Rumors and Rumors of Rumors 2016

[ohiopatsfan]

Reportedly the Falcons are willing to pay $7M to get Sanu. I can't see the Pats matching that. Jets signed Forte (too bad). I don't see Bilal Powell, as he is another third down back (unless Dion Lewis is in a lot worse shape than anyone is letting on). I would definitely make an offer for Anderson from the Broncos.

 

[BigKen]

Falcons are desperate to replace Roddy White. I don't think BB will come close to matching $7M, if that's true. The Patriots supposedly have about $20M to work with and aren't going to give a WR a third of their spending money. They have much more serious needs.

 

[SDGuy73]

Titans land Rishard Matthews with three-year deal

 

[CreepCreep2014]

The money these WR are getting is ridiculous!! Leave it to Det to set the market and fuck it all up. 7m to a guy who caught 33 passes and no TD? are you shitting me...No clue what NE is going to do for a WR. I am all over them offering Anderson. He is would be a nice fit here. At this rate, improve the defense and sign you own guys.

 

[BigKen]

Sanu is coming to Foxboro to talk to BB. Rumor is that the Falcons have offered him 3 years $21M. BB will not match that. Be patient, BB always has something going on in the woodshed. Look for people that were hurt, disenfranchised, in a bad situation and you'll probably find the guy that BB is working on. My gut says that Ruben Randle could be the guy coming to New England.

 

[ohiopatsfan]

Randle would be a nice addition, if BB is willing to pay. Word is the Broncos will match any reasonable offer to keep Anderson and BB is not prone to overpaying for RFA's. If all the top WR and RB free agents get gobbled up, it wouldn't be surprising if BB takes a serious look at ex-Patriots Leonard Hankerson and Stevan Ridley. Hankerson was a productive receiver before his knee and hamstring injuries. If he is right physically, he could be a viable alternative who knows the Pats' system. Ditto Ridley, if his injuries are healed. Although he had a problem with fumbling, Ridley was a productive runner in New England, with one 1000 yard season. One of his primary reasons for leaving NE was Ridley being uncomfortable with Blount getting most of the carries. With Blount most likely not returning, that won't be an issue. Of course, Ridley also knows the Pats' system.

 

[NWPATSFAN]

Sorry but I would only take Ridley on a vet minimum, Pats need a reliable sure handed 3rd down back unless Lewis isn't healing? Not sure if Anderson is the answer? Denver fans were not fond of him but I think that was more about being homers and not wanting to admit he played a vital role?

What about the draft? Is there a potential receiving RB that Pats could get in round 3?

 

[ohiopatsfan]

CJ Prosise (Notre Dame) might be available in the third round. He was a receiver in college who was later switched to running back. I hear he also had some fumbling issues at Notre Dame (Stevan Ridley revisited?). There was a rumor floated a few days ago that the Cowboys are interested in Chandler Jones and are prepared to offer one of their offensive linemen and their second round draft choice (#36 overall). Interesting!

 

[BigKen]

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- When the New England Patriots beat the Buffalo Bills 20-13 on Nov. 23 last season, they had a tough time covering wide receiver Chris Hogan. The fourth-year pro out of Monmouth finished with six catches for 95 yards that day.

Now the Patriots are considering the "can't cover him, let's sign him" approach by bringing Hogan to town on a free-agent visit Thursday, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

We've seen this before (think Wes Welker, circa 2007; Scott Chandler, circa 2015), and that's why the 6-foot-1, 220-pound Hogan was identified as an under-the-radar target for the Patriots at the outset of free agency.

Hogan also had five catches for 72 yards and a touchdown in a 2014 game against New England. He appears to fit the Patriots' offense well, as he aligns at all the spots, which is the type of inside-outside flexibility the team generally likes. He's stronger than some might think, and while he is quick in and out of his breaks, he's not a carbon copy of the Welker-type skill-set one might associate with him.

Hogan, 27, 6'1" 220, entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Miami Dolphins and was a star on HBO's "Hard Knocks" program after earning the nickname "7-11" because -- like the convenience store -- he always seemed to be open.

He moved on to the Bills and caught 77 passes over the last two years.

Hogan was a restricted free agent this offseason, and the Bills tendered him at the low level ($1.6 million). That means the Patriots can sign him to an offer sheet and the Bills have a chance to match. If the Bills don't match, they would not receive any compensation. The Bills are tight to the salary cap, with about $4.5 million in space as of Wednesday.

 

[BigKen]

The Cincinnati Bengals drafted wide receiver Mohamed Sanu in 2012, but the pass-catcher moved elsewhere Thursday after four seasons in the Queen City.

The Atlanta Falcons announced they agreed to a new contract with the former Rutgers Scarlet Knight. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported it is a five-year deal for reportedly $32.5 million.

Before this contract, 2015 represented the final season of a four-year deal worth slightly more than $2.7 million for Sanu, according to Spotrac.

Sanu helps fill a void left by veteran Roddy White, who was released by the team on March 2. He joins a wide receiver corps that features the explosive Julio Jones, who is arguably the NFL's best wide receiver.

Dan Duggan of NJ Advance Media pointed out Sanu was previously on one of the most team-friendly contracts in the league before the 2015 campaign. The receiver was a finalist for the Vizio Top Value Performer trophy after the 2014 season. The award goes to the player "whose on-field performance most exceeds the value of their contract."

Sanu likely earned this new deal based largely on that 2014 performance rather than his 2015 totals. He tallied career highs in catches (56), receiving yards (790) and touchdown receptions (five) in 2014 and completed three passes for 79 yards and a score.

The Rutgers product played all 16 games in 2013 and 2014 and emerged as a go-to option when A.J. Green and Marvin Jones missed time with injury. Green appeared in 13 games in 2014, while Jones did not play a single snap. Still, Sanu kept the passing game afloat on the way to a postseason appearance for the Bengals.

However, there was a noticeable drop-off in 2015, which culminated in three catches for 17 yards in Cincinnati's postseason loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The RotoWire staff at CBSSports.com speculated after the game that Sanu's days in Cincinnati could be over as a result:

The fourth-year pro had a quiet game as the Bengals' third wideout option, a fitting end to a season that saw his passing game role deemphasized with the return of teammate Marvin Jones to full health. Sanu tallied a solid 56 receptions on 98 targets in 2014 while Jones sat out the season with foot and ankle injuries, but those numbers fell to 33 and 50, respectively, in 2015. Sanu also failed to get into the end zone all season, and with his rookie contract now expired, may have played his last game in a Bengals uniform.

That is exactly what happened, but Sanu's new team will likely look to his past production and potential at only 26 years old rather than his 2015 struggles (394 receiving yards and zero touchdown catches) as reasons for optimism.

At his best, Sanu boasts impressive speed (4.41-second 40-yard dash at his pro day) that allows him to beat single coverage and defenders in the open field. His versatility with the ability to throw the ball gives Atlanta options in the play-calling department as well, and he ran some Wildcat looks in 2015.

Sanu was a solid complement to Green because he took some of the focus away from the star receiver with his speed but was also comfortable settling for the openings underneath when the secondary shaded Green's way. His team-first approach playing alongside a superstar will likely endear him to his new fans, especially if he reverts back to his 2014 totals moving forward.

 

[BigKen]

The Patriots are on the lookout for all types of running backs, it seems.

According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, the team is hosting Rams restricted free agent Benny Cunningham on a visit Thursday. Cunningham, who measures in at 5-foot-10, 217 pounds, has good size, but he's a very capable pass-catcher, and he has loads of special teams experience.

Like CJ Anderson, who the Patriots have been interested in, Cunningham has good size and an ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. One thing Cunningham has that Anderson doesn't however, is reps as a returner.

Cunningham is coming off of a season in which he ran the ball 37 times for 140 yards and caught 26 passes for 250 yards. His best season as a ball-carrier came when he was an undrafted rookie out of Middle Tennessee State and he rushed 47 times for 261 yards, a 5.6 yards-per-carry average. In 2014, he set a career-high for receptions with 45.

He's also returned 73 kicks over the course of his three-year career, averaging 27.1 yards per return.

Cunningham was tendered at the lowest level, meaning that if the Patriots sign him to an offer sheet and the Rams don’t match the offer, the Patriots will not have to give up any compensation as a result. The Rams will have five days to match any offer Cunningham receives.

 

[BigKen]

Patriots have reached a 1-year contract agreement with LB Ramon Humber, formerly of Saints. Special teamer/top backup on D.

 

[BigKen]

Dolphins sign C.J. Anderson to a 4 year $18M Offer sheet. Broncos have 5 days to match it.....not.

 

[ohiopatsfan]

Pats have signed Chris Hogan to an offer sheet. Hope they get him. I also noticed that the Jets released TE Jeff Cumberland, another player who always did well against the Pats. Would love to see them get him to replace Chandler.

 

[CreepCreep2014]

Man the money being tossed around and these WR's thinking they are not going to get the looks in NE is making these guys go elsewhere. Matthews went to Tenn because he saw more of an option to catch passes there. I think Hogan will be a nice fit for the team. He seems to be a bigger guy who can play the outside. I still think NE looks to trade of a WR or brings in more.

Starks, Cunningham, Powell.....makes me think two things: Lewis is the #1 RB in NE and will handle the load, or Lewis is not ready and will miss more time. I like Starks, I think he is a better Blount. I actually think NE has to address RB in the draft, and early. Maybe 2nd RD. Not many other RB in FA that I care to much about.

Clay Harbor is also in for a visit. A "move" TE who BB really likes. I believe he talked about him a lot before the Jags game this yr. I like the move, better than Williams/Derby options. Would not mind seeing if they can get Bennett from Chi.

Hicks visiting Chicago....makes me think he he gone.

I still think BB has something up his sleeve...not sure what. Maybe a mix of Amendola/Jones for a WR...Maybe V-Jax or M.Floyd.....both teams looking for a DE. TB has Evans, and adding Dola in the slot will help them. Not sure AZ needs Dola, but they are looking at DE.

 

[NWPATSFAN]

CJ Prosise (Notre Dame) might be available in the third round. He was a receiver in college who was later switched to running back. I hear he also had some fumbling issues at Notre Dame (Stevan Ridley revisited?). There was a rumor floated a few days ago that the Cowboys are interested in Chandler Jones and are prepared to offer one of their offensive linemen and their second round draft choice (#36 overall). Interesting!

I'd love to see the Pats keep Chandler but if these rumors are true I say go for it.

 

[ohiopatsfan]

Sounds like BB will get Hogan. Now he needs to decide on Dola. He will certainly be asked to take another salary renegotiation/pay cut for the second year in a row. It was only 3-4 years ago that he was considered one of the top possession receivers in the NFL. Now he is seeing receivers passing him and getting big paydays and multi-year deals. He may opt not to renegotiate and try to see how much he can get on the open market if the Pats release him. This is Dola's last real chance to snag a big money contract and, IMHO, he may take it. If Dola doesn't take a pay cut, one of the trades mentioned above involving him and Chandler Jones might be viable. Although he is 32, Vince Jackson is still a big (6-5, 230) receiver with excellent speed (sort of reminds you of Randy Moss). Throw in a high draft choice from TB and the deal sounds real good. Also will help out with salary cap room.

 

[BigKen]

Rumors are flying that Amendola and Chandler Jones may be a package possibility. There are two destinations that are being discussed.......discussed on the radio not by the Patriots, at least not officially by the Patriots.

The first is the New York Giants. Patriots would send both to the Giants and get a 2016 second or third round pick and OT Justin Pugh and RB Andre Williams.

The second is the Dallas Cowboys. The Patriots would get a 2016 second or third round pick and OT Tyron Smith and WR Terrance Williams.

I can't find anything on either the Giants or Cowboys various blogs or websites. It's been a very quiet day so far regarding free agent signings. Prices are going to start dropping around 4:00 PM today as players start to panic and agents start getting antsy. No one wants to be a Week 2 free agent pick up.

 

[ohiopatsfan]

Of these two proposed trades, I like the one with the Cowboys better. Smith is a Pro Bowl left tackle, where they really need more depth, and Williams is a big deep threat at WR. For the Giants deal, Williams has been a real dud and Pugh is more of a guard/right tackle. Either deal would free up a large chunk of cap space.

 

[BigKen]

Denver Broncos traded a 2017 draft choice for Mark "Buttfumble" Sanchez.