corner in his scheme. 

 

In what might be the first hold out looming, DeSean Jackson is asking for a new contract TWO YEARS after signing a five year deal. He has three years remaining and is due a base salary of $10.25 M in 2014.

 

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/06/desean-jackson-begins-lobbying-for-new-deal/

[JO_75]

The Dallas Cowboys will release WR bust Miles Austin designated as a post June 1st cut. This will save Dallas $5.5M in cap room, but leaves more than five million in dead money.

 

Also the Jets are expected to release Cromartie who hopes to re-sign with the Jets after being cut. The Jets will save $9.5M in cap room by releasing him.

[T3hRaven]

The Dallas Cowboys will release WR bust Miles Austin designated as a post June 1st cut. This will save Dallas $5.5M in cap room, but leaves more than five million in dead money.

 

Austin is not a bust, he's a UDFA who produced 2 1000+ yard seasons with a good amount of TDs and an additional season over 900 yards.  Dez's arrival has diminished his role, and this season in particular he's been dealing with injuries.  Jerry overpaid him for sure, but he's not a bad player.  Depending on the price, he could be a very interesting guy.

[gabefergy]

The Dallas Cowboys will release WR bust Miles Austin designated as a post June 1st cut. This will save Dallas $5.5M in cap room, but leaves more than five million in dead money.

Also the Jets are expected to release Cromartie who hopes to re-sign with the Jets after being cut. The Jets will save $9.5M in cap room by releasing him.

Austin a bust? Lol

[JO_75]

Austin a bust? Lol

 

Based upon his contract, he never fully earned that big of a contract. 

[Alexir]

Best Free Agent at each position

EDIT:

 

Safety

-Jarius Byrd

 

Outside linebacker

-Brian Orakpo

 

Kicker

-Jay Feely

 

Wide receiver

-Eric Decker

 

Cornerback

-Peanut Tillman Consensus is saying Brent Grimes.

 

Defensive End

-Greg Hardy

 

Defensive Tackle

-BJ Raji

 

Inside linebacker

-Karlos Dansby

 

Quarterback

-Josh McCown

 

Running Back

-Joique Bell

 

Tight End

-Jimmy Graham

 

Punter

-Donnie Jones

 

Guard

-Travelle Wharton

 

Tackle

-Branden Albert

 

Center

-Alex Mack

[Willbacker]

The Bucs won't cut Revis this off season, those rumors are ridiculous

Revis signed a contract with no guaranteed money but I'd still keep him. Bucs have plenty of money to spend..

 

For us we have to look OLine for reasonably priced FAs. Eric Winston at RT(played for 3 teams already) and perhaps Ornberger the backup C at SD(he looked great last week replacing Hardwick) or perhaps steal Velasco from the Steelers(getting Pouncey back). I would also like to see Jensen get a fair shot at LG or C. Hope he's not another Harewood. There's also plenty of Gs available in FA. Oz just needs to make the right decisions especially when he's dealing with Castillo.

 

At RB it'd be nice if we could pick up a power runner for short yardage and possibly be a FB in certain run formations. Don't laugh but I'm thinking Peyton Hillis could be perfect for this.

 

On D I would and I know this is a pipedream but Jairus Byrd would bring back the bite to our D. Arguably he's the best FS in football.

[ravensnick]

Revis signed a contract with no guaranteed money but I'd still keep him. Bucs have plenty of money to spend..

 

For us we have to look OLine for reasonably priced FAs. Eric Winston at RT(played for 3 teams already) and perhaps Ornberger the backup C at SD(he looked great last week replacing Hardwick) or perhaps steal Velasco from the Steelers(getting Pouncey back). I would also like to see Jensen get a fair shot at LG or C. Hope he's not another Harewood. There's also plenty of Gs available in FA. Oz just needs to make the right decisions especially when he's dealing with Castillo.

 

At RB it'd be nice if we could pick up a power runner for short yardage and possibly be a FB in certain run formations. Don't laugh but I'm thinking Peyton Hillis could be perfect for this.

 

On D I would and I know this is a pipedream but Jairus Byrd would bring back the bite to our D. Arguably he's the best FS in football.

Unfortunately, Byrd isnt going to take anything short of premium dollar. He would be a dream come true if he came to baltimore. TJ ward and Chris Clemons are other FA possibilities, but they both will go for a decently high price, but less than byrd. Kendrick lewis could be a cheap replacement, but i dont like him. I feel it would be better to draft a FS.

 

Any chance we could get alex mack for center?

[arnie_uk]

Unfortunately, Byrd isnt going to take anything short of premium dollar. He would be a dream come true if he came to baltimore. TJ ward and Chris Clemons are other FA possibilities, but they both will go for a decently high price, but less than byrd. Kendrick lewis could be a cheap replacement, but i dont like him. I feel it would be better to draft a FS.

Any chance we could get alex mack for center?

I think we can if suggs cap number is rreduced. But they don't like signing on free agents

[T3hRaven]

I think we can if suggs cap number is rreduced. But they don't like signing on free agents

 

No, they don't like signing Free Agents at or above market price, which is actually pretty smart.  Sometimes it's necessary to add a piece IMO, but you can't build through FA.  If someone gets cut or there is a value guy, they'll bring him in.

[Inqui]

Any chance we could get alex mack for center?

I wouldn't bank on it. He'll be tough enough to bring in given our cap situation, but he's also said he'll let the Browns match any offer he gets, and I don't think we win a bidding war with them. It's as if he WANTS to stay in Cleveland for some reason.

[NFLfan123]

Best Free Agent at each position

 

Safety

-Jarius Byrd

 

Outside linebacker

-Brian Orakpo

 

Kicker

-Jay Feely

 

Wide receiver

-Eric Decker

 

Cornerback

-Peanut Tillman

 

Defensive End

-Greg Hardy

 

Defensive Tackle

-BJ Raji

 

Inside linebacker

-Karlos Dansby

 

Quarterback

-Josh McCown

 

Running Back

-Joique Bell

 

Tight End

-Jimmy Graham

 

Punter

-Donnie Jones

 

Guard

-Travelle Wharton

 

Tackle

-Branden Albert

 

Center

-Alex Mack

How in the world is Tillman your number one ranked CB? I would rank 5-6 FA CBs over him. At 33 years old and coming off a torn tricep, he's not what he used to be.

[gabefergy]

Best Free Agent at each position

Safety

-Jarius Byrd

Outside linebacker

-Brian Orakpo

Kicker

-Jay Feely

Wide receiver

-Eric Decker

Cornerback

-Peanut Tillman

Defensive End

-Greg Hardy

Defensive Tackle

-BJ Raji

Inside linebacker

-Karlos Dansby

Quarterback

-Josh McCown

Running Back

-Joique Bell

Tight End

-Jimmy Graham

Punter

-Donnie Jones

Guard

-Travelle Wharton

Tackle

-Branden Albert

Center

-Alex Mack

I'd say Eugene Monroe is the best OT in FA.