NFL Notes: Colts, Cowboys, Patriots, & Rams

Colts

• According to ESPN’s Mike Wells, Robert Mathis didn’t re-tear his Achilles, but instead suffered a “slight setback.”
• Wells mentions that the Colts need help at safety, defensive lineman, offensive lineman and in the pass-rushing department.
• He would be “shocked” if they targeted either a running back or a wide receiver in the first round.
• Wells could see the Colts targeting a veteran safety and adding a younger player as well.

Cowboys

• Joel Corry mentions that the 2015 and 2016 years in RT Doug Free‘s contract officially voided on Sunday.
• Corry adds that the Cowboys will have a $3.98 million cap charge from the bonus proration in those two years.
• The Cowboys gained  $8,382,311 of cap room by declining to pick up the option on Henry Melton’s contract, according to Corry.

Patriots

• Field Yates reports that Patriots QB Tom Brady is due a $5 million payment today as part of his $30 million signing bonus he got from his 2013 contract extension.

Rams

• Nick Wagoner can see the Rams spending big on “at least one free agent” in the event they lose OT Joe Barksdale and release C Scott Wells.
• Wagoner could see the Rams placing an emphasis on shoring up the tight end and/or cornerback positions.
• Wagoner mentions that aside from trading up for one of the top two quarterback prospects, there isn’t any realistic quarterback option for the Rams that looks all that appealing.