“Our situation will be only if he’s needed,” said Schiano, via the National Football Post. “Or if he wins the job. Look, I’m not against that. We have a starting quarterback. It’s not like we’re looking to find a starter. But competition is competition. Mike Glennon is a fierce competitor. I knew that when he was coming out of high school. Now being able to work with him a little, you can see it on the practice field.”

While Schiano claims that they weren’t looking to find a starter in the draft, but admits that “competition is competition,” which reaffirms his past comments that nothing is guaranteed.

With that being said, Freeman is still considered the favorite to start, but the job will not be handed to him to this season.

Glennon is more of an investment for the future in case the team decides against extending Freeman’s contract at the end of the season, as he’ll be an unrestricted free agent. Schiano mentioned that he believes Glennon was the best quarterback in the entire draft class and has even compared him to the Ravens Joe Flacco for his presence in the pocket.

We’ll have to see how things play out during training camp and the preseason, but there’s at least some pressure on Freeman to take the next step as an NFL quarterback.

The post Greg Schiano “Not Against” Starting Mike Glennon At QB appeared first on NFL Trade Rumors -.

With David Garrard surprising retirement announcement, the Jets had an obvious need at quarterback and still do.

The Browns would ultimately sign Hoyer to a two-year deal that included some guaranteed money. Clearly, the Jets are looking for another quarterback to add to their roster and possibly compete with Geno Smith and Mark Sanchez for the starting job, but it’s doubtful that they’ll find anyone at this point in the offseason.

Yesterday, we posted some speculative quarterback options for the Jets, which were provided by Rich Cimini of ESPN New York.

The post Jets “Really Wanted” Brian Hoyer appeared first on NFL Trade Rumors -.

Cimini adds that Smith will need to prove capable of running the team’s offense in order to stave off Mark Sanchez.

It’s no secret that Smith is the preferred option over Sanchez, but Cimini mentions that starting Geno earlier on could allow him to be “swallowed up by the enormity of the challenge” and come at the “expense of his psyche.”

Starting Sanchez would at least reduce the initial pressure placed on Smith and would allow Sanchez to take the heat if they struggle. Cimini expects there to be an internal debate if the competition is close.

The post Geno Smith The “preferred candidate” To Start For The Jets appeared first on NFL Trade Rumors -.

Ian Rapoport reports that sources have informed him that the Chargers have reached an agreement in principle with free agent DE Dwight Freeney.

Contract Details:

• Pro Football Talk is reporting that Freeney’s contract is a two-year deal worth $8.75 million.
• Freeney will receive $5.25 million in 2013, which includes a $3.25 million signing bonus, $1.5 million base salary and a $500,000 roster bonus.
• In 2014, he’ll make $3.5 million, which includes a $500,000 in weekly roster bonuses.
• The contract includes $4.6 million in sack based incentives.
• Freeney could make as much as $13.35 million in the next two years.

Other notes:

• The Chargers reportedly refused to allow talks to end, according to Rapoport.
• Jarrett Bell reports that Patriots and Broncos showed last-minute interest in Freeney.
• Freeney text sent to Ed Werder: “I’m excited to start this new chapter with some good people with great potential to do some great things.”

It’s taken months for Freeney to find a team, but he still managed to walk away with a two-year contract in a very limited free agent market. This deal just barely beats out the contract handed out to Osi Umenyiora by the Falcons.

Clearly, the Chargers need to find another pass-rusher now that 2012 first-round pick Melvin Ingram is lost for the season. Freeney isn’t a great fit in a 3-4 system, which is evident by the fact that he totaled just five sacks last season, but San Diego appears to be willing to adjust their defensive scheme a bit to accommodate him skill set.

We had Freeney listed as our No. 1 player in our Best Available Free Agents list.

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Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports that the San Diego Chargers are closing in on signing free agent Dwight Freeney.

Freeney, 33, met with the Chargers on Wednesday and Thursday, but a recent report mentioned that he had left San Diego without a contract.

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Michael Gehlken of the Union-Tribune San Diego reports that free agent Dwight Freeney left his visit with the Chargers without a contract.

• Gehlken adds that those familiar with the meeting characterize it as having gone well.
• The Chargers are believed to still have interest in signing Freeney.

San Diego signed Thomas Keiser earlier in the day, but a recent report indicated that the Chargers would be willing to adjust their defensive scheme to fit Freeney’s skill set.

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Michael Gehlken of the Union-Tribune San Diego reports that free agent DE/OLB Dwight Freeney will continue to meet with the Chargers on Thursday.

• According to Gehlken, Freeney in San Diego on Wednesday and took a physical for the team.
• Ed Werder spoke with HC Mike McCoy who believes their defensive scheme will accommodate Freeney.

The Chargers wasted no time in pursuing a replacement for Melvin Ingram, who’s expected to undergo surgery on his torn ACL which will almost certainly end his 2013 season.

Freeney’s market has been slow moving in recent weeks, but he’s reportedly dropped his asking price, so there’s a chance that a deal could be reached in the near future.

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ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the San Diego Chargers will bring in veteran DE/OLB Dwight Freeney for a visit on Wednesday.

• Ian Rapoport reports that the Chargers are “very interested” in Freeney. 

This news comes just hours after the team announced that 2012 first-round pick Melvin Ingram had suffered a torn ACL.

Schefter adds that Chargers new GM Tom Telesco had spent 15 years with the Colts organization, so he’s more than familiar with Freeney.

San Diego employs a 3-4 base defense, but they could look to use Freeney in at both outside linebacker and in passing situations.

The post Chargers Sign DE Dwight Freeney, Contract Details appeared first on NFL Trade Rumors -.

by Nathan Rivera (Twitter)

• Complete List of 2014 NFL Free Agents

  F = Franchise tag 2013

The post 2014 NFL Free Agents: Top 50 List appeared first on NFL Trade Rumors -.

Charlie Batch

• Batch, 38, is a veteran quarterback who’s familiar with offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg’ system. Despite having some success in recent years while filling in Ben Roethlisberger, it’s hard to expect this to continue given his age and declining skill set.

Tyler Thigpen

• Thigpen drew some interest from the Seahawks not too long ago, but he was ultimately beat out by Brady Quinn. He offers great athleticism, but isn’t exactly an effective passing quarterback.

Trent Edwards

• Edwards spent time with Mornhinweg in Philadelphia last season, so that’s an obvious plus for him. He actually put together a very strong preseason for the Eagles last year, but was released after Chip Kelly took over as the team’s head coach.

Byron Leftwich

• Leftwich, 33, was recently with the Steelers, but has found almost no interest as a free agent this year. He has an awkward throwing motion, but Cimini believes he could be a decent fit in the Jets’ new West Coast offense.

Tarvaris Jackson

• Cimini mentions that Jackson could be an option for the Jets, despite the fact that he’s currently battling with E.J. Manuel and Kevin Kolb for the Bills starting job. Jackson could end up being the odd man out in Buffalo and Jets GM John Idzik is familiar with him given their time together in Seattle.

It’s hard to say when or if the Jets will be looking to add another quarterback, but this is at least something to monitor in the coming few weeks.

The post Speculative QB Options For The Jets appeared first on NFL Trade Rumors -.

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Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports that a source with knowledge of the situation has informed him that Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski will “probably” require surgery on his back.

• Florio adds that Gronkowski is waiting for a second opinion from Dr. Robert Watkins.
• Back surgery would most likely take place within the next three or four weeks. following a fourth surgery on his forearm.
• Adam Schefter reported earlier in the day that Gronkowski’s back surgery is considered “minor,” and may not keep him out any longer than the time requires for his arm surgery.

“He is going to be fine long term,” said a source close to Gronkowski. “(He is) not worried about the short term, I.e. start of training camp.“

In regards to Gronkowski’s forearm, Mike Florio reports that doctors now believe that the infection finally has subsided.  

• Gronkowski will undergo a fourth surgery on his forearm next week, according to PFT.
  
• PFT previously reported that Dr. James Andrews will serve as a consultant for the procedure.

The good news is that this will hopefully be the final surgery on his forearm. The bad news, however, is that it’s looking increasing unlikely that he’ll be available for the start of the 2013 season.

The post Report: Rob Gronkowski Will “Probably” Need Back Surgery appeared first on NFL Trade Rumors -.

• Dave Mahler reports that league sources have confirmed that Irvin’s suspension was for adderall use.
• Ian Rapoport reports that it’s his understanding that the Seahawks knew Irvin could be suspended prior to free agency.

Irvin has since released a statement:

“I want to apologize to my teammates, coaches and Seahawks fans for making a mistake when I took a substance that is prohibited in the NFL without a medical exemption. I am extremely disappointed in the poor judgment I showed and take full responsibility for my actions. I will not appeal the discipline and instead will focus my energy on preparing for the season so I can begin earning your trust and respect again. I look forward to contributing to the team the moment I return.”

There were some red flags regarding Irvin’s involvement in off-the-field issues that came up during the NFL Draft process. Seattle brought in some additional help at defensive end with the signings of Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett, which should help to mitigate the temporary loss of Irvin.

The post Seahawks DE Bruce Irvin Suspended Four Games appeared first on NFL Trade Rumors -.

Bears

• Bears sign first-round pick OL Kyle Long to a four-year contract that includes an option.
  

Browns

• Browns waive TE Garret Hoskins. (Aaron Wilson)

Buccaneers

• Buccaneers cut linebacker Willie Moseley. (Aaron Wilson)
  

Cowboys

• Cowboys sign CB Malik James and release CB Dustin Harris.
  

Dolphins

• Dolphins sign fourth-round TE Dion Sims to a four-year contract.
  
• Dolphins sign fifth-round RB Mike Gillislee to a four-year contract.

Falcons

• Falcons sign fourth-round pick DE Malliciah Goodman to a four-year contract.
• Falcons sign fifth-round pick DE Stansly Maponga to a four-year contract.
• Falcons sign seventh-round pick S Zeke Motta to a four-year contract.
  

Patriots

• Patriots sign second-round pick OLB Jamie Collins to a four-year contract.
• Patriots sign seventh-round pick LB Steve Beauharnais to a four-year contract.
  

Raiders

• Raiders release P Bobby Cowan. (Aaron Wilson)
  

Redskins

• Redskins signed second-round pick CB David Amerson to a four-year contract.
• Redskins sign fourth-round S Phillip Thomas to a four-year contract 

The post NFL Transactions: Friday 5/17 appeared first on NFL Trade Rumors -.

• Adam Schefter expects Stallworth to have a market develop at some point. 
• Shalise Manza Young adds that she wouldn’t be surprised to see Stallworth re-sign with the Patriots because the team “loves him.”
• Ian Rapoport also mentions that it wouldn’t be a shock to see Stallworth return to New England.
• Albert Breer reports that Stallworth is currently working out in preparation for the 2013 season.

Stallworth, 32, was expected to make a full recovery following the incident last March. It appears as though New England could be his best option, but he would have to beat out a number of guys for a roster spot.

Stallworth has played for six different teams in the past seven seasons and only managed to catch a single pass in 2012.

The post Donte Stallworth Cleared For Football Activities, Patriots Could Be An Option appeared first on NFL Trade Rumors -.