NFL Daily Dime: No option for Peterson, Charles released, Brown gets paid and more
With so much happening around the NFL on a daily basis, it is hard to stay apprised of all the latest trends, headlines, updates and rumors. In just a blink of an eye, things can change in a hurry. It is easy to miss something and in just a moment’s notice, news that was once current can be outdated only minutes later. In the ever-changing landscape of the NFL and its constantly evolving news cycle, one must be alert at all times to stay on top of the latest news bulletins.
The goal of the Daily Dime is to keep you up to date on the NFL’s biggest stories of the day while providing you with the most current and accurate information.
AROUND COVER32
NFL Combine: Five players that have something to prove
Daily Dime: Taking a look at players who were franchise tagged
This Week in NFL History: February 26th – March 4th
cover32 Exclusive: Interview with Arizona linebacker Paul Magloire Jr.
NFL Rankings: Ranking the 32 quarterbacks and committees
Trivia Blitz Reveal: Find out how you did on Friday’s NFL quiz
Vikings Pass on Peterson’s Option
On Tuesday, the Minnesota Vikings decided to forgo the option on Adrian Peterson’s 2017 contract. By declining to pick up his option, the Vikings will save themselves an $18 million cap hit; money that can be better spent elsewhere — such as upgrading one the NFL’s worst offensive lines. Peterson is now due to become an unrestricted free agent when the market opens on March 9th.
Peterson, who was the seventh overall pick in the 2007 draft, is the leading rusher in Vikings’ franchise history and easily the best running back to ever don the purple and gold. During his 10 seasons in Minnesota, Peterson has amassed 11,747 yards on the ground while crossing the goal line 97 times. He led the league in rushing in 2015 with 1,485 rushing yards and in 2012, a year removed from major knee surgery, he received league MVP honors for his 2,097 rushing-yard season performance.
On the wrong side of 30, Peterson has struggled to stay on the field in recent years. He has played just one full season over the last three and has failed to rush for more than 75 yards in two of those seasons. In 2016, he appeared in just three games, rushing for 72 yards on 37 carries as an MCL injury hijacked the majority of his season.
His time in Minnesota may not be over yet, as the aging back has expressed an interest to finish his career with the Vikings. For that to happen both sides would have to agree on a new contract at a much lower price; one that is closer to his perceived value.
Chiefs Cut Ties with Charles
In a similar move to Minnesota’s with Peterson, the Kansas City Chiefs announced the release of their all-time leading rusher, Jamaal Charles, on Tuesday. With the move, the Chiefs were able to free up $6.2 million in cap space, money that was put to quick use in the signing of safety, Eric Berry and shoring up their offensive line.
Charles was in the final year of his contract and was limited to eight games over the past two seasons due to an ACL injury he suffered in 2015. Appearing in just three games last season, he was able to produce a meager 40 yards on the ground, before being placed on injured reserve.
The four-time Pro Bowler, was a third-round selection in 2008 and totaled 7,260 rushing yards with 43 touchdowns, while adding another 2,457 receiving yards during his nine-year career with the Chiefs. During his prime he was one of the NFL’s most dynamic backs and led the league in total touchdowns with 19, in 2013.
With his release, Charles will become an unrestricted free agent on March 9th and will be free to pursue alternative landing destinations. At 30-years-old, he believes he still has something left to contribute and can bounce back to some level of his previous elite form.
Given his lengthy injury history, Charles may have a difficult time finding a long-term deal and anything more than a situational or rotational role.
Brown gets Paid
On Monday, the Pittsburgh Steelers made Antonio Brown the league’s highest paid wide receiver, after coming to terms on a four-year extension worth $68 million. The deal now puts him ahead of Dez Bryant, A.J. Green and Julio Jones as the NFL’s most expensive wideout.
Brown had one year left on his five-year $42 million 2012 contract and is now signed with Pittsburgh through the 2021 season. The deal comes front-loaded with the stud wide receiver set to make $18.5 million a year for the first three years and $12.5 million in the fourth. With the extension not going into effect until next season, Brown will draw a $4.7 million salary in 2017.
At 28-years-old, he is seen as one the league’s best wideouts and is a key contributor to the Stealers’ high-octane offense. Brown, a 2010 sixth-round pick out of Central Michigan, has been named to five Pro Bowls and is a three-time first team All-Pro, throughout his seven-year career. He is the first Steeler in franchise history to record at least 1,000 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns in three straight seasons.
Brown has ranked in the top two for receptions over the past four seasons and led the league in receiving in 2014 with 1,698 yards. In 2016 he caught 106 passes for 1,284 yards and 12 touchdowns.
After gaining much criticism for his Facebook Live incident after Pittsburgh’s Divisional Round playoff win over the Chiefs, all seems to be forgotten and put behind him with his mega payday.
Quick Hits
For the second straight year, the Washington Redskins have decided to place their franchise tag on quarterback, Kirk Cousins. He has yet to earn a long-term deal that many feel is well overdue. With the exclusive tender, Cousins appears to be stuck in Washington for at least one more year.
Last Friday the NFL awarded 32 compensatory picks to 16 teams. The big winners this year were the Denver Broncos, Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns, all who received four extra picks in April’s upcoming draft. For the first time in league history, teams have been allowed to trade their compensatory picks.
The New York Jets announced on Tuesday, that they intend to cut defensive back, Darrelle Revis, at the beginning of the new league year on March 9th. The announcement comes 11 days after Revis was charged with four felonies for his role in an altercation in his hometown of Pittsburgh. By cutting the 31-year-old corner, the Jets will save $15.3 million against the salary cap.
– Miles Dittberner, is the National Editor of cover32 and also covers the Minnesota Vikings. Like and follow on Facebook and Twitter.
The post NFL Daily Dime: No option for Peterson, Charles released, Brown gets paid and more appeared first on Cover32.
