NFL Offseason Thread [Archive] - Page 2

mardigan

03-21-2007, 12:02 PM

A Little Activity
Ranch Calm Interrupted With Three Workouts, Visit

Mickey Spagnola - Email
DallasCowboys.com Columnist
March 21, 2007 11:17 AM Change Font Size A A A A

Hamlin, who is expected to visit on Wednesday, started all 16 games for Seattle last year.
IRVING, Texas - The prevailing calm the past 1½ weeks out here at The Ranch was interrupted late Tuesday morning with a workout. Make that three workouts and a visit scheduled for Wednesday.

A stream of Cowboys assistant coaches, scouts and personnel guys headed out to the practice field where the team worked out three street free agents, guys still trying to latch on to an NFL career. The Cowboys ended up signing one of those guys, backup offensive lineman Jim Molinaro, and are preparing for a visit from veteran safety Ken Hamlin, the former Arkansas Razorback who has played the past four seasons with Seattle.

Hamlin, an unrestricted free agent, was a 2003 second-round pick of the Seahawks, and has played in 54 games over the past four seasons. He did miss 10 games in 2005 after suffering severe head injuries in an altercation outside a Seattle club. But Hamlin returned in 2006 to start 16 games.

The most prominent name among the three players working out on Tuesday belonged to Brock Berlin, once the nation's top high school recruit from Shreveport (La.) Evangel Christian Academy who went on to play quarterback at the University of Florida before transferring to the University of Miami. Berlin, signed by Miami as a non-drafted rookie free agent in 2005, went to training camp with the Dolphins the past two summers but never made a roster or a practice squad.

The other two guys joining him on the team's practice field on Tuesday were Molinaro, a three-year NFL veteran the Redskins decided against issuing even a minimum restricted free agency tender ($850,000), and intriguing wide receiver Jamel Richardson, who spent the past three seasons playing for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL.

While the Cowboys got Molinaro signed, they still are interested in signing the other two players, probably to not much more than minimum-type contracts. They will, though, have to wait on Richardson, a CFL free agent who has a window of opportunity to seek an NFL contract. The wide receiver already had a visit planned with Indianapolis.

With the Cowboys likely to bring four quarterbacks to training camp this summer, at least one Cowboys assistant coach would have some product knowledge of Berlin, a two-year starter for the Hurricanes (2003-04) following his year of ineligibility (2002) for transferring from Florida. Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett was the quarterbacks coach for the Dolphins the past two seasons when Berlin went to training camp with the Dolphins.

Berlin was released basically on the last cut each summer, but did spend the 2006 season playing for the Hamburg Sea Devils of NFL Europe. That season he completed 99 of 181 passes for 1,041 yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions.

The Cowboys are certain to bring starter Tony Romo and veteran backup Brad Johnson to training camp, but after that the other potential two quarterback slots are uncertain. The Cowboys do own the rights to Matt Baker, the rookie who was signed to the team's practice squad on Sept. 4 of last season.

But it's no foregone conclusion he will go to camp with the club. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has mentioned the distinct possibility of drafting a quarterback this year, most likely on the second day, or at least signing a rookie free agent - and possibly both.

Signing Berlin, who evidently had a good workout, would likely leave just one opening at the quarterback position, which would go to either Baker or a guy selected in the draft or signed as a rookie free agent.

Of the other two guys, Richardson would be considered the most intriguing. The 6-3, 215-pound wide receiver never played major college ball, having spent two years at Victory Valley College, the junior college in the High Desert of Southern California before signing with the Roughriders in 2004.

Richardson was having a breakout year early in the 2006 season, having caught 16 passes for 270 yards (16.9 avg.) and two touchdowns before breaking bones in his foot in the fourth game. He spent the remainder of the season on injured reserve.

The Cowboys signed Molinaro for his ability to back up at tackle and guard. The former fifth-round pick out of Notre Dame has played in 15 NFL games over three years with Washington, but only three in 2005 and just one in 2006, when he was active for only five games.

mardigan

03-21-2007, 12:14 PM

From SI.coms Truth and Rumors

Panthers coach John Fox and general manager Marty Hurney know their jobs are on the line this season. Bill Cowher will be available and right down the road in Raleigh, and trying to hire him would be tempting if this current Panthers administration fails spectacularly.
-- Charlotte Observer

Byron Leftwich's agent, Tom Condon, said Tuesday that the Jaguars quarterback hasn't asked for a trade, and he expects the four-year NFL veteran to play for the team this fall.
-- Florida Times-Union

Brodie Croyle's NFL career, though brief, is less than impressive. It consists statistically of two games, seven passes, three completions and two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. Yet the job as Chiefs starting quarterback appears to be his to lose.
-- Kansas City Star

Jeff Garcia could lose ground to Chris Simms because of a personal commitment that will temporarily keep him off the football field. Garcia is to be married in April, and though he doesn't want to shortchange the Bucs or himself, he admits he must put his new family first this offseason. Jon Gruden might have other ideas.
-- Tampa Tribune

Long an opponent of taking his quarterbacks out from under center, Bucs coach Jon Gruden finally appears to have warmed to the idea of using the shotgun formation.
-- Tampa Tribune

Former Ravens and Falcons linebacker Edgerton Hartwell remains on the Patriots' radar, according to a source.
-- Boston Herald

The Colts locked up defensive end Dwight Freeney for at least one more season by designating him an exclusive 'franchise' player last month. Owner Jim Irsay has more far-reaching intentions. "I expect to get a long-term deal done in the spring,'' Irsay said.
-- Indianapolis Star

Throughout the off-season, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones expressed confidence in what Dallas had at free safety, but the team will meet with free agent Ken Hamlin today.
-- Dallas Morning News

The Bears emerge from the Adam Archuleta deal with a player they coveted, but at a greatly reduced price. Archuleta had signed with the Redskins last March for $35 million over seven years; a year after reaching the Super Bowl, the Bears now have him for an average of $2.7 million.
-- Chicago Tribune

As has been their habit in free agency, the Packers did not move to sign fullback Terrelle Smith immediately after his official visit. The Packers don't appear to be in a rush to sign him, but if they were impressed with Smith they have the ability to make a strong bid.
-- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

It was not the motorcycle accident, nor the appendectomy, nor the concussion. Ben Roethlisberger yesterday took issue with the excuses his former offensive coordinator provided for him recently, but said nothing was to blame for his poor 2006 season other than his play.
-- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

All-Pro guard Alan Faneca, an offensive co-captain, has not attended the Steelers' voluntary workouts. Under normal circumstances, it might not even be noted, but Faneca publicly questioned the Steelers' decision to bypass his line coach, Russ Grimm, for the job that Mike Tomlin ultimately got.
-- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The market for free agent tight end Jermaine Wiggins, the former Patriot, appears to be heating up, with the Jacksonville Jaguars the most aggressive suitor.
-- Boston Globe

mardigan

03-21-2007, 12:34 PM

The Atlanta Falcons will trade backup quarterback Matt Schaub to the Houston Texans, according to NFL sources. The Texans will surrender a second-round draft pick, and there could be other compensation involved.

The Indianapolis Colts re-signed free-agent defensive tackle Dan Klecko to a one-year contract with one-third of it fully guaranteed.

mardigan

03-21-2007, 01:08 PM

Falcons agree to deal backup QB Schaub to HoustonBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Schaub
ATLANTA In a move that figures to have significant ramifications for the incumbent starters from both teams, the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday agreed to in principle to trade three-year veteran quarterback Matt Schaub to the Houston Texans.

Most of the details of the trade, in which the Falcons are expected to receive a second-round draft choice, and possibly other considerations, have been agreed upon. The deal likely will be completed later Wednesday afternoon.

In acquiring Schaub, the Texans have ostensibly conceded that five-year veteran David Carr, the top overall player chosen in the 2002 draft and a quarterback in whom Houston has invested considerable time and money, is no longer their quarterback of the future. At the same time, the departure of Schaub indicates that new Falcons coach Bobby Petrino is sold on Michael Vick, who is said to have made a strong impression on the rookie sideline boss in their first few months working together.

Schaub, 25, has been the subject of trade rumors for each of the past two springs. ESPN.com reported last Friday in the "Tip Sheet" column that Falcons officials seemed prepared to begin listening to trade offers for him, and had begun discussing possible replacements.

One of the strong candidates to replace Schaub as the backup to Vick, ESPN.com has learned, is Anthony Wright, who played with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2006.

Despite starting only two games in three seasons, and winning neither of them, Schaub is highly regarded around the NFL. The former Virginia standout, a third-round pick by Atlanta in 2004, he has completed 84 of 161 passes for 1,033 yards, with six touchdown passes and six interceptions.

Schaub was a restricted free agent this spring and the Falcons made him the highest qualifying offer possible, at $2.3 million. That qualifying offer meant that, had another club signed Schaub to an offer sheet, and Atlanta not matched it, the Falcons would have received first- and third-round draft choices as compensation.

Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-21-2007, 02:45 PM

Updated: March 21, 2007, 3:37 PM ET
Rhodes pleads guilty after DUI charge droppedAssociated Press

INDIANAPOLIS -- Oakland Raiders running back Dominic Rhodes pleaded guilty to reckless driving Wednesday after prosecutors dropped drunken driving charges against him.

The 28-year-old Rhodes, who spent the past six seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, was fined $1,000 in exchange for the guilty plea during a brief appearance in Marion County Criminal Court. He was stopped on Feb. 20.
Rhodes also was sentenced to 180 days in jail, but 178 were suspended and he received credit for two days.

Rhodes was originally charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated and operating a vehicle with a blood-alcohol level greater than 0.08.

Those counts were dropped due to evidence problems and Rhodes' blood-alcohol level being 0.09, said David Wyser, chief trial deputy for the Marion County Prosecutor's Office. The legal limit to drive in Indiana is 0.08.

Wyser declined to elaborate on the evidence problems and denied that Rhodes was given preferential treatment.

"This was the proper resolution," he said after the guilty plea.

Rhodes' attorney, Jim Voyles, said they also were happy with the result.

"We're pleased the matter is now resolved," he said.

Rhodes, who was dressed in a baggy tan suit, did not comment on the sentence. Asked whether he had anything to say to the fans, he said: "Thank you all for the support, and I wish you guys good luck."

Rhodes helped lead the Colts to their 29-17 Super Bowl win over the Bears by rushing for 113 yards. Earlier this month, the free agent agreed to a two-year contract with the Raiders that could be worth up to $7.5 million.

An Indiana state trooper arrested him after pulling over his GMC truck at 3 a.m. on Interstate 65. Police, who called the stop a "normal, run-of-the-mill drunk driving arrest," said Rhodes was driving 81 mph in a 55-mph zone.

The speeding led to the reckless driving charge, which is a Class B misdemeanor, Wyser said. Class B misdemeanors can come with a jail sentence of up to 180 days, while the Class A charges that were dropped carry a jail sentence of up to a year.

In 2002, Rhodes was charged with domestic battery in connection with a disturbance at his home involving his child's mother, Latrina Moore. He avoided prosecution and was placed in a diversionary program and underwent mental health counseling.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-21-2007, 04:11 PM

Cowboys | Molinaro signed
Wed, 21 Mar 2007 13:36:30 -0700

Mickey Spagnola, of DallasCowboys.com, reports the Dallas Cowboys have signed OL Jim Molinaro (Redskins). Details of the contract were not disclosed.

mardigan

03-21-2007, 04:11 PM

Reid Slated To Return To Work On Friday

March 21, 2007
By BOB KENT

Andy Reid will resume his full-time duties as the team's head coach/executive vice president of football operations on Friday. He will be made available to the media at 11 a.m. in the NovaCare Complex auditorium. PhiladelphiaEagles.com will have complete LIVE coverage.
Reid has been out on a "leave of absence" since early February in order to deal with the recent legal troubles involving his sons, Garrett and Britt.

Though away from the team's offices on a day-to-day basis, Reid has been "engaged" with everything going on with the team -- from the Scouting Combine to free agency and the preliminary planning for the NFL Draft on April 28 and 29.

In a March 17 On The Inside column here on PhiladelphiaEagles.com, Dave Spadaro reported that Reid had been "in and out" of the NovaCare Complex.

On Friday, he will officially return. Reid is then expected to be on hand for the NFL's annual owners' meetings in Glendale, AZ.

Friday's press conference will mark Reid's first Q&A with the media since a conference call from the Senior Bowl on Jan. 23.

mardigan

03-21-2007, 06:13 PM

Updated: March 21, 2007, 7:06 PM ET
Redskins sign Stoutmire, delay Archuleta tradeAssociated Press

ASHBURN, Va. -- With safety Adam Archuleta on the way out, the Washington Redskins signed free agent Omar Stoutmire to take his place Wednesday.

Stoutmire, a 10-year veteran, played for the Redskins in 2005 and spent last season with New Orleans. He joins Vernon Fox and Reed Doughty as the safeties expected to compete for playing time behind starters Sean Taylor and Pierson Prioleau.

Stoutmire has also played with Dallas, the New York Jets and New York Giants.

The Redskins agreed Tuesday night to trade the disgruntled Archuleta to Chicago for a sixth-round draft pick. The teams were expected to complete the trade Wednesday, but the announcement was delayed until Thursday while the Bears arranged for Archuleta take a physical.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-21-2007, 06:13 PM

Updated: March 21, 2007, 6:46 PM ET
Chiefs cut veteran strong safety KnightBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Ten-year veteran strong safety Sammy Knight, a one-time Pro Bowl performer who ranks third in interceptions among active players, was released by the Kansas City Chiefs on Wednesday, ESPN.com has learned.

Knight

The release came after the sides could not agree on a reworked contract.

Knight, 31, becomes an unrestricted free agent and figures to draw considerable interest from other teams, even in a market where more than two dozen safeties remain unsigned. One of the league's top ballhawks in his prime, Knight probably has lost a step over the past couple of seasons, but he remained productive in 2006.

In 16 games last season, all starts, Knight posted 83 tackles, two sacks, one interception and three passes defended.

Knight's departure takes away experience and leadership at safety but allows Kansas City to move younger players, like second-year veterans Bernard Pollard and Jarrad Page, up the depth chart at the position. Pollard, A second-round draft choice in 2006 and a physical defender who performed well as a situational player in his rookie year, is expected to take over as the starter.

Knight was scheduled to have a base salary of $2 million in 2007, but the sides could not come to an accommodation that met their mutual needs. His base salaries for subsequent seasons were $1.75 million for 2008 and $1.5 million in 2009.

In 10 seasons, Knight has 939 tackles, 38 interceptions, 43 passes defended, nine sacks, 12 forced fumbles and 13 fumble recoveries. He has appeared in 158 games.

Originally signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 1997, the former Southern California standout began his career as a special teams player, but he quickly emerged as one of the NFL's premier playmakers at safety.

With an uncanny knack for authoring the timely takeaway, Knight has registered five or more interceptions in five different seasons. He has four interception returns for touchdowns.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-21-2007, 07:07 PM

Updated: March 21, 2007, 7:11 PM ET
Colts keep Klecko, who helped boost defenseAssociated Press

INDIANAPOLIS -- Defensive tackle Dan Klecko signed a one-year contract to stay with the Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday.

Dan Klecko
Defensive Tackle
Indianapolis Colts

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Tot Solo Ast FF Sack Int
4 4 0 0 0 0

The move stems a tide of player departures for the Colts since they beat the Chicago Bears in the Super Bowl on Feb. 4.

On Tuesday, receiver Brandon Stokley signed with the Denver Broncos and defensive tackle Montae Reagor signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Both were cut by the Colts to save money against the league's $109 million salary cap.

The Colts have also lost running back Dominic Rhodes, now with Oakland; cornerback Nick Harper, who joined Tennessee; and former Pro Bowl linebacker Cato June, who signed with Tampa Bay.

Two assistant coaches, Leslie Frazier and Diron Reynolds, also left for new teams.

Klecko is the second unrestricted free agent to sign with the Colts, joining linebacker Rob Morris.

Klecko had a hand in solidifying a run defense that was the NFL's worst during the regular season. He made a more noticeable impact on offense, where he doubled as a fullback late in the season. He caught a touchdown pass to help beat Miami in the regular-season finale and caught another to help rally the Colts from a 21-6 halftime in the AFC Championship Game victory over New England, his former team.

The Patriots selected Klecko in the fourth round of the 2003 draft. He caught three passes and made 14 tackles in 2004 before being placed on injured reserve and had eight tackles in 2005 while winning Super Bowl rings in 2003 and 2004.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-21-2007, 07:24 PM

Sales Pitch
Cowboys Turn Into Recruiters With Hamlin In Town

Mickey Spagnola - Email
DallasCowboys.com Columnist
March 21, 2007 5:53 PM

IRVING, Texas - The Cowboys wore their scouting hats on Tuesday, working out three players and signing one.

By Wednesday they turned into recruiters, shaking hands, slapping backs, telling stories, going to lunch and then dinner with unrestricted free-agent safety Ken Hamlin.

Come Thursday they will turn into negotiators, seeing if they can ultimately sell the four-year veteran who has started 52 games for the Seattle Seahawks into signing a contract without leaving. That's when talks with agent Kennard McGuire are expected to commence.

But according to Hamlin, the 2003 second-round pick of the Seahawks, so far, so good.

"It would be a great opportunity," Hamlin said of possibly joining the Cowboys. "It definitely would be a great opportunity to be part of this organization.

"It's definitely a place that would fit me."

Chances are, though, the Cowboys will proceed cautiously when it comes to offering Hamlin a long-term deal with a huge signing bonus. They already have signed two of their starting defensive backs to multi-year deals laced with double-digit signing bonuses, and know starting corner Terence Newman, their first-round pick in 2003, is entering the final year of his contract and will command a deal as much, if not more, than was given cornerback Anthony Henry and strong safety Roy Williams.

Back on March 5 when the Cowboys signed Leonard Davis, team executive vice president Stephen Jones said you won't find the club dangling a $10 million signing bonus to lure a free-agent safety into Dallas. He even said the team was happy with the progress of Pat Watkins and Abe Elam, the two rookie safeties from last year.

And while owner Jerry Jones said the Cowboys could very well address their safety needs from within, Stephen Jones said they might look at a safety later in free agency once some of the huge signing bonuses calm down.

Maybe that is now, since Hamlin is one of the few veteran safeties still available in free agency. And he is available because Seattle decided to revamp its safety corps by signing free agent Deon Grant to a six-year, $32 million deal ($11.5 million guaranteed) and Brian Russell to a five-year, $13.5 million deal ($3 million signing bonus). This after Hamlin started 16 games this past season and strong safety Michael Boulware was removed from the starting lineup six games into the season.

Hamlin did visit New Orleans, but the Saints decided instead to sign Cincinnati safety Kevin Kaesviharn. Hamlin said he has been in contact with several other teams, but this is only the second place he has visited since the Seahawks chose to let his contract expire.

While Hamlin did start at free safety, it's doubtful he will be considered one of those centerfield-type safeties. He is known as a hard hitter, and would seem to be more of a Roy Williams type than a safety that can be left in a lot of single-high coverages the majority of the time. In 54 career games, Hamlin has recorded eight interceptions and 32 passes defensed. He did finish second among Seattle defenders last year with 96 tackles.

But the 2006 season was a comeback year of sorts for Hamlin. He missed the final 10 games of the 2005 season after suffering a fractured skull, bruised brain tissue and a small cerebral blood clot when beaten and eventually hit in the head with a street sign during a scuffle outside a Seattle nightclub on the night of Oct. 17. The fight with several men left Hamlin hospitalized in serious condition in the intensive care unit of a Seattle hospital.

The incident, in which he was considered the victim, caused him to miss Seattle's Super Bowl XL appearance in Detroit, though he accompanied the team on the sideline in street clothes after landing on injured reserve.

"You know, there were a lot of people doubting me if I could get back on the field and play at a high level, and I think I did do that," Hamlin said. "I'm not into proving other people wrong or quieting doubters, but I definitely proved to myself I can get out there and play."

Hamlin said he doesn't think the 2005 incident has anything to do with Seattle not re-signing him or is an issue with teams interested in his services. An apparent misunderstanding while Hamlin was trying to exit the club spilled into what turned into a brawl on the street.

"It's something that happened, something that definitely has been mentioned, but I don't think it's a big issue," Hamlin said. "It's something that happened and I've moved on."

The Cowboys will now move on to the negotiation part of this deal, knowing they currently will have at least four safeties under contract for the 2007 season - Williams, Watkins, Elam (exclusive rights free agent) and Keith Davis, whose two-year restricted free agency offer sheet signed with New Orleans last year was matched by the Cowboys. The Cowboys had picked up Tony Parrish late last season, but he is an unrestricted free agent.

Ideally, the Cowboys would like to relieve Williams of some of his coverage responsibilities, but it's almost impossible for a strong safety to play exclusively around the line of scrimmage against the run. And it's doubtful the signing of Hamlin, who has more experience at safety than Watkins, Davis and Elam combined, would allow Williams that much more freedom.

"We'll see, we'll see, I'm not in any rush," Hamlin said of batting out a potential contract. "We'll see how things go today."

Hamlin became the fourth free agent to pass through The Ranch doors in two days. The Cowboys worked out quarterback Brock Berlin, offensive lineman Jim Molinaro and wide receiver Jamel Richardson on Tuesday. They did sign Molinaro, considered to be no more than a depth guy at tackle or guard.

Berlin, the former University of Miami and Florida quarterback, failed in his two training camp attempts the past two summers to make a Miami Dolphins roster. He's probably being measured against Matt Baker, the rookie quarterback on the Cowboys' practice squad last year.

And as for Richardson, the CFL wide receiver was scheduled to visit Indianapolis. He's likely considered a developmental guy, who at 25 would have some upside at 6-3, 215, having played just two full seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and four games last year before breaking bones in his foot. Richardson played no more than junior college ball before signing with Saskatchewan.

The Cowboys aren't expected to bring in any new free agents the rest of this week. And after speaking at Saturday's 10 a.m. public memorial service for Wilford "Crazy Ray" Jones in the Stadium Club at Texas Stadium, Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones, Wade Phillips and various members of the team's administrative staff will head for Phoenix, Ariz., where the annual NFL Meetings will be held March 26-28.

mardigan

03-22-2007, 11:41 AM

QB Tuiasosopo signs one-year deal with JetsBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Unrestricted free agent Marques Tuiasosopo, a quarterback regarded as long on potential but shy of playing time during his six seasons with the Oakland Raiders, has agreed to a contract with the New York Jets.

Tuiasosopo

The one-year deal includes the minimum base salary of $595,000 for a six-year veteran. It will allow Tuiasosopo the opportunity to go back into the unrestricted market next spring.

Tuiasosopo, who turned 28 on Thursday, likely will fill the No. 3 spot on the depth chart behind starter Chad Pennington and backup Kellen Clemens. The Jets released veteran Patrick Ramsey, who subsequently signed with Denver, earlier this spring, and have been seeking an experienced quarterback to replace him.

There is a chance that Tuiasosopo could challenge Clemens for the No. 2 job in training camp if he plays well. But the Jets definitely regard Clemens, a second-round choice in the 2006 draft, as the heir apparent to Pennington.

Earlier this spring, the Carolina Panthers visited with Tuiasosopo, and it was believed he would sign there. But a deal never developed with the Panthers and Tuiasosopo sought other options.

A few other teams indicated interest in Tuiasosopo, regarded as a superior athlete but a guy whose quarterback skills must still be developed, but the Jets offered the best opportunity.

A second-round choice of the Raiders in the 2001 draft, Tuiasosopo appeared in only 11 games in six seasons, with two starts. The former University of Washington star completed 48 of 88 passes for 550 yards, with two touchdown passes and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 68 yards on 15 carries.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-22-2007, 12:47 PM

By Adam Schefter
NFL Analyst

Free agency has opened with a flurry of activity. Already, numerous teams are on the board. Take a glance at the deals, and the potential soon-to-be deals.

Thursday, March 22
And so the game of quarterback dominoes apparently is underway. Former Oakland free-agent QB Marques Tuiasosopo has reached agreement with the New York Jets on a one-year contract worth the veteran minimum. The Panthers and Browns also had been interested in him.

Chicago's free-agent defensive tackle Ian Scott arrived Wednesday night in Atlanta for a Thursday visit.

The Dallas Cowboys signed four-year CFL veteran wide receiver, Jamel Richardson, who has racked up 118 career catches for 1,501 yards for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Richardson attended Victor Valley Community College before entering the Canadian Football League.

mardigan

03-22-2007, 12:49 PM

Texans | Schaub signs
Thu, 22 Mar 2007 09:22:51 -0700

John McClain, of the Houston Chronicle, reports the Houston Texans have signed restricted free-agent QB Matt Schaub to a six-year contract worth $48 million with $7 million guaranteed. Schaub will receive $20 million in the first three years. If Schaub stays with the team the last three years of the contract, the Texans will have to pay Schaub a $10 million option bonus in 2010. The Texans paid QB David Carr an $8 million option in 2006 to keep him for the last three years of his contract.

mardigan

03-22-2007, 12:50 PM

Chiefs | Turley released, will consider retirement
Wed, 21 Mar 2007 22:05:34 -0700

Len Pasquarelli, of ESPN.com, reports the Kansas City Chiefs have released OT Kyle Turley, and he will consider retirement.

mardigan

03-22-2007, 01:16 PM

Texans | Carr to be traded
Thu, 22 Mar 2007 10:52:49 -0700

ESPNews reports Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith said that QB David Carr will be traded as soon as Thursday, March 22.

mardigan

03-22-2007, 01:25 PM

Updated: March 22, 2007, 2:17 PM ET
Former prep star, Marlin signs with RaidersAssociated Press

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- The Oakland Raiders have signed quarterback Josh Booty, the former prep star who has been out of football since 2003 and has never thrown a pass in the NFL.

Booty was one of the nation's top high school quarterbacks in 1993 when he decided to play baseball instead of football. He spent five years with the Florida Marlins but played only 13 games at the major league level.

In two seasons at LSU, Booty threw for 3,951 yards and 24 touchdowns and was taken by Seattle in the sixth round of the 2001 draft. Acquired off waivers by Cleveland later that year, Booty spent parts of three seasons with the Browns.

Booty joins Andrew Walter as the only quarterbacks on the Raiders' roster. The team cut ties with last year's starter, Aaron Brooks, and third-stringer Marques Tuiasosopo is a free agent. Oakland has the No. 1 pick in next month's draft and could select quarterback JaMarcus Russell of LSU.

Booty's brother, John David Booty, was the quarterback at Southern California last season, where new Raiders coach Lane Kiffin was an assistant.

The team also recently signed defensive backs Chris Johnson and B.J. Ward.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

samikeyp

03-22-2007, 01:35 PM

ESPNews reports Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith said that QB David Carr will be traded as soon as Thursday, March 22.

Hmmm...think the Texans would take Brad Johnson for him? :lol

mardigan

03-22-2007, 02:17 PM

Colts | Lilja re-signs
Thu, 22 Mar 2007 11:17:20 -0700

Mike Chappell, of the Indianapolis Star, reports the Indianapolis Colts have re-signed restricted free-agent OG Ryan Lilja to one-year contract worth $1.3 million.

Colts | Schobel re-signs
Thu, 22 Mar 2007 12:10:39 -0700

Mike Chappell, of the Indianapolis Star, reports the Indianapolis Colts have re-signed unrestricted free-agent DL Bo Schobel to a one-year contract worth $550,000, with $190,000 of it guaranteed.

Colts | Gardner re-signs
Thu, 22 Mar 2007 12:11:40 -0700

Mike Chappell, of the Indianapolis Star, reports the Indianapolis Colts have re-signed restricted free-agent LB Gilbert Gardner to one-year contract worth $850,000.

mardigan

03-22-2007, 02:28 PM

Updated: March 22, 2007, 3:13 PM ET
May 3 trial date set for Vikings receiver TaylorAssociated Press

MINNEAPOLIS -- A trial date of May 3 was set on Thursday for Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Travis Taylor on charges stemming from an altercation with police outside a nightclub on Jan. 1, a city spokesman said.

Taylor

Taylor, 27, was charged with one count of fourth-degree assault on a peace officer and one count of obstructing the legal process or arrest, both gross misdemeanors. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct.

The criminal complaint in the case said Taylor refused an officer's request that he get into a waiting bus as police tried to disperse a crowd so an ambulance could get through around 2:30 a.m.

Taylor began pushing the officer, police claim, and the officer eventually used a Taser to subdue the player.

Taylor has called the incident a misunderstanding. If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum of two years and three months in prison and up to $7,000 in fines.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-22-2007, 03:08 PM

Former MVP to announce at NFL owners meetingsAssociated Press

ST. LOUIS -- Marshall Faulk sat out last season with a knee injury that threatened to end his career. He'll officially close the door on his playing days on Monday when he announces his retirement at the NFL owners meetings.

Faulk

Faulk was the NFL MVP in 2000 and offensive player of the year three years running from 1999-2001. The 34-year-old helped the Rams win their only Super Bowl after the '99 season. He is ninth on the career rushing list with 12,279 yards and tied for sixth with 100 rushing touchdowns.

"He was great for St. Louis, he was great for the Rams and he made the dome an exciting place to be on Sunday," team spokesman Rick Smith said."But it was just a matter of when he would retire."

Faulk began working for the NFL Network as an analyst last year when wear and tear began to get to his knees. He was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection with seven 1,000-yard rushing seasons and 38 100-yard games, and was the first player in league history to gain 2,000 yards rushing and receiving combined in four consecutive seasons from 1998-2001.

His last 1,000-yard rushing season was in 2001, though, and he lost his starting job in 2004 when the Rams drafted Steven Jackson in the first round. Last year, Jackson began the Rams' first player since Faulk to accumulate 2,000 yards from scrimmage and broke Faulk's single-season reception mark with 88 catches.

"It has been an honor and pleasure to play in the National Football League," Faulk said in a statement."I'd like to thank all my teammates and coaches with whom I've been associated over the past 13 seasons as well as the fans who supported me throughout the years.

"I gave the game my passion, and it gave me a wonderful career and memories that I will always be thankful for."

Faulk set an NFL record, since broken, with 26 touchdowns in his 2000 MVP season. He played his first five seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and the Rams acquired him for second- and fifth-round draft picks.

Faulk had a career-low 292 yards rushing in 2005, his final season.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-22-2007, 05:16 PM

Updated: March 22, 2007, 6:13 PM ET
Dolphins sign WR Hakim, OL Liwienski to 1-year dealsESPN.com news services

The Miami Dolphins signed wide receiver Az-Zahir Hakim and guard Chris Liwienski to one-year unrestricted free agent contracts on Thursday.

Liwienski

Hakim

Hakim is a veteran of nine NFL seasons, during which time he has played with St. Louis, Detroit, New Orleans and San Diego.

Originally a fourth-round draft choice of the Rams in 1998, Hakim has played in 110 games, and has 316 career receptions for 4,191 yards and 28 touchdowns.

Liwienski is a veteran of eight NFL seasons, having played with Minnesota and Arizona. He originally was a seventh-round draft choice of Detroit in 1998 before being released by the Lions prior to the regular season. In his career Liwienski has played in 110 regular season games and has logged 80 starts.

The terms of the deals have not yet been disclosed.

mardigan

03-22-2007, 05:42 PM

Jets | Haynes sings with team
Thu, 22 Mar 2007 15:33:45 -0700

NewYorkJets.com reports the New York Jets have signed free-agent DE Michael Haynes (Saints). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

mardigan

03-22-2007, 06:17 PM

Updated: March 22, 2007, 7:12 PM ET
Redskins release Patten after two seasonsAssociated Press

ASHBURN, Va. -- David Patten was cut by the Washington Redskins on Thursday after catching just 23 passes over two seasons.

Patten

The Redskins released Patten with three years remaining on the five-year, $13 million contract he signed as a free agent from New England in 2005. Patten felt ready to assume a lead role after years as part of an ensemble receiving corps with the Patriots, but he was never able to live up to his own billing.

Patten caught 22 passes in nine games in 2005 before knee surgery ended his season in November. In 2006, he caught just one pass for 25 yards, having fallen behind Santana Moss, Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randle El on the depth chart.

The 32-year-old receiver also has played for the New York Giants and Cleveland in his 10 NFL seasons.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-22-2007, 06:42 PM

Broncos, Giants discussing deal for LB Wilson

By Adam Schefter
NFL Analyst

(March 22, 2007) -- In the NFL's off-season of The Trade, the newest one could come this weekend.

The Broncos and Giants are engaged in talks that could result in Pro Bowl middle linebacker Al Wilson being shipped from Denver to New York, multiple sources said.

Denver has had extensive talks with numerous teams this offseason regarding Wilson, but the talks with the Giants are the most substantive and heated to date.

New York has a glaring need at the linebacker position, and Wilson could be the ideal player to line up to next to veteran Antonio Pierce.

Denver is also talking with the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles, but the Giants seem to be the most likely landing spot at this point.

The reason Denver has even entertained the idea of trading Wilson is cost. Wilson is scheduled to make $5.2 million in base salary this season and he could earn another $600,000 in workout bonuses.

Strapped with all the big moves they have made this off-season -- giving running back Travis Henry $12 million in guaranteed money and tight end Daniel Graham $15 million in guaranteed money -- the Broncos need to shave costs elsewhere.

They decided to explore doing it at linebacker, where they would be ready to shuffle their unit. Former strong-side linebacker D.J. Williams could shift inside, to middle linebacker, to Wilson's position, where Denver can better take advantage of his wide-ranging abilities.

Since they've made this decision, Wilson's new agent, Denver-based Peter Schaffer, has worked to try to facilitate a deal. He has found interest around the league, but is being careful about trying to place Wilson into the best situation.

There is no question Denver would miss Wilson, one of the unquestioned emotional leaders not only of its defense, but its team.

But Denver's loss would be New York's gain.

MORE TRADE TALKS ...
As soon as one quarterback domino falls -- Matt Schaub to Houston -- others are sure to follow.

Next up are Trent Green, and David Carr, and the forgotten Daunte Culpepper.

Only Culpepper cannot be discounted, unfortunately for the Dolphins.

His salary-cap figure for the coming season is scheduled to be $6.9 million, including a $5.5 million base salary.

And just as Houston cannot carry two high-priced quarterbacks in Schaub and Carr, Miami cannot carry two high-priced quarterbacks.

Other teams expect Houston to release Carr any day now, knowing the Texans already have traded for one high-priced starting quarterback and cannot and do not want to pay another.

Once Miami lands another quarterback -- and Green has the pole position -- then it is expected to act on Culpepper, possibly releasing the quarterback it acquired for a second-round pick only one year ago.

Should Miami release Culpepper, it will be hit with a salary-cap charge of $5.6 million -- but Culpepper's $5.5 million base salary will come off the books.

The idea of cutting Culpepper sounds preposterous, but remember this: new Dolphins coach Cam Cameron did not trade for the former Vikings quarterback. He has no allegiances to him. He wants his players for his system.

Cameron did coach Green in Washington with the Redskins for two seasons. Cameron also was a head coach at Indiana, the same school Green once quarterbacked. Cameron and Green know each other well, like each other plenty, and would welcome the chance to work together again.

The greater intrigue is where Culpepper might land. And that brings us back to the game of dominos.

Schaub is in Houston, Green seems destined to be a Dolphin, and that would leave Carr and Culpepper for the Vikings and Raiders, two teams still seeking to add a veteran quarterback.

The Vikings would be intrigued with Carr as long as they did not have to surrender any compensation to get him. Soon enough, they won't.

And should Carr surface with a Vikings team that has a better offensive line than the Raiders -- something he needs to succeed -- that could leave Culpepper for the Raiders.

The Raiders were intrigued with Culpepper last offseason before he was dealt to Miami. Now there is a chance they might be able to land him without any compensation.

He could be the perfect bridge, the quarterback to play until the Raiders deem potential No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell ready to take the field.

And just imagine this unlikely possibility: Oakland decides not to trade disgruntled wide receiver Randy Moss. And the Raiders do land Culpepper. It would be, once again, Culpepper to Moss.

mardigan

03-22-2007, 07:33 PM

Making Waves
Negotiations Begin With Hamlin; Agree With Richardson

Mickey Spagnola - Email
DallasCowboys.com Columnist
March 22, 2007 7:16 PM

IRVING, Texas - The Cowboys have agreed to terms with one free agent and opened negotiations with another on Thursday as the third week of free agency is coming to a close.

Following Tuesday's workout at The Ranch, the Cowboys agreed to terms with free-agent wide receiver Jamel Richardson, the three-year CFL veteran.

And on Thursday the club began negotiations with veteran free safety Ken Hamlin, and was planning to extend talks into the night in an effort to get him under contract following his Wednesday visit.

The Cowboys would like to add some experience to their safety corps, and Hamlin would afford them that, having started 52 games over four seasons for the Seattle Seahawks, including all 16 games in 2006 after recovering from a season-ending head injury resulting from an off-field incident six games into the 2005 season.

Hamlin said he would be a perfect complement to Cowboys Pro Bowl strong safety Roy Williams, who seems to play more effectively when deployed closer to the line of scrimmage than left in a Cover 2 zone.

"Definitely, it would let Roy do his thing," Hamlin said of lining up at free safety with Williams at strong, "and let Roy be more of a playmaker."

The Cowboys started off the 2006 season with fifth-round pick Pat Watkins starting at free safety, but after seven games decided to go back to Keith Davis, who started all 16 games in 2005. Then Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells became worried the rookie Watkins was losing his confidence after making a few rookie mistakes.

But the Cowboys went back to Watkins in the final three regular-season games and the playoff game against Seattle. He finished eighth on the team with 34 tackles and second in interceptions with three.

While the Cowboys are working on Hamlin, they did come to an agreement with Richardson, the free agent who decided not to re-sign with a CFL team. In 2½ seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders (39 games) - he played only four games in 2006 after breaking bones in his foot - he caught 113 passes for 1,471 yards and four touchdowns. But two of those touchdowns came in last season's first four games when he was averaging 16.9 yards a catch.

Richardson (6-3, 215) is considered more of a possession receiver, but certainly is a big target, and evidently a good athlete, since he also was a starter on the Victor Valley Community College basketball team, where he earned first-team, All-California Community College honors his sophomore season. Richardson never did play major college basketball, going on to the CFL.

Saskatchewan evidently overspent in 2006, costing the general manager his job, and was unable to re-sign several veterans whose contracts were scheduled to expire because of the CFL deciding to start imposing fines in 2007 for teams going over the league's mandated salary cap.

Also, it was reported when other CFL teams contacted his agent, they were told Richardson would not even entertain offers from CFL teams. His agent told Sun Media there were 11 NFL teams interested in signing Richardson, and after visiting the Cowboys he was scheduled to visit with Indianapolis.

But evidently he has decided to sign with the Cowboys.

That will give the Cowboys five young receivers on the roster. Last year's rookies Sam Hurd and Miles Austin made the 53-man roster, while Jamaica Rector and Jerheme Urban finished out the season on the practice squad.

And besides starters Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn, the Cowboys have issued three-year veteran Patrick Crayton a $1.3 million restricted free agency tender, which reserves a right of first refusal if he should sign an offer sheet, along with second-round draft compensation if the signed offer sheet is not matched.

The Cowboys also worked out free-agent quarterback Brock Berlin this week. Berlin has gone to training camp the past two summers with the Miami Dolphins, but failed to make a final roster.

mardigan

03-22-2007, 08:29 PM

Updated: March 22, 2007, 9:21 PM ET
Practice squad linebacker arrested MondayAssociated Press

NEW ORLEANS -- Former LSU linebacker E.J. Kuale, who spent his first season as a pro on the New Orleans Saints practice squad, was arrested this week, according to East Baton Rouge Parish booking records.

Records show Kuale was arrested early Monday by Baton Rouge Police on counts of possession of marijuana and possession of a firearm with drugs and was released the same day on $10,000 bond.

Kuale, 23, played in 18 games for LSU, including three starts, in 2004 and 2005 after transferring from Dodge City (Kan.) Community College.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-22-2007, 08:32 PM

Falcons | Vick says water bottle was jewelry box
Thu, 22 Mar 2007 18:24:32 -0700

The Associated Press reports Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick said the water bottle that was seized at an airport in January was a jewelry box.

???????

mardigan

03-22-2007, 09:28 PM

Updated: March 22, 2007, 10:10 PM ET
Manning tries his hand at live comedy on SNLAssociated Press

INDIANAPOLIS -- "Saturday Night Live" is just another game for Peyton Manning.

He'll dress up, work with his teammates and audible at every opportunity. Then the Super Bowl MVP hopes it all works in perfect concert -- which, of course, it never does on live television. Or minus receivers Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne.

"The only thing I've done live is play football, and that's the best thing I do," Manning said. "I've told everyone those commercials are very taped and very edited, but being live is kind of like a game."

Manning has dared to dress up before, donning wigs and mustaches to poke fun at himself.

Thankfully, the straight-laced Indianapolis Colts quarterback with a mind that always seems immersed in football has always had someone there to protect his polished image.

This week, Manning must do it himself.

With no editing, no choreographed script and no idea of what will come next, Manning must show he can adapt to the show's improvisational skills as seamlessly as he reads blitzes.

"I think they have a pretty good idea of what makes sense for me and what doesn't," Manning said. "I'm a guy who doesn't take himself too seriously, so I'm wide open to anything that makes as big a fool out of myself as I possibly can."

In fact, it's been almost a regular week for Manning.

He arrived in New York City on Monday to get acclimated, then spent Tuesday putting in the game plan. Wednesday and Thursday were dress rehearsals for what he's likely to face this weekend, much like a typical football practice week. The only real difference is the timing of his performance. He usually stars on Sunday afternoons.

Manning, who was invited to appear on the show last fall, acknowledges this will be one of the most memorable weeks of his life. The question: Will the audience agree?

"You look at those commercials and any time you watched them, you could tell there was a sense of humor there," show creator Lorne Michaels said. "The show doesn't work if the host doesn't have the kind of profile he does."

It might not work, either, if Manning plays it too straight.

So, for at least one week, Manning will cast aside his all-business, all-the-time reputation.

Sports figures have long been a staple of the show that thrives on satire and off-the-wall skits. Manning has long been a fan and still remembers seeing New York Yankees star Derek Jeter dress up as a woman and former NBA star Michael Jordan reminding himself that he was good enough and that people liked him.

"I think after the monologue, as long as no one hits me in the back, that will make me feel a lot better," Manning said.

There will be some friendly faces watching, too. His parents and older brother, Cooper, are all flying in and his younger brother, Eli, plays for the Giants and lives in New York.

Manning won't say what the skits will include or whether any of his family members might be included in the show. That would be divulging too much information, and, even an amateur comedian knows better.

Besides, the script could always change.

"They told me to be ready to adjust and I'm pretty good at audbiling," Manning said.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

Not really sure if this is news, but should be funny

mardigan

03-22-2007, 09:42 PM

NOTRE DAME: MARCH 4
The workout was held in ideal conditions outdoors on FieldTurf. There were about 65 scouts and coaches from about 30 NFL teams, including Vikings head coach Brad Childress, Browns coach Romeo Crennel and Broncos coach Gary Kubiak. Other decision-makers in attendances included Tony Softli (Rams) and Ted Thompson (Packers).

Player Position Gil's comments
Brady Quinn QB Quinn did only passing drills and had a good workout, showing good velocity and good anticpaction. Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis ran the passing drills. Quinn threw to Irish tight end Marcus Freeman and receivers Rhema McKnight, Darius Walker and Matt Shelton, who finished at Notre Dame in 2005. On March 22, Quinn weighed in 233 pounds. He ran indoors on FieldTurf. He ran his 40s faster than expected (4.82 and 4.73). He also ran the short shuttle in 4.22 seconds and the three-cone drill in 6.79 (with tiny cones, not tall ones). In addition, he had a 36-inch vertical jump and a 9-foot-7 broad jump.

mardigan

03-22-2007, 10:10 PM

Jets sign free-agent DL Haynes from SaintsAssociated Press

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- The New York Jets signed free-agent defensive end Michael Haynes on Thursday.

Haynes

Haynes, Chicago's first-round draft pick out of Penn State in 2003, was cut by the Bears before last season. Haynes was signed by New Orleans after training camp, but was inactive for the Saints' opener before being released.

Haynes, who switched to defensive tackle from end during the preseason with the Bears, started four games in his three NFL seasons, playing in 43. He has 5 career sacks and returned an interception for a touchdown in 2004.

Haynes was the 2002 Big Ten defensive player of the year after 15 sacks as a senior for the Nittany Lions, and was the 14th player selected overall in 2003. Haynes' value fell when the Bears switched defensive systems two years ago under Lovie Smith.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-23-2007, 12:02 AM

Former Louisville QB signs with Falcons, former coachBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

ATLANTA -- It is almost certainly not the final move in addressing the Atlanta Falcons' need for a proven backup quarterback, but the team did add a signal-caller Thursday to bolster its shallow depth chart.

And the player is one who is very familiar to first-year head coach Bobby Petrino.

The Falcons reached an agreement with "street" free agent Chris Redman, who has not appeared in an NFL regular-season game since 2003, and the former University of Louisville star is expected to immediately join the team's offseason conditioning program. It's believed that Redman will sign a one-year contract for the minimum base salary.

Petrino was the offensive coordinator at Louisville in 1998, when Redman was the starting quarterback there, and the men have remained close. Petrino, of course, later became the Louisville head coach.

ESPN.com reported Wednesday, in the wake of the trade that sent quarterback Matt Schaub to the Houston Texans, that Redman was among the candidates to replace him. The Falcons are expected to add a more experienced veteran to a mix that includes starter Michael Vick and second-year veteran D.J. Shockley.

Unrestricted free agents Anthony Wright and Tim Rattay are among the veterans who are being discussed by the Falcons' staff. The team would prefer to have another veteran in place before the start of minicamp workouts.

Redman, 29, was a third-round choice of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2000 draft, and was regarded at the time as the team's quarterback of the future. But after starting the first six games of the 2002 season, Redman suffered a herniated disk, missed the balance of that campaign, then underwent surgery early in 2003.

He has played in only two games since the back surgery.

In 11 regular-season games, including six starts, Redman has completed 106 of 198 passes, for 1,111 yards, with seven touchdown passes, five interceptions and a passer rating of 71.3. He was 3-3 as a starter in 2002.

The New England Patriots signed Redman in 2005 but released him only a few weeks later. He then signed with the Tennessee Titans but was released.

At Louisville, he passed for 12,541 yards, the third-most in NCAA history at the time. Redman won the prestigious Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award in 1999.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com

mardigan

03-23-2007, 01:05 AM

Tragedy Strikes Aaron Glenn's Family

Rob Phillips - Email
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
March 22, 2007 4:39 PM

Tragedy has struck Aaron Glenn's family during his 13th NFL off-season.
Harris County authorities said a murder charge has been filed against Timothy Wayne Shepherd, 27, the ex-boyfriend of missing Texas A&M student Tynesha Stewart, KHOU-TV in Houston reported on its Web site.

Stewart, the 19-year-old niece of Cowboys cornerback Aaron Glenn, had been missing since March 15 while home for spring break. Authorities said Shepherd confessed to strangling Stewart and led police to where he allegedly placed her body in a trash container, KHOU.com reported.

Cowboys spokesman Rich Dalrymple said, "Our thoughts and prayers are with Aaron Glenn during this extremely difficult time."

Harris County officials said it could be difficult to find Stewart's body because the dumpster had been picked up at least twice since March 15.

"We want her body so that we can give her a proper burial," Stewart's mother, Gale Shields, told KHOU.

According to the station, Shields is the sister of Aaron Glenn and Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jason Glenn, who flew in Wednesday to help search for his niece.

Aaron Glenn has provided a veteran presence as a nickel corner in Dallas the last two seasons and signed a one-year extension with the Cowboys last September. Glenn, who also attended Texas A&M and played three years with the Texans, has five interceptions over the past two seasons.

mardigan

03-23-2007, 01:06 AM

Agent: No deal imminent for Broncos LB Wilson

NFL.com wire reports

DENVER (March 22, 2007) -- Al Wilson's new agent confirmed that the Denver Broncos are shopping around for a trade partner but that a deal for the star middle linebacker isn't imminent.

NFL Network reported that talks with the New York Giants have heated up after the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles showed strong interest.

"It's a little premature. There are a number of teams that are interested in Al -- Al is a player who is definitely in high demand -- but no decision has been made even whether Al will be traded," Denver-based agent Peter Schaffer told The Associated Press. "There's a number of moving parts. We're just going to take it one move at a time."

The Broncos, whose policy is not to discuss personnel matters in the offseason, could move D.J. Williams inside to replace Wilson, an eighth-year pro from Tennessee who was selected to his fifth Pro Bowl last season.

Schaffer has worked to try to facilitate a trade for Wilson since the linebacker switched agents last week. Schaffer said he wants to make sure Wilson winds up in the best situation, whether that be in Denver or elsewhere.

"The Giants have expressed interest," Schaffer said. "We're exploring all options. We want to make a decision that's best in Al's short-term and long-term interests."

Wilson had a team-best 113 tackles last season, including 88 solo, with five sacks, a forced fumble and six pass breakups.

A fan favorite, Wilson also is a locker room leader and elder statesman on the team. He spoke at the funerals of cornerback Darrent Williams and running back Damien Nash this offseason, two teammates who died at age 24.

The Broncos have committed big bucks to several free agents this month and might want to free up money by dealing Wilson, a player who would command a high return.

"Al Wilson is the consummate professional. He understands the business side of the game. He also understands the Broncos have treated him eminently fairly throughout the course of his career," Schaffer said. "There's a business side of it. He certainly has nothing but admiration and respect for the fans of Denver and the Broncos organization.

"He's had a wonderful run here -- and I'm not by any means saying that run is over. It may continue."

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

mardigan

03-23-2007, 10:40 AM

Updated: March 23, 2007, 9:15 AM ET
Wiggins agrees with Jags, to be reunited with TiceBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Unrestricted free-agent tight end Jermaine Wiggins, who flourished as a receiver under Mike Tice in Minnesota, will have the chance to play again for his former coach.

Cut loose earlier in the offseason by the Vikings, where he asked to be released because he felt he was a poor fit in the offense designed by coach Brad Childress, Wiggins has reached agreement with the Jacksonville Jaguars on a one-year, $1 million contract. The deal reunites him with his former head coach Tice, now the Jaguars' assistant head coach for offense.

Wiggins, 32, basically replaces veteran tight end Kyle Brady, who signed with New England as an unrestricted free agent earlier this month, on the Jacksonville roster. He joins veteran George Wrighster and youngster Marcedes Lewis, the team's first-round pick in 2006.

Given that Tice is familiar with Wiggins' strengths, the veteran tight end should move into a fairly prominent role as a receiver in Jacksonville, and provide a solid middle-range target for quarterback Byron Leftwich. Wiggins has never been regarded as an effective blocker, although he is a willing one, but runs precise routes and has very good hands.

The former University of Georgia standout, who originally entered the NFL as an undrafted college free agent, caught a career-best 71 passes in 2004, then followed up that performance with 69 receptions in 2005. But when Tice was fired after the '05 campaign, and Childress replaced him, the Minnesota offense changed, and so did Wiggins' role in it.

In 2006, Wiggins posted just 46 receptions. At the end of the season, convinced that he would not be a viable factor in the offense, the seven-year veteran requested his release and it was granted.

For his career, Wiggins has 236 receptions for 2,141 yards and 14 touchdowns. In stints with New England (2000-2001), Carolina (2002-2003) and Minnesota (2004-2006), he has played in 107 games and started in 44 of them.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-23-2007, 12:40 PM

The Raiders were intrigued with Daunte Culpepper last offseason before he was dealt to Miami. Now there is a chance they might be able to land him without any compensation. He could be the perfect bridge, the quarterback to play until the Raiders deem potential No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell ready to take the field.
-- NFL Network

Vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato denied reports the Redskins want to trade up for the top pick in next month's draft to take LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell.
-- Washington Times

Chargers GM A.J. Smith has put a first-and-third-round tag on running back Michael Turner, meaning any club that wants him has to surrender those two draft choices. That's a mighty steep price to pay, but apparently there are some teams thinking about it.
-- San Diego Union-Tribune

The Dolphins are Carr shopping. The club's brain trust spent part of Thursday speaking with the Texans about quarterback David Carr and investigating all aspects of a possible trade.
-- Miami Herald

If general manager Rick Smith is unable to trade David Carr, the Texans will release him. Carr could be released or traded before the weekend is over. Minnesota, Oakland and Miami are possibilities.
-- Houston Chronicle

Michael Vick said Thursday the hidden compartment in a water bottle he tried to take through Miami airport security contained jewelry. His account was disputed by the police department that investigated the incident.
-- Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Giants are engaged in trade talks with the Broncos for Pro Bowl middle linebacker Al Wilson, a team official said last night. The NFL Network reported last night that the Lions and Eagles have also discussed a trade for Wilson with the Broncos recently.
-- Newark Star-Ledger

Running back Chris Brown has four teams that he is considering, with the Titans and Bills still among that mix.
-- Nashville City Paper

Expressing a strong desire to meet with the Philadelphia-area media before leaving for the NFL owners meetings in Arizona Saturday, Eagles head coach Andy Reid has decided to officially return from his 5 1/2-week leave of absence to morrow.
-- Newark Star-Ledger

Based on what newly acquired safety Adam Archuleta has been told by the Bears, he has been given Mike Brown's job. Which means that Brown, a Pro Bowler in 2005, will either be cut or moved back to free safety.
-- Daily Herald

Linebacker Lance Briggs' verbal assault on the Bears moved to another venue Thursday, but it didn't generate the feedback he probably expected. At the same time, the teams that agent Drew Rosenhaus has said have interest in trading for Briggs have contradicted him directly.
-- Chicago Tribune

The eighth overall draft pick and the two second-round choices the Falcons received from Houston in exchange for backup quarterback Matt Schaub on Thursday likely will be used to address several needs, not to trade up to land Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson.
-- Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Jets remain interested in Dolphins' DE David Bowens. The two sides are still working on an agreeable number. Two other teams, believed to be Carolina and New England, are interested as well.
-- Newark Star-Ledger

Cowboys owner and president Jerry Jones will present Michael Irvin at the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction.
-- Dallas Morning News

The Steelers are in favor of the NFL's proposed new get-tough policy on criminal players, provided it includes protections for the teams. If a bonus baby is to be barred from playing because of repeated criminal activity, the Steelers would like to see the clubs be able to recoup their up-front investment in him.
-- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

mardigan

03-23-2007, 12:49 PM

Police: Vick never mentioned 'stash box'ESPN.com news services

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Michael Vick said Thursday that the water bottle seized two months ago by authorities at Miami International Airport was a jewelry box.

Rick Diamond/WireImage.com
Falcons QB Michael Vick told members of the media he's had jewelry stolen from hotel rooms on a number of occasions.
Vick came under scrutiny in January after police said the seized water bottle smelled of marijuana and had a secret compartment, but lab tests found no evidence of drugs. Speaking publicly for the first time since the incident, the Atlanta quarterback said the bottle was a hiding place for earrings and jewelry.

"I have had that bottle for years, for a long time," Vick told reporters gathered for the Falcons' announcement about the trade of Matt Schaub, Vick's backup.

"If you had seen the bottle, you would have never known there was any jewelry in there," he said. "I have had things stolen out of hotels. But I had never checked it through the airport."

The Miami-Dade Police Department disagreed with Vick's description of the situation.

"That's the first we've heard of that," Detective Nelda Fonticella, spokeswoman for the Miami-Dade Police Department, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution when asked if Vick was carrying jewelry in the bottle. "If he has any kind of problem with the way things were handled, then he needs to talk to internal affairs."

According to the newspaper, no documents related to the incident had any mention of jewelry, including the police report and the Florida state attorney's case memo.

When asked to view the surveillance video of the incident, the Miami-Dade Police Department told the AJC its copy of the video had been destroyed. The Transportation Security Administration declined to release its copy of the video, citing national security concerns.

In the trade for Schaub, Atlanta swapped first-round picks with Houston and acquired second-round picks in the next two drafts by dealing the backup QB to the Texans. The Falcons now have the eighth overall pick in this year's draft.

The trade signals to Vick that the starting quarterback job is his, but general manager Rich McKay said that was not the reason the trade was made.

"As a restricted free agent, this was the year if we were going to be involved in a move [involving Schaub]," McKay said. "After this year he was going anyway."

Vick said he was excited about playing under new coach Bobby Petrino, who he met shortly after the water bottle was seized in Miami.

"That was the first day I had to walk in and meet him," Vick said. "I had to go through that with him, and he brushed it off, and we talked about family and football and what I needed to do to get ready. That was very uplifting to me."

Vick said he did not speak out at the time because he felt everyone had rushed to judgment.

"Nobody wanted to listen to me," he said. "I was under the microscope. I didn't do anything wrong and people wrote this and said that. They didn't know the story. When it came back that I was cleared, they said all this and knocked me down and kicked me around. Everything was false.

"I knew what the situation was, and I knew what the turnout was."

Vick said he cooperated at the airport and throughout the process.

"We went through all of this because there was a little water at the top," Vick said. "I told them it was my stash box for jewelry. That is what I told everybody, but that wasn't written.

"As for the smell and where that came from, I sat in the airport for another hour and 30 minutes. If there was something wrong, we could have handled the situation on the spot."

Vick threw for 2,474 yards and 20 touchdowns, and became the first NFL quarterback to top 1,000 yards rushing in a season last year, but the Falcons finished 7-9 and missed the playoffs. He expressed enthusiasm Thursday for Petrino's new offense and the coach's statement that he'll be allowed to audible at the line.

"It says a lot for him that he came in here and didn't say he was going to gradually work me into calling my own plays," Vick said. "He is going to let me do it."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

mardigan

03-23-2007, 01:02 PM

Dolphins | Green wants to play for team, according to agent
Fri, 23 Mar 2007 10:21:32 -0700

Alex Marvez, of the Sun-Sentinel, reports Kansas City Chiefs QB Trent Green wants to play for the Miami Dolphins, according to Green's agent, Jim Steiner. The only thing preventing Green from playing for the team, according to Steiner, is an impasse in trade talks with the Chiefs. "Trent would like to be there," Steiner said. "He has a relationship with (Dolphins head coach) Cam Cameron that goes back 10 years ago when both were with the Washington Redskins together. It's an offense he's familiar with and there would be an excellent working relationship. It's a team that has a great defense that with a few tweaks on offense would have a pretty good darn chance of succeeding this season."

mardigan

03-23-2007, 02:21 PM

NFL | 'Romo Rule' to be voted on at spring meetings
Fri, 23 Mar 2007 11:16:47 -0700

Charean Williams, of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, reports the NFL's competition committee is proposing a rule, to be voted on at the league's spring meetings, to increase the amount of time kicking balls are prepared before games. The rule would prevent incidents such as the one that occurred in the Dallas Cowboys loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC playoffs, when Dallas QB Tony Romo infamously bobbled a snap on a late-game field goal, allowing the Seahawks to escape with a win. The ball used on the play appeared to be very slick and unused, making it more difficult to handle.

mardigan

03-23-2007, 03:11 PM

Friday, March 23, 2007

Cowboys bring in Hamlin

Irving, TX (Sports Network) - The Dallas Cowboys on Friday signed free agent safety Ken Hamlin. No further details of the signing have been released.

Hamlin, who will be entering his fifth season, spent his first four years in the NFL in Seattle after the team drafted him in the second round of the 2003 draft.

Last season he tied a career-high in tackles with 96 and also had two sacks and three interceptions as he appeared in every game with the Seahawks.

In 54 games, Hamlin has amassed 298 tackles with four sacks and eight interceptions in his career.

mardigan

03-23-2007, 03:11 PM

Carr and Williams released
March 23, 2007
By Carmine Pirone
HoustonTexans.com

In a move that only amplifies the Texans' desire to move forward instead of looking back, the team announced Friday the release of quarterback David Carr and running back Domanick Williams.

The duo’s days in Houston were numbered. Carr, when the Texans traded for quarterback Matt Schaub Thursday and Williams when he had yet another setback in an attempted comeback from knee surgery a few weeks back.

An era has ended and with it the careers of Houston ’s all-time leading passer and rusher. Carr passed for more than 13,000 yards in his five-year career while Williams has amassed over 3,000 on the ground.

Carr passed for 59 touchdowns, setting a franchise mark that likely won’t be challenged for years. Williams’ 28 total touchdowns will likely last a while as well.

As rare as it is for a team to release a tandem of players so decorated in franchise history, Friday’s move is not really surprising.

Thanks to debilitating knee injury, Williams did not play a down during the 2006 campaign and with yet another setback on the road to recovery this offseason, his career in the NFL could be over.

Carr is nothing if not durable, but a change in direction by the front office had Carr looking for a new home this offseason. Since a trading partner could not be found, Carr will spend the next weeks and months looking for another home.

The former number one overall pick has plenty of football left in him. At 27, his best day’s in the NFL could be ahead. Whether or not a team will give him a chance to start for them in 2007 is anyone’s best guess, but considering Carr’s raw athleticism he will certainly find a home somewhere before this season begins, but for the first time in his career he’ll be taking snaps in a uniform other then the Texans.

mardigan

03-23-2007, 03:45 PM

Updated: March 23, 2007, 4:21 PM ET
Engram signs multiyear deal with SeahawksAssociated Press

EngramKIRKLAND, Wash. -- The Seattle Seahawks have re-signed wide receiver Bobby Engram to a multiyear contract.
Engram originally signed with Seattle in 2001 after spending his first five seasons with Chicago.

He has played in 80 games with 43 starts for Seattle. He led the team in receiving in 2005 with 67 catches for 778 yards and three touchdowns.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-23-2007, 03:50 PM

Updated: March 23, 2007, 4:26 PM ET
Hasselbeck's recovery from surgery ahead of scheduleAssociated Press

RENTON, Wash. -- Matt Hasselbeck's recovery is ahead of schedule and the Seahawks quarterback may be on the field for Seattle's first minicamp following the NFL draft April 28-29.

Hasselbeck

The quarterback had surgery in January to repair torn labrum cartilage in his left (non-throwing) shoulder.

"I have been told he's ahead of schedule," Seattle president of football operations Tim Ruskell said this week, during an appearance at the construction site of the Seahawks' new suburban headquarters that will open in 2008.

"I would anticipate that maybe he would do some light throwing in the post-draft camp -- for sure looking at the June camps to be able to throw," Ruskell said.

Initially, the team said Hasselbeck was expected to return by training camp in July "if not before."

"I think he could throw a Nerf ball right now, and he probably does with his kids," Ruskell said of Hasselbeck, who has two daughters and a son. "We're feeling really good about that."

Early last month, Hasselbeck was in Miami for Super Bowl week doing promotional appearances while wearing a brace on his left arm.

Hasselbeck first injured the shoulder during a Jan. 4, 2004, playoff loss at Green Bay.

Pain returned last season -- and not just in his shoulder. He also broke two fingers, sprained a knee and missed four games, and had his worst season since 2001, his first as the Seahawks starter. He completed just 56.6 percent of his passes, his lowest rate in five seasons, and threw 15 interceptions in the regular season. Seattle fell one win short of a second consecutive appearance in the NFC championship game.

Renowned specialist Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., repaired the cartilage.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-23-2007, 06:20 PM

After being released by Browns, Cards sign FB SmithBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

The Arizona Cardinals on Friday met first-year coach Ken Whisenhunt's desire to add a physical, lead-blocking fullback, signing seven-year veteran Terrelle Smith, who had been recently released by the Cleveland Browns.

Smith
Smith, 28, signed a two-year contract, the financial details of which were not available.

In his seven seasons, Smith has blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher five times. The Browns released him earlier this month to avoid paying a roster bonus that Smith was due, and plan to use second-year veteran Lawrence Vickers, a sixth-round pick in 2006, as the starter.

Smith was also sought by the Green Bay Packers, but was believed to be leaning toward the Cardinals, in part because he played at Arizona State in college and also felt that Whisenhunt has designed an offense that fits his strengths.

A fourth-round choice of the New Orleans Saints in 2000, Smith moved to the Browns as a free agent in 2004, and has appeared in 107 games, with 68 starts. A pulverizing blocker, he is capable of knocking linebackers out of the hole and is regarded around the league as one of the NFL's best escorts for a tailback.

He is also a solid pass protector and proven receiver. Essentially, Smith is the prototype fullback given the way the position is currently defined.

Smith has logged only 57 carries for 182 yards and has yet to score his first touchdown on the ground. He has never carried 30 times in a season and in 2006, Smith registered only eight attempts. He has 58 career catches for 271 yards and three touchdowns.

Whisenhunt, who made good use of the fullback position when he was offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh, has reiterated several times in recent weeks the need to add a lead blocker to help clear the way for tailbacks Edgerrin James and Marcel Shipp.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com

mardigan

03-23-2007, 06:43 PM

Updated: March 23, 2007, 5:30 PM ET
Texans rebuff Giants, retain fullback LeachBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Moving to keep an important lead-blocker, the Houston Texans on Friday afternoon matched the restricted free agent offer sheet that three-year veteran fullback Vonta Leach signed with the New York Giants earlier this week.

The Texans had until Monday to match the four-year offer sheet, which is worth a total of $8 million and includes $1.6 million in guarantees.

By matching the offer sheet, the Texans assumed the terms of the deal that the Giants negotiated with Leach.

If the Texans had declined to match the offer sheet, Leach would have moved on to the Giants. Because he entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2004, and Houston made Leach the lowest qualifying offer for a restricted free agent, a one-year deal for $850,000, the Texans would have received no compensation from the Giants if they hadn't matched.

Leach, 25, is a 250-pounder capable of clearing out linebackers and carving out holes for tailbacks running behind him. He is also an improving pass protector.

In three NFL seasons, Leach has yet to register a single rushing attempt and he has only 11 catches for 80 yards and one touchdown in 34 appearances, including 10 starts. His value, though, isn't in touching the ball as much as it is colliding with would-be tacklers. It was assumed that, if the Giants had acquired him, he would have replaced incumbent Jim Finn.

Leach entered the league with Green Bay in 2004 as an undrafted free agent. The former East Carolina standout played two seasons with the Packers, then was released last summer and signed by Houston, where he split time with Jameel Cook.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-23-2007, 07:29 PM

Deal to send Broncos' Wilson to Giants now unlikelyBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

A much-discussed trade that would have sent Denver Broncos star middle linebacker Al Wilson to the New York Giants was severely jeopardized Friday, and perhaps scuttled entirely, when the five-time Pro Bowl performer failed a physical examination.

Al Wilson
Linebacker
Denver Broncos

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Tot Solo Ast FF Sack Int
102 79 23 1 1 0

Two league sources familiar with the trade discussions said that Giants team physicians and front office personnel were concerned by a neck problem discerned during the examination.

Trade talks had progressed to the point where Wilson traveled east to meet with the Giants, and the expectation was that a deal would have been consummated had he passed the exam. It is believed the teams had agreed to most of the principle elements of the trade, with the deal contingent on Wilson's health. Clubs typically include a physical examination in trade agreements.

It is not known what the Giants would have surrendered in the deal. Some reports indicated New York would part with third-year defensive end Justin Tuck, but they were unfounded.

It is doubtful, sources said, that the trade talks will be revived.

Wilson, 29, has missed only three games in eight seasons, never more than one in a given year. He was carted from the field with a neck injury last December after running into teammate and defensive tackle Gerard Warren, but returned to play the following week. He did miss the final game of the season with neck and thumb injuries. He subsequently had offseason surgery to address the thumb injury.

An online search of Wilson's medical history since entering the NFL referred to only two games missed because of any neck injuries.

In the NFL, however, there are no leaguewide standards for physicals, and examinations are totally subjective. Often a team will "fail" a player on a physical, not only because of the medical risk involved, but also because of financial exposure. Wilson has three seasons remaining on his current contract -- at base salaries of $5.2 million (2007), $3.65 million (2008), $5.15 million (2009) and $6.8 million (2010) -- and that could have been a factor in the Giants' decision.

Also, just because Wilson did not pass the Giants' standards does not mean he cannot play for the Broncos again.

A first-round choice in the 1999 draft, Wilson has been the subject of trade speculation for much of the offseason. ESPN.com reported earlier this month that Detroit officials had attempted to acquire Wilson from Denver in the deal that sent cornerback Dre Bly to the Broncos and offensive tackle George Foster and tailback Tatum Bell to the Lions. The Philadelphia Eagles also inquired about Wilson's availability.

But the NFL Network reported this week that the Broncos were discussing the trade with the New York Giants, and the linebacker's agent confirmed there had been negotiations involving his client.

Despite his five Pro Bowl appearances, Wilson is not a high profile defender. But he has been one of the NFL's steadiest playmakers, a tackling machine with 960 career stops, and the rare middle linebacker who can stay on the field for third down and be effective, as reflected in his 21 ½ sacks, five interceptions and 49 pass deflections.

Had he been traded, Wilson would have moved to weakside linebacker in New York, since the Giants already possess a standout middle linebacker in Antonio Pierece. Denver would probably have filled the vacancy created by his departure by moving starting strongside linebacker D.J. Williams, a first-round choice in 2004, into the middle.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-23-2007, 10:05 PM

Updated: March 23, 2007, 10:50 PM ET
Probe will recommend 9 officers be held accountableAssociated Press

WASHINGTON -- A Pentagon investigation will recommend that nine officers, including up to four generals, be held accountable for missteps in the aftermath of the friendly fire death of Army Ranger Pat Tillman in Afghanistan, senior defense officials said Friday.

E-Ticket

What really happened when Pat Tillman was killed by friendly fire in 2004? A three-part E-ticket investigation in July sought answers.
• Part 1: An Un-American Tragedy

• Part 2: Playing With Friendly Fire

• Part 3: Death of an American Ideal

The Defense Department inspector general will cite a range of errors and inappropriate conduct as the military probed the former football star's death on the battlefront in 2004, said one defense official.

The official, who like the others requested anonymity because the Army has not publicly released the information, said it appears senior military leaders may not have had all the facts or worked hard enough to get the facts of what happened on April 22, 2004, when Tillman, a corporal, was killed by members of his own platoon.

Dozens of soldiers -- those immediately around Tillman at the scene of the shooting, his immediate superiors and high-ranking officers at a command post nearby -- knew within minutes or hours that his death was fratricide.

Even so, the Army persisted in telling Tillman's family he was killed in a conventional ambush, including at his nationally televised memorial service 11 days later. It was five weeks before his family was told the truth, a delay the Army has blamed on procedural mistakes.

The latest investigation has focused on how high up the chain of command it was known that Tillman's death was caused by his comrades. Officers from the rank of colonel and up will be blamed in the report, according to one officer who has been informed of the findings.

According to the officials, the report will not make charges or suggest punishments, but it will recommend the Army look at holding the nine officers accountable.

One defense official said it appears the inspector general will not conclude there was an orchestrated cover-up in the investigation.

Tillman's father, Pat, said Friday he had no intention of commenting on the inspector general's report until he had heard an Army briefing Monday. That day, the Army plans to release the report and a second related to the killing.

The other report is by the Army Criminal Investigation Command, which will focus on whether a crime, such as negligent homicide, was committed when Tillman's men shot him. One defense official said it appears the investigation did not find any criminal intent in the shooting.

Tillman's case drew worldwide attention in part because he had turned down a multimillion-dollar contract to play defensive back for the Arizona Cardinals in order to join the Army Rangers after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

The report's release comes with the Bush administration under fire from the public and Congress for the war in Iraq. Though the Afghanistan conflict has not drawn nearly so much criticism, the report could add to the drumbeat of negative stories the administration has had to endure over the treatment of wounded soldiers and the long deployments of U.S. troops.

To date, the Army has punished seven people, but no one was court-martialed. Four soldiers received relatively minor punishments under military law, ranging from written reprimands to expulsion from the Rangers. One had his pay reduced and was effectively forced out of the Army.

The latest investigation has focused on how high up the chain of command that knowledge went.

Officers from the rank of colonel and up will be blamed in the report, according to one officer who has been informed of the findings.

According to the officials, the report will not make charges or suggest punishments, but it will recommend the Army look at holding the nine officers accountable.

One defense official said it appears the inspector general will not conclude there was an orchestrated cover-up in the investigation.

The Army, which requested the inspector general review last year, said in a statement released Friday that it "plans to take appropriate actions after receiving the inspector general's report."

The commander of Tillman's 75th Ranger Regiment was Col. James C. Nixon. Last year, he was named director of operations at the Center for Special Operations at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.

Nixon knew within about two days that Tillman's death was fratricide, another officer involved in the investigations told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

The inspector general is expected to release its report Monday, and also speak to Tillman's family about the results of the investigation.

Also to be released Monday is a report by the Army Criminal Investigation Command, which will focus on whether a crime, such as negligent homicide, was committed when Tillman's own men shot him. One defense official said it appears the investigation did not find any criminal intent in the shooting.

Previous investigations of the case have focused on the facts of the incident and sought to answer questions of whether it was a fratricide.

The report's findings were first reported on Friday by CBS News.

Tillman died in Afghanistan's Paktia province, along the Pakistan border, after his platoon was ordered to split into two groups and one of the units began firing. Tillman and an Afghan with him were killed.

Since the incident, the Army has moved to improve the notification procedures and now requires an officer to review initial casualty information and verify that the families have been told the best, most accurate information.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-23-2007, 10:06 PM

Lions | Team close to reaching an agreement with Mulitalo
Fri, 23 Mar 2007 17:32:58 -0700

Mike O'Hara, of the Detroit News, reports the Detroit Lions are close to reaching an agreement with free-agent OG Edwin Mulitalo (Ravens). The Lions and Mulitalo have discussed a three-year contract.

Lions | Team signs Piller
Fri, 23 Mar 2007 17:29:21 -0700

Mike O'Hara, of the Detroit News, reports the Detroit Lions have signed free-agent OG Zach Piller (Titans) to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Lions actually making some pretty good moves this offseason

mardigan

03-23-2007, 10:07 PM

Steelers | Church signs
Fri, 23 Mar 2007 16:53:18 -0700

Steelers.com reports the Pittsburgh Steelers have signed street free-agent LB Marcello Church. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

mardigan

03-23-2007, 10:07 PM

Cardinals | C. Cooper re-signs
Fri, 23 Mar 2007 15:49:49 -0700

The Arizona Cardinals have re-signed unrestricted free-agent DL Chris Cooper to a two-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.

mardigan

03-23-2007, 10:08 PM

Saints | Kuale waived
Fri, 23 Mar 2007 15:32:19 -0700

The Advocate reports the New Orleans Saints have waived LB E.J. Kuale after he was arrested for gun and drug possession Monday, March 19.

mardigan

03-23-2007, 10:09 PM

Falcons | Elling signs
Fri, 23 Mar 2007 14:22:39 -0700

Sean Jensen, of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, reports the Atlanta Falcons have signed unrestricted free-agent PK Aaron Elling (Ravens). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

mardigan

03-23-2007, 10:55 PM

Dolphins | Porter reportedly threw first punch at L. Jones
Fri, 23 Mar 2007 20:29:22 -0700

Mark Curnutte, of the Cincinnati Enquirer, reports Miami Dolphins LB Joey Porter threw the first punch during an attack on Cincinnati Bengals OT Levi Jones, according to a redacted report on the incident. Las Vegas Police told The Enquirer that Jones was gambling at a table at the Palms casino when he was approached by Porter. Video of the incident shows Porter striking Jones with a closed first, with several unidentified men then joining in and punching Jones. Porter was charged with misdemeanor battery and released.

Pugglekicker_21

03-24-2007, 01:24 AM

hey mardigan why do the Broncs wan to trade Al Wilson? i know he's kinda old but dude can still play. And what would they have gotten from NY if the trade had gone through?

mardigan

03-24-2007, 02:04 AM

Cap reasons, with all the fre agents they brought in, and the draft coming up, they are trying to cut as many costs as they can, They want to move Williams inside and probably draft an outside lb, or move one their own up from within

mardigan

03-24-2007, 12:33 PM

Lions sign OG Piller, closing in on MulitaloBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Determined to be tougher and more physical on the offensive line in 2007, the Detroit Lions have signed former Tennessee Titans guard Zach Piller and are closing in on a deal with onetime Baltimore Ravens standout guard Edwin Mulitalo.

Piller

Both players were released by their former teams earlier this month.

Piller signed a one-year contract with the Lions worth $760,000. Detroit officials have been negotiating a multiyear contract with Mulitalo.

Concerned by injuries that prematurely ended two of the past three seasons for Piller, and reluctant to pay a prohibitive base salary to a player projected as a backup in 2007, the Titans released the eight-year veteran early in the signing period to give him a chance to meet with other teams.

Piller drew interest from three other clubs.

A third-round choice in the 1999 draft, Piller is a strong in-line blocker with a blue-collar mentality. But the former University of Florida standout appeared in just 20 contests over the past three seasons and the scheduled base salaries on his contract in Tennessee were $3 million for 2006 and $3.5 million for 2007.

Piller started all 16 games in 2003 for the first time in his career, then suffered a left biceps injury in 2004 that limited him to one game. After coming back to again start 16 games in 2005, Piller appeared in only three games last season because of a left ankle injury. In his eight seasons with the Titans, Piller appeared in 87 games with 58 starts.

Mulitalo, 32, is an eight-year veteran who spent his entire career with the Ravens, but saw his 2006 season prematurely ended by a torn triceps in the fourth game of the year. The former University of Arizona standout was a fourth-round choice in the 1999 draft.

In eight seasons, Mulitalo appeared in 106 games, with 102 starts. From 2000-2005, he started 14 or more games every season.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-24-2007, 02:35 PM

Updated: March 24, 2007, 2:14 PM ET
Second arrest in seven months for BrownESPN.com news services

AUSTIN, Texas -- Former Texas cornerback Tarell Brown is facing his second misdemeanor charge in seven months after being arrested and charged with marijuana possession, the Dallas Morning News reported.

The newspaper reported Brown, who is hoping to be selected in next month's NFL draft, posted bond and was released from the Williamson County Jail on Friday after being charged.

Brown's attorney, Jamie Balagia, told the newspaper that Brown was a passenger in a car that was pulled over on a routine traffic stop Thursday. Police discovered there was an outstanding arrest warrant for the driver and found a plastic baggie containing marijuana residue, Balagia told the newspaper.

"Tarell Brown had nothing to do with the residue found by police. It belonged to the driver," Balagia told the Dallas Morning News. "But in Williamson County, they arrest everyone in the car. Brown doesn't do drugs, has never done drugs and plans on taking a drug test to show everyone exactly that."

Brown still faces a misdemeanor weapons charge stemming from an incident last fall, which forced him to miss the Longhorns' game against Ohio State due to a one-game suspension.

Last September, Brown was a passenger in a car driven by former Texas linebacker Aaron Harris that was pulled over by police.

According to police, they found marijuana in the car and Brown in the back seat in possession of a gun owned by Texas linebacker Tyrell Gatewood.

Police brought marijuana possession charges against Brown and Gatewood, who was also in the car at the time, but dropped them when Harris said the marijuana was his.

mardigan

03-24-2007, 02:37 PM

Raiders | Miller waived
Sat, 24 Mar 2007 05:51:20 -0700

Raiders.com reports the Oakland Raiders waived TE Derek Miller.

mardigan

03-24-2007, 02:37 PM

Patriots | Wright contract update
Sat, 24 Mar 2007 07:08:16 -0700

Mike Reiss, of the Boston Globe, reports the New England Patriots re-signed exclusive rights free agent DL Mike Wright to a one-year deal worth $435,000.

Patriots | Mays contract update
Sat, 24 Mar 2007 07:33:05 -0700

Mike Reiss, of the Boston Globe, reports the New England Patriots re-signed exclusive rights free agent LB Corey Mays to a one-year deal worth $360,000.

DNS Error

03-24-2007, 03:45 PM

You really love this game dont you?

mardigan

03-24-2007, 03:47 PM

You really love this game dont you?
Way too much, I dont even want to tell you how many games I watched last year, it would probably make you think I have a problem

johnsmith

03-24-2007, 04:15 PM

Way too much, I dont even want to tell you how many games I watched last year, it would probably make you think I have a problem

Seriously, I've said it before, this is the best thread ever created and 99% of the posts are from mardigan. I've completely stopped looking at other sites for NFL off-season news because this one has covered everything.

Good job mardigan.

mardigan

03-24-2007, 04:22 PM

NFL | Committee will propose penalizing players who spike the ball
Sat, 24 Mar 2007 09:30:23 -0700

Chris Pika, of AtlantaFalcons.com, reports the NFL's Competition Committee will propose penalizing players who spike or throw the ball after plays on the field. Touchdowns will not be subject to the proposed five-yard penalty. " This is an issue that has really shown itself in the last two years where it seems like every play -- whether a three-yard gain or a 15-yarder -- results in a player stepping up and spiking the ball," Atlanta Falcons general manager and committee co-chairman Rich McKay said. If a player spiked the ball after gaining a first down, the ball would be moved back five yards but it will still be first-and-10.

mardigan

03-24-2007, 04:22 PM

NFL | League will revise injury reports
Sat, 24 Mar 2007 09:14:56 -0700

Kevin Seifert, of the Star Tribune, reports the NFL is planning to improve its weekly injury reports after several teams questioned the existing method and protocol. Atlanta Falcons general manager Rich McKay said the new system will require teams to reveal each injured player's practice schedule. If commissioner Roger Goodell approves the new format, the old classifications of probable, questionable and doubtful will be de-emphasized. Under the new system, teams will list the amount of practice in which injured players participate on Wednesday and Thursday of a game week. On Friday, the teams will designate each players as probable, questionable, doubtful or out.

mardigan

03-24-2007, 04:23 PM

Cowboys | Injury update: Owens
Sat, 24 Mar 2007 07:19:43 -0700

Rob Phillips, of DallasCowboys.com, reports Dallas Cowboys WR Terrell Owens' (finger) recovery from a second finger surgery is going "very well," according to owner and general manager Jerry Jones. Owens could join the team in Dallas within the next few days. The team will begin their offseason workout program Monday, March 26, but the surgeries on Owens' ring finger could prevent him from catching passes in the minicamps. Jones believes Owens will have the cast removed next week, but doctors will want him Owens to limit his travel once it comes off.

Pugglekicker_21

03-24-2007, 04:42 PM

mardigan

03-24-2007, 04:48 PM

hey mardigan i joined ST before the super bowl so i didnt know about this but I was wondering. Does Kori make vBookie for the NFL regular season or only the playoffs?

And if I remember corectly, Archuleta is a SS and so is Mike Brown. So who moves to FS? And I also aksed what DEN would've gotten from the NY-Wilson trade. Or do you not know?
They didnt announce what Denver would have gotten, but I heard it would have been back-up defensive end Justin Tuck.
The Bears are either going to ask Mike Brown to move, or release him, he is very good, but very injury prone. And yes, she does vbookie regular season games. Let me see if I can find that Mike Brown article....

Based on what newly acquired safety Adam Archuleta has been told by the Bears, he has been given Mike Brown's job. Which means that Brown, a Pro Bowler in 2005, will either be cut or moved back to free safety.
-- Daily Herald

Purple & Gold

03-24-2007, 05:16 PM

D.D. Lewis is a free-agent and I know he's looking to play somewhere in Texas. He's a fast, smart, linebacker that has had some injury problems. He's the odd man out with the Seahawks, but I think he would be a good pickup for any team. He would be a real cheap signing and if he stays healthy, I'm sure he could contribute.

DisgruntledLionFan#54,927

03-24-2007, 09:22 PM

Biggest offseason news yet:

A source with knowledge of the situation tells us that ESPN is yanking analyst Joe Theismann from Monday Night Football. Earlier this year, the network said that the lineup for the weekly NFL broadcast would returned unchanged in 2007.

Per the source, the likely replacement for Theismann is Ron Jaworski, who performed well (despite wearing ladies' glasses) during the back half of a season-opening Monday night doubleheader and who currently is handling booth duties for the ESPN/ABC coverage of the Arena Football League.

It's unknown whether Theismann will be reassigned to other ESPN NFL-related shows, or possibly to ESPN's college football coverage. After Mike Patrick and Paul Maguire weren't shifted with Theismann from Sunday night to Monday night, Patrick and Maguire landed with the network's NCAA broadcasts.

The problem, as we understand it, is that Theismann received a lucrative contract in the waning days of Mark Shapiro's tenure, and the network is unlikely to eat the balance of it. We're told that there are at least two years remaining on the deal.

Per a source with knowledge of the in-house dynamics at ESPN, Theismann and Tony Kornheiser didn't mix well, and there's a school of thought that Kornheiser would be better without having to worry about tiptoeing on eggshells with Theismann. (And we agree with that. Completely.)

The information came to us in response to an item we posted earlier on Saturday indicating that ESPN had offered a spot on Monday Night Football to former Cowboys coach Bill Parcells.

Stay tuned.

http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm

T Park

03-24-2007, 11:16 PM

I liked the old trio from Sunday Night football wayyyy better than Tirico, Korny and Theesman.

leemajors

03-24-2007, 11:58 PM

jaws on MNF would be great. he and kornheiser work well with each other. tirico was good on PTI this last thursday and friday, i was surprised. thought he might be too uptight, but he was good.

leemajors

03-24-2007, 11:58 PM

I liked the old trio from Sunday Night football wayyyy better than Tirico, Korny and Theesman.

paul maguire was god awful, at least he's not ruining NFL games anymore.

mardigan

03-25-2007, 02:58 PM

Updated: March 25, 2007, 11:23 AM ET
Rams pick up veteran cornerback WallsBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

For the second time in two weeks, the St. Louis Rams have added a veteran cornerback to compete for playing time in their nickel and dime coverage packages, reaching a one-year accord with unrestricted free agent Lenny Walls.

Walls

The five-year veteran, who played for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2006, is a big, physical cornerback (6-foot-4, 195 pounds) with potential, but a player whose career has been slowed by injuries.

Last week, the Rams signed former San Francisco first-round cornerback Mike Rumph, a player similar to Walls in terms of size and misfortune, and the St. Louis coaching staff is hopeful one of them will contribute in 2007. St. Louis lost cornerback Travis Fisher in free agency and needs to replace him.

Walls, 27, played his first four seasons in the league with the Denver Broncos, then signed with the Chiefs last spring.

He entered the league as an undrafted college free agent in 2002, and the former Boston College standout won a starting job in Denver in his second season, starting all 16 games in 2003. But he missed nine games in 2004 with a shoulder injury and nine more in 2005 with a strained groin, and eventually fell out of favor with Broncos coaches because he couldn't stay healthy and on the field.

With the Chiefs in 2006, he played primarily as a situational cornerback and on special teams, although he did make two starts, and finished the year with 29 tackles and five passes defensed. For his career, Walls has 127 tackles, one interception, 24 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and one recovery.

Financial details of his one-year contract were not immediately available, although it is believed to be for the veteran minimum base salary.

Len Pasquarelli is an NFL senior writer for ESPN.com.

redskinfan

03-25-2007, 07:24 PM

Hey Mardigan why do you wasts so much space putting in the whole article of every signing? just put the facts we dont need all the bs that comes with it.

mardigan

03-25-2007, 09:03 PM

Hey Mardigan why do you wasts so much space putting in the whole article of every signing? just put the facts we dont need all the bs that comes with it.
Well I like all the bs that comes with it, so I thought maybe other NFL fans would to

mardigan

03-25-2007, 09:05 PM

NFL | Overtime kickoffs might be moved to the 35-yard line
Sun, 25 Mar 2007 11:23:40 -0700

Jim Thomas, of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reports the NFL will discuss spotting kickoffs at the 35-yard line in overtime next week during the league meetings.

mardigan

03-25-2007, 09:07 PM

It's no secret that the Lions' phones have rung off the hook from teams below them inquiring about that No. 2 pick because those suitors have targeted a player (Calvin Johnson? Joe Thomas? Brady Quinn? Adrian Peterson?) who they want to snatch from Cleveland's waiting grasp at No. 3.
-- Detroit Free Press

The Kansas City Star reported Lions president Matt Millen will speak with the Chiefs about acquiring quarterback Trent Green. But signs are mounting that the Chiefs will trade Green to Miami.
-- Detroit Free Press

Fast rising Patrick Willis, the middle linebacker from Mississippi, has caught the Lions' eye. He's the best player in the draft at his position and has a lot of the qualities Ernie Sims displayed at Florida State, and again in his rookie season with the Lions.
-- Detroit News

Teams may be cooling on Ohio State receiver Ted Ginn Jr. There is growing concern about a foot injury that has prevented him from working out for teams.
-- Miami Herald

Whether Michael Vick ever becomes the classic quarterback he was projected to be, he's locked in as a Falcon: There are no takers with all his baggage. What general manager Rich McKay did was get the most out of Matt Schaub before he lost him on the open market.
-- Atlanta Journal-Constitution

About the only way the Cowboys justify passing on a receiver in the first round is if they trade down for Texas offensive lineman Justin Blalock, whom they love, love, love. What they cannot do is neglect offense in the first round.
-- Fort Worth Star-Telegram

A source says Carolina is not high on David Carr's wish list because the presence of Jake Delhomme means the Panthers already have a starter in place. Carr is eyeing Minnesota, where the offensive line is very good and he'd have a chance to start right away.
-- Charlotte Observer

According to some personnel people around the league, the Eagles are shopping defensive tackle Darwin Walker. Buffalo, Green Bay and Minnesota apparently all have been contacted in hopes of adding a draft pick or moving up in a later round of the draft.
-- Trenton Times

Most experts have the Eagles taking a cornerback -- either Texas' Aaron Ross, Fresno State's Marcus McCauley or Pittsburgh's Darelle Revis. Philadelphia also may be on the lookout for Brian Dawkins' eventual successor at free safety. A player like Florida's Reggie Nelson could fit there.
-- Camden Courier-Post

The Giants still desperately need at least one outside linebacker now that their proposed trade for Denver linebacker Al Wilson is all but dead. But they're also searching for help at receiver, too. That's why they reportedly will be interviewing USC's Dwayne Jarrett.
-- New York Daily News

Penn State people noted that Giants coach Tom Coughlin paid rapt attention to left tackle Levi Brown's workout.
-- Newark Star-Ledger

Patriots coach Bill Belichick would favor an overtime of 7 1/2 minutes that is played to completion regardless of who scores. That would almost guarantee that both teams have a shot at possession, and the end-of-game strategy would remain. If the score is still tied after overtime, then perhaps the sudden-death element could be in play.
-- Boston Globe

Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney is in franchise tag limbo right now, but based on the franchise's history in such matters, the Pro Bowl player won't be there for long.
-- Boston Herald

mardigan

03-25-2007, 09:57 PM

NFL | League might increase game-day roster to 47 players
Sun, 25 Mar 2007 11:23:25 -0700

Jim Thomas, of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reports the NFL will discuss raising the game-day roster to 47 players next week during the league meetings.

mardigan

03-25-2007, 10:26 PM

Bears | A. Adam signed
Sun, 25 Mar 2007 19:56:34 -0700

Len Pasquarelli, of ESPN.com, reports the Chicago Bears have reached an agreement on a four-year contract with unrestricted free-agent DT Anthony Adams (49ers). Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

mardigan

03-25-2007, 10:26 PM

Eagles | Team showing interest in Spikes
Sun, 25 Mar 2007 10:17:42 -0700

John Murphy, of Yahoo! Sports, reports the Philadelphia Eagles are showing interest in possibly obtaining Buffalo Bills LB Takeo Spikes, according to a league source. Spikes would need to pass a physical and negotiate a new deal. The source believes the Bills could receive a mid-to-late round choice in the 2007 NFL Draft if both conditions are met. The Eagles would likely move Spikes to the outside if they acquire him. The team could also move him inside and make LB Jeremiah Trotter more of a two-down linebacker.

Giants | Team showing interest in Spikes
Sun, 25 Mar 2007 10:17:14 -0700

John Murphy, of Yahoo! Sports, reports the New York Giants are showing interest in possibly obtaining Buffalo Bills LB Takeo Spikes, according to a league source. Spikes would need to pass a physical and negotiate a new deal. The source believes the Bills could receive a mid-to-late round choice in the 2007 NFL Draft if both conditions are met.

mardigan

03-26-2007, 11:58 AM

Mare just wants Dolphins to let him move onESPN.com news services

Olindo Mare isn't pleased with the way the Dolphins are handling his situation. The kicker isn't keeping quiet about it either.

Mare's future in Miami became murky after the Dolphins signed kicker Jay Feely to a three-year contract on March 8.

"This is heartbreaking for me to leave, but I know it's time and I don't have a choice," Mare said with his agent, Drew Rosenhaus by his side, told the Palm Beach Post. "I just want to get it over with. ... I don't understand the hold-up."

Mare and Rosenhaus told the paper the Dolphins have had trade offers for the kicker, but they can't understand why team officials haven't made a move yet.

"It's embarrassing, that's what it is, that one of the all-time great players in the history of the franchise is being left to float around like this," Rosenhaus told the paper. "This is a deal that should get done in five minutes."

According to the report, Mare has even offered to return his $250,000 roster bonus to help expedite a trade.

Mare made 26 of 36 field goals last season including a season-long kick of 52 yards. He finished the year with 100 points.

mardigan

03-26-2007, 12:01 PM

Updated: March 26, 2007, 12:04 PM ET
Jaworski replacing Theismann in MNF boothESPN.com

There will be a quarterback change in the Monday Night Football broadcast booth for the 2007 season.

Jaworski
Ron Jaworski will join Mike Tirico and Tony Kornheiser on the ESPN telecast. Jaworski replaces Joe Theismann, who has been offered a prominent football analyst job with the network.

Michele Tafoya and Suzy Kolber will continue as sideline reporters.

"This new lineup will enhance our presentation of Monday Night Football, our most important property," Norby Williamson, executive vice president, studio and remote production, said in a statement. "Ron has covered the NFL from many different perspectives, and he is totally tied into the issues and trends from around the league.

"We appreciate the work Joe has done for 19 years and continue to talk with him about another high-profile football role with ESPN."

Jaworski, who played 17 years in the NFL, most notably as quarterback of the Eagles, joined ESPN in 1990. He has been a prominent NFL analyst for the network and his studio duties will now be spread among ESPN's other NFL analysts, including newcomers Emmitt Smith and Bill Parcells.

Theismann, a storied quarterback in Redskins history, was the NFL's MVP in 1983 and led Washington to victory in Super Bowl XVII.

Last season, ESPN's coverage of Monday Night Football was the most-watched series in the history of cable television and the only NFL series nominated for a 2007 Sports Emmy in the Outstanding Live Sports Series category.

Nine of the top 10 on the list of cable television's biggest household audiences ever came from ESPN's coverage of Monday Night Football in 2006, including the Giants-Cowboys game on Oct. 23, 2006, which ranks No. 1 all-time with a 12.8 rating.

mardigan

03-26-2007, 02:12 PM

Lions | Mulitalo agrees to three-year deal
Mon, 26 Mar 2007 12:09:50 -0700

The Detroit Free Press reports the Detroit Lions have agreed with OL Edwin Mulitalo (Ravens) on a three-year contract. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

mardigan

03-26-2007, 02:13 PM

Bears | Team re-signs R. Brown
Mon, 26 Mar 2007 11:56:24 -0700

Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports the Chicago Bears have re-signed OL Ruben Brown (Bears) to a one-year contract worth $2.2 million.

mardigan

03-26-2007, 02:13 PM

Patriots | Maroney's shoulder a concern?
Mon, 26 Mar 2007 07:13:34 -0700

John Tomase, of the Boston Herald, reports New England Patriots RB Laurence Maroney (shoulder) had offseason shoulder surgery that showed "fairly significant damage," according to a league source. The long-term impact, however, is unclear at this point. The team could not confirm whether Maroney is taking part in the team's offseason conditioning program.

mardigan

03-26-2007, 03:23 PM

Updated: March 26, 2007, 4:00 PM ET
Colts star Freeney unfazed by franchise tagAssociated Press

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Dwight Freeney said Monday he's optimistic he'll sign a new long-term contract with the Indianapolis Colts in the offseason, despite being named as the team's franchise player.

Freeney, the former Bloomfield (Conn.) High School star and first-round draft pick in 2002, was honored at the state Capitol Monday.

Dwight Freeney
Defensive End
Indianapolis Colts

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Tot Solo Ast FF Sack Int
29 26 3 4 6 0

He told The Associated Press that he understands the business decision by the Colts to give him the franchise tag, which blocked him from becoming a free agent this year.

"They have to lock me in until we can get something done," he said. "I mean, that's just what it is. If they don't franchise me right now, what are they going to do, leave me on the market? If I'm on the market, who knows what's going to happen, it's going to be crazy."

Freeney would have become an unrestricted free agent March 2 without a new contract. The franchise tag means the Colts could keep him by matching any offer sheet he might sign with another team. If they chose not to match it, the Colts would get the other team's first-round draft picks in 2007 and 2008 as compensation.

As a franchise player, he's guaranteed $8,644,000, the average salary of the top five defensive ends next season.

Freeney said the negotiations on a longer contract are going well.

"As long as we get something done, we're fine," Freeney said. "It's going good. Hopefully we can get something done. We have until July 15 to get something done, so we have time."

Freeney missed the Pro Bowl this year for the first time since his rookie season. He was held to a career-low 5½ sacks while fighting shoulder and leg injuries.

But team president Bill Polian said earlier this month that the Colts were not going to let him get away.

"There's no timeline, but we're still talking [to his agent] with the idea of putting together a longer deal," he said. "He's a key part of our team."

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-26-2007, 03:24 PM

Updated: March 26, 2007, 4:19 PM ET
NFL releases partial 2007 season scheduleESPN.com news services

The feel-good story of last year and the defending Super Bowl champions will square off in Week 1 when the Saints travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts in the NFL's first game of the season.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell disclosed a partial list of the league's TV schedule at the NFL owners meeting in Phoenix.

The Bears will face the Chargers in the main national tilt on the season's first full Sunday of games while the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants will renew their rivalry in the year's first Sunday night game.

ESPN will have a Monday night doubleheader in Week 1 with the Bengals hosting the Ravens and the Cardinals traveling to San Francisco to take on the 49ers.

The Lions and Cowboys will host their traditional Thanksgiving Day games with Detroit playing the Green Bay Packers and Dallas squaring off against the New York Jets.

For the second straight year, the NFL Network will host a Thanksgiving night game when the Colts head to Atlanta to face the Falcons.

mardigan

03-26-2007, 03:56 PM

Shanahan: Chance Wilson could remain BroncoScripps Howard News Service

PHOENIX -- Linebacker Al Wilson is still a Denver Bronco and coach Mike Shanahan said Sunday the veteran linebacker could stay that way.

Al Wilson
Linebacker
Denver Broncos

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Tot Solo Ast FF Sack Int
102 79 23 1 1 0

Saying there was "nothing new" on the Wilson trade front, Shanahan briefly added just after his arrival at the NFL meetings that Wilson staying with the Broncos is still one of several scenarios.

The Broncos were discussing a trade with the New York Giants this past week, but after giving Wilson a physical, the Giants had concerns about what they internally called a "cervical issue" and he failed the physical.

The five-time Pro Bowl selection led the Broncos in tackles this past season with 113.

The Philadelphia Eagles and the Detroit Lions are believed to be at least two other teams to have expressed interest in Wilson.

Teams have differing guidelines regarding what is acceptable in a player's physical, so just because the Giants did not pass Wilson doesn't mean another team would not.

The 29-year old Wilson has had some history of neck troubles in his career. In 2003, he said he had "an unbearable" ache, and he previously has had some stingers -- a blow to a network of nerves that branch from the neck, running down the shoulders and into the hands and fingers.

He has said he hasn't had much trouble since, but he was carted off the field this past season after colliding with defensive tackle Gerard Warren against the Seattle Seahawks. He played in following weeks.

Wilson has four years remaining on a deal he signed in February 2004 and, with hefty salary-cap figures in each of those four seasons, it is expected the Broncos would ask Wilson to renegotiate that deal if he is to stay with the team.

Wilson's agent, Peter Schaffer, is trying to secure trading partners with the Broncos.

mardigan

03-26-2007, 04:26 PM

Lions | Bryant released
Mon, 26 Mar 2007 14:22:23 -0700

The Detroit Lions have released DT Anthony Bryant.

mardigan

03-26-2007, 04:27 PM

Giants | Mitchell agrees to deal
Mon, 26 Mar 2007 14:13:42 -0700

Arthur Staple, of Newsday, reports the New York Giants have signed unrestricted free-agent LB Kawika Mitchell (Chiefs) to a one-year contract worth $1 million.

mardigan

03-26-2007, 04:27 PM

Buccaneers | A. Johnson claimed off waivers
Mon, 26 Mar 2007 13:27:12 -0700

Buccaneers.com reports the Tampa Bay Buccaneers claimed TE/LS Adam Johnson (Chiefs) off waivers. Johnson will compete to be the team's long snapper for the 2007 season.

mardigan

03-26-2007, 04:27 PM

Saints | Copper re-signed to one-year deal
Mon, 26 Mar 2007 13:23:21 -0700

NewOrleansSaints.com reports the New Orleans Saints re-signed WR Terrance Copper to a one-year contract. Details of the deal were not disclosed.

mardigan

03-26-2007, 04:27 PM

Panthers | Minter restructures contract
Mon, 26 Mar 2007 12:57:44 -0700

Steve Reed, of the Gaston Gazette, reports Carolina Panthers FS Mike Minter agreed to restructure his contract and save the team just over $1.4 million in cap space. Minter was scheduled to have a base salary of $2.15 million for the 2007 season, but agreed to make $820,000 instead. It is not clear as to whether Minter can earn more through incentives.

mardigan

03-26-2007, 04:59 PM

Panthers | Cooper signed
Mon, 26 Mar 2007 14:48:43 -0700

Matt Maiocco, of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports the Carolina Panthers have signed unrestricted free-agent S Deke Cooper (49ers). Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

mardigan

03-26-2007, 04:59 PM

49ers | Team to play opening game on national television
Mon, 26 Mar 2007 14:43:13 -0700

Matt Maiocco, of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports the San Francisco 49ers will open the season against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football in the second game of a doubleheader.

Pugglekicker_21

03-26-2007, 05:17 PM

Man the best MNF gang was Nessler Jaws and...ahh....I think Vermeil? Yeha those three were by far the best ive heard in a while. They worked so well with one another. ehh, with Theisman gone, it is loads better, but Kornheiser isnt really the witty comic relief guy ESPN though they had in the booth. Tirico is alright, but like I said, I loved that other team.

Pugglekicker_21

03-26-2007, 05:19 PM

Its impossible, but if the Eagles got Spikes and Wilson...shit thats a good LB corps.

But one that would be always injured.

mardigan

03-26-2007, 05:30 PM

mardigan

03-26-2007, 05:49 PM

Pacman Jones could face midemeanors, felonyESPN.com news services

What the Tennessee Titans decide to do with Adam "Pacman" Jones might be the least of his problems.

Pacman's Choice
Adam "Pacman" Jones has lived two lives -- a brilliant one on the football field and a troubled one off of it. Which will he choose? Greg Garber reports. Story

Police in Las Vegas will recommend to the city's district attorney that Jones be charged with one count of felony coercion and also a midsdemeanor count of battery and a misdemeanor count of threat to life.

The charges stem from a melee that began inside the Minxx Gentlemen's Club and escalated to a triple shooting on Feb. 19. One man was left paralyzed.

"It took approximately five weeks to investigate this and it's not something we took lightly," Las Vegas Metro police lieutenant George Castro said at a Monday press conference. "We had to look at a lot of video and it came from five sources.

"You can only imagine what it was like that night, very violent, very chaotic, so some of the information we had was very sketchy."

Castro said that two full-time detectives and five part-time officers put in more than 500 hours investigating the incident.

Jones' bodyguard will also be charged with one count of felony coercion, as will a female friend of Jones. The club's owners have alleged that Jones was involved in the brawl that led to the gunfire and that he believes Jones knows the shooter.

A police report states that Jones brought a trash bag of money into the club to distribute to dancers and that the money sparked a struggle. The amount of cash -- reportedly in dollar bills -- has been disputed by the parties.

Castro said witness accounts indicate that Jones at one point prevented a security officer from stopping the altercation, but Jones was reportedly not armed.

"Did he have a weapon, No," Castro said. "Was he an inciter, Yes."

The investigation of the melee in the bar has progressed further than the one into the subsequent shooting.

"This is small steps we are taking," Castro said. "We're being patient."

ESPN's Chris Mortensen and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

mardigan

03-26-2007, 06:09 PM

Updated: March 26, 2007, 6:50 PM ET
Injuries force running back Faulk to retireAssociated Press

PHOENIX -- Marshall Faulk's decision was easy after spending last year working for the NFL Network: At 34, his body is more suited for a television studio than for the rigors of playing running back.

Faulk
After sitting out last season because of a knee injury, Faulk officially announced his retirement Monday. He's ninth on the NFL's career rushing list, 33 yards behind Jim Brown, who at one time was the standard for the position.

Faulk is fourth in combined yards from scrimmage with 19,154 yards and his 6,875 yards receiving are the most ever among running backs.

"Just being around the game last year, I realized how much I love it," Faulk said. "But my health is everything. And I didn't want to return if I couldn't get through a full season. It all came together when a close friend asked me 'How many 34-year-old running backs are there?'"

Faulk starred at San Diego State, where he rushed for 386 yards and seven touchdowns in his first game, and led the nation in rushing as a freshman.

He was the second pick overall in the 1994 draft by Indianapolis and was offensive rookie of the year that season.

He was traded by the Colts to St. Louis in 1999, where he became part of "The Greatest Show on Turf" with quarterback Kurt Warner and receivers Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt. The team won the Super Bowl after the 1999 season and was upset two years later by New England in a Super Bowl that many critics thought the Rams would have won had Faulk carried the ball more often.

Faulk noted Monday that he had an unusual role in the development of that team -- the injury during a 1999 exhibition game in San Diego to Trent Green that forced the Rams to go with Warner, an untested, undrafted free-agent backup at quarterback.

"There's kind of an unwritten rule among veterans in those games that when the play is over, you stopped," Faulk said. "I was blocking on Rodney Harrison and we had some things going between us. But I kind of let up and he kept going and he hit Trent. So when Kurt was forced to play, I kind of felt responsible and really wanted to make up for it."

He did.

He was voted the league's Most Valuable Player and offensive player of the year that season and won the offensive honors the next two years also. In that 1999 season, he ran for 1,381 yards and a 5.5 average and caught 87 passes for 1,048 yards.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-26-2007, 06:53 PM

Redskins | Fabini signs
Mon, 26 Mar 2007 16:50:02 -0700

Casey Husband, of the Redskins.com, reports the Washington Redskins have signed unrestricted free-agent OL Jason Fabini (Cowboys). Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Fillmoe

03-26-2007, 08:35 PM

rumor has it spikes and kelly holcombe have been traded to philly for a 2008 late round pick and darwin walker.......

http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm

Fillmoe

03-26-2007, 08:36 PM

actually its official........

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/10033511

mardigan

03-26-2007, 09:16 PM

Updated: March 26, 2007, 7:28 PM ET
Defensive end Wadsworth attempting comebackBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

PHOENIX -- More than six years after Andre Wadsworth played in his last NFL game, midway through the 2000 season, the former "can't-miss" defensive end prospect is back in the league for one more belated attempt at fulfilling his immense potential.

Wadsworth
Hoping that he might develop into an outside pass-rush threat from a hybrid position in their 3-4 defense, the New York Jets have signed the former first-round draft pick whose career was cut short by injuries. ESPN.com first reported in late January that Wadsworth, at age 32, was poised to attempt a comeback and was auditioning for teams.

"It's a chance and that's all I wanted," said Wadsworth, who lives here and has been working out diligently in recent months. "I just wanted an opportunity to do this on my terms and see how it went."

Wadsworth was the third overall player selected in the 1998 draft, by the Arizona Cardinals, after quarterbacks Peyton Manning (Indianapolis) and Ryan Leaf (San Diego), and was widely regarded by talent scouts as the best pure athlete in that year's lottery.

The former Florida State star missed all of training camp in a contract dispute before finally signing a six-year, $42 million deal on the eve of the regular-season opener. Wadsworth played in all 16 games as a rookie, posted 47 tackles and five sacks, and flashed Pro Bowl-caliber potential at times.

And then, in a flurry of knee surgeries and battles with the Arizona front office, his NFL career was over two years later when the Cardinals voided his contract and saved $30 million in total base salaries due Wadsworth between 2001-03. The paltry dividend for the nearly $12 million (including a $10.49 million signing bonus) the Cardinals invested in him: just 36 games, 119 tackles, eight sacks and three forced fumbles.

In the years since he left the game, Wadsworth has built a successful car dealership here and devoted much of his time to raising his children. He noted that, because of his business interests and investments, his comeback isn't about money. It's believed that his contract with the Jets is for the league minimum base salary.

Wadsworth underwent four knee surgeries between November 1999 and January 2001, including a controversial microfracture procedure. But he has spent the past year getting into shape, has his weight at about 278 pounds, and just wants one more chance at a career he feels was snatched from him.

The Jets, who last week signed former Chicago Bears first-round defensive end Michael Haynes, are willing to provide him the chance.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com

mardigan

03-26-2007, 09:19 PM

Packers | Humphrey re-signs
Mon, 26 Mar 2007 17:57:53 -0700

Tom Silverstein, of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, reports the Green Bay Packers have re-signed exclusive-rights free-agent TE Tory Humphrey. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

mardigan

03-26-2007, 09:20 PM

Fillmoe

03-26-2007, 09:40 PM

i was just gonna post that mardigan....

mardigan

03-26-2007, 09:52 PM

i was just gonna post that mardigan....
Its great having a couple great NFL fans on here Fillmoe, I really hope that the Skins dontget him

mardigan

03-26-2007, 09:55 PM

Tampa Bay has the fourth pick and could look to move up to draft Calvin Johnson. Atlanta has the eighth pick and also could be looking to move up. But that would drop the Lions out of range of the blue chips.
-- Detroit News

Pacman Jones' future with the Titans could be decided by the end of this week, even before commissioner Roger Goodell announces his stricter personal conduct policy.
-- New York Daily News

Broncos owner Pat Bowlen said he has had "discussions" with coach Mike Shanahan about a contract extension. Shanahan, who has been the Broncos' head coach since 1995, has two years remaining on his current contract, which puts him near the top of the NFL's pay scale.
-- Rocky Mountain News

No doubt the Vikings still have some interest in Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn, but some NFL officials can't believe the Vikings will take him. What would make the Vikings real happy is if somehow Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas is there when they pick seventh in the first round.
-- Minneapolis Star Tribune

Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt has declined to name any of the players who the team has or will meet, but according to Scout.com, USC receiver Dwayne Jarrett is scheduled to visit the team sometime likely in April.
-- Nashville City Paper

A league source says Tampa Bay will put serious pressure on retired quarterback Jake Plummer to at least participate in training camp, or the Buccaneers will go after the $5 million to $7 million in a prorated signing bonus he may owe for not fulfilling his contract.
-- Denver Post

Don't count on the Panthers making a move for a backup quarterback anytime soon. They're going to wait and see how things sort out elsewhere and you might not see a move until right around draft time in late April.
-- Charlotte Observer

Now that the football world knows Al Wilson failed his physical with the Giants, the chances of the Broncos dealing their middle linebacker have been drastically reduced. Once Wilson understood he was trade bait, he switched agents from Norm Nixon to Peter Schaffer, who has extensive experience in moving high-profile Broncos who have fallen out of favor.
-- Denver Post

It doesn't appear Denver defensive tackle Dan "Big Daddy" Wilkinson will be donning an orange or blue Nike swoosh next season. Even if Wilkinson agrees to play, the Broncos no longer want to surrender a draft pick for him - a condition the Dolphins may not accept.
-- Denver Post

Patriots running back Laurence Maroney had offseason shoulder surgery that revealed "fairly significant damage," according to a league source, though the long-term impact is unclear.
-- Boston Herald

Tim Rattay, who played the past two seasons with Tampa Bay, has been contacted by the Falcons about their backup quarterback position. The Falcons also are in discussions with Anthony Wright, who was Cincinnati's No. 2 quarterback last season. Three teams are interested in Wright, according to his agent.
-- Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Not even $250,000 is enough to buy Dolphins kicker Olindo Mare his freedom. Mare said Sunday night that he has told the franchise he was willing to return the cash, which was given to him earlier this month in a roster bonus, if the Dolphins would release him
-- South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Art Rooney II said that the Steelers and Alan Faneca "still got a way to go" in terms of a contract extension, but he added that the perennial Pro Bowler's absence from the workouts, which are not mandatory, did not concern him.
-- Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Bears unrestricted free agent Ian Scott, a 33-game starter at defensive tackle over the past three seasons, has been talking to the Atlanta Falcons and is expected to depart.
-- Daily Herald

The Bears shored up a serious need on the other side of the ball by agreeing with free-agent Anthony Adams on a four-year contract. Adams, 6-foot, 297 pounds, did not fit the current scheme in San Francisco where the Niners are looking for run-stuffing anchors in a switch to the 3-4. Scouts say he can be pushed back by bigger offensive linemen, but he has the ability to penetrate and create pressure from the interior, making him an ideal fit.
-- Chicago Sun-Times

mardigan

03-27-2007, 11:43 AM

Updated: March 27, 2007, 9:37 AM ET
Redskins may put together offer for Bears' BriggsBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

PHOENIX -- While a proposal has yet to be formalized, the Washington Redskins will make a trade offer to the Chicago Bears aimed at acquiring two-time Pro Bowl weakside linebacker Lance Briggs, agent Drew Rosenhaus and two league sources told ESPN.com late Monday night.

Briggs
Washington will propose a swap of first-round draft picks in this year's draft -- the Redskins own the sixth overall selection and Chicago has the 31st choice -- in exchange for Briggs. The potential deal, which is expected to pick up steam on Tuesday morning as the annual NFL meetings continue, would be contingent on the Redskins signing Briggs to a long-term contract.

Having failed last spring to consummate a long-term contract with Briggs -- reportedly a seven-year, $33 million deal on which both sides worked for several weeks before the negotiations collapsed-- the Bears invoked the franchise tag last month to keep the four-year veteran off the open market.

Briggs, 26, told ESPN.com three weeks ago that he preferred to be traded or have Chicago rescind the franchise tag and make him a free agent rather than return to the Bears. On Monday, Rosenhaus told the Chicago Sun-Times if his client is not dealt and remains under the team's franchise tag, Briggs would sit out the first 10 games, then return for the final six to accrue a played season under league rules.

On Monday afternoon, Briggs arrived at the resort hotel where NFL owners are meeting and met briefly with Bears general manager Jerry Angelo.

"It was good in the sense that we talked man-to-man," Briggs said. "But not much changed [during the meeting]. But it was good, a positive step, in that we both know where each other stands in this thing."

Subsequent to that meeting, Briggs spoke with representatives with a few teams, including the Redskins. The standout linebacker spoke with Washington owner Dan Snyder, coach Joe Gibbs and general manager Vinny Cerrato. At some point in the evening, the Washington brass determined to make a play for Briggs, and there were discussions with Rosenhaus about potential contract parameters.

Rosenhaus, who has struck several deals with Snyder, said later Monday that reaching a contract agreement with the Redskins was "a strong likelihood." But he also acknowledged that Washington still had to formalize a trade proposal and the Bears had to accept.

"But it's a win-win situation," Rosenhaus said. "Chicago only wants to sign Lance to a one-year contract anyway. If they made the trade, they would move up 25 spots in the first round and be able to choose one of the premier players in the draft. And Lance, obviously, would get the long-term deal he wants [from the Redskins]. It's a good resolution for everyone."

By using the franchise marker on Briggs, the Bears ostensibly made him a one-year qualifying offer worth $7.206 million. Briggs has the right to negotiate with any team and to sign an offer sheet. If the Bears decline to match the offer sheet, the team which signed Briggs would have to send Chicago a pair of first-round draft choices as compensation. But such compensation is considered prohibitive, and pretty much precludes an offer sheet.

The kind of trade the Redskins will propose makes more sense for all of the parties involved. There have been rumors for much of the offseason that the Redskins wanted to trade out of the No. 6 slot in the first round. And a deal for Briggs, one of the NFL's top young linebackers, would represent the kind of big splash Snyder likes to make. It would also allow Chicago to get value for Briggs and to rid itself of an unhappy player.

A former University of Arizona standout, Briggs was chosen by the Bears in the third round of the 2003 draft. He earned a starting job as a rookie, emerged by his third season as one of the NFL's top young weakside linebackers, and was chosen for the Pro Bowl in each of the past two seasons.

Even playing in the lengthy shadow of middle linebacker Brian Urlacher, with whom he has become close friends, Briggs is regarded leaguewide as a top defender and playmaker.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com

SpursFanInAustin

03-27-2007, 12:12 PM

Redskins | Team offers No. 6 overall pick for Briggs
Mon, 26 Mar 2007 18:10:10 -0700

Jay Glazer, of FOXSports.com, reports the Washington Redskins have offered the No. 6 overall pick to the Chicago Bears for LB Lance Briggs and the No. 31 overall pick, according to agent Drew Rosenhaus.

This would be a dumb move by the Redskins. While Briggs had a great year last season, to hand a great team like the Bears the #6 pick would be stupid. The Redskins always find a way to get a big name in free agency and you never hear from "said" player again cause he usually doesn't fit the system, (IE Jermiah Trotter/Adam Archuleta) Besides, the Skins still don't understand that the draft is the only way you're going to improve, not 4 or 5 year veterans with a big name.Where's that Redskins fan who said that Snyder is "finally getting the big picture"? I wanna call him out on this one.

mardigan

03-27-2007, 12:30 PM

This would be a dumb move by the Redskins. While Briggs had a great year last season, to hand a great team like the Bears the #6 pick would be stupid. The Redskins always find a way to get a big name in free agency and you never hear from "said" player again cause he usually doesn't fit the system, (IE Jermiah Trotter/Adam Archuleta) Besides, the Skins still don't understand that the draft is the only way you're going to improve, not 4 or 5 year veterans with a big name.Where's that Redskins fan who said that Snyder is "finally getting the big picture"? I wanna call him out on this one.
He went into hiding upon hearing this move. The Bears could draft f-ing Quinn or move up for Johnson, are they trying to get them back to the Super Bowl?

mardigan

03-27-2007, 12:43 PM

Bengals | Pollack could play defensive end in future
Tue, 27 Mar 2007 09:20:55 -0700

Mark Curnutte, of the Cincinnati Enquirer, reports Cincinnati Bengals LB David Pollack (neck), should he return to the field after suffering a C6 vertebra fracture, will likely move to defensive end. Pollack sees his return most probable as a defensive end instead of a linebacker.

mardigan

03-27-2007, 12:44 PM

Jaguars | Team re-signs Gilbert
Tue, 27 Mar 2007 08:38:17 -0700

Michael C. Wright, of the Florida Times-Union, reports the Jacksonville Jaguars re-signed LB Tony Gilbert. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

mardigan

03-27-2007, 12:44 PM

Jaguars | Team signs McCadam
Tue, 27 Mar 2007 08:26:47 -0700

Michael C. Wright, of the Florida Times-Union, reports the Jacksonville Jaguars signed free agent FS Kevin McCadam (Panthers) Monday, March 26. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

mardigan

03-27-2007, 12:45 PM

Broncos | Team working on extension for Shanahan
Tue, 27 Mar 2007 07:33:07 -0700

Bill Williamson, of the Denver Post, reports the Denver Broncos and head coach Mike Shanahan are working on a contract extension. The extension could be finalized within the next week.

mardigan

03-27-2007, 12:45 PM

Buccaneers | Team still hopes Plummer will report
Tue, 27 Mar 2007 07:26:16 -0700

Bill Williamson, of the Denver Post, reports the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are still hopeful QB Jake Plummer will report to the team for training camp. Head coach Jon Gruden has yet to meet face-to-face with Plummer. Gruden has had some players place calls for Plummer, but unsuccessfully.

mardigan

03-27-2007, 12:45 PM

Broncos | Team still no closer to landing Wilkinson
Tue, 27 Mar 2007 07:17:23 -0700

Jeff Legwold, of the Rocky Mountain News, reports Miami Dolphins general manager Randy Mueller believes DT Dan Wilkinson is not any closer to reporting to the Denver Broncos. Mueller added he believes the Broncos are still hopeful Wilkinson will report for his physical. Wilkinson has until March 30 to report for a team physical.

mardigan

03-27-2007, 12:45 PM

Raiders | Team signs J. Otis
Tue, 27 Mar 2007 06:55:13 -0700

Raiders.com reports the Oakland Raiders signed free agent QB Jeff Otis (Cardinals) Monday, March 26.

mardigan

03-27-2007, 12:45 PM

Titans | Police recommend charges against A. Jones
Mon, 26 Mar 2007 21:08:25 -0700

ESPN.com reports Las Vegas police said they will recommend to the city's district attorney that Tennessee Titans CB Adam Jones be charged with one count of felony coercion and also misdemeanor count of battery and threat to life. Charges stem from an incident that starting inside the Minxx Gentleman's Club and escalated to a triple shooting Feb. 19, that left one man paralyzed. Lt. George Castro said detectives have not determined who fired the shots that wounded three people outside the Las Vegas club. Castro said the request for charges will be submitted to Clark County district attorney David Roger no later than the end of the week.

mardigan

03-27-2007, 02:11 PM

Bengals | Henry in trouble again
Tue, 27 Mar 2007 10:59:05 -0700

Kimball Perry and Mark Curnutte, of the Cincinnati Enquirer, report Cincinnati Bengals WR Chris Henry was given a ticket Wednesday, March 21, and had his 2005 Cadillac Escalade impounded after he was ticketed for driving with a suspended license, failure to use turn signals and a seat belt violation. Henry appeared in Hamilton County Municipal Court Monday, March 26, and his vehicle was released after he posted a $100 bond.

What an idiot

mardigan

03-27-2007, 02:11 PM

Jaguars | Pettway signs tender
Tue, 27 Mar 2007 10:51:13 -0700

Michael C. Wright, of the Florida Times-Union, reports Jacksonville Jaguars DE Kenneth Pettway signed his tender offer.

Jaguars | Wimbush signs tender
Tue, 27 Mar 2007 10:49:29 -0700

Michael C. Wright, of the Florida Times-Union, reports Jacksonville Jaguars FB Derrick Wimbush signed his tender offer.

Jaguars | Carroll signs tender
Tue, 27 Mar 2007 10:39:57 -0700

Michael C. Wright, of the Florida Times-Union, reports Jacksonville Jaguars CB Ahmad Carroll signed his tender offer.

mardigan

03-27-2007, 02:16 PM

The Chiefs want a second-round draft choice in exchange for Trent Green.
-- Kansas City Star
They will never trade him if thats what they want

Though the Dolphins aren't coddling Ricky Williams as he prepares for reinstatement next month, Williams remains optimistic and excited, agent Leigh Steinberg said Monday.
-- Miami Herald

The clock continues to tick on the Broncos' trade for Dan Wilkinson, and Dolphins general manager Randy Mueller said he didn't believe the reluctant defensive tackle was any closer to arriving in Denver.
-- Rocky Mountain News

Coach Jon Gruden said the Bucs have enough ammunition to move up in next month's NFL draft and suggested Tampa Bay may select a quarterback in the first round.
-- Tampa Tribune

Jon Gruden said Monday he would like to schedule a face-to-face meeting with Jake Plummer. Gruden and general manager Bruce Allen are in Phoenix for the NFL owners meetings this week. Plummer played at nearby Arizona State, but Gruden said he isn't sure where or when a meeting might occur.
-- St. Petersburg Times

Steelers president Art Rooney no longer sees the spirit of cooperation from owners that 40 years ago helped launch the NFL's popularity. "I think the biggest problem with it really is the attitude of some of the high-revenue teams," Rooney said. "I think the only way to say it is that they have a different attitude than some of the big-market people from the old days."
-- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Giants are close to signing free-agent linebacker Kawika Mitchell to a one-year, $1-million deal, a person familiar with the negotiations said Monday. Adding Mitchell still leaves the Giants short of linebackers. They are likely to use a first-day draft pick on a linebacker.
-- Newsday

The acquisition of Takeo Spikes is expected to spell the end of Dhani Jones' Eagles career. Adding quarterback Kelly Holcomb is an interesting development considering the Eagles signed backup A. J. Feeley to a three-year contract extension through 2010 on March 3.
-- Trenton Times

Driven to keep John Unitas memorabilia in Baltimore, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti confirmed yesterday that he was the anonymous bidder who purchased 10 items relating to the legendary Colts quarterback for $165,370. Bisciotti bought a helmet worn by Unitas in the 1960s for $54,050 and the quarterback's first contract with the Baltimore Colts for $29,900.
-- Baltimore Sun

The Falcons are no longer pursuing Bears free agent defensive tackle Ian Scott, and it has cooled in its pursuit of free agent backup quarterback Tim Rattay. The reasons for Atlanta's cooled interest were not immediately clear.
-- Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers scoffs at reports that there have been discussions about trading him and all but assured that he would be around when training camp begins. He said he was getting tired of having to dispel the rumors.
-- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The Jets began the off-season workout program yesterday and among those players in attendance was Laveranues Coles, who has been vocal in his displeasure with how hard coach Eric Mangini has worked the team. It was believed Coles might skip the voluntary workouts and try to force a trade.
-- Newark Star-Ledger

The Cowboys haven't taken full advantage of Roy Williams' talent since Darren Woodson retired three seasons ago. That needs to change immediately. Jerry Jones agrees. Jones signed Ken Hamlin last week for one reason: to help make Williams an impact player again.
-- Dallas Morning News

Safety Mike Minter has restructured his contract, assuring he'll spend one more season with the Carolina Panthers, according to a league source.
-- Charlotte Observer

Jaguars running back Maurice Drew - like Fred Taylor and Byron Leftwich - won't be joining the rest of his teammates for the club's offseason program. That's fine with Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio, Drew said. Drew has worked out twice a day for five days a week with his former high school trainer at Concord (Calif.) De La Salle High.
-- Florida Times-Union

If the Bears are looking for a way to get rid of disgruntled Lance Briggs and get something of value in return, the Redskins are apparently ready to make it happen. The Redskins have informed the Bears that they would like to deal their first-round pick, No. 6 overall, for the Bears' first-rounder, No. 31 overall, and Briggs, who is a two-time Pro Bowl player.
-- Daily Herald

Drew Rosenhaus, Lance Briggs' agent, said Monday that his client will line up for the Bears next season -- but only on a limited basis if the team refuses to remove the franchise tag it put on the linebacker. Rosenhaus said Briggs would sit out the first 10 games, then return for the final six to accrue a played season under league rules.
-- Chicago Sun-Times

Pacman Jones will probably be one of the first targets of Commissioner Roger Goodell's tougher personal-conduct policy, which comes amid a wave of off-the-field incidents that has embarrassed the NFL and angered Goodell. It is possible that the Titans will release Jones even before Goodell takes action.
-- New York Times

For the first time in years, Los Angeles' bid to land an NFL team isn't scheduled for discussion at league meetings, though Roger Goodell insists that doesn't necessarily mean the situation has stagnated.
-- Los Angeles Times

The last thing Joe Theismann expected when he showed up for a meeting Friday in New York was that it would be his final one as a "Monday Night Football" analyst. The ratings last fall were strong, even if assessments from fans and critics were mixed. And he had heard only good things from his superiors and co-workers.
-- Newsday

Chiefs president Carl Peterson acknowledged that there have been trade talks with Lions president Matt Millen regarding quarterback Trent Green, but the strongest discussions remain with the Dolphins.
-- Detroit News

mardigan

03-27-2007, 02:59 PM

Updated: March 27, 2007, 3:53 PM ET
NFL owners vote to make replay permanentAssociated Press

PHOENIX -- Replay is here to stay in the NFL. Or at least as permanently as any rule can be in pro football.

League owners voted 30-2 on Tuesday to make the video replay system to aid officiating a permanent tool. Every stadium will be equipped with high-definition equipment and will be recabled before the upcoming season.

"It's a long time coming," said Atlanta Falcons general manager Rich McKay, co-chairman of the competition committee that recommended the change. "It made sense to us this year to do it. Instant replay is an accepted part of the game. It's what we are. There was not really much discussion about it."

Cincinnati and Arizona voted against the proposal, as they nearly always do on replay issues.

The owners also voted unanimously to allow a second interviewing window for assistant coaches on Super Bowl teams who are in the running for other head coaching jobs. Previously, only during the week after the season ended could an interview be conducted.

The coach's current team would have to grant permission for the second interview, which would take place during the bye week after the conference title games.

"We wanted to make sure that coaches on Super Bowl teams didn't feel it was a disadvantage," McKay said.

One proposal was defeated. Defenses will not be allowed to have a coach-to-player communications device similar to what quarterbacks use. McKay said owners and coaches were concerned about who would be allowed to wear the device with defenses using multiple formations and the possibility that more than one player could wind up on the field with such a device.

San Francisco withdrew its proposal to make defensive pass interference either a 15-yard penalty or a spot foul, depending on the severity of the infraction.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-27-2007, 03:23 PM

Giants | Ruegamer re-signed
Tue, 27 Mar 2007 12:26:42 -0700

The New York Giants have re-signed free-agent OL Grey Ruegamer. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

mardigan

03-27-2007, 03:58 PM

NFL | Pass interference proposal withdrawn
Tue, 27 Mar 2007 13:46:40 -0700

Barry Wilner, of the Associated Press, reports the San Francisco 49ers have withdrawn their proposal of changing the pass interference penalty to either a 15-yard penalty or a spot foul, depending on the severity.

NFL | Defense communication device voted down
Tue, 27 Mar 2007 13:42:20 -0700

Barry Wilner, of the Associated Press, reports the NFL owners voted against the proposal where defensive players would be able to wear a device that connected them to the defensive coaches. The owners have several concerns about who would wear the device and the confusion it may have caused.

NFL | Super Bowl assistants allowed second interview
Tue, 27 Mar 2007 13:34:42 -0700

Barry Wilner, of the Associated Press, reports the NFL owners unanimously approved the proposal that assistant coaches of the Super Bowl teams will be able to have a second interview for a head coaching job. Previously, these coaches would only be allowed to have a second interview after the Super Bowl.

NFL | Replay permanent
Tue, 27 Mar 2007 13:19:32 -0700

Barry Wilner, of the Associated Press, reports the NFL owners voted 30-2 in favor of making instant replay permanent. Every stadium will now have high definition equipment. The Arizona Cardinals and the Cincinnati Bengals were the two teams to vote against the proposal.

Fillmoe

03-27-2007, 05:19 PM

hahahah! wadsworth is a jet..... wow thats funny.... how long before dude is out of the NFL again?

Pugglekicker_21

03-27-2007, 05:23 PM

Coach Jon Gruden said the Bucs have enough ammunition to move up in next month's NFL draft and suggested Tampa Bay may select a quarterback in the first round.
-- Tampa Tribune

:lol :lol Im starting to lose respect for Gruden. Tony Dungy would have two Super Bowl rings not just one because that 2002 SB winning team was finally built and was ready to take off when they fired him. Gruden merely came in and made sure they did their job, and got a SB ring he doesnt deserve. In my mind, dungy is the first black man to have 2 rings. since that season, the Bucs have been absolute shit, except for that 05' season, when they really overachieved. Ousted by the Redskins in the wild card. The offense once showed promise with Simms, Clayton and Cadillac, but now Simms has lost both his spleen and his confidence, and Clayton had a terrible soph year, but I attribute Cadillac's problems to that shitty O Line. The D has always been old, but it was always good. Then they must've realized how old they were. Went from like No. 1 in 05' to....well idk where but it was a pretty big drop off. Now with the 4th pick you want to pass up Calvin to draft Quinn? Why? Your QB situation is fucked up already. Garcia fighting simms for the starting role, and then you want to add another young arm into that mess? I know it didnt specifically say Brady, but who else after the Raiders take Russell?

If the Raiders want a big slow QB, they should trade for Byron Leftbitch, who I hear is being a real big one in Jacksonville. :downspin:

Fillmoe

03-27-2007, 05:35 PM

mardigan you hear anything about the bills trying to trade lee evans?

mardigan

03-27-2007, 05:38 PM

mardigan you hear anything about the bills trying to trade lee evans?
I havent heard anything like that, I cant see that happening, they have no other reciever besides Parish, and I think his contract is good for 3 or 4 more years. I will poke around though

mardigan

03-27-2007, 05:39 PM

Bears | Angelo-Briggs meeting resolves nothing
Tue, 27 Mar 2007 14:36:03 -0700

Don Pierson, of the Chicago Tribune, reports Chicago Bears general manager Jerry Angelo and LB Lance Briggs met to discuss Briggs' contract situation. Angelo offered not to use the franchise tag on Briggs next year if Briggs would play this season. Briggs has said he will sit out the season if the Bears keep the franchise tag on him. No agreement occured during the meeting.

mardigan

03-27-2007, 05:41 PM

Houston Texans re-sign running back, quarterback
March 27, 2007

HOUSTON (AP) -The Houston Texans re-signed running back Chris Taylor and quarterback Bradlee Van Pelt.

Taylor, an undrafted free agent, spent much of last season on the practice squad before being activated in December. He played in the final four games, rushing for 123 yards on 28 carries.

Van Pelt was originally signed in November when backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels was placed on injured reserve. Van Pelt, who was a rookie with the Denver Broncos in 2005, did not play last season.

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

Copyright 2006-2007, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved

mardigan

03-27-2007, 06:08 PM

Marshall arrested after argument with girlfriendAssociated Press

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. -- Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall appeared in court Tuesday after being arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment and domestic violence.

Marshall
Douglas County sheriff's department spokeswoman Cocha Heyden said Marshall appeared before a judge and was released on personal recognizance.

Marshall was arrested Monday night in the Denver suburb of Highlands Ranch after a woman told authorities she and Marshall, whom she identified as her boyfriend, had argued earlier in the day, Heyden said.

The woman reported that her boyfriend blocked her taxi with his vehicle as she tried to leave his Highlands Ranch home, Heyden said. The woman had no injuries, Heyden added.

"We are aware of the situation involving Brandon Marshall," the Broncos said in a statement. "The organization takes matters of this type very seriously, and we will continue to gather information before offering further comment."

Marshall's agent, Fletcher Smith, could not immediately be reached for comment.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-27-2007, 10:50 PM

Updated: March 27, 2007, 11:20 PM ET
Gore reaches agreement with 49ers through 2011By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

When the San Francisco 49ers selected tailback Frank Gore in the third round of the 2005 draft, the former University of Miami star proved to be one of the biggest steals in the last several seasons. On Tuesday evening, the 49ers opened up their coffers to Gore, the NFC rushing leader in 2006.

Gore
ESPN.com has learned that the 49ers reached agreement with Gore on a four-year contract extension through 2011, with the deal averaging just shy of $7 million in terms of so-called "new money."

Gore will receive an initial signing bonus of $6.5 million and total guarantees of nearly $14 million. The contract will pay Gore $13.862 million in its first two seasons and $18.212 million in the first three years. Because Gore had one season remaining on his original rookie contract, the four-year extension creates a five-year deal, and the total value over the course of the five seasons is $28.012 million.

Base salaries are $450,000 (for 2007), $2.5 million (2008), $2.5 million (2009), $2.85 million (2010) and $2.9 million (2011). The contract includes a $4.165 million option bonus and roster bonuses of $1.75 million (2009), $1.85 million (2010) and $2 million (2011). Gore's full base salary of $2.5 million in 2009 is guaranteed.

San Francisco officials acknowledged at the end of the 2006 season that, in keeping with their recent initiative to secure their nucleus players for the long-term, they hoped to sign Gore to an extension. Through negotiations with agent Drew Rosenhaus, this deal continues a string of big-money contracts for tailbacks that have been ongoing and were ratcheted up in recent days.

The deal is unusual in that it comes after Gore has logged only two seasons in the NFL and after he overcame severe knee and shoulder injuries to emerge as one of the league's premier runners.

Gore, 23, played as the backup to Kevan Barlow as a rookie in 2005, then won the starting job in training camp last summer. Starting in all 16 games, he carried 312 times for 1,695 yards and eight touchdowns. In two seasons, he has 2,303 yards and 11 scores on 439 carries, appearing in 30 games, with 17 starts.

Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-28-2007, 08:58 AM

Updated: March 28, 2007, 9:35 AM ET
Bowens is fourth DE added by Jets in offseasonESPN.com news services

The New York Jets added another free-agent defensive end, agreeing to terms with former Dolphin David Bowens.

Bowens
According to several reports, Bowens will sign a three-year, $6 million contract that could be worth as much as $8 million.

The Jets also have signed defensive ends Kenyon Coleman, Michael Haynes and Andre Wadsworth this offseason.

Bowens, 6-foot 3, 265 pounds, reportedly picked the Jets over the Panthers, Dolphins and Patriots.

Although a defensive end for his entire career, Bowens, 29, will probably play mostly at outside linebacker, in a kind of hybrid-type position or in a situational role, in New York's 3-4 alignment.

Bowens' agent, Harold Lewis told The Journal News that the Jets were relentless in the pursuit of his client. He said a manager in the Jets' operations, Ari Nissim, called him constantly after Bowens visited the team in early March.

"He was relentless," Lewis told The Journal News. "He was calling every single day after David visited."

The Jets posted 35 sacks in 2006, in coach Eric Mangini's first season, but want to create more pressure this season.

Bowens has just 26 career sacks, but 18 have come in the past three seasons, and he has always possessed the ability to pressure the pocket.

The former Western Illinois standout entered the NFL as a fifth-round draft choice of the Denver Broncos in 1999. He was traded to Green Bay in 2000, then Miami claimed him on waivers in 2001.

Beyond his 26 sacks, Bowens has 168 tackles, 18 passes defensed, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 104 games.

ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli contributed to this report.

mardigan

03-28-2007, 09:19 AM

Updated: March 28, 2007, 9:29 AM ET
Bears, Redskins enter talks about a trade for BriggsAssociated Press

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- The Washington Redskins have talked with the Chicago Bears about disgruntled Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs, who has threatened to sit out the 2007 season after the NFC champions slapped a franchise tag on him.

"The two teams have talked and its in their hands now," Briggs' agent Drew Rosenhaus told the Daily Southtown of suburban Chicago on Tuesday. "It's out of my hands now."

Clayton: Bears Saying No
The Bears aren't biting at the Redskins' proposed trade for Lance Briggs, but don't expect any quick decisions just yet, writes John Clayton. Story

Bears general manager Jerry Angelo, in town for the NFL meetings, said:

"We will take what [the Redskins] said under consideration and we told them if there's anything on our part we would get back with them," Angelo said, adding there is no timetable for a deal.

"I'm taking it under advisement. ... I didn't come down here anticipating any of this. I'll take it under consideration and get back with them."

Briggs, a two-time Pro Bowl linebacker, would earn $7.2 million in 2007 from the Bears, the average of the five highest salaries at his position.

He met Monday with Angelo.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

I cant believe the Skins are willing to do this. The Bears would get a great pick, and save some moneyin th elong run. Snyder shouldnt be allowed to make desicions anymore

mardigan

03-28-2007, 09:27 AM

Texans | Van Pelt re-signed
Tue, 27 Mar 2007 21:29:24 -0700

HoustonTexans.com reports the Houston Texans have re-signed exclusive-rights free-agent QB Bradlee Van Pelt. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Texans | C. Taylor re-signed
Tue, 27 Mar 2007 21:02:40 -0700

HoustonTexans.com reports the Houston Texans have re-signed exclusive-rights free-agent RB Chris Taylor. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Texans | Team may draft a left tackle
Tue, 27 Mar 2007 21:31:31 -0700

John McClain, of the Houston Chronicle, reports Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak said the team may select a left tackle in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Despite the team signing free-agent tackle Jordan Black (Chiefs) and re-signing left tackle Ephraim Salaam, they may target another tackle because OT Charles Spencer (leg) is only 50-50 to come back next year.

mardigan

03-28-2007, 09:28 AM

Updated: March 27, 2007, 9:49 PM ET
Panthers safety Minter to retire at end of seasonAssociated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers safety Mike Minter plans to retire after this season.

Minter
Minter has played 10 seasons for the Panthers and started more games (141) than any player in team history.

"This year is going to be it," he said Tuesday in a phone interview.

The former second-round draft pick out of Nebraska in 1997 is the franchise leader in tackles (953) and fumble recoveries (10), and is tied with Julius Peppers for the lead in forced fumbles (16). He also has a franchise-record four interception returns for touchdowns.

"It's not that I felt like my play is slipping," Minter said. "The decision is more based on how my body feels. You're talking about 1,200 or 1,300 snaps a year and not having missed any time. Eventually that adds up, especially how I play the game."

Minter, 33, has started a franchise-record 94 straight games for the Panthers, but there's a chance he may be relegated to a backup role this year. Over the weekend he accepted a $1.43 million pay cut for the 2007 season, agreeing to reduce his base salary from $2.15 million to $820,000.

That move allows Minter, a locker room leader, to stick around this season, but it won't guarantee him a starting job.

Minter said he spoke to head coach John Fox, who told him the team plans to bring in some younger players to compete at safety. Minter and Deke Cooper are the only safeties on the roster with any significant experience, but the Panthers select 14th overall in next month's draft and there's a possibility they could go after a safety.

Minter said he welcomes the competition from younger players and said he won't leave the starting lineup without a fight.

"I view it as they are going to bring in some young guys and we're going to go on the field and compete," Minter said. "If it's on the field then I like my chances as well as anybody. I came into the league competing and I will go out competing."

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-28-2007, 09:29 AM

Raiders | Team may be interested in McCown
Tue, 27 Mar 2007 17:54:37 -0700

Jerry McDonald, of ANG Newspapers, reports there are rumors that the Oakland Raiders are interested in acquiring Detroit Lions QB Josh McCown.

mardigan

03-28-2007, 09:30 AM

Panthers | Team signs Ball
Tue, 27 Mar 2007 16:17:57 -0700

Pat Yasinskas, of the Charlotte Observer, reports the Carolina Panthers signed free-agent DE Dave Ball (Jets) to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

mardigan

03-28-2007, 09:30 AM

Panthers | Team signs Lavalais
Tue, 27 Mar 2007 16:13:47 -0700

Pat Yasinskas, of the Charlotte Observer, reports the Carolina Panthers signed free-agent DT Chad Lavalais (Falcons) to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Panthers | Team signs Deloatch
Tue, 27 Mar 2007 16:08:50 -0700

Pat Yasinskas, of the Charlotte Observer, reports the Carolina Panthers signed free-agent CB Curtis Deloatch (Saints) to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

mardigan

03-28-2007, 09:31 AM

Falcons | Bryant claimed off waivers
Tue, 27 Mar 2007 15:36:00 -0700

Chris Pika, of AtlantaFalcons.com, reports the Atlanta Falcons have claimed DT Anthony Bryant (Lions) off waivers.

mardigan

03-28-2007, 10:50 AM

It's basically down to this for the Packers: Work out a trade for Randy Moss, Michael Turner or Darrell Jackson or forget about adding a veteran on offense who can make a major impact next season.
-- Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Michael Strahan was at the Giants workouts, but declined to comment on rumors that he has asked to be traded or is planning a training camp holdout. He has two years and $8 million left on his contract and was recently rebuffed in his efforts to get more money.
-- New York Daily News

There have been questions about how long Steve McNair will remain the Ravens' starter after team officials recently said they have begun thinking about who will be their quarterback of the future.
-- Baltimore Sun

Asked to provide his best guess about Randy Moss' future, Oakland coach Lane Kiffin said: "I think he'll be on our team. I do." Kiffin, in fact, said he believes Moss will appreciate his role in the Raiders' new offense, one modeled after the pro-style set Kiffin learned as an assistant at USC.
-- Minneapolis Star Tribune

The smart money is on the Raiders drafting a quarterback, but they could take Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson. But if it is a quarterback, the expected order starts with LSU's JaMarcus Russell, followed by Notre Dame's Brady Quinn.
-- Detroit News

Laurence Maroney's status has the Patriots considering drafting a running back. One intriguing player is Rutgers' Brian Leonard.
-- Providence Journal

There is a chance the Broncos will trade Dre' Bly if he balks at coming in for the team's offseason conditioning program, and New Orleans has shown interest.
-- Denver Post

Al Wilson's agent, Peter Schaffer, is trying to secure trading partners for the Broncos, though he and Mike Shanahan have left open the possibility Wilson could return to the Broncos for the 2007 season
-- Rocky Mountain News

After three losing records in the past four seasons, Bucs vice president Joel Glazer indicated that coach Jon Gruden and general manager Bruce Allen have been put on notice that the team "needs to start improving."
-- St. Petersburg Times

Coach Joe Gibbs acknowledged yesterday the Redskins have talked to the Bears about acquiring disgruntled Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs. However, a team source expressed skepticism a deal would be reached.
-- Washington Times

Although it isn't believed much progress was made at the owners' meetings in trade talks between the Chiefs and Dolphins involving Trent Green, the latter remains the front-runner for his services.
-- South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Several Giants defenders are glad Tim Lewis is out as defensive coordinator. Cornerback Corey Webster, whom Lewis verbally shredded late last season, isn't alone. One player who asked not to be named said he hoped new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo would use the personnel more wisely than Lewis did.
-- Newsday

Commissioner Roger Goodell, who has promised a tougher personal conduct policy, is expected to meet with Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones early next month. Goodell also has plans to meet with Bengals receiver Chris Henry.
-- Boston Globe

Sources say the Jets are targeting a cornerback with their first-round pick (25th overall), with Miami tight end Greg Olsen also on their radar. Pitt's Darrelle Revis and Texas' Aaron Ross are among the corners that could be available for the Jets.
-- New York Daily News

After Wisconsin's Joe Thomas, who's expected to be a top-three pick, there's a drop to the second-best tackle Penn State's Levi Brown. Central Michigan's Joe Staley is moving up the charts, but he's expected to be taken in the bottom half of the first round.
-- Houston Chronicle

Patriots receiver Troy Brown is recovering from offseason knee surgery, which has slowed any contract talks on the free agent market, according to multiple sources at the NFL's annual meetings. The injury sheds light on why there has been little activity regarding Brown this offseason.
-- Boston Globe

Panthers safety Mike Minter confirmed Tuesday what became obvious last week when he agreed to take a significant pay cut: This is his final season.
-- Charlotte Observer

Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jackson, who started all 16 games last season, is suing the franchise for invasion of privacy and defamation over the alleged released of his medical records, the player's attorney said Tuesday. The team claims it's a contract ploy.
-- Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Although the Vikings have more salary cap space than the majority of NFL teams, they have declined to give Pro Bowl center Matt Birk a contract extension.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press

mardigan

03-28-2007, 03:10 PM

Updated: March 28, 2007, 3:19 PM ET
Broncos sign Bly to five-year, $33M contractBy Michael Smith
ESPN.com

Bly

The Denver Broncos signed cornerback Dre' Bly to a five-year, $33 million contract Wednesday.

The deal includes $18 million in bonus money, $16 million guaranteed.

The signing should end any speculation Bly wouldn't report to the Broncos.

Neither Bly nor his agent, Kennard McGuire was available for comment.

Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan told the Denver Post that Bly initially wasn't happy when traded to Denver from the Detroit Lions, but he believes Bly will be happy with the Broncos.

Michael Smith is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-28-2007, 03:11 PM

Updated: March 27, 2007, 8:08 PM ET
Burns leaves field to become special teams coachAssociated Press

DENVER -- Keith Burns won't be returning to the Denver Broncos as a standout special teams player.

Instead, he'll be back as an assistant coach, the Denver Post reported Tuesday.

Burns
Burns, who was a free agent, has reportedly decided to retire and join Denver's coaching staff. A message left by The Associated Press for his agent, David Kyle Hardin, was not immediately returned. Team officials declined comment.

Burns, 34, will be helping out Scott O'Brien, who was recently named the Broncos' special teams coordinator. Ronnie Bradford, the special teams coach for the past four seasons, was moved to assistant defensive backs coach on Jan. 29.

Burns was selected by the Broncos in the seventh round of the 1994 NFL draft. The 13-year veteran out of Oklahoma State was in his third stint with the Broncos. He also played a season in Chicago (1999) and in Tampa Bay (2004).

The special teams maven led or tied for the Broncos' in special teams tackles in seven of his 11 seasons with the team. He had a career-best 24 special teams tackles in 2000 and '03. He had 231 special teams tackles in his career.

Burns finished with nine special teams tackles in 2006. He didn't play in the regular season finale against San Francisco because of a broken left hand.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-28-2007, 03:34 PM

Updated: March 28, 2007, 4:14 PM ET
Jags re-sign Toefield to one-year, $800K dealBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

The tailback-rich Jacksonville Jaguars retained some of their wealth at the position on Wednesday, re-signing unrestricted free agent LaBrandon Toefield to a one-year, $800,000 contract that returns him to the team that brought him into the league.

The retention of Toefield, 26, was somewhat surprising, in that the Jaguars already have two standout tailbacks in starter Fred Taylor and backup Maurice Jones-Drew, who combined for 2,087 yards in 2006. And it was believed that Toefield, whose playing time was slashed last season when Jacksonville added Jones-Drew, would seek a new home.

But the Jaguars' coaching staff wanted Toefield back and the four-year veteran did not find another offer to his liking, so he opted to return, with the knowledge that he can go back into the free-agent market again next spring. Toefield actually rejected a multiyear proposal from the Jaguars in favor of the one-year deal.

Toefield will receive a $200,000 signing bonus and a base salary of $600,000. He can earn as much as $300,000 in incentives based principally on rushing yards.

Miami, St. Louis and Pittsburgh demonstrated varying degrees of interest in Toefield, but none met his financial expectations. And while Toefield is No. 3 on the depth chart in Jacksonville, the reality is that Taylor is 31 now and that could present the opportunity for more carries in 2007.

A former LSU standout, Toefield, chosen in the fourth round of the 2003 draft, has rushed for 543 yards and six touchdowns on just 150 carries in his career. He has 45 catches for 273 yards and two touchdowns, and he has also returned kickoffs and played on special-teams coverage units.

He has appeared in 43 games and started two of them.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-28-2007, 03:57 PM

Bears | Rosenhaus says Briggs will sit
Wed, 28 Mar 2007 12:23:26 -0700

Phil Arvia, of the Daily Southtown, reports Drew Rosenhaus, the agent for Chicago Bears LB Lance Briggs, said Briggs would sit out 10 games in 2007, play the minimum six to qualify for a season and then see what his options are next year, if the current situation isn't resolved.

mardigan

03-28-2007, 03:58 PM

Seahawks | Rosenhaus shopping Briggs
Wed, 28 Mar 2007 12:22:54 -0700

Phil Arvia, of the Daily Southtown, reports Drew Rosenhaus, the agent for Chicago Bears LB Lance Briggs, is shopping Briggs to multiple teams, including the Seattle Seahawks, according to a 49ers team source.

49ers | Rosenhaus shopping Briggs
Wed, 28 Mar 2007 12:19:45 -0700

Phil Arvia, of the Daily Southtown, reports Drew Rosenhaus, the agent for Chicago Bears LB Lance Briggs, is shopping Briggs to multiple teams, including the San Francisco 49ers, according to a 49ers team source.

mardigan

03-28-2007, 03:58 PM

Titans | White's weight a concern
Wed, 28 Mar 2007 12:04:17 -0700

Charles Robinson, of Yahoo! Sports, reports Tennessee Titans RB LenDale White weighed in at more than 260 pounds at the team's offseason program earlier this month, according to multiple league sources.

mardigan

03-28-2007, 04:34 PM

Ricky Williams' agent, Leigh Steinberg, says his client is "optimistic and excited" about playing football this upcoming season.

Williams' hearing with the league to see whether his year-long suspension will be lifted is in April. Steinberg added that Ricky has "passed all of his drug tests" and "is in the best shape of his life."
Source: Miami Herald

mardigan

03-28-2007, 05:02 PM

NFL | Jarrett Pro Day results
Wed, 28 Mar 2007 14:54:47 -0700

KFFL has learned NFL draft prospect WR Dwayne Jarrett (Southern California) participated in his university's Pro Day. Jarrett ran the 40-yard dash between 4.60 and 4.65 seconds. He ran the short shuttle in 4.18 seconds and the three cone drill in 7.22 seconds. Jarrett had a vertical jump of 36 1/2 inches and a broad jump of 10-foot-1.

Even slower than I thought he was going to run, this might drop him out of the 1st round

mardigan

03-28-2007, 05:06 PM

Cardinals | Team may alter defense
Wed, 28 Mar 2007 14:30:34 -0700

Kent Somers, of the Arizona Republic, reports the Arizona Cardinals may use more 3-4 defensive staples, including zone blitzing, during the 2007 season.

mardigan

03-28-2007, 06:59 PM

Bengals | O'Neal might be traded
Wed, 28 Mar 2007 16:22:47 -0700

Adam Schefter, of NFL Network, reports Cincinnati Bengals CB Deltha O'Neal may be traded.

mardigan

03-28-2007, 07:23 PM

Panthers | Harrington to visit
Wed, 28 Mar 2007 17:01:57 -0700

Pat Yasinskas, of the Charlotte Observer, reports the Carolina Panthers will meet with unrestricted free-agent QB Joey Harrington (Dolphins) sometime next week.

mardigan

03-28-2007, 07:23 PM

Panthers | Carr to visit
Wed, 28 Mar 2007 17:01:18 -0700

Pat Yasinskas, of the Charlotte Observer, reports the Carolina Panthers will meet with unrestricted free-agent QB David Carr (Texans) early next week.

mardigan

03-28-2007, 08:55 PM

NFL | Illegal touching penalty modified
Wed, 28 Mar 2007 17:44:53 -0700

Mike Reiss, of the Boston Globe, reports a penalty for illegal touching will not be called when the quarterback hits an offensive lineman with a pass, unless the lineman tries to catch the ball.

mardigan

03-29-2007, 11:46 AM

YYYYEEEEEESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!

Cowboys | Johnson likely to be holder
Thu, 29 Mar 2007 09:28:53 -0700

Charean Williams, of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, reports Dallas Cowboys QB Brad Johnson will probably be the holder next season since he has experience holding for kickers.

mardigan

03-29-2007, 11:46 AM

Cowboys | Ellis injury update
Thu, 29 Mar 2007 09:14:30 -0700

Charean Williams, of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, reports Dallas Cowboys DL Greg Ellis (Achilles') is starting to run and will probably start at strongside linebacker next season, according to head coach Wade Phillips.

Cowboys | Team to do more zone blitzing
Thu, 29 Mar 2007 09:13:41 -0700

Charean Williams, of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, reports Dallas Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips said the team will stay in the 3-4 defense, but he will use more zone blitzing.

mardigan

03-29-2007, 11:47 AM

Patriots | Brown may still retire
Wed, 28 Mar 2007 22:01:35 -0700

John Tomase, of the Boston Herald, reports according to a league source, free-agent WR Troy Brown (knee) will not make a decision on his future until he has a better idea of his health. Brown, who turns 36 in July, is a free agent and patella injuries frequently take six months to heal. If everything goes right, it could put his return near the start of training camp.

Patriots | Caldwell moves down depth chart
Wed, 28 Mar 2007 21:55:29 -0700

John Tomase, of the Boston Herald, reporting for the Sporting News, reports with all of their offseason wide receiver acquisitions, former starting New England Patriots WR Reche Caldwell will become more of a sideline possession receiver, which is probably what he is best suited for.

mardigan

03-29-2007, 11:47 AM

Dolphins | Williams in the best shape of his life
Wed, 28 Mar 2007 21:54:24 -0700

Armando Salguero, of the Miami Herald, reports Miami Dolphins RB Ricky Williams is optimistic and excited about the upcoming 2007 season. ''Ricky is in the best shape of his life,'' agent Leigh Steinberg said Monday, March 26. ``He's passed all of his drug tests, and he's at a place where he's ready to come back to the Dolphins.'' Williams can apply for a return to the NFL in April, and is reportedly healthy, drug free, and working on a book.

mardigan

03-29-2007, 01:00 PM

Eagles | Holcomb to be third quarterback
Thu, 29 Mar 2007 10:32:46 -0700

Paul Domowitch, of Philadelphia Daily News, reports Philadelphia Eagles QB Kelly Holcomb will be the third quarterback on the depth chart, according to head coach Andy Reid.

mardigan

03-29-2007, 01:31 PM

Bears | Team to take weekend on Briggs trade offer
Thu, 29 Mar 2007 11:11:39 -0700

Updating a previous post, Mark Maske, of the Washington Post, reports the Chicago Bears will contemplate the trade proposal from the Washington Redskins involving LB Lance Briggs through the weekend, according to league sources.

mardigan

03-29-2007, 01:43 PM

From SI's truth and rumors

It's becoming more obvious the player Tampa Bay would consider moving up for is Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson. Like many teams, the Bucs were blown away by Johnson's pro day workout in Atlanta. Jon Gruden couldn't mask his excitement about the possibility of fitting Johnson into a Bucs uniform.
-- St. Petersburg Times

Bears GM Jerry Angelo is believed to be preparing a counteroffer to the Redskins' proposal of a swap of first-round draft picks that would move the Bears from No. 31 to No. 6. The Bears are thought to want a better package in exchange for Lance Briggs that might include a combination of players or future draft picks. The Bears also might shop the offer to other teams.
-- Chicago Sun-Times

Joe Gibbs did not identify the other teams with which the Redskins discussed possible trades. The Lions, who have the second overall pick, are thought to be eager to trade down in the draft order.
-- Washington Times

Sources close to David Carr and Joey Harrington said the quarterbacks are expected to visit with the Panthers, who have been searching for a backup to Jake Delhomme. The Seahawks are believed to be the other team most interested in Carr.
-- Charlotte Observer

The 2007 Panthers might look more like the Falcons and Broncos of recent years. Coach John Fox revealed Wednesday that the Panthers will begin using zone-blocking schemes in their offense, a dramatic change for a system that's been built around a power-running style.
-- Charlotte Observer

Jimmy Williams will enter the Falcons' first minicamp in April as the starting right cornerback. That strengthens the possibility that Atlanta could choose a safety ? LSU's LaRon Landry is the most highly regarded ? with the No. 8 overall selection in the draft.
-- Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Tom Coughlin barely hung onto his job after the Giants collapsed in the second half of last season. He tried to make it seem he was oblivious when there was so much speculation he was about to be fired. Clearly, it had an impact, because yesterday he compared the barrage of criticism to what Adolf Hitler received.
-- New York Daily News

The Broncos likely will part ways with linebacker Al Wilson, either trading or releasing him soon. And the trade for defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson from Miami is expected to be voided Friday, barring a surprise arrival by Wilkinson to take a physical.
-- Denver Post

The feeling among those close to Jake Plummer at the NFL owners meetings is that the quarterback will change his mind about retirement and play next season.
-- St. Petersburg Times

It looks like the Dolphins might still be willing to do some shopping in the waning days of free agency. Miami has expressed some interest in Broncos free agent guard Cooper Carlisle, his agent said.
-- Miami Herald

Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter allegedly instigated a fight against Bengals offensive tackle Levi Jones that led to a citation of arrest for misdemeanor battery.
-- South Florida Sun-Sentinel

The Patriots are expected to host a handful of draft prospects in the coming weeks, a group highlighted by Mississippi linebacker Patrick Willis. The Patriots also are scheduled to host linebackers David Harris of Michigan and Jon Beason of Miami, running back Michael Bush (Louisville), and cornerbacks Leon Hall (Michigan), Josh Wilson (Maryland), and Daymeion Hughes (California).
-- Boston Globe

Troy Brown told the Associated Press he intends to play next season and hopes to finish his career with the Patriots.
-- Boston Globe

mardigan

03-29-2007, 02:18 PM

Chiefs | McGraw signed
Thu, 29 Mar 2007 11:40:58 -0700

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed unrestricted free-agent S Jon McGraw (Lions) to a two-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.

mardigan

03-29-2007, 02:46 PM

Updated: March 29, 2007, 4:19 PM ET
Packers re-sign DT Cole to one-year dealAssociated Press

MILWAUKEE -- The Green Bay Packers have re-signed defensive tackle Colin Cole to a one-year deal, agent Neil Cornrich said Thursday.

Cole

Cole played in 15 games for the Packers last season, making 53 tackles with one sack and one forced fumble. Cornrich said the Packers like the 6-foot-1, 315-pound Cole's combination of size and strength.

"As his confidence has increased with playing time, he's got a great future in this league," Cornrich said.

Cornrich said Cole is participating in the Packers' offseason workouts in Green Bay, a voluntary program encouraged by Packers coach Mike McCarthy.

Terms were not released.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

Bigzax

03-29-2007, 03:29 PM

if the skins do the briggs trade.

snyder should be shot. vinny cerrato hung. and gibbs kicked in the groin.

mardigan

03-29-2007, 03:31 PM

if the skins do the briggs trade.

snyder should be shot. vinny cerrato hung. and gibbs kicked in the groin.
I couldnt agree with you more

mardigan

03-29-2007, 03:54 PM

Falcons | J. Williams considered starter by coach
Thu, 29 Mar 2007 13:22:58 -0700

Steve Wyche, of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino said that CB Jimmy F. Williams will enter mini-camps as the starting right cornerback.

mardigan

03-29-2007, 03:55 PM

Vikings | James not expected to play early
Thu, 29 Mar 2007 13:18:37 -0700

Kevin Seifert, of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, reports Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress does not believe that DE Erasmus James (knee) will contribute much early in the season after his surgery.

mardigan

03-29-2007, 06:02 PM

Updated: March 29, 2007, 6:58 PM ET
Browns join Dolphins, Lions as Chief trade partnersESPN.com news services

PHOENIX -- The Cleveland Browns are the latest entrants into the Trent Green sweepstakes.

Green

The Kansas City Star has reported that Chiefs president/general manager Carl Peterson said he was approached Wednesday at the conclusion of the NFL meetings by his Browns counterpart, Phil Savage.

"We agreed to talk some more later this week or the first of next week," Peterson said. "He said he wants to talk some more with his head coach and his offensive coordinator. But he did ask whether this thing was over with. I said, 'No, not at all.'

"Cleveland would make sense to me because Trent played very well against them last year."

The Chiefs also have talked with the Dolphins and Lions about a trade for Green, the Chiefs' starting quarterback the past six seasons. Green missed the first half of last season because of a severe concussion and played poorly after his return.

The Chiefs have Damon Huard and Brodie Croyle competing to be their starting quarterback. The Chiefs have said Green would be welcome to return and compete for the job as well if he isn't traded, but Green would likely balk at that notion.

The Browns have no established, veteran quarterback. They used two young prospects, Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson, at quarterback last season.

Green had his best game of the season when the Chiefs played in Cleveland in early December. He had season highs in completions (24), completion percentage (75), yards (297) and touchdowns (four) but still couldn't prevent the Chiefs from losing 31-28 in overtime.

Peterson huddled with Lions general manager Matt Millen at the meetings in Arizona but never talked with Miami's Randy Mueller.

Green has told the Chiefs that Miami is his preference. The Chiefs and Dolphins have exchanged trade offers but were far apart: The Chiefs asked for a second-round pick, and the Dolphins countered with a seventh-round choice.

mardigan

03-29-2007, 09:49 PM

Broncos | M. Myers offered contract
Thu, 29 Mar 2007 17:17:58 -0700

Bill Williamson, of the Denver Post, reports the Denver Broncos have offered free-agent DT Michael Myers (Broncos) a contract.

Broncos | Sauerbrun offered contract
Thu, 29 Mar 2007 17:17:41 -0700

Bill Williamson, of the Denver Post, reports the Denver Broncos have offered free-agent P Todd Sauerbrun (Patriots) a contract.

Broncos | May nix Wilkinson trade
Thu, 29 Mar 2007 16:12:23 -0700

Adam Schefter, of NFL Network, reports the Denver Broncos are close to aborting the trade for DL Dan Wilkinson from the Miami Dolphins for a sixth-round pick because Wilkinson has yet to report to the team.

mardigan

03-29-2007, 09:50 PM

Patriots | T. Brown in the team's future plans
Thu, 29 Mar 2007 17:18:27 -0700

Tom Curran, of NBCSports.com, reports New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said free-agent WR Troy Brown (knee) is in the team's plans for the 2007 season, despite recent surgery to repair a ruptured patella tendon. "I expect Troy to have a role with us this year as far as I'm concerned. He is part of the plan for next season," Belichick said.

mardigan

03-29-2007, 09:51 PM

Falcons | Interested in L. Landry
Thu, 29 Mar 2007 16:11:53 -0700

Adam Schefter, of NFL Network, reports the Atlanta Falcons are "enamored" with Louisiana State S LaRon Landry.

Falcons | G. Jackson wants to stay
Thu, 29 Mar 2007 14:00:04 -0700

D. Orlando Ledbetter, of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons DT Grady Jackson would like to stay with the team, despite filing a lawsuit against the team and three of its officials.

mardigan

03-29-2007, 09:51 PM

mardigan

03-29-2007, 09:51 PM

Redskins | Portis to split workload
Thu, 29 Mar 2007 10:45:51 -0700

Mark Maske, of the Washington Post, reports Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis will remain the starter, but he will split the workload with RB Ladell Betts next season.

mardigan

03-30-2007, 01:51 PM

Buccaneers | Gates charged with assaulting pregnant woman
Fri, 30 Mar 2007 11:14:30 -0700

The Associated Press reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Lionel Gates was arrested and charged with hitting a pregnant woman in the face and pushing her into a wall during an argument. Gates was being held Friday, March 30, with no bond, jail records said. Gates was charged with burglary of a dwelling, aggravated battery of a pregnant woman and criminal mischief after he kicked in the front door of Peggie Lavender's apartment Thursday, March 29, and destroyed two televisions and two doors. Gates also put a hole in the bedroom wall and assaulted her, according to a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office report.

mardigan

03-30-2007, 02:35 PM

Latest Truth and Rumors from SI.com

Redskins vice president of football operations, confirmed a report yesterday that LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell will meet with the team's coaches and front office April 10.
-- Washington Times

The Bears have Washington's first-round draft pick (No. 6 overall) on the table in a proposed deal for Lance Briggs and the Bears' first-round pick (No. 31 overall). According to a report, the Bears have told Redskins officials they will take through the weekend -- if not longer -- to respond.
-- Daily Herald

Unless a running back falls out of the sky and into the Packers' backfield in the next four weeks, chances are they'll be relying heavily on one of their top draft picks to tote the football next season.
-- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Indications out of David Carr's camp is that the quarterback is considering a unique approach to free agency. It's not just about the money or the chance to be an immediate starter. Carr is starting to think the best thing for his career might be to go to a good team, spend some time as the backup and wait for his shot. That's why Carolina and Seattle could be attractive.
-- Charlotte Observer

Donovan McNabb expressed confidence that he would be back for the start of the season while conducting several interviews yesterday. Eagles coach Andy Reid told The Inquirer that McNabb was "a little ahead of schedule" in his rehabilitation but was not likely to be back on the practice field until at least the start of training camp in late July.
-- Philadelphia Inquirer

Although Cleveland and Detroit have expressed interest in Chiefs quarterback Trent Green, his representative has spoken only to the Dolphins, and trade discussions are ongoing between Miami and Kansas City, agent Jim Steiner said Thursday.
-- Miami Herald

A day after Giants head coach Tom Coughlin likened his image to that of Adolf Hitler, the team opted to keep mum on a remark that can be characterized as either mindless or insensitive, or both.
-- New York Post

As part of their predraft scouting, the Patriots were scheduled to work out quarterback Toby Korrodi yesterday. The lefthanded Korrodi is a Division 2 prospect from Central Missouri State who registered the highest throwing velocity at the NFL combine last month.
-- Boston Globe

With Jason Garrett running the Cowboys' offense, look for the fullback to be a part of the offense again. When Garrett was with the Cowboys, he got to watch Daryl Johnston play. One problem: The classic fullback is not exactly in vogue in college. The best available in this year's draft, Rutgers' Brian Leonard, is not seen as a knock-your-head off lead blocker.
-- Dallas Morning News

Interest in Aaron Moorehead apparently is picking up. The former Colts receiver, who became an unrestricted free agent March 1, will meet with the Vikings on Monday. At least two other teams also have shown an interest.
-- Indianapolis Star

mardigan

03-30-2007, 05:04 PM

Packers | Ferguson still in Packers' plans
Fri, 30 Mar 2007 14:33:09 -0700

Mike Vandermause, of the Green Bay Press Gazette, reports Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said WR Robert Ferguson will play a major role for the team next season. "I look for him to compete to be the [No.] 2 or the [No.] 3 [receiver]," McCarthy said.

Pugglekicker_21

03-31-2007, 12:17 PM

Redskins vice president of football operations, confirmed a report yesterday that LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell will meet with the team's coaches and front office April 10.
-- Washington Times

WTF happened to Jason Campbell? Or are the Redskins just stupid?

mardigan

03-31-2007, 01:13 PM

Titans | Team agrees to terms with Nickey
Sat, 31 Mar 2007 06:44:02 -0700

The Tennessean reports the Tennessee Titans have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with FS Donnie Nickey (Titans). Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed

mardigan

03-31-2007, 01:13 PM

Raiders | Team signs C. Green
Sat, 31 Mar 2007 06:42:23 -0700

Raiders.com reports the Oakland Raiders signed free agent OT Cornell Green (Buccaneers).

mardigan

03-31-2007, 01:15 PM

Jets | Team has interest in M. Turner
Sat, 31 Mar 2007 06:31:30 -0700

Kevin Acee, of the San Diego Union-Tribune, reports the New York Jets have shown interest in San Diego Chargers restricted free agent RB Michael Turner.

Titans | Team has interest in M. Turner
Sat, 31 Mar 2007 06:30:05 -0700

Kevin Acee, of the San Diego Union-Tribune, reports the Tennessee Titans have shown interest in San Diego Chargers restricted free agent RB Michael Turner.

Cowboys | Team has interest in M. Turner
Sat, 31 Mar 2007 06:22:39 -0700

Kevin Acee, of the San Diego Union-Tribune, reports the Dallas Cowboys have shown interest in San Diego Chargers restricted free agent RB Michael Turner.

mardigan

03-31-2007, 01:15 PM

DeMulling back to Colts after two years with LionsBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Unrestricted free agent Rick DeMulling, who left the Indianapolis Colts two years ago for what he considered a better opportunity with the Detroit Lions, is returning to the franchise with which he began his NFL career.

DeMulling
DeMulling, 29, has reached agreement with the Colts on a contract that ends his month-long foray into free agency. Neither the length of the contract nor the financial details were immediately available.

A six-year veteran, DeMulling was the Colts' seventh-round choice in the 2001 draft, and he earned a starting job in his second season, after making just seven appearances as a rookie. In his four seasons in Indianapolis, the former Idaho standout started 41 games, mostly at guard, and established himself as a tough, in-line blocker.

But in 2005, DeMulling signed a two-year contract with the Lions. He appeared in 28 games in two seasons, but slipped down the depth chart and logged only a dozen starts. This spring, the Lions, who are revamping their guard corps, did not attempt to retain him.

In adding DeMulling, a player familiar with the Indianapolis blocking scheme and with most of the team's personnel, the Super Bowl champions are providing themselves depth and flexibility on the line. Although primarily a guard, DeMulling has lined up in the past at center and tackle, and gives the Colts an experienced backup all along the line.

Furthermore, both of the Colts' current starting guards, Ryan Lilja and Jake Scott, could be eligible for unrestricted free agency after this season. The two are three-year veterans and both were tendered one-year qualifying offers as restricted free agents this spring. Lilja signed the one-year, $1.3 million deal two weeks ago, but Scott has yet to re-sign. Without extensions, Scott and Lilja could depart after the 2007 campaign.

For his career, DeMulling has appeared in 76 games and started in 53 of them.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-31-2007, 01:17 PM

Williams starting process to return to NFLBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Running back Ricky Williams, exiled for the entire 2006 season because of a fourth violation of the NFL substance abuse policy, has triggered the process that could end his one-year suspension and lead to his reinstatement by the league.

Williams was suspended by the NFL last April 25 and spent last fall playing for the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL.

In advance of the one-year anniversary of the sanctions, Williams has already requested that pertinent reports, including those from the clinician who has monitored his case and from Dr. Lawrence Brown, administrator of the NFL drug program, be forwarded to the league for review by commissioner Roger Goodell, sources told ESPN.com on Saturday. That move ostensibly begins the reinstatement process.

The Miami Dolphins, who hold Williams' contractual rights in the NFL, have offered only generic comments about the veteran tailback and it is not known how first-year coach Cam Cameron feels about the possibility of having him return. General manager Randy Mueller earlier this week told the Miami Herald that Williams' status "hasn't been discussed at all," and that there was "nothing new" to report.

Williams' agent, Leigh Steinberg, told the Herald that his client is working on a book and wants to return to the league.

"Ricky is in the best shape of his life," Steinberg said. "He's passed all of his drug tests and he's at a place where he's ready to come back to the Dolphins."

The sources who spoke to ESPN.com on Saturday agreed that Williams is in compliance with the terms of his treatment and the aftercare prescribed by the NFL, and that there are no known obstacles that would preclude his comeback. One source said Williams, who is living in Grass Valley, Calif., with his fiancée and their children, is "pretty upbeat and excited" about resuming his NFL career.

Because the NFL handles such matters on a case-by-case basis, it is not known if Williams will have to meet with Goodell as part of the reinstatement process. The commissioner could technically rely, according to precedent, primarily on the reports from the policy's advisors. But given Williams' history, it would not be surprising if Goodell wanted to personally hear from him on the matter of his potential return to the league.

Williams, who will turn 30 in May, has missed two of the past three seasons. He abruptly retired from the Dolphins just before the start of training camp in 2004 and it subsequently was announced that he was subject to a four-game suspension for a repeat violation of the substance-abuse policy. Williams returned for 2005 and, despite serving the four-game suspension, rushed for 743 yards and six touchdowns as the backup to first-round tailback Ronnie Brown that year.

Last February, the league announced that Williams, who has acknowledged problems with marijuana abuse and who has also been treated for social anxiety disorder, had violated the NFL drug policy for a fourth time. In April, league counsel Jeffrey Pash announced that the veteran tailback was suspended for one year.

Williams then signed a CFL contract believed to be worth about $240,000. He played in 11 game for Toronto, rushing for 526 yards and two touchdowns on 109 attempts. He missed nearly two months of the CFL season, however, because of injuries. First, Williams suffered a broken bone in his left arm, then he sustained a laceration to his left Achilles tendon.

A 1999 first-round choice of the New Orleans Saints, and the 1998 Heisman Trophy winner at Texas, Williams has played in 82 regular-season games in the NFL and has started 73 of them. He has carried 1,757 times for 7,097 yards and 47 touchdowns. A workhorse-type back earlier in his career, Williams strung together four straight 1,000-yard seasons (2000-2003), and he posted a career-best 1,853 yards in 2002 after being traded from the Saints to the Dolphins.

Despite appearing in just a dozen games over the past three seasons, the consensus around the NFL is that Williams can still contribute to a team, if he is motivated and in shape. The Dolphins lack depth at tailback and there is no proven backup to Brown on the roster.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-31-2007, 01:23 PM

Chargers' Smith: RB Turner creating 'a buzz'

NFL.com wire reports

SAN DIEGO (March 30, 2007) -- Despite the high price tag, San Diego Chargers running back Michael Turner -- the backup to league MVP LaDainian Tomlinson -- could be a hot commodity in the weeks leading up to the NFL draft.

General manager A.J. Smith said he fielded several inquiries about Turner, a restricted free agent, during the league meetings earlier this week in Phoenix.

"It is a buzz," Smith said. "I'd say it picked up speed as we left Wednesday night."

The GM values Turner so much that he put a first-and-third tender on the bruising 237-pounder, who averaged 6.3 yards a carry last season in spelling Tomlinson. That means if another team signs Turner to an offer sheet, the Chargers can either match the offer or receive that team's first- and third-round picks in the draft April 28-29.

Turner can become an unrestricted free agent after next season, so his value to the Chargers is highest now. The team will listen to trade offers.

"My position is a one and a three for now, but we'd be open to whatever somebody has to say," Smith said. "If it's something we like, we'd entertain it. If not, he'll return and be a backup and a kickoff returner and next year he's free and off he goes."

Smith wouldn't say which teams showed the most interest.

"A few of them absolutely have strong interest. Some might be lukewarm, some are on the outside just getting into it," Smith said. "Where it goes from there, I don't know. No question, it's legit. We're just sitting here with a one-and-a-three tender, and activity. Whether we stick to that, or take less, I don't really know."

Turner carried 80 times for 502 yards and two touchdowns last year. Tomlinson set NFL records with 31 touchdowns and 186 points, while winning his first rushing title with 1,815 yards.

"There's no timetable," Smith said. "It could go all the way through the draft."

mardigan

04-01-2007, 02:25 PM

Updated: April 1, 2007, 12:54 AM ET
Raiders ink vets CB Starks, OT Green to one-year dealsBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Never shy about adding older players, the Oakland Raiders have bolstered their depth with a pair of unrestricted free agent acquisitions, signing cornerback Duane Starks and offensive tackle Cornell Green to one-year contracts.

Green
Starks
Both players will receive the minimum base salaries for veterans of their seniority.

Starks, 32, appeared in three games with the Raiders in 2006, then became a free agent last month. Green, 30, appeared in 14 games, all as a reserve, with Tampa Bay.

A nine-year veteran, and regarded earlier in his career as one of the league's top coverage corners, Starks has suffered through injuries the last several seasons, and appeared in just 10 games the past two years and 25 games over the past four seasons. He adds experience to a very young cornerbacks corps in which none of the other four members has played in the NFL for more than four seasons.

In fact, the aggregate experience of the other four cornerbacks on the roster in just one year more than Starks' nine seasons.

The former University of Miami star has appeared in 97 games and has posted 350 tackles, 25 interceptions, 73 passes defensed, one sack, seven forced fumbles and three recoveries. In his first four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, who made him the 10th overall selection in the 1998 draft, Starks averaged five interceptions and 13.3 passes defensed.

In the past five seasons, though, Starks has only five interceptions and he hasn't been even a part-time starter since 2003.

Starks signed with Arizona as an unrestricted free agent in 2002, then was traded to New England in 2005, but placed on injured reserve that year with a shoulder problem after seven games. He joined the Raiders last season.

Green has appeared in 51 games, with eight career starts, in stints with the New York Jets (2000-01), Tampa Bay (2002-03, 2006) and Denver (2004-05). He started a career-best five games for the Bucs in 2003. The former Central Florida star, who can play either of the tackle spots, entered the league as an undrafted college free agent in 2000.

Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

mardigan

04-01-2007, 02:25 PM

Updated: March 31, 2007, 6:34 PM ET
Wilkinson trade voided, Dolphins retain rightsAssociated Press

DENVER -- Dan Wilkinson failed to report to the Denver Broncos, so the trade with the Miami Dolphins was declared void Saturday.

Wilkinson
The Broncos sent a sixth-round pick to the Dolphins on March 2 for the 14-year veteran defensive tackle. They extended an earlier deadline for the defensive lineman to report but when he failed to show up for his physical, the deal was voided.

The Broncos retained their rights to the sixth-round pick in this year's draft and the Dolphins retained the rights to Wilkinson.

Wilkinson was selected by Cincinnati with the first overall selection in the 1994 draft out of Ohio State. He has played for the Bengals (1994-97), Washington (1998-2002), Detroit (2003-05) and Miami.

Wilkinson, who has 54½ sacks in his career, has started all 16 regular-season games eight times in his career, including three of the past four seasons. He joined the Dolphins after starting every game in three seasons with the Lions.

He was strictly a backup for the Dolphins last season, playing 10 games and posting 14 tackles, breaking up three passes and forcing a fumble.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

04-01-2007, 02:26 PM

Bears wants Briggs back, but long-term deal 'unlikely'Associated Press

CHICAGO -- The standoff between Lance Briggs and the Chicago Bears took another turn Saturday, when general manager Jerry Angelo said he wants the Pro Bowl linebacker to return next season, but a multiyear contract is unlikely.

Lance Briggs
Linebacker
Chicago Bears

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Tot Solo Ast FF Sack Int
134 113 21 4 1 2

"I'm not ruling it out 100 percent, but in all probability, that's not likely to happen," Angelo said during the team's fan convention.

The Bears and Briggs have been at odds since the team slapped the franchise player tag on him in mid-February.

Briggs threatened to sit out the season, then agent Drew Rosenhaus said his client would sit out the first 10 games and report for the final six to qualify as serving one year as a franchise player.

Meanwhile, the Washington Redskins offered the sixth pick in the draft for Briggs and the Redskins' No. 31 selection.

"We'll digest what they offered Monday and we'll go from there," Angelo said, adding no other team has made an offer.

The Bears would likely have to pay the No. 6 pick a $15 million to $20 million bonus, although they could package the pick in another trade.

Chicago would owe Briggs about $7.2 million next season -- the average of the top five salaries at his position and approximately 10 times what he earned in 2006. But the franchise player tag makes it difficult for Briggs to market himself to other teams.

If he signs an offer sheet, the Bears have the right to match it. Otherwise, they would receive first-round picks in 2007 and 2008.

Briggs made it clear in early March that he was unhappy with the label, when he told ESPN.com and a Chicago radio station the team should remove it or trade him. He has repeated those sentiments in interviews with several national media outlets.

A week later, he told foxsports.com, "I've played my last snap for them. I'll never play another down for Chicago again," and basically said the same thing in an interview with ESPN.

Angelo believes Briggs really feels that way, and that he isn't being put up to it by Rosenhaus.

"When somebody speaks, I have to take it as that's what they feel," Angelo said. "I'm not going to characterize Lance as a puppet."

Angelo met with Briggs at the recent NFL meetings and used words such as "amiable" to describe the session. He also made it clear he wants the linebacker in Chicago next season.

"I wanted him to know exactly what our sentiments were," Angelo said. "It was very amiable, given that neither one is really going to get their way. We have to take the high road, move forward to make this the best we can because it serves everybody to do it this way."

Angelo told Briggs the public attacks on the organization weren't "in anybody's best interests."

If Briggs leaves, Angelo said the Bears would not pocket the money. They would use it to acquire and retain players.

A year ago, Briggs reportedly turned down a six-year, $33 million deal. He said it was for seven years, and was "below market value." Either way, Angelo warned him that the Bears might use the franchise tag.

Chicago spent some of that money earmarked for Briggs on center Olin Kreutz, linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer, running back Adrian Peterson and cornerback Ricky Manning Jr.

Briggs made his second straight Pro Bowl, and the Bears won the NFC championship. Now, he's in a stare-down with management.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

04-01-2007, 08:42 PM

Updated: April 1, 2007, 9:06 PM ET
Report: NFL to cancel China Bowl, may play in 2009Associated Pres

NEW YORK -- The NFL plans to cancel a scheduled exhibition game in China between Seattle and New England, Sports Illustrated reported on its Web site.

SI.com, citing unidentified sources, said Sunday the league will announce the decision to cancel the China Bowl early this week. The Seahawks and Patriots are scheduled to play Aug. 7 at Workers Stadium.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello declined to comment Sunday to The Associated Press.

Patriots spokesman Stacey James told the AP that a team delegation had twice postponed a trip to China for planning.

"Any announcement would be a league announcement," James said.

The Seahawks didn't immediately respond to a call Sunday night seeking comment.

SI.com said the NFL will attempt to schedule an exhibition game in China in 2009 at the stadium under construction for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The league will play its first regular-season game outside North America this year, with Miami set to face the New York Giants at Wembley Stadium in London on Oct. 28.

mardigan

04-01-2007, 08:44 PM

Broncos | Thomas rumored in trade
Sun, 1 Apr 2007 14:10:18 -0700

Bill Williamson, of the Denver Post, reports there has been speculation that the Denver Broncos will trade for Miami Dolphins LB Zach Thomas.

mardigan

04-02-2007, 01:31 PM

Titans, special teamer Nickey agree to one-year dealBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

The Tennessee Titans have re-signed unrestricted free agent safety Donnie Nickey, a special teams standout during his four-year tenure with the team.

Nickey
Nickey, 26, signed a one-year contract after testing the free agency market for the first month of the signing period. Financial details were not immediately available, but the deal likely includes a minimum base salary of $595,000 for the 2007 season.

Barring an extension, Nickey will be eligible for unrestricted free agency again next spring.

The former Ohio State standout appeared in all 16 games in 2006 and finished third on the team with 16 special teams tackles. Nickey has excelled on the Titans' coverage units and has over 50 special teams tackles for his career.

"He has played an important role in the past, and he certainly has the potential to do that in the future," general manager Mike Reinfeldt said.

A fifth-round choice in the 2003 draft, Nickey has appeared in 60 games in four seasons and has 66 tackles, one pass defensed and one fumble recovery while playing from scrimmage. He has seen time in the past as a nickel defender and could see that role expanded in 2007.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

04-02-2007, 01:42 PM

Browns | Team signs M. Adams
Mon, 2 Apr 2007 11:23:30 -0700

The Cleveland Browns announced Monday, April 2, they have signed free agent FS Mike Adams (49ers) to a two-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

sa_butta

04-02-2007, 02:37 PM

johnsmith

04-02-2007, 02:44 PM

I hope this is nothing more than a rumor.

That would kick so much ass for any Broncos fan..........not so much for you though.

mardigan

04-02-2007, 02:57 PM

Jets | Wadsworth to make move to outside linebacker
Mon, 2 Apr 2007 12:40:29 -0700

Randy Lange, of NewYorkJets.com, reports New York Jets recently signed OLB Andre Wadsworth (knee) is making the transition from defensive end to outside linebacker with the Jets. Wadsworth, a former first-round selection in 1998, said he is excited to be with the team and said he does not know what will happen in terms of the future. He said the only way he will quit is if his body quits on him. "If I was going to quit, it would've been long ago," he added.

mardigan

04-02-2007, 02:57 PM

From SI's truth and rumors

If running back Corey Dillon is interested in playing during the 2007 season, the Titans are interested in seeing if he might fit into their plans. The team has set up plans to host Dillon on a visit at some point this week.
-- Boston Globe

There has been talk that Michael Turner of San Diego, a restricted free agent, could be an option for the Titans, but the price for him would be steep. He was tendered at the first and third-round level. The Titans won't pay that, and any sign-and-trade deal for Turner would likely cost Tennessee at least one and probably more first day picks.
-- Nashville City Paper

The chance of the Cardinals trading up is remote. They want more draft picks, not fewer, and trading up would cost them dearly. Trading down is a greater possibility, but not likely, and the Cardinals aren't focused on moving down from the fifth spot, coach Ken Whisenhunt said.
-- Arizona Republic

Sources said the Bears will ask the Redskins for a player in a trade for Lance Briggs, in addition to the sixth pick, which they likely would trade to stockpile more first-day draft picks. Sources say the Bears could ask for middle linebacker Lemar Marshall.
-- Washington Post

The Bears weren't enamored with the Redskins' tactics last week, with Washington going public with its trade offer for disgruntled linebacker Lance Briggs before presenting the offer formally to Chicago, which probably wasn't the best way to spark trade discussions.
-- Boston Globe

Whatever inclination new coach Mike Tomlin may have had to convert the Steelers from their traditional 3-4 base defense to a 4-3 in his first season was tempered by the fact that he doesn't have the personnel to pull it off.
-- Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

The Colts will likely rely more on Joseph Addai, its first-round pick in 2006, now that Dominic Rhodes has departed.
-- Boston Globe

The writing appears to be on the wall in Cleveland for former Patriots guard Joe Andruzzi, who underwent offseason knee surgery and watched as the Browns signed guard Eric Steinbach to a seven-year, $49 million contract. After two years with the Browns, he faces an uphill climb to hold on to his starting spot.
-- Boston Globe

Broncos free agent guard Cooper Carlisle will get some face time with the Bucs this week. He is slated to visit with team officials in Tampa, his agent said. The Bucs have targeted the offensive line as a priority in free agency, and acquiring Carlisle would be progress.
-- Tampa Tribune

The Bengals will begin a revamped offseason program designed to help the team break the .500 barrier that it has reached in three of the past four seasons. Besides tweaking the schedule, Marvin Lewis plans to crank up the urgency to a 2003 level - when, in his first season, the Bengals fought for respect after a 2-14 season.
-- Cincinnati Enquirer

mardigan

04-02-2007, 04:26 PM

Cardinals | Gandy signed
Mon, 2 Apr 2007 13:59:57 -0700

The Arizona Cardinals have signed unrestricted free-agent OL Mike Gandy (Bills) to a three-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

mardigan

04-02-2007, 04:27 PM

Jets | Silva waived
Mon, 2 Apr 2007 13:24:55 -0700

The New York Jets have waived WR Phil Silva.

mardigan

04-02-2007, 04:27 PM

Giants | J. Mitchell signed
Mon, 2 Apr 2007 13:24:11 -0700

Michael Eisen, of Giants.com, reports the New York Giants have signed street free-agent LB Jason Mitchell. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Mitchell did not play football during 2006 after suffering a knee injury during his final season with the University of Tennessee.

Giants | Massey released
Mon, 2 Apr 2007 12:49:44 -0700

Michael Eisen, of Giants.com, reports the New York Giants have released DE Pat Massey.

mardigan

04-02-2007, 04:29 PM

Updated: April 2, 2007, 5:05 PM ET
Reid arrested on suspicion of drug possessionAssociated Press

FREEHOLD, N.J. -- Indianapolis Colts defensive end Darrell Reid was arrested over the weekend on suspicion of possessing marijuana, borough police said.

Reid

The 24-year-old Freehold native was stopped by police on a downtown street early Saturday after they received an anonymous call reporting an intoxicated person. The officer who responded noticed a strong smell of marijuana and saw a small plastic bag in the open door of Reid's rental car that contained marijuana, police said.

Reid was arrested on suspicion of possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana, obstruction and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle, which are all misdemeanors. He was released Saturday after making bail and is scheduled to appear in municipal court Tuesday afternoon, according to Lt. Mark Wodell.

Reid has played for the Colts the last two seasons and in 2006 was second on the team in special teams tackles with 19. He was signed as a free agent in 2005 after playing four years at the University of Minnesota.

A message left for Colts spokesman Craig Kelley at his office Monday was not immediately returned.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

sa_butta

04-02-2007, 06:30 PM

That would kick so much ass for any Broncos fan..........not so much for you though.Depending on what we got in return, but I cant think of anyone or anything worthy of a trade.

mardigan

04-02-2007, 08:13 PM

Chargers' Turner drawing interest from TitansAssociated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans are getting serious in their search for more help at running back and they started Monday by visiting with restricted free agent Michael Turner of San Diego.

Michael Turner
Running Back
San Diego Chargers

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Rush Yds TD Rec Yds TD
80 502 2 3 47 0

Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt was not available for comment. But San Diego general manager A.J. Smith had said several teams had inquired about Turner as the NFL meetings wrapped up last week.

Agent Bus Cook said he hadn't had much time to talk with Turner, who was checking out of a Nashville hotel Monday afternoon. But he said Turner enjoyed his visit with the Titans.

"We've just got to wait and see," Cook said. "The Titans have got to talk to San Diego. Even if they want to offer him, they have to know what he's going to want and what it's going to take to get him and have to work the other side of this, and that's the Chargers."

The Titans released Travis Henry last month, and he quickly signed a new deal with the Denver Broncos. Henry rushed for 1,211 yards last season, a big reason why Tennessee ranked fifth in the NFL in rushing with Vince Young.

Henry's departure has left Tennessee with LenDale White and fullback Ahmard Hall, both rookies last year, on the roster with Quinton Ganther and Dontrell Moore. White, a second-round draft pick in 2006, had 61 carries for 244 yards.

Turner is a restricted free agent who the Chargers tendered high enough that any interested team would have to sign the running back to an offer sheet and pay up with a first- and third-round draft pick to San Diego.

Or they could try and lower that cost in a sign-and-trade with San Diego, which Smith said he is open to before the draft April 28-29.

Running backs have done well this offseason. Frank Gore got a four-year extension from San Francisco that included more than $14 million in guaranteed money, and Willis McGahee picked up a contract with a maximum value of $40.12 million after being traded to Baltimore earlier this year.

Both running backs have had serious knee injuries in their past.

Turner has been healthy and averaged 6.3 yards a carry last season as backup to LaDanian Tomlinson and finished with 80 carries for 502 yards.

Turner is scheduled to make $2.35 million in 2007, and Cook said the Chargers have incentive to make a move if they choose.

"If they can get a nice draft pick for him right now, next year they get nothing for him," Cook said.

The Titans entered free agency with lots of room under the salary cap, and they still have plenty of space left.

Their biggest moves included signing cornerback Nick Harper away from Indianapolis. They also lured restricted free agent linebacker Ryan Fowler away from Dallas, safety Bryan Scott and receiver Justin Gage.

The Titans also have Corey Dillon scheduled to visit Wednesday.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

DNS Error

04-02-2007, 11:26 PM

Falcons | G. Jackson wants to stay
Thu, 29 Mar 2007 14:00:04 -0700

D. Orlando Ledbetter, of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons DT Grady Jackson would like to stay with the team, despite filing a lawsuit against the team and three of its officials.[/QUOTE]

what the hell happened here?

DNS Error

04-02-2007, 11:31 PM

The National Football League, which last summer trumpeted so proudly its entry into China with a planned preseason game between Seattle and New England that would take place in August, will announce early this week the game is canceled.

And the league won't take just a one-year hiatus from the Asian experiment, according to those with knowledge of plans for the game the NFL was calling the China Bowl. Because the Summer Olympics are set for Beijing in 2008, the league will skip 2008 and look to put a game in Olympic Stadium, now under construction, in the summer of 2009. The Pats and Seahawks were to have played Aug. 9 in the well-worn Workers Stadium in Beijing, built in 1959 and renovated three years ago.

The reason for putting off the China Bowl, according to those familiar with the league's thinking, is twofold. The NFL is devoting tremendous manpower to the first regular-season game ever played outside North America -- Miami and the New York Giants will play Oct. 28 in London -- and the league doesn't want to risk cutting corners on either of the massive projects in order to stage both games 11 weeks apart. And though the Chinese would have put on a fine show this summer, doing it with more preparation time two years later -- particularly in a stadium that critics are already saying will be the finest outdoor sports venue in the world -- fits more into the NFL's vision of what its China debut should be.

League spokesman Greg Aiello, reached Sunday afternoon, declined comment. Spokesmen for both teams also declined comment. But an announcement could be made as early as Monday detailing the two-year postponement of the game.

The NFL rarely is caught with its pants down on a major story like this one. But why they had to pull the plug on the China game is easy to explain. The league announced the China Bowl last August, and it was expected that this would be the only international game of 2007. It took many at 280 Park Avenue by surprise in October, when owners voted to play an overseas regular-season game as early as 2007. And then again in February, when the league announced the regular-season game between the Giants and Dolphins in the new Wembley Stadium next October. And it soon became apparent, particularly with the England game being a regular-season one, that it would be impossible for each game to be the standard NFL production. Which is to say, big and brassy. "And there's no way the league would have gone to China for the first time unless they felt everything would be perfect about it,'' said one league insider.

The China Bowl was going to be a big event, not only in the country of 1.3 billion but in America as well. NBC planned to televise the game live at 8:30 a.m., using the Today Show as a lead-in. But NBC is probably not disappointed that the game will be called off, because the costs for staging such a game would likely far outweigh the return in ratings and ad revenue for a midweek morning preseason game, particularly one in which the starters would play such a small role. Preseason games in prime time get lousy ratings, so playing one when the country's at work would probably get microscopic ones.

theres more but its late.......dunno if its here yet...

Pugglekicker_21

04-03-2007, 12:03 AM

I like this one cause there's a bleak look at the 2nd...

Mock draft No. 4

As the free agent feeding frenzy levels off, teams now have a better grasp on putting together their NFL draft boards.

The Cleveland Browns, the most active team during free agency with a top-5 draft choice, now seem intent on targeting the best available player opposed to the initial theory of grabbing a franchise running back. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions' No. 2 pick seems to be the most likely traded – assuming an offer meets their expectations without them having to slide too far down in the round. Here's the latest mock draft, which also includes second-round projections.

ROUND 1

1. Oakland Raiders – LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell.

They could completely pass on quarterback and either select wide receiver Calvin Johnson or deal down several choices. They will narrow down the options to three or four by April 1 and then spend the final three weeks concentrating on those prospects.

2. Detroit Lions – Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas.

The Lions will not pick a quarterback here nor do they feel drafting Thomas or a defensive player is worth the value of this selection. I anticipate them making a draft-day deal with someone who wants a quarterback or receiver Calvin Johnson and then taking Thomas a few picks later.

3. Cleveland Browns – Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn.

The Browns have made a number of short-term free agent moves to help fill their most glaring needs, including running back, offensive line and their defensive front four. They are sure to address cornerback later on the first day, but this pick comes down to adding a new face to the franchise and getting the most bang for your buck. Quinn does both for the “Dawg Pound."

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson.

There is a very good chance that the Bucs try to deal up in order to secure the services of Johnson, who would bring their offense out of the stagnant shape it was in all of last season. They also have needs up front on defense, so they could deal down from this spot to select a defensive lineman.

5. Arizona Cardinals – Arkansas defensive lineman Jamaal Anderson.

He gives them a versatile defender capable of creating matchup problems. However, if they are desperate to add an offensive tackle, they could deal down with a team looking for a pass rusher.

6. Washington Redskins – Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams.

They can go after a pass rusher here like Adams or use this choice as part of a package to obtain the services of cornerback Dre' Bly from Denver. If a trade for Bly happens, they could possibly use the Broncos' pick to take a pass rusher at No. 21.

7. Minnesota Vikings – Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson.

This is the worst-case scenario for the Vikings. It's possible the top two quarterbacks and top two defensive linemen will be off the board, and they would likely be over-drafting if they selected a wide receiver or defensive back with this choice. The Falcons have already made their move to get ahead of the Texans in order to secure the top-rated safety on their board, but more than likely this would be a trade-up spot for a team that has extra draft choices on the first day. Ultimately, the Vikings will seek the best playmaking option to jolt one of the worst big-play offenses in the league.

8. Atlanta Falcons – LSU safety LaRon Landry.

Their trade with the Texans on Wednesday, sending quarterback Matt Schaub to Houston, gives them options. They have the ammunition to deal up into the back end of the first round, as well, or possibly make a last-minute push toward a top-3 pick as they have a total of four second-round picks in the next two drafts. Landry would give them an instant playmaker in the middle of the field to pair with All-Pro cover corner DeAngelo Hall. A pair of wild-card options would be for them to go after offensive tackle Levi Brown, who would give them the bigger, more physical type blocker that head coach Bobby Petrino prefers, or select Petrino's former man-child Amobi Okoye.

9. Miami Dolphins – Louisville defensive tackle Amobi Okoye.

They are ideally hoping to find 1-2 players for their secondary, a pass catching tight end and an interior defender to create havoc inside and allow their pass rushers less opportunity to be double-teamed. The fact that new head coach Cam Cameron has had a lot of success with Antonio Gates will lead them to take a long look at Greg Olsen, but their actual choice will come down to the defensive side of the ball. Okoye’s ability to get up field, handle double teams and give them the type of force in the middle to allow Jason Taylor and Joey Porter easy lanes to the quarterback will make this an easy decision.

10. Houston Texans – Penn State offensive tackle Levi Brown.

With a new starter at quarterback (Schaub) and running back (Ahman Green), Brown would help fortify a position that has been one of the most inconsistent since the team began play in 2002. Not everyone is convinced Brown can be a shutdown left tackle and they cannot afford to miss with this selection. However, with Landry off the board, Brown is the best option. If both are off the board, the Texans could trade back and pick up an extra pick for the one they just traded.

11. San Francisco 49ers – Nebraska defensive lineman Adam Carriker.

Picking Carriker over Amobi Okoye will simply come down to the type of scheme and versatility one player brings over the other. Okoye could easily be the choice here, but finding a guy who can make plays from defensive end in a 3-4 is far too rare to pass on since they have the expectation of challenging for a playoff spot this coming season.

12. Buffalo Bills – Mississippi linebacker Patrick Willis.

The loss of linebacker London Fletcher-Baker is weighing more on the minds of front office folks and coaching staffs than the recent trade of starting running back Willis McGahee. I expect them to stick with choice of Willis here and then go after a back in Round 2 or 3. If they trade up for someone such as Peterson, chasing down a linebacker in the second becomes a major necessity.

13. St. Louis Rams – Pittsburgh cornerback Darrelle Revis.

The Rams have needs at both defensive line and cornerback, and will likely use their second pick (No. 52 overall) on an interior defender to help them improve against the run. Revis seems to be on the fast track to start as a rookie and over time, could develop into one of the better young, man cover corners in the league. There will be an array of talented defenders on the board at this point, but Revis' size, speed (4.38) and return skills help put him over the top.

14. Carolina Panthers – Miami (Fla.) tight end Greg Olsen.

The Panthers have a number of needs for a team that was one of the trendy choices to win the NFC just a year ago. However, adding Olsen, who can flex out to receiver and even line up in the slot, would help open up an offense that was way too inconsistent last season. They would take a very close look at Brown if he were here, since he has the experience and ability to move Jordan Gross back to the right side of the line. A source close to the team also identifies linebacker and safety as positions they intend to monitor heavily in the first day of the draft.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers – Michigan cornerback Leon Hall.

Hall seems to resemble Ronde Barber, the All-Pro cornerback who thrived in the same defensive scheme and mentality that new coach Mike Tomlin is bringing to the Steelers. Cornerback and home-grown talent Darrelle Revis is also an option if still available.

16. Green Bay Packers – California running back Marshawn Lynch

The Packers need to find another playmaker on offense and address their lack of depth in the backfield. Lynch fits their play style, although they seem to be looking more at the possibility of passing on running back in the first round.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars – Florida defensive back Reggie Nelson.

They seem convinced that keeping him in-state could help their drive toward a title. There should still be a solid group of pass rushers on the board in the middle of the second round if they address safety here.

18. Cincinnati Bengals – Michigan defensive lineman Alan Branch.

The Bengals have had a run of bad luck between injuries (David Pollack) and arrests, but they could catch a break with a formidable front-four defender slipping into their lap. Branch has top-10 skill and ability, but he has had just average workouts and even looked a bit out of shape at his pro day. He can be a bit too fine at times, and some worry about whether he will be a great playmaker, but the Bengals would gamble on his upside at this portion of the first round.

19. Tennessee Titans – Tennessee wide receiver Robert Meachem.

This has been a consistent pick among the mock drafts. He fits their need for adding a vertical threat to an offense that would have some very good young talent around him. The other obvious option of the Titans would be that in a deep class of cornerbacks, they could jump on a cover cornerback like Darrelle Revis or Aaron Ross to protect against the outcome of legal proceedings against starting corner Adam Jones.

20. NY Giants – Miami (Fla.) linebacker Jon Beason.

The Giants have addressed their need at running back with the addition of Reuben Droughns, but have not been able to make much of a play in free agency to add depth at linebacker, offensive line or cornerback. If Beason is not the choice, left tackle Joe Staley of Central Michigan could give them the versatility of providing Eli Manning with a 10-year fixture on that side of the line.

21. Denver Broncos – Central Michigan offensive tackle Joe Staley.

They still have a glaring need for an edge rusher and left tackle. They will listen to the Redskins all the way up to draft day, but will not overpay to acquire the No. 6 pick – which could be used on Joe Thomas. If they stay put, the Broncos could grab a young, but sometimes raw pass blocker like Staley or offensive tackle Tony Ugoh.

22. Dallas Cowboys – Arkansas cornerback Chris Houston.

The Cowboys plan to meet and hopefully sign free agent safety Ken Hamlin, which would take them out of the safety market, but could help them land a top-rated cornerback like Houston. An Arkansas grad like owner Jerry Jones, Houston is a protégé of Deion Sanders. However, the chances are that if they ink Hamlin, they will trade back in order to secure either an extra pick on day one or move up in Round 2. They could grab a guy like Arkansas offensive tackle Tony Ugoh, who could take a year to progress before taking over the full-time left tackle job in 2008.

23. Kansas City Chiefs – Ohio State wide receiver/return man Ted Ginn, Jr.

The Chiefs have some concerns on the offensive line, but they seem hopeful that All-Pro guard Will Shields will return for one more season and that free agent Damion McIntosh will fill a major void at left tackle. With speedy receiver Eddie Kennison getting up in age and tight end Gonzalez now 31 years old, the chance to add a versatile playmaker like Ginn, who might slide this far if he is unable to work out for scouts prior to the draft, would be ideal to help loosen up opposing defenses that like to play eight-in-the-box against Larry Johnson.

24 New England Patriots – Florida defensive end/outside linebacker Jarvis Moss.

The Patriots have continued to solidify their offense through free agency, but now have a pair of first-round choices to improve the depth of their defensive unit. Linebackers Mike Vrabel (31) and Tedy Bruschi (33) are getting up, so a young pass rusher like Moss could fill in 20-25 plays and give them a future building block. A few sources have linked Beason to this spot if he is still available.

25. New York Jets – Purdue defensive end/outside linebacker Anthony Spencer.

Their current list of needs include finding an edge rusher who can fill the void left when they dealt John Abraham last year, cornerback and a pass-catching option at tight end. They are armed with a pair of second-round choices who could either help them fortify all three spots or give them the ammunition to make several deals. Spencer has the speed and ability to contribute instantly off the edge and showed an outstanding motor this past season.

26. Philadelphia Eagles – LSU wide receiver Dwayne Bowe.

They have All-Pro quarterback Donovan McNabb coming back off of injury and need to give him a few more weapons. However, there is also another vibe surrounding this choice that the decision-makers feel comfortable with young receivers like Hank Baskett and Jason Avant, so they could turn their attention to talented, all-around running back Brian Leonard.

27. New Orleans Saints – Texas cornerback Aaron Ross.

The Saints could be in the hunt for a pass-catching tight end even after signing under-rated Eric Johnson, but they would have to overpay to get up high enough to secure a shot at Greg Olsen. They have been auditioning veteran wide receivers to complement youngsters Marques Colston and Devery Henderson, but it would not be a shocker if they took someone like USC's Dwayne Jarrett. He would give them another strong presence in the middle of the field and continue to free up big plays for Reggie Bush. However, the run on defensive backs will start right around this area and the Saints do not want to get caught flat-footed again, so Ross or Marcus McCauley are the likely names heard on this choice.

28. New England Patriots – Syracuse defensive back Tanard Jackson.

If the Cowboys fail to come to an agreement with Ken Hamlin, the Patriots might need to make a move on a defensive back with the first of their two picks. Jackson would be a surprise choice over more recognizable names, but he is a versatile defender who can back up Rodney Harrison and even fill-in at nickel back and special teams. However, there is a good chance that more than a few teams will be making calls for this spot if the Pats are looking to deal back up into the first round.

29. Baltimore Ravens – Arkansas offensive tackle Tony Ugoh.

If Ugoh is still on the board, he gives them a valuable backup to All-Pro left tackle Jonathan Ogden, who might retire as early as the end of the 2007 campaign. Another option would be that they could find a fixture like Ryan Kalil for the pivot spot and move second-year pro Jason Brown to guard on a full-time basis.

30. San Diego Chargers – Miami (Fla.) safety Brandon Meriweather.

The Chargers biggest needs are to find a better starting safety after releasing Terrence Kiel, and adding depth at receiver and linebacker. Meriweather could be way off the board depending on what goes on with the Cowboys and Patriots, but if not, the Chargers just found themselves the first adequate replacement they have had since losing Rodney Harrison four years ago.

31. Chicago Bears – Penn State linebacker Paul Posluszny.

After acquiring safety Adam Archuleta, their biggest issues are locking up an interior run stuffer who can contribute if Tank Johnson serves an early four-game suspension and a backup plan if Lance Briggs holds out. If the Bears re-sign backup defensive tackle Ian Scott, they could turn their attention to offensive guard or even cornerback. They could lose either Nathan Vasher or Charles Tillman in free agency a year from now. Since they have pick No. 37 overall, they can add Posluszny here and find the defensive tackle a few picks later.

32. Indianapolis Colts – Rutgers running back Brian Leonard.

The Colts brass does not feel it has nearly as much of a glaring need at linebacker as outsiders do because Freddie Keiaho is expected to secure a starting spot in just his second year. Secondly, in all the years under Tony Dungy's reign, the Colts have never drafted a linebacker in the first round. They believe more in drafting the best available player instead of purely going for need. Leonard would give the Colts a dynamic 1-2 punch and offensive coordinator Tom Moore could be creative on third down by having Joseph Addai in the slot and the bigger, more physical Leonard in the backfield.

Pugglekicker_21

04-03-2007, 12:04 AM

SECOND-ROUND PROJECTIONS
1. Oakland: USC WR Dwayne Jarrett
2. Detroit: Hampton LB Justin Durant
3. Tampa Bay: Georgia DE Charles Johnson
4. Cleveland: Fresno State CB Marcus McCauley
5. Chicago: N.C. State DT Tank Tyler
6. Arizona: Florida State OLB Lawrence Timmons
7. Atlanta: USC OL Ryan Kalil
8. Miami: Notre Dame OT Ryan Harris
9. Minnesota: Arizona State TE Zach Miller
10. San Francisco: UNLV CB Eric Wright
11. Buffalo: Auburn RB Kenny Irons
12. Atlanta: Nebraska DE/OLB Jay Moore
13. Carolina: Michigan LB David Harris
14. Pittsburgh: Hawaii DE Ikaika Alama-Francis
15. Green Bay: Texas CB Tarell Brown
16. Jacksonville: South Carolina WR Sidney Rice
17. Cincinnati: Maryland CB Josh Wilson
18. Tennessee: Texas OG/OT Justin Blalock
19. NY Giants: Boston College OL James Marten
20. St. Louis: Boston College OL Josh Beekman
21. Dallas: Ohio State WR Anthony Gonzalez
22. Kansas City: Tennessee DT Justin Harrell
23. Seattle: Auburn OG Ben Grubbs
24. Denver: Notre Dame DE Victor Abiamiri
25. Philadelphia: Miami (Fla.) DL Baraka Atkins
26. New Orleans: LSU WR Craig Davis
27. NY Jets: California CB Daymeion Hughes
28. Miami: Houston QB Kevin Kolb
29. Baltimore: Tennessee CB Jonathan Wade
30. San Diego: Lane (Tenn.) WR Jacoby Jones
31. NY Jets: Delaware/Duke TE Ben Patrick
32. Tampa Bay: Florida DT Marcus Thomas

Pugglekicker_21

04-03-2007, 12:09 AM

7. Minnesota Vikings – Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson.

wtf.......

20. NY Giants – Miami (Fla.) linebacker Jon Beason

never heard of this kid...

2. Detroit: Hampton LB Justin Durant

Small school kid in the 2nd!

28. Miami: Houston QB Kevin Kolb

goodbye Brady Quinn in sunny South Florida....

Quinn in fin jersey # 10 = :rolleyes :lol

samikeyp

04-03-2007, 07:05 AM

22. Dallas Cowboys – Arkansas cornerback Chris Houston.

The Cowboys plan to meet and hopefully sign free agent safety Ken Hamlin, which would take them out of the safety market, but could help them land a top-rated cornerback like Houston. An Arkansas grad like owner Jerry Jones, Houston is a protégé of Deion Sanders. However, the chances are that if they ink Hamlin, they will trade back in order to secure either an extra pick on day one or move up in Round 2. They could grab a guy like Arkansas offensive tackle Tony Ugoh, who could take a year to progress before taking over the full-time left tackle job in 2008.

I really hope not.

mardigan

04-03-2007, 12:09 PM

Updated: April 3, 2007, 12:03 PM ET
Bellamy re-signs with SaintsBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Unrestricted free agent Jay Bellamy, who rescued the New Orleans Saints in 2006 when their safety corps was beset by injuries, has re-signed with the team.

Bellamy
The 13-year veteran, who started both of the Saints' playoff games in 2006, signed a one-year contract. Financial details were not yet available, but it is believed that the contract is for a base salary of $820,000, the league minimum for a player of Bellamy's tenure.

Bellamy, 34, will compete for a backup job on a New Orleans safety corps that is young, deep and talented.

The projected starters are third-year veteran Josh Bullocks and second-year pro Roman Harper, but the latter is still rehabilitating from knee surgery that cut short his 2006 rookie season. The Saints also signed former Cincinnati safety Kevin Kaesviharn, who led all NFL safeties with six interceptions.

Bellamy, who joined the Saints in 2001 as an unrestricted free agent, was released before the start of the 2006 season, then re-signed when Harper was lost to the knee injury in October. He appeared in 11 games, started the final three games of the regular season, and both of the team's playoff outings.

His 15 tackles in the postseason led the New Orleans defense.

In 176 games, starting at both safety spots at various times in his career, Bellamy has 817 tackles, and averaged 100-plus tackles from 2001-2004. He also has 24 interceptions, 43 passes defensed, 9½ sacks, 11 forced fumbles and seven recoveries.

The former Rutgers standout entered the league with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted college free agent in 1994.

Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

mardigan

04-03-2007, 12:10 PM

Washington awaiting Bears' answer on Briggs tradeBy John Clayton
ESPN.com

Briggs
A proposed trade sending Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs to the Washington Redskins could go through or totally collapse by Tuesday afternoon, depending on how the Bears react to the Redskins' offer.

Last week, the Redskins made a one-time offer for Briggs, offering to swap their first-round draft pick, the sixth overall, for the Bears' No. 31 overall pick. The Redskins offer was take-it-or-leave it, and they told the Bears that they wanted an answer no later than Tuesday.

The Bears have been hinting they might ask for an additional Redskins linebacker to make the trade, but the Redskins made it clear to the Bears on Monday that if they ask for more than the proposed draft-pick swap, the trade talks are over.

Briggs, the Bears' franchise player, reacted angrily to receiving the franchise tag and at first said he'd never play for the Bears again. He is now threatening to hold out the first 10 regular season games of 2007. The Bears want to keep Briggs for one season.

Based on Monday's trade talks, the Redskins were doubtful a trade could happen, but one call from the Bears accepting the proposal would make it happen.

John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

04-03-2007, 12:11 PM

what the hell happened here?[/QUOTE]
Grady Jackson Sues Falcons, Claiming Defamation
Posted Mar 28th 2007 11:20AM by Michael David Smith
Filed under: Falcons, NFL Gossip, Atlanta

Atlanta defensive tackle Grady Jackson is suing the Falcons, saying the team invaded his privacy and defamed him by releasing his medical records.

The lawsuit centers around reports that surfaced last year, before Jackson signed as a free agent with the Falcons, that Jackson had heart problems. Jackson is listed at 345 pounds and looks significantly heavier than that, and a belief among NFL teams that he had heart problems would no doubt drive down Jackson's bargaining power in contract negotiations.

So did the Falcons make those reports public in an effort to sign Jackson for less than he might have otherwise received from another team? The Falcons, of course, deny that. The team issued a statement saying, in part, "We believe that this is a continuing attempt by the agent to gain a new contract for his client."

It's a bizarre suit and a very rare one in that it features a player suing a team he still plays for. Jackson is under contract to the Falcons for two more years and is slated to make $1.5 million this season. It seems quite unlikely now that he'll still be in Atlanta when the regular season begins.
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments [4]

mardigan

04-03-2007, 12:22 PM

I really hope not.
I wouldnt doubt if we take a corner, but Aaron Ross is more likely, they have already scheduled a meeting with him, even though that doenst mean shit. I could see the Boys taking a reciever like Meachem or Bowe, a cb, or a d end like Moss or Spencer if they are there.

mardigan

04-03-2007, 12:53 PM

Texans | Malone re-signed
Mon, 2 Apr 2007 22:05:27 -0700

The Associated Press reports the Houston Texans have re-signed free agent DT Alfred Malone (Texans). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Texans | Maddox re-signed
Mon, 2 Apr 2007 22:01:05 -0700

The Associated Press reports the Houston Texans have re-signed free agent DT Anthony Maddox (Texans). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Texans | Bulman re-signed
Mon, 2 Apr 2007 21:57:49 -0700

The Associated Press reports the Houston Texans have re-signed free agent DT Tim Bulman (Texans). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Texans | Cochran re-signed
Mon, 2 Apr 2007 21:55:23 -0700

The Associated Press reports the Houston Texans have re-signed free agent DE Earl Cochran (Texans). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Texans | Steele re-signed
Mon, 2 Apr 2007 21:49:23 -0700

The Associated Press reports the Houston Texans have re-signed free agent TE Ben Steele (Texans). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Texans | S. Jackson re-signed
Mon, 2 Apr 2007 21:45:34 -0700

The Associated Press reports the Houston Texans have re-signed free agent OT Scott Jackson (Texans). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Texans | D. Anderson re-signed
Mon, 2 Apr 2007 21:35:03 -0700

The Associated Press reports the Houston Texans have re-signed free agent WR David Anderson (Texans). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Texans | McCleon re-signed
Mon, 2 Apr 2007 21:32:03 -0700

The Associated Press reports the Houston Texans have re-signed free agent DB Dexter McCleon (Texans). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

mardigan

04-03-2007, 12:54 PM

Bengals | G. Brooks signs
Mon, 2 Apr 2007 20:17:15 -0700

Mark Curnutte, of the Cincinnati Enquirer, reports restricted free-agent CB Greg Brooks (Bengals) has signed his one-year tender from the Cincinnati Bengals. The deal is worth $850,000.

mardigan

04-03-2007, 12:57 PM

7. Minnesota Vikings – Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson.

No way that happens, they will take Landry or maybe even an end because Erasmus is still hurt

mardigan

04-03-2007, 01:31 PM

Jones: I got jumped before Porter hit meESPN.com news services

Cincinnati Bengals left tackle Levi Jones is still sporting a gash over his left eye from an altercation in a Las Vegas casino two weeks ago.

Porter
Jones
And he says ex-Steelers linebacker Joey Porter is not the only one to blame.

Jones told the Cincinnati Enquirer that he was jumped by six other men from behind before Porter hit him. Porter, now with the Miami Dolphins, was cited by police for misdemeanor battery and released. Police said the players, rivals on the field, exchanged trash talk at a casino blackjack table before the fracas.

Jones called it a "cowardly act," the Enquirer reported.

"[Porter] got my attention from the front and wouldn't get near me until the six guys jumped me from behind, [then] he took part," Jones told the Enquirer. "What started everything was the dude hit me from behind. From then on, I had to protect myself. I was attacked by seven guys. I don't know what man is going to withstand that, especially with an NFL player involved."

"It was like that, it was problematic for me and my family, especially when the true story wasn't out there," Jones told the newspaper. "The particulars about how everything went down, I mean, ESPN, all they wanted to report was Joey Porter hit me in the face."

Jones, who did not need stitches, would not say if he would file a civil suit, the Enquirer reported.

"We'll see how it plays out," he told the newspaper.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this story.

mardigan

04-03-2007, 02:31 PM

NFL | O. Smith applies for reinstatement
Tue, 3 Apr 2007 12:18:12 -0700

Kevin Seifert, of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, reports unrestricted free-agent RB Onterrio Smith (Vikings) has applied for reinstatement to the league after a two-year suspension

mardigan

04-03-2007, 03:06 PM

Updated: April 3, 2007, 3:40 PM ET
Bears tell Redskins draft pick swap won't doBy John Clayton
ESPN.com

Briggs
A proposed trade sending Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs to the Redskins is in trouble after the Bears turned down Washington's proposed swap of draft picks.

Last week, the Redskins made a one-time offer for Briggs, offering to swap their first-round draft pick, the sixth overall, for the Bears' No. 31 overall pick. The Redskins offer was take-it-or-leave it, and they told the Bears that they wanted an answer no later than Tuesday.

The Redskins got their answer Tuesday afternoon when Bears general manager Jerry Angelo contacted the Redskins and told them he wasn't ready to make the simple swap of first-round draft choices.

The Bears had been hinting they might ask for an additional Redskins linebacker to make the trade, but the Redskins made it clear to the Bears on Monday that if they asked for more than the proposed draft-pick swap, the trade talks were over.

Briggs, the Bears' franchise player, reacted angrily to receiving the team's franchise tag and at first said he'd never play for the Bears again. He is now threatening to hold out the first 10 regular season games of 2007. The Bears want to keep Briggs for one season.

The next move for the Redskins to determine if they want to move on and work on other options for the No. 6 pick in the draft. From the Bears standpoint, though, they still believe there is a chance of making a deal for Briggs with the Redskins before the NFL draft.

John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

04-03-2007, 03:22 PM

Updated: April 3, 2007, 4:14 PM ET
Bucs land Falcons OG LehrBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have been seeking a veteran offensive guard for much of the offseason, on Tuesday filled that need, signing unrestricted free agent Matt Lehr, who played the past two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.

The six-year veteran is a solid in-line blocker and figures to vie for the No. 1 job at left guard, where incumbent Dan Buenning is still recovering from knee surgery that cut short his 2006 season. Davin Joseph, the team's first-round pick in 2006 and regarded by many as a potential Pro Bowl-caliber player, is the starting right guard.

Versatile blocker Sean Mahan, who filled in at left guard when Buenning was injured and who would have vied for a starting job, signed with Pittsburgh as a free agent.

Lehr, 27, has 48 career starts among his 69 appearances, and that includes starting all 16 games with Dallas in 2003 and 15 games with Atlanta in 2005. Lehr was suspended for four games last October for a violation of the NFL's steroid policy. He returned from the sanction to reclaim his starting job on a Falcons' line that helped the team leading the NFL in rushing for a second straight year.

The former Virginia Tech standout was the Cowboys' fifth-round choice in the 2001 draft. He has played in Dallas (2001-2003). St. Louis (2004) and Atlanta (2005-2006).

Tampa Bay officials were tentatively scheduled to meet this week with unrestricted free agent offensive lineman Cooper Carlisle, a seven-year veteran from the Denver Broncos. It is not known how the addition of Lehr will affect that meeting.

Details of the contract Lehr signed in Tampa Bay were not yet available.

mardigan

04-03-2007, 03:25 PM

Schaub, Johnson jell quickly with TexansAssociated Press

HOUSTON -- Andre Johnson and Matt Schaub stood on the practice field Tuesday chatting and laughing, smiles planted firmly on their faces.

It didn't take long for the Houston Texans' quiet Pro Bowl receiver to warm up to his new quarterback. On the first day of Houston's voluntary offseason workouts, the two looked like old friends.

"Every time we see each other we're just talking, trying to learn things about each other," Johnson said.

Many of the Texans joined Johnson and Schaub at the 45-minute conditioning workout, including last year's top draft pick Mario Williams and newly acquired running back Ahman Green.

Schaub came to Houston to replace David Carr in a trade March 22. Johnson thinks he's already got a feel for the former Falcons backup in the short time since then.

"Just from looking at the way he walks around the locker room and things like that, you can tell he's a leader," Johnson said. "That's something you want to have at the quarterback position."

It's one of the qualities Texans officials touted in Schaub, who has started just two games in his three-year career. He's serious about making Houston his team and has already began work on becoming a leader.

The respected but unproven player signed a six-year deal worth $48 million.

"I think this is the time of the year to do it," he said. "It's hard to start that once the season gets going because everything comes so quick and you've got to prepare for the games. It's ... getting to know one another on the field and asserting that leadership in the offseason rather than waiting for the season."

Schaub feels lucky to be moving into his first starting role in an offense that features Johnson.

"It's fantastic," he said. "It's a quarterback's dream to have a guy like that on the outside that can make people miss, go up and catch the deep ball and is fast like him. He's just a great asset to have."

While Johnson, who made his second Pro Bowl last season after catching a career-high 103 passes for 1,147 yards, embraced his new quarterback, he also shared some thoughts about the old one.

He said it was disappointing that Carr, who was the first pick in the 2002 draft, wasn't able to succeed in Houston and offered an opinion why. Johnson was the third overall pick in 2003.

"From my first year here, I think it was the way he was coached," Johnson said. "My first couple of years here he was pretty much just told where to throw the ball at, and a lot of people didn't know that. He was never really taught to go through reads and things like that. Once coach [Gary] Kubiak came in, that was his big thing, teaching him how to go through reads. So it was like he was starting all over again."

The Texans hoped Carr would blossom under the tutelage of Kubiak, a former quarterback, but he again struggled and Houston went 6-10 for its fifth losing season.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

04-03-2007, 03:29 PM

Dolphins | Team trades Mare
Tue, 3 Apr 2007 13:16:58 -0700

ESPNews reports the Miami Dolphins have traded PK Olindo Mare to the New Orleans Saints for a sixth-round pick in the 2007 NFL draft.

mardigan

04-03-2007, 03:35 PM

Packers | Holiday re-signs
Tue, 3 Apr 2007 13:29:20 -0700

Tom Silverstein, of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, reports the Green Bay Packers have re-signed exclusive-rights free-agent WR Carlyle Holiday to a one-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.

mardigan

04-03-2007, 04:50 PM

Rams | M. Brown released
Tue, 3 Apr 2007 14:45:58 -0700

Jim Thomas, of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reports the St. Louis Rams have released LB Michael Brown.

mardigan

04-03-2007, 04:50 PM

Seahawks | Weaver re-signs
Tue, 3 Apr 2007 14:39:32 -0700

Clare Farnsworth, of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, reports exclusive-rights free-agent RB Leonard Weaver (Seahawks) has signed his tender offer from the Seattle Seahawks.

Seahawks | Terrill re-signs
Tue, 3 Apr 2007 14:38:56 -0700

Clare Farnsworth, of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, reports restricted free-agent DL Craig Terrill (Seahawks) has signed his tender offer from the Seattle Seahawks.

mardigan

04-03-2007, 04:51 PM

Updated: April 3, 2007, 5:30 PM ET
Pats have seven days to match Sauerbrun's dealBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Three-time Pro Bowl punter Todd Sauerbrun on Tuesday reached a one-year contract agreement with the Denver Broncos, the team that released him five months ago. But that doesn't mean that the controversial Sauerbrun, who played the final two games of the 2006 season with the New England Patriots, should start packing his bags.

Sauerbrun
Although he is a vested veteran, with 12 years of NFL experience, Sauerbrun agreed to an individually negotiated right of first refusal with the Pats, when he signed a one-year deal in late December. Translation: New England will have seven days, from the time the contract is officially filed with the NFL offices, to match it.

Such rights of first refusal, especially for such a longtime veteran, are uncommon. They are not, however, unheard of.

If the Patriots match the contract, they inherit its terms. Should they decline to match it, Sauerbrun will be permitted to rejoin the Broncos, for whom he punted in 2005.

Details of the agreement, first reported by the Boston Globe, were not yet available. It is not known, for instance, if the contract includes a poison pill stipulation that would make it more difficult to match. It is believed to feature a no-trade clause.

Sauerbrun, 34, has been one of the league's premier kickers, but also a lightning rod, for much of his career. He was among the former Carolina Panthers players alleged to have purchased supplements from a Columbia, S.C., doctor. Last summer, the NFL suspended Sauerbrun four games for a violation of the steroid abuse policy.

When he returned from his suspension, the Broncos released Sauerbrun, and instead used second-year veteran Paul Ernster as their punter. Sauerbrun likely would vie with Ernster, who averaged 41.7 yards gross and 36.6 yards net in '06, for the No. 1 job in camp if he ends up with the Broncos for a second tour of duty.

After his release last October, Sauerbrun auditioned for several franchises, then signed with the Patriots, who has lost veteran punters Josh Miller (shoulder) and Ken Walter (foot) to injuries. He punted in two games for the Pats and also in the playoffs.

A former West Virginia University star, Sauerbrun has appeared in 164 games with Chicago (1995-99), Kansas City (2000), Carolina (2001-2004), Denver (2005) and New England (2006). Sauerbrun's career gross average is 44.0 yards and his net average is 36.0 yards. He has 250 punts inside the 20-yard line and only 102 touchbacks.

Sauerbrun has also handled kickoff chores at various times in his career. His kickoff average is 62.0 yards and he has 60 touchbacks on 475 kickoffs.

Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

Pugglekicker_21

04-03-2007, 05:30 PM

Dolphins | Team trades Mare
Tue, 3 Apr 2007 13:16:58 -0700

ESPNews reports the Miami Dolphins have traded PK Olindo Mare to the New Orleans Saints for a sixth-round pick in the 2007 NFL draft.

Did Carney retire?

HOUSTON -- Andre Johnson and Matt Schaub stood on the practice field Tuesday chatting and laughing, smiles planted firmly on their faces.

It didn't take long for the Houston Texans' quiet Pro Bowl receiver to warm up to his new quarterback. On the first day of Houston's voluntary offseason workouts, the two looked like old friends.

wont matter if schaub spends more time on his ass...

7. Minnesota Vikings – Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson.

No way that happens, they will take Landry or maybe even an end because Erasmus is still hurt

they're jusy dying for Rnady in Minnesota. Offensive firepower is where id go if i where them, but after calvin johnson is gone....

id think more towards minny than carolina if i were carr, better line and only a few offensive weapns away from challenging da bears

mardigan

04-03-2007, 05:39 PM

Broncos | Team, Sauerbrun reach agreement
Tue, 3 Apr 2007 15:25:25 -0700

Len Pasquarelli, of ESPN.com, reports the Denver Broncos have reached agreement with unrestricted free-agent P Todd Sauerbrun (Patriots) on a one-year deal, according to the Boston Globe. Since Sauerbrun gave the New England Patriots the first right of refusal, the Patriots can match the offer within a week after it is filed with the NFL offices.

mardigan

04-03-2007, 06:44 PM

Texas released former No. 1 pick Carr in MarchAssociated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Free agent David Carr traveled to North Carolina on Tuesday to visit with a Panthers team in need of a backup quarterback.

Carr, the No. 1 overall pick by expansion Houston in the 2002 draft, was released by the Texans last month. His agent, Mike Sullivan, did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment. Carolina general manager Marty Hurney does not comment on free-agent visits.

Carr completed 60 percent of his passes with the Texans, but threw 65 interceptions and was sacked 249 times in five seasons. Some believe Carr could flourish behind a better offensive line. Carr is also expected to visit Seattle this week.

The Panthers are looking for a backup behind Jake Delhomme after releasing Chris Weinke last month. The Panthers have also shown interest in former Miami quarterback Joey Harrington.

The Panthers, who have been quiet during the free-agency period, are about $9 million under the salary cap.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

04-03-2007, 06:49 PM

Showing Up
Despite Hand Injury, Owens Arrives For Workouts

Nick Eatman - Email
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
April 3, 2007 6:17 PM

Terrell Owens did some conditioning work at Valley Ranch on Tuesday.
IRVING, Texas - When the Cowboys began their off-season conditioning program last week, there were only a handful of absentees from some 60 players on the roster.

One of them was wide receiver Terrell Owens, who has been in Miami rehabbing a surgically-repaired right ring finger that could keep him out of workouts for most of the off-season.

But apparently, the injury didn't prevent him from showing up to Valley Ranch and at least attempting to learn some of the new plays in Jason Garrett's offense.

Owens was on the field with the coaching staff and other teammates on Tuesday, doing some light running, though catching passes would be an adventure considering the hand injury.

There had been some question just how involved Owens would be this off-season. Not only does he have his own specific regiment and likes to train on his own, Owens' future with the Cowboys hasn't been completely confirmed.

Although team owner and general manager Jerry Jones has consistently expressed his intent to bring back Owens next season, the Cowboys still owe the wide receiver a $3 million roster bonus on June 1. The Cowboys already paid Terry Glenn a $5 million roster bonus on March 3 and Jones has called his wide receiver position one of the team's strengths this off-season, making it sound as if Owens was indeed in the plans for the 2007 season.

While his first season with the Cowboys was surrounded by controversy, Owens still led the team with 85 catches, 1,180 receptions and an NFL-best 13 touchdown catches.

College Visits

With the NFL Draft now less than a month away, the Cowboys are starting to meet a few prospects, including about a dozen who visited Valley Ranch on Tuesday.

With Jones reiterating several times in the last few weeks that he hopes to draft the "best available" player with the 22nd overall pick, the Cowboys could be interested in several different positions this year.

There has been speculation that the Cowboys could possibly take a wide receiver, though Jones called the position one of the deepest on the team. This is considered a strong receiver class with as many seven to eight considered first-round prospects. When the Cowboys get on the clock at No. 22, they could have their choice of receivers such as USC's Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith, LSU's Dwayne Bowe and Tennessee's Robert Meachem.

But a defensive back might be in the cards as well. The Cowboys did sign safety Ken Hamlin to a one-year deal and would like to see how Pat Watkins progresses in his second year. Players such as Florida's Reggie Nelson could be an option.

And since finding quality cornerbacks isn't an easy task, either, the Cowboys might be interested in a corner. Arkansas' Chris Houston and Texas' Aaron Ross might be good fits later in the first round.

The Cowboys have not taken an offensive player in the first round since 1997 when they drafted LSU tight end David LaFleur. The Cowboys have drafted three defensive players in the first round the past two years in linebackers DeMarcus Ware and Bobby Carpenter and defensive end Marcus Spears.