NFL Offseason Thread

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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

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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.

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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 sop re 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.

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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

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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.


???????

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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

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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.

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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

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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 ans 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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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-Cons ution

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 ans 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-Cons ution

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

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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-Cons ution 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 do ents 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.

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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."

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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 compe ion 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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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 in bent 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.

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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.

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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

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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 ( ans) to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.


Lions actually making some pretty good moves this offseason