The Dallas Cowboys finally made a splash in free agency when the team signed defensive tackle Henry Melton on Tuesday, but count them out of the Jared Allen race. According to Fox Sports 1, Allen is unlikely to sign with Dallas after visiting with the team Tuesday, but other teams — including the Seattle Seahawks who he visited prior to that — remain in play.
One more Cowboys note: DE Jared Allen unlikely to sign with Dallas after visiting today, per source. Other teams in play. Still developing.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 19, 2014
Because Garafolo used “teams” over team, it’s logical to assume more than just the Seahawks are potential suitors. Allen is expected to make a decision — which could include retirement — by the end of the week.
The New York Jets whiffed on Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Walter Thurmond, both of whom signed with the crosstown rival Giants, and reports indicated Rex Ryan was “pissed.” The best cornerback available is a familiar face in Antonio Cromartie, but it doesn’t appear as a reunion is in the cards.
According to the New York Post, the Jets are “not being very aggressive” in their attempt to re-sign Cromartie, who was released to relieve some cap space. “Don’t count on them getting Cromartie,” the report indicated.
League source on Jets: “Don’t count on them getting Cromartie. They’re not being very aggressive.” #nyj
— Brian Costello (@BrianCoz) March 18, 2014
The Carolina Panthers have yet to replace any of the top four receivers the team lost in free agency, but they have a 50-50 chance to sign Jerricho Cotchery. According to the Charlotte Observer, Cotchery is believed to be deciding between the Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers as soon as Wednesday.
Like the Panthers, the Steelers have been hit hard by free agency each of the past two years. Last offseason the team lost Mike Wallace to the Miami Dolphins, and this year Emmanuel Sanders fled the team to join the Denver Broncos.
One player looking to come back to the Steel City is linebacker James Harrison. After a one-year hiatus with their AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals, Harrison made it clear he wants to return to Pittsburgh where he was an All-Pro pass-rusher and would be willing to do so even in a reduced role.
“Everybody knows that (I’d be open to a return” Harrison said during an appearance on NFL Total Access. “I’ve got two rings and I’ve got a lot of relationships, teammates, former teammates that are still good friends.”
