NFL 2018 Offseason Thread of --- I changed my mind and will go back to the old Thread

Colts hired Eagles OC Frank Reich as head coach.

It's a five-year contract. Eagles coach Doug Pederson has now lost both his coordinator and quarterbacks coach after upsetting the Patriots in the Super Bowl. The Chargers' offensive coordinator from 2014-15 before heading to Philadelphia, Reich is a solid hire. He was a big part of the Eagles' offensive success in 2017. The Colts have hired a talented coaching staff so far and will look to add an offensive coordinator in the ensuing weeks. Andrew Luck's health remains the Colts' biggest question mark heading into 2018.

By Bowser Go To PostGiants hiring Mike Shula as OC omg lolololol

edit: Rapsheet says he'll be both OC and QBs coach lmao Gettleman like "fuck it."

By Kibner Go To Postlmao what are you doing Giants?


I'm prepared to be concerned about playing CAR in the future, now.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Rae Carruth, who has spent the past 17 years in a North Carolina prison for conspiracy to murder his pregnant girlfriend, opened up for the first time in a handwritten letter to the victim's mother.

Carruth wrote a 15-page letter to Saundra Adams, the mother of Cherica Adams, that was sent to Charlotte television station WBTV. He also spoke at length by phone with the station about the letter, accepting responsibility for the 1999 conspiracy to murder Cherica Adams and expressing interest in gaining custody of their son.

"I'm apologizing for the loss of her daughter. I'm apologizing for the impairment of my son," Carruth told WBTV. "I feel responsible for everything that happened. And I just want her to know that truly I am sorry for everything."

Carruth is scheduled to be released from Sampson Correctional Institution in Clinton, North Carolina, on Oct. 22. He was sentenced to 18 to 24 years in 2001 after being found guilty of hiring Van Brett Watkins and Michael Kennedy to murder Adams. Watkins, who shot Adams multiple times, was sentenced to a minimum of 40 years. Kennedy, who drove the car, was released in 2011.

Adams died a month after the shooting. Her son, Chancellor Lee Adams, was born prematurely and has battled the challenges that come from cerebral palsy, which was the result of his traumatic birth after the shooting.

Saundra Adams has raised Chancellor, now 18. In past interviews with the Charlotte Observer, she has expressed that she would like to be present the day Carruth is released.

Carruth, who did not testify at his trial, said he wants custody of Chancellor when he is released.

"I should be raising my son. His mother should be raising her son," Carruth said. "Ms. Adams should not be doing this and I want that responsibility back.

"I feel like he might not ever have his mother in his life but he could still have me and I could still make a difference and I don't think that's anyone's responsibility when I'm still here."

By The Frankman Go To Post… I'm holding my thoughts in because Shurmur calls plays and really, Eli Manning does most of the work. Shula may be a locker room guy.

By The Frankman Go To PostHoly fuck
http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22503387/rae-carruth-apologizes-death-pregnant-girlfriend-seeks-custody-18-year-old-son

Yo kid I hired guys to kill yo mama and am responsible for you being premature. Now HUG YO DADDY!

By DY_nasty Go To Postgood luck with that

Jaguars released RB Chris Ivory.

It was an expected move. Ivory turns 30 next month and fell out of favor in Jacksonville after the team drafted Leonard Fournette. Ivory opened last season as the No. 2, but he was quickly passed up by T.J. Yeldon and Corey Grant. Ivory was inactive week in and week out at the end of the year. He missed multiple games to injury during his time with the Jaguars and averaged a pitiful 3.59 YPC on 229 rushing attempts. The move clears over $3.6 million in cap space.

Jaguars signed QB Blake Bortles to a new three-year, $54 million contract that includes $26.5 million guaranteed.

This comes after reports the Jaguars were exploring options to replace Bortles. The extension locks Bortles up through 2020, but Jacksonville will likely be able to escape the contract with relative ease as soon as 2019. Bortles' new deal is on the team-friendly side, placing him behind Ryan Tannehill in annual average. The Jaguars have a rising receiver tandem in Dede Westbrook and Keelan Cole, and are expected to franchise impending free agent Allen Robinson, so Bortles should have an improved supporting cast going into 2018. The extension takes the Jags out of the hunt for Kirk Cousins, although they may still consider early-round quarterbacks in the draft.

1. Struggles against top competition: The Jets' anticipated pursuit of Kirk Cousins is a hot-button issue among fans in New York. Should they shell out $30 million a year for the prospective free agent or try to find their quarterback in the draft? Both sides can make compelling arguments, but here's a factoid that might provide some clarity for those on the fence:

During his time with the Washington Redskins, Cousins' starting record against winning teams is 4-19 (based on their opponents' final record).

Yes, 4-19.

Cousins has cleaned up against losing teams (19-9-1) and has fared OK against .500 clubs (3-2), resulting in an overall record of 26-30-1 in the regular season. He is 0-1 in the playoffs.

The numbers are alarming, to say the least. Of his four victories against winning opponents, only one came in the division – New York Giants, 2016. All told, he's 1-7 against winning teams in the NFC East.

The man he could replace, Josh McCown, went 3-4 last season versus winning teams – and he made $18 million less than Cousins.

Cousins supporters can cite excuses for his inability to beat quality opponents – injuries to his supporting cast, personnel changes, etc. – but 4-19 is 4-19. His individual statistics jump off the page (three straight 4,000-yard seasons), but those are secondary. A quarterback's job is to win.

The Jets believe Cousins can solve their long-term issue at quarterback and, as I reported last week, they're prepared to be aggressive in the bidding. Cousins would be an upgrade, but he isn't a savior. If the Jets see him that way, they're letting desperation cloud their judgment.

By Kibner Go To PostI wish Chris Ivory wasn't constantly injured. He was a joy to watch.

According to TMZ Sports, a "high-ranking U.S. military official" cautioned the Ravens against signing free agent Colin Kaepernick before the 2017 season.

The Ravens had a quarterback need when Joe Flacco was nursing a back injury and Ryan Mallett was struggling mightily in training camp. Coach John Harbaugh reportedly sought "advice from some trusted friends," one being a "high-ranking" member of the U.S. military, who reportedly told Harbaugh that Kaepernick should only be signed if he agreed to follow a "set of specific guidelines," presumably including a warning against kneeling during the national anthem. Instead, the Ravens signed Thad Lewis, who hasn't thrown a pass in an NFL regular season game since 2013.

Eagles acquired DL Michael Bennett and a 2018 seventh-round pick from the Seahawks in exchange for WR Marcus Johnson and a 2018 fifth-round pick.

The rich get richer. Eagles EVP Howie Roseman may be the most aggressive decision-maker in the biz, and he adds Bennett to an already-loaded defensive line. The Seahawks were dangling Bennett to, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, "quiet things down a little bit" and clear cap space. Bennett has long been outspoken on social issues, something the Eagles aren't afraid of in the least bit, considering they employ Malcolm Jenkins, Chris Long, and Torrey Smith. And still won the Super Bowl. How about that? Bennett is 32 but remains an absolute asset. He and Fletcher Cox will likely man the interior on passing downs, with Brandon Graham and Derek Barnett coming off the edges. Fellow DLs Timmy Jernigan and Chris Long are also in the mix. Good luck to opposing offensive linemen. This likely spells the end for DE Vinny Curry in Philly.

The draw for Seattle was the fifth-rounder. Johnson, 24 in August, caught five passes for 45 yards across 10 games for the Super Bowl champs last season and is a special teams cog. He blazed a 4.37 forty at his 2016 Pro Day.

Giants acquired ILB Alec Ogletree and a 2019 seventh-round pick from the Rams in exchange for 2018 fourth- and sixth-round picks.

The Rams just signed Ogletree to a four-year, $42 million extension in October but evidently didn't like his fit in DC Wade Phillips' 3-4 defense. L.A. was gashed by the run last season, and playing Ogletree and Mark Barron, a pair of converted safeties, at inside linebacker was a big reason for that. Both are extremely athletic, but they were too light and got pushed around by offensive linemen. The Rams recoup the fourth-rounder they sent to K.C. in the Marcus Peters deal with this move and clear a bunch of cash off the books for future long-term deals. Linebacker was a massive need for the Giants.

LSU RB Derrius Guice revealed that one team at last week's Scouting Combine asked him if he likes men.

PFT's Mike Florio separately confirmed the question was indeed asked. Guice retold his Combine interview experience: "Some people really try to get in your head, man. … I’d go in one room and a team would ask me, ‘Do I like men?’ just to see my reaction. They’d try to bring up one of my family members or somebody and tell me, ‘Hey, man, I heard your mom sells herself. How do you feel about that?’" The team that asked the question has not been revealed, but it could be facing discipline if/when exposed.

Dolphins signed franchised player Jarvis Landry to a one-year, $15.982 million contract.

Landry signing the tender means the Dolphins are no longer able to rescind the tag, which could be a concern with seemingly little movement in trade talks – The Miami Herald's Barry Jackson tweeted a trade is "not imminent." The Dolphins are over the cap as it stands now, and while cutting guys like Lawrence Timmons and Julius Thomas will give them some room, it will not be enough to really be a player in free agency. Miami needs to find a trade partner for Landry.

49ers signed WR Marquise Goodwin to a three-year, $20.3 million extension through 2021.

It includes $10 million guaranteed. The 49ers signed Goodwin to a bargain two-year, $8 million contract last March and he responded by posting new career bests across the board, coming within 38 yards of 1,000. He seamlessly slid in as the 49ers' No. 1 receiver after Pierre Garcon was lost for the season and showed excellent chemistry with Jimmy Garoppolo. Goodwin is unlikely to ever be a true No. 1, but he's proven he can be an excellent No.2. 2018 will be Goodwin's age-28 campaign.

Titans released RB DeMarco Murray.

The move clears Murray's entire $6.5 million salary from the books, leaving behind no dead money. The Titans are now committed to on-the-rise third-year pro Derrick Henry as their lead back. Henry closed 2017 on a tear while (now) 30-year-old Murray appeared out of gas. Playing banged up, Murray averaged just 3.58 yards per carry. A violent runner, Murray has learned how to stay on the field after injury issues early in his career, but has taken a ton of punishment. He will hunt for committee work in free agency.

Bucs re-signed QB Ryan Fitzpatrick.

It's a one-year contract. 35-year-old Fitzpatrick made six appearances, including three starts, in place of Jameis Winston last season. Always a bit overextended as a starter, Fitz is one of the league's top backups.

Rams signed CB Sam Shields.

Shields hasn't played since suffering the fifth documented concussion of his career in Week 1 of the 2016 season. Speaking recently, he said he was "one away" from retirement. Now on the wrong side of 30, Shields is purely a speculative flier for a team that's low on healthy depth behind Marcus Peters.

Rams acquired CB Aqib Talib from the Broncos in exchange for a fifth-round pick.

It's the Rams' second trade for a corner in two weeks, and gives DC Wade Phillips a veteran frontline starter to pair with volatile young pro Marcus Peters. The Broncos had decided that 32-year-old Talib was no longer worth his $11 million salary — the trade terms confirm the move is a salary dump — but he remained one of the league's better corners in 2017. Durable, Talib has remained extremely consistent. He's reuniting with Phillips after two years together in Denver. The Rams have done an excellent job of rebuilding their cornerback corps on the fly.

ESPN's Rich Cimini expects free agent CB Malcolm Butler to be on the Jets' "radar."

The Jets have been linked to top free agent CB Trumaine Johnson, but he's expected to have plenty of suitors, while Butler is flying more under the radar as a backup plan for teams that whiff on Johnson. Butler is extremely unlikely to go back to New England after the Super Bowl fiasco that didn't see him play on defense. Butler just turned 28 earlier this month.

Buccaneers signed WR Mike Evans to a five-year, $82.5 million contract extension.

The deal includes $55 million guaranteed and keeps Evans under contract through 2023. In terms of annual salary, this makes Evans the second-highest-paid receiver in football behind future Hall of Famer Antonio Brown. Evans is coming off a down year in 2017, but still topped 1,000 yards receiving for the fourth time in as many seasons. Odell Beckham, who was drafted five picks after Evans in 2014, could use Evans' new deal as a starting point in long-term negotiations with the Giants.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Browns will acquire WR Jarvis Landry from the Dolphins in exchange for two draft picks.

Miami will acquire one pick in the upcoming draft and another in 2019. The Browns are also working on a new contract with Landry, who signed his one-year, $15.982 million franchise tender earlier this week. It looked like the Dolphins may have backed themselves into a corner by tagging a player they never actually wanted, but it all worked out in the end. Landry's salary was never an issue for the Browns, who boast over $100 million in cap space. It probably won't be enough to lure in Kirk Cousins, but the Browns do offer an intriguing receiving corps with Landry, Josh Gordon and former first-round pick Corey Coleman. Landry's 400 catches through his first four seasons are the most in NFL history. Still, it will be hard to gauge his fantasy value until we know what Cleveland's plan is at quarterback. The two sides did not work out a long-term deal before the trade went down, and RapSheet reports Landry could play out the one-year tender to get a feel for how he fits in Cleveland before signing a long-term deal. It also makes sense for Landry to wait if the Browns are not willing to guarantee him the value of the tag this year ($15.98 million) and a large chunk of what it would cost to tag him next season ($19.18 million). Cleveland almost certainly made this trade with the intent to sign Landry to an extension, but it does not sound like that is a given

Browns acquired QB Tyrod Taylor from the Bills in exchange for the No. 65 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft.

This deal comes just hours after the Browns agreed to a trade which will bring Jarvis Landry to Cleveland. Coach Hue Jackson has said he does not want to start a rookie quarterback in Week 1, and this trade all but ensures he will not have to. It also means the Browns do not have to reach for a quarterback with one of their top five picks if they are not in love with the top options, although Taylor is scheduled to be a free agent after this season. As for Buffalo, the writing had been on the wall for Taylor, but now the only quarterback they have under contract is Nathan "Five Pick" Peterman. They are strong candidates to trade up for one of the top quarterbacks in the draft.

Browns acquired CB Damarious Randall from the Packers in exchange for QB DeShone Kizer.

Considering the Browns traded for Tyrod Taylor on Friday and are likely to select a quarterback early in the draft, it was clear Kizer was no longer in their plans, so getting a corner who has flashed quality starter skills and is still on his rookie deal in return is good business. Randall also clashed with coaches last season, however, which is likely why the Packers decided to move him. With Randall, Jason McCourty, and Jamar Taylor, Cleveland has the makings of a solid corner group. The deal also includes a pick swap.

With Tyrod Taylor coming in and an early-round rookie likely to follow, the writing was on the wall for Kizer in Cleveland. That said, this move is likely a blessing for the 2017 second-round pick, who will get a chance to develop behind one of the best quarterbacks in the game. Despite his rocky rookie season, the book is not closed on Kizer as a starting quarterback. With Kizer on board, the Packers could look to move on from Brett Hundley, who was overmatched as a starter last season.

Patriots acquired DT Danny Shelton and a 2018 fifth-round pick from the Browns in exchange for the Patriots' third-round pick in 2019.

Shelton was the Browns 1st-round pick in 2015 out of Washington. He was a contributor to their elite run defense in 2017 and graded as a top-20 interior defender against the run according to Pro Football Focus. Despite his success, this seems to be a beneficial trade for both teams. The Browns will likely rely more on former third-round pick Larry Ogunjobi who excelled in his 2017 rookie campaign. It also fills a big hole for the Patriots after not exercising DT Alan Branch's 2018 team option. Shelton will likely be used as a role player against teams that frequently use heavy packages and especially in run-stuffing situations, something the Patriots struggled with in 2017.

Giants released P Brad Wing.

Wing signed a three-year extension in 2016 but played poorly in 2017, averaging the lowest net yards per punt in the league. Two short punts contributed to Giants' late losses against the Eagles and Bucs, and Wing also had two punts blocked. This move saves the Giants $1 million in cap space.

49ers signed CB Richard Sherman, formerly of the Seahawks, to a three-year, $39.15 million contract.

The deal includes a $5 million signing bonus. It took Sherman just over 24 hours to land a new team after being let go by the Seahawks on Friday. Some thought Sherman would have to settle for a one-year, prove-it deal coming off a torn Achilles, but obviously the Niners had no qualms about his health. The 29-year-old has been one of the league's best corners since arriving as a fifth-round pick in 2011 and gives San Francisco's secondary an immediate boost. It's a homecoming of sorts for Sherman, who played collegiately at Stanford. By staying in the NFC West, Sherman will get to suit up against his former mates twice a year.

Giants released CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

The move saves New York $6.5 million. The Giants asked him to take a pay cut, but the 31-year-old decided he would rather test the market. Rodgers-Cromartie clashed with coaches—all of whom are now fired—last season, but showed well when given the opportunity, earning a positive grade from Pro Football Focus. 2016 first-round CB Eli Apple spent most of last year in the doghouse but DRC's release suggests he's back on even ground with the organization. Rodgers-Cromartie, who matched a career-high with six interceptions in 2016, joins a loaded free agent cornerback class featuring Trumaine Johnson, Kyle Fuller, Aaron Colvin and Malcolm Butler, among others.

According to ESPN's Jordan Raanan, the Giants are aware of a potentially damaging video involving Odell Beckham.

The video surfaced Friday while Beckham was on a Nike-sponsored tour of Europe. The seven-second clip shows Beckham in bed with an open pizza box clutching what appears to be a brown cigarette. The video later pans to a female, who is holding a credit card with a white powder aligned in rows. "We're aware of the video, but we don't have any comment beyond that," a Giants spokesman said via email. It's unclear if anything will come of this, but it's not a good look for Beckham, who is seeking a lucrative long-term deal with New York

Chargers signed CB Casey Hayward to a three-year, $36 million extension through 2021.

Hayward receives $20 million guaranteed. This is a great signing for the Chargers as Hayward has made the Pro Bowl in consecutive seasons and is one of the most underrated cornerbacks in the NFL. This extension solidifies the Chargers depth at cornerback and their status as one of the leagues top secondaries.

By blackace Go To PostBe nice to hear what the Hawks are planning

Cardinals released Adrian Peterson.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the move will become official on Monday. Peterson had spurts of effectiveness after arriving via a mid-season trade, but he averaged just 3.5 yards on 129 carries before landing on injured reserve with a neck issue. With David Johnson returning healthy, the Cardinals had little reason to keep Peterson and his nearly $3 million cap hit around. Despite his name value, Peterson is unlikely to find a hot market.

Seahawks re-signed S Bradley McDougald to a three-year, $13.95 million contract.

A flier one-year signing last March, McDougald was forced into a starting role following Kam Chancellor's injury and performed relatively well. With Chancellor's future at best in question, it made sense for Seattle to bring McDougald back. He should have the inside track on a starting job if Chancellor remains sidelined.

Raiders released CB Sean Smith.

Signed to a four-year, $40 million deal in 2016, Smith never lived up to his contract with the Raiders, getting benched in literally his first game with the team. He was also charged with assault last August. Cutting him saves Oakland $8.5 million against the cap.

Broncos placed a second-round tender on restricted free agent OLB Shaq Barrett.

The tender is worth $2.914 million. Barrett only managed four sacks in 664 snaps last season, but he was credited with 29 hurries by Pro Football Focus in an effective campaign. He will compete with Shane Ray for playing time opposite Von Miller in 2018.

Ravens released DB Lardarius Webb.

The defensive back announced the news himself on Twitter. A third-round pick by the Ravens in 2009, Webb was a standout corner for Baltimore before transitioning to safety the last couple years. Cutting Webb saves the Ravens $1.75 million against the cap.

Raiders re-signed K Giorgio Tavecchio to a one-year, $550,000 contract.

Sebastian Janikowski's replacement was an exclusive rights free agent. Tavecchio converted just 16-of-21 field goal attempts last season and will surely face offseason competition

The Bears have tendered restricted free agent WR Cameron Meredith at the original-round level.

The original-round tender is worth $1.907 million this year. Since Meredith is a former undrafted free agent, it means the Bears would receive no compensation if Meredith signed an offer sheet elsewhere and they declined to match. The receiver-starved Bears must be assuming Meredith's recovery from a torn ACL will chill his market. Meredith would have been the Bears' No. 1 receiver in 2017 if not for his preseason injury. He turns 26 in 2018.

Rams re-signed RB Malcolm Brown and CB Troy Hill.

Both players were exclusive rights free agents. A 2015 UDFA, Brown operated as Todd Gurley's backup last season. He's averaged 3.6 yards on 85 career carries. The Rams could look to upgrade this offseason.

Chiefs released OLB Tamba Hali.

The expected move creates $7.7 million in cap space. Now 34, Hali missed most of 2017 with knee issues and has only 3.5 sacks over his past 21 games. He will hunt for work as a situational pass rusher but could struggle to find guaranteed money. The No. 20 overall pick of the 2006 draft, Hali has spent his entire career in Kansas City.

Dolphins released LB Lawrence Timmons.

With the cap-strapped Dolphins apparently "changing their culture," releasing Timmons and saving $5.4 million against the cap was a no-brainer. Timmons went AWOL at the beginning of last season and was completely ineffective upon his return. The ex-Steeler turns 32 this spring.

Steelers released CB William Gay.

The move creates $1.75 million in cap space. Gay was a reserve last season, playing 264 snaps. He turned 33 in January.

Bucs re-signed TE Cameron Brate to a six-year, $41 million contract.

ESPN's Jenna Laine reports the deal includes $18 million guaranteed. It's a huge contract for the former undrafted free agent, especially considering the Bucs used a first-round pick on O.J. Howard last spring. Brate isn't much of a blocker but is one of Jameis Winston's favorite targets, particularly in the red zone. He has 14 touchdowns over the past two seasons. The Harvard man turns 27 in July.

Bucs re-signed CB Brent Grimes to a one-year contract.

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports the deal is worth "up to" $10 million. Going on 35, Grimes missed three games with shoulder issues last season but remained effective when on the field. The wheels can fall off for corners at any given time, but Grimes should open 2018 as the Bucs' No. 1 corner.

Bengals acquired LT Cordy Glenn from the Bills.

The teams are swapping first-round picks (Cincinnati's No. 12, Buffalo's No. 21) as compensation. Cincinnati is also getting a fifth-round pick, Buffalo a sixth. It's a salary dump by the Bills. Glenn is one of the league's better tackles when healthy but has been beset by injury over the past two years, missing 17 games. He was on the field for just 275 snaps in 2017. The Bengals, meanwhile, received near-league worst tackle play after letting Andrew Whitworth walk last season. Cedric Ogbuehi got roughed up on the blindside. Provided he's over his foot/ankle issues, Glenn will open the season as the Bengals' left tackle. Headed into his age-29 campaign, Glenn is signed through 2020.

Jaguars re-signed TE Ben Koyack to a one-year, $630,000 contract.

Koyack was an exclusive rights free agent. A role player, he has 24 career catches.

By RATHasReturned Go To PostFully guaranteed is a GAME CHANGER