NFL Offseason Thread

[leemajors]

what's really shocking is the skins still had a first round pick.

[mardigan]

Updated: April 9, 2007, 1:13 PM ET
Former No. 1 pick Harrington agrees to Falcons dealESPN.com news services


The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms with free agent quarterback Joey Harrington on a two-year contract, ESPN's Chris Mortensen is reporting.

Joey Harrington
Quarterback
Atlanta Falcons

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Att Comp Yds TD Int Rat
388 223 2120 12 15 68.2


Financial terms of the deal were not available.

Harrington will replace Matt Schaub as Michael Vick's backup in Atlanta. Schaub signed a six-year, $48 million deal with the Houston Texans last month.

Last season, Harrington played in 11 games for the Miami Dolphins. He passed for 2,236 yards along with 12 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.

Before joining Miami, Harrington played four seasons with Detroit. The former University of Oregon standout was the third overall pick of the Lions in the 2002 NFL draft.

Chris Mortensen covers the NFL for ESPN.

[degenerate_gambler]

what's really shocking is the skins still had a first round pick.

give 'em time...

[mardigan]

Shanahan signs three-year extension to stay in DenverESPN.com news services


DENVER -- Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan signed a three-year contract extension, keeping him in Denver through the 2011 season, the team said Monday.




Shanahan
Shanahan was already the NFL's second longest-tenured coach with the same franchise, behind only Tennessee's Jeff Fisher, and the new deal will further extend his stay. He also holds the le of executive vice president and has near-absolute control of all football-related issues in the franchise.

Financial details of the extension were not available. Shanahan is believed to already have been one of the NFL's highest paid coaches, with a salary likely in excess of $5 million.

Negotiations had been ongoing during the offseason and both Shanahan and owner Pat Bowlen acknowledged during the recent NFL meetings in Phoenix that an extension was likely to be completed before the start of the regular season.



Shanahan, 54, led Denver to Super Bowl victories in 1997 and 1998. Since becoming head coach in January 1995, he has led the Broncos to nine playoff appearances and a 123-69 regular season record.


His victory total with Denver is 11th-best by one coach with one team in NFL history.



Shanahan was head coach of the Los Angeles Raiders from 1988-89 but has spent 20 years with Denver. He joined the team in 1984 and has served as wide receivers coach, quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator.

ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

[mardigan]

Falcons release veteran DB MathisBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


ATLANTA -- Veteran defensive back Kevin Mathis, who missed the final two months of the 2006 season with the second serious neck injury of his career, was released on Monday by the Atlanta Falcons in a move that had been anticipated.



Mathis

It is not yet known if Mathis, 32, will attempt to continue his career with another team. Sources said he would have had trouble passing his physical examination with the Falcons, who begin a mandatory, three-day minicamp on Tuesday morning.


Mathis suffered a neck injury last Nov. 5 when his head collided with the knee of Detroit return specialist Eddie Drummond on the opening kickoff of the Falcons' road game with the Lions. He was immobilized on a back board and taken from the field on a cart.



It marked the second serious neck injury for Mathis, a 10-year veteran known for his hard-hitting, kamikaze-type style. In 2001, while playing as a nickel back for the New Orleans Saints, he sustained a cervical spine injury late in the season, and it was felt at the time that the injury might end his career.



He returned the following season, signing with the Falcons, and played in 11 games.



Mathis missed the entire 2005 campaign with a knee injury suffered in the preseason. Only twice in 10 years has Mathis been able to play an entire 16-game schedule.



The former Texas A&M-Commerce standout, originally signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted college free agent in 1997, has appeared in 115 games, with 55 starts.



In stints with the Cowboys (1997-99), Saints (2000-2001) and Falcons (2002-2006), splitting his time between cornerback and safety, Mathis has 382 tackles, 11 interceptions, 32 passes defensed and four sacks.



Mathis had two years remaining on his contract and was scheduled to earn base salaries of $900,000 for 2007 and $1.035 million for 2008.



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

[Pugglekicker_21]

IDK if mardigan has done this yet, but here's latest T&R frfom SI.com





Dolphins coach Cam Cameron and general manager Randy Mueller are hitting the road to personally scout the top two quarterbacks in this year's NFL Draft. A source said Cameron and Mueller will visit today with LSU's JaMarcus Russell before heading to meet Tuesday with Notre Dame's Brady Quinn.
-- South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Considering the Broncos don't have picks in the fourth and fifth round, they essentially would have to surrender the bulk of their draft just to get a top-10 pick. Then again, with Houston led by former Broncos Rick Smith and Gary Kubiak, a match could be found in more ways than the draft value chart.
-- Denver Post

Trent Green seems an unlikely addition to the Browns' quarterback position, which continues to be vexing. The Browns have inquired about Green, but many factors stack against them. Two league insiders said last week that Green's most likely destination is Miami, and the Browns' chances are slim at best.
-- Akron Beacon-Journal

If a deal for Michael Turner does happen with Buffalo or Tennessee, it will be on the Chargers' terms. The Bills and ans assured as much when they jettisoned their leading rushers from last season without having a capable replacement on the roster. They ostensibly put all their cards on the table, leaving them no room to bluff down the asking price on Turner.
-- San Diego Union-Tribune

The Broncos are looking for a veteran defensive tackle. A name Denver likely will consider is Carolina's Kris Jenkins.
-- Denver Post

The Jets are scheduled to host Patriots cornerback Randall Gay on a free agent visit that starts tonight and extends through tomorrow.
-- Boston Globe

If a long-term deal cannot be struck, Asante Samuel basically has two options - hold out or play for the one-year tender. If he goes the former route, he could sit until Week 10 so as not to lose a year of free agency, but at the cost of $14,000 a day in fines.
-- Boston Herald

Free-agent guard Cooper Carlisle is expected to visit Oakland as soon as this week.
-- Denver Post




HOLY ....this guy can definetly still play. i dont why carolina wants to get rid of him. he cant have suffered to badly from that injury....if Denver gets him.... , Cutler as QB, Travis Henry and Mioke Bell spiltting carries, Javon Walker, Rod Smith, Brandon Marshall isnt the best WR corps but....Scheffler, the line is old but I'll give it the BOTD...on D, hmmm I'll say they wont trade up for Joe Thomas and take Jarvis Moss at 21....then Jenkins...the fastest LBs in the NFL...Williams, Gold, Wilson....Cahm Bailey, Dre Bly....John Lynch in the box stuffing the run...then maybe a ballhawker at SS, and the Chargers have to watch their backs for these guys.....

[mardigan]

Updated: April 10, 2007, 12:23 PM ET
Barnett agrees to six-year extensionBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


Standout middle linebacker Nick Barnett, the Green Bay Packers' leading tackler in three of his four seasons with the club, on Tuesday agreed to a six-year contract extension, a deal that will keep him off the free agent market next spring.

Nick Barnett
Linebacker
Green Bay Packers

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Tot Solo Ast FF Sack Int
105 62 43 0 2 2


Financial details of the extension were not yet available, but it is likely the guarantees in the new deal total at least $10 million. The extension culminates months of discussions between the two sides, with the negotiations having been ratcheted up in recent days.

Without the extension, Barnett, the team's first-round choice in the 2003 draft, would have been set to enter the final year of his rookie contract, with a scheduled base salary of $1.95 million. Had he played out the original contract, Barnett, 25, would have been eligible for unrestricted free agency next spring, and would have been one of the most coveted players in the market.

Barnett acknowledged earlier in the offseason that he wrestled with the notion of just playing under his current contract, and testing free agency, but conceded his priority was to remain with the Packers organization.

The former Oregon State standout has been a starter since the day he was drafted, and has appeared in all but two games in four seasons, all 62 of them as the Green Bay starting middle linebacker. There are some personnel people in the league who feel Barnett is actually better suited to the weakside linebacker position, but there is no denying that he has prospered in the middle, where the Packers probably will keep him.

He is valuable to a Green Bay defense that returns all 11 starters in 2007, not just because of his physical skills-set, but because of his knowledge of the overall scheme. As evidenced by his well-rounded statistics, Barnett is a three-down defender who, unlike most middle linebackers, does not have to leave the field in passing situations.

Barnett has 631 career tackles and led the team in that category each of his first three seasons before finishing second to then-rookie A.J. Hawk in 2006. Barnett also has eight sacks, seven interceptions, 29 passes defensed, one forced fumble and six recoveries.

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

[mardigan]

Colts | Team has spoken with agent for Barlow
Tue, 10 Apr 2007 08:25:45 -0700

The Indianapolis Star reports the agent for free-agent RB Kevan Barlow (Jets) has spoken with the Indianapolis Colts. "We've talked some. But nothing's imminent," Doug Hendrickson, Barlow's agent, said. "Right now, they want to get through the draft and see where they are."

[mardigan]

Cardinals | Team makes offer to P. Sirmon
Tue, 10 Apr 2007 07:43:01 -0700

Jim Wyatt, of the Tennessean, reports the Arizona Cardinals have offered free-agent LB Peter Sirmon ( ans) a one-year contract. Sirmon plans to inform the team of his decision Tuesday, April 10.

[mardigan]

Patriots | T. James close to signing with team
Tue, 10 Apr 2007 06:55:05 -0700

Mark Curnutte, of the Cincinnati Enquirer, reports free-agent CB Tory James (Bengals) is close to signing with the New England Patriots.

[mardigan]

Patriots | Team matches offer to Sauerbrun
Mon, 9 Apr 2007 17:15:39 -0700

Mike Reiss, of the Boston Globe, reports the New England Patriots have matched the Denver Broncos' offer to free-agent P Todd Sauerbrun (Patriots). The Broncos and Sauerbrun had agreed to a one-year contract that could be worth up to $1.4 million with incentives, but the Patriots had seven days to match the offer.

[mardigan]

Jets | McCareins may not be with the team next year
Mon, 9 Apr 2007 16:16:23 -0700

Rich Cimini, of the New York Daily News, for the Sporting News, reports New York Jets WR Justin McCareins may be traded or released before training camp. McCareins lost his starting job to WR Jerricho Cotchery and the Jets may not want to pay a backup $2.9 million.

[mardigan]

Updated: April 10, 2007, 1:11 PM ET
Goodell suspends Pacman, Henry for arrestsESPN.com news services


NFL commissioner Roger Goodell handed out the first suspensions under his discipline policy, banning Adam "Pacman" Jones for the entire 2007 season and Chris Henry for eight regular-season games.

The two players are suspended without pay for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy and engaging in conduct detrimental to the league on numerous occasions, the NFL announced.

After they serve their suspensions, each player must apply for reinstatement.

"We must protect the integrity of the NFL," Goodell said. "The highest standards of conduct must be met by everyone in the NFL because it is a privilege to represent the NFL, not a right. These players, and all members of our league, have to make the right choices and decisions in their conduct on a consistent basis."

[mardigan]

Updated: April 10, 2007, 2:03 PM ET
Moon arrested in Seattle suburb for drunken drivingAssociated Press

KIRKLAND, Wash. -- Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon was arrested for investigation of drunken driving after a trooper stopped him for allegedly speeding, the State Patrol said.

Moon, 50, was stopped at about 2 a.m. Friday in downtown Kirkland, State Patrol Trooper Courtney Stewart said Tuesday.

The former University of Washington and Seattle Seahawks quarterback was arrested and taken to the Kirkland Police Department for processing, and was later released. His vehicle was impounded, Stewart said.

The case has been forwarded to King County prosecutors for possible criminal charges, Stewart said, adding that the patrol is not allowed to release the details of Moon's blood-alcohol level test.

Moon played 17 seasons and 208 games in the NFL with the Houston Oilers, Minnesota Vikings, Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs. When he retired after the 2001 season, Moon ranked third in passing attempts, completions, yardage and total offense.

He entered the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, in August, and has been an analyst on Seahawks' radio broadcasts for the past three seasons.

In 1978, Moon led Washington to a 27-20 Rose Bowl victory over Michigan. Before moving to the NFL in 1984, Moon led the Canadian Football League's Edmonton Eskimos to five straight Grey Cup victories.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

[mardigan]

Bengals | Rucker injury update
Tue, 10 Apr 2007 09:45:41 -0700

Mark Curnutte, of the Cincinnati Enquirer, reports Cincinnati Bengals DL Frostee Rucker (shoulder) says he has been cleared 100 percent from a shoulder injury that forced him onto Injured Reserve in 2006.

[mardigan]

Patriots | T. James close to signing with team
Tue, 10 Apr 2007 06:55:05 -0700

Mark Curnutte, of the Cincinnati Enquirer, reports free-agent CB Tory James (Bengals) is close to signing with the New England Patriots.

[mardigan]

More Truth and Rumors

Late next week, the Dolphins will play host to Ted Ginn Jr., his father said Monday. The visit is expected to take place April 19 or 20, Ginn Sr. said. Ginn. Jr., who is far more likely to be available with the Dolphins' ninth overall pick than Brady Quinn or JaMarcus Russell, is a speedy threat with potential to replace Wes Welker as the team's kick returner. -- Miami Herald

The Colts have looked into adding a veteran running back to complement Joseph Addai. The agent for free agent Kevan Barlow said he has discussed his client with the Colts, who are looking to replace Dominic Rhodes in their backfield. -- Indianapolis Star

Redskins officials are in the process of meeting with the top draft prospects, and LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell is scheduled to arrive in town late today. Joe Gibbs said at the recent league meeting that the Redskins had spoken to two teams ahead of them in the draft about the possibility of trading up. -- Washington Post

Offensive tackle Joe Thomas of Wisconsin, one of the top candidates to be taken by the Lions with the second pick in the draft, has scheduled a visit with the Lions on April 20. -- Detroit News

Cornerback is a position the Jets are also looking to address in the draft and they're believed to be eyeing Aaron Ross (Texas), Darrelle Revis (Pittsburgh) and Chris Houston (Arkansas) with their first-round pick (25th overall). All are expected to visit the Jets' training complex later this month. -- Newark Star-Ledger

Patriots officials have talked with free agent cornerback Tory James. The talks could be tied to cornerback Asante Samuel publicly expressing his displeasure with his contract negotiations, as well as the Jets visiting with restricted free agent cornerback Randall Gay today. With both Samuel and Gay having yet to officially sign their tender offers, the Patriots' depth at the position is a bit thin. -- Boston Globe

The Patriots informed punter Todd Sauerbrun that they intend to match the one-year contract he agreed to with the Broncos last week. Last week Sauerbrun told the Denver Post he hoped the Patriots would not match the offer so he could return to Denver. -- Boston Globe

The Patriots have scheduled a predraft visit at Gillette Stadium with Florida State receiver Chris Davis. The 5-10, 181-pound Davis is planning to meet with the Rams today in St. Louis. -- Boston Globe

The Dolphins and Chiefs are currently waiting to see which party blinks in terms of reaching agreement on compensation to finalize a Trent Green trade (the Dolphins were originally offering a seventh-round pick; the Chiefs wanted a second-rounder). -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Former Cowboy Michael Irvin is facing accusations he assaulted a disabled contractor who was hired to install a fountain at his home. The contractor claims that the former player yelled at him and grabbed him during a December dispute over a final payment for the construction work. -- Dallas Morning News

The Giants are one of a number of teams that have inquired about free-agent QB Jay Fiedler, according to someone familiar with the team's plans. -- Newark Star-Ledger

Giants fullback Jim Finn was told by Tom Coughlin that the interest in Vonta Leach was for the sake of increasing compe ion at the position. The reality was if Leach arrived, Finn was headed out the door. the Giants might opt to use a late-round pick on a fullback. There's also the rookie free agent market. -- New York Post

Attempting to add more veteran depth, the Broncos are planning to re-sign wide receiver David Terrell. Terrell was cut in training camp last year after playing for the Broncos in 2005. -- Denver Post

Joey Harrington had met with the Panthers before coming to Atlanta. Because Friday's meeting with the Falcons went so well, he canceled two visits with teams his agent declined to name. -- Atlanta Journal-Cons ution

If nose tackle Grady Jackson shows, will there be acrimony between him and a new Falcons coaching staff that only wants players who want to be there? If he doesn't show, he will be fined and he could influence the thought process heading into the draft. -- Atlanta Journal-Cons ution

Falcons safety Kevin Mathis's career most likely is over following his release after he failed a team-issued physical Monday. Mathis missed the final eight games last season after breaking his neck on a game-opening kickoff at Detroit. It was the second neck injury of Mathis's career. -- Atlanta Journal-Cons ution

Linebacker Lance Briggs, who's threatening never to play for the Bears after having the franchise tag put on him, won't be among those lifting and running under coordinator Rusty Jones. But typically, the Bears have had a participation rate of nearly 100 percent under coach Lovie Smith. -- Chicago Tribune

Although David Carr was a starter for his five seasons with Houston, he said he had no problem with backing up Carolina's Jake Delhomme. -- Charlotte

[mardigan]

Updated: April 10, 2007, 7:00 PM ET
Crumpler has knee surgery; expected back for campBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


ATLANTA -- For the second time in two years, Atlanta Falcons star tight end Alge Crumpler has undergone offseason surgery that will force him to miss some time in the team's conditioning program.


Crumpler
The team announced Tuesday that Crumpler, a four-time Pro Bowl performer and the club's most consistent receiver for much of his six-year career, underwent arthroscopic surgery last Friday to clean debris from his left knee. Crumpler has been forced to contend with swelling and pain in the left knee for the past two seasons.

Last summer, Crumpler had offseason surgery on his left shoulder, and Falcons officials came under fire when they did not divulge the procedure until just before training camp.

Given the timing of the knee surgery, Crumpler was not able to participate in Tuesday's initial mandatory minicamp workout under first-year head coach Bobby Petrino and almost certainly will miss all three days of the session. There is no timetable yet for his return to the field, but it is believed Crumpler will be recovered well in advance of training camp.

Crumpler, 29, has been named to the NFC Pro Bowl squad in each of the last four years and has led the Falcons in receptions for three straight seasons. The former North Carolina star, a second-round pick in 2001, had 56 catches for 780 yards and eight touchdowns in 2006, and is clearly the receiver quarterback Michael Vick trusts the most.

In 94 career games, including 83 starts, Crumpler has 274 receptions for 3,768 yards and 30 touchdowns. Despite being slowed at times by injuries and at times being forced to curtail his practice time, the durable Crumpler has missed only two games in six seasons.

The other tight ends on the roster are Dwayne Blakley, Daniel Fells and Eric Beverly.

In an unrelated development, defensive end Grady Jackson, who is suing the Falcons for defamation and invasion of privacy claiming that club officials leaked to some media outlets reports that he had failed a physical exam, was not on hand for Tuesday's practice. Jackson, who is under contract but would like to have his deal upgraded after a strong 2006 season in which he had 33 tackles, can be fined for his absence.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.

[mardigan]

Texans | Team re-signs Gado
Tue, 10 Apr 2007 17:09:34 -0700

HoustonTexans.com reports the Houston Texans have re-signed exclusive-rights free agent RB Samkon Gado (Texans).

[mardigan]

Buccaneers | Legree released
Tue, 10 Apr 2007 13:19:37 -0700

ESPNews reports the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released DT Lance Legree.

[mardigan]

NFL | Irvin accused of assault
Tue, 10 Apr 2007 13:13:39 -0700

The Dallas Morning News reports former Dallas Cowboys WR Michael Irvin is being sued for allegedly assaulting a disabled contractor at Irvin's home.

[mardigan]

NFL | Changes to personal conduct policy announced
Tue, 10 Apr 2007 13:10:29 -0700

The NFL has announced changes in the educational and discipline parts of the personal conduct policy. The educational changes include a mandatory year-round rookie orientation for all clubs, a mandatory annual life-skills program for all teams, a mandatory briefing for all players from the local law enforcement, a program to enhance drunk driving laws implemented by all teams, and expanded counseling and treatment programs. The disciplinary changes mean club and league employees are held to a higher standard than the players. Policy changes include larger fines and longer suspensions for violators as well as aggressive discipline for repeat violators even if their cases have not been resolved. Also, violators have to comply fully with all programs before returning to active status, and teams will be subject to discipline if one of their employees violate the policy.

[mardigan]

NFL | Sirmon considering retirement
Wed, 11 Apr 2007 07:40:06 -0700

Jim Wyatt, of the Tennessean, reports free-agent LB Peter Sirmon ( ans) is considering retiring from football after seven seasons. Sirmon recently turned down a one-year offer from the Arizona Cardinals.

[mardigan]

Raiders | Team considering trading No. 1 pick in draft
Wed, 11 Apr 2007 07:21:16 -0700

Steve Corkran, of the Contra Costa Times, reports the Oakland Raiders have fielded several trade offers for the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft and may consider trading the pick. "It's a great situation, obviously," head coach Lane Kiffin said. "We're the only ones that control our own destiny. Obviously, we're looking at a number of options with players and also with trades."

[mardigan]

NFL | Moon's blood-alcohol level below legal limit during arrest
Tue, 10 Apr 2007 21:36:04 -0700

Updating a previous item, Mike Sando, of the Tacoma News Tribune, reports former NFL QB Warren Moon was arrested last week on su ion of DUI. State records show Washington State Patrol trooper Joe Gannon measured Moon's blood-alcohol level at .068 percent and .067 percent April 6. Both reading are below the .08 legal limit in the state of Washington. The prosecutor's office has not announced if it will file charges. Charges can still be filed even with both tests under the legal limit. The state could try to show that the person was impaired in a manner that made it unsafe for them to drive.