The draft is complete and the picks are starting to sign their rookie deals. Rookie mini-camp will begin and OTAs will start in a few weeks. Lets’ take a look at some of the news
Fifth Year Options
The Viking exercised the 5th year option for Xavier Rhodes and Shariff Floyd for 2017. The Vikings declined the option for Cordarelle Patterson which would have cost 7.9 million. Floyd costs 6.57 million and Rhodes will count 8.026 million against the cap for 2017. Rick Spielman made the correct choices.
The Packers declined the option for Datone Jones. Jones is a solid player but the cost would have been too high at 6.57 million. The Packer may try to make a move similar to Nick Perry (declined option and re-signed for one year) and get Jones cheaper in 2017 after he tests the market.
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/377997831.html
The Bears optioned to keep Kyle Long for a 5th year. He is a good guard and solid tackle. This was a no brainer. The cost is 8.87 million for the option.
http://www.scout.com/nfl/bears/story/1661354-bears-exercise-5th-year-option-on-kyle-long
The Lions exercised the 5th year option for Ziggy Ansah. This was the most expensive option because he is a DE and top 5 pick from 2013. The option costs Detroit 12.7 million in 2017. This amount is worth it for Ansah as he is a great player. However, the 5th year option can actually hurt teams picking in the top 5 and top 10 more than other teams due to a higher cost.
Rookie Signings
The Vikings signed four of their draft picks including 2nd round pick Mackensie Alexander.
http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/transactions/minnesota-vikings/
The Bears haven’t signed anyone yet per spotrac.
Detroit signed Joe Dahl, Jimmy Landes, Anthony Zettel and Antwione Williams.
http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/transactions/minnesota-vikings/
The Packers signed Trevor Davis so far per spotrac.
http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/transactions/green-bay-packers/
Veteran Signings and Cuts
The Lions signed veteran WR Andre Caldwell. He has played for the Bengals for four years and Broncos the last four years. He has some return ability. The Lions didn’t draft a WR and Caldwell will battle for the slot job with Jeremy Kerley and TJ Jones.
The Lions also signed LB Zavier Gooden from the Titans.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/05/02/lions-sign-former-titans-lb-zaviar-gooden/
Gooden was release due to an injury but was mainly a special teams LB for the Titans. Gooden has speed and was a former 3rd round pick by Tennesee. He’ll compete with Kyle Van Noy and Antwion Williams (rookie 5th rounder) for the top backup spots. Stephen Tulloch remains a Lion still and was not traded in the draft.
The Bears cut Antrelle Rolle after drafting two safeties. The Bears cut Matt Slausen after drafting Cody Whitehair (2nd round). Both moves save some cap space but the Bears had ample cap space. The Slausen cut is a head scratcher but paves the way for the rookie Whitehair to start and Kyle Long to move back to right guard.
Rookie mini camps will begin this weekend. OTAs are around the corner. The offseason rolls on into the spring and summer. Enjoy the nice weather.