The NFL free agency period is still relatively slow, but with the draft less than two weeks away, veterans are starting to get urgent to find new teams before younger, cheaper options turn up in the upcoming rookie class. Thus, some of the bigger names appear to be getting close to new deals.
NFL news roundup: Emmanuel Sanders stays in Pittsburgh, James Harrison close to Bengals deal
With the NFL Draft looming, free agent news is starting to pick up again as veterans scramble to find new homes. Check out the latest rumors and goings-on in the NFL world on Sunday.
Joe Sargent
Let’s round up all the news and rumors from Sunday, in case you were busy watching golf:
Emmanuel Sanders is staying in Pittsburgh after all. The Steelers have matched New England's $2.5 million offer sheet for the restricted free agent, giving him at least one more season with Big Ben and company. Looks like Ben has some pull in the franchise.
James Harrison could be joining a longtime divisional foe, as the Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly close to a deal with the 34-year-old. The market has been quiet on Harrison ever since getting released from the Steelers, but he may have some gas left in the tank, as evidenced by his six sacks last season.
Jeff Demps' NFL career has been a non-starter so far. The track star spent the entire 2012 season on injured reserve and seems eager to continue his track career. New England is looking to trade him after taking a flyer on the UDFA last August.
Joe Webb is a gifted athlete, but he may not have a future at the quarterback position, as indicated by his miserable performance in last season's playoff game. Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier is considering moving Webb to a new position and taking advantage of his athleticism in ways that don't involve throwing the football. The team signed Matt Cassel to be a more credible backup behind Christian Ponder.
The New York Jets released Calvin Pace as part of a cap purge at the start of free agency. Now they might bring him back with a reduced salary. Pace has been a pivotal part of the defense during the team's playoff runs from 2009-10, but like the rest of the Jets, his play has declined in recent years. Still, he's familiar with Rex Ryan's system and the team is looking for warm bodies to fill out the linebacker corps.
Andy Reid continues his roster churn, as the Kansas City Chiefs signed LBs Zac Diles and Akeem Jordan to one-year deals. Diles bounced around the league the last four years, most recently with the Titans. Jordan played with the Eagles for six years and started 34 games. Both men are expected to compete for the starting ILB job alongside Derrick Johnson.
More from SB Nation:
See More:
