Checking in C.J. Spiller's free-agent suitors
March, 10, 2015
MAR 10
1:11
PM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider
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Running back C.J. Spiller is in his physical prime (turns 28 in August), has limited mileage (826 career touches) and has a 1,700-yard, 8-TD campaign on his resume (2012). That's enough promise to make him one of the top couple of running backs on the soon-to-be-open free-agent market, despite his propensity for injury and coming off of back-to-back uninspiring seasons.
The New York Jets have been connected to Spiller, because the aforementioned 2012 outburst came under the direction of new Jets OC Chan Gailey. There also was a recent report that the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins and Detroit Lions have interest in Spiller.
However, it appears that the Jets are out of the mix now that they re-signed Bilal Powell. ESPN Jets reporter Rich Cimini tweeted that the club now has "no interest" in Spiller.
It also sounds like the cash-strapped Fins aren't targeting Spiller as the market is about to open.
"I know the name was out there but I'm told the Dolphins will not be chasing RB C.J. Spiller at this time," tweeted Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.
Another team that could get into the mix, depending on how things go with free agent DeMarco Murray is the Dallas Cowboys. NFL.com's Ian Rapoport thinks Spiller is a name to watch in that regard.
In the end, the team which signs Spiller may end up with one of the big free-agent bargains:
Mike Sando
Top 10 bargain NFL free agents
"Spiller was drafted ninth overall in 2010 and he has occasionally played like it. 'He has first-round measurables, has shown flashes and could put it all together,' one personnel evaluator said. 'Darren Sproles could be a precedent.' Spiller has also factored on special teams. He has four career kick returns for touchdowns, including one last season."
Where will Brian Orakpo land?
March, 10, 2015
MAR 10
1:37
PM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider
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There was some buzz Monday that the Atlanta Falcons were the front-runner to land free-agent OLB Brian Orakpo, but it appears that is not the case.
"The
#Falcons are NOT front runner for Brian Orakpo. 3 teams:
#Colts ,
#Cardinals &
#Washington . Atlanta isn't even talking to him right now," tweeted Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports.
The Colts may be out of the mix now that they are expected to sign Trent Cole.
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport tossed another team into the mix Tuesday.
"The teams in the mix for Brian Orakpo are the
#Titans ,
#Redskins and
#Cardinals . AZ is the one to watch, they want an edge presence," he tweeted.
Orakpo's propensity for missing extended stretches due to injury is an issue for suitors, but his upside is undeniable:
Matt Williamson
Sizing up the top free agents for 2015
"He's great when healthy. He's probably better in a 4-3 than a 3-4. Can he be a team's No. 1 pass-rusher and still produce? I would say Orakpo is a No. 2. He can be an unbelievable No. 2, but he isn't quite Justin Houston. You have to put an asterisk by him. What condition is he in? He hasn't played in a long time. But you like him a lot when he's on the field."
MAR 10
2:10
PM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider
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Considering that Dwayne Bowe failed to catch so much as one touchdown last season and carries a whopping $14 million salary-cap hit for 2015, most people expected the Kansas City Chiefs to release him this offseason. The likelihood of that happening increased when the Chiefs agreed to sign free-agent Jeremy Maclin.
On Tuesday, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter confirmed that the Chiefs likely will move on soon from Bowe.
"Indications point to Chiefs releasing WR Dwayne Bowe this week," he tweeted.
One potential landing spot for Bowe could be the Baltimore Ravens, which are expected to lose Torrey Smith to the San Francisco 49ers:
Jamison Hensley
Who replaces Torrey Smith for the Ravens?
"Bowe ... might fall under general manager Ozzie Newsome's mantra 'right player, right price.' Bowe's price will be lower than Johnson's because he's considered an underachiever who hasn't caught more than 60 passes over the past three seasons and failed to score a touchdown last season. But has his production been the result of catching passes from Matt Cassel, Brady Quinn, and Alex Smith since 2012? He has the distinction of being the fastest Chiefs player to get 6,000 yards receiving (95 games), and he is three years younger than Johnson. Bowe's strength is running quick slants over the middle and breaking tackles to gain yards after the catch. He has been described as a model teammate, which would likely get relayed to John Harbaugh from Andy Reid."
have a good trip.
