The free-agent market for running backs has been barren to say the least. But the best of the bunch, Ben Tate, is believed to be on the verge of signing a deal.
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, former Houston Texans back Ben Tate will sign with the Cleveland Browns if and when he passes his physical Saturday. Tate, 25, is coming off a season in which he broke his ribs so the physical is no guarantee. The deal is expected to be performance based and the report calls it a “must prove and will get paid” sort of agreement.
According to ESPN, The Oakland Raiders are will prioritize signing Matt Schaub over Michael Vick, Mark Sanchez and Josh Freeman this offseason. Schaub is believed to want to sign for a team in which he has a chance to compete for the starting quarterback job. According to the report, after Schaub, the team covets Sanchez, Freeman and Vick, in that order.
Sanchez has long been connected to the Raiders. Sanchez played his college ball as Southern Cal and the Raiders — well, they have been on the hunt for a quarterback for quite some time. If and when the New York Jets finally release the quarterback, the New York Post expects the Black and Silver to act soon.
Mark Sanchez 1 of the Raiders’ QB targets if he gets cut, according to @PGutierrezESPN. Jets face Raiders at MetLife this year. Would be fun
— Brian Costello (@BrianCoz) March 15, 2014
The best available defensive tackle remains unsigned, and the Dallas Cowboys reportedly have a close eye on him.
According to ESPNDallas.com, Melton has visits planned with Big D and already has a relationship with the team’s defensive line coach Rod Marinelli, who coached him while with the Chicago Bears. The Cowboys have a major need at the position after Jason Hatcher departed for the Washington Redskins earlier in the week.
Melton played in only three games last season but is coming off a Pro Bowl campaign in 2012. The Cowboys have enough cap space to make the move — about $7 million — but have previously stated they would not like to dish out big money to a player coming off an injury. This weekend will play a huge role in deciding how desperate the team is to make a move.
