Raiders receive NFL approval for Las Vegas relocation

ALAMEDA, Calif. – The Oakland Raiders have received conditional approval from the National Football League to relocate the franchise to Las Vegas, Nevada.

NFL team owners voted in favor of the move 31-1 on Monday. The Miami Dolphins were the only team to oppose the move.

“My father always said, ‘the greatness of the Raiders is in its future,’ and the opportunity to build a world-class stadium in the entertainment capital of the world is a significant step toward achieving that greatness. I would like to thank Commissioner Goodell, the National Football League and my 31 partners. I would also like to thank Governor Brian Sandoval and the Nevada Legislature for their commitment. Finally, I would like to thank Sheldon Adelson for his vision and leadership, without which this project never would have become a reality.

“The Raiders were born in Oakland and Oakland will always be part of our DNA. We know that some fans will be disappointed and even angry, but we hope that they do not direct that frustration to the players, coaches and staff. We plan to play at the Coliseum in 2017 and 2018, and hope to stay there as the Oakland Raiders until the new stadium opens. We would love nothing more than to bring a championship back to the Bay Area.”

Giants re-sign DE Jason Pierre-Paul; will sign former Jets QB Geno Smith

The New York Giants re-signed defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul to a four-year deal on Friday, and announced that they will sign former New York Jets QB Geno Smith

Pierre-Paul recorded 7.0 sacks, 53 tackles and 3 forced fumbles in 12 games (all starts) played in 2016. He has played in 75 regular-season games with 49 starts and started all 4 postseason games in which he’s played. Career regular-season totals include 319 tackles (234 solo), 42.0 sacks, 8 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, 2 interceptions (each returned for a touchdown) and 32 passes defensed. In the postseason, JPP has 18 tackles (15 solo) and a half-sack. The 42.0 sacks place Pierre-Paul 8th on the Giants’ career list, 4 sacks behind George Martin.

In college, Pierre-Paul played at 3 colleges - College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, Calif., in 2007, Fort Scott (Kan.) Community College in 2008 and South Florida in 2009. In his 3 stops, Pierre-Paul played in 35 games, recording 161 tackles (119 solo) with 31.0 sacks for minus 180 yards, 56.0 stops for losses totaling 248 yards and 13 pressures…He forced seven fumbles and recovered 3 others, deflected 9 passes and intercepted 2 more for 38 yards in returns. In 2009, he was a 1st-team All-America selection by Pro Football Weekly and consensus All-Big East 1st-team choice. He earned team Rookie of the Year honors. A late arrival to fall camp, Pierre-Paul was originally going to be red-shirted, but the coaches relented and allowed him to play. In 2008, Pierre-Paul earned All-America and All-Jayhawk Football Conference 1st-team honors at Fort Scott Community College.

Giants re-sign backup QB Josh Johnson, says agent

The New York Giants re-sigbed backup quarter back Josh Johnson on Friday, Johnson's agent announced.

Johnson has completed 96 of 177 passes for 1,042 yards, 5 TDs and 10 INTs in 29 career games (five starts).

Johnson started four of six games in 2009, throwing for a careerhigh 685 yards and 4 TDs while with Tampa Bay. Hjs first-career TD pass came in his first-career start at Washington on 10/4/09, and completed 26 of 50 passes for 240 yards and 2 TDs at Philadelphia on 10/11/09. Johnson led Tampa Bay to a 24-21 victory at Cincinnati on 10/10/10 after stepping in for a injured QB Josh Freeman, and he recorded 1 rush for 8 yards on a fourth-and-1 situation, later leading to a TD and win, vs. Indianapolis 10/3/11.

In college, Johnson saw action in 41 games (34 starts) in his four seasons with San  Diego (2004-07),  totaling  724  completions  on  1,065 attempts for 9,699 yards and 113 TDs. He led the Pioneer Football League in pass efficiency (198.3) during his senior season, while tallying 206 completions on 301  attempts,  2,988  passing  yards  and a career-high  43 TDs. Johnson also  rushed for 726 yards and 2 TDs  on 101 carries before declaring for the 2008 NFL Draft. He was named Offensive MVP of the 2008 East-West Shrine game. In 2006, Johnson earned third-team All-American by the Associated Press  as  a  junior,  after  completing  246  of  371  passes  for 3,320  yards and 34 TDs. Johnson rushed for 720 yards and 11 TDs on 107 carries. He totaled four 300-yard passing games, including  a  game-high  384  yards  and  4  TDs  in  a  victory at Jacksonville. Johnson garnered several league honors in his sophomore season, including first-team All-PFL and PFL Offensive Player of the Week (three times), after completing 260 of 371 passes for 3,256 yards and 36 TDs. Johnson also ran for 379 yards and 4 TDs. He tied school record with 7 TD passes (in the first half) in a win at Valparaiso, and served as backup QB for Todd Mortensen in five games as a freshman in 2004, completing 12 of 22 passes for 135 yards.

Seahawks Agree To Terms With Running Back Eddie Lacy

The Seahawks added a Pro Bowler to their backfield Tuesday, agreeing to terms on a deal with former Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy.

Lacy, who was selected with the 61st pick in the 2013 draft—one pick before the Seahawks selected running back Christine Michael—should add a physical presence to the running game, something head coach Pete Carroll has long maintained is a key element to his team’s success. The 5-foot-11, 234-pound back has rushed for 3,435 yards and 23 touchdowns in his four-year career while also proving to be a threat in the passing game, catching 101 passes for 900 yards and six scores.

As a rookie, Lacy rushed for 1,178 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning Pro-Bowl, second-team All-Pro and Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. He followed that up with 1,139 rushing yards and 427 receiving yards in 2014.

Lacy’s 2016 season was cut short due to an ankle injury, with him landing on injured reserve after rushing for 360 yards in five games. Lacy, who turns 27 in June, joins a Seahawks backfield that has shown considerable potential, but that last season struggled to stay healthy, something Carroll admitted was a concern during his year-end press conference. Thomas Rawls, who as a rookie in 2015 led the NFL with 5.6 rushing yards per attempt, missed seven games last season with a leg injury. Rookie C.J. Prosise, who was dynamic both as a runner and pass-catcher when healthy, missed 10 games due to multiple injuries, including a broken scapula that caused him to miss the final six games of the regular season and both of Seattle’s playoff games.

Lacy is the second free-agent addition made by the Seahawks since the new league year began last week, joining former Jacksonville offensive linemen Luke Joeckel.

- Seattle Seahawks

Eagles sign QB Nick Foles

The Philadelphia Eagles were able to get back one of their former players on Monday, signing QB Nick Foles to a two-year deal.

Foles will serve as the backup to Carson Wentz.

Foles was a third-round draft choice of the Eagles in 2012 when head coach Doug Pederson was the quarterbacks coach. In five NFL seasons, Foles has completed 60.4 percent of his pass attempts for 9,215 yards with 56 touchdowns against 27 interceptions for an 88.1 passer rating. In his last two years with the Eagles from 2013-14, Foles was 14-4 as the starting quarterback.

Pederson left for Kansas City following Foles' rookie year, one in which the quarterback started six games. In 2013, Foles lost the battle for the starting quarterback job to Michael Vick in Training Camp, but was thrust into the starting lineup in Week 6 due to injury.

Foles took command of the team and had a season for the ages as he threw 27 touchdowns against only two interceptions. He tied the NFL record for most touchdown passes in a single game with seven in a 49-20 win over the Oakland Raiders. In Week 17, Foles took the Eagles on the road as Philadelphia beat Dallas to win the NFC East title. Foles was named to the Pro Bowl and won Offensive MVP honors of the all-star game.

In 2014, Foles and the Eagles started 6-2 before suffered a broken collarbone in a win over the Texans, ending his season and first stint with the team. Following the year, Foles was dealt to St. Louis as part of the package to bring Sam Bradford to Philadelphia. Foles struggled as the Rams' starting quarterback, and was benched midseason. The Rams used the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft on Jared Goff signaling that Foles was not a critical part of the team's future plans. Foles was released on the eve of Training Camp, and went to Kansas City to rejoin head coach Andy Reid. Foles served as the backup to Alex Smith. In three games (one start) with the Chiefs, Foles was 36-of-55 for 410 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions, and a 105.9 passer rating.

Bills sign free-agent DE Ryan Davis

The Buffalo Bills signed free agent DE Ryan Davis (6'2, 275 lbs.) on Monday.

Davis was with the Dallas Cowboys last season and served in a part time role. He appeared in nine games for Dallas until he suffered a knee injury in Week 16 that landed him on injured reserve at the close of the regular season.

Davis, 28, is known as a steady run defender capable of setting the edge. He spent the first four years of his career in Jacksonville. The Jaguars signed him out of Bethune-Cookman as an undrafted free agent in 2012.

His most productive season came in 2014 when he posted 19 tackles, 6.5 sacks, a pair of pass breakups and two forced fumbles for the Jaguars.

NFL Transactions from first day of free agency

- Dolphins giving S Reshad Jones a 5-year, $60 million ext that includes $35m gtd, per source.

- Chris Baker 3-yr deal with Bucs. $6M+ per year

- Rhett Ellison 4-yr $18M deal with Giants with $8M fully guaranteed at signing

- Patriots are giving former Bills CB Stephon Gilmore a five-year, $65 million deal that includes $40 million guaranteed, per source.

- Ravens and former Cardinals S Tony Jefferson reached agreement on a four-year, $36 million deal, per sources.

- Buccaneers reached agreement with DeSean Jackson on a three-year, $35-million contract that includes $20 million guaranteed, per sources.

- Alshon Jeffrey to Eagles.

- Former Jaguars' OL Luke Joeckel expects to sign 1-year deal with Seahawks, per sources.

- Eagles and G Chance Warmack have agreed to terms on a one-year deal.

- Jets release RB Khiry Robinson.

- OL Luke Joeckel to Seahawks. One year deal.

- Dolphins have traded tackle Branden Albert to Jacksonville in exchange for a 7th round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Dolphins acquire Julius Thomas.

- Patriots agree to terms to re-sign safety Duron Harmon – 4 years, max value of $20 million.

- SUSPENSION: The.Ravens announce RB Kenneth Dixon is suspended for the first 4 games on a PED suspension.

Browns acquire QB Brock Osweiler

The Cleveland Browns have traded for QB Brock Osweiler from the Houston Texans, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Thursday.

The Texans also sent a 2018 2nd rounder.

2017 NFL Free Agency Questions & Answers

SALARY CAP SET AT $167 MILLION

Q.  When does the 2017 free agency signing period begin?

A.  At 4:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 9.            

Q.  What are the categories of free agency? 

A.  Players are either “restricted free agents” or “unrestricted free agents.”  A restricted free agent may be subject to a “qualifying offer.”  A restricted or unrestricted free agent may be designated by his prior club as its franchise player or transition player. 

Q.  What is the time period for free agency signings this year? 

A.  For restricted free agents, from March 9 to April 21.  For unrestricted free agents who have received the May 9 tender from their prior club, from March 9 to July 22 (or the first scheduled day of the first NFL training camp, whichever is later).  For franchise players, from March 9 until the Tuesday following the 10th week of the regular season, November 14.  No players were designated as transition players this year.  If the above-listed players do not sign by November 14, they must sit out the season.   

Q.  What is the difference between a restricted free agent and an unrestricted free agent? 

A.  In the 2017 league year, players with three accrued seasons who have received a qualifying offer become restricted free agents when their contracts expire at the conclusion of the 2016 league year.  Unrestricted free agents have completed four or more accrued seasons.  An unrestricted free agent is free to sign with any club with no draft choice compensation owed to his old club. 

Q.  What constitutes an “accrued season”? 

A.  Six or more regular-season games on a club's active/inactive, reserved/injured or reserve/physically unable to perform lists. 

Q.  What could restrict the ability of a restricted free agent to sign with a new club?  

A.  If he has received a “qualifying offer” (a salary tender predetermined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and its players) from his old club.  He can negotiate with any club through April 21.  If the restricted free agent signs an offer sheet with a new club, his old club can match the offer and retain him because the qualifying offer entitles it to a “right of first refusal” on any offer sheet the player signs.  If the old club does not match the offer, it may receive draft choice compensation depending on the amount of its qualifying offer.  If an offer sheet is not executed on or before April 21, the player’s negotiating rights revert exclusively to his old club.  In addition, a player who would otherwise be a restricted free agent may be designated by his old club as its franchise player or transition player. 

Q.  What determines an unrestricted free agent? 

A.  A player with four or more accrued seasons whose contract has expired.  He is free to sign with any club, with no draft choice compensation owed to his old club, through July 22 (or the first scheduled day of the first NFL training camp, whichever is later).  At that point, his negotiating rights revert exclusively to his old club if by May 9 the old club tendered the player a one-year contract for 110 percent of his prior year’s salary.  His old club then has until the Tuesday following the 10th week of the regular season (November 14) to sign him.  If he does not sign by that date, he must sit out the season.  If no tender is offered by May 9, the player can be signed by any club at any time throughout the season.  

Q.  What determines a franchise player? 

A.  The salary offer by a player’s club determines what type of franchise player he is: exclusive or non-exclusive.  

An “exclusive” franchise player – not free to sign with another club – is offered the greater of (i) the average of the top five salaries at the player's position for the current year as of the end of the restricted free agent signing period on April 21; or (ii) the amount of the required tender for a non-exclusive franchise player, as explained below. 

Article 10, Section 2(a)(i) of the CBA sets forth the methodology, known as the “Cap Percentage Average,” for calculating the required tender for a non-exclusive franchise player: 

The Nonexclusive Franchise Tender shall be a one year NFL Player Contract for (A) the average of the five largest Prior Year Salaries for players at the position . . . at which the Franchise Player participated in the most plays during the prior League Year, which average shall be calculated by: (1) summing the amounts of the Franchise Tags for players at that position for the five preceding League Years; (2) dividing the resulting amount by the sum of the Salary Caps for the five preceding League Years . . . ; and (3) multiplying the resulting percentage by the Salary Cap for the upcoming League Year . . . (the “Cap Percentage Average”) . . . ; or (B) 120% of his Prior Year Salary, whichever is greater . . . . 

If a club extends a required tender to a “non-exclusive” franchise player pursuant to this section, the player shall be permitted to negotiate a player contract with any club, except that draft choice compensation of two first-round draft selections shall be made in the event he signs with a new club. 

Q.  How many franchise players and transition players can a team designate each season? 

A.  A club can designate one franchise player or one transition player among its potential restricted or unrestricted

free agents.    

Q.  Can a club decide to withdraw its franchise or transition designation on a player? 

A.  Yes.  A club can withdraw its franchise or transition designation, and the player then automatically becomes an unrestricted free agent, either immediately if the tender is withdrawn after the start of the 2017 league year, or when his 2016 contract expires if the tender is withdrawn before the start of the 2017 league year.

Q.  What is the salary cap for 2017? 

A.  The salary cap is $167 million per club. 

Q.  When must teams be in compliance with the salary cap? 

A.  At the start of the 2017 league year, which begins at 4:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 9. 

Q.  If a team is under the salary cap at the end of a given season, can the team “carry over” room to the next season? 

A.  Yes.  A team may carry over room from one league year to the following league year by submitting notice to the NFL prior to 4:00 p.m. ET on the day following the team’s final regular-season game, indicating the amount of room that the club wishes to carry over. 

Q.  What is the maximum amount of room that a club can carry over? 

A.  One hundred percent of its remaining room.

Eagles sign WR Torrey Smith

The Philadelphia Eagles announced on Tuesday that tbey have signed frew-agent WR Torrey Smith.

Smith (6-0, 205) was released by the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday. He originally signed with San Francisco on March 11, 2015, and appeared in 28 games (24 starts) and registered 53 receptions for 930 yards (17.5 average) and seven touchdowns over the past two seasons. In 2016, he started all 12 games in which he appeared and finished with 20 receptions for 267 yards and three touchdowns.

A 28-year-old native of Falmouth, VA, Smith attended the University of Maryland, where he appeared in 38 games (28 starts). He finished his collegiate career ranked third in school history with 152 receptions and second with 2,215 yards, while adding 19 touchdowns in three seasons.

An active member in the community since middle school, Smith’s charitable contributions span from coast-to-coast as he was named the 49ers Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2016. This past season marked the third time Smith had been selected for the prestigious accolade, as the Ravens nominated Smith twice (2013-14) during his four seasons in Baltimore.

Connor Barwin posts thank you post to Eagles fans

Former Eagles DE Connor Barwin posted a thank you post to Philadelphia Eagles fans on his Instagram account after being released by the team on Thursday.

The post reads:

"Thank you Philadelphia from the bottom of my heart for welcoming me and for being the amazing city you are.
Laura and I want to thank Jeffrey Lurie, the entire Eagles organization, and all the fans for their support. It has been an honor and a privilege to play for this historic franchise.
The Make The World Better Foundation, will continue it's work to revitalize parks in the city. Our current projects at Smith Playground and Waterloo Playground are moving forward and very exciting. I hope to see many of you at our concert this year.
I have learned from and cherish every experience I have had in the great city of Philadelphia and every snap I played as an Eagle. From the Lurie's, to my coaches, teammates, mtwb partners, and fellow septa riders thank you! Go Philly, Go Eagles . . . hope to see you in the playoffs!"

Eagles release DE Connor Barwin

The Philadelphia Eagles released defensive end Connor Barwin on Thursday.

"Connor Barwin is a tremendous teammate, player, and an even better person," Howie Roseman said. "He represented the Philadelphia Eagles with class and integrity for the past four seasons and we appreciate his efforts both on and off the field.

"It's rare to come across a player who invests so much of himself in the locker room, as a leader on the field, and with his relentless work ethic. His work in the community will have a lasting impact on our city that we can all be very proud of. Obviously this was a difficult decision for us but we wish him and his family all the best. On behalf of all of us we just wanted to say thank you and we all hope that our paths cross again in the future."

Barwin registered 31.5 sacks and 38.5 tackles for loss in four seasons with the Eagles. He posted career highs in both categories - an NFC-high 14.5 sacks as well as 17.5 tackles for loss - in 2014 when he earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl as well as second-team All-Pro honors. During that banner 2014 campaign, Barwin was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month for November when he had 6.5 sacks and 16 tackles. It was the second time in his career (with Houston in November 2011) that he earned the award.

Report: Bucs to sign WR DeSean Jackson

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are reportedly going to sign free agent WR DeSean Jackson, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Thursday.

Jackson is one of the league’s most explosive playmakers. He is a three-time Pro Bowler in 2009, 2010 and 2013 who became the first player in NFL history to earn a Pro Bowl berth at two positions in 2009. In his first season in Washington in 2014, Jackson averaged 20.9 yards per reception on 56 catches, becoming the first member of the Redskins to finish a season as the NFL leader in yards per reception since Henry Ellard in 1996. He joined the Redskins as a free agent in the 2014 offseason after having previously appeared in 87 regular season games with 86 starts. In his first six seasons with Philadephia, he amassed 356 receptions for 6,117 yards (17.2 avg.) with 32 receiving touchdowns and 57 rushing attempts for 373 yards (6.5 avg.) and three rushing touchdowns. Jackson also returned 131 punts for 1,294 yards (9.9 avg.) with four touchdowns and added 29 yards on four kick returns in that span. He became one of only two players in NFL history to have recorded a rushing touchdown, receiving touchdown and punt return touchdown in each of his first three seasons, joining Dick Todd, who accomplished the feat with the Redskins from 1939-41.

Jackson was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round (49th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft, then was designated Eagles’ franchise player on March 1, 2012. Re-signed with Philadelphia on March 14, 2012, but was then released on March 28, 2014. He signed with Washington on April 2, 2014.

In 2016, Jackson recorded 56 receptions for 1005 recieving yards and four touchdows, with a 17.9 average yards per reception.

Free agency begins Thursday at 4pm New York time

Prior to 400 p.m. on Thursday, New York time, clubs must exercise options for 2017 on all players who have option clauses in their 2016 contracts. Prior to 400 p.m., New York time, clubs must submit qualifying offers to their Restricted Free Agents with expiring contracts and to whom they desire to retain a Right of First Refusal/Compensation.

Prior to 400 p.m., New York time, clubs must submit a Minimum Salary Tender to retain exclusive negotiating rights to their players with expiring 2016 contracts and who have fewer than three accrued seasons of free agency credit.

The 2017 league year and free agency period begin at 400 p.m., New York time. The first day of the 2017 league year will end at 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 9. Clubs will receive a personnel notice that will include all transactions submitted to the league office during the period between 400 p.m., New York time, and 115959 p.m., New York time, on March 9. 

Trading period for 2017 begins at 400 p.m., New York time, after expiration of all 2016 contracts. All 2016 player contracts will expire at 400 p.m., New York time Top-51 Begins. All clubs must be under the 2017 salary cap prior to 400 p.m., New York time

Giants, Brandon Marshall reach two-year, $12 million deal

Brandon Marshall and the New York Giants have reportedly reached an agreement on a two-year, $12 million deal, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Marshall’s 59 receptions and 788 receiving yards led the New York Jets last season. Appearing in 15 games, he also had three receiving TDs.

Acquired in a trade with the Chicago Bears on March 10, 2015, the 6’4”, 230-pound Marshall set Jets single-season records for receptions (109) and receiving yards (1,434) in his first campaign with New York’s AFC representative. His 14 TDs tied him with Don Maynard (1965) and Art Powell (1960) for most in a season in franchise history. Marshall also established a new team mark with 10 100-yard receiving games.

Marshall can not officially sign with the Giants until March 9 at 4pm New York time, when free agency begins.

Chargers Release Trio of Vets Including CB Brandon Flowers

The Los Angeles Chargers parted ways with three veterans on Tuesday, releasing cornerback Brandon Flowers, guard D.J. Fluker and wide receiver Stevie Johnson.

“Parting ways with men I’ve gotten to know and respect is the toughest part of this job,” said General Manager Tom Telesco. “Few players have shown the amount of passion and dedication that D.J. has shown for us the last four years. D.J. was the ultimate teammate who gave every ounce of effort he had to help our team.  I will have great memories of D.J.’s time with the Chargers and wish him the best of luck with his career.  And I want to thank Brandon for his contributions and his professionalism throughout his three years with us. I wish D.J., Brandon, Stevie and their families all the best in the future.”

Flowers spent the past three seasons with the Chargers, signing in 2014 following a Pro Bowl season with the Chiefs.  He led the team in interceptions (three) and passes defensed (10) in his first season wearing the lightning bolt.  However, Flowers battled a myriad of injuries since inking a new deal prior to the 2015 season.  He was limited to only six games in 2016.

Fluker was the team’s first round pick (11th overall) in the 2013 NFL Draft out of Alabama.  He started his first two seasons at right tackle before moving to guard. The 6-5, 339-pound lineman started all 59 games he appeared in over his Chargers career.

Johnson signed with the Bolts in 2015 and battled through nagging injuries to appear in 10 games.  He finished fourth on the team that year with 45 catches for 497 yards and three TDs. Unfortunately, the veteran wideout suffered a knee injury early in training camp last season and missed the entire 2016 campaign.

Vikings LB Chad Greenway officially announces retirement

EDEN PRAIRIE, MN – Minnesota Vikings LB Chad Greenway officially announced his retirement from the NFL at a press conference Tuesday at the Vikings Winter Park headquarters.

"I never took a day off. I never took the easy way out," Greenway said. "I started from nowhere, was able to achieve the highest standard of our profession."

Greenway, who ranks fourth in franchise history with 1,334 career tackles, played 11 seasons and appeared in 156 career games with 144 starts for the Vikings. Chosen with the 17th overall selection in the 2006 NFL Draft, Greenway was the first draft pick under the leadership of the Wilf family and ownership group. The Mount Vernon, South Dakota, native earned two Pro Bowl nods (2011 and 2012), was selected Second Team All-Pro by the Associated Press in 2012 and was voted the Vikings Defensive MVP three times (2010, 2012 and 2013) throughout his career. Greenway, who is tied with LB Scott Studwell for the most consecutive seasons leading the Vikings in tackles with six from 2008-2013, was named to the All-Mall of America Field Team in 2013, a recognition as one of the greatest Vikings to play in the Metrodome during its 32-year existence.

In addition to his stellar on-field career, Greenway solidified himself as a leader within the Minnesota community with his philanthropic endeavors and was named the Vikings Community Man of the Year in 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2016. In 2015, Greenway was named the Byron “Whizzer” White Award winner, a league-wide honor and the highest accolade bestowed by the NFL Players Association to the player who goes above and beyond to perform community service in their team city and hometown. Greenway created and operates the Lead The Way Foundation designed to enhance education and health opportunities for children and to enrich the lives of individuals and families in need. Established in 2008, the Lead The Way Foundation has positively impacted numerous families throughout Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.

In 2007, the former Iowa Hawkeye was named the club’s Ed Block Courage Award winner for his dedication and effort coming back from a season-ending knee injury suffered as a rookie in 2006. Greenway also received the Korey Stringer Good Guy Award in 2012, an honor given annually by members of the Twin Cities media.

NFL clubs allowed to talk to free agents starting Tuesday

Starting on Tuesday, NFL clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2016 Player Contracts at 400 p.m., New York time, on March 9.

However, a contract cannot be executed with a new club until 400 p.m., New York time, on March 9.

On March 9, prior to 400 p.m., New York time, clubs must exercise options for 2017 on all players who have option clauses in their 2016 contracts. Prior to 400 p.m., New York time, clubs must submit qualifying offers to their Restricted Free Agents with expiring contracts and to whom they desire to retain a Right of First Refusal/Compensation. Also, prior to 400 p.m., New York time, clubs must submit a Minimum Salary Tender to retain exclusive negotiating rights to their players with expiring 2016 contracts and who have fewer than three accrued seasons of free agency credit.

Jets release WR Brandon Marshall

The Jets announced Friday that they have released WR Brandon Marshall.

"Brandon's commitment and passion for football is undeniable," said Jets owner Woody Johnson. "His drive to support mental health awareness is beyond admirable. We appreciate his contributions to the organization and wish him the best."

Marshall’s 59 receptions and 788 receiving yards led the Green & White last season. Appearing in 15 games, he also had three receiving TDs.

"I've known Brandon a long time and, more than the great player he is, I'm proud of the man that he's become," said head coach Todd Bowles. "His passion about mental health awareness speaks for itself and he was always willing to mentor our younger players. He cares deeply about the game and others and it shows in everything he does."

Acquired in a trade with the Chicago Bears on March 10, 2015, the 6’4”, 230-pound Marshall set Jets single-season records for receptions (109) and receiving yards (1,434) in his first campaign with New York’s AFC representative. His 14 TDs tied him with Don Maynard (1965) and Art Powell (1960) for most in a season in franchise history. Marshall also established a new team mark with 10 100-yard receiving games.

Eagles win coin toss, pick 14th in Draft

The Philadelphia Eagles won a coin toss with the Indianapolis Colts on Friday to claim the No. 14 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

The Eagles hold the Minnesota Vikings' first-round selection, via the trade that brought quarterback Sam Bradford to Minnesota. The Vikings finished the season tied with the Colts for the No. 14 position in the draft order as both teams were 8-8 with identical strength-of-schedule ratings (.492), hence the need for the coin toss. As losers of the toss, the Colts will draft at No. 15.