Here's a look around the NFL in what is going to be the beginning of a blog series for the next two weeks about all of the happenings in the NFL. Our next piece in this series will come out on the 7th of the month and run daily until I write the last one on the 17th. This will include news and analysis about free agency, rumors, Franchise Tags and some Combine info.
Some big names have been released with the emphasis on "names":
Adrian Peterson was released by the Vikings. Both sides have stated that communication lines are still open but at this point it seems like AP wants to test the free agency waters to see how much money is out there. There's a much better chance at this point he lands somewhere else rather than re-signing in Minnesota and one of the rumored destinations could be the Packers. As of last week Sportsinsights.com had Peterson's odds of returning to Minnesota at +250 with Green Bay right behind them at +260. The fit seems right for the Pack; Eddie Lacy is gone via free agency and a tandem of Peterson and Ty Montgomery as the third down/change of pace back makes sense. Be careful to not overspend/reach for Peterson based on his name value this upcoming season. The injury history is a huge red flag here and his best is definitely behind him.
Jamaal Charles was released by the Chiefs. Reports are that he's healthy and running fine but that apparently wasn't enough for Kansas City. It's unlikely that Charles lands a starting job anywhere and it seems at this point of his career he's best suited for backup work. The injury history here is much worse than Adrian Peterson and there's a good chance in standard 12-teams leagues he's either a very late round pick or doesn't get drafted at all in fantasy leagues. However, expect a few teams to have interest here given what he's been able to do in the past.
Brandon Marshall was released by the Jets. Teammates Darrelle Revis and Nick Mangold were released as well as the Jets appear to be in something of a rebuild mold (finally). The move with Marshall saves $7.5 million against the cap. The receiving corps left behind is really thin for the Jets and in recent history they haven't had any luck with picking receivers in the draft. Marshall will turn 33 in a few weeks and while he's coming off a dud of a season that can be directly linked to some of the worst quarterback play in the league. Look for Marshall to land somewhere else in a multi-year deal despite his age.
Kirk Cousins and Le'Veon Bell were given the Franchise Tag by their respective teams. An odd rumor emerged Friday night that a three-way deal could happen with Romo going to the Redskins, Cousins to the 49ers and picks going to Dallas. This seems like an odd deal given that Dallas would deal Romo to a team in their own division but if the picks are right that could get a deal done. Given the receiving corps for the Redskins and 49ers, it would appear that Romo would have more value, despite the injuries, heading into next season. There are other reports that Romo could land with the Texans who are in desperate need of a quarterback despite the crazy Brock Osweiler contract. Looking at Bell most people probably don't realize he played this season for $1 million. That's not a misprint. Getting the franchise tag means he'll make around $12 million this season, a nice pay increase. Of course, the Steeler have a few months to get him signed under a multi-year deal and then have their two best offensive weapons (Antonio Brown) under contract.
Terrelle Pryor did not receive the Franchise Tag from Cleveland although the two sides seem to remain open to him returning. It seems as though Cleveland is going to make an offer but there's probably a better chance another team in the league ponies up a better offer considering his breakout season.
One player who doesn't appear to be re-signed and could be wearing a new uniform is Tyrod Taylor. Not only is he likely to be released given his current contract but the Bills were busy this week doing interviews with incoming quarterbacks at the Combine.
Andrew Luck will have offseason shoulder surgery which is considered minor while Julio Jones was going to have foot surgery but apparently will not as of now.
Running backs were the talk of the Combine as Dalvin Cook, Christian McCaffrey, Leonard Fournette and Alvin Kamara all ran the 40 as possible first round picks. McCaffrey raised his stock to being considered a first round pick while Cook and Fournette considering their size did nothing to take themselves out of the first round. Kamara had some interesting stats and is a name to remember despite where he goes in this draft.
Stay tuned for more blogs covering the NFL in the not-so-distant future.