The NFL offseason is in full swing, and while the draft and free agency are still a few weeks away, there is plenty action around the NFL as teams are making preparations for the start of the new year on March 9. Check out the latest news and rumors in our NFL Rumors Roundup.
Eagles not an option for Alshon Jeffery?
The Philadelphia Eagles are looking to upgrade their receiving core to give quarterback Carson Wentz more weapons, which has them interested in Chicago Bears wideout Alshon Jeffery, who figures to be one of the most sought-after free agents this offseason. However, the Eagles may not be able to afford to sign him, according to Matt Lombardo of NJ.com.
Last week, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported that the Eagles are expected to make a push to sign Jeffery. However, with limited cap space and a largely talent devoid crop of free agents at the position, Jeffery simply might not be a realistic option as the Eagles look to rebuild around young quarterback Carson Wentz.
Spotrac projects Jeffery's market value at an average salary of $12.2 million per season on a five-year deal worth roughly $61 million. With the franchise tag at the wider receiver position set at $15.8 million and the cap-space rich market in the NFL, Jeffery's value could be pushed even higher once free agency opens on March 9.
Given market conditions, it isn't unrealistic to think that Jeffery could command $16-$18 million per year.
Philly currently has $11.68 million in cap space, which ranks among the lowest in the league. Jeffery caught 52 passes for 821 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games last season.
Terrelle Pryor wants to stay with Browns
After re-signing linebacker Jamie Collins to a four-year, $50 million deal last month, the Cleveland Browns have focused their attention on reaching a new deal with wide receiver Terrelle Pryor. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Pryor has said that he wants to stay with the Browns:
Terrelle Pryor's agents will have 'strong discussions' with the Browns soon about a new deal for the 1,000-yard receiver, a source told cleveland.com, and Pryor has instructed them he wants to stay in Cleveland.
The Browns have no plans to franchise Pryor, and would only do so if they can't strike a long-term deal.
Pryor's agents, Drew and Jason Rosenhaus, will meet with the Browns this week to discuss a deal for their "top offseason priority'' according to CBS Sports' Jason LaCanfora.
"I know this is an important month,'' Pryor, one of the top receivers due to become free, told cleveland.com last week. "But I do love being with the Browns and like I said before, this thing isn't about joining a different team because a different team's good.
"That's not what it's about. I love the building process here. I started out in my career never coming in the front door. I've alway got to go in the back."
Pryor caught 77 passes for 1,007 yards and four touchdowns last season, the first year in his career in which he caught more than one pass.
Cardinals to use franchise tag on Chandler Jones
The Arizona Cardinals acquired Jones from the Patriots before the season started, and they didn't make that trade for Jones to be a one-year rental. The two sides are trying to work out a long-term deal, but if they can't, the Cardinals will use the franchise tag on him, head coach Bruce Arians and president Michael Bidwill told the team's website.
"Chandler's not going anywhere because if we have to, we will franchise him," Arians said.
"We're not going to mess around with that," Bidwill said about not bringing Jones back. "He's a great pass rusher, but if we can't agree to terms that work for us, we're just going to franchise him. His people know that."
Jones racked up 49 tackles with 11 sacks and four forced fumbles last season.
Back to the NFL Newsfeed