Free Agency

Just to get a head start on terminology as I am as bad as any on remembering this stuff. Article from fantasy guru

After a three-day negotiating period for teams, the new league year officially begins March 10 at 4 p.m. Eastern, giving the NFL a juicy primetime free agency special, and it’s possible many of the top names in this article are locked up in the days – or even hours – after the new league year starts (there was a flurry of activity as soon as 4 p.m. hit last year).
Under the 2011 NFL CBA, players who have accrued four years of service time are designated as unrestricted free agents – you might remember that only players with six years of service time could be UFAs once the last CBA expired and the league played without a salary cap briefly.
In this article series, we will have an extensive list and analysis of all of the key free agents in the NFL this off-season (and some guys who aren’t so key). Some of these guys will make an impact next year, and many will not. We have you covered either way.

To start, a primer on the 2015 free agency process:
Free Agency Glossary
These are terms you’ll hear a lot in this article and over the next few weeks. These brief descriptions should have you adequately prepared for the whole process.

Unrestricted free agent: Any NFL player who has accrued four or more years of service time and has an expired contract. An unrestricted free agent is free to sign with any team in whatever situation for whatever contract he deems most beneficial, with no penalty to the acquiring team.
Restricted free agent: Any NFL player who has accrued three years of service time and has an expired contract. Restricted free agents are free to negotiate on the open market. Once a player is given an offer sheet, his previous team has a seven-day “right of first refusal” period to match the offer.
If the controlling team declines, the acquiring team could be forced to pay a draft-pick penalty for signing that player to a contract, the cost of which is depending on the RFA tender offered to the player by his previous club. On the flip side, if a player is not offered an RFA tender by his club, he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Teams can also work out trades with interested parties, adjusting the terms any draft-pick compensation the player’s RFA tender would require (the Dolphins and Patriots did this in 2007 with Wes Welker).

Exclusive rights free agent: Any NFL player who has accrued two or fewer years of service time and has an expired contract. The term “free agent” is a misnomer, in that the player has no contract, but his rights are controlled by his team unless that team willingly decides to release him. If an exclusive rights free agent is tendered a contract (at the veteran minimum), he must sign it if he wishes to play because he has no negotiating power. For the purposes of this article, we’ll list ERFAs under the “RFA” section.

Franchise tag: Any player who will become an unrestricted or restricted free agent can be designated as his club’s franchise player. If a player is designated as a franchise player, he is tendered a one-year, guaranteed contract. To make a complicated scenario simple (and trust us, it’s complicated), the franchise tag under the new CBA signed in 2011 is calculated as a percentage of the salary cap, using the salaries of highly paid players at the tagged player’s position, which reduces the overall value of the tag (this was a “win” for the owners in the CBA negotiations). Every dollar of the franchise tag is guaranteed.
If a player is designated a franchise player, he can sign the one-year deal immediately, and he can continue to negotiate a long-term deal with his club. However, once a deadline in mid-July passes, the franchise player is no longer free to negotiate a long-term deal and must either sign the franchise tag or hold out (teams can also work out trades). Moreover, if a franchise player holds out past a certain date late in the NFL season, he is no longer free to sign the tag and will go without pay for the entire 2015 season (Vincent Jackson came dangerously close to this date during the 2010 season).
A player can be either an “exclusive” or “non-exclusive” franchise player. A “non-exclusive” franchise player is free to negotiate with other teams, like a restricted free agent, and like in an RFA scenario his previous club is given right of first refusal. If the club declines to match an offer sheet, the player’s previous club is awarded two 1st-round picks as compensation. Because of this, we won’t often see a “non-exclusive” franchise player sign with another club.
In 2015, teams must designate a player a franchise player by March 2 at 4:00 p.m. Eastern.

Transition tag: Like the franchise tag, the transition tag is a way for teams to retain their unrestricted or restricted free agents under a one-year guaranteed deal. However, there are some differences, explaining why it is not as prevalent as the franchise tag. First, and most notably, the transition tag is “cheaper” to the offering team, as it takes into account the salaries of the top-10 players at the position instead of five, like in the franchise tag.
However, transitioned players are always free to negotiate with other clubs, like restricted free agents, and their controlling clubs are given right of first refusal. But there is no draft-pick compensation for being unable to match an offer sheet, unlike the two 1st-round pick compensation on a non-exclusive franchised player.
This has led to very interesting scenarios in the past, in which teams included “poison pill” clauses in their offer sheets to transitioned players, making it essentially impossible for a player’s old club to match the offer (Steve Hutchinson and Nate Burleson were signed with “poison pill” deals in the past). The risk was minimal for offering teams – they didn’t have to pay any compensation, like they would have to under an RFA tender or a franchise tender.
That’s why the tag is little used. While there is less financial commitment, there is a greater risk to the club offering the tag. The Steelers used the tag on Jason Worilds last year, but he signed it quickly and was willing to play under it. So teams could use the tag on players they know will be willing to sign it, or on players whom they don’t believe will be as valued on the open market as the player expects.
In previous years, teams could use both the franchise tag and a transition tag. Under the new CBA signed in 2011, teams can choose only one of the two tags.

 

Have we ever used the transition tag. It seems the two dollar bill of free agency.

 

Not to my knowledge. I heard Cleveland may use it on Cameron

 

Deshaun Foster.

 

Here is a few names at WR and OL that may interest folks. I'm leaving D. Thomas, Dez, Randall Cobb and Maclin as I don't think they would talk to Carolina even if Panthers had money.

Michael Crabtree (SF, 27) - Crabtree didn’t look all the way back from his torn Achilles when he returned from the injury for the final five games of 2013, and while he played every game in 2014, he didn’t look like the dominant player we saw in 2012. In 16 games, Crabtree posted 68/698/4 (10.3 YPC, a career-low) on 108 targets (63% catch rate) to finish tied for 56th among WRs with 10.1 FPG while playing about 69% of snaps per game. He never had more than 85 yards in any game and had at least 5 receptions just six times. He had just six games with double-digit FP and hit 20 FP just twice. Crabtree, who turns 28 in September, has battled a plethora of injuries during his six-year career, including a knee issue that nagged him this past season, so that lengthy injury history could hurt him in free agency. He did have to play with an inconsistent QB in Colin Kaepernick, but Crabtree also dropped too many passes and didn’t get into any kind of rhythm during the season. Crabtree admitted that he may not be back in San Francisco next season, but he’s likely to draw some attention this off-season because of his talent level. It will be interesting to see if he tries to land in a more pass-friendly offense after playing the last couple years in this 49er offense that’s ranked near the bottom of the league in pass attempts.

Torrey Smith (Bal, 26) – Torrey ended up posting good numbers for fantasy players, but a disastrous start to the season really hurt his bottom line. Torrey had just 49/767/11 receiving on 91 targets (53.8%) in 16 games, finishing #34 among WRs with 12.0 FPG. He also saw more slot time than we’re used to seeing from him, but unfortunately for him, he was typically the “Z” receiver, usually way behind the “X” for targets in Gary Kubiak’s offense. Torrey started extremely slow through five weeks, posting just 11/176/1 on 29 targets for 6.9 FPG. Over that same span, new teammate Steve Smith was the #6 receiver at 18.9 FPG. From Week Six on, Torrey was the #20 fantasy receiver, with 14.3 FPG, while Steve fell to #40 at 11.6 FPG. No receiver drew more pass interference calls than Torrey, and while those are big plays for his offense, they don’t do anything for fantasy. On the flip side, his fantasy owners were fortunate that he scored 11 TDs on just 49 catches. No other WR with fewer than 50 catches had more than 8 receiving TDs. He also didn’t have a single 100-yard game in 2014, and twice posted a goose egg (once while playing on a bad knee). Torrey is unlikely to ever be a consistent receiver, but he’s still one of the best deep threats and the top one available in this free agency class. Smith went to the University of Maryland and is a perfect fit with Joe Flacco’s big arm, so it makes the most sense for Smith to return next season.

Kenny Britt (Stl, 26) – Britt revitalized his career a bit by reuniting with his old Titan coach Jeff Fisher. Britt actually stayed healthy and out of trouble last season, as he stayed on the field for all 16 games for the first time since his rookie season in 2009. Britt caught a career-best 48 passes on 82 targets (58.5% catch rate) for 748 yards (15.6 YPC) and 3 TDs for 8.9 FPG in 16 games. He played 79% of the snaps last season, so he emerged as the team’s #1 WR after Brian Quick went down in Week Seven. Britt said after the season that he wants to stay in St. Louis, which would be a wise decision, considering he’s had his most success under Fisher. If Britt re-signs this off-season, he could form a nice tandem of big receivers with Quick for whoever is at quarterback next season. Britt will be entering his seventh season in 2015, but he still will be only 27 years old in September, so it’s not out of the question that he could put it all together at some point. Still, he’s unlikely to get much guaranteed money on the open market, so his best bet is to likely stay in St. Louis.

Cecil Shorts (Jac, 27) – So much for a contract-year bump for Shorts in 2014. It looks like Shorts may have played his final game with the Jaguars unless he’s willing to come back to Jacksonville on the cheap for almost no guaranteed money. Shorts became just another guy in this offense with talented rookie WRs Allen Robinson, Marqise Lee, and Allen Hurnsaround him. Shorts didn’t make any big plays in this Jaguar offense, averaging a measly 10.5 YPC, and he scored just 1 TD all the way back in his first game of the season. He finished the year with 53 catches on 110 targets (a pathetic 48.2% catch rate) for 557 yards and 1 TD in 13 games, averaging 9.3 FPG. Shorts did play on 87% of the snaps when he was in the lineup. He once again dealt with hamstring issues last season, and he’s had concussion issues in the past, so Shorts is unlikely to generate heavy interest on the open market. Shorts is originally from Cleveland and went to college at Mt. Union in Ohio. He could be a relatively cheap option for the WR-hungry Browns, a franchise that could also use some positive publicity.

Eddie Royal (SD, 28) – Royal actually had his best season since his rookie year, posting 62/778/7 (12.5 YPC) on 90 targets (68.9% catch rate) to finish tied for 37th among WRs, with 11.5 FPG. He averaged 71% of the snaps per game, but saw his snaps rise from 62% in the first half of the season to 81% in the second half. Royal has been known as a slot receiver, so it was no surprise to see that he ran 86.2% of his routes from the slot. His 445 slot routes were the 3rd-most behind just Randall Cobb and Jordan Matthews, according to ProFootballFocus. Royal is a free agent and coming off his best season in six years, and he could be a nice piece for a team looking for a veteran to be a #3 WR, so he’s not a lock to be back in San Diego if they can’t afford him. Royal will be 29 in May and is entering his 8th year in the league, but he should have a decent market for teams looking for an experienced slot receiver.

Hakeem Nicks (Ind, 27) – Nicks signed a one-year prove-it deal with the Colts, and he failed to make much of an impact. While he played every game - a minor miracle for him - he started just six times, catching 38/405/4 (10.7 YPC) on 68 targets (55.9% catch rate), which put him at just 6.4 FPG. He was somewhat active in the red zone, with 14 targets, but he was ultimately pretty useless, despite getting to play with standout Andrew Luck. Nicks’ snaps dropped from 55% in the first half of the season to 46% in the second half, as rookie Donte Moncrief started to come on a little more. If Nicks returns to the Colts, it’ll likely be a team-friendly deal, since we doubt the market will be strong for the disappointing veteran. Wayne is a free agent, and there’s a chance he could retire, which does help Nicks’ chances of returning next season as the #3 WR.

 

Ol
Mike Iupati (SF, 27) – Iupati will be the most coveted offensive guard in free agency this off-season. He’s made the Pro Bowl the last three seasons, but the 49ers might give rookies Marcus Martin and Brandon Thomas chances to replace him. Iupati, who will turn 28 in May, is one of the best run blocking guards in the league, ranking second in rankings done by ProFootballFocus for offensive guards. Iupati missed a game because of a concussion last season, and he played this season after breaking his ankle in the NFC title game in the 2013 season. The 49ers could still use their franchise tag on Iupati, as this offensive line started to fall apart at the end of the season.

Bryan Bulaga (GB, 25) – This Packer offense looked much better last season with Bulaga anchoring the line at RT. Bulaga played in 15 games last season after missing the entire 2013 season with an ACL injury and having his 2012 season cut short by a hip injury. He’s a solid all-around player and has done well as a pass blocker for QB Aaron Rodgers. Bulaga, 25, will be sought after as one of the best offensive tackles on the market, and Rodgers said after the season that re-signing Bulaga should be a top priority.

Rodney Hudson (KC, 25) – Hudson is the top center on the market this off-season, and there aren’t many other great options, so Hudson should have some suitors. He’s started 31 games over the last two seasons, and he’s very athletic for the position and can get to the second level. Hudson, who will turn 26 in July, is expected to look for more money than top-paid center Eric Wood, who is paid $6.3 million per year by Buffalo. The Chiefs don’t exactly have a lot of cap flexibility, and Jamaal Charles could take another hit if yet another lineman leaves. Hudson met with Chief officials at the Combine, but his future could depend on what the Chiefs do with Justin Houston.

Doug Free (Dal, 31) and Jermey Parnell (Dal, 28) - The Cowboys will likely have to choose between Parnell and Free this off-season, as they have several key free agents like Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray. Free started the first 11 games at RT but missed the end of the season because of foot and injuries. Parnell filled in for Free in the final five games and in the playoffs, and the Cowboy offense played arguably better. Free and Parnell excelled as run blockers, helping Murray to lead the league in rushing, and both players do a solid job as pass blockers. Free is considered the leader of the Cowboy offensive line, but Parnell is the younger and potentially cheaper option.

Orlando Franklin (Den, 27) – The Broncos have a number of big decisions to make this off-season among Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas, and Terrance Knighton, and they also want to get LG Franklin under contract. Franklin played in 63 of his first 64 games in the NFL, and he played RT in his first three seasons before sliding to LG this past season, so he has some versatility along the offensive line. Franklin excelled as a run blocker this past season, opening up some big holes for RB C.J. Anderson. Franklin’s future with the Broncos could depend on what the Broncos do with Thomas and Thomas in free agency.

Derek Newton (Hou, 27) – Newton, a former 7th-round pick, is still inconsistent at times, but he is coming off his best season in his fourth year. The Texans allowed the 4th-fewest sacks (26) in the league last season and ranked 5th in rushing. Newton played in all 32 games the last two seasons, and he’s missed just two games in four years. The Texans don’t have a viable replacement for Newton on the roster right now, but they could decide he’s expendable because of a solid draft class for tackles, and the Texans pick #16 this May.

Michael Roos (Ten, 32) – Roos is considering retirement after 10 strong seasons with the Titans. He’s missed just 12 games over the course of his career, but 11 of those games came in 2014 after he needed right knee surgery in October. The surgery is a variation of microfracture surgery, which could make his recovery a little more difficult. The Titans drafted his replacement Taylor Lewan last May, so there is a chance that Roos could look to play for a contender next season with his career winding down and having never won a playoff game in Tennessee. Roos is still playing at a fairly high level, so he will be an interesting player to track this off-season.

Clint Boling (Cin, 25) – The Bengals and Boling seem to have a mutual interest in keeping the young LG in Cincinnati. He started all 16 games last season, and he’s one of the top free agent offensive guards this off-season. Boling is also versatile, playing some at RT when Andre Smith went down with a triceps injury. Boling played well last season coming off ACL surgery after the 2013 season, excelling in the run game in particular. He did struggle in pass protection at times last season, but the Bengals do want to re-sign him, since they need to run effectively with Andy Dalton at QB.

Stefen Wisniewski (Oak, 25) - Wisniewski is one of the more intriguing free agent O-linemen, as he’s been inconsistent throughout his four-year career but has flashed some upside for potential suitors. He’s played on some bad O-lines in Oakland, so he could improve with a better cast around him. Wisniewski has missed just three games in his four seasons - all as a starter - and he’s a versatile option, as he can play at center or guard and in zone or power schemes. The Raiders are planning to let Wisniewski test the open market after failing to come to an extension during the 2014 season. Wisniewski will be a cheaper option than C/OG Rodney Hudson, as he’s expected to be seeking around $3 million a year.


I'd give anything for Bulaga but he won't be leaving Green Bay

 

Teorrey Smith would be phenominal for us, in a perfect world.

 

Sorry I meant Torrey Smith. I'm a bit faded tonite.

 

I can't imagine a wide receiver would like to come and try to catch these erratic fucking passes from Cam.

 

Hey FUCK YOU!