2013 FA Thread (Updates on OP) New: Merling, Brace, Pashos, Trueblood, EJBig, Tapp, White, Williams, MATTHEWS; Re-up: Rex, Hall, Davis, Paulsen, DY, RJax, Lich, Sundberg, Baker, Sav, Golston, Kehl, Polumbus; Paycuts: Carriker, Moss, BMeri, J. Wilson

[LaxinFish29]

Don't forget Bernstein and DJ. I know we go through the Doughty drama every offseason and he's always here. But if we bring in two or three guys, I'd again, be surprised if he makes the team. But I've been surprised for two straight years, lol.

I've said it before but I'll say it again. This is why I think we should go with Mundy. Familiarity with the 3-4 but also he has played both safety positions this season and played them well.

[DC9]

rotoworld afternoon nuggets:

The Chicago Tribune doesn't expect the Bears to make a run at free agent Dwayne Bowe.
Perennially in need of upgrading at wideout, the Bears essentially had a one-man receiver corps in 2012, and are putting a new emphasis on offense under new coach Marc Trestman. However, the offensive line and tight end are still bigger issues on the offensive side of the ball. The Chiefs' plans for Bowe remain unclear under new coach Andy Reid.

According to ESPN New York, it "remains to be seen" what the Giants will do with WLB Michael Boley.
Due $4.25 million in 2013, Boley was benched for the final three games of the season, playing just 73 snaps after Week 14. The G-Men will surely ask Boley to slash his salary, but the soon-to-be 31-year-old veteran may be better off refusing and earning his release so he can test the open market. Either way, Boley is unlikely to enter 2013 with a starting job.

Impending free agent FS Ed Reed said he could "definitely" see himself playing for Patriots coach Bill Belichick.
The mutual respect between Reed and Belichick has been well-documented. "Yeah, oh yeah, man, I could definitely play for coach Belichick," Reed said. "He is a great coach. I'm sure he can help me to expand my football knowledge even more as a player and as a coach, so if I'm ever able to be around him, just like I was at the Pro Bowl, it's huge." Although the 34-year-old Reed is a shell of his former self, he'd still be an upgrade for the Pats' secondary.

ESPN's Adam Schefter believes impending free agent CB Brent Grimes "might look" to sign a one-year contract.
If Grimes didn't blow out his Achilles' tendon back in September, he'd be clearing out space in his house so the Brinks truck can pull in. Instead, he's going to have to prove he still has the speed and effectiveness following the devastating injury. Turning 30 in July, it's more than fair to be skeptical.

ESPN's Adam Schefter says impending free agent WR Danny Amendola signing with the Patriots is "definitely possible."
Amendola is clearly Sam Bradford's go-to guy and is still just 27 years old, but his inability to sustain health could prevent the Rams from making a pricey long-term commitment. Using the franchise tag on Amendola would put them right up against the salary cap. Meanwhile, the Patriots have been tight-lipped on their plans for their own free agent slot man, Wes Welker. There were usage signs early in the year that they were preparing to move on. Schefter calls Amendola a "poor man's, younger, cheaper Welker." It's one of fantasy's biggest stories to monitor as we prepare for free agency to open in March.

ESPN's Adam Schefter calls impending free agent SS William Moore a "prime candidate" for the Falcons' franchise tag.
A three-year starter and cornerstone of the Falcons' secondary, Moore is hoping to test his value on the open market. He might not get there. The tentative franchise tag number for safeties in 2013 is a relatively inexpensive $6.798 million. The Falcons could very well slap Moore with the tag and then evaluate the situation in 2014 -- when he'll be entering his age-29 season.

[Rypien1191]

All I know is that I trust Bruce and Shanny to make the right moves. They've turned our roster over to the point where we can just about rebuild/retool at a normal rate similar to other teams. Can't wait for March 12.

[Laxpunk2006]

They definitely meant 8th in tackles for Fletcher.

8th in tackles and interceptions.

[TD_washingtonredskins]

I'm really not sure why people continue to claim that we need WR help. I thought we got fantastic contributions from our corps this year. Garcon is a marginal #1 and was supported brilliantly by Moss, Morgan, and Hankerson. We also got some nice contributions from Robinson. Other than eventually needing a Moss replacement, who would you cut or demote out of that group?

I prefer the committee approach like New Orleans uses over what the Lions and Cardinals are doing with one stud. All of our guys demand some level of respect which means that one or more of them will ultimately shake free or provide a lot of space underneath for other pass-catchers (RB, FB, TE, etc.).

[SemperFi Skins]

Giants | Expected to try to bring back two linemen
Wed, 30 Jan 2013 09:53:46 -0800
The New York Giants are expected to try to re-sign impending free-agent OT William Beatty and OG Kevin Boothe this offseason to maintain stability on the offensive line.

Eagles | Expected to pursue Dennis Dixon
The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to pursue Baltimore Ravens practice squad QB Dennis Dixon after the Super Bowl. Dixon played for head coach Chip Kelly when he coached the University of Oregon.

Dolphins | Not ruling out Reggie Bush returning
The Miami Dolphins are not ruling out the possibility of re-signing impending free-agent RB Reggie Bush if he is not offered a deal similar to the $4.5 million he made in 2012 from another team.

Ravens | Ed Reed would prefer to stay
Baltimore Ravens impending free-agent FS Ed Reed said his preference is to remain with the team next season, and he has always wanted to play for just one team; however, he also acknowledged the possibility of playing for other teams.

Cowboys | New scheme not a fit for Kenyon Coleman
With the Dallas Cowboys moving to a 4-3 defensive scheme next season, impending free-agent DE Kenyon Coleman is not expected to return. He is a 3-4 defensive end with the ability to hold up blockers, but he is not a penetrating type of lineman.

Cowboys | Mike Jenkins may not cash in
Dallas Cowboys impending free-agent CB Mike Jenkins is not expected to return to the team in 2013; however, he may not necessarily sign a big deal elsewhere. Jenkins may have to sign a one-year deal with the chance to cash in the following season. He has battled injuries and also struggled this past season.

Cowboys | Cutting Jay Ratliff could be a mistake
If the Dallas Cowboys decide to cut Jay Ratliff because of his recent arrest would be a mistake, according to Jean-Jacques Taylor of ESPNDallas.com. The only scenario that should see Ratliff get released, Taylor writes, is if the Cowboys find someone in free agency or the draft that can replace Ratliff's skill set.

[skinny21]

I'm really not sure why people continue to claim that we need WR help. I thought we got fantastic contributions from our corps this year. Garcon is a marginal #1 and was supported brilliantly by Moss, Morgan, and Hankerson. We also got some nice contributions from Robinson. Other than eventually needing a Moss replacement, who would you cut or demote out of that group?

I prefer the committee approach like New Orleans uses over what the Lions and Cardinals are doing with one stud. All of our guys demand some level of respect which means that one or more of them will ultimately shake free or provide a lot of space underneath for other pass-catchers (RB, FB, TE, etc.).

For the most part I'm on your side of the argument, but Williams would be a heck of a value pick late in the 2nd, and Morgan's contract is up after this year. Williams would also be great insurance if Garçon misses time again. I like Morgan and Hankerson, but I don't think either one is a clear #1 type receiver.

The only problem I see with taking Williams there is putting off picking a corner/safety/RT, which are all pretty clearly more needed than WR. Mundy (or someone else) could help with the safety issue, but corner and RT are still issues then.

[rick7423]

Important dates to remember for those that may be looking:

Feb. 2		Texas vs. Nation College All-Star Game (Allen, Texas)
Feb. 3		Super Bowl XLVII (Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans) -- only on CBS
Feb. 9-10		Regional Combine, Orange Coast College-Lebard Stadium (Los Angeles)
Feb. 16		Regional Combine, Methodist Training Center (Houston)
Feb. 17		Regional Combine, Cleveland Browns Training Facility (Cleveland)
Feb. 20-26	NFL Scouting Combine (Indianapolis)
March 2-3	Regional Combine, Atlantic Health Jets Training Facility (New York/New Jersey)
March 9		Regional Combine, One Buccaneer Place (Tampa, Fla.)
March 10		Regional Combine, Halas Hall (Chicago)
March 9-11	Clubs are permitted to enter into contract negotiations with certified 
 	 	 	agents of players who will be Unrestricted Free Agents at the end of the current league year
March 12	Prior to 4 p.m. ET, clubs must exercise options for 2013 on all players 
 	 	 	who have option clauses in their 2012 contracts
 		Prior to 4 p.m. ET, clubs must submit qualifying offers to their Restricted Free Agents
 	 	 	with expiring contracts and to whom they desire to retain a Right of First Refusal/Compensation
 		Prior to 4 p.m. ET, clubs must submit a minimum salary offer to retain exclusive 
 	 	 	negotiating rights to their players with expiring 2012 contracts and who have 
 	 	 	fewer than three seasons of free agency credit
 		All 2012 player contracts will expire at 4 p.m. ET
 			Top-51 Begins. All clubs must be under the salary cap prior to 4 p.m. ET
 			2013 League Year and Free Agency period begin at 4 p.m. ET
		Trading period begins at 4 p.m. ET for 2013, after expiration of all 2012 contracts
March 16-17	Regional Combine, Atlanta Falcons Training Facility (Atlanta)
March 17-20	Annual League Meeting (Phoenix)
March 23-24	Regional Combine, Virginia Mason Athletic Center (Seattle)
 			Regional Combine, Baltimore Ravens Training Facility (Baltimore)
April 7-8		Super Regional Combine, Cowboys Stadium (Dallas)
April 25-27	2013 NFL Draft (New York)
May 20-22	NFL Spring League Meeting (Boston)
Sept. 5		NFL Kickoff 2013

Source: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/schedules/keydates

[DC9]

Thanks rick.

I will add that to the OP.

I'm sure it's mentioned in the Danny Smith thread, but since we are covering coaches as well, Danny Smith signed with the Steelers.

[DC9]

Some evening Redskins' nuggets from rotoworld:

The Washington Examiner believes the Redskins "need" to re-sign free agent TE Fred Davis (Achilles).
Although Davis' passing-game production had fallen off before his injury, he went from a liability as a blocker to competent. If Davis walks, the Redskins would be left with only the lead-footed Logan Paulsen and raw former WR Niles Paul at tight end. A seam-stretcher when healthy, keeping Davis will be a no-brainer if the price is right, but there's no guarantee it will be in a tight-end mad league. Davis would be due $6.54 million if franchise tagged for the second consecutive year. That's prohibitive for a player who could begin the year on the PUP list.

According to the Washington Examiner, it's "hard to imagine" the Redskins re-signing free agent Chris Cooley.
Cooley played just 93 snaps after re-signing in Week 8, and appeared to be on his last legs. It wouldn't be surprising if Cooley opts to retire as opposed to peddling his wares on the open market.

[thesubmittedone]

All I know is that I trust Bruce and Shanny to make the right moves. They've turned our roster over to the point where we can just about rebuild/retool at a normal rate similar to other teams. Can't wait for March 12.

The truth in this post tastes delicious.

---------- Post added January-30th-2013 at 11:31 PM ----------

I'm really not sure why people continue to claim that we need WR help. I thought we got fantastic contributions from our corps this year. Garcon is a marginal #1 and was supported brilliantly by Moss, Morgan, and Hankerson. We also got some nice contributions from Robinson. Other than eventually needing a Moss replacement, who would you cut or demote out of that group?

I prefer the committee approach like New Orleans uses over what the Lions and Cardinals are doing with one stud. All of our guys demand some level of respect which means that one or more of them will ultimately shake free or provide a lot of space underneath for other pass-catchers (RB, FB, TE, etc.).

I agree... I love our WR situation going into this year. But after that is a little bit doubtful because we have Morgan becoming an unrestricted FA and we have Moss to worry about declining due to age. Hopefully, Moss turns out to be one of those vets who seem to never age, but it's something to think about. That's why I was saying earlier that, moving forward, if we are to totally leave the WR position as is we need to hope that Hankerson and Robinson develop enough to replace both of those guys. Otherwise we're taking a big, and unnecessary, gamble.

It's certainly not a need though. Which is the first time we can say that in forever.

[Chump Bailey]

I agree... I love our WR situation going into this year

Eh, while I don't think WR is a priority, I think we should at least look at tweaking the position in an effort to get better. I love Robinson's potential. Morgan's hurt, but decent. I'm not ready to give up on Hankerson yet, but I'm worried about his inability to contribute consistently with the middle routes.

I think a Johnny Knox signing could make a lot of sense. Garcon and Knox could really ramp up the pressure on defenses with their ability to go vertical.

[Skinsinparadise]

The Washington Examiner believes the Redskins "need" to re-sign free agent TE Fred Davis (Achilles).
Although Davis' passing-game production had fallen off before his injury, he went from a liability as a blocker to competent. If Davis walks, the Redskins would be left with only the lead-footed Logan Paulsen and raw former WR Niles Paul at tight end. A seam-stretcher when healthy, keeping Davis will be a no-brainer if the price is right, but there's no guarantee it will be in a tight-end mad league. Davis would be due $6.54 million if franchise tagged for the second consecutive year. That's prohibitive for a player who could begin the year on the PUP list.

Be interesting on this one. An Achilles injury is no minor deal, he's relatively fast for a TE but wonder if he loses some of that because of the injury. It's not a bad FR crop with Keller, Cook, Myers and the draft looks deep too. To me the wildcards are: how is Davis healing, what do they think of Paul/Paulsen, and how much money does Davis want. Considering their cap constraints, I'd presume that they don't want to spend much money on TE but what if Fred wants a big pay day or at least more than they want to spend, what if they think he won't be ready to start the season or think he will be the same -- see how the Giants dealt with Steve Smith at the time he was an emerging young WR but after the injury they let the Eagles outbid them -- in retrospect good move by the Giants.

Lets say, Davis wants a 2 year contract for 12 million and Keller is looking for something similar? I recall Davis' old coach, Pete Carroll is a fan of Davis, and they could use a TE.

[DC9]

Be interesting on this one. An Achilles injury is no minor deal, he's relatively fast for a TE but wonder if he loses some of that because of the injury. It's not a bad FR crop with Keller, Cook, Myers and the draft looks deep too. To me the wildcards are: how is Davis healing, what do they think of Paul/Paulsen, and how much money does Davis want. Considering their cap constraints, I'd presume that they don't want to spend much money on TE but what if Fred wants a big pay day or at least more than they want to spend, what if they think he won't be ready to start the season or think he will be the same -- see how the Giants dealt with Steve Smith at the time he was an emerging young WR but after the injury they let the Eagles outbid them -- in retrospect good move by the Giants.

Lets say, Davis wants a 2 year contract for 12 million and Keller is looking for something similar? I recall Davis' old coach, Pete Carroll is a fan of Davis, and they could use a TE.

That will be interesting. I think TE is fairly interchangeble with just a couple of exceptions. I do think we upgrade with a weapon, either via FA or via the draft. But if we can get Freddy on a fair deal I would be happy.

I just don't know enough about Fred to know whether or not that's something that we can expect.

---------- Post added January-31st-2013 at 01:26 PM ----------

Today has been hell at work. Trying to catch up on some rotoworld nuggets:

MLive.com suggests the Lions as a possible landing spot for impending free agent Reggie Bush.
Bush would fit nicely as a pass-catching complement to bruiser Mikel Leshoure. It's an asset the Lions have been sorely missing ever since Jahvid Best went down in Week 6 of the 2011 season. The Bengals could also show interest as Marvin Lewis hasn't been shy to publicly announce his intention to add talent to their running back stable. He appears ready to give up on free agent Bernard Scott, who is coming off an ACL tear.

Here is a BIG one:
Redskins ILB Perry Riley's 2013 salary jumped from $575,000 to $1.323 million based on rookie-deal incentives.
Riley started all 16 games for the first time in his three-year career in 2012. He finished second on the team with 129 tackles, ten stops behind fellow inside 'backer London Fletcher. Riley, a fourth-round pick out of LSU, is entering the final year of his deal.

ESPN Cleveland's Tony Grossi says impending free agent CB Sheldon Brown "won't be back" with the Browns.
New defensive coordinator Ray Horton was recently noncommittal on if the team had plans of re-signing Brown. "We're still going through our evaluation process. I don’t know what Sheldon Brown wants. It’s one of those deals where a player’s a free agent, you can’t dictate what’s going to happen in the market. I’d like to have everybody back," said Horton. Brown, 34 in March, performed well in 2012, but he'll likely have to settle for a one- or two-year deal this offseason.

Browns impending free agent SLB Scott Fujita says he's still dealing with issues in his neck, but he wasn't ready to say he's retiring.
"I'm not rushing into anything, but I think we all know I've had one neck surgery [13 years ago] and I'm potentially facing another one if things don't calm down in the next year or so," Fujita said. "I've been through so much in the last year, year and a half, I think I just need to catch my breath and take some time and figure out the next step." Turning 34 in April, Fujita's career is in doubt.

[SemperFi Skins]

49ers | Dashon Goldson expects to return
Thu, 31 Jan 2013 05:35:02 -0800

San Francisco 49ers impending free-agent SS Dashon Goldson said he expects to re-sign with the team in the offseason. "We haven't spoken anything about a contract, but I don't see why I wouldn't be around," Goldson said. The 49ers could place the franchise tag on Goldson for $7.45 million next season if they don't agree to a multiyear deal.

Browns | Sheldon Brown not expected back
Wed, 30 Jan 2013 21:27:30 -0800

Impending free-agent CB Sheldon Brown (Browns) is not expected to be re-signed by the Cleveland Browns.

Redskins | Expected to work on deal with Fred Davis
Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:01:18 -0800

The Washington Redskins are expected to try to re-sign impending free-agent TE Fred Davis (Achilles') this offseason. The team could try to sign him to a multi-year deal or place the franchise tag on him.


Also, wanted to add another guy to keep an eye on... Jamarca Sanford, SS for the Minnesota Vikings.

This kid was drafted in the 7th round of 2009 by Minnesota and has fought his way in to the starting lineup. He is undersized at 5'10 200 (I think he is really 5'9) but he brings the pain with his hits.
He also has a knack for stripping the ball (5 forced fumbles in 2012). Vikings fans and Frazier do not want to see him go, but if he hits the market, he could be cheap and a very good option to compete for the starting spot.
It's funny cus when you read about this kid, the fans are mostly making fun of Madieu Williams and they are so glad to have real talent on the team lol.

He could be a younger gunner on ST's as well as split Safety duties.