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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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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?
ans | Team agrees to terms with Nickey
Sat, 31 Mar 2007 06:44:02 -0700
The Tennessean reports the Tennessee ans have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with FS Donnie Nickey ( ans). Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed
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).
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.
ans | 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 ans 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.
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.
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.
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 le with 1,815 yards.
"There's no timetable," Smith said. "It could go all the way through the draft."
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.
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
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
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.
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.
ans, special teamer Nickey agree to one-year dealBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
The Tennessee ans 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 ans' 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.
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.
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.
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.
From SI's truth and rumors
If running back Corey Dillon is interested in playing during the 2007 season, the ans 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 ans, but the price for him would be steep. He was tendered at the first and third-round level. The ans 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
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.
Jets | Silva waived
Mon, 2 Apr 2007 13:24:55 -0700
The New York Jets have waived WR Phil Silva.
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