
2017 NFL Free Agency: Latest Buzz, Rumors Surrounding Every Team
Now that the dust is settling from all the Week 1 NFL free agency hysteria, we are now settling into the second wave of free agency, also known as the "a guy who wanted a lot of money but never got it so is now scouring the league for work" period.
There have been some interesting rumors that have developed over the past few days from possible trades to meetings and lots of speculation surrounding players and their potential landing spots.
In this slideshow we'll cover all of that and also some of the more recent signings and the impacts they'll have on that respective team.
There are a few teams that made me work to find any kind of news, so be ready to ask yourself "who?" when certain players are mentioned.
From Tampa Bay Buccaneers center Joe Hawley to New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, here is the latest buzz and rumors surrounding the NFL.
Arizona Cardinals: Recently Re-Signed Andre Ellington to Play More WR?
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According to Kent Somers of AZCentral.com, the Arizona Cardinals plan to use recently re-signed running back Andre Ellington more at wide receiver in 2017.
Ellington, a former sixth-round draft pick by the team, reupped this offseason on a one-year pact after multiple up-and-down seasons with the team.
In his career running the ball, Ellington has a 4.2-yards-per-carry average, but when asked to carry the load (more than 15 carries in a game) for the Cardinals prior to the arrival of incumbent starting running back David Johnson, Ellington struggled, averaging just under three yards per carry.
However, Ellington has always been noted for his receiving ability. During the first two years of his career, Ellington averaged nearly 60 targets and 43 receptions a season before suffering groin, lower leg, toe and knee injuries that ultimately left him with very little playing time (and also adding that guy Johnson didn't help, either).
Based on his receiving numbers, a move to wide receiver wouldn't be that outlandish.
After cutting ties with wide receiver Michael Floyd, the Cardinals were unable to find another wide receiver during free agency. Adding the 5'9" Ellington is not nearly anything close to what Floyd was, but at least they will have a way to get his pass-catching abilities on the field.
There is obviously no way that Ellington finds himself playing the majority of the snaps at receiver, but when asked, he could make for a decent slot weapon.
This is quite the creative way to get Ellington involved. He has talent, but he's not cut out to be an every-down, complete running back.
Atlanta Falcons: Team Signed DT Dontari Poe
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After visiting with the team earlier in the week, the Atlanta Falcons pulled the trigger and signed former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Dontari Poe, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Set to replace former defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux, Poe is a big, athletic defensive tackle who has been known for stuffing the run throughout his career.
However, in 2016, the Chiefs gave up over 121 yards rushing per game (seventh in the NFL) and 4.4 yards per carry (tied for ninth in the NFL).
Though Poe may have had a down season in that department, he has shown that he can be a premier defender against the run, grading out as the 12th-best run defender among nose tackles and defensive tackles in 2015, according to Pro Football Focus.
If Poe is able to turn it around with the change of scenery coupled with being in a dome, the reigning NFC champions will have quite the asset in a division that is filled with quality runners.
At one year and $8 million, what's the worst that can go wrong? Low risk, high reward here.
He'll join a defensive line where he is set to start alongside Grady Jarrett in the team's 4-3 set.
Baltimore Ravens: Team Signed CB Brandon Carr
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After reportedly offering former Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne in excess of $5 million, the Baltimore Ravens decided to instead sign another notable Cowboys cornerback, Brandon Carr.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the contract is essentially a one-year deal with multiple options that could make the contract evolve into a four-year, $24 million deal. However, Schefter also says that it is likely to end up in a two-year, $12 million deal—this makes sense as Carr is 31 years old and has played in every single possible game since coming into the league in 2008 with the Kansas City Chiefs.
While his streak may be impressive, the Ravens are inheriting a player who graded out as PFF's No. 48 cornerback (among 81 qualifiers) but played in over 96 percent of the Cowboys' snaps in 2016.
The Ravens secondary is shaping up to feature Carr, safeties Eric Weddle and Tony Jefferson as well as fellow cornerback Jimmy Smith.
If the team is able to get even average production out of Carr, it should be considered a win.
Buffalo Bills: Team to Host CB DeShawn Shead
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According to Sheil Kapadia of ESPN.com, the Buffalo Bills are set to host free-agent cornerback DeShawn Shead.
After losing Stephon Gilmore to the New England Patriots and with Nickell Robey-Coleman still on the open market, the Bills do need another corner.
However, Shead is coming off a gruesome injury in which he tore the ACL and meniscus in the divisional round during these past playoffs with the Seattle Seahawks, so it's a question of when he'll be able to play.
Kapadia noted earlier this month that Shead was unlikely to be ready for Week 1 before Seattle eventually decided to not extend a tendered offer, making him a free agent.
When Shead visits with the Bills, he'll have an extensive meeting with the medical staff. If the Bills think he can return in 2017, one would think they'd have interest in signing PFF's No. 28 overall corner, who played in over 88 percent of the Seahawks' snaps.
A tandem of Shead and Ronald Darby could be a good one, but the biggest question now is the stability of Shead's knee.
Carolina Panthers: Teams Inquiring on S Tre Boston?
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According to Bill Voth of Black and Blue Review, at least one team has called the Carolina Panthers about the availability of safety Tre Boston.
Boston, a former fourth-round pick by the team, became more expendable after the Panthers signed safety Mike Adams this offseason.
As of right now, Boston is third on the team's free safety depth chart, according to Ourlads.
After playing in 83.5 percent of the team's snaps in 2016, Boston finished the year as the league's No. 49 safety (among 91 qualifiers).
Based off the team's secondary woes as of late, it's unlikely that the Panthers will jump to deal Boston until after or during the draft where, by all accounts, the safety position is one held in high regard this year.
The offer for Boston was likely a late-round or conditional pick, so expect the Panthers to wait and see how the safety market plays out before the decide to do anything with Boston.
Chicago Bears: Team Hosted DL Vance Walker
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After missing the entire 2016 season due to a torn ACL, former Denver Broncos defensive lineman Vance Walker has met with the Chicago Bears, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com.
Approaching age 30, Walker's last season was one to be proud of, grading out as PFF's No. 18 3-4 defensive end (among 57 qualifiers) in 2015..
As Fowler also notes, the Broncos are interested in bringing back Walker, too.
From an on-field perspective, Walker is a solid fit for the Bears, who could use depth on the corners of the defensive line. Under Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the team runs a 3-4 defense (what the Broncos employed in 2015), whereas in 2016 and most likely under new head coach Vance Joseph, the Broncos have and will run a 4-3.
Known for his run-stopping capabilities, Walker would join fellow defensive ends Mitch Unrein and Akiem Hicks.
If Walker is healthy enough, this appears to be a solid scheme fit and a low-risk signing as the Bears look to improve upon their mark of allowing over 120 rushing yards per game (sixth in the NFL).
Cincinnati Bengals: Team Hosted LB Keenan Robinson
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According to Josina Anderson of ESPN, the Cincinnati Bengals met with former New York Giants linebacker Keenan Robinson.
Given the current state of the Bengals linebackers, a signing of Robinson would probably be depth-based as he really hasn't been the most productive player during his entire career.
After three sacks over the past three seasons, don't expect Robinson to be finding any starting gigs anytime soon.
Cleveland Browns: Team Interested in QB Geno Smith?
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According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Cleveland Browns are said to have interest in former New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith.
On the contrary, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com has reported that she's "not getting the vibe" that the team is.
The Browns currently have Cody Kessler, Kevin Hogan and Brock Osweiler (whom the team wants to trade) on the quarterback depth chart.
If the team were to be interested in Smith, one would think that might imply that the team is seeking a veteran backup for Kessler as they wait to see what they can get in the draft or try to acquire someone like New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo or maybe even Kirk Cousins of the Washington Redskins.
Smith is coming off a 2016 that included a torn ACL and hasn't been anything to brag about since being drafted in the second round in 2013.
If the Browns want him, there appears to be very little competition for his services.
Dallas Cowboys: What's Up with QB Tony Romo?
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Due to the lack of news surrounding the Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, we'll use this platform as an open forum for wondering what the heck is going on with him?
It's a foregone conclusion that the Cowboys are parting ways with Romo, but they have yet to release or trade the veteran.
Earlier this week, Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that teams have called the Cowboys' bluff about trading Romo—well, yeah, it's not going to happen.
I'm not quite sure what the holdup is anymore.
Sure, the Cowboys will have nearly $20 million in dead money by releasing Romo before June 1, but there is always the option of designating this as a post-June 1 release, which would leave the Cowboys with just under $11 million in dead money.
Either way, something needs to be done.
Pro tip: If there are reports that you plan to release a player, don't backtrack and then try to trade a player that you've said you'd release.
Let's get Romo to the Houston Texans or Denver Broncos already.
Denver Broncos: Team Interested in OT King Dunlap
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Still exploring ways to upgrade their offensive line, the Denver Broncos seem to have some interest in the services of former Chargers offensive tackle King Dunlap, according to Troy Renck of Denver 7.
As Renck notes, there is a connection between Dunlap and new Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy, whom Dunlap played under for four seasons during the team's time in San Diego.
However, there are a few hiccups.
First (and most importantly), Dunlap was arrested in February following the violation of a protection order. This leaves some uncertainty as it is unclear how the league office will respond to this situation.
Secondly, Dunlap is coming off a season in which PFF ranked him as the No. 47 offensive tackle (among 76 qualifiers).
The Broncos do have some serious holes on their offensive line—including left tackle—and Dunlap could help shore it up, but the Broncos would be wise to address the position in the draft.
Detroit Lions: Team Hosting G Tim Lelito
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In an effort to keep upgrading their offensive line, the Detroit Lions met with free-agent guard Tim Lelito on Wednesday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
With no contract offer known, we will have to wait and see what the Lions do from here.
Playing in 13 games at left guard for the New Orleans Saints in 2016, Lelito graded out as PFF's No. 42 overall guard (among 77 qualifiers).
While that may not be anything to get overly excited about, Lelito offers versatility along the offensive line, having played at right tackle and center for the other three games in 2016.
The Lions bolstered their starters along the offensive line this offseason in signing guard T.J. Lang and right tackle Ricky Wagner, but a move to bring in Lelito in case of an injury makes a lot of sense for the Lions given his versatility.
Green Bay Packers: A Possible Team for RB Adrian Peterson?
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With running back Eddie Lacy gone to the Seattle Seahawks and with only Ty Montgomery as the only notable running back on the roster, the Green Bay Packers may be in search for another running back.
No, former Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson hasn't officially been linked to the team, but it makes for an interesting pairing.
With that said, I'm not sure I can handle another big-name free-agent signing by Packers general manager Ted Thompson—more than one per decade is just too much for him.
In the same division as the Vikings, Peterson would be able to go up against his former team twice a year.
This is more so speculation, but there isn't a ton of news surrounding the Packers in wake of signing tight end Martellus Bennett.
The chances are extremely low, but maybe the Packers will extend an invitation for a visit to Peterson.
Houston Texans: Team Interested in CB Malcolm Butler?
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Earlier this week, it was reported by Eric Edholm of Yahoo Sports that the Houston Texans were interested in New England Patriots restricted free-agent cornerback Malcolm Butler.
In wake of the Pats extending a megadeal to Stephon Gilmore, Butler has been at the center of plenty of trade controversy.
However, it appears the Texans may miss their chance on Butler, as he and the New Orleans Saints are "motivated to make a deal," according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The Texans have had a fairly quiet offseason minus the trade that sent quarterback Brock Osweiler to the Cleveland Browns.
A deal for Butler would be huge, but again, the Texans appear to be complete long shots at this point.
Indianapolis Colts: Team to Meet with NT John Jenkins
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After playing in 217 snaps with the Seattle Seahawks in 2016, free-agent nose tackle John Jenkins has received interest from the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Currently, the Colts could use some depth at nose tackle, where they have David Parry and T.Y. McGill.
Parry finished as PFF's fourth-worst defensive/nose tackle in 2016 playing in 644 snaps, whereas McGill finished just outside the top 20 in just over 300 snaps.
Jenkins is a behemoth of human being at 6'3" and 359 pounds, so he's nothing more than a pure nose tackle.
Both the Bears and Colts play a 3-4, so this makes sense.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Team Hosting TE Chris Gragg
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According to former Buffalo Bills tight end Chris Gragg himself, he met with the Jacksonville Jaguars and his former head coach during his days in Buffalo, Doug Marrone, earlier this week.
That's the key here—Marrone, the new Jaguars head coach.
Back in 2013, when Marrone was the head coach of the Bills, the team drafted Gragg in the seventh round.
Coming off an ACL tear in 2016, Gragg hasn't done a whole lot in his career but has a decent athletic profile.
After dealing tight end Julius Thomas to the Miami Dolphins earlier this offseason, the Jaguars are left with Marcedes Lewis and Neal Sterling as the only notable names on the tight end depth chart.
Will Marrone take in his former draft pick? I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
Kansas City Chiefs: Team Signed S Marqueston Huff
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In cap hell the entire offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs didn't have a ton of firepower to do much of anything this time of year.
Well, we have some breaking news.
According to Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star, the team has signed former Baltimore Ravens safety Marqueston Huff.
Given the depth at safety on the Chiefs—Eric Berry, Daniel Sorenson and Ron Parker—Huff will need an injury to happen to find any kind of serious playing time.
He'll look to carve out a special teams role with the team.
Los Angeles Chargers: Team Interested in QB Geno Smith?
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According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, not only are the Cleveland Browns supposedly interested in former New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith, but the newly branded Los Angeles Chargers are said to be, too.
Of course, this would be nothing more than a backup signing as the team is set to have quarterback Philip Rivers for several more seasons.
Behind Rivers is Kellen Clemens, whom the team recently re-signed to a one-year deal.
Los Angeles Rams: Team Signs DE/OLB Connor Barwin
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According to Adam Caplan of ESPN, the Los Angeles Rams have signed former Philadelphia Eagles defensive end/outside linebacker Connor Barwin to a one-year deal worth a maximum of $6.5 million.
Employing a 4-3 defense in 2016, Barwin struggled at defensive end, turning in a season that PFF ranked as the sixth-worst season by a 4-3 defensive end (among 53 qualifiers).
However, in 2015 when the Eagles used a 3-4 and he was able to play outside linebacker and rush the passer almost exclusively (fifth in pass-rushing snaps), he turned in a better season, accumulating seven sacks.
With the Rams hiring Wade Phillips as their new defensive coordinator (and Barwin's defensive coordinator during his time in Houston), Barwin will be back in a scheme that he had success with.
It's a low-risk move and the deal comes cheap, especially if Barwin performs.
It's a solid signing by new head coach Sean McVay and the Rams brass.
Miami Dolphins: Team Re-Signed G Jermon Bushrod
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After much speculation, it has become true—the Miami Dolphins have re-signed guard Jermon Bushrod, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.
In 2016, Bushrod played exclusively at right tackle and missed just four snaps the entire season.
Now let's break the bad news: Bushrod was the second-worst guard in the entire NFL, according to PFF.
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Dolphins were targeting "two reasonably priced guards" heading into free agency, and they landed a familiar face.
Although Bushrod started every game in 2016, the Dolphins cannot allow him to do the same in 2017—he needs to be a backup option.
Minnesota Vikings: Team Confirms RB Adrian Peterson Done in Minnesota
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Following the signing of running back Latavius Murray, it was heavily speculated and strongly assumed that running back Adrian Peterson's career in Minnesota with the Vikings was done.
Well, we got some pretty clear confirmation that.
According to the Vikings' Twitter account, general manager Rick Spielman has come out and said, "With us signing (Latavius) Murray, Adrian will move on elsewhere."
So you're saying there's a chance?
Nope.
While Murray is a fine back, this opens the door once again for fellow running back Jerick McKinnon, who is mostly known for his insane SPARQ scores.
Well, there you have it, folks: AP is moving on.
New England Patriots: Team Likely to Keep QB Jimmy Garoppolo?
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Sigh. Can we just get this over with already?
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the New England Patriots plan on keep quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo beyond the 2017 season.
As Florio notes, it has been speculated in the Boston media that if incumbent Patriots starting quarterback Tom Brady were to win another Super Bowl, he could walk away from the game then.
Well, that could very well be this year.
After re-signing linebacker Dont'a Hightower. trading for tight end Dwayne Allen and wide receiver Brandin Cooks and signing cornerback Stephon Gilmore, the Patriots look poised for a repeat.
If that were to happen and Brady walked away, the Patriots would lock up Garoppolo as the team's starter.
Of course, this is all extreme speculation: The Patriots need to win a Super Bowl for this scenario to play out, and while they may be huge favorites, it doesn't always work out that way.
The Cleveland Browns are obviously the most interested in Garoppolo's services, and without a first- or second-round pick in the upcoming draft, the Patriots appear poised to do something to recoup those losses.
Only time will tell what the Patriots will do with Jimmy G, but we can all agree on one thing: Let's just resolve this so we can move on with our lives.
New Orleans Saints: Team 'Motivated to Get Deal Done' with CB Malcolm Butler
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After the signing of fellow cornerback Stephon Gilmore, it has been widely assumed that the New England Patriots will move on from cornerback Malcolm Butler.
Well, it appears we could be on the verge of that happening.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the restricted free agent has met with the New Orleans Saints and the sides are "motivated to get a deal done."
A deal that would place Butler on the Saints roster would be an instant upgrade to a Saints defense that for years has been the laughing stock of the NFL.
How good is Butler? He was PFF's No. 5 cornerback in 2016 and second-best in coverage.
With a first-round tender in tow, the Saints and Patriots will definitely be motivated to get a deal done. Remember: A Butler-for-Brandin Cooks trade was all the rage at the start of free agency.
It appears there's a good chance that Saints cornerbacks Delvin Breaux and/or P.J. Williams might be hittin' the bench sometime soon.
New York Giants: Former DT Johnathan Hankins Seeking $10M a Season
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According to Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com, it appears that former New York Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins is seeking in excess of $10 million a season.
Time for a reality check?
Following to signing of Dontari Poe to the Atlanta Falcons for one year and $8 million, Hankins' market is definitely a bit different than he intended it to be.
In 2016, Hankins ranked as PFF's 55th overall defensive tackle (among 73 qualifiers), so $10 million was definitely a bit much by that logic.
With a hole on their roster given Hankins' free agency, the Giants could bring back Hankins on a one-year deal, but with these demands, it's highly unlikely.
So far, Hankins has only been linked to the Washington Redskins and Miami Dolphins, according to Pro Football Rumors.
It's time to lower expectations a tad, Johnathan.
New York Jets: Team to Sign CB Morris Claiborne
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After being heavily linked to the Baltimore Ravens, cornerback Morris Claiborne is now expected to sign with the New York Jets, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Coming off a season in which PFF ranked him inside their top 25 corners (among 120 qualifiers), Claiborne is set to fill the hole left by the Jets' release of Darrelle Revis.
However, there is a caveat: Claiborne played in only just over 400 snaps due to a severe groin injury suffered midseason. Good news, though, is that Claiborne returned for the divisional round of the playoffs and played just 26 snaps.
The Jets are a complete mess once again.
Claiborne joins Buster Skrine as the team's other starting cornerback.
If Claiborne can put together a full season with no health issues and can leave his inner-bust potential at the door, the Jets could find themselves a nice player they can work with for some time as Claiborne is just 27 years old.
Oakland Raiders: Team Signed TE Jared Cook
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Given the slow start to Oakland Raiders tight end Clive Walford's career, the team found themselves pursuing (and ultimately landing) another tight end in former Green Bay Packer Jared Cook, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Although the deal is said to be a two-year deal worth up to $12.2 million, ESPN's Josina Anderson has reported that the deal is basically a one-year deal with a second-year option.
Coming off a season in which they were poised for a potential Super Bowl run, the Raiders' hopes and dreams crashed toward the end of the season when quarterback Derek Carr broke his leg in a game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Adding Cook to a receiving corps featuring Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree and Seth Roberts makes for one heck of an offense.
Even at age 30, Cook still has the ability to be a playmaker like when he caught touchdowns in back-to-back playoff games.
Carr passing the ball up the seam to Cook could be a familiar sight in 2017.
Philadelphia Eagles: Team Interested in CB Marcus Cromartie
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According to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, the Philadelphia Eagles are one of a few teams to have expressed interest in former San Francisco 49ers cornerback Marcus Cromartie.
As Barrows notes, Cromartie is a tall, physical corner—that's really all we have on him.
Since coming into the league in 2013, he's played in just 181 snaps.
This would be a total flier for the Eagles or any other team that secures Cromartie's services.
Pittsburgh Steelers: A Possibility for DB Darrelle Revis?
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It's been an interesting offseason so far for former New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis.
After a horrid 2016 campaign, speculation mounted about a possible switch to safety for the Jets legend.
However, an altercation in his hometown of Pittsburgh in which Revis was charged with multiple felonies led to the release of the once-elite corner.
Earlier this week, though, all of the charges toward Revis were dropped, and there is now just one looming question when it comes to Revis: Can he still play?
According to Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL Network, Revis wants to continue his playing career, is open to playing safety and is said to have lost 10 pounds.
Other than the hometown connection, Jacob Klinger of PennLive is reporting that Revis has said it would be a "dream come true" to play for his hometown Steelers.
While that may be all nice and sweet, there is a problem: Revis' contract language with the Jets.
As Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk has outlined, Revis is set to earn $6 million this season from the Jets no matter what. However, should Revis sign with another team, the Jets are off the hook.
Basically, Revis would be silly to sign a deal for anything less than $6 million. I'd argue he's silly to sign for anything less than, like, $8 million. Why play for free?
This poses this problem: Who the hell is going to give Revis $8 million?
That's the question everyone should be wondering. It's highly likely Revis sits out 2016 and cashes in on his $6 million.
San Francisco 49ers: Team to Host RB Tim Hightower
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According to Mike Triplett of ESPN.com, former New Orleans Saints running back Tim Hightower was set to meet with the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday.
After receiving double-digit carries in five games last season (and subsequently vulturing Mark Ingram and hijacking some of my fantasy football weeks), Hightower is looking to cash in and look to back up fellow running back Carlos Hyde.
After Hyde, there is only Mike Davis on the 49ers depth chart, so a back like Hightower who can be serviceable if asked to start is somewhat of a lukewarm commodity.
The 49ers could always look to just draft someone in a loaded running back class, but Hightower isn't a terrible fallback option as he'll come pretty cheap.
Seattle Seahawks: Team Open to Trading CB Richard Sherman?
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Michael Lombardi of The Ringer (h/t Mike Loyko of NEPatriotsdraft.com) is reporting that the Seattle Seahawks would be open to trading cornerback Richard Sherman if the price was right.
Well, wow.
Often said to be a guy who can only play one side of the field, Sherman is still about as dominant a cornerback as you'll find—he allowed just 39 catches all season.
Although he's coming off a season in which he played with a gnarly ankle injury, Sherman, even at 29 years old, is still one of the best.
Don't hold your breath on a Sherman deal as this is the first we're hearing about it—but it's a pretty awesome rumor, though.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Team Re-Signed C Joe Hawley
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According to Jenna Laine of ESPN.com, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have re-signed center Joe Hawley.
Starting in 15 games last season while dealing with a knee injury, Hawley managed to play in over 92 percent of the team's snaps, but he graded out as PFF's ninth-worst center in the league.
As Laine notes, Hawley is not necessarily the starter once again in 2017 as he'll battle Evan Smith and maybe even Ali Marpet for the starting job. Laine also noted that signing Hawley is a welcomed addition as the Buccaneers dealt with so many injuries along the offensive line in 2016.
This is an under-the-radar move, but a consistent offensive line is important in the NFL nonetheless.
Tennessee Titans: Team Interested in CB Nickell Robey-Coleman
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According to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, there are multiple teams interested in former Buffalo Bills slot cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman.
The list of teams includes the Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans.
Although he played in nearly 300 fewer snaps, Robey-Coleman did grade out better than Titans slot man Brice McCain in 2016 while holding quarterbacks to a rating of under 75, whereas McCain allowed quarterbacks to reach into the 100s.
After adding Logan Ryan to the secondary's depth chart, an addition of Robey-Coleman might be more so for depth, rather than a starting gig.
Does Robey-Coleman deserve a starting gig? Based off of his performance in 2016, you could make the argument.
Washington Redskins: Latest on QB Kirk Cousins
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A quarterback involved in trade rumors, you say? I've never heard of such a thing!
Although it's not entirely similar to the situation surrounding New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, the saga surrounding Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins is another quarterback controversy we just want to be resolved.
After two straight seasons of using their franchise-tag on Cousins, the Redskins do not appear to be in any rush to lock Cousins up long-term—which is silly considering he's coming off a season in which he threw for nearly 5,000 yards and and NFL rating north of 97.
Earlier this week, it was reported by Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk that the Cleveland Browns could make a run at him, though that report was refuted by Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer who said the Browns "aren't expected" to pursue Cousins.
Going to the Browns makes sense for, well, the Browns as they desperately need a quarterback, but it just seems like Cousins is destined to end up with the San Francisco 49ers and former offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan (who is the new head coach in San Fran).
It doesn't seem like anything is going to happen this season, thus Cousins will play out 2017 with the Redskins.
This time next year, though? Expect to see a "49ers sign QB Kirk Cousins" headline.
Statistics courtesy of Pro Football Focus and NFL.com. Contract details courtesy of Over The Cap.
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