The Dallas Cowboys signed free agent defensive tackle Henry Melton on Tuesday. A week into free agency, Melton was probably the top player available on the market in general, and from the beginning was one of the most intriguing defensive linemen available. But Dallas, a team with very little cap space, was able to take Melton off the market and away from some pretty good teams.
The list of teams Melton spent time with includes the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks. Melton was primarily interested in joining the Cowboys due to defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli, which is great for Dallas because it doesn't have a ton of cap space to work with.
Dallas had to release multiple players this offseason just to become compliant with the 2014 cap, including outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware, who is still a very productive player. With around $7 million in cap space this season, it's unlikely that Melton, who agreed to a multi-year deal, has a high cap hit in the first year of his contract. It will be most interesting to see the guaranteed money in his deal.
Marinelli was the defensive coordinator with the Bears in 2012, when Melton had his best season and went to the Pro Bowl. He's got a lot of football ahead of him, but needs to prove he can reliably remain healthy, as he's only played a full 16 games once in his career. Still, it's a solid signing for the Cowboys, who desperately needed help along the defensive line once they lost Jason Hatcher.
Here's what else you might have missed from Tuesday in the NFL:
Philadelphia listening to offers on Jackson
It's been one of the oddest stories this offseason, but it sounds as though there's actually something to the rumors that the Philadelphia Eagles could unload DeSean Jackson this offseason. Reports on Tuesday suggested that Jackson wasn't being actively shopped by the Eagles, but that they are listening to offers. That was true last season as well, when Philadelphia reportedly wanted too much from potential trade partners. This time around, it sounds like a third-round pick will land the young speedster.
For what it's worth, over at Niners Nation, they don't think it's entirely likely that the 49ers make a deal:
While this deal would boost the 49ers to the front of the line for 2014, it likely requires taking some roster hits in 2015 and beyond. There's no way they bring in DeSean Jackson and keep all the 2010 and 2011 picks up for contract extensions. It would require a give and take to make this work, especially in light of the likely need to get Jackson a long-term deal.
Fangio gets contract extension
The San Francisco 49ers gave defensive coordinator Vic Fangio a contract extension on Tuesday. Fangio has led one of the league's top defenses since coming on board with Jim Harbaugh in 2011. Since then, the 49ers have ranked near the top of the league in total defense, reached three consecutive NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl. When talking about whether or not he wanted more money, Harbaugh said he'd rather someone like Fangio get a raise and extension, which seems to have happened.
Newton to undergo surgery
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton will have ankle surgery on Wednesday. It's a minor surgery, but it comes with a lengthy recovery time of four months. Newton sustained the injury down the stretch last season, but played through it. It's taken so long to get around to the surgery because Newton and the Panthers wanted to see if the problem would resolve on its own. Newton's recovery time should place him back around the time training camp begins. He'll miss OTAs, but if he comes back with a stronger ankle, it will be worth it.
Over at Cat Scratch Reader, it's not all doom and gloom just yet, but things could turn south pretty easily:
It's relatively small news in the grand scheme of things, but another disappointment for Panthers fans who have endured many letdowns over the first week of free agency. Expectations have been doused thanks to the lack of a top receiver after cutting Steve Smith and the team will lean more on Newton to take on a greater leadership role in 2014. This isn't a "sky is falling" moment, but if there are any delays in his recovery it could be devastating.
Oakland signs Penn
The Oakland Raiders signed free agent offensive tackle Donald Penn on Tuesday. Oakland originally lost Jared Veldheer to free agency, then went out to sign Rodger Saffold to take his spot on the left side. Unfortunately, Mark Davis intervened and Saffold failed his physical, so the team has to bring in Penn. He's a solid consolation prize, though he's struggled in recent years. Penn was one of the better tackles in the league just a few years ago, but regressed in his final years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He should slot right into the starting job at left tackle in Oakland.
Falcons sign Arenas
The Atlanta Falcons agreed to terms with cornerback and returner Javier Arenas. Atlanta will likely use Arenas as a returner, which is where he's excelled in the NFL. A former second-round pick in 2010, Arenas has struggled as a cornerback, even when given starting opportunities. He's a decent returner though, and the Falcons should be getting solid value with a one-year deal. He will likely have to compete for the job in training camp, however.
Bengals let Hawkins go to Cleveland
The Cincinnati Bengals had until midnight Tuesday to match the offer sheet that wide receiver Andrew Hawkins signed with the Cleveland Browns near the start of free agency, but they elected to let Hawkins join Cleveland. The Bengals wanted to retain Hawkins' services, but Cleveland gave him a pretty sizable contract, and the Bengals elected to let him walk. Cincinnati originally tendered Hawkins at the lowest level, so they receive no compensation for Hawkins.
Cincinnati should be just fine without Hawkins going forward:
Figure that with the departure of Hawkins, Cincinnati will apply Mohamed Sanu as the team's most likely slot receiver -- Sanu ran a team-leading 241 routes out of the slot -- posted 24 receptions on 40 targets for 219 yards receiving and a touchdown.
However, he won't be alone.
A.J. Green ran 122 of his 625 routes from the slot, catching 28 passes for 239 yards receiving with two scores. Marvin Jones caught 10 passes (out of 13 routes) from the slot, half of which went for touchdowns.
Manningham returns to New York
Wide receiver Mario Manningham hit a run of bad luck with the San Francisco 49ers, so he's hoping to return to previous form with the New York Giants. Manningham re-signed with the Giants for a one-year contract, and the 27-year-old receiver should have plenty of opportunities to find his way onto the field and show the last couple years were flukes. Manningham dealt with injuries and struggled when he was on the field with the 49ers, but his best years came in New York.
Bennett to be released
The Chicago Bears will release wide receiver Earl Bennett. Chicago would like to hang on to Bennett going forward, but the receiver declined a pay cut on Tuesday, and Chicago doesn't want to keep him at his current cap hit. Bennett has a cap hit of $2.45 million for 2014, which isn't huge but is too big for a player who would be the third or fourth receiver on the field for Chicago next season. Regardless, Bennett should be able to find a new team to catch on with next season.