2015 NFL Free Agency Buzz

[metaldude26]

Anyone else see the news about Chris Borland retiring after one year citing concussion concerns? Smart dude.

[2014olympicgold]

You talking about the Eagles or Washington?

Skins. I’d be quite happy if the skins were set up like the eagles are right now.

[2014olympicgold]

Anyone else see the news about Chris Borland retiring after one year citing concussion concerns? Smart dude.

Did you see some Pro’s responses to his retirement? Brandon Marshall said something that I kinda questioned his intent. But I liked Tom Crabtree’s response the best, it was pretty genuine.

http://www.thescore.com/nfl/news/723556

There’s an article on a few players responses. I would of expected for SF to go after Hardy after this but doesn’t sound like they will.

[Axeman33]

https://twitter.com/AdamRonis/status/577874654171389953

Looks like the #Raiders are signing Trent Richardson. No need for a punchline.

[Bomm Bastic]

I don't know what the eff is taking the Bills so friggin' long in extending an offer sheet to Clay. Ya think they would have all the cap ramifications mapped out ahead of time.

[metaldude26]

I don't know what the eff is taking the Bills so friggin' long in extending an offer sheet to Clay. Ya think they would have all the cap ramifications mapped out ahead of time.

That would assume competence.

[dejeanneret]

I don't know what the eff is taking the Bills so friggin' long in extending an offer sheet to Clay. Ya think they would have all the cap ramifications mapped out ahead of time.

My guess is a combo of two things: (1) assuming the transition tag remains, trying their best to predict the lowest number that gets them close to guaranteeing that the Fins won't match without [hugely] overpaying, while simultaneously (2) trying to drag this thing out a bit to the point where Miami removes the transition tag and the Bills can negotiate freely, and perhaps reach a bit more cap friendly deal, without fear of Miami then simply opting to match.

As md26 says, that scenario assumes a level of competence. But, for two reasons, I think it's become a bit of a game of chicken at this point, with time and circumstances aligning more in the Bills' favor than initially expected. The first is that Clay hasn't shown that he's in any rush to sign a new deal in Miami. And the second is that Miami has since shown signs that it's prepared to move on by signing more than a chump replacement for Clay (Jordan Cameron) at something more than a chump change contract (2 years, $15MM).

[Bomm Bastic]

My guess is a combo of two things: (1) assuming the transition tag remains, trying their best to predict the lowest number that gets them close to guaranteeing that the Fins won't match without [hugely] overpaying, while simultaneously (2) trying to drag this thing out a bit to the point where Miami removes the transition tag and the Bills can negotiate freely, and perhaps reach a bit more cap friendly deal, without fear of Miami then simply opting to match.

I was assuming #2, as well because I would think they would have had #1 figured out by now.

[dejeanneret]

Kind of old news by now, but in any event....

Dolphins transition player Charles Clay signed a five-year, $38 million offer sheet with the Bills.

The deal includes a whopping $20 million guaranteed, and $24.2 million over the first two years. Per NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, the offer is "structured to attack" Miami's cap space in 2016. The Dolphins now have five days to match. They will receive no compensation if they pass. It's the culmination of a week-long odyssey that's seen the AFC East rivals jockey over the H-back whilst remaking their rosters at tight end. The Bills cut Scott Chandler, while Miami signed Jordan Cameron. The Buffalo News previously reported there's a "90 percent chance" Clay ends up a Bill. NFL Network's Mike Silver reports the Dolphins' final offer to Clay was for four years and $27 million, and included $15 million guaranteed.

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/6681/charles-clay

Interested to see what happens from here. I was listening to NFL radio on the drive home last night with Bill Polian on. Not talking about this deal specifically, but he was commenting on the then-reported angle that the Bills were working on an offer for Clay that would focus on making the 2016 cap hit as onerous as possible to scare off Miami because that's when Suh's contract really takes off (he's apparently making like $1 million in 2015 before it escalates exponentially thereafter).

Polian's comment on that tactic was that, as a former GM, he wouldn't care one whit about the cap implications in 2016 because so much can change between now and then. Players leave, the cap goes up, etc. Interesting take from a highly regarded former GM, and perhaps a bit counter-intuitive I thought.

[2014olympicgold]

It’s not like the NHL when it comes to cap issues. Not many teams worry as much as they should about it. If Miami really wants Clay they’d match it. But to me, it’s not worth 20m guaranteed for a backup/injury insurance TE. I’m a little shocked at the size of the contract for Clay actually.

[Axeman33]

I wonder how long he will last in Buffalo.

https://twitter.com/JasonLaCanfora/s...70143283208192

As a practical matter, Percy Harvin signed a 3yr/$24M deal w/BUF; voids to 1yr/$6M. Gets $3M to sign, $2.9M base salary, $100K workout bonus

[2014olympicgold]

I wonder how long he will last in Buffalo.

https://twitter.com/JasonLaCanfora/s...70143283208192

Rex Ryan or Bill Belichuk are the only coaches I think he could play for. Except I’m really shocked Buffalo opted for a 3yr contract. I wonder if yr 2 pays nothing because of the latest contract to Clay (his contract is heavy payout in yr 2).

[Axeman33]

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/sta...66626920955904

Ravens announced they have released RB Bernard Pierce, who was arrested for DWI.

[Bomm Bastic]

Looks like Miami will not be matching the offer sheet on Clay. Just got an alert...but if anyone can confirm that with link.

[dejeanneret]

Looks like Miami will not be matching the offer sheet on Clay. Just got an alert...but if anyone can confirm that with link.

Just heard the same reported on NFL radio. Haven't found a link anywhere yet though.

Update: Here are a couple links.

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/sta...76754169638912

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap300...nt-match-offer