We’re just a few short weeks away from the official start of the NFL offseason, meaning teams are making the necessary cuts and restructuring deals to ensure enough cap space to be active come free agency. Although teams can’t negotiate with free agents just yet, there is no shortage of NFL free agency rumors already swirling at roster cuts become more imminent.
The defending Super Bowl champions are already gearing up to re-sign to make a push for some of their free agents — Michael Bennett and Golden Tate — so the team is expected to release wideout Sidney Rice, ESPN reported. Rice signed a five-year, $41 million contract in 2011 but played in just 33 of 48 possible games due to injuries. The team can afford to move on from Rice because of its a young receiving corps featuring Percy Hervin, Doug Baldwin, Jermaine Kearse and, potentially, Tate.
Seahawks are releasing WR Sidney Rice, per league source. Rice signed a five-year, $41 million contract in July 2011.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 21, 2014
The St. Louis Rams have a chance to address the quarterback position with the No. 2 overall pick in May’s draft, but may elect to stay put with their former first-rounder. According to ESPN, Rams general manager Les Snead remains involved in contract extension talks with Sam Bradford that began last spring. Bradford is due about $14 million in 2014 and was in the last class of first-round picks to receive mega-deals. CBS Sports reported last week Bradford was a possible cap casualty.
Snead reiterated Sam Bradford is the QB moving forward. Said contract extension talks began last spring and are “ongoing and active.”
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) February 21, 2014
The Arizona Cardinals may be in the market for a new tackle this offseason, especially if the team is unable to come to terms with Branden Albert who is believed to be on the team’s radar in free agency. However, according to Fox Sports 910 in Phoenix, the Cards’ backup plan is Rams tackle Roger Saffold. According to ESPN, St. Louis intends to try and re-sign Saffold but now will reportedly have to contend with their division rival Arizona.
He’ll be the #1 targeted in free agent, his asking price will dictate if they draft a LT. MT @JohnnysFootball @TGravey22 Branden Albert?
— Mike Jurecki (@mikejurecki) January 28, 2014
Depending on Branden Albert options, T/G Roger Staffold will also be in the Cardinals radar, has stared 44 games for the Rams, 26 yrs old.
— Mike Jurecki (@mikejurecki) February 21, 2014
Earlier this year it wasn’t even a guarantee Jermichael Finely was going to play football again, but now the Green Bay Packers tight end is on a number of teams’ radars. Packers coach Mike McCarthy expressed optimism that Finely, an unrestricted free agent, will return to the game and to the team next season, ESPN reported,
But Green Bay won’t be without some competition. The New York Giants will likely part ways with Brandon Myers during free agency and their captain, Antrel Rolle, wants Finley to replace him. Rolle has played against Finley for a couple of years and feels he’d be an excellent target for Eli Manning.
“We were recruiting each other, because he said he would love to be a part of the Giants,” Rolle told the New York Daily News. “Going up against this guy for a number of years now, I said I would love for him to be a part of the Giants so I wouldn’t have to face him. He’s an extreme talent. He’s an exceptional guy and more important I know he’s a fiery guy. I think that’s something we can definitely use on the offensive side of the ball.”
