The Bears hosted a few inside linebackers for tryouts on Friday, including former Giant Alec Ogletree.
The Chicago Bears brought in a trio of linebackers for a tryout on Friday, including veteran Alec Ogletree. MMQB’s Albert Breer reports the Bears hosted linebackers Ogletree, Devante Bond and Gabe Sewell in an effort to potentially improve their linebacking corps.
Ogletree, drafted in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the-then St. Louis Rams, has enjoyed a solid career as a perennial starter in the NFL. His best season came in 2016 when he totaled 136 tackles and picked off two passes.
After five seasons with the Rams, he was traded to the New York Giants in 2018. That season, he had a career-high five interceptions, including a pick-six against the Bears and quarterback Chase Daniel. Ogletree was released earlier this year.
Bond, meanwhile, spent time in Chicago last season after being drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2016. He played three games for the Bears in 2019. Finally, Sewell is an undrafted free agent out of Nevada.
Ogletree is clearly the marquee name on this list and would instantly give the Bears much-needed depth at the inside linebacker position behind Roquan Smith and Danny Trevathan, as well as another veteran presence. It remains to be seen whether he, Bond or Sewell end up signing a deal.
The start of NFL Free Agency is over and NFL veterans remain unsigned. UGA studs like Alec Ogletree, Reshad Jones, and more are free agents.
The initial phase of NFL Free Agency is over. The market remains at a standstill before the 2020 NFL Draft. When free agency began NFL teams were quite confident that there would be a 2020 season. Now, there’s a little bit more doubt.
Is doubt over the viability of the 2020 season preventing teams from signing proven veteran talent? Jadeveon Clowney, Cam Newton, Everson Griffen, Logan Ryan, Alec Ogletree, Reshad Jones, and more remain on the market.
Are teams with available cap space waiting to sign these player until after the draft? They could be waiting until the date when players no longer count against the compensatory pick formula.
Either way there will be a market for NFL veterans in the coming months.
Plenty of UGA products have signed new deals. Here are the Georgia Bulldogs who remain NFL Free Agents:
Former New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams linebacker Alec Ogletree. At 28 years old, Ogletree is still productive and has the speed necessary to play linebacker in the modern NFL.
The Miami Dolphins released veteran safety Reshad Jones. Jones is a Pro Bowl level talent when healthy. At 32 years old, Jones will sign look for a short-term deal. He has never won a playoff game and may want to join a contender.
The Bengals released offensive tackle Cordy Glenn. Glenn, a second round pick out of the University of Georgia, is a free agent. At 30, Glenn will have a market among teams looking to upgrade their pass-blocking.
John Jenkins, who played in every game last season for the Miami Dolphins as a defensive tackle, is a free agent. The 30 year old Jenkins was quite productive in Miami, where he recorded 34 tackles.
Former Oakland Raiders and Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell, who missed the 2019 season with an Achilles injury, is now a free agent. Crowell has been Tweeting videos of his best plays (sorry Falcons fans):
Everson Griffen headlines 5 top remaining possible Browns targets in free agency
The first few days of free agency have taken many of the available premier NFL talents off the market. Andrew Berry and the Cleveland Browns nabbed a couple of those in Jack Conklin and Austin Hooper. Could they add another?
The biggest name with the best fit still on the market is Everson Griffen. The longtime Vikings defensive end was the victim of salary cap economics in Minnesota, but he could help the Browns a lot.
Griffen has made the Pro Bowl in four of the last five seasons, with 45 sacks over that timespan. The 32-year-old still has the first step, the outstanding hands and the burst around the corner to terrorize opposing QBs. He would fit nicely in Cleveland with old Vikings coaches Kevin Stefanski and Joe Woods, bringing more familiarity and another veteran to what has become a very young locker room.
Griffen would make a great DL balance opposite Myles Garrett. Both can play on either side of the formation. Griffen is a twitchier, relatively healthier upgrade over Olivier Vernon. As long as the Browns would save net cap room on the move, bringing in Griffen would be a great coup for the defense.
Some other remaining free agents worthy of long looks from the new Browns regime:
Todd Gurley, Leonard Floyd, and Thomas Davis are among many Georgia Bulldogs in NFL Free Agency.
NFL Free Agency is especially unpredictable this off-season. Numerous Georgia Bulldogs are headlining some shocking moves.
In a surprising move, the Los Angeles Rams have released Todd Gurley. Gurley would fit in with the Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and more. He was the engine of Los Angeles’s Super Bowl offense in 2018.
The Chicago Bears have released outside linebacker Leonard Floyd. Floyd signed a one year deal with the Los Angeles Rams. Chicago originally selected Floyd with a first round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Nov 17, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) makes a pass under pressure from Chicago Bears outside linebacker Leonard Floyd (94) during the first quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
New York Jets outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins is in for a massive raise. New York, who has minimal pass rushing opinions, will have to pay their 2019 sack leader to coax him to stay.
The Bengals have released offensive tackle Cordy Glenn. Glenn, a second round pick out of the University of Georgia, is a free agent. At 30, Glenn will have a market among teams looking to upgrade their pass-blocking.
Recently released former New York Giants linebacker Alec Ogletree is seeking a new home. At 28 years old, Ogletree is still productive. He has the speed necessary to be a linebacker in the modern NFL.
Georgia Bulldogs Jordan Jenkins, Cordy Glenn, Alec Ogletree,Thomas Davis, Reshad Jones and more are NFL free agents this off-season.
Several Georgia Bulldogs are NFL free agents and will cash in this off-season. NFL Free Agency started Monday morning, March 16 when the contact/negotiation period began. The new CBA has been approved and teams are ready to roll toward the 2020 season.
March 16th was the deadline for teams to place a franchise tag on players. In fact, the Cincinnati Bengals put a franchise tag on wide receiver A.J. Green. The franchise tag prevents Green from entering into NFL Free Agency. Will he sign the tag with Cincinnati or hold out? Green has already stated he’ll skip OTAs (which may be cancelled due to the Coronavirus).
The Bengals have released offensive tackle Cordy Glenn. Glenn, a second round pick out of the University of Georgia, is a free agent. At 30, Glenn will have a market among teams looking to upgrade their pass-blocking.
New York Jets outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins is in for a massive raise. New York, who has minimal pass rushing opinions, will have to pay their 2019 sack leader to coax him to stay.
Recently released former New York Giants linebacker Alec Ogletree will look for another payday. At 28 years old, Ogletree is in his prime and will command a longer term contract.
Oct 10, 2019; Foxborough, MA, USA; New York Giants outside linebacker Alec Ogletree (47) tackles New England Patriots running back Brandon Bolden (38) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Dolphins released veteran safety Reshad Jones. Jones is a Pro Bowl level talent if he can stay healthy. At 32 years old, Jones will sign a short-term deal.
Numerous Georgia Bulldogs are scheduled to become NFL free agents this off-season including: A.J. Green, Reshad Jones, and more.
Numerous Georgia Bulldogs are becoming NFL free agents this off-season. Each of these Bulldogs will get one of the largest paydays of their life or simply another shot to make an impact in the NFL.
NFL free agency kicks-off on Monday, March 16th when the legal tampering period begins. March 16th is also the deadline for teams to place a franchise tag on players. The new CBA is currently being voted on and could complicate the free agency process.
There’s no doubt about the top potential University of Georgia product who could be headed for NFL Free Agency: Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green. The Bengals are expected to give Green the franchise tag to prevent him from hitting free agency.
When healthy A.J. Green is one of the elite wide receivers in the NFL. Unfortunately he missed the entire 2019 season after suffering an ankle injury in training camp. Swelling prevented his attempted return late in the season.
Green, who is 31 years old, has over 600 career receptions for 8,907 yards. He’s scored 63 touchdowns as well, but has never won a playoff game. Will he sign the franchise tag with Cincinnati or holdout? The Bengals have needs across the board and may want to stick with their talented young receivers, who will look to mesh with projected number one overall pick Joe Burrow.
New York Jets outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins will be in for a massive raise. Jenkins led New York in sacks in 2019 with 8.0 sacks. The Jets are desperate for a better pass rush. Green was the only Jets linebacker or defensive lineman with more than three sacks! Look for him to command around ten million dollars per season.
Sep 8, 2019; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins (48) celebrates during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Recently released linebacker Alec Ogletree will be looking for another payday. The New York Giants elected to release him instead of paying his hefty salary. At 28 years old, Ogletree is still in his prime and will command league-wide interest.
The Miami Dolphins released veteran safety Reshad Jones to open up cap space. Jones, when healthy, is an impact player. At 32 years old, Jones will sign a shorter deal.
John Jenkins, who played in 16 games for the Miami Dolphins as a defensive tackle, is set to be a free agent as well. Jenkins is coming off one of his best seasons, where he recorded one sack along with 34 total tackles. Look for him to re-sign in Miami.
Buffalo Bills receiver Isaiah McKenzie will hit the NFL Fee Agent market. The 24 year-old had an career-best 2019 campaign, where he caught 27 passes for 257 receiving yards and scored a touchdown. His versatile skill-set will be coveted.
Ben Watson, who played with the New England Patriots in 2019, is a free agent. Watson announced his retirement following New England’s defeat to the Tennessee Titans in the postseason. Watson has returned after retiring before, so don’t be shocked if he plays one more season.
Bonus: Las Vegas Raiders running back Isaiah Crowell, who missed the 2019 season with an Achilles injury, is set to become a free agent. Crowell never got to play for the Raiders, but he’ll look to make an impact somewhere in 2020.
There are numerous Georgia Bulldogs who will become a free agent this off-season in the NFL. Each of these Bulldogs will get one of the largest paydays of their life or simply another shot to make an impact in the NFL. There’s no doubt about the top …
There are numerous Georgia Bulldogs who will become a free agent this off-season in the NFL. Each of these Bulldogs will get one of the largest paydays of their life or simply another shot to make an impact in the NFL.
There’s no doubt about the top University of Georgia product who is headed for NFL Free Agency: Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green.
Sep 30, 2018; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) celebrates with running back Mark Walton (32) after making the game-winning touchdown catch as Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver (20) and cornerback Brian Poole (34) look on in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
When healthy A.J. Green is one of the elite wide receivers in the NFL. Unfortunately he missed the entire 2019 season after suffering an ankle injury in training camp and swelling when he attempted to return.
That won’t stop the Georgia legend from getting a big pay day. Green, who is 31 years old, has over 600 career receptions for 8,907 yards. He’s scored 63 touchdowns as well, but has never won a playoff game. Will he return to Cincinnati? The Bengals have other needs and may want to stick with their young receivers, who will look to mesh with likely number one overall pick Joe Burrow.
Beyond Green, New York Jets outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins will be in for a huge raise. Jenkins led New York in sacks in 2019 with 8.0 sacks. The Jets are desperate for a better pass rush. Green was the only linebacker or defensive lineman on the Jets with more than three sacks!
Recently released linebacker Alec Ogletree will be looking for another payday. The New York Giants elected to release him instead of paying his hefty salary. Now, Ogletree will likely look for a new home. At 28 years old, Ogletree is still in his prime and will command interest.
Ben Watson, who played with the New England Patriots, is a free agent. Watson announced his retirement following New England’s defeat to the Tennessee Titans in the postseason. Watson has returned after retiring before, so don’t be shocked if he gives it one more shot.
John Jenkins, who played in 16 games for the Miami Dolphins as a defensive tackle, is set to be a free agent as well. Jenkins is coming off one of his best seasons, where he recorded one sack along with 34 total tackles. Look for him to re-sign in Miami.
Lastly, Buffalo Bills receiver Isaiah McKenzie is set to hit the NFL Fee Agent market. The 24 year-old had an excellent 2019 campaign, where he caught 27 passes for 257 receiving yards and scored a touchdown. His versatile skill-set will be coveted.
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Bonus: Isaiah Crowell, who missed the 2019 season with an Achilles injury is set to become a free agent. Crowell never got to play for the Raiders in 2019 and will look to make an impact in 2020.
The New Orleans Saints could target New York Giants free agents like Alec Ogletree, Cody Latimer, or Javorius Allen when the market opens up
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The New Orleans Saints will look high and low for potential upgrades in free agency, meaning they must consider options even from very bad teams like the New York Giants. While the Giants don’t have much to offer in terms of high-upside talent, there are a few possible opportunities for the Saints to improve, if the money’s right. Here are all 23 Giants players who could hit the open market:
CB Antonio Hamilton
DE Leonard Williams
FB Elijhaa Penny (RFA)
FS Michael Thomas
K Aldrick Rosas (RFA)
LB Alec Ogletree
LB David Mayo
LB Deone Bucannon
LB Kareem Martin
LB Markus Golden
LB Devante Downs (RFA)
LS Zak DeOssie
LS Colin Holba (RFA)
OC Jon Halapio (RFA)
OT Mike Remmers
RB Javorius Allen
TE Scott Simonson
TE Isaiah Searight
WR Cody Latimer
WR Russell Shepard
WR Corey Coleman
WR Cody Core
WR Amba Etta-Tawo (ERFA)
The name most familiar to Saints fans might be Javorius Allen, who spent last summer in New Orleans before exiting with an injury early in training camp. The Saints could use a third-string running back behind Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray if Dwayne Washington gets competitive offers in free agency (he’s one of the NFL’s better special teamers), and Allen is someone they’re already familiar with. It’s easy to connect the dots there.
However, an interesting target could be Alec Ogletree. The veteran linebacker didn’t play up to his contract last season, missing too many tackles and bungling too many assignments, but he’s still an instinctive presence in pass coverage with six interceptions over the last two years. The Saints are hurting for more depth at linebacker (Alex Anzalone, Kiko Alonso, and Kaden Elliss are all returning from season-ending injuries) so Ogletree might make sense, depending on an acceptable contract offer.
We’ll close out by surveying the Giants wide receivers. Cody Latimer was hyped up during the offseason as a high-upside addition who could help fill the void left behind by the Odell Beckham trade, but it never materialized. He might benefit from another change of scenery (having started out with the Denver Broncos), this time with a good quarterback or two. Cody Core might make sense, but the bulk of his contributions have come on special teams.
The Giants today began what is expected to be a significant restructuring of their defense when they released linebackers Alec Ogletree and Kareem Martin.
Ogletree and Martin played two seasons for the Giants.
Breaking down the best defensive and special teams players to play for the Rams during the 2010s.
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Despite an up-and-down decade on offense, the Rams have had one of the better defenses in the NFL since Jeff Fisher took over as head coach in 2012. They had a fearsome pass rush even before Aaron Donald arrived and their secondary has always been a tough out for opposing quarterbacks. The Rams became known for their defensive identity before Sean McVay arrived, and they continued to shine under McVay and Wade Phillips.
There are a lot of players deserving of a spot on the Rams 2010s All-Decade Team, at least compared to the other side of the ball. To choose this group, we only factored in the achievements of a player during their time with the Rams between 2010-2019. For example, Chris Long’s first two years with the Rams did not affect his status on this list.
You can read the selections for offense here. We’ll start with the defensive line, and we’ll end with special teams.
Defensive end/EDGE: Robert Quinn (2011-2017) & Chris Long (2010-2015)
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Since the Rams ran two different styles of defense last decade, we’ll be combining some positions here. But this is one of the most obvious choices of the entire list.
Robert Quinn’s 2013 season was one for the ages. Quinn recorded 19 sacks, 23 tackles for loss, 34 quarterback hits, seven forced fumbles, and even scored a touchdown. He was named a First-Team All-Pro, the only All-Pro selection of the decade for a Rams defensive player not named Aaron Donald, and won the PFWA Defensive Player of the Year award.
The rest of Quinn’s tenure with the Rams wasn’t too shabby. He totaled 62.5 sacks in his seven years with the team, which is tied for the fourth-most in franchise history. He’ll likely go down as one of the more underrated Rams.
Though Chris Long’s numbers weren’t as flashy as Quinn’s, he was a perfect complement to him on the other side of the defensive line. In addition 45.5 sacks and 56 tackles for loss during his six years with the Rams last decade, Long was a locker room leader, a team captain, and a well-respected teammate. Players have long been vocal about how much they enjoyed playing with him.
Despite spending eight seasons with the Rams, Long will be remembered for what he accomplished in his three seasons after leaving. He won back-to-back Super Bowls with the Patriots and Eagles in addition to being selected as the Walter Payton Man of the Year in his final NFL season. Regardless, the bulk of his career starts happened with the Rams, and he’s more than deserving of a spot on this list.
