Open Thread: Free Agency Updates

Note: We have started a new thread for Sunday’s buzz.

The legal tampering period is underway. Clubs are permitted to enter into contract negotiations with the representatives of players who will become free agents on March 10. Deals cannot become official until 4 p.m. Tuesday, but there will be plenty of leaks between now and then.

The Eagles are expected to be active. They have needs at the corner, safety and outside linebacker positions, and could bring in a veteran running back after dealing LeSean McCoy to Buffalo this week. There’s also the issue  of their own free agents. They have been unable to strike a deal with Jeremy Maclin and now must compete with other teams as they try to negotiate a contract extension. They have decisions to make with players like Mark Sanchez and Brandon Graham as well.

Lots to keep track of. This is the place to keep up with it all. We’ll continue to update this post with all the latest rumors and news.

10:36 pm: Randall Cobb inked a four-year, $40 million deal ($17 million guaranteed) to stay in Green Bay, according to Adam Schefter.

And with Randall Cobb back to the Pack, some added leverage goes to Jeremy Maclin and Torrey Smith.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2015

When we talked with Joel Corry back in January, he predicted Maclin would be in the $10 million per year range with around $20 million guaranteed. That looks like a pretty accurate projection at this point. The question is whether he gets it in Philly or somewhere else. Per Ian Rapoport, Cobb received six or seven offers on Saturday but decided to stay with his current team. We’ll see if Maclin chooses a similar path. 8:13 pm: There was a report during the week that RB Mark Ingram might interest the Eagles. But he’s staying in New Orleans:

Saints and RB Mark Ingram have reached agreement on a four-year deal, per league source. — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2015

Meanwhile, per Jeff Mclane of the Inquirer, Jeremy Maclin is seeking $11M per year. Joe Banner makes a good point about some of these salaries:

People need to remember that cap is up $20,000,000 in two years. Guys that used to get to 8-9 are going to get 11+.

— Joe Banner (@JoeBanner13) March 8, 2015

6:39 pm: Another outside linebacker name to consider:

Keep an eye on Brian Orakpo. #Eagles. RT @NFLDraftTalk365 Is Philly in on any OLBs? — Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) March 7, 2015

Orakpo (6-4, 257) is 28. He had 10 sacks in 2013 but just a half-sack in seven games last season, which was cut short due to a pectoral injury.

6:01 pm: This is interesting. Sounds like the Eagles had some interest in Kareem Jackson:

Kareem Jackson drew serious interest from #Eagles, #Jets; offers were comparable. Stayed with #Texans because of what O’Brien is building. — Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) March 7, 2015

Jackson is 5-10 with short arms, but he had a connection with Ed Marynowitz from their Alabama days. 5:39 pm: Another report suggesting the Eagles are going in big on Byron Maxwell:

No one will be surprised if it happens, but a source indicates the #Eagles are definitely out in front for CB Byron Maxwell. — Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) March 7, 2015

Kareem Jackson’s deal is reportedly worth $8.5M per year with $20M guaranteed. Translation: Maxwell ain’t gonna be cheap. ICYMI, we did an All-22 breakdown on why Maxwell would be a good fit with the Eagles.

5:21 pm: More chatter linking the Eagles and safety Devin McCourty.

A league source says the #Eagles have made safety Devin McCourty a top priority. #Patriots still want him back. — Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) March 7, 2015

Sheil pulled out the All-22 to show what McCourty brings to the table. 5:03 pm: One cornerback who is now off the market:

Texans take one of the top CBs off the market, reaching agreement with Kareem Jackson on 4-year deal, per source. — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2015

2:52 pm: Some potential competition for Jeremy Maclin‘s services:

Texans making run at WR Randall Cobb and Jeremy Mackin to replace Andre Johnson. Expect them 2 target Torrey Smith, 2. — John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) March 7, 2015

1:24 pm: It sounds like McCoy won’t be too bummed anymore to be playing for the Buffalo Bills:

Sources tell @FOXSports1 LeSean McCoy and the Bills are close on a new contract. Expected to be agreed to before trade is official Tues. — Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 7, 2015

 

So that should put to bed any rumblings LeSean McCoy isn’t happy about heading to Buffalo. He’ll be there soon with a smile, I’d bet. — Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 7, 2015

11:06 am: Plenty of quarterback buzz, even outside of you-know-who. Besides Sanchez, the Eagles have discussed Tarvaris Jackson as a possibility, per Geoff Mosher, who also mentions Jake Locker as a potential “reclamation project” for Chip Kelly.

9:56 am: The Eagles have given a second-round tender to restricted free agent Cedric Thornton, according to ESPN’s Field Yates. That means if another team were to try and sign him away, they would have to give the Eagles a second-round pick. Thornton will make just shy of $2.4 million with this tender.