Tag: unrestricted free agent

Has the market changed for Seahawks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney?

The market for the Seattle Seahawks top free agent, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, could have changed ahead of the start of the new year.

The NFL’s legal tampering period is in full swing and free agency and the start of the new league year are just hours away. The airways have been eerily silent, however, regarding news of Seattle Seahawks defensive end, Jadeveon Clowney.

Clowney is undoubtedly Seattle’s top unrestricted free agent heading into the 2020 season and many are still wondering if the two sides can work out a deal to keep the defensive end in a Seahawks uniform for years to come.

NFL.com’s Kevin Patra and Mike Garafolo took a deeper look as to why Clowney’s team has yet to reach a satisfactory deal – with the Seahawks or anyone else.

First of all, the market for the position could have changed with the number of teams opting to use the franchise tag this season. Secondly, teams have secured other defensive ends to satisfy their needs.

Most importantly, however, with the coronavirus threat forcing teams to shut down facilities making player physicals difficult to coordinate, teams around the league might be wondering whether Clowney will truly be healthy heading into the season after suffering the core injury last year.

All these factors could provide favorable to Seattle in its quest to keep the pass rusher in the Emerald City.

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Seahawks to re-sign defensive tackle Jarran Reed to 2-year deal

The Seahawks will be re-signing Jarran Reed to a two-year deal to keep the defensive tackle in Seattle for the near future.

The legal tampering period ahead of the official start of free agency kicked off on Monday and the Seahawks have made a few moves to keep some players in Seattle uniforms for the near future, including keeping one of their own key free agents on the defensive line.

Seattle will be re-signing defensive tackle Jarran Reed to a two-year contract worth $23 million, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

As Pelissero notes, this is a relatively short-term deal that would allow Reed to re-enter the market at a young age, should he later decide to test the waters elsewhere.

For Seattle last year, Reed appeared in 10 regular-season games and logged 27 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble. Reed sat out the first six games of the season as a result of his suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.

Although one piece of the Seahawks’ defensive line is locked up for the next two years, fans will have to continue to wait to see what’s in the cards for Seattle’s top unrestricted free agent, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.

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Former Seahawks tackle George Fant reaches agreement with Jets

Former Seattle Seahawks tackle/tight end George Fant has reached a three-year agreement with the New York Jets.

Offensive lineman George Fant will no longer report as eligible for the Seattle Seahawks going forward. The tackle/tight end has reached a three-year agreement with the New York Jets.

Per ESPN’s Adam Shefter, the deal is worth $30 million with $13.7 million guaranteed.

Fant had been used in a mostly backup role in Seattle and it’s no surprise he chose to test the waters of free agency and see if he could cash in as a starter elsewhere.

Fant very well might not be the last Seahawks offensive lineman to leave Seattle this offseason, as guards Germain Ifedi and Mike Iupati are also both unrestricted free agents. D.J. Fluker and center Justin Britt both have the potential to become cap casualties.

To keep caught up on the latest Seahawks’ moves throughout free agency, be sure and check our live tracker frequently.

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Packers: Predicting the fate of every unrestricted free agent

Who will re-sign and who will sign elsewhere? We predict the fate of all of the Packers’ unrestricted free agents.

The start of the new league year is approaching fast. By next Wednesday, all players with expiring contracts will be free to sign deals with new teams. The Green Bay Packers already got a head start, re-signing kicker Mason Crosby to a three-year deal.

Here’s a prediction of the fate of every unrestricted free agent for the Packers:

LB Blake Martinez

The Packers got terrific value out of the 2016 fourth-round pick, but Martinez – a capable player with limitations – will have a nice market in free agency, especially after three-straight seasons with 140 or more tackles. The defense needs to begin the rebuild at inside linebacker. Prediction: Signs elsewhere

RT Bryan Bulaga

Offensive tackle is a premium position, and Bulaga is one of the best in the business at right tackle, but the Packers rarely give out third contracts, and Bulaga’s injury history could easily prevent the Packers from going high enough money-wise to meet the demand for Bulaga on the open market. A lack of communication between the two sides suggests he’ll get to the open market, where he’ll likely find more money elsewhere. Prediction: Signs elsewhere

WR Geronimo Allison

The Packers bet on Allison to produce from the slot in 2019 and lost. He has Aaron Rodgers’ trust but the Packers need to force themselves to get better and faster at receiver in 2020. Allison was one of the least efficient receivers in the NFL last season. Prediction: Signs elsewhere

CB Tramon Williams

Williams turns 37 this month, but he showed no signs of regression in 2019 and the Packers treasure his versatility and dependability in the secondary. They have little to lose by bringing him back on a one-year deal. Depth at corner is always important. Prediction: Re-signs

TE Marcedes Lewis

Lewis arrived at training camp in terrific shape and gave the Packers quality snaps as the inline blocking tight end for several of the offense’s favored formations. He’ll be 36 in May, but there’d be no harm in a low-guarantee deal that gives him another shot to make the team this summer. Prediction: Re-signs

OLB Kyler Fackrell

Fackrell broke out with 10.5 sacks in 2018 and embraced a versatile role in 2019, but he’ll want to explore better opportunities on the open market. More playing time and more money will be available. The Packers need his snaps to go to 2019 first-round pick Rashan Gary. Prediction: Signs elsewhere

DB Will Redmond

Redmond might have struggled at times as a backup safety, but his disruptive ability on special teams proved valuable. He led the team in special teams tackles. Getting him back on a cheap deal should be easy. Prediction: Re-signs

ILB B.J. Goodson

The Packers could view Goodson as a stop-gap option as a two-down thumper, especially if Blake Martinez leaves, but Goodson can’t cover and is only average against the run. Again, this position needs a reset. The Packers can and should do better. Prediction: Signs elsewhere

FB Danny Vitale

Vitale isn’t much of a lead blocker, but he flashed legitimate playmaking skills as a receiver out of the backfield, catching three passes over 20 yards. He’s a good fit in the scheme and on special teams and should be cheap to bring back. Prediction: Re-signs

OT Jared Veldheer

If Bulaga is allowed to depart, retaining Veldheer – who came out of retirement to finish the 2019 season – becomes a much bigger priority. He could be the veteran bridge to a high pick at offensive tackle. The guess here is he wants to be back in Green Bay in 2020. Prediction: Re-signs

RB/KR Tyler Ervin

Ervin revived the return game and gave the Packers offense several quality snaps as a gadget player to end the 2019 season. He’s a shifty little runner with some receiving ability. His value in the return game makes him a good bet to return. Prediction: Re-signs

WR Ryan Grant

Grant couldn’t get on the field (or the active gameday roster) despite the Packers’ year-long struggles at receiver. He was the emergency option the Packers never wanted to use, so they didn’t. He’ll be gone. Prediction: Signs elsewhere

OT Jason Spriggs

Spriggs could return for one last chance, especially if offensive line coaches Adam Stenavich and Luke Butkus like his fit in the new offense, but a fresh start might be best for both sides. Failed pick. Prediction: Signs elsewhere

Seahawks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney 1 of top 5 free agents

The Seattle Seahawks need to find a way to keep defensive end Jadeveon Clowney – set to become a free agent in March – in the Emerald City.

With the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine in the books and the NFL draft two months away, teams around the league are turning their attention to the next big event on the NFL calendar – the start of free agency and the new league year – which kicks off on March 18.

The Seahawks, like all 31 other clubs around the country, have some tough decisions to make regarding players set to become unrestricted free agents. One such player is receiving his fair share of media attention and speculation.

Gregg Rosenthal and Chris Wesseling of NFL.com put together their list of the top 101 free agents of 2020 and Seattle defensive end Jadeveon Clowney landed at No. 3.

“Clowney’s production doesn’t always match the hype, but he can still hijack an offense at peak moments – often in the biggest games,” Rosenthal and Wesseling note. “Don’t let the three-sack total fool you: He was a difference-maker in his Seattle debut, as the pass rush tended to vanish for quarters at a time whenever he missed stretches due to nagging injuries.”

Only wide receiver Amari Cooper (No. 2) and quarterback Dak Prescott (No. 1) rank higher than Clowney in the top 101 free agents of 2020.

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Jadeveon Clowney is No. 2 in USA TODAY’s list of top 20 free agents

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney lands at No. 2 in USA TODAY Sports’ top free agents heading into the 2020 NFL season.

March is one of the busiest times of the year for NFL teams, marking the start of free agency and the new league year.  Major questions arise for all 32 clubs – which players to keep, and who to let walk and test the open waters?

Nate Davis of USA TODAY Sports recently took a look at all the soon-to-be free agents and ranked his top 20 unsigned players heading into the 2020 season.

Seahawks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney landed at No. 2 on his list.

“Stats have never accurately illustrated his value,” writes Davis. “Clowney had just three sacks in 2019 for the Seahawks and has never exceeded double digits. But he’s an every-down player who’s scheme-diverse and almost always commands a double team.

“He’s expressed a desire to stay in Seattle, but the ‘Hawks could have some hard decisions ahead.”

The Seahawks have also expressed interest in the defensive end staying put in Seattle but the numbers will need to shake out favorably for both sides for an extension to come to fruition.

The start of free agency and the new league year kicks off on March 18.

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A look at the 19 Seattle Seahawks who are unrestricted free agents

The Seattle Seahawks head into the offseason with 19 unrestricted free agents, including two big ones in Jadeveon Clowney and Jarran Reed.

The Seattle Seahawks will now turn their attention toward free agency and the NFL Draft following a heartbreaking exit in the NFC Divisional round, 28-23, to the Green Bay Packers.

The free agency period begins on March 18, and 19 Seahawks are set to become unrestricted free agents in what will once again be a busy offseason for John Schneider, Pete Carroll and company.

The Seahawks have $58.3 million in cap space, the seventh most in the league, and while a lot of that could go toward trying to bring back two big pieces of the defensive line – Jadeveon Clowney and Jarran Reed – it does give the Seahawks plenty of room to maneuver as they look to take another step forward and contend for a Super Bowl in 2020.

Here is a look at the 19 unrestricted free agents Seattle has heading into free agency. Eight of them were starters or key contributors, including six on defense and two on the offensive line.

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Report: Hawks ‘have discussed’ Steven Adams as potential trade target

Per The Athletic, Steven Adams ‘has been discussed’ as a player the Atlanta Hawks could pursue via trade in an effort to help at center.

Thus far things have been fairly quiet on the trade front since the restrictions on free-agents singed over the summer were lifted on December 15.

But that doesn’t mean that discussions haven’t been going on in front offices across the league.

Oklahoma City has made it known that Chris Paul, Danilo Gallinari, and Steven Adams are available to be traded. Paul so far hasn’t drawn any interest, but Adams has apparently caught the eye of a team in the East.

Per Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, Hawks General Manager Travis Schlenk “told season tickets holders the team will have to address the center position in the coming months”. To do that, one of the players Atlanta has its eyes on in Oklahoma City big man, Steven Adams.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Oklahoma City is open to accepting the higher salaries that teams want to move, including long-term deals. The Thunder’s Steven Adams is one of those players who could be dealt before the deadline, and he is someone who has been discussed by the Hawks, according to a source inside the organization.

A trade for Adams would be appealing for the Hawks because Adams is slated to make $27 million before becoming a free agent in 2021, which, as noted by Kirschner “would not impact the Hawks during what could be a loaded free agency class”.

That being said, to give up Adams, Sam Presti would certainly want something significant in return.

Should Atlanta want to move forward in a deal for Adams, Kirschner believes that the player the Hawks would be most likely to part with would be Chandler Parsons, “because the salaries would match.”

Parsons is making $25 million this year and will hit unrestricted free agency this summer.

Atlanta does have a first-round draft pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, but don’t get too excited, Kirschner doesn’t think that the Hawks would be willing to part with it unless it got them a bonafide NBA star in return.

Why trading Danilo Gallinari for Myles Turner makes sense for OKC

The Oklahoma City Thunder could benefit by trading Danilo Gallinari to the Indiana Pacers in return for Myles Turner.

It’s time to put up or shut up for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Sunday, December 15 marks the start of when any player that signed a free-agent deal over the summer can finally be traded.

Since the Thunder have several players that fall into that category, it’s time for Sam Presti and company to decide if Oklahoma City is going to stay at the cusp of a postseason spot and hope they can play their way into the playoffs, or if OKC is going to go full rebuild, knowing that there’s a stable full of draft picks that can likely help in the future.

Oklahoma City has already let it be known that they are looking to trade Chris Paul, Danilo Gallinari, and Steven Adams, as reports are out there that the Thunder “made them available”.

While the consensus around the league remains that Chris Paul’s contract may prevent him from being traded, Gallinari remains an intriguing option for many teams.

One team that Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey believes would benefit by trading for Gallinari is the Indiana Pacers.

Calling him “one of this season’s most intriguing trade candidates”, Bailey suggests that the Pacers should send Myles Turner to Oklahoma City for Gallinari as Indiana “might have a higher ceiling with (Domantas) Sabonis playing alongside a playmaking 4”.

Danilo Gallinari is averaging 18.3 points with a 62.4 true shooting percentage in only 30.4 minutes per game. There are only 11 players in NBA history who have at least 500 three-point attempts and match his career marks for points per 75 possessions (19.2) and true shooting percentage (59.0). He’s in the top 100 all-time in career offensive box plus/minus.

Although Turner has gotten off to a less than ideal start, Bailey argues that Turner’s age and contract are what makes him an intriguing prospect for the Thunder.

The Pacers center is off to a slow start this season, posting a career low in win shares per 48 minutes, but he’s only 23 years old. He’s also on a reasonable contract ($18 million per year) through 2023. There could be much worse starts to a reboot than a core of Turner and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

On its face, the deal makes sense for the Thunder. Gallinari is in the final year of his contract and will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Thunder could trade him now, and get a young player that fits their long-term timeline or wait and risk losing him after the season and getting nothing in return.