NFL Offseason 2016 | Don't Stop, Believing

By sooperkool Go To PostWe're fine at QB, Carr is nice.

Giants signed ILB Keenan Robinson, formerly of the Redskins, to a one-year contract "worth up to $3.5 million."

Robinson started 21 games over the past two seasons, but should be arriving in New York as a reserve. At least going by Pro Football Focus' ratings, he was one of the least effective players in the league in 2015. The Giants shouldn't be done adding to their linebacker corps

Lions signed DB Johnson Bademosi, formerly of the Browns, to a two-year, $4.5 million contract.

The deal is worth a maximum of $6 million. Bademosi has not fared well in his defensive playing time to this point, but he is an excellent special teamer and has experience at both corner and safety. He also won't turn 26 years old until the late summer.

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Broncos acquired QB Mark Sanchez from the Eagles in exchange for a conditional seventh-round draft pick in 2017.

On absolute fire, Eagles GM Howie Roseman has now found trade partners for Sanchez, DeMarco Murray, Kiko Alonso, and Byron Maxwell. Maxwell, Sanchez, and Murray were clear contract dumps, while Alonso was entirely ineffective in 2015. Sanchez, 29, went 4-6 across ten starts with Philadelphia the past two seasons, compiling an 18:15 TD-to-INT ratio with a 7.6 yards-per-attempt average. The quarterback-needy Broncos will absorb his $4.5 million base salary. Sanchez should be viewed as nothing more than a backup in Denver, or perhaps a short-term stopgap placeholder while a superior long-term option gets ready.

Patriots signed WR Chris Hogan to a three-year, $12 million contract.

The Bills declined their right of first refusal on the 27-year-old slot receiver. Since Hogan is a former undrafted free agent tendered at the original-round level, the Bills receive no compensation for his departure. Hogan would seem to be a redundant talent for a team that already has Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola, but both of Hogan's fellow slot men are rather injury prone. Hogan is also two and a half years younger than Edelman. Amendola turns 31 in November. It's not outside the realm of possibility that Amendola ends up a cap casualty. Hogan is a chain mover who will do work over the middle of the field for New England's methodical attack.

Jaguars signed CB Prince Amukamara, formerly of the Giants, to a one-year contract.

The 27-year-old (in June) 2011 first-rounder will slide in opposite Davon House. It's surprising Amukamara had to settle for a one-year deal, but he has a lengthy injury history, and hasn't always quite lived up to his first-round pedigree. He's still an above-average starter, however. It's a strong signing for a Jags team aggressively addressing its deficient defense in free agency. Amukamara is a healthy season away from a much bigger payday next offseason.

Bucs signed DE Robert Ayers to a three-year, $21 million contract.

He gets $10.5 million guaranteed. Ayers is entering his age-31 season, but he has long been a quality run defender and is coming off a career-best 9.5-sack season. He's a big upgrade to a Tampa line that fielded the NFL's worst defensive end duo in 2015, and by a significant margin. Look for Ayers to take over as the Bucs' starting left end. Weak-side pass rusher remains a need.

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By Prototype Viktor Go To Postbetter than the rumor of them getting Tim Tebow

DK Pittsburgh's Dejan Kovacevic reports Martavis Bryant is facing a one-year suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.

Bryant was suspended four games at the beginning of last season for a substance-abuse violation, making a 10-game suspension possible after another failed test. It is unclear why Bryant jumped straight to a year-long ban, but it is possible he committed multiple violations. Bryant will appeal the suspension, but it is likely he will miss all of 2016. The Steelers added to their weapons by signing TE Ladarius Green to a four-year, $20 million deal in free agency. He should be heavily involved in the passing game with Bryant suspended, but the bulk of Bryant's workload will fall to Markus Wheaton and sophomore Sammie Coates, who flashed in Pittsburgh's Divisional Round loss to the Broncos. "We're all stunned," agent Brian Fettner said. "We clearly miscalculated the issue. His isn’t a party issue. It’s a coping issue." Bryant's agent also confirmed he missed "multiple" drug tests, leading to a full-year ban. Bryant is appealing his suspension, but is expected to miss all of 2016.

Chiefs signed WR Rod Streater, formerly of the Raiders, to a one-year deal "worth up to" $4.8 million.

Streater took visits with the Patriots and Jets, but his best shot at a roster spot was with the Chiefs. A seemingly ascending receiver before spending all of 2015 as a healthy scratch, Streater has a good shot to crack Kansas City's thin receiver corps.

Chargers agreed to terms with CB Casey Hayward on a three-year, $15.3 million contract with $6.8 million guaranteed.

Easily the top cornerback left on the free agent market, Hayward should get an opportunity to be a full-time player in San Diego after focusing on slot corner in Green Bay. Turning 27 in September, Hayward earned PFF's No. 21 coverage grade among 118 qualified cornerbacks last season and logged a career-high 65 tackles with seven pass breakups. He'll likely play left corner opposite Jason Verrett in base packages, and man the slot in San Diego's "sub" defense.

Bears signed DE Akiem Hicks to a two-year contract.

He had a visit scheduled with the Lions, but never left the Windy City. Hicks, 26, was acquired by New England via trade from New Orleans last October and earned Pro Football Focus' No. 14 defensive tackle grade among 70 qualifiers, logging 23 tackles and three sacks. At 6-foot-5, 318, Hicks will give the Bears another big-bodied presence alongside NT Eddie Goldman (6'4/336) to shield new ILBs Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman from would-be blockers.

Ravens signed FS Eric Weddle, formerly of the Chargers, to a four-year, $26 million contract.

The deal includes $13 million guaranteed. Weddle was reportedly deciding between four teams. Although he remained one of the league's best safeties in 2015, the Chargers made no effort to re-sign a player they took with the No. 37 overall pick of the 2007 draft. There's bad blood, with Weddle saying he may never speak to the team again. Weddle fills a huge need for the Ravens, who received ineffective play opposite SS Will Hill in 2015. Although he's now 31, Weddle has missed only three games since 2009. Weddle is a playmaker who doubles as a tackling machine at the back end of the defense.

Bucs signed CB Josh Robinson, formerly of the Vikings, to a one-year contract.

The No. 66 overall pick of the 2012 draft, Robinson had a strong rookie year, but has steadily faded. He tore his pectoral last summer, and ended up playing just six regular season snaps. Still only 25, Robinson is a depth signing with a bit of upside. He has 4.33 speed.

Martavis Bryant's indefinite suspension is the result of failing six drug tests.

In other words, the NFL makes you work really hard to earn a year-long ban. Two of Bryant's "fails" were no-shows, which is treated as a straight fail for obvious reasons. Bryant has checked into rehab, while his agent says he's battling depression. In a Monday statement, Steelers GM Kevin Colbert hinted the team plans to hold onto Bryant through his suspension

Cardinals acquired DE/OLB Chandler Jones from the Patriots in exchange for OG Jonathan Cooper and the No. 61 overall pick of the draft.

Still only 26, Jones is one of the league's best pass rushers, but is headed into the final year of his rookie contract. A looming mega-deal coupled with a bizarre January incident where Jones showed up to a police station high on synthetic marijuana seem to have cooled the Pats on their 2012 first-rounder. As for the Cardinals, Jones is the linchpin pass rusher they've been seeking for years now. He'll likely play outside linebacker in Bruce Arians' 3-4. An extension could be hammered out in short order. Jones has 36 sacks in 55 career games. The No. 7 overall pick of the 2013 draft, Cooper's Cardinals tenure never got going, due in large part to injury. He missed his entire rookie year with a broken leg before suffering all manner of minor ailments. He began 2015 as the Cardinals' starting right guard, but was benched for backup-talent Ted Larsen. The Cardinals were considering moving Cooper to center before dealing him. The Pats had one of the league's very worst interior lines in 2015, so Cooper will be a candidate at all three spots. Cooper turned 26 in January. It's no guarantee he saves his career in New England.

Redskins signed S David Bruton, formerly of the Broncos, to a three-year, $9 million contract.

It's a nice signing for a team that received arguably the league's worst safety play in 2015. Bruton has been a key reserve for the Broncos since 2009, and was having a strong 2015 before breaking his leg late in the year. Bruton is a core special teamer who should be one of the Redskins' top three safeties in 2016.

Ravens signed WR Mike Wallace, formerly of the Vikings, to a two-year, $11.5 million contract.

Baltimore will be Wallace's third team in three years. Wallace has averaged just 775 receiving yards over the past four seasons, bottoming out at 473 in 2015, but is a badly needed deep threat for the Ravens' unsettled receiver corps. Although Wallace's decline began in Pittsburgh, he's a sideline specialist who has been saddled with two of the weakest-armed quarterbacks in the league in Ryan Tannehill and Teddy Bridgewater over the past three years. He'll never have another 1,000-yard season, but should rebound on his dreadful 2015. If Steve Smith and Breshad Perriman can stay healthy, Baltimore's receiver corps will be much improved on last year's laughable unit.

Broncos re-signed restricted free agent RB C.J. Anderson to a four-year, $18 million contract.

Cue the sad trombone for the Dolphins, who had supposedly structured Anderson's offer so the Broncos couldn't match it. With their quarterback situation remaining unsettled, the Broncos decided they couldn't lose a runner who was easily their best back last season, and one of their most important players down the stretch each of the past two years. Now the undisputed lead back for an offense that will likely be dramatically more run heavy in 2016, Anderson and his three-down skill-set should provide RB1 value in fantasy leagues.

Jaguars signed OT Kelvin Beachum, formerly of the Steelers.

It's an interesting move for a team that has 2013 No. 2 overall pick Luke Joeckel on the blindside, and invested big money in RT Jermey Parnell last offseason. Beachum is recovering from a torn ACL, but will immediately pressure a disappointing Joeckel upon his return to full health. Joeckel was among the league's least effective left tackles last season, while Beachum did a strong job in Pittsburgh the past two years. It's also possible Beachum kicks inside to guard.

Followup: The Associated Press' Mark Long reports the Jaguars signed LT Kelvin Beachum to compete with Luke Joeckel.

Joeckel had arguably his worst season in 2015, and simply hasn't progressed since being the No. 2 overall pick of the 2013 draft. Beachum has accomplished much more on an NFL field, but is recovering from a torn ACL. Depending on how the competition goes, Joeckel could ultimately be traded, or Beachum could kick inside to guard.

Rams GM Les Snead said Case Keenum will be "our starting quarterback."

As ridiculous as the commitment to Keenum has been, this is not surprising news. The Rams failed to add a quarterback in free agency despite plenty of money and opportunity, and they are not in a position to grab either of the top quarterbacks in the draft. With 7-9 as the annual goal, the Rams are in a good position with Keenum under center.

By Enron Go To PostDallas signs Alfred Morris. Eh.

Eagles signed WR Rueben Randle, formerly of the Giants, to a one-year, $1.025 million contract.

He can earn over $3 million via incentives and got $500,000 guaranteed. Randle also drew interest from the Rams but decided Philadelphia was his best fit. Consistency has eluded Randle to this point in his career, but he's coming off a career-high eight touchdowns and has never missed a game since entering the league in 2012. He should be the Eagles' No. 3 receiver behind Jordan Matthews and Nelson Agholor. By adding Randle and Chris Givens to the mix this offseason, Josh Huff can no longer be assured of his spot on the 53-man roster.

By GQman2121 Go To PostDid anyone else show an interest? That might explain why he's going there. He also won't have stiff competition to start.

Browns signed Robert Griffin III, formerly of the Redskins, to a two-year contract worth $15 million, and includes $6.75 million guaranteed..

This deal has been coming for quite some time. It's perhaps a little more money than expected, but similar to what Chase Daniel got from the Eagles. Griffin can make an additional $3.5 million per year through incentives tied to playing time and performance. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Browns are still fully expected to select a quarterback in the draft. Griffin will probably make starts this season, but not necessarily in Week 1. Coach Hue Jackson said the two sides had a "great meeting" during Griffin's visit with the team last week and called him a "tremendous talent." Jackson told Griffin during his visit he may have to compete with a highly-drafted rookie, so this signing will not stop the Browns from drafting either Cal QB Jared Goff or North Dakota State QB Carson Wentz with the No. 2 overall pick. Griffin has as much upside as both quarterbacks and is still only 26. It is not out of the question he holds off a talented rookie for the starting job. The former rookie of the year has not started a game since 2014.

By Dark PhaZe Go To Posti cant imagine a team didn't want him as a backup–i've got to imagine this move was made because it was looking like the only sure starting position out there

By blackace Go To PostIt's not like they have a QB who can throw to him

According to Mike Klis of 9 News Denver, the Broncos considered Robert Griffin III but chose not to seriously pursue him because of character concerns.

Griffin III would have jumped at the opportunity to play for the team he grew up rooting for. GM John Elway made a few phone calls about RG3 but ultimately decided he wasn't a good fit. Griffin III's highly publicized fallout with former coach Mike Shanahan made Elway's decision that much easier. The Broncos are still hoping to land Colin Kaepernick in a trade, but until that happens, Mark Sanchez will sit atop Denver's quarterback depth chart.

By Enron Go To PostIt's ok it's not like Randle will run the right route anyways

Former Redskins coach Mike Shanahan believes incorporating read-option and play-action into the offense will be the key to Robert Griffin III's success in Cleveland.

Shanahan and Griffin III butted heads during their time together in Washington but it appears the two have mended fences. Griffin III recently called Shanahan to thank him for recommending him to Rams coach Jeff Fisher, though he didn't sign with Los Angeles. Shanahan still has faith in his former signal-caller. "There's no way that this guy can't be successful if he goes back with the mindset he had as a rookie," said Shanahan in an interview with WTEM in Washington. "He was able to take advantage of play-action and do things that no other quarterback has been able to do." Shanahan said the decision to move from a pistol, zone-read attack to a more conventional offense in 2013 was Griffin's choice, not his. It will be interesting to see what schemes the Browns come up with for RG3, though his best chance for success will probably come in an offense that heavily emphasizes play-action.

ESPN's Jeff Legwold reports coach Gary Kubiak has "spoken to" free agent Johnny Manziel about his fit with the Broncos.

It's juicy stuff, but longtime Broncos beat writer Mike Klis reports the team has "no plans" to sign the ex-Brown. Klis frames the chat as Kubiak mostly just reaching out to a fellow Texas A&M alum. ESPN's Adam Schefter is more diplomatic, saying Kubiak talked to Manziel about being a fit "down the line," but that the Broncos "want to see how his pending legal issues and potential NFL discipline are resolved." Denver is the first team Manziel has been linked to in any way since his release, but it would be a stretch to say it looks like something imminent is brewing. Per Schefter, Manziel is "likely" to be suspended even if he isn't charged in his domestic violence case.