Vikes take risk with Teddy
The Minnesota Vikings have exercised the fifth-year option on linebacker Anthony Barr, but declined to do the same with injured quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
The Vikings announced Barr’s option yesterday. Barr was drafted ninth overall in 2014 and has started 42 games in three seasons.
Bridgewater had cemented himself the team’s offensive leader before suffering a horrific leg injury just before last season started. It is still not known when Bridgewater will be able to play again, if ever. If he spends all of next season on the physically unable to perform list, Bridgewater’s contract will roll over to 2018.
If Bridgewater does come back to play next season, the Vikings would have to negotiate a new deal with him to keep him.
When Bridgewater went down, the Vikings traded for Sam Bradford to serve as their starting quarterback. He set the NFL singleseason record for completion percentage in 2016 and enters 2017 as the unquestioned starter.
The Vikings also signed Case Keenum to serve as the backup while Bridgewater continues to work his way back.
Jags ‘smart’ on QB
The Jacksonville Jaguars have exercised a fifth-year option on quarterback Blake Bortles, a move executive vice president Tom Coughlin calls a “smart business decision.”
The 2018 option is guaranteed for injury only, so the Jaguars could decide to cut Bortles if he struggles again in 2017 and avoid paying him about $18 million in the final year of his deal.
If Bortles plays well and looks like a long-term solution at the all-important position, the Jaguars would work on an extension to keep Bortles in town beyond 2018. If not, they’ll be in the market for a quarterback in next year’s QB-rich draft.
Also, the Jaguars agreed to terms with Dartmouth safety Charlie Miller.
Bills sign CB, seek GM
The Buffalo Bills signed veteran free agent cornerback Shareece Wright, and also began their search to replace Doug Whaley, a day after the general manager was fired.
A person familiar with the search process confirmed to The Associated Press that the Bills have sought the Carolina Panthers’ permission to interview assistant general manager Brandon Beane. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the Bills are not publicly discussing their search.
ESPN first reported the Bills’ request.
Beane is immediately regarded as a natural fit to work with Bills rookie head coach Sean McDermott because of their past ties to the Panthers.
The Bills completed an offseason front-office overhaul on Sunday, when Whaley and the team’s entire scouting staff was fired a day after the NFL draft.
Packers unload RBs
The Green Bay Packers released running backs Don Jackson and Christine Michael. The position is in transition for Green Bay after Eddie Lacy left for Seattle in free agency and James Starks was released. Last week, the Packers chose three running backs in the NFL draft.
The Packers also officially picked up the fifth-year option on Pro Bowl safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, according to two sources, marking the first time the team used the tactic to add another year to their first-rounder’s contract. . . .
The San Francisco 49ers have exercised the fifthyear option on defensive back Jimmie Ward for the 2018 season. Ward signed a four-year contract after being picked 30th overall in 2014. . . .
The Pittsburgh Steelers have released backup quarterback Zach Mettenberger. Mettenberger saw his roster spot taken when the team drafted former Tennessee quarterback Josh Dobbs in the fourth round of last weekend’s NFL draft. Pittsburgh also signed undrafted rookie free agent Nick Schuessler. ...
Former Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles, the franchise’s career rushing leader, will soon visit the Denver Broncos, according to sources. Charles, 30, also visited the Seattle Seahawks in March, but left without a contract.
Denver could use a player of Charles’ caliber, provided he’s healthy. C.J. Anderson is the projected starter while youngster Devonate Booker showed flashes. Charles could be more effective than either if he’s finally over the knee issues that have hampered him the last two years. . . .
The Miami Dolphins have exercised a $9.3 million fifth-year option on offensive tackle Ja’Wuan James for 2018. That will represent a big raise for James, whose base salary next season will be $1.6 million. . . .
The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms with free agent UConn offensive tackle Andreas Knappe.