NFL Rumors: Free Agency, Jonathan Allen, Redskins, Saints

Free Agency

• According to Charles Robinson, NFL teams expected to make a run at signing one of the top 3-4 guards in free agency include the Falcons, Broncos, Vikings, Lions, Colts and Jaguars.
• Robinson also mentions that the Seahawks will also be in the market for a free agent guard, but price will matter for Seattle as they’re unlikely to get into a bidding war with anyone.
• In regards to the backup quarterback market, Robinson says that the Cowboys, Ravens, Colts and Eagles are all doing varying of homework on the available options. Robinson notes that the Eagles are likely only doing so if they’re able to trade Chase Daniel to someone.
• Robinson reports that the Lions are doing a lot of homework on the top tight ends in this year’s draft class. Robinson adds that if an elite tight end is available to the Lions in round one, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them take him.

Jonathan Allen

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Alabama DE Jonathan Allen plans to do the bench at the Combine to show NFL teams that his shoulders are 100 percent healthy.

Both of Allen’s shoulders have reportedly been surgically repaired to the point that Alabama team doctor Lyle Cain expects teams to think: “Man, he’s got some beat-up shoulders.” However, Cain says that “they don’t know the story.”

Allen’s left shoulder is “moderately arthritic” while the right shoulder is “similarly mild,” according to Rapoport.

Cain says that Allen has been able to play at a high level without symptoms.

“Jonathan has really played without symptoms in his shoulders, and it’s something that has not affected his performance or function,” Cain said. “It doesn’t have to be treated during the season. And he’s had a couple of great years.”

“But he’s played without any problems,” Cain added. “This is something that a lot of offensive linemen and defensive linemen have, things guys play with their whole careers. It’s just a little earlier for him because he got hurt in college.”

Redskins

• Redskins president Bruce Allen offered an interesting explanation for their decision use the exclusive franchise tag on QB Kirk Cousins: “We did exclusive deal because we were tired of the nonsense of possible trade scenarios out there.” (Sirius XM NFL Radio)
• It’s worth mentioning that the exclusive tag doesn’t prevent the Redskins from trading Cousins, but just stops teams from having the ability to speak to Cousins and negotiate an offer sheet.

Saints

• Nick Underhill reports that discussions regarding a potential contract extension for Saints S Kenny Vaccaro aren’t expected to take place until later this summer.
• According to Underhill, the Saints have talked to G Tim Lelito about returning, but he could still test the open market next week.
• Sources tell Matt Miller of B/R that the driving force behind the Brandin Cooks trade talks is that he wants out of Saints’ offense.