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Lions giving Stafford more pre-snap freedom

Matthew Stafford is expected to have more freedom to change plays pre-snap under new OC Joe Lombardi.

Lombardi comes from a New Orleans system in which Drew Brees is allowed to improvise freely at the line. Brees earned that right through his play, and new coach Jim Caldwell cautioned Stafford will earn more pre-snap responsibilities the longer he spends in the offense. More freedom at the line could bring more efficiency for Stafford, who has completed more than 60% of his passes only once in his five-year career, and should allow Stafford to put Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate in better positions to make plays. It could also allow the Lions' offense to play faster snap to snap. Stafford is a clear-cut QB1 with top-3 upside.

Source: Detroit News

Thu, Jun 12, 2014 11:12:00 PM

Report: Broncos will tag Demaryius on Monday

The Denver Post reports the Broncos will apply the franchise tag to free agent Demaryius Thomas on Monday.

Both Dez Bryant and Demaryius can expect tags on Monday. Beat writer Mike Klis guesses Thomas won't sign the one-year franchise tender until after the Broncos' offseason program is completed, allowing him to skip the activities without penalty. The wide receiver tag is expected to be worth $12.797 million. The Broncos offered Demaryius a deal worth $13 million annually last summer, but Thomas was "seeking something north of $15 million per." He proceeded to set the Broncos' franchise record for receiving yards (1,619).

Source: Denver Post

Mar 1 - 7:32 PM

Cowboys admit Murray is headed to open market

Cowboys VP Stephen Jones admitted talks with free agent DeMarco Murray have been "slow," and Murray will make it to the open market.

"[Murray] is probably going to, you know, get some peace and see what's out in the market and then we'll talk and see," Jones said. "I do believe deep down he'd love to stay in Dallas." The Cowboys couldn't reach a long-term deal with fellow free agent Dez Bryant and will be forced to tag him this week. Murray's days with Dallas aren't necessarily over, but the 27-year-old should chase the money.

Source: FOX Sports Southwest

Mar 1 - 9:38 AM

Cowboys confirm Dez Bryant will be franchised

Cowboys VP Stephen Jones confirmed the team will use the franchise tag on free agent Dez Bryant.

"I think it would be a stretch to think we would have something done by Monday," Jones said. "Looks like we're eyeing a franchise tag on Dez, but that certainly won't stop us from working hard to get a long-term deal." This has been the expectation all along. Dallas is in talks with Bryant, but the sides aren't expected to reach an agreement before the franchise-tag deadline. Bryant will make around $13 million if the Cowboys don't extend him by July 15.

Source: FOX Sports Southwest

Feb 28 - 6:10 PM

Texans LB Cushing recovering from 3 surgeries

Texans ILB Brian Cushing is recovering from three offseason surgeries, one to his right wrist, one to his left ankle, and one to his left knee.

Add three to an already seemingly-countless number of surgeries Cushing has undergone as a pro. The ankle and knee were arthroscopic "clean-up" procedures, and the third operation repaired Cushing's fractured wrist. Cushing claims he'll be a full-go for training camp and could even participate in OTAs. Coming off his worst NFL season, Cushing could be facing a make-or-break year in Houston. He's owed $5.25 million in 2015 salary and bonuses.

Source: Houston Chronicle

Feb 28 - 4:40 PM

Browns give Josh McCown 3-year, $14M deal

Browns signed QB Josh McCown to a three-year, $14 million contract.

The Buccaneers gave McCown a two-year, $10 million contract last offseason, surrounding him with Vincent Jackson, Mike Evans, and Austin Seferian-Jenkins. He posted an 11:14 TD-to-INT ratio with a 1-10 record, and got cut. The Browns are giving McCown nearly the same annual average on a lengthier deal while surrounding him with Andrew Hawkins, Travis Benjamin, and Taylor Gabriel. It's a desperate move to say the least. The McCown signing highlights the Browns' lack of confidence in 2014 first-round pick Johnny Manziel, and confirms free agent Brian Hoyer will move on. Now entering his age-36 season, McCown has a strong connection with new Cleveland OC John DeFilippo from their Oakland days together and will be the heavy favorite to start Week 1.

Feb 27 - 6:29 PM

Cards cut Darnell Dockett, save $6.8 million

Cardinals released DE Darnell Dockett.

Dockett was not amenable to a pay cut after missing all of 2014 with a torn ACL. He recently tweeted his displeasure with renegotiation talks. Dockett turns 34 in May and has lost most of his early-career pass-rush ability, though he remained a strong run defender the last time he played. Cutting Dockett frees up $6.8 million in salary cap space. GM Steve Keim said in a statement Friday that the Cardinals want Dockett back at a cheaper price.

Source: Dianna Marie Russini on Twitter

Feb 27 - 4:02 PM

Report: Redskins interested in OG Mike Iupati

NBC Washington's Dianna Marie Russini reports the Redskins have "strong interest" in free agent OG Mike Iupati.

Redskins coach Jay Gruden has been transitioning away from smaller, athletic zone linemen to large power blockers for the last year and a half. Iupati is a 6-foot-5, 330-pound road grader whom new Redskins GM Scot McCloughan drafted in San Francisco. Iupati would be a natural fit in D.C. Per Russini, the Redskins can expect competition for Iupati's services from the Buccaneers.

Source: Dianna Marie Russini on Twitter

Feb 27 - 3:44 PM

Falcons part with longtime LG Justin Blalock

Falcons released LG Justin Blalock.

The move clears $3.8 million in cap room, but creates a need in Atlanta. The Falcons' starting left guard since he entered the NFL in 2007, Blalock was likely deemed a poor schematic fit for new OC Kyle Shanahan's zone-run game. Pro Football Focus gave Blalock above-average marks in 2014, and he just turned 31. Expect Blalock to draw interest from power-blocking teams.

Feb 27 - 2:14 PM

'Building evidence' Eagles to target Mariota

According to Philly Voice's Jimmy Kempski, "evidence continues to build" that the Eagles plan to trade up for Oregon QB Marcus Mariota.

We've followed Kempski's work for years and can't ever remember him being wrong. Most notably, he called the DeSean Jackson release well in advance. Kempski acknowledges he previously believed Philly moving up for Mariota was "unrealistic," but now "it appears the Eagles are determined to get their guy." Moving up from No. 20 into the top-two picks would likely cost Philadelphia most of its 2015 draft class, in addition to a 2016 first-round pick.

Source: Philly Voice

Feb 27 - 1:53 PM

Skins axe NT Barry Cofield, save $4 million

Redskins released NT Barry Cofield.

The move saves Washington $4 million in cap space. Cofield enters a strong interior defensive line class in free agency, but should generate a healthy amount of interest. He missed much of last season with a severe high ankle sprain, but is still only 31 years old (in mid-March), and capable as both a pocket pusher and run stopper. He can play multiple positions on the line.

Feb 27 - 1:34 PM

Dolphins throw in the towel on Brian Hartline

Dolphins released WR Brian Hartline.

A low-ceiling receiver who is allergic to the end zone, Hartline bottomed out with a miserable 2014 season (39 catches for 474 yards in 16 games). It would have been preposterous for Miami to keep him at his $5.9 million salary. Hartline has a pair of 1,000-yard seasons on his resume, but he's a complementary receiver at best. Hartline's departure makes the Dolphins more likely to keep Mike Wallace and gives another boost to second-year slot WR Jarvis Landry. Still only 28, Hartline could be a starter on a team like the Browns. He also happens to be from Canton (OH) and played college football at Ohio State.

Source: Profootballtalk on NBC Sports

Feb 27 - 10:19 AM