Broncos’ options include Cousins
John Elway is giving his clearest indication yet that he’s going to pursue Kirk Cousins, the prize of this year’s free agent quarterbacks.
“We’re going to explore all options in free agency and see where that goes,” Elway said yesterday at the NFL combine in Indianapolis. “Obviously we’ve got the fifth pick in the draft, too. That will all play into it. We’ll continue to look at all of the options out there when it comes to quarterback.” The Denver Broncos general manager stressed that he’ll look at “anybody that won’t be under contract.”
With the Washington Redskins moving on to Alex Smith, whom they’ve agreed to acquire from Kansas City, that group of free agents would include Cousins, who figures to command more than the record $27.5 million that Jimmy Garoppolo will receive in his new deal with the San Francisco 49ers.
Elway said he’s confident the team could absorb a big free agent contract under the salary cap, revealed the Broncos are considering moving Ronald Leary back to left guard and indicated highly paid wide receivers Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders aren’t going anywhere.
Jets cut Wilkerson
The New York Jets released defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, ending the one-time Pro Bowl selection’s stint with the team that drafted him in the first round in 2011.
The long-anticipated move clears $11 million in salary cap space. Wilkerson was due to make $16.75 million next season.
It became increasingly clearer late in the season that the 28-year-old Wilkerson’s time with the Jets was coming to an end. He was benched at New Orleans on Dec. 17 for being late to a team meeting. Wilkerson then sat out the final two games for what Todd Bowles called a “coach’s decision.” He had just eight sacks in his past 28 games.
In other Jets news, running back Matt Forte has announced his retirement from playing after 10 NFL seasons.
The 32-year-old Forte had one year remaining on his contract with the Jets, but said in a statement on Twitter that it was time for “the workhorse to finally rest in his stable.”
Forte, who spent his first eight seasons with Chicago, dealt with knee issues the past two seasons.
Panthers ax Stewart
Running back Jonathan Stewart was released by the Carolina Panthers.
Stewart became the franchise’s career rushing leader in 2017, finishing with 7,318 yards. Stewart’s 1,699 attempts are also the most in franchise history, while his 58 touchdowns (51 rushing, seven receiving) are second in franchise history . . . .
The Indianapolis Colts have told Frank Gore they do not intend to re-sign him this offseason.
The 34-year-old running back is fifth on the NFL’s career rushing list with 14,026 yards.