Updating a previous item, the new contract signed by Oakland Raiders CB Taiwan Jones includes a roster bonus of $855,000 for the 2014 season, as well as annual $50,000 workout bonuses. Jones’ 2014 base salary remains at the minimum ($645,000), while it will increase to $1.1 million for each of the following three seasons. Jones will also earn a $100,000 bonus if he makes the Pro Bowl.
Raiders | Taiwan Jones financials
The Lions would be comfortable heading into the 2014 season with OT LaAdrian Waddle and OT Corey Hilliard as their right tackles, according to general manager Martin Mayhew, who says both players played “really good football” for the team last season. Detroit will not likely pursue an upgrade in free agency, but the club could be open to adding a tackle early in the draft if the opportunity arises.
Lions | Comfortable with right tackles
With Detroit Lions coach Jim Caldwell taking the reins, the Lions may reintroduce the fullback position to the offense. It is possible someone could be brought into camp to compete with RB Montell Owens.
Lions | Could bring fullback position back to offense
Free-agent WR Plaxico Burress (Steelers) (shoulder) said Tuesday, Feb. 25, that he still wants to play in the NFL.
NFL | Plaxico Burress hopes to continue playing
The New Orleans Saints and TE Jimmy Graham remain far apart in contract talks, by as much as several million dollars per season.
Saints | Still far apart with Jimmy Graham
There has been no movement in talks on a contract extension for FS Devin McCourty. He is entering the final year of his deal, and is scheduled to earn a base salary of $3.92 million. He gets a big raise after reaching incentives in 2013.
Patriots | No extension for Devin McCourty yet
Atlanta Falcons FS Thomas DeCoud is expected to be released by the fourth day of the league year, if not before, according to a league source.
Falcons | Thomas DeCoud expected to be released
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are attempting to re-sign free-agent LB Jonathan Casillas (Buccaneers), but the talks are preliminary.
Buccaneers | Attempting to re-sign Jonathan Casillas
Washington State SS Deone Bucannon, Vanderbilt FS Kenny Ladler and Michigan State SS Isaiah Lewis each posted jumps of 36 1/2 inches in the vertical at the NFL Scouting Combine Tuesday, Feb. 25. San Diego State SS Nat Berhe and Wyoming FS Marqueston Huff were 35 1/2 inches, North Carolina SS Tre Boston posted 35 inches, Louisville FS Calvin Pryor was 34 1/2 inches and USC SS Dion Bailey and University of Minnesota FS Brock Vereen had jumps of 34 inches.
NFL | Vertical jump results for safeties
Utah State SS Mo Alexander and Florida State FS Terrence Brooks posted jumps of 38 inches in the vertical at the NFL Scouting Combine Tuesday, Feb. 25.
NFL | Safeties Mo Alexander, Terrence Brooks lead in vertical jump