Tag: Robert Quinn

Gerald McCoy’s contract details translate to bargain for Cowboys

The six-time Pro Bowler has come to terms with Dallas for just over $20 million for three years, a steal if McCoy performs as usual.

The dollars and cents are in on the Cowboys’ signing of defensive lineman Gerald McCoy. By all accounts, the team is getting a shockingly good deal on the six-time Pro Bowler and the third overall draft pick from 2010.

As ESPN’s Todd Archer reports:

“Gerald McCoy’s contract details, pending a physical: Three years, max of $20.25 million. Signing bonus: $3 million. 2020 base: $2.5 million (fully guaranteed). 2021 base: $5 million ($1.5 million fully guaranteed). 2022 base: $5.25 million. Active roster bonus: Max of $750,000 each season. He can also earn up to $750,000 each season in incentives. An additional $2 million of his 2021 base salary is guaranteed for injury and becomes fully guaranteed on the fifth day of the 2021 league year.”

Archer later amended his tweet to include $100,000 in annual incentives driving the cost up to $20.55 million.

McCoy will be expected to replace the production of Maliek Collins, the 2016 draft pick who recently signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. Dallas has lost two starters from their defensive line, including DE Robert Quinn who led the squad with 11.5 sacks in 2019.

The newest Cowboys and longtime Tampa Bay Buccaneer turned 32 late last month and comes off a one-year stint with Carolina, where he notched five sacks, seven tackles for loss, 13 quarterback hits, and was in on 37 tackles over 16 games. It was the first time McCoy played a full season since 2013.

McCoy’s health for the entirety of the 2019 campaign, coincidentally or not, happened to come after the Oklahoma alum made a significant off-the-field lifestyle change.

Shortly after his release in January, McCoy emphasized his desire to play for a playoff-caliber team in 2020. In his ten NFL seasons, he’s never appeared in a postseason game.

Now he may get a legitimate chance… and if he helps lead them there, the Cowboys may have gotten a legitimate bargain.

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5 things to know about new Bears pass rusher Robert Quinn

The Bears defense got better with the addition of All-Pro pass rusher Robert Quinn. Let’s get to know Khalil Mack’s new partner-in-crime.

The Chicago Bears defense got better in free agency with the addition of All-Pro pass rusher Robert Quinn.

Quinn comes to the Bears after a nine-year career, and he’s coming off of his second-best season since joining the NFL. Quinn notched 11.5 sacks and 22 quarterback hits for the Cowboys, where it was hard to find anything to love about Dallas’ defense.

The Bears pass rush, which struggled last season, only serves to get better with pairing a couple of All-Pros with a nose for getting after the quarterback.

Let’s get to know Khalil Mack’s new partner-in-crime:

1. Quinn knows how to get after the quarterback

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears just made their already dominant defense even more potent with the addition of Robert Quinn. There was no one, other than Green Bay’s Za’Darius Smith, that pressured quarterbacks more than Quinn last season.

Quinn generated the second-highest quarterback pressure rate on 14.0% of pass rushes last season. Also, Quinn’s average pass rush get-off time (0.80 seconds) ranked fifth among edge rushers with at least 300 pass rushes in 2019. He also added 11.5 sacks, which was the second-highest of his career.

Just imagine what Quinn can accomplish on this Bears defense with Khalil Mack lining up opposite him.

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Leonard Floyd garnering interest from multiple teams, including Giants

The Bears parted ways with OLB Leonard Floyd, but it doesn’t sound like Floyd will have any shortage of suitors.

The Chicago Bears parted ways with outside linebacker Leonard Floyd after agreeing to terms with All-Pro pass rusher Robert Quinn on Tuesday.

But, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, it doesn’t sound like Floyd will have any shortage of suitors. Among them, the New York Giants.

The Bears were encouraged by Floyd, but ultimately his $13.2 million price tag was too much to justify the fact that he didn’t live up to his draft stock.

Floyd’s production hasn’t been the best, particularly when it comes to sacks, which is ultimately what pass rushers are judged on. After notching seven in his rookie season in 2016, Floyd has seen his sack total decrease each year he’s been in the league.

While injuries played a part in some of those seasons, there was no excuse in 2019. Floyd played in every game last season, and he managed a career-low three sacks.

It doesn’t come as a surprise that the Giants would be interested in Floyd. Back in 2016, the Bears traded up two spots in the NFL Draft to select Floyd before the Giants, who were believed to have interest in the former Georgia Bulldog.

While Floyd was due to make $13.2 million  with the Bears in 2020, thanks to his fifth-year option, you figure someone will sign Floyd for much cheaper than that top-dollar price.

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Free Agency: Grading the Bears’ signing of EDGE Robert Quinn

The Bears upgraded their pass rush with the signing of All-Pro Robert Quinn. So how does this free agent signing grade?

While pass rush was certainly a need, it wasn’t at the top of the list for the Bears this offseason. But Chicago just added an All-Pro pass rusher to line up opposite Khalil Mack, and suddenly the Bears’ already-dominant defense looks unblockable.

The Bears agreed to terms with All-Pro edge rusher Robert Quinn on a five-year deal worth $70 million with $30 million guaranteed. With the signing, Chicago released former first-round pick Leonard Floyd and freed up $13.2 million in salary cap space.

Quinn is most definitely an upgrade over Floyd. In fact, he’s everything Floyd was not. Considering what Quinn was able to do without a force like Mack lined up across from him, there’s no doubt that he’ll be able to take advantage of Mack’s presence in a way that Floyd could not.

While Quinn will be 30 years old when this season begins, he’s in the prime of his career. Quinn is coming off an All-Pro season with the Cowboys, where he notched 11.5 sacks. Over his career, Quinn has averaged nine sacks per season.

By comparison, the most sacks Floyd managed in a single season was seven. Not to mention Floyd’s sack total has declined every year he’s been in the NFL.

It’s interesting to note that Quinn is just two years older than Floyd — and he’s everything the Bears were hoping to get out of Floyd. Given that Floyd was due $13.2 million in 2020 and Quinn is looking at roughly $14 million per season, it was an easy decision for general manager Ryan Pace.

When you look at Chicago’s front-seven, it’s impossible not to get excited, especially about what Quinn brings to the table.

Khalil Mack. Robert Quinn. Akiem Hicks. Eddie Goldman. Bilal Nichols. Roquan Smith. Danny Trevathan.

You can’t block everyone. Pick your poison.

Bears fans haven’t seen what a pass rusher is capable of doing opposite Mack on this defense. They’re about to see with Quinn.

Grade: A

What do you think, Bears fans? How would you grade Chicago’s signing of Quinn?

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Cowboys News: Dak Prescott’s tag has 2 different prices

Cowboys news and notes for March 17, 2020

NFL free agency is officially two days in, and it has been a much needed breath of fresh air for sports fans.

The entire league had a close watch on the Dallas Cowboys and their players going into the free agency period, and for good reason. The Cowboys quickly franchise tagged Dak Prescott, re-signed Amari Cooper, lost Byron Jones to Miami, saw Jason Witten leave and Sean Lee stay, and much more. The 2020 Free agency tracker is the perfect resource for keeping up-to-date with the most recent Cowboy transactions.

Before that, though, interesting news from the franchise tag, and possibly legal front. All that and more in News and Notes.

CBA loophole could help Dak Prescott avoid reduction in exclusive franchise tender :: Pro Football Talk

The Cowboys tagged Prescott, and indications were it would cost them around $31.5 million if the two sides fail to work out a long-term agreement. But there could be a discount. Depending on how things shake out, restructures to Ben Roethlisberger and Kirk Cousins could have happened in time to reduce that number to around $28 million. The Cowboys wouldn’t even have to be the ones arguing the case, risking pissing of Prescott. The NFL might argue it to set a precent.

Cowboys agree to terms with DT Gerald McCoy :: Cowboys Wire

Dallas stemmed the tide of losing bodies with a big body to plug the middle as the six-time Pro Bowler returns to the Southwest.

Cowboys 2020 Free Agency recap, cap space update, comp-pick tracker :: Cowboys Wire

Save it, bookmark it, the 2020 Free agency tracker is crucial to stay updated on the Cowboys latest signings, lost free agents, trades, and compensatory picks.

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Witten, Heath, Maliek Collins join Raiders as Cowboys defections mount :: Cowboys Wire

A trio of former Cowboy starters are joining the Las Vegas Raiders, including Cowboy legend Jason Witten. That might take some time to get used to.

Source: Cowboys have offered Dak Prescott one of the largest contracts in NFL History:: Dallas Morning News 

Calvin Watkins breaks down how Dak Prescott has been offered one of the largest contracts in league history.

Top remaining NFL free agents at each position :: TheScore

As the second day of NFL free agency winds down, take a look at the top remaining free agents at each position. Interior defensive line, edge rushers, and secondary are perhaps the Cowboys biggest targets.

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Cowboys restructure Ezekiel Elliott, La’el Collins for minor space:: Cowboys Wire 

Both Ezekiel Elliott and La’el received long-term deals last season. Now, the organization has restructured both contracts for addition cap space.

Cowboys decline Cameron Fleming’s option :: ProFootballTalk

The Cowboys have declined Cameron Fleming’s $4 million team option, making him a free agent. The team will need to find a replacement swing tackle, as Tyron Smith’s health during the season is usually a well documented battle.

With his new contract in place, Blake Jarwin is poised for success in Dallas:: Blogging The Boys 

After receiving a four-year 24.25 million dollar extension with 9.25 million in guarantees, Blake Jarwin is set up for big things in Dallas.

As Jason Witten moves on, Emmitt Smith, Tony Dorsett know the feeling :: ESPN

Cowboys legends Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett had Hall of Fame careers, but neither played their last season in Dallas. Hear their thoughts on the similar situation that Jason Witten is now in.

2020 NFL Free Agency Grades: Cowboys get ‘B+’ for re-signing Cooper :: CBSSports

Some early free-agent signing reviews, including a Cowboy and a former Cowboy. How does the Cowboys blockbuster deal with Amari Cooper grade?

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Cowboys have some DE turmoil as Robert Quinn defects to Chicago

Former Cowboy Robert Quinn has signed a 5-year deal with the Chicago Bears

Going into free agency, the Dallas Cowboys knew they would have fierce competition over the four or five standout players set to hit the open market. Just a day into the madness that is NFL free agency, this is already proven true.

After losing CB Byron Jones to a well-funded deal with the Miami Dolphins, another member of the team’s defense hits the road as well. The Chicago Bears have agreed to terms with Robert Quinn on a 5-year, $70 million deal.

Quinn’s deal puts him in the Cowboys 2021 comp pick ledger at the third-round level.

Handling the defensive end duties without Quinn could be a struggle for Dallas. The Cowboys still have the previously mentioned DeMarcus Lawrence locked up long term. Lawrence, despite having a down year in regards to sacks last season, should be able to provide an all-pro level rush from one side of the line.

The Cowboys finished just 19th in sacks despite Quinn and Lawrence finishing among the best pass-rush win rates in the league.

Quinn was acquired from Miami for next to nothing by the Cowboys,  an 2020 sixth-round pick. Playing alongside DeMarcus Lawrence, Quinn was able to completely reconstruct his value and reputation and become known once again as one of the most feared pass-rushers in the league.

In his only year in Dallas, the former Tar Heel led the Cowboys in sacks with an impressive 11.5 in only 14 games, and was a much needed spark on the defensive side of the ball.

After Lawrence however, the Cowboys current options at defensive end become increasingly unproven.

Tyrone Crawford is a steady player who should see a lot of snaps, but is coming off major hip surgery. Randy Gregory showed flashes of his playmaking ability during the 2018 season, and should be granted reinstatement from the league for next year. Beyond them there are even bigger question marks.

Dorance Armstrong is entering his third year and should start to contribute more after seeing action in 15 games a year ago. Jalen Jelks and Joe Jackson are young and lack any real experience, but will both have the opportunities to take the next step and be in the defensive end rotation.

The draft next month is a viable resource, but the Cowboys shouldn’t rely on just that to replenish the defensive end position. The same way the Cowboys lost Quinn could help them find a replacement. Not many top end free agents have been directly linked to Dallas, but Joe Thomas made news earlier today when he speculated the Cowboys are in play for DE Jadeveon Clowney.

Clowney will undoubtedly come with a high price, and that could keep the Cowboys away, as most close to the team speculate.

There are always some more frugal free agent options, and Dallas is more likely to explore those avenues.

Markus Golden is coming off double digit sacks with the Giants a year ago, and figures to get a manageable deal. Leonard Floyd was released by Chicago after they acquired Quinn, and while his career hasn’t been as some thought, the 27 year-old could reach his potential in another setting.

Veterans like Everson Griffen or Cameron Wake could serve as short term stopgap and won’t break the bank.

It certainly looks like Dallas now will add defensive line depth one way or another, but who, and how much, are the next questions Cowboys fans are asking.

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Twitter reacts to Bears signing pass rusher Robert Quinn – they’re ready for some football

The Bears bolstered their dominant defense by signing Robert Quinn. And it’s safe to say this addition went over better than Jimmy Graham.

The Chicago Bears bolstered their already dominant defense with the addition of pass rusher Robert Quinn. Chicago agreed to terms with Quinn on a five-year deal worth $70 million with $30 million guaranteed.

The Bears are also releasing former first-round pick Leonard Floyd, which will free up $13.2 million in cap space Floyd was due with his fifth-year option.

Quinn had an impressive year for the Cowboys last season, where he notched 11.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Imagining Quinn and Khalil Mack, along with Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman, getting after the quarterback is almost too good to imagine.

Yet, it’s reality.

And it’s safe to say that this free-agent move went over exactly the opposite that the Jimmy Graham signing did yesterday.

Even the NFC East appreciates the move.

Let us not forget what opposing teams will have to deal with next season.

Now, if only the Bears can fix the offense.

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Report: Bears to release former 1st-round pick Leonard Floyd

Just as one pass rusher enters, another one leaves Chicago. The Bears are releasing former No. 9 overall pick Leonard Floyd.

Just as one pass rusher enters, another one leaves Chicago.

After the Bears agreed to terms with pass rusher Robert Quinn on a monster five-year deal worth $70 million with $30 million in guaranteed money, that essentially sealed Leonard Floyd’s fate in Chicago.

The Bears are planning to release former first-round pick Leonard Floyd, according to Ian Rapoport.

Ultimately, the Bears get out of Floyd’s fifth-year option and free up $13.2 million in salary cap space, which you figure opened up the door to bring in Quinn and helps with Chicago’s already-limited cap space.

The move doesn’t really come as a surprise considering Floyd’s disappointing production over his first four seasons. Every season, Floyd’s sack total has declined since he entered the league in 2016.

In 2019, Floyd managed a career-low three sacks during a season in which he played in every game. That, lining up opposite stud edge rusher Khalil Mack.

Floyd is the latest first round pick of Ryan Pace’s to fail to make it past the fourth year on the team. Receiver Kevin White was Pace’s first failure, and the writing seems to be on the wall with Mitchell Trubisky.

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Bears to sign pass rusher Robert Quinn to 5-year deal worth $70M

The Bears made a monster move at arguably the 2nd-most important position on the roster at edge rusher, agreeing to terms with Robert Quinn.

The Chicago Bears made a monster move at arguably the second-most important position on the roster at edge rusher.

The Bears agreed to terms with former Cowboys pass rusher Robert Quinn on a monster 5-year deal worth $70 million with $30 million fully guaranteed.

Quinn is coming off a big year with the Cowboys, where he had 11.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 2019. With the addition of Quinn opposite stud pass rusher Khalil Mack, the Bears have seriously upgraded their pass rush.

This move signals the end of Leonard Floyd’s less-than-illustrious career in Chicago, where his sack total declined every year since he entered the NFL. Last season, Floyd mustered just three sacks and couldn’t take advantage of lining up opposite Mack.

In parting ways with Floyd, the Bears have freed up $13.2 million in salary cap space.

The Bears have only strengthened the strongest aspect of their team: Defense.

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Chicago Bears release former Georgia Bulldog linebacker

The Chicago Bears have elected to release former first round pick from the University of Georgia: Leonard Floyd.

The Chicago Bears have elected to release former first round pick Leonard Floyd. Floyd, who played his college football at Georgia, recorded 18.5 sacks in four seasons with the Chicago Bears. Unfortunately for Floyd, he’s seen his sack total decline each season since his rookie season, where he got seven sacks.

The Bears are signing pass rusher Robert Quinn to a five year, $70 million dollar deal and are releasing Leonard Floyd:

The former Georgia Bulldog will have many suitors. He’s now an NFL Free Agent. The Bears elected to exercise Floyd’s fifth year option, but Chicago no longer has to fully guarantee the option.

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