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February 28, 2009

Cowboys trade for Kitna, sign Brooking

When Tony Romo got hurt and missed 3 games last year, the Cowboys were lucky to go 1-2 in his absence. In fact, their one win during that span was the team's worst offensive output (172 total offensive yards) in a Cowboys' victory.

Brad Johnson, who started those 3 games, was let go this week. So the Cowboys have traded for Jon Kitna, who will back up Tony Romo. In return, the Lions get CB Anthony Henry, who started all 16 games last year.

I'm not sure why Jerry Jones made this move. The Lions were going to release Kitna, who was due a $1 million roster bonus next week. It's an upgrade over the departed Johnson, but who isn't? JJ could have waited a week while not giving up a decent corner.

Henry will likely be replaced in the starting lineup by Mike Jenkins or Orlando Scandrick.

Separately, the Cowboys signed free-agent LB Keith Brooking, who has played his entire high school, collegiate and NFL career in Atlanta. Brooking has had a working relationship with Wade Phillips, who was Falcons defensive coordinator in 2002-2003.

Brooking agreed to a 3-year deal worth $6 million, of which $2.5 million is guaranteed.

LBs Zach Thomas and Kevin Burnett are both free agents.

At the end of the 2006 season, Jon Kitna called out the Cowboys' defense (specifically Terence Newman and Bradie James) on a Seattle radio show before the Cowboys' playoff game against the Seahawks. This was James' reaction:
"Y'all can ask me about Jon Kitna every day from here on out the rest of my life and I will get fired up," James said then. "He talked like we weren't ever going to play them again."
The plot thickens for Hard Knocks Dos...

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:14 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Giants sign Boley to 5-year deal

The New York Giants signed LB Michael Boley to a 5-year contract worth $25 million.

After getting benched in favor of Coy Wire last year, Boley will have the opportunity to compete and likely earn the starting job in New York.

He played on the strong side in Atlanta, but is only 223 pounds and very athletic. His skills are more suited to the weak side where Chase Blackburn started for the Giants in 2008.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:08 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Texans sign Antonio Smith

Free-agent DE Antonio Smith planned to visit many teams as at least 7 teams were interested in meeting with him.

The first team that met with Smith was the Houston Texans. And it was love at first sight.

The Texans signed Smith to a 5-year contract worth $35 million. He received a signing bonus of $12.5 million.
"As soon as I shook hands with coach (Gary Kubiak), I knew there could be something special here," Smith said today. "From the moment I got here, everybody made me feel at home. And now I have a new home."
Smith will play opposite "Super" Mario Williams, the #1 overall pick in 2006.

Smith came on strong in the 2nd half of last season. From November 16th to the Super Bowl, Smith had 5.5 sacks in 11 games. In the past 2 seasons, Williams has 26 sacks (14 in 2007 and 12 in 2008).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:29 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Rams sign Jason Brown to 5-year contract

The St. Louis Rams signed center/guard Jason Brown to a 5-year contract worth $37.5 million. Of that, $20 million is guaranteed.
"We stressed even during the season about getting bigger on the offensive line, more physical, and he fits everything," Rams GM Billy Devaney said. "(Jason's) smart, big, young, and of strong character. The arrow's still going up on him — an ascending player."
Brown was drafted in the 4th round in the 2005 NFL draft by the Ravens and has started 49 games for them. His first 30 starts were at guard and his past 19 starts were at center.

With Brown and perhaps either Jason Smith or Eugene Monroe (both tackles) with the #2 overall pick in this year's draft, the Rams will significantly upgrade their offensive line this off-season.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:54 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Eagles sign Stacy Andrews

The Philadelphia Eagles have signed Stacy Andrews to a 6-year contract.

Andrews suffered a torn ACL against the Browns on December 21st and had surgery on January 7th. Initially he was expected to be out until training camp, but he is ahead of schedule and expects to be ready for mini-camp in June.

Stacy joins his brother Shawn, who was a no-show at training camp last year as he battled depression. Before last season, Shawn Andrews made the Pro Bowl in 2006 and 2007.
“I am very excited," Stacy Andrews said. "We always talked about possibly playing together. Now we have the chance. It’s unreal; I’m looking forward to it."
Stacy Andrews was a 4th-round draft pick out of Mississippi, where he started playing football in his junior year. He's played for the Bengals for the past 5 years.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 02:52 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Matt Cassel traded to Chiefs

The NFL Network is reporting that the Patriots and Chiefs have agreed on a trade to send QB Matt Cassel, who was franchised by the New England, to Kansas City.

The compensation that the Pats will receive hasn't been communicated, but Adam Schefter of NFL Network speculates that it might be a 2nd-rounder this year and a conditional pick next year.

This confirms that Tom Brady is indeed on track (or ahead of schedule) on his rehab. Otherwise, the Pats wouldn't have pulled the trigger this soon. However, the Pats will likely seek a veteran QB to back up Brady.

Also, many were projecting that the Chiefs would select a QB with the #3 overall pick. Now they can focus on a different position like offensive tackle, this year's draft is deep in tackles, or draft someone like Aaron Curry if the Lions or Rams don't draft him.

The Chiefs brought in Mike Vrabel yesterday so now they import leaders on both sides of the ball from the Patriots system to provide leadership.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:59 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Brian Dawkins - Eagles' loss is Broncos' gain

The Denver Broncos have been active in free agency so far.

They have signed Correll Buckhalter and J.J. Arrington to bolster a backfield that was riddled with injuries in 2008. Coach Josh McDaniels, who was OC in New England last year, signed WR Jabar Gaffney and long-snapper Lonie Paxon, who were also in New England last year.

Perhaps the biggest move is signing safety Brian Dawkins, who spent the past 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Dawkins has had a great career and as Eagles coach Andy Reid says, he is "one of all-time greats to play his position." While he definitely isn't playing at the same level as he did during the peak of his career, he can still play at a high level. Dawkins made the NFC Pro Bowl squad and was the NFL's Defensive Player of the Month in December.

More importantly, Dawkins brings heart to a defense that struggled last year.

The Broncos' defense ranked 29th in the league in total defense (374.6 ypg allowed) and 30th in scoring defense (28.0 ppg).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:04 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bills have smartest QBs in league, sign Fitzpatrick

The Buffalo Bills have signed QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, who started 12 games for the Bengals last year, to backup Trent Edwards, the team's starting QB.

Fitzpatrick is from Harvard and Edwards is from Stanford. They may not be as talented as the 1-2 QB punch in Foxboro, but they could outsmart any QB duo in the league.
“It was a little stressful, but a lot of fun too,” Fitzpatrick told Buffalobills.com. “It’s been a long day here in Buffalo, but it’s been a great day getting a chance to meet everybody and talking with coach Jauron for a bit. It’s an impressive organization from top to bottom.”
Last year, Fitzpatrick threw for 1905 yards, 8 TDs, 9 INTs and had a 70.0 QB rating.

The Bills have 2 other QBs on their roster - Gibran Hamdan and Matt Baker, who spent last year on IR. JP Losman became a free agent yesterday.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:45 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jags re-sign Meester and Starks

The Jacksonville Jaguars have made a much smaller splash early in free agency this year. The Jags have re-signed center Brad Meester and CB Scott Starks.

The Jaguars have also added safety Sean Considine from the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles drafted Considine in the 4th-round of the 2005 draft.

Before free agency began, the Jaguars cut Fred Taylor, their all-time leading rusher. Yesterday the New England Patriots signed Taylor. In addition to Taylor, they cut Drayton Florence and Jerry Porter, who were their big free-agent signings last off-season, and DE Paul Spicer.

Players, who have entered free agency, that they won't bring back include LB Mike Peterson, S Gerald Sensabaugh, LT Khalif Barnes and WR Reggie Williams.

Sensabaugh was arrested a couple of weeks ago and Williams was arrested yesterday morning.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:29 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Reggie Williams enters free agency by getting arrested

Jaguars WR Reggie Williams, who became a free agent WR at 12:01 a.m. Friday, was arrested for DWI and possession of marijuana only hours after becoming a free agent.

Williams was charged with 2 misdemeanors and could serve a sentence of 6 months in jail, if convicted.

As a WR, Williams is a big target (6'4" and 212 lbs). But in his 5 seasons since being drafted in the 1st round (9th overall) by the Jaguars, Williams has been somewhat of a bust (no pun intended).

He had his best season in 2007 (629 receiving yards and 10 TDs), but he was disappointing in 2008 (37 receptions, 364 yards, 3 TDs).

To be fair, none of the big, high-draft-pick Jags' WRs have lived up to their size or potential.

But this latest arrest obviously does little to help create demand for the under-performing WR. Fortuntately for Williams, Al Davis runs a football team.

Note: ex-Cowboys QB Quincy Carter was also arrested for DUI and marijuana possession early Friday.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:51 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The spending continues in nation's capital

The Washington Redskins kicked off the free agency period by re-signing DeAngelo Hall to a 6-year, $54 million contract. That didn't merit a press conference because of what they did 5 hours later when they signed Albert Haynesworth to the richest contract for a defensive player in the history of the NFL. Haynesworth became the first non-QB to receive a $100 million contract, which spans 7 seasons.

Last night, the Redskins added another free agent, but this time on offense. Guard Derrick Dockery, who played for the Redskins from 2003-06, agreed to a 5-year contract worth roughly $27 million. The guaranteed portion of the contract is $8.5 million.

The past 2 seasons, Dockery played for the Buffalo Bills, who released him before the free-agency period began.

Yesterday, Dockery visited with the Detroit Lions, who made him offer, however decided to come back to Washington.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:37 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

49ers agree to deal with Spikes and others

The San Francisco 49ers have agreed to terms with LB Takeo Spikes on a 2-year contract. Spikes had 122 tackles and the only 49er who had more was Patrick Willis, for whom Spikes was a mentor.
"I feel like there is unfinished business," Spikes said a day after the season ended. "I never had any regret about any of the teams that I left. But I would have regret if I left this team. It's something I want to be a part of."
The Niners also signed FB Moran Norris and returner Allen Rossum. Norris returns to the Niners after being a training camp casualty in 2008 and his deal is reportedly worth $5 million over 3 years.

Rossum is one of the top returners in the league. Rossum was 6th in kick return average (26.8) and 2nd in punt return average (14.9).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:27 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Lions agree to terms with Maurice Morris

The Detroit Lions have added RB Maurice Morris as a backup RB to starter Kevin Smith. The Lions and Morris agreed on a 3-year deal that is worth $7 million.

While Morris has started some for the Seahawks, he is better suited as a backup. Morris has averaged 4.3 yards per carry last year and over his career.

The Lions are also close to a deal to bring in WR Nate Washington as the #2 WR opposite Calvin Johnson. Washington's agent, Brian Overstreet, says Detroit "...is close to home for him."

I like what the Lions are doing so far this off-season. As bad as they were last year, one might have expected them to make a big splash early in free agency. However, with so many holes to fill, they are looking for value moves early on in free agency.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:13 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Lito Sheppard to Jets for draft picks

The Philadelphia Eagles have finally traded disgruntled CB Lito Sheppard, who had been seeking to be traded since last year.

The Eagles will send Sheppard to the NY Jets in return for a pair of draft picks. The Eagles will get a 5th-round pick this year as well as a conditional pick in 2010. The conditional pick will be a 2nd-, 3rd- or 4th-rounder.

Sheppard, drafted in the 1st-round by the Eagles in 2002, had 18 career interceptions. He had 1 interception last year, but had his career high in 2006 with 6 INTs in 13 games.

The Jets visited with CB Corey Ivy yesterday and will visit with safety Jim Leonhard today. Both Ivy and Leonhard played for coach Rex Ryan last year in Baltimore as did Bart Scott, whom the Jets signed to a 6-year deal yesterday.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:00 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bears signs Omiyale to 4-year contract

Yesterday the Chicago Bears took a first step this off-season to re-build their depleted tackle position. The Bears signed free-agent tackle Frank Omiyale, who spent the last 2 seasons with the Panthers, to a 4-year contract.

Heading into the period of NFL free agency, the Bears had one tackle signed - Chris Williams, last year's first-round draft pick.
"We told (Omiyale) that we wanted to look at him at guard first, but we're not going to limit him in terms of his reps (to) guard,'' general manager Jerry Angelo said during a conference call. "We'll expose him to tackle, which is where he's been predominantly trained, but we want to expose him at guard as well. How it ultimately comes to fruition, I can't really sit here and say.''
The Bears are also talking to tackle John St. Clair, who played left tackle for the Bears last season.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:40 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 27, 2009

Niners ask honeymooning Smith to take pay cut

The San Francisco 49ers have asked that QB Alex Smith, who was the #1 overall pick in 2005, to take a pay cut. The team is in contact with Smith's agent Tom Condon while Smith is on his honeymoon.

He is currently scheduled to earn $9.625 million this season and count $12.3 million against the salary cap.

In essence, the options for Smith are that he (a) take a pay cut and remain with the 49ers or (b) don't take a pay cut, and get cut.
"For us to ask him to restructure, that's kind of a shot," general manager Scot McCloughan said of Smith. "He is under contract for two more years and for us to ask him to take a paycut ... it's kind of a blow to the ego."
Shawn Hill, who started 10 games in 2008, is the team's starter, but coach Mike Singletary and McCloughan have said there will be an open competition at QB.

Smith has a career QB rating of 63.5 in 32 games (he missed all of last year). He has thrown 19 career TDs and 31 career INTs.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:19 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Saints, Vilma agree to 5-year, $34 million deal

The New Orleans Saints had to wait until today to re-sign LB Jonathan Vilma to a new contract, otherwise it would have cost them a higher draft pick as compensation to the Jets. And, in turn, to the Giants from the Shockey deal.

So the Saints waited until today to sign Vilma to a 5-year contract worth $34 million with $17 million guaranteed.
"We made re-signing Jonathan our top priority, and this is an important first step as we prepare for the 2009 season," General Manager Mickey Loomis said in a statement. "Jonathan proved he could come back from his injury and play at a high level and we expect the same or better from him starting this season."
Vilma led the Saints in tackles with 151 and all 11 defensive starters are returning from last year.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:50 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bart Scott gets extra year above original agreement

This morning, the New York Jets and Bart Scott's agent agreed to a deal that would pay him $8 million per season over 5 years. Before Scott signed on the dotted line, the Ravens upped the ante with a 5-year, $42 million offer.

Now the Jets and Scott have come to an agreement again.The official deal between the Jets and Scott is a 6-year contract worth $48 million, with the last year being an option year.

Other former Ravens defensive players could follow. The Jets visited with CB Corey Ivy today and will visit with safety Jim Leonhard tomorrow.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:30 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Rosenfels deal official, Vikings cut Frerotte

If at first you don't succeed...

The deal that would send Houston Texans back-up QB Sage Rosenfels to the Minnesota Vikings for a 4th-round draft pick is official. The Vikings attempted to trade for Rosenfels last year as well.

Rosenfels was signed to a 2-year, $9 million contract.

So is the starting QB job Rosenfels to lose? Most likely so, but that is to be determined.

One guy that won't be starting is Gus Frerotte, who will be released.

Rosenfels passed for 1431 yards in 2009 and had a 79.5 QB rating in his 6 games played. However, he threw more interceptions (10) than TDs (6).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:30 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ravens sign Dominique Foxworth

Today the Baltimore Ravens signed CB Dominique Foxworth to a 4-year, $28 million contract. Of that $28 million, $16.5 million of it is guaranteed.

The Ravens cut CB Chris McAlister, who was "shocked" by the move, earlier this off-season. The Ravens could also lose Corey Ivey, who is a free agent that is visiting with the New York Jets.

Foxworth, drafted in the 3rd round in 2005 by the Broncos, started 10 games for the Falcons in 2008.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:01 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Broncos sign pair of RBs to 4-year contracts

The Denver Broncos can't seem to have enough RBs.

Last year, 7 of them landed on IR: Ryan Torain, Michael Pittman, Andre Hall, Anthony Alridge, Peyton Hillis, Selvin Young and P.J. Hope.

Today the Broncos signed 2 more RBs to 4-year contracts - Correll Buckhalter from Philadelphia and J.J. Arrington from Arizona.

While Buckhalter could be considered the favorite to be the starting RB in 2009, remember this is Denver after all.

Mike Shanahan may have been fired, but New England was Denver-east. Will coach Josh McDaniels, who came from New England, carry on the Denver tradition and frustrate fantasy football owners in 2009? To me, it's a safe bet.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:41 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Chiefs trade for Mike Vrabel

The New England Patriots traded LB Mike Vrabel to the Kansas City Chiefs. In return, the Patriots will receive an undisclosed draft pick.

Vrabel spent the past 8 years of his 12 NFL seasons with the Patriots. He played his first 4 years with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Chiefs GM Scott Pioli joined the Patriots the year before Vrabel did.

Vrabel had a drop-off in production from 2007, his only Pro Bowl season, to 2008. However, he's still a solid player despite his age (33). Vrabel had 12.5 sacks in 2007, but only 4 sacks along with 62 tackles last year.

This move gives Pioli and the Chiefs some veteran leadership from the Patriots way of doing things. The Chiefs are notorious for their collection of whiners in the locker room including some of their most talented players - Larry Johnson, Tony Gonzalez, Brian Waters, etc.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:00 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Kemo re-signs with Steelers despite offer from Jets

Pittsburgh Steelers guard Chris Kemoeatu wasn't a free agent for long.

Today the Steelers signed Kemoeatu to a 5-year, $20 million contract, which is similar to the per-year amount the Jets were believed to have offered Kemo. The deal includes a $3.885 million signing bonus.
"Obviously, he's very happy," said his agent, Ken Vierra. "The Jets were extremely aggressive and professional. At the end of the day, it was an opportunity to win another Super Bowl and stay with his teammates, along with a good, aggressive, solid offer from the Steelers. That was enough to keep him there."
Kemoeatu was drafted by the Steelers in 6th-round of the 2005 NFL draft and became a starter when perennial All-Pro guard Alan Faneca left for the Jets last off-season.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:46 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Titans agree to deal with QB Kerry Collins

The Tennessee Titans have agreed to a deal with their free-agent QB Kerry Collins. It is a 2-year contract worth $15 million with $8.5 in guaranteed money.
“Kerry did a great job for us last year stepping back into the starting role,” said Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt. “He has veteran leadership, tons of game experience and we expect him to continue to play at a high level for us.”
Collins, who replaced the injured Vince Young and remained the starter when Young was healthy, earned a Pro Bowl appearance in 2008. He finished the season with 2676 yards and a QB rating of 80.2.

Collins will be the starter and Vince Young will be the back-up. The team is hopeful that it can re-sign Chris Simms as well.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:35 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ravens up offer to Bart Scott

According to Mark Cannizzaro of the New York Post, who is currently live on phone with the NFL Network's "Team Cam," Bart Scott has not yet signed the 5-year, $40 million offer from the New York Jets.

The Ravens have upped their offer to $42 million and if the Jets want to get a deal done with Scott, they will likely need to increase dollars.

A contingency plan for the Jets would be Ray Lewis, but the Jets would prefer Scott since he's younger. Scott is 28 years old and Ray Lewis is 33 years old.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:27 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Redskins to release Shawn Springs

The Washington Redskins spent a lot of money in the first day of free agency. They signed DeAngelo Hall to a 6-year deal worth $54 million and Albert Haynesworth to a 7-year deal worth $100 million.

The Redskins have informed CB Shawn Springs that they will release him.
"They did what's best for the team, and I'm happy for them," Springs said in a telephone conversation. "I'm going to miss my friends there, but as long as it makes the team better, I understand. I'm a true fan of the sport."
Some teams that might be interested in Springs are the Pats, Cowboys and Ravens.

For the 2nd time in 3 seasons, Springs played only 9 games last year. He finished with 36 tackles, 1 sack and 1 interception.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:03 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Patriots, Baker agree to deal

The New England Patriots are agreed on a deal with TE Chris Baker, who was recently cut by the New York Jets.

The Patriots currently have 4 other TEs on their roster, but the contracts for Ben Watson and David Thomas expire after the upcoming season.

Last year, Baker had 21 receptions for 194 yards. Rookie Dustin Keller came on strong in the second half of 2008, which made Baker expendable.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:41 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Chris Kemoeatu considering offers from Jets, Steelers

Per Rich Cimini of the Daily News, the New York Jets have made an offer to Steelers guard Chris Kemoeatu, who became an unrestricted free agent at 12:01 a.m. this morning. The contract offer is in the $4-million-per-range.

The Steelers are also negotiating with Kemoeatu, who is 6'3" and weighs 344 pounds.

The Jets cut guard Brandon Moore yesterday and, if the Jets sign Kemoeatu to replace Moore, Kemo would be the second Steelers' guard that the Jets signed in as many off-seasons. The Jets signed free agent Alan Faneca last year.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:34 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

CB Leigh Bodden visiting Patriots today

Free-agent CB Leigh Bodden, who was released by the Detroit Lions, will be in Foxboro to visit with the New England Patriots today.

Bodden had 6 interceptions with the Browns in 2007, but only had 1 interception with the Lions in 2008.

As the Boston Herald points out, Bodden was the guy that Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson called the "toughest cover guy in the league" when he had his checklist of corners he would face in 2005.

The top returning CBs on the Pats' roster are Ellis Hobbs, Terrence Wheatley and Jonathan Wilhite.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:22 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Michael Boley to visit with Giants

The New York Giants are going to visit with LB Michael Boley, who has played the past 4 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.

Boley played on the strong side in Atlanta, but only weighs 223 pounds. It's possible that if the Giants sign him, he could move to the weak side.

Danny Clark and Chase Blackburn are currently the starters on the strong side and weak side, respectively.

Peter King of SI reports that Boley could land a contract in the $5-million-per-year range.

Last year, Boley was benched last season in favor of Coy Wire, but Boley has started 52 games in his 4-year career. As a 5th-round pick by the Falcons in 2005, Boley had his best season in 2007 when he finished with 110 tackles and 3 interceptions.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:30 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Kellen Winslow to Tampa Bay for draft picks

As just reported on ESPN's Sports Center, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have acquired TE Kellen Winslow Jr. from the Cleveland Browns. In return, the Browns will receive undisclosed draft picks.

When healthy, Winslow is one of the most gifted TEs in the league. Since being drafted by the Browns in the 1st round (6th overall) in 2004, Winslow has played 16 games twice. He played a combined 12 games in the other 3 seasons (his first two and last year).

In 2006 and 2007, he had 171 receptions and 1,981 yards in 32 games. He also had 8 receiving TDs in those 2 seasons.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:22 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Nate Washington meeting with Lions today

The Detroit Lions will meet with free-agent WR Nate Washington today. Contract talks are in preliminary stages and Washington might visit with other teams as well.
“That gives the Lions a one-two punch that can compete with anybody in the league,” said Brian Overstreet, Washington’s agent.
To be fair, pairing virtually any WR with the Lions Calvin Johnson creates a nasty 1-2 punch.

But as the Steelers' #3 WR in 2008, Washington, who had 40 receptions, 631 receiving yards and 3 TDs in 2008, led the Steelers in receiving average (15.8 yards/catch).

With the double teams that Johnson will receive, Washington is a big-play WR that would see lots of single coverage.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:35 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Giants Butler to visit Rams

According to Fox Sports, free-agent strong safety James Butler is visiting with the St. Louis Rams Friday.

Butler started 26 games in the past 2 seasons with Steve Spagnuolo as Giants defensive coordinator. Spagnuolo, who is now head coach in St. Louis, is looking to upgrade the Rams at strong safety.

The team franchised free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe this off-season.

Last year, Todd Johnson and Corey Chavous, who was benched mid-season, started at SS for the Rams.

Butler earned $1,420,840 in 2008.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:28 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bart Scott to the Jets, Lewis done in Baltimore?

Free-agent LB Bart Scott is meeting with the Jets today and is expected to sign a deal in the $8 million per year range.

The NFL Live (ESPN) guys interviewed Scott early this morning after free agency began and Scott sang the praises of his former defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, who is now the Jets head coach.
"I got a special place in my heart for those guys because they are the guys that gave me the chance and taught me how to play defense," Scott told ESPN via phone. "I was the happiest man in the world when he got the job because I felt it was long overdue.

"We always have a great time with Rex and the guys that helped kind of mature me from undrafted to what I am now. So they're just as much a part of my success as I am."
After the Ravens designated Terrell Suggs as their franchise player, it was expected that the Jets would pursue either Scott or fellow LB Ray Lewis. In either case, it makes a lot of sense to bring one of those guys into the system to help teammates and be a leader in the locker room.

Suggs suggested that he, Scott and Lewis accept a "hometown discount" to all remain in Baltimore, but Suggs could end up being the only 1 of 3 to play for the Ravens in 2009. Per Adam Schefter of the NFL Network, a source told him that Lewis won't return to the Ravens even if he has to retire.

Scott was undrafted out of Southern Illinois and has spent his entire 7-year career with the Ravens.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:24 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fat Albert's pockets are over-flowing; the $100-million man

Free-agent DT Albert Haynesworth has become the first-ever defensive player to sign a $100-million contract. It was reported soon into free agency that his phone was "blowing up" with offers. The best was from the Washington Redskins for the 7-year deal.

Per Adam Schefter of NFL Network, the contract includes $41 million guaranteed in the first 3 years of the deal. And the deal could reach $115 million.

Per John Clayton of ESPN, the final decision came down to the Redskins offer and an offer from the Buccaneers.

One of the biggest question marks surrounding Haynesworth was how will be play when he's not playing for a contract. He was designated with the franchise tag by the Titans the past 2 seasons so both years, in which he absolutely dominated, were contract years.

Haynesworth led DTs in sacks last season (8.5) and his absence over the past 2 seasons - 5 games (1-4) - showed his value to the Titans.

With the exception of his rookie season (2002), Haynesworth hasn't played a full season. The Titans selected Haynesworth with the 15th overall pick in the 2002 NFL draft.

We'll see if Haynesworth remains the dominant DT that he has been recently or if he can put together 16-game seasons for the 'Skins. However, it's hard to believe that he will live up to the size of this contract.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:45 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Brian Waters wants out of KC

Per Jason Whitlock of the Kansas City Star, All-Pro guard Brian Waters wants to either be traded or released.

Waters, who flew into KC with the intention to meet with the new leadership, was upset that GM Scott Pioli wouldn't meet with him because Pioli felt they had "nothing to discuss." In his conversation with new coach Todd Haley, Haley said that "22 players off the street" could have won as many games (2) as the Chiefs did.

Haley told Waters that he wouldn't release him.

Having signed a 7-year contract extension in 2005, Waters options are fairly limited and straightforward. He can play for the Chiefs in 2009. Or he can play for the Chiefs in 2009. That is, if he doesn't want to retire.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 03:01 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Chris Canty to visit with Redskins Friday

If they are not the favorite, the Washington Redskins are one of the favorites to sign the biggest defensive free agent in football. According to ESPN's John Clayton, it will "be no problem for him to get $15-16 million a year" for Albert Haynesworth.

In case the Redskins don't land the biggest free agent fish, they will visit with DE Chris Canty on Friday.

But Matt Mosley of ESPN doesn't think Canty would be a good fit for the Redskins since Canty has been playing in a 3-4 scheme. He thinks he would fit better with the 'Fins.

The 'Skins ranked 28th in the league in sacks in 2008. In his 4 seasons with the Cowboys, Canty, who was selected by the Cowboys in the 4th round of the 2005 NFL draft, has 10 career sacks including 3 sacks in 2008.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 02:15 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fred Taylor to sign with Patriots?

Per Shalise Manza Young of The Providence Journal, Fred Taylor is going to sign with the New England Patriots.

Taylor, who was released by the Jaguars this off-season, visited with the Bills and Patriots in back-to-back days. According to the report, both teams made offers to Taylor.

Taylor is one of the most underrated RBs in the NFL history. He made his first Pro Bowl last year despite rushing for 11,271 career rushing yards, which ranks him 16th on the all-time rushing list.

Signing with the Patriots would allow Taylor to play for the team that is the pre-season favorite to win the Super Bowl. And the Pats are likely to be in the hunt for the remainder of Taylor's playing career.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:27 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ron Bartell to meet with Saints

CB Ron Bartell, who started for the St. Louis Rams for the past couple of years, will visit with the New Orleans Saints Friday.

Bartell, who is a bigger CB (6'1" and 209 pounds), can defend against bigger WRs.

The Saints get back Tracy Porter, the Saints second-round pick in 2008, and Mike McKenzie from injuries.

Last year, the Saints were in the bottom 10 against the pass (221.7 passing yards allowed per game).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:12 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jets re-sign FB Tony Richardson

NY Jets FB Tony Richardson paved the way for Thomas Jones to rush for an AFC-leading 1,312 yards. Jones also had 13 rushing TDs.

When the 49ers hired Jimmy Raye as their offensive coordinator from the Jets, there was speculation that Richardson might follow him.

But Adam Schefter is reporting that the Jets re-signed Richardson to a 1-year contract that is believed to be worth $500,000.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:57 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

'Skins to pursue Derrick Dockery

The Washington Redskins have already made a big deal by signing CB DeAngelo Hall to a 6-year contract.

According to Matt Mosley of ESPN, the Redskins will pursue a deal with guard Derrick Dockery, who was released by the Buffalo Bills Thursday.

Dockery began his NFL career with the Redskins and was drafted by the team in the third round of the 2003 NFL draft.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:48 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

DeAngelo Hall gets 6-year, $54 million deal

The Washington Redskins were the first to make a splash in free agency by re-signing CB DeAngelo Hall.

The 6-year contract is worth $54 million including $22.5 million of guaranteed money.

Hall, who was released by the Oakland Raiders mid-season, had 5 interceptions in 2008 including 2 picks in the 7 games he spent with the Redskins. He has 22 interceptions in his 5-year career.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:40 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Steelers release Simmons, tender Colon

The Pittsburgh Steelers released guard Kendall Simmons, who was the Steelers' first-round draft pick in 2002. He will become an unrestricted free agent.

The Steelers issued a first-round tender for tackle Willie Colon. He will earn a salary of $2,198,000 unless he signs elsewhere. If he signs elsewhere, the Steelers would have the ability to match the offer. If they don't match it, they would receive a first-round pick as compensation.

FB Sean McHugh and CB Anthony Madison received tenders of $1.01 million. The Steelers receive a 7th-round pick as compensation for McHugh and no compensation for Madison (since he was undrafted) if they sign elsewhere.

The Steelers also released LB Mike Humpal, who spent last year on injured reserve.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:30 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Shaun Rogers asks to be released/traded

In his first season with the Cleveland Browns, NT Shaun Rogers made the Pro Bowl. Rogers had 75 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 2008.

Will he be back for a 2nd season with the team?

Per the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Rogers has asked to be released or traded after being/feeling snubbed by new head coach Eric Mangini. A directive indicating Rogers can't participate in the off-season program unless he makes weight (350 pounds) has alienated Rogers as well.

The Browns don't intend on releasing Rogers, but if they did release him, Rogers would count $9.7 million towards the salary cap. Rogers is due a $6 million bonus next month, but would prefer to be released.

Maybe Rogers is a little over sensitive, but it's not that hard for Mangini to reach out to the Browns' best defensive player.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:08 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 26, 2009

Bills cut Dockery and Royal

The Buffalo Bills have released LG Derrick Dockery and TE Robert Royal.
“These business decisions are never easy, especially when you are talking about two great individuals in both Derrick and Robert,” Buffalo’s chief operating officer, Russ Brandon said in a statement. “We thank them for their hard work and dedication in their time as Buffalo Bills and wish them the best of luck in the future.’’
Dockery, who signed a 7-year, $49 million contract in 2007, will count $5.4 against the cap this year. That saves them $450,000 against the cap plus the Bills won't have to pay Dockery a $1.75 million roster bonus. Royal would have earned $1.5 million in 2009.

The top free agent guards are Chris Kemoeatu of Pittsburgh and Pete Kendall of the Jets. LJ Smith of Philadelphia is the top free agent TE.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:36 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

2nd-round tenders for 4 Cowboys RFAs

The Dallas Cowboys have placed 2nd-round tenders on 4 of their restricted free agents: WRs Miles Austin and Sam Hurd, OL Cory Procter and DE Stephen Bowen.

The Cowboys will pay all 4 players a 2009 salary of $1.545 million unless another team signs them. If another team signs any of the players, they would have to compensate the Cowboys with a 2nd-round pick.

TE Tony Curtis will become an unrestricted free agent.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:18 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ken Lucas just says "no" to Detroit

The Carolina Panthers tried to trade CB Ken Lucas to the Detroit Lions. However, per Adam Schefter of the NFL Network, Lucas has said that he wouldn't play in Detroit.

The teams have discontinued trade discussions around Lucas and he may be cut. He is due a base salary of $5.6 million in 2009 and the Panthers would save $2.375 million against the cap if they were to release Lucas.

According to Schefter, the Panthers have the least salary-cap flexibility of any NFL team heading into free agency.

Lucas had 60 tackles, 2 interceptions and 1 broken nose in 2008.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:44 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Brad Johnson out, Rex Grossman in?

The Dallas Cowboys have released QB Brad Johnson. Johnson was scheduled to earn a $2 million salary and was due a $500,000 roster bonus.

When starter Tony Romo was hurt, Johnson looked awful as his replacement. The Cowboys were 1-2, but the win against the Bucs had more to do with the Cowboys defense winning the game in spite of Johnson's performance.

The Cowboys had only 172 yards, the franchise's lowest total ever in a win, in that game including 122 yards passing by Johnson.

The Chicago Bears aren't going to re-sign QB Rex Grossman, who has said that the Cowboys would be the ideal place to be a "back up."
"They've got all the talent at running back, tight end, wide receiver, offensive line, coordinator. They've got everything in place that you'd want. Good weather, new stadium. I'm sure they are going to cover it if it is windy or cold. So that would be the ideal situation to back up. There may be a few others, I'm not sure, but that would be intriguing if I'm in a situation where I have to back up."
Brooks Bollinger, who was moved to 2nd on the depth chart last season, is scheduled to become a free agent.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:47 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jets release Brandon Moore

The New York Jets released starting right guard Brandon Moore today. Moore has started the past 73 games dating back to the 2004 season.

Rich Cimini of the Daily News calls the move "dumb."

The Jets would have owed a $7 million roster bonus to Moore next week. However, per Cimini, Moore's contract was structured to allow the Jets to convert the roster bonus into a signing bonus.

By converting to a signing bonus (which can be pro-rated over remaining years of a contract), Moore would have only counted $2.6 million towards the salary cap this year. The rest of the bonus could have been pro-rated over the other 3 years remaining on his contract.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:08 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Colts keep Jeff Saturday from becoming UFA

The Indianapolis Colts have signed center Jeff Saturday to a 3-year deal. The financial terms of the contract haven't yet been disclosed.

Saturday, who has played for the Colts for the past 9 seasons, has earned 3 trips to the Pro Bowl. During his tenure with the Colts, they have allowed a league low in sacks (178). They also tied a franchise record for fewest sacks allowed (14) last year.

When it seemed likely that Saturday wouldn't return to Indy, there was speculation that the Steelers were going to be the first team that Ralph Cindrich, Saturday's agent, would have called.
“He’s happy to play guard. He started in the league at guard. He told me, ‘I’ll play anywhere,’ “ Cindrich told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “I talked to Jeff after the Super Bowl, and he said if you can get me there, that would be beautiful. This is a Rooney-type of guy if ever there was one.”
If the Colts weren't able to reach a deal with Saturday, he would have become an unrestricted free agent Friday at 12:01 a.m.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:27 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dolphins spend nearly $50 million on 2 safeties

The Miami Dolphins reached a 5-year deal with safety Gibril Wilson, who was cut by the Oakland Raiders on February 20th. Wilson will earn up to $27.5 million, of which $8 million is guaranteed.

The Dolphins also re-signed safety Jeremiah Bell to a 4-year contract worth $20 million. $10 million of the contract is guaranteed.

Last year, Wilson played strong safety with Oakland. But he will move to free safety, which is where he played when he was with the Giants. Bell will stay at strong safety.

After these moves, the Dolphins are estimated to be $12 million under the salary cap.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:57 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 25, 2009

Mike Nugent to become free agent

Kicker Mike Nugent has turned down an offer from the New York Jets and will enter free agency on Friday.
"I have so much respect for the organization and my teammates, but I feel it might be time for me to move on. (General manager) Mike (Tannenbaum), (director of football operations) Ari (Nissim) and the coaches have been incredibly understanding of my decision process and I am really grateful to them."
Nugent was injured in week 1 against the Miami Dolphins. Jay Feely, who will also become a free agent, replaced Nugent and kicked well making 24 of 28 field goals in 2008.

With Nugent hitting the free agent market, the Jets are expected to re-sign Feely.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:29 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Matthew Stafford: "I would love to go to Detroit"

Georgia junior QB Matthew Stafford could be the #1 overall selection in this year's NFL draft.
"I'm being completely honest, and it has nothing to do with money -- I would love to go to Detroit," Stafford said. "My friends say, 'C'mon, gimme a break.' But I'm a competitive guy. The Lions have passionate fans, a great stadium, and I'd be throwing to the biggest freak (Calvin Johnson), with the most talent, of any receiver in the NFL."
This statement is 100% accurate minus the part that is not.

As you say Matthew, "c'mon, gimme a break." To say "it has nothing to do with money" is like Alex Rodriguez saying he doesn't know what was being injected into his body.

I'll give you that CJ is the "biggest freak" and has the "most talent" at WR. Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Johnson are better right now, but in a year or two, I expect CJ to absolutely dominate. Although 78 catches for 1331 yards and 12 TDs when Dan Orlovsky is throwing to you could qualify as domination.

That being said, let's say that the Detroit Lions, who have the #1 overall pick, swap picks with the San Francisco 49ers, who have the #10 overall pick. And the 49ers don't have a bonafide #1 WR like the Lions do.

But do you believe that Stafford "would love to go to Detroit" if Detroit were picking 10th? Me neither. Why? Because it's about the money.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:24 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Giants, Jacobs agree on 4-year deal

The New York Giants have reached a 4-year deal with RB Brandon Jacobs, who was franchised by the Giants on February 13th. The contract is valued at $25 million including $13 million in guarantees.

If the Giants and Jacobs didn't work out a deal, he would have received a guaranteed $6.621 million for 2009. Instead he will earn $5.5 this year and $15 million over the first 2 years of his contract.
"I was confident all along that this was going to get done," Jacobs said in a statement released through the team. "I didn't panic one bit. I know the reason we did it the way we did. I knew I was going to be here. I was super confident, and I am here. I'm happy about it."
Although Jacobs has only played 11 and 13 games in the past 2 seasons, respectively, he has rushed for 1000+ yards both seasons. The 6'4", 264-pound Jacobs also rushed for 15 TDs in 2008.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:09 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jets restructure Coles' contract; Coles to be UFA

The New York Jets have restructured Laverneus Coles' contract to allow him to become an unrestricted free agent. NFL free agency starts Friday.
"I have had the pleasure of getting to know Laveranues since he has entered the league in 2000," Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said in a statement. "He is a fierce competitor, a great teammate and a good friend who has always given his best to the New York Jets. I spoke with him today and expressed my appreciation for his contributions both on and off the field. This move will allow Laveranues to explore his options, and we both agreed to keep the lines of communication open."
Coles was due a guaranteed $6 million for what would have been the final year of his contract. Instead of giving Coles an extension beyond this season, they restructured his contract to allow him to enter free agency. Therefore, the Jets won't be on the hook for $6 million and now have some more cap space.

Coles, who has played all but 2 years with the Jets, has 631 career receptions for 8095 yards and 44 TDs. He will join T.J. Houshmandzadeh of the Bengals and Marvin Harrison of the Colts as the top free agent WRs this year.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:35 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bucs clean house and cut Brooks, Galloway, Dunn, etc.

The new leadership in Tampa says "you don't have to go home, but you gotta get the hell outta here" to some Bucs all-time greats.

In a move that should save the team somewhere around $12-$14 million against the salary cap, the Bucs cut LB Derrick Brooks, WR Joey Galloway, RB Warrick Dunn, LB Kato June and WR Ike Hilliard.
"This is not a money issue. This is not an age issue [or] a youth movement," [Bucs new coach Raheem] Morris said. "It's a direction change. It's where we're going. It's part of the plan."
Brooks made 11 Pro Bowls and was the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2002.

Dunn ranks 19th on the all-time rushing list with 10,967 yards.
"It all started here and now in my second term I know I have been blessed to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer," Dunn said in a statement. "From here I don't know what the future holds, but wherever it goes I go with a full and grateful heart."
Galloway has 682 career receptions for 10,710 yards and 77 TDs while Hilliard has 546 career receptions for 6,397 yards and 35 TDs. 3 of Galloway's 6 1,000-yard seasons came in the past 5 seasons he's been with the Bucs.

June, who was signed to a 3-year deal in 2007, was expected to replace Brooks eventually at weakside LB.
"I'll be honest with you, they've got to possess some of the qualities of the men we just let go," Morris said of what he expects from future Bucs. "We're looking for men like them that will carry us into the new decade."
The Bucs are one of the teams with the most to spend in free agency and there has been speculation they would pursue free-agent-to-be Albert Haynesworth.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:20 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Lookie, lookie - we just found $4 million

When NFL executives went to bed last night, the salary cap was $123 million.

Per Adam Schefter of the NFL Network, teams now have an extra $4 million to spend. The 2009 salary cap will be $127 million. The increase is due to teams not spending "as much as they were supposed to" during the past 3 years under the CBA.

As Schefter points out, that is a huge advantage for the teams that were close to the number such as the Colts and Panthers. On the other hand, it would reduce some of the advantage that teams well under the cap would have such as the Chiefs and Bucs.

In either case, it should make the start of the free agency period and the new NFL year (12:01 a.m. Friday) even more interesting.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:48 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 24, 2009

Lovie Smith on the hot seat?

The Chicago Bears lost to the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLI. Since then, they are 16-16: 7-9 in 2007 and 9-7 in 2008.

As David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune points out, the Bears have plenty of holes to fill including wide receiver, offensive tackle, safety and a pass rusher. But GM Jerry Angelo doesn't plan on making any big moves in free agency to address those needs.

Instead, Angelo expects a change in attitude and thinks the team is constituted in a manner that the team only needs to be tweaked.

Per Haugh, "it essentially tells a head coach such as Smith that the GM believes he has acquired enough talent—now go win. In the case of the Bears, it says Angelo believes the players are good enough to win the NFC North if the coaching staff just can find the best ways to use them."

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:20 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Chiefs make several cuts

The Kansas City Chiefs have parted ways with several players today. Early in the day, they cut CB Patrick Surtain, who was due a $7 million base salary. He would have counted $6.184 million towards the cap this year.

They also cut LB Donnie Edwards, who was due to earn a $5 million base salary in 2009. He would have counted $4.5 million toward the Chiefs' cap number.

The Chiefs also cut QB Damon Huard, who will turn 36 in July. Tyler Thigpen threw 420 of the team's 541 passes in 2008. Thigpen threw for 2608 yards, 18 TDs and 12 INTs. The Chiefs also used a 3rd-round pick in 2006 to draft QB Bradie Croyle from Alabama and many project the Chiefs to take QB Mark Sanchez from USC with the #3 overall pick in this year's draft.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:33 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Marvel Smith to become free agent

In all likelihood, Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Marvel Smith, who finished the 2008 season on IR, will become a free agent on Friday. Smith's agent says that he hasn't heard from the Steelers.

The Steelers franchised Max Starks, who replaced Smith after he was injured last year.
"I haven't heard from them," agent Ken Zuckerman said yesterday. "We're planning that they're moving forward and we're moving forward. That's what we're looking at. They tagged Starks, they're talking to other linemen, so we're assuming that they're moving forward in a different direction and so are we."
The Steelers have a history of not re-signing their 30-something veterans. Priority Sports and Entertainment, which employs Zuckerman, also represents guard Alan Faneca, who left the Steelers last off-season. So, Zuckerman says that he prepared Smith, who's 31, for the inevitable.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:51 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Michael Crabtree re-thinking decision to run

When it was revealed that Texas Tech WR Michael Crabtree, the consensus top-rated WR in the draft, had a stress fracture in his foot, Crabtree insisted that he would run the 40-yard dash at his Pro Day on March 26th and put off surgery to after the 26th.

Now Crabtree says that he is "50-50" on whether he'll run for scouts.

His decision to run or not shouldn't affect his draft status much. Crabtree put up monster numbers at Texas Tech and there is ton of tape available on him. He is still the consensus #1 WR and nobody expects him (healthy foot or not) to post a great 40 time.

If I were him, I would let the tapes speak for themselves rather than risk further injury. If he has surgery now (10-week rehab timeframe), there is a chance he'll be ready for rookie camp and/or OTAs.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:21 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

For Bears and St. Clair, the feelings are mutual

Heading into the off-season, offensive tackle was a position of a need. With John Tait expected to retire, that is even more the case.

Without Tait, the Bears have only Chris Williams under contract and John St. Clair, who just finished the last year of his contract.

The Chicago Bears have made an offer to John St. Clair, who played left tackle last year. Per the Chicago Tribune, the deal is believed to be a 3-year deal, which is what St. Clair is looking for.
"It's great to have dialogue. I don't want to get into whether [the offer] was good or not good. I'll let my agent (Ben Dogra) handle the contract negotiations. He knows what I'm looking for. And he knows I want to be back."
If St. Clair and the Bears don't officially agree to terms of the deal before Friday at 12:01 a.m. ET, St. Clari will become a free agent.
"John St. Clair was big for us even before John Tait retires," Smith said. "He was consistent each week [last season]. … Of course we'd like for him to remain a member of our team."
Last year, the Bears drafted tackle Chris Williams from Vanderbilt in the 1st round, but Williams missed the first 7 games of the season with a herniated disk.

This year, the Bears are expected to start Williams as left tackle and move St. Clair to right side. And they will likely add depth through the draft.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:27 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dan Orlovsky to become free agent

Detroit Lions QB Dan Orlovsky has decided to enter free agency on Friday, when the free agent period officially begins at 12:01 a.m.
"They made an offer, but I'm going to test the market and see what's out there for me," Orlovsky said. "I'm pretty confident that I'm going to get a better offer."
Orlovsky, who started 7 games for the Lions in 2008, wants to be a starter.

A few weeks ago, Mike Furrey, who was cut by the Lions, said that Daunte Culpepper would be the starter this season, but the Lions denied that a decision had been made.

Unless you have a franchise QB such as Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, etc., GMs and coaches are always going to say there is competition at QB.

But most expect Culpepper to be the 2009 Lions starting QB whether or not there is an open competition.
"I told Dan when I talked to him: 'The best player will play,'" [Lions GM Martin] Mayhew said. "'If you come in here and you're the best player to help us win football games, you'll start.'"

"He was a backup last year, he was a backup before that, he's been a backup his whole career. I don't think anybody would be surprised if I thought he was a backup."
And if the team selects QB Matthew Stafford with the #1 overall pick in this April's draft, his fate as a career backup QB would have been sealed if he had re-signed with the Lions.

Orlovsky threw for 1,616 yards and 8 TDs in 2008. He also threw 8 INTs.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:04 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 23, 2009

Brett Favre a possible Emmitt Smith replacement?

Brett Favre has retired from his NFL career again. His next career, provided he's not back in pads in the fall, could be with ESPN.

The network's Executive VP Norby Williamson hopes to meet with Favre next month.
"He's a funny, dynamic guy and would add to anybody's coverage."
If the measuring stick is Emmitt Smith's body of broadcast work, how can Favre be anything but successful?

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:52 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Vikings, Texans close to deal on Sage Rosenfels

Per the Houston Chronicle, the Houston Texans are close to a deal to ship backup QB Sage Rosenfels to the Minnesota Vikings in return for a 4th-round draft pick.

The Vikings are a QB away from being a legitimate Super Bowl contender. The Vikings already have the league's best RB in Adrian Peterson and one of the league's best defenses.

I'm not sure Rosenfels is the answer to the Vikings' QB problems. Their existing QBs (Gus Frerotte and Tarvaris Jackson) would have pushed each other in camp. Adding a third QB that isn't much better or worse than the other two doesn't add much value in my opinion.

Rosenfels, who played 6 games, threw for 1431 yards, 6 TDs and 10 INTs in 2008. And who could forget the "Helicopter" in the 4th quarter of the Colts game in which the Texans blew a 17-point lead?

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:35 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cards, Warner closer to (but still far from) deal?

The Arizona Cardinals and QB Kurt Warner are closer to reaching a deal, but are still off by several million dollars per season per the Arizona Republic. The Cardinals would like to pay in the $10 million/yr range while the Warner camp is seeking $12-$16 million/yr.

Although free agency begins in roughly 72 hours, both sides expect to continue negotiating and Warner has stated that his preference would be to stay in Arizona.

Warner finished 2008 with a QB rating of 96.9, which was 3rd in the NFL. He also threw for 4583 yards (2nd to Drew Brees) and 34 TDs (3rd to Brees and Phillip Rivers). He was 2nd in completion percentage (67.1%) behind Chad Pennington

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:07 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Raiders cut Harris, Griffith

Today the Oakland Raiders cut tackle Kwame Harris and FB Justin Griffith. Both moves will save the team roughly $8.3 million in salary-cap space.

Raiders WR Javon Walker is expected to be released next.

This off-season, the Raiders were able to re-sign CB Nnamdi Asomugha and P Shane Lechler albeit to the richest contracts for their respective positions.

2008 was the first year for Harris and the 2nd year for Griffith with the Raiders.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:38 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Donovan McNabb waiting for more pieces

According to ESPN, Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb and his agent (Fletcher Smith) met with coach Andy Reid and team president Joe Banner before the start of the NFL scouting combine. In that meeting, they "cleared the air" about McNabb's benching against the Baltimore Ravens and held preliminary talks on a contract extension.

With the exception of Terrell Owens, McNabb hasn't had any big-time WRs during his Eagles' tenure. And per the ESPN report, McNabb is going to take a wait-and-see approach to contract negotiations dependent upon the team's upgrades in the off-season.

McNabb currently has 2 more years on his contract and will turn 33 in November.

In his 10 seasons with the Eagles, McNabb has led the Eagles to 5 NFC Championship games including this year's loss to the Arizona Cardinals. He is 1-4 in championship games.

In his career, he has thrown for 29,320 yards, 194 TDs and 90 INTs. In 2008, he broke his own single-season passing yards (3,916) team record.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:17 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jags offer Maurice Jones-Drew contract extension

The Jacksonville Jaguars have offered RB Maurice Jones-Drew a contract extension in the $8 million per season range according to the Florida Times-Union. Per the report, the two sides have agreed to the guaranteed money portion ($20+ million), but not to the total value of the contract.

Jones-Drew, who will earn $535,000 in 2009, will be the unquestioned started for the Jaguars this season.

The Jaguars released Fred Taylor, their all-time leading rusher, a week ago.

Selected in the 2nd round of the 2006 draft, Jones-Drew has scored 40 TDs combined in the past 3 seasons. Only Brian Westbrook and LaDainian Tomlinson have more during that span.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:49 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Colts agree to let Marvin Harrison go

Colts WR Marvin Harrison asked to be released. And the Colts have granted him his request.

The Colts offered Harrison, who had the largest salary-cap number for WRs, a reduced contract. But Harrison didn't accept it.
"Basically, we were not able to come to any kind of agreement, it was not contentious and the Colts have agreed to release him," [Harrison's agent Tom] Condon said.
If the Colts didn't release him, Harrison would have counted $13.4 million towards the cap. Without Harrison, he will count $7.4 million towards the cap (based on pro-rated bonuses that have already been paid).

Harrison ranks #2 on the all-time receptions list and #4 on the all-time receiving yards list. However, Harrison certainly won't earn the $9 million salary that he was due elsewhere considering his diminished production over the past couple of seasons.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:16 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Day cut short for Maualuga and Orakpo

The day didn't go as planned for USC MLB Rey Maualuga and Texas DE Brian Orakpo. Both Maualuga, the top-rated MLB by Scout.com, Orakpo, the #2-rated DE by Scouts.com, were held back by hamstring injuries today at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Orakpo finished 2nd in the vertical jump (39.5"), 3rd in the forty (4.7) and 7th in bench press (31 reps with 225 lbs). According to NFL.com, Orakpo is o.k. and just has a tweaked hamstring.

Maualuga has been bothered by a bad hammy for the past couple of weeks and reaggravated it during his first 40-yard dash. (All players get 2 attempts at the forty.)
“I could feel it for the past two weeks,” Mauluga told the NFL Network’s Scott Hanson. “I just wanted to come out here and compete with the very best. I wanted to show the coaches and scouts I could do everything. Now I’m just going to go to the trainer and get right and hopefully be able to do the Pro Day."
Orakpo's Pro Day is March 25th and Maualuga's Pro Day is April 1st.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:46 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Aaron Curry's draft stock up...#1 overall?

Many project the Detroit Lions to take a franchise QB, specifically Georgia junior Matthew Stafford, with the 1st overall pick in this year's NFL draft. However, after his NFL Scouting Combine performance today, Wake Forest LB Aaron Curry may be changing some minds.

Of course, the most important mind belongs to Jim Schwartz, the Lions new head coach. Curry says he used the lunch he had with the Lions as motivation during his workout today.
“Just to know that they’re considering taking a linebacker No. 1 overall … just that whole thought process is amazing,” Curry said. “I came out here today with that in the back of my head."
He finished first in the following combine drills for LBs: 40-yard dash (4.56), vertical jump (37"), broad jump (10'4") and 60-yard shuttle (11:35).

Curry is the top-rated defensive player of most draft boards and is likely to be selected with one of the top 3-5 picks. He is being labeled the "safest pick" in this year's draft.

Before Curry's combine workout, ESPN's Kevin Siefert asked Schwartz about Curry, who won the Butkus award as the nation's top LB.
He plays 'Sam,' but it was interesting at Wake. He played an on-the-ball 'Sam' linebacker, which not a lot of people play anymore. You have to be really strong. But they also put him out in space ... almost like a nickel back. Those are two almost mutually exclusive skill sets.
It's tough to pass on a franchise QB. But if the choice were mine, I'd go with Curry since the Lions have so many holes to fill and selecting an underclassman QB is risky. (Of course, if Matt Millen were running the show, he'd pick Michael Crabtree.)

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:49 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Agent says Jason Taylor will be back with 'Skins

Washington Redskins DE Jason Taylor will return to the Redskins this season for the last year of his contract. Taylor, who is due a salary of $8.5 million, was acquired from Miami for a 2nd-round draft pick this year and a 6th-round pick in 2010.

The Redskins traded for Taylor on the day DE Phillip Daniels suffered a season-ending injury. However, Taylor was slowed by injuries himself.
"It's tough to play when you're injured, when you can't do the things you always have, and Jason was just dealing with a lot last year," said Taylor's agent, Gary Wichard. "But it is what it is. That's just part of this game, and Jason never made excuses. He's working to be the same Pro Bowler he always was, and he's ready to go."
Last season, Taylor had only 3.5 sacks, which was the 2nd-lowest of his career. He had 2.5 sacks in 1999.

Taylor has 120.5 career sacks in his 12-year career and won the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year award in 2006.

It wasn't only injuries that slowed Taylor though. Switching to a 4-3 scheme that emphasizes stopping the run and that did not give Taylor much flexibility hurt as well.

The Redskins are expected to give him more freedom in 2009.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:24 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Harrison not expected to accept pay cut

Indianapolis Colts WR Marvin Harrison, who is in the final year of his contract, is scheduled to count $13.4 million against the salary cap. No other WR has a higher cap number than Harrison.

Colts head coach Jim Caldwell and Colts President say that Harrison is still the same Marvin Harrison he's always been. However, Harrison has only 80 catches for 883 yards and 6 TDs in the past 2 seasons (20 games).
"I saw a guy who's as quick as he's been,'' Caldwell said. "(He's) still a guy with the outstanding hands that he's always shown, still with the same ability to create some space for himself and get open. What we did not see (was) any diminishing in terms of his skills and ability.''
The Colts are expected to offer Harrison new terms to his contract, but the reports are that Harrison is not likely to accept a reduction in pay.

If Harrison isn't willing to renegotiate a new deal, the Colts should cut him. But it's always a difficult situation when a team has to cut a player who has spent his entire career with one team and has had an all-time great career.

Harrison, who was the Colts first-round pick in 1996, is second all-time in receptions (1102) and fourth all-time in receiving yards (14,580).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:01 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 22, 2009

Raiders to release Javon Walker?

Last year, the Oakland Raiders acquired 3 high-priced free agents: CB DeAngelo Hall, S Gibril Wilson and WR Javon Walker.

The Raiders released Hall mid-season and Wilson last week. According to NFL Network's Adam Schefter, the Raiders are likely to part ways with Walker soon.

Walker is due a $5 million bonus March 3rd. Schefter points out that the bonus is injury-guaranteed and since Walker finished the season on IR, he will file (and win) a grievance. Nonetheless, Walker will count $14.16 million against the cap.

There was a point before the season where Al Davis talked Javon Walker out of retirement and I thought he was crazy.

In the 8 games he played, Walker had 15 receptions for 196 yards 1 TD. It was the second year in a row that Walker only played 8 games.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:36 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Titans increase offer to Haynesworth

With only a few days to go before the free agency period begins on Friday, the Tennessee Titans have increased their offer to free-agent-to-be Albert Haynesworth.

Before increasing their offer, the Titans reportedly offered Haynesworth a deal that would pay him $9 million per year (4 years, $36 million). However, Haynesworth is seeking a deal that would make him the highest paid defensive player in football.

So, by how much did the Titans increase their offer to Haynesworth? That is unknown, but it's not expected that the Titans will give him the type of money he wants and would likely get from another suitor.

Nonetheless coach Jeff Fisher says that the team will continue to try to retain his services even if/after he enters unrestricted free agency.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:18 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Giants will prepare as if Plax won't be back

In a NY Daily News poll asking fans if the Giants should "keep" or "dump" Plaxico, results were split down the middle. Actually, 51% voted that the Giants "dump him."

But Plaxico wants to come back and be an elite receiver again.
"If I only can get back on the field, I want to be the kind of player that I can be," the Giants' coach (Tom Coughlin) said at the scouting combine, quoting what Burress told [WR coach Mike] Sullivan.
That's a big "if."

Plaxico has legal proceedings surrounding the accidental shooting at the nightclub incident at the end of March. If he doesn't land in jail, it's possible that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell could suspend Plaxico.
"I hope he's motivated, but the legal process is what's important right now and his health is what's important right now," Reese said Saturday at the NFL scouting combine. "But we'll prepare as if he's not going to be here, and if he is, it's a bonus."
If the Giants go the free agent route, the top unrestricted free agent WR is T.J. Houshmandzadeh of the Bengals.

The Giants have the 29th overall pick in the first round and this is one of the deepest drafts for WRs in years. As an example, Scout.com has 13 different WRs with 4- or 5-star rankings. The only other position that Scouts has ranked with more 4- or 5-star prospects is CB, which has 15.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:10 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jeff Saturday will become a free agent

According to the Indianapolis Star, the Indianapolis Colts will allow center Jeff Saturday to enter free agency, which begins Friday.

Saturday has played for the Colts for the past 9 seasons and has earned 3 trips to Hawaii (Pro Bowl). In those 9 seasons, he has missed only 6 games due to injury including 4 this season.

Last season, the Colts tied a franchise low with 14 sacks allowed. Only the Broncos and Titans (12 allowed) and the Saints (13 allowed) fared better.

However, during the 9 years that Saturday has been in Indy, the Colts have allowed the league's fewest sacks (178) during that span.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:56 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Will Texans' franchise tag on Dunta Robinson be costly?

The Houston Texans were one of fourteen teams to use the franchise tag this year by slapping the franchise designation on CB Dunta Robinson. However, Robinson feels more like he was slapped in the face.

According to Robinson, he says GM Rick Smith told him they wouldn't use the franchise tag on him. But they obviously did.
...when they [Dunta and his agent] elected to exercise their right in declining our offer to make him one of the highest-paid corners in football, we exercised our option to tag him. It's part of the deal."

"He's upset about it," Smith said. "I understand it. It was a decision we felt like was best for our organization and our philosophy."
If he accepts the tender offer, he would earn a guaranteed salary in 2009 of $9.957 million, which is the average of the top 5 highest-paid CBs in the league.

However, Lance Zierlein of the Houston Chronicle argues that Smith's blunder could cost the team if they want to sign him to a long-term deal since Robinson feels like he's been disrespected. And Zierlein argues that if they don't pay him, Robinson could hold out and be a locker room distraction.

Robinson has only played 20 games in the past 2 seasons. He has 13 career interceptions, 6 of which came in his rookie season (2004), when he was selected 10th overall by the Houston Texans.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:35 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Falcons won't bring back Lawyer Milloy

The Atlanta Falcons have decided to part ways with safety Lawyer Milloy, who has started all but one game in his 3 years with the Falcons.
“We felt as an organization that it was in the best interests of both parties to go in our own directions and let him test the market in free agency,” Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said Sunday. “We feel that Lawyer has been a significant contributor to the Falcons organization both on and off the field. We are very proud to have had him involved here. We wish him all of the best in his future career in football and life outside of football.”
Milloy finished with 92 tackles in 2008 to rank 4th on the team. Keith Brooking, who led the team with 102 tackles, may not be back with the Falcons either unless the Falcons and Brooking restructure his contract.

In his 13-year career, Milloy has been extremely durable. He missed 5 games with Buffalo in 2004 and 1 game with the Falcons in 2008.

During that span, which includes 202 games played, Milloy had 100+ tackles in 7 seasons and 90+ tackles in 11 of his 13 seasons. He also has 25 career interceptions.

Three safeties at the NFL Scouting Combine that might be a possible replacement for Milloy are Alabama's Rashad Johnson, Missouri's William Moore and Western Michigan's Louis Delmas. Johnson and Moore have interviewed with the Falcons this weekend and the Falcons are scouting Delmas closely.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:44 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

ESPN won't bring back Emmitt Smith

Emmitt Smith is/was great at a lot of things.

He's the NFL's all-time leading rusher (see top 15) and will certainly be a first-ballot Hall of Famer next year when he becomes eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

And a couple of years ago, Smith won ABC's Dancing with the Stars with partner Cheryl Burke.

However, he wasn't great at everything. Especially not as an analyst for ESPN, who has decided to not bring back Emmitt next season.
"We thank Emmitt for his contributions to ESPN and work ethic the past two years. We wish him all the best," ESPN spokesman Bill Hoffheimer said.
For a man used to being featured on the "highlights," here are some of his broadcasting "lowlights" from Walter Football's "The Emmitt Smith Anthology" with his commentary:
"If it slip in Week 1, it slip in Week 8." (Commentary: I don't know what slip in Week 1, but clearly the same thing happened in Week 8. Let's just hope that when it slip in Week 15, the verb is actually conjugated.)

"The Jets can only be disrespected by every team in the league" (Commentary: What the hell does that mean? Seriously?)

"The way you perform make them feel about you different." (Commentary: I think Emmitt's brain gathers the words he wants to use and rearranges them randomly.)

"When you are the single or the lone ranger, so to speak." (Commentary: The Single Ranger? Sounds like some porn movie. And who says, "When you are the lone ranger, so to speak?" Who speaks that way, exactly?)

"You cannot change the stripes of a leopard." (Commentary: Now, Emmitt, repeat after me. A cow says moooo...)

"That can be a swing their way eventually. I just hate to be the team that they winned it against." (Commentary: Let's see... butcher the English language, add an article where you don't need one and make up a word called "winned." Just another day in the life of Emmitt.)
As a life-long Cowboys fan, it's good to see Emmitt leave the studio. There are other ex-NFL players who are broadcasters and bad at it, but Emmitt took it to a whole new level.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 03:30 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Mizzou's Maclin returns to Combine drills after fall

The player that had the biggest opportunity to take advantage of Texas Tech's Michael Crabtree's foot injury was Missouri WR Jeremy Maclin. Heading into the NFL Scouting Combine, Crabtree and Maclin were universally considered the 1st and 2nd best WR in the draft, respectively.

After falling while participating in the today's WR drills, Maclin was helped off the field and examined by the trainers.

As NFL.com reports, Maclin, who returned to the drills, didn't look 100%, but felt comfortable enough to continue participating in the drills.

In 2008, Maclin had 102 receptions for 1260 yards and 13 TDs in 14 games. In his freshman year (2007), Maclin had 80 receptions for 1055 yards and 9 TDs.

Maclin was also a dangerous return man. He averaged 24.1 yards/kickoff return and 12 yards/punt return in his career. He had 5 return TDs (2 kickoff and 3 punt) in his career as well.

Maclin says he will participate at his pro day on March 5th.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:43 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Michael Crabtree has stress fracture in foot

Texas Tech WR Michael Crabtree is the consensus top-ranked WR in this year's NFL draft. Several mock drafts have him going as high as #4 to Seattle (see full draft order).

But a bone scan at the Combine on Friday revealed that Crabtree has a stress fracture in his left foot.

He says he will run at his Pro Day, currently scheduled for March 26th, and then have surgery. He even mentioned in an interview with NFL Network that he may move his Pro Day up.

In his 2 seasons at Texas Tech, Crabtree won the Fred Biletnikoff award, which is given to college football's top WR, both years. Because of his performance on-the-field, which matters the most, his draft stock shouldn't take much of a hit (if any at all).
Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith says: “He’s not going to play anytime soon, as I see it. It’s not a career-ending injury or anything like that. He’s a good football player. He has got plenty of time to get well. I don’t think it’ll hurt him a lot. Everybody has a history. He has a history; his history is pretty good. I think he’ll be OK.”

Kansas City Chiefs GM Scott Pioli says: “You’ve got a bunch of tapes to watch guys. From our standpoint, we evaluate guys on how they play football, not just on how they run. Football players play with injuries; football players get injuries. The combine is great, but you watch players perform on tape. That’s really the top evaluation.”
When Crabtree has surgery on his foot, he is expected to miss 6-10 weeks so he'll miss rookie mini-camp, which usually happens right after the NFL draft. He should be ready to go for any team's mini-camp in June or training camp in July.

In his rookie season (2007), Crabtree had 134 receptions for 1962 yards and 22 TDs. Last year, he had 97 receptions for 1165 yards and 19 TDs.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:09 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 21, 2009

Redskins cut Marcus Washington

The Washington Redskins released LB Marcus Washington yesterday. Washington was due a base salary of $4.5 million this season.

LB H.B. Blades, who started 4 games when Washington was hurt last year, will likely be the starter.
"It's going to be different without Marcus - not just in the linebacker room, but for the whole defense," said Blades. "He was always upbeat, no matter what was happening. None of the rest of us are that boisterous."

"Marcus gave me a lot of tips that have helped me get more comfortable at the [strong side]," he said. "This is my opportunity, and I'm going to work as hard as I can to show the Redskins that I should be the starter."
With various injuries over the past 2 seasons, Washington had 48 tackles and 5 sacks in 2007 and 44 tackles and no sacks in 2008.

Blades, selected in the 6th round of the 2007 NFL draft by the Redskins, had 60 tackles in 2008.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:56 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Channing Crowder expects to be free agent

The free agency period in the NFL begins at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, February 27th. Miami Dolphins LB Channing Crowder expects to become a free agent.
"They did have the whole season to re-sign me, and they really didn't want to talk about anything, so maybe they didn't like me as a player or whatever it was," Crowder said. "If they want to get into a bidding battle with somebody, that means they really didn't want me anyway.

"I want to play football next year, and I'm confident I can play in the NFL, so I'll play football next year and hopefully it's with the Dolphins. But if it's with somebody else, I know I can play football. They had the first crack at it and they dropped the ball, so we'll see what other teams do. It's their loss."
Crowder, selected in the 3rd round by the Dolphins in 2005, had a career high of 114 tackles and has played his entire 4-year career with the Dolphins.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:51 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jeff Reed has pleaded guilty to 2 misdemeanors

Last week, Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Jeff Reed was cited for disorderly conduct and criminal mischief for an incident in a convenience store.

He has pleaded guilty to all charges and will pay a fine of $544 that includes replacing the towel holder that he damaged.

It's safe to say the sh-t will hit the fan (pun intended) if there are no paper towels in the new dispenser he funded the next time he stops there at 3 a.m.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:03 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dolphins sign Vernon Carey to 6-year deal

Miami Dolphins RT Vernon Carey, who was set to become a free agent on February 27th, signed a 6-year contract with the Dolphins yesterday. Carey can earn up to $42 million and $15 million is guaranteed.
"He brought veteran leadership to that group, an outstanding leader," [Dolphins coach Tony] Sparano said.
LT Jake Long, last year's #1 overall pick, has 4 more years on his 5-year, $57.5 million contract.

Carey, drafted in the first-round of the 2004 draft by the Dolphins, has started the past 59 games.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:50 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

LT Andre Smith won't work out at Combine

In a move that virtually guarantees he won't be selected with the first overall draft pick in this year's NFL draft, Alabama LT Andre Smith has announced that he won't work out at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

This year's class of tackles is strong with Jason Smith of Baylor, Eugene Monroe of Virginia and Michael Oher of Mississippi. Along with Alabama's Smith, these are the consensus top 4 tackles.

That being said, Smith's confession that he's not physically ready for what is the NFL's biggest and most important mass interview really hurts his draft stock.

The Detroit Lions, who have the 1st overall pick in this year's draft, may select a QB and specifically Georgia's Matthew Stafford. But if they decide to select a LT instead, they almost certainly won't select Andre Smith and they shouldn't as Chris Burke of AOL's NFL Fanhouse argues (against his earlier suggestion).

The difference between going in the top couple of picks and perhaps in the 10-15 range could be huge.

For example, Michigan tackle Jake Long, selected 1st overall by the Dolphins last year, signed a 5-year, $57.5 million contract with $30 million guaranteed.

The second tackle selected, Boise State's Ryan Clady earned considerably less. Clady, who was selected by the Broncos with the 12th overall pick, signed a 6-year, $17.5 million contract with $11.5 million guaranteed.

Smith's only workout will be at his pro day at Alabama on March 11th.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:53 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Raiders release Wilson, Curry and Edwards

Last off-season, the Raiders spent like drunken sailors and their free-agent signees (Tommy Kelly, Javon Walker, etc.) received deals well beyond their worth. Yesterday the Raiders have released safety Gibril Wilson, one of the free agents they added last off-season.

The Raiders have also released WR Ronald Curry and DE Kalimba Edwards.

Wilson was 2nd on the team in tackles (134) behind LB Kirk Morrison. He also had 1.5 sacks and 2 interceptions.

Curry had a disappointing season (19 catches for 181 yards) after having back-to-back 700-yard seasons. Edwards had 48 tackles and 5 sacks in 2008.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:58 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jerry Jones to be only voice from Big D

Cowboys idiot owner Jerry Jones, who lately has been making Raiders owner Al Davis look sharp, has issued a gag order for all Dallas Cowboys coaches.

It's not uncommon for a head coach to be the voice of the team like Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, etc. have. But for an owner to tell a head coach that he can't talk to the media is ridiculous.

Arriving at his hotel in Indy for this weekend's NFL Scouting Combine, Phillips on Thursday wouldn't talk to the media.
“Can’t,” he said. “Against the rules.”
When singing the praises of coaches, we talk about the coach putting his players in position to succeed. Whether or not Phillips has done that is open to debate. However, a successful owner should do the same thing. Put their coaches in a position to succeed.

Instead, everything that Jones does undermines Phillips' authority and his ability to keep the team under control. The 2009 Cowboys may play in a new stadium, but it seems like it's still going to be the same old shit crap.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:11 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jets to release TE Chris Baker

According to the Daily News, the Jets are going to release TE Chris Baker.

Baker was due $9-$11 million guaranteed between 2009-2011 if he were on the roster on March 5th. According to Rich Cimini, the Jets are interested in re-signing Baker (but, of course, at a lesser offer).

In 2008, Baker had 21 receptions for 194 yards.

Last year's 1st-round draft pick, TE Dustin Keller was third on the team in receptions (48), receiving yards (535) and TDs (3). In the second half of his rookie season, Keller had 35 receptions for 388 yards in 8 games.

Baker, who was drafted by the Jets in the 3rd-round in 2002, has 145 receptions for 1505 yards and 12 TDs in his 99-game career.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:54 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Eagles, Hanson agree to 5-year deal

The Philadelphia Eagles have reached agreement on a 5-year deal with CB Joselio Hanson that is worth $21 million, $6.4 million of which is guaranteed.

While Hanson could have been a starter on some other teams, the nickel CB decided to stay in the City of Brotherly Love.
"We are happy to keep Joselio in Philadelphia with a long-term contract," said head coach Andy Reid. "He's become a productive and valuable player on defense for us over the last few years, especially in nickel situations. Good cornerbacks are certainly a valuable commodity in this league and Joselio definitely fits that category."
Since last year, Lito Sheppard has wanted to be traded. Re-signing Hanson, who was due to become a free agent on Feb. 27th, provides the team more flexibility to work out a deal.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:33 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 19, 2009

Titans only offered Haynesworth 4 years, $36 million

Tennessee Titans Pro Bowl DT Albert Haynesworth has said that he will test the free-agent waters beginning February 27th at 12:01 a.m.

Haynesworth is seeking a deal that would make him the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL. Jared Allen, who is currently the highest-paid defensive player, signed a 6-year contract for nearly $75 million last off-season.

One could argue that Haynesworth has been the most valuable defensive player in the league the past couple of seasons. However, James Harrison of the Steelers and Bob Sanders of the Colts have won the NFL AP Defensive Player of the Year award the past 2 seasons.

The Titans offered Haynesworth roughly half ($36 million over 4 years) of what he was seeking.

Haynesworth led the Titans and all defensive tackles in sacks (8.5) in 2008.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:35 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Nnamdi Asomugha gets $50 million contract

Heading into the off-season, the speculation was that the Oakland Raiders would franchise one of their two Pro Bowlers and lose their other to free agency.

Instead the Raiders gave their Pro Bowl punter and Pro Bowl cornerback the richest contracts for their positions. The Raiders signed punter Shane Lechler to a 4-year contract yesterday.

Today they gave Nnamdi Asomugha a 3-year contract that will be worth between $45-$50 million. He is guaranteed $28.5 million over the first 2 seasons and then there is an option for the third.

In the third year of the contract, the Raiders will give their shut-down corner $16.875 million or the average of the top 5 salaries at his position, whichever is greater. If the Raiders decline the third year, they won't be able to franchise Asomugha.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:04 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Panthers sign Gross, tag Peppers

Today the Carolina Panthers signed LT Jordan Gross, who made his first Pro Bowl this year, to a 6-year contract. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed, however, it is being reported that Gross will earn $30.5 million in the first 3 seasons of the contract.

Gross was franchised by the Panthers last year and since the Panthers were able to agree to a long-term deal with him today (the last day to franchise a player), they were able to place their franchise tag on DE Julius Peppers.

Peppers, who wants out of Carolina, is probably the unhappiest person in the world to get a multi-million dollar pay raise to $16.7 million from $13.9 million.
"Julius was expecting to be franchised," Peppers' agent, Carl Carey, wrote in a text message. "We will continue to work toward a resolution that is in line with his professional goals."
Peppers said he would demand a trade if he were franchised. But GM Marty Hurney isn't in a hurry to trade him.
"We've said many times how many times we value Julius," Hurney said. "We would like him to play here."
Peppers would like to play in a 3-4 scheme instead of the 4-3 scheme that the Panthers utilize. It will be difficult for the Panthers to trade Peppers, who has said that there are 4 teams for whom he would play including the Dallas Cowboys.

While Peppers has been one of the most dominant defensive players in the league, the knock on him is his inconsistent play. For example, he finished last year with a career high in sacks (14.5) while finishing with his career low (2.5) the previous year.

Peppers and Gross were the Panthers' first-round draft choices in 2002 and 2003, respectively.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:29 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Steelers franchise Max Starks

The Pittsburgh Steelers used their franchise tag today on tackle Max Starks.

Starks, who started at LT when Marvel Smith was injured last year, will earn a 2009 salary of $8.451 million if he accepts the one-year tender from the Steelers.

Starks can negotiate with other teams. However, if another team makes an offer for Starks that the Steelers do not match, that team will owe the Steelers 2 first-round draft picks as compensation.

The Steelers will continue to negotiate with Starks in an attempt to work out a long-term deal with the 27-year-old tackle.

Starks, who is 6'8" and weighs 337 pounds, was the team's 3rd-round draft pick in 2004.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:54 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Seahawks franchise Leroy Hill

Today the Seattle Seahawks placed their franchise tag on LB Leroy Hill.

Hill will earn a 2009 salary of $8.304 million when (or if) he signs the tender. Franchised players earn the average of the top 5 salaries at their position or 120% of their 2008 salary, whichever is greater.

However, the team and the player intend on continuing negotiations for a long-term contract, which they can do until July 15th.
"I wouldn't say we're exactly close," Ruskell said of the negations with France regarding Hill. "But it's been good-faith negotiating and this allows us to keep doing that while protecting our rights to the player."
Last month, Hill was busted for marijuana possession when he was found passed out in his car with a couple of bags of weed in it.

Hill finished 3rd on the team in tackles (84) behind fellow LBs Lofa Tatupu (94) and Julian Peterson (86).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:43 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Titans place franchise tag on Bo Scaife

After the Tennessee Titans signed Rob Bironas to a 4-year deal yesterday, it was expected they would place the franchise tag on TE Bo Scaife today. And they did.

Scaife, the Titans sixth-round draft pick in 2005, will earn $4.46 million (the average salary of the top 5 highest-paid TEs) in 2009 provided he signs the tender.
“I just hope I can go out there and make everyone proud -- the fans, the city, my teammates and just continue doing what I’m doing,’’ Scaife said on Thursday. “I know there are a lot of big things still ahead for me. I’m going to keep working.’’
Scaife led the team in receptions (58) and was 2nd in receiving yards (561) behind Justin Gage (651) in 2008.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:32 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Texans franchise Dunta Robinson

The Houston Texans have placed the franchise tag on CB Dunta Robinson today. The NFL deadline to use the franchise tag was today at 4 p.m. ET.

By franchising Robinson, the Texans are tendering a one-year offer of $9.96 million, which is the average of the top 5 CB salaries, for the 2009 season. That amount becomes guaranteed when/if Robinson signs the tender.

The Texans have until July 15th to negotiate a long-term deal.

Last season, Robinson, the Texans' first-round draft pick in 2004, had 2 interceptions and 38 tackles.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:16 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Saints won't use franchise tag

The New Orleans Saints won't use their franchise tag this year. Here are the Saints free agents:
Unrestricted Free Agents (UFAs) Starters: LB Jonathan Vilma and OT Jon Stinchcomb

UFAs Reserves: WR Devery Henderson, DT Antwan Lake, S Josh Bullocks, TE Mark Campbell, RB Aaron Stecker, C Matt Lehr, LB Troy Evans, CB Aaron Glenn and QB Joey Harrington

Restricted Free Agents (RFAs): WR Lance Moore, G Jahri Evans and OT Zach Strief
According to Mike Triplett of The Times-Picayune, the Saints will try to re-sign Vilma, Stinchcomb, Henderson, Harrington and their RFAs.

However, they won't attempt to re-sign Vilma before the free-agency period begins at 12:01 a.m. on February 27th. If they sign him before then, they would owe the Jets a second- instead of third-round draft pick. Since they owe the Giants a second-round pick as part of the Jeremy Shockey deal, they would then owe the Giants a first-round pick since their second-rounder would have gone to the Jets.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:07 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 18, 2009

Marvin Harrison done in Indy?

When Marvin Harrison retires, there is no doubt that he will be a first ballot Hall of Famer.

Per Adam Shefter of NFL Network, it's a "when" - not an "if" - the Indianapolis Colts are going to release the future Hall of Famer.

Harrison is due a $12 million salary, which is the highest of NFL wide receivers, in 2009. Against the cap, Harrison would count for $13.4 million.

When the Colts cut Harrison, he will count $6.4 million towards the cap as "dead money." But it would save the team $7 million.

The Colts signed CB Kelvin Hayden to a 5-year deal tonight and may assign the franchise tag to C Jeff Saturday. The deadline to franchise players is Thursday at 4 p.m.

Harrison has 1102 career receptions (trailing only Jerry Rice and 1 ahead of Cris Carter) and 14580 career receiving yards (4th all-time behind Rice, Isaac Bruce and Tim Brown). He also has 128 receiving TDs, which ranks 9th all-time.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:50 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Brock Williams pawned Super Bowl ring

Brock Williams, who earned a Super Bowl ring with the Patriots in 2002, pawned his ring in Las Vegas for $2000.
“He was offered $15,000 to sell it, but he said no. He just borrowed some money and never came back,” said Rick Harrison, owner of the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop on the Las Vegas Strip.
Harrison took ownership of the ring when Williams failed to come back for it after 120 days. There is a sign at the pawn shop that reads...“No, you can’t touch it or wear it.”

Williams is currently living in California on a disability retirement from the NFL.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:26 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Colts sign CB Hayden to 5-year deal

The Indianapolis Colts, who were prepared to franchise CB Kelvin Hayden if necessary, have agreed to a 5-year contract worth $43 million with Hayden. The deal includes $22 million in guaranteed money.
"Needless to say, Kelvin is very happy,'' Fletcher Smith, Hayden's agent, said Wednesday night. "The (contract) just made a lot of sense for us.''
Hayden has had 3 interceptions in each of the past 2 seasons and has started 26 games during that span.

Hayden counts $6-$7 million towards the cap in 2009.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:09 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Gerald Sensabaugh arrested for 3rd time since 2007

During the past 3 off-seasons, Jaguars safety Gerald Sensabaugh has gone 3 for 3 in getting arrested.

February 2009: Arrested for driving with a suspended license. The license was suspended for "multiple violations." Guns were found in his Bentley, but he has a permit.

May 2008: Arrested for reckless driving.

March 2007: Arrested for speeding and carrying a firearm without a permit.

Sensabaugh will be a free agent this off-season.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:57 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Rams franchise Oshiomogho Atogwe

The St. Louis Rams have placed the franchise tag on FS Oshiomogho Atogwe.

Atogwe will earn a 2009 salary of $6.34 million, which is the average of the top 5 salaries for safeties. He earned $2,021,440 in 2008.

The team can continue to negotiate a long-term deal until July 15th and is expected to do so.

Atogwe was drafted by the Rams in the 3rd round of the 2005 NFL draft.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:50 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Raiders, Lechler agree to 4-year deal

Oakland Raiders punter Shane Lechler will remain with the black and silver another 4 years. Both parties agreed to a new 4-year contract.

Considering he was made black and blue by a teammate earlier in the season, I was expecting that Lechler was gone.

So why would the Pro Bowl punter not escape the dysfunctional Raiders franchise when given the opportunity had he made it 9 more days to free agency?
"This contract is the greatest ever given to a punter in the history of the National Football League," Raiders senior executive John Herrera told AP.
Good reason.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:41 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

L.J. Smith done in Philly?

Last year, the Philadelphia Eagles placed their franchise tag on TE L.J. Smith. This year, they say they won't use their franchise tag.

Smith, who earned the average salary of the top 5 TEs in the game (because he was franchised), did not play like one of the 5 TEs in 2008.

Smith finished the season with 37 receptions for 298 yards and 3 TDs.

With Brent Celek's post-season performance (19 catches, 151 yards and 3 TDs in 3 games), Smith is expendable and unlikely to be back with the Eagles in 2009.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:34 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bucs franchise Antonio Bryant

With the deadline to franchise players fast approaching, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have placed their franchise tag on WR Antonio Bryant.

The Bucs can continue to negotiate a long-term deal with Bryant, which is what they are expected to do, until July 15th. If they don't agree to a long-term deal and Bryant signs the tag, he will earn a 2009 salary of $9.88 million.

Bryant had a career year in 2008. He finished the season with 83 receptions, 1248 receiving yards and 7 TDs (all career highs).

This was the first time in 10 seasons that the Bucs have franchised a player. The last player franchised was DE Chidi Ahanotu.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:25 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Titans, Bironas agree to 4-year deal

The Tennessee Titans signed kicker Rob Bironas to a 4-year deal worth $12 million, which includes $5 million of guaranteed money.
“I am very excited to get this deal done,’’ Bironas said Wednesday night. “LP Field and Nashville is a place I’m proud to call home and I’m glad to get the opportunity to play here for the next four years. This is where I always wanted to be.’’
The Titans were expected to franchise Bironas if they didn't agree to a long-term deal.

Now they are likely to franchise TE Bo Scaife. The deadline to franchise players is 4 p.m. Thursday.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:22 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Texas Tech's Mike Leach's job on the line?

The Texas Tech Red Raiders and coach Mike Leach, who has 2 years remaining on his current contract, failed to agree on a contract by a deadline imposed by athletic director Gerald Myers.

Both parties agreed to the financial terms (5 years for $12.7 million). However, Leach did not accept four clauses that he says were added in the final hour.

ESPN is reporting that Myers and the board of regents will have a meeting on Friday to determine Leach's fate.
"Coach Leach has declined our $12.7 million contract," Myers said. "We will enter the decision-making process and should have some announcements by next week. Our decisions will be based on the best interest of Texas Tech and all of its supporters."
The Red Raiders, who are coming off their best season ever, have a strong recruiting class coming.

And Leach has indicated that he would like to remain coach of the team.
"I am prepared to finish out the last two years of my contract. I am not familiar with the notion of firing someone for failing to sign an extension to a contract. That notion to me is mind-numbing. But I guess stranger things have happened. I don't know what part of this is based in rumor or fact, but I can't fathom it. Maybe there are reasons I don't know about," Leach told Schad.
Texas Tech would be making a huge mistake if they fired Leach. As Leach points out, why would a team fire a coach that is under contract for another 2 years for not signing an extension? The only reason I can think of is they don't know what they are doing.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:05 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Tom Brady: "I'm feeling great"

New England Patriots QB Tom Brady had a conversation with Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe. While he admitted to initially having a setback in his rehab, but says he's on track now.
“I think initially I said there was [a setback],” Brady said. “Since then, there has been nothing. Just working hard on my rehab. I’m feeling great. I’m feeling really good. Everything is progressing just as I expected."
Reiss asked if he expects to be ready for camp.
“You know, Bill never likes us to forecast anything. It’s like me asking you guys ‘are you going to be doing your job in eight months?’ Yeah, you certainly think so. There is no reason why I shouldn’t,” he said.
Considering the secretive nature of the organization, I'm not sure we should believe anything that Brady or Belichick or any Patriot says. There is no obligation for him to be honest and disclose anything/everything.

What the franchise does with the $15-million, franchised, back-up QB Matt Cassel will tell us everything. If they trade him, Brady is doing fine. If they don't trade him, then the Patriots are probably worried about Brady being ready to go.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:49 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jets to bring in Kelley Washington for visit

The New England Patriots made two roster cuts: WR Kelley Washington and OL Billy Yates.

Both players were entering the final years of their contracts and the cuts save the Patriots $1.7 million on the 2009 salary cap.

According to NFL Network's Adam Shefter, the New York Jets have wasted no time to bring in Washington for a visit.

Washington had 1 reception for 3 yards in 2008 and made 9 special teams tackles.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:41 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Albert Haynesworth to test free agency

Tennessee Titans DT Albert Haynesworth will become an unrestricted free agent on February 27th.

While he may re-sign with the Titans, who say they have the money to re-sign him, Haynesworth will test the free agent market before choosing where he will play in 2009 and beyond.

Haynesworth would like to be the highest-paid defensive player in the league. That honor currently belongs to the Vikings Jared Allen, who signed a 6-year, $74 million deal last off-season.

A Pro Bowler the last 2 seasons, Haynesworth had his career-high in sacks (8.5), which also led the league for defensive tackles, in 2008.

Whether it's in Tennessee or elsewhere, Haynesworth is going to get a monster deal. And if he continues to play the way he has played the past 2 seasons, he will earn every penny. The question is will he remain as motivated once he signs on the dotted line.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:22 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cowboys are 1 of 4 teams on Peppers' list

The Carolina Panthers won't be able to sign Pro Bowl DE Julius Peppers to a long-term deal. And he has unequivocally stated that he wants out of Carolina.

So if the Panthers franchise Peppers, which would be likely if they work out a long-term deal with tackle Jordan Gross, Peppers will request a trade.

Today we know a little more about where he would like to go. He said there are 4 teams for whom he'd be willing to play.

The only team he specifically named is the Dallas Cowboys. Reportedly, the other 3 are one AFC team and 2 NFC South rivals.

As Tim McMahon of the Dallas Morning News points out, it would be difficult for the Cowboys to work out a deal without a first-round pick (traded to Detroit for WR Roy Williams) to trade and the Cowboys' intention to make DeMarcus Ware one of the league's highest-paid defensive players.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:05 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jon Gruden to join NFL Network

Jon Gruden, who was fired by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, got a job as a temp. He will join the NFL Network to cover/analyze the NFL Scouting Combine. He will be on the network's NFL Total Access from Thursday to Monday.

Love him or hate him (and the majority seem to fall in the latter lately), Gruden should provide for some interesting commentary.
"We just think he's going to have an interesting perspective because he is so passionate about the combine, the draft and building a football team,'' NFL Network executive producer Eric Weinberger said. "He doesn't seem like a guy who is going to hold back and he will be able to fully evaluate the process.''
Depending on how these few days go, Gruden could turn this opportunity into a full-time gig.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:44 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jaguars to negotiate long-term deal for MJD?

The Jacksonville Jaguars released Fred Taylor, the franchise's all-time leading rusher, on Monday, which paves the way for Maurice Jones-Drew to become the starter and get the lion's share of carries.

Will the Jags lock up Jones-Drew, who will earn $535,000 in the final year of his contract, with a long-term deal?
“He’s certainly a player we want here in the future," general manager Gene Smith said. “He’s obviously a younger Fred Taylor."
In each of his 3 NFL seasons, Jones-Drew has had double-digit TDs (16, 10, 14). Those 40 TDs (34 rushing, 4 receiving and 2 returns) trail only the production of Brian Westbrook and LaDainian Tomlinson.

In a back-up role, MJD has 530 carries for 2533 yards (4.8 ypc) and 148 receptions for 1408 yards in his career.

Of the top 10 leading rushers in the NFL in 2008, Tennessee rookie Chris Johnson had the fewest carries (251). So, as a conservative estimate, let's say that MJD gets 250 carries in 2009.

Based on his career averages, MJD would have 1200 yards rushing and 16 rushing TDs (currently averaging 1 rushing TD per 15.59 carries). Last year, his receiving totals were 62 catches for 565 yards.

As a 2nd-round draft pick out of UCLA, MJD has been making the teams that passed on the 5'7" RB pay. Now he's about to make the Jaguars pay big.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:03 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Chargers franchise Darren Sproles

San Diego Chargers RB/KR Darren Sproles stated that he wanted to remain a Charger, but he was going to test the free-agent market. Today, the Chargers prevented Sproles from truly testing the market by placing their franchise tag on him.

Sproles can negotiate with other teams. But if a team makes Sproles an offer and the Chargers don't match it, the Chargers will receive two first-round picks as compensation.
"We felt uncomfortable with the unknown of [him] going to the market," Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said. "We're planning on him being here ... there is flexibility in it. It can go in many directions. Hopefully we'll continue to negotiate a long-term deal."
The Chargers can negotiate with Sproles until July 15th. If a deal isn't reached by then, the team would have to wait until the end of the season to continue negotiations.

Sproles will earn a salary of $6.62 million, which is the average of the top 5 RB salaries for 2009. In fact, Sproles can partly thank current teammate LaDainian Tomlinson has the highest salary ($7,816,666).

But the Chargers are expected to offer a restructured contract to LT. And if he doesn't accept it, there's a strong possibility that the Chargers will release him.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:18 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ravens franchise Terrell Suggs

The Baltimore Ravens prevented one of their three stud LBs from becoming a free agent by assigning the franchise tag on Terrell Suggs. The Ravens have now franchised Suggs 2 years in a row.

Suggs will earn $10.2 million (which is 20% more than he earned last season) in 2009 if he signs the offer.
"Our plan is to sign 'Sizzle' to a long-term contract," general manager Ozzie Newsome said in a statement. "We believe our history of keeping our best players for a long time speaks for itself."
Teams can negotiate long-term deals with franchised players until July 15th. After that, they have to wait until the season ends.

Bart Scott and Ray Lewis will become free agents on February 27th if they don't reach a deal with the Ravens before then.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:06 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Niners just say no to Vick

Although Mike Singletary didn't explicitly state he was interested in Michael Vick, he left open the possibility of Michael Vick becoming a 49er (after becoming a free man) by not ruling it out.

Vick, who is scheduled to be released from prison on July 20th, is being shopped by the Atlanta Falcons, who currently hold the rights to the player.

However, the San Francisco 49ers have clarified their position.
"The 49ers are not interested in Michael Vick," said a team spokesman Tuesday evening.
So, add San Fran to the list of teams that are not interested in Vick. The others that have publicly expressed they are not interested are Tampa Bay, Detroit and the NY Jets.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:34 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 17, 2009

Deals for Hanson, Culpepper

Instead of using the franchise tag on kicker Jason Hanson, the Detroit Lions and the 17-year veteran agreed to a 4-year deal.

Hanson tied an NFL record for 8 FGs of at least 50 yards last year.

In addition to signing Hanson, the Lions re-worked QB Daunte Culpepper's contract. He was due a $2.5 million roster bonus and a $2.5 million base salary, but the terms of the re-worked deal were not disclosed.

The Lions say Culpepper is "in the mix" as a QB on the roster unlike former Lion Mike Furrey, who said Culpepper will be the starter in 2009.

Yesterday, the Lions signed guard Stephen Peterman to a 5-year contract worth $15 million including $5.5 of guaranteed money.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:52 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dre' Bly next to go in Denver

New Denver Broncos GM Brian Xanders has cut another defensive starter. This time it was the team's starting right cornerback Dre' Bly.

Yesterday, the team cut starters LB Jamie Wilborn, DT Dewayne Robertson and S Marquand Manuel as well as LB John Engelberger, LB Niko Koutouvides and TE Nate Jackson.

Bly, who has 40 interceptions in his 10-year career, tied a career low for INTs (2) in 2008.

He would have earned $3.25 million in a base salary as well as a $400,000 workout bonus.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:42 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ahmad Bradshaw serving 2nd half of sentence

NY Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw spent 30 days in jail last year and will complete his 60-day sentence from now until March 17th.
Said Charles Stacy (Bradshaw's attorney): "Upon completion of this sentence Mr. Bradshaw will have satisfied all of his obligations to the Juvenile Court of Tazewell County as it relates to his prior misdemeanor conviction as a juvenile."
The sentence came from a violation of his probation agreement from a misdemeanor he committed when he was 15 years old. But Bradshaw has never disclosed what that misdemeanor was.

Bradshaw will compete with Danny Ware to back up Brandon Jacobs, who received the franchise tag from the Giants, as Derrick Ward will likely leave via free agency.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:20 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Wade Phillips to be Cowboys defensive coordinator (too)

The Dallas Cowboys' defense was solid in 2009. They ranked 1st in sacks (59), 8th in total defense (294.3 ypg) and tied for 19th in scoring defense (22.8 ppg).

In the middle of last season, head coach Wade Phillips took over play-calling responsibilities from defensive coordinator Brian Stewart, who was fired this off-season.

The team had 20 sacks with Stewart calling the plays in their first 7 games and 39 sacks in their final 9 games.

Today, Jerry Jones announced that the team won't hire a defensive coordinator and Phillips will assume those responsibilities. Phillips is one of the best (as a DC) in the league.

But the Cowboys still need a take-charge leader that can control their dysfunctional locker room.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:45 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Singletary doesn't put Niners on Anti-Vick list

Pro Football Talk created the "Anti-Vick List" to track teams that are not interested in the services of Michael Vick, who is being shopped by the Atlanta Falcons. Currently, 4 teams are on the list: Falcons, Jets, Lions and Bucs.

49ers coach Mike Singletary didn't rule out the possibility of Vick joining the team.
“I’m not going to say I’m open or closed,” Singletary said. ...we have not talked about it at this point in great detail...I think right now we really need to look at the two guys we have. If everything works out with Alex and he’s back, we need to look at that and go as far as we can go with that. The whole Michael Vick thing, we have to sit down and talk about that. But for right now, we have enough on our plates.”
Vick is scheduled to be released from prison on July 20th. He hasn't played a game since the 2006 season and is currently suspended by the league.

Shawn Hill, who started the final 9 games of the season, finished with an 87.5 QB rating, 2046 yards, 13 TDs and 8 INTs in 2008.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:25 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Panthers close to a deal for Gross?

According to Adam Shefter of NFL Network, the Carolina Panthers are "making a strong push" to reach a deal with LT Jordan Gross. Shefter goes on to say that a deal will likely be valued in the $9 million per year range, which would be second only to rookie Jake Long.

Long, who signed a 5-year, $50 million contract, was selected 1st overall by the Miami Dolphins in last year's draft. (See all past #1 picks.)

The Panthers can place the franchise tag on DE Julius Peppers, who wants out of Carolina, if the Panthers can work a deal by Thursday before 4 p.m., which is the deadline to do so.

Although Peppers will request a trade if the Panthers franchise him, they have the opportunity to get something in return for the Pro Bowler instead of simply letting him walk.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:10 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jones beats around bush about T.O.

First off, Dallas Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones is an idiot. Being successful in business doesn't automatically make you qualified to run a football team. To market it, perhaps. To make football decisions, no.

In the Jerry Jones era, the Cowboys have been successful when they had either Jimmy Johnson or Bill Parcells on the payroll. Even shortly after those guys left, the team felt the residual effects of what they had built. Both have something Jones does not - a great football mind.

That being said, today Jones talked in circles about his divisive diva WR, a.k.a. "The Player", Terrell Owens. But does his not really saying anything say it all?
"You and I both know that the one [player] you're asking about all the time, if I gave you the answer that you want to hear, then you would have already had it," Jones said. "So the fact you don't have it ought to tell you something."
If you ask the Dallas Morning News' Tim Colishaw, it does. And I agree with him.

So, T.O. is going to be back in Big D. As Colishaw points out, should you really expect Jones to take a $9.6 million salary-cap hit to part ways with his best WR?

No. But Jones is responsible for the mess the team is in. He gave T.O. a 3-year contract extension last off-season. If he hadn't, T.O.'s contract would have been up and a decision could have been made with only football considerations.

And Jones has helped to sap the organization of strong leadership to keep the trouble-making WR in check. Perhaps Parcells' refusal to call the "Player" or "#81" by name wasn't the solution to dealing with T.O., but Phillips softer, gentler approach isn't the best way to handle the ultra-sensitive, emotionally-explosive diva either.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:04 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Are Brookings' days with the Falcons numbered?

The Atlanta Falcons will have to pay LB Keith Brooking a $1 million roster bonus if they don't release him by February 23rd. Moreover, Brooking's salary in 2009 would be $8.3 million.

Brooking, who has started every game for the Falcons since 2001, led the team in tackles (102) last year. However, he struggled in pass coverage.

So unless Brooking is willing to accept a pay cut, last year's playoff loss in Arizona will likely be his last start.

Brooking was born in Georgia, went to Georgia Tech and has played only for the Falcons, who drafted Brooking in the 1st-round of the 1998 draft.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:42 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cards franchise Dansby

The Cardinals were expected to franchise Karlos Dansby. Today, they made it offical and franchised him for the second straight season.

Dansby earned $8.065 million in 2008 so he will earn $9.7 million this year if he signs the franchise tag.

Dansby is still eligible to negotiate with other teams. If another team makes him an offer, the Cardinals would have the option of matching it or receiving two 1st-round draft picks as compensation.

The Cardinals have until July 15th to work out a long-term deal with Dansby.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:34 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Deuce is on the loose

The New Orleans Saints have cut RB Deuce McAllister, who owns team records for rushing yards (6,096) and rushing TDs (49). McAllister is a 2-time Pro Bowler (2002, 2003), but hasn't had a 1000-yard rushing season since 2006.
"Decisions like this are always very difficult ones to make," [Saints GM Mickey] Loomis said. "Deuce has epitomized hard work, leadership and productivity throughout his career and has been a source of great pride for all of us associated with the team."
Considering McAllister's history of knee injuries and that he was due to make $7 million next season, it was expected that the team would part ways with the RB.

However, both McAllister and Loomis have left the possibility of a return (at a reduced rate) open.
"We've left that door ajar," Loomis said, but added, "I wouldn't call it likely."
McAllister, who had arthroscopic knee surgery six weeks ago, also had his 2005 and 2007 seasons cut short due to knee injuries. But he expects to be ready for the start of the season.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:11 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Niners' "State of the Franchise" address

Mike Nolan, who was dismissed mid-season as the 49ers' coach, said that Mike Singletary was the right man for the job. And although he was right, Singletary got off to a shaky start in his first week on the job.

In the press conference after the game, Singletary made an example of TE Vernon Davis. Then, later in the week, it was revealed (no pun intended) that Singletary mooned his team at halftime during that game.

Last night, Singletary and members of the Niners' front office held a "State of the Franchise" address made to season ticket holders. And, as you might have expected, Singletary stole the show.

Singletary expects the team to play smash-mouth football and be "physical with an F." He also talked about the difference between a "dream" and a "vision."
"When I look around the NFL, I'm amazed by how many people have a dream and how few have a vision," he said. The difference, he said, is that a dream ends up being passive, accommodating disappointment. A vision, he said, "captures the imagination. A vision is something that consumes you like a fire, won't let you eat, won't let you sleep until that vision comes to pass."
The Niners finished 2008 with a 7-9 record after starting 2-5 under Nolan. The question is how soon will Singletary eat and sleep?

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:41 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jets may be interested in Chris McAlister

Dave Hutchinson from the Newark Star-Ledger speculates the New York Jets may show interest in CB Chris McAlister, who is "dealing with the shock" of being released by the Baltimore Ravens.

The Jets new head coach is Rex Ryan, who had been the defensive coordinator in Baltimore from 2005-2008. Ryan joined the Ravens in 1999, which is the same year the Ravens drafted Chris McAlister in the 1st round.

While the Jets have one of the league's top corners in Darrelle Revis, they could use an upgrade to pair up with him. Rookie Dwight Lowery started opposite Revis.

McAlister, a 3-time Pro Bowler, had 3 interceptions in 6 games last season, but has struggled to stay healthy the past 2 seasons playing only 14 of 32 games.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:15 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Santonio Holmes' gloves raise $70k for charity

During the week leading up to the Super Bowl, Pittsburgh Steelers WR Santonio Holmes announced to the world that he had sold drugs for one year when he was high school. By telling the world, his intent was to help at-risk youth make the right decision in life.

Now Holmes, who's son has sickle cell anemia, has auctioned off the gloves he wore to catch the game-winning TD to raise money for the Sickle Cell Anemia Association of America. The gloves sold for $70,200.

Holmes became one of 3 Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers to win the Super Bowl MVP. The other two are Hines Ward (SB XL) and Lynn Swann (SB X). (See all past Super Bowl MVPs.)

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:54 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cards to franchise Karlos Dansby?

According to Adam Shefter of NFL Network, the Arizona Cardinals will likely use their franchise tag on LB Karlos Dansby by Wednesday.

The deadline for teams to franchise a player is February 19th and the free-agent period begins on February 27th.

Dansby would earn $9.6 million, which is 20% more than his 2008 salary. A franchised player earns the average of the top 5 salaries at his position or 20% more than his previous year's salary, whichever is greater.

Selected in the 2nd-round of the 2004 draft by the Cardinals, Dansby led the Cardinals in tackles with 119. He also had 4 sacks, 2 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:03 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 16, 2009

Jeff Garcia done in Tampa Bay?

According to Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Jeff Garcia, his agent (Steve Baker) was notified last night by Bucs GM Mark Dominik that the Bucs want to move on.
"My time in Tampa has come to an end,'' Garcia said. "I'm not under contract and I'm about to hit free agency and that means it's time again for me to just move on. It is disappointing because I enjoyed the atmosphere and the team environment in that locker room...Change is needed at times."
Garcia, who will turn 39 years old next week, expects to continue playing although he says that he doesn't need to start.

The NFL free agency period begins on February 27th.
"I do feel like I have football life in me,'' Garcia siad. "I feel I can still contribute. I'm not sure what my role will be with another team. I'm not looking at it like I need to start and be the man...Hopefully, I'll have some opportunities out there. I'm pretty sure there's going to be something out there for me.
Over the past 3 seasons, Garcia has had a QB rating of 90+ each season. During that span (33 games), he has thrown 35 TDs and only 12 INTs.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:43 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Broncos cut 3 defensive starters

New Broncos GM Brian Xanders made 6 roster cuts, which include 3 defensive starters.

The Broncos cut starters LB Jamie Winborn, who was the team's leading tackler, DT Dewayne Robertson and S Marquand Manual. They also cut DE John Engelberger, LB Niko Koutouvides and TE Nate Jackson.

Selected with the 4th overall pick in the 2002 draft by the Jets, Robertson spent his first 5 years with the Jets before playing for the Broncos in 2008. Robertson, who would have counted $16 million toward the salary cap, had 22 tackles last season and 1.5 sacks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:52 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ravens cut "shocked" McAlister

Today the Baltimore Ravens released CB Chris McAlister, who missed 18 games in the past 2 seasons due to knee injuries. He played 8 games last season and 6 games this season.

The move saves the team $8 million in salary cap space.
"I'm still dealing with the shock of the whole thing," McAlister told 105.7 FM today. "I can't imagine this happened. I never thought it would happen."
For his career, McAlister has 26 interceptions and returned 5 of those for TDs. McAlister, drafted 10th overall by the Ravens in 1999, spent his entire 10-year career with the Ravens and earned 3 trips to the Pro Bowl (2003, 2004, 2006).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:32 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bengals franchise kicker; Houshmandzadeh done in Cincy?

The Cincinnati Bengals franchised their kicker Shayne Graham, who will receive a salary of $2.48 million (average of top 5 kickers) in 2009.

Other teams can pursue Graham, however, if he agrees to a deal elsewhere, that team would have to compensate the Bengals with 2 first-round draft picks. So, in other words, Graham will be staying put.

But the Bengals and Graham still have the opportunity to work out a long-term deal by July 15th.

Graham's 682 points is second all-time on the Bengals scoring list behind Jim Breech (1,151).

The Bengals could have franchised WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh for a 2009 salary of $9.88 million. In fact, QB Carson Palmer bet Houshmandzadeh that he'd be franchised.
"I got to call him now," Houshmandzadeh said, "and tell him he owes me money."
Graham has been a consistent player, but I expected the Bengals to tag Houshmandzadeh. Even without Palmer for the majority of the year, Houshmandzadeh was solid and steady (92 receptions, 904 yards, 4 TDs).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:06 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Gus Frerotte wants shot to start

Minnesota Vikings QB Gus Frerotte, who is under contract for next year, thinks he has "earned the right to be a starter." With Frerotte as the starter, the Vikings were 8-3 last season.

After Frerotte got hurt, Tarvaris Jackson came in and played well. Once Frerotte was healthy again, Jackson remained the starter.

I think Jackson showed progress, but he hasn't taken his game to a level that would justify eliminating an open competition during camp and the pre-season to determine who will be the starter.

Of course, there are the possibilities that the Vikings bring in a new QB into the fray as QB remains the team's biggest offensive question mark.
"We have the pieces there," Frerotte said. "We just have to see what happens. I think every year teams lose key players. It's whether you can keep those core guys around and keep adding little pieces here and there."
Last season, Frerotte threw more INTs (12) than TDs (15) last year and finished with a QB rating of 73.7.

Jackson, on the other hand, threw more TDs (9) than INTs (2) and finished with a QB rating of 95.4. However, Jackson struggled in the team's one-and-done playoff game (15 for 35, 1 INT, 0 TD).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:28 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Stacy Andrews ahead of schedule

Cincinnati Bengals tackle Stacy Andrews, who suffered a torn ACL in December, is ahead of schedule on his rehabilitation. Initially, he was expected to be ready for training camp, but not before.

Now he's shooting to be ready for the team's mini-camp in June. That it, provided they work out a deal to bring him back.
"I see myself no longer as a question mark but as an exclamation point. I've wiped out those questions and doubts about me over the past couple seasons," Andrews said. "I would love to be back here. That's my priority right now. Hopefully we can get everything dialed in and get something done."
Andrews will become a free agent on February 27th if the team and player don't agree to a deal before then. The team and Andrews' agent Rich Moran have been negotiating for the past 3 weeks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:13 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Two Southern Miss players arrested

After rounds of gunfire were discharged at the apartment complex for Southern Miss football players, senior Damion Fletcher, the team's all-time leading rusher, was arrested for discharging a firearm, which is a misdemeanor.

Teammate and back-up OL Brennan Houston was also arrested on possession of marijuana, which is a misdemeanor as well.

Police were called to the apartment complex on September 26th because of gunshots, but nobody was arrested then.
“Guys were just hanging out of their doors just looking that direction,” [So. Miss adjunct professor Malachi] Martin said. “It was obviously gunfire, and they heard it too. There were just people milling around, getting in and out of their cars and acting like nothing was happening.”
Although the Hattiesburg Police Dept. spokesman says nobody was hurt, but who acts "like nothing was happening" when gun shots are being fired?

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:30 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jags say sayonara to Taylor

Jacksonville Jaguars coach Jack del Rio flew to Fort Lauderdale to let the franchise's all-time leading rusher know that his services are no longer needed.

The Jags were expected to release Fred Taylor, who was due to earn $6 million in 2009. But the fact that they didn't want Taylor at a reduced rate is a little surprising.
“We offered to take a pay cut, but their decision was made,” Taylor said. “They wanted to go young was their reply.”
Maurice Jones-Drew will now be the man in Jacksonville. From a fantasy perspective, I've seen some sites projecting (on the assumption that the Jags would cut Taylor) as the #2 overall draft pick. (For the record, I wouldn't select Jones-Drew with the 2nd-overall pick in a fantasy draft.)

Although Taylor had a career low in yards per carry (3.9) and only had 556 yards last season, the Jags suffered a lot of injuries on the offensive line and Taylor finished the season on IR and missed the remaining 3 games.

But Del Rio believes that Taylor can and will stay play (just not in Jacksonville).
"You don't turn 33 without losing a step, but he's clearly worked hard. He's worked hard to allow himself to play at a high level. To hold off talented youngsters, you've got to do that, and he's worked his tail off to have that be the case."
Taylor, drafted 9th overall by the Jags in 1998, ranks 16th all-time on the NFL rushing list and made his first-ever Pro Bowl appearance in 2007.

He trails John Riggins by 81 yards for 15th and Jim Brown by 1,041 yards. He has previously said that he would like to pass Brown, who currently ranks 8th all-time, before retiring.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:56 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Should Browns pursue Terrell Suggs?

Baltimore Ravens free agent LB Terrell Suggs has suggested that he and fellow free-agent-to-be LBs Bart Scott and Ray Lewis offer a "hometown discount" to the Ravens.

But Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer says "money does change minds." Would Suggs be willing to pass on the "hometown discount" for something of an out-of-town premium?

Suggs is only 26 years old and has averaged nearly 9 sacks per season (53 sacks in 6 seasons).

As Pluto points out, Browns LB Kamerion Wimbley's sack production has declined each season. He had 11 in his rookie season (2006) and 9 in the past 2 years.

As a team, the Browns had 17 sacks in 2008. They were tied with the Bengals for 30th in the NFL in that category. In 2006 and 2007, they had 28 sacks each season.

D'Qwell Jackson, another Browns LB from the 2006 rookie class, led the team and the NFL in tackles with 154 in 2008.

Signing Suggs could take the pressure off Wimbley and help him return to his rookie form and really solidify this group of Browns' LBs.

Cleveland won't be the only team interested in Suggs this off-season, so if he makes it to free agency on the 27th, we'll soon find out if he puts his money (or lack thereof) where his mouth is.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:09 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

No naming deal for new Cowboys stadium?

Considering the economic environment, it's not surprising that the Dallas Cowboys may not sell naming rights in time to open up their new $1.1 billion facility in Arlington.
"Chances are, there are offers, but they are coming in well below what the Cowboys want," said naming rights consultant Terry Burton, who is not involved with the negotiations.
A few years back, the Mets and Nets worked out 20-year, $400 million naming right deals with Citigroup and Barclays Capital.

But those deals were negotiated in better economic times, in the world's largest media market and both companies were major financiers for those projects.
"The new construction has given a whole different angle to naming rights," [E.J.] Narcise [who negotiated $310 million Reliant Stadium deal] said. "It's no longer just an advertising vehicle. It's a business-to-business opportunity. And so those bars [in New York], I believe, have been artificially raised to that level. And quite frankly, it's given a quite skewed value of naming rights."
Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones and team spokesman Brett Daniels aren't discussing progress in negotiations.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:18 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Is Barbi headed to South Beach?

Bill Parcells is known for bringing in his guys.

He did it with QB Chad Pennington, who was his QB when the two were with the Jets. He did it with Tony Sparano, who was his offensive line coach in Dallas.

Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald suggests that the next Parcells' guy might be Barbi Bobbi Carpenter, who was drafted in the first-round of the 2006 draft when Parcells was still in Dallas. Carpenter's father, Rob, was a FB with on the Parcells' Giants teams.

If Dallas and Miami work out a deal for Carpenter, who has been labeled a bust, the Cowboys would likely get a 6th- or 7th-round pick in return.

If anyone's going to get something out of Carpenter, it would be Parcells. And the Cowboys would probably get more out of a late-round draft pick than they get out of this former first-rounder.

In 3 seasons, Carpenter has 50 career tackles and 1.5 career sacks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:56 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Threet to leave Michigan

University of Michigan QB freshman Steven Threet, who began his collegiate career with Georgia Tech, is transferring again. He just doesn't know to which school.
"I've decided to transfer from the University of Michigan," Threet recited from a prepared statement during a telephone conversation Sunday. "I have requested and received my release. I do not yet know where I will continue my collegiate career and will have no further comment until that decision is made."
Threet started 8 of Michigan's 12 games last year while junior Nick Sheridan started the other 4.

The Wolverines are bringing in 2 freshmen (Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson) who are better suited for coach Rich Rodriguez's spread offense. Junior David Cone will also return next season.

Threet threw for 1,105 yards, 9 TDs and 7 INTs in 2008.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:37 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Vernon Gholston doesn't know what "a lot" means

Last off-season, Ohio State LB Vernon Gholston was one of those athletic freaks that skyrocketed up draft boards around the league. The sky was the limit.

Then, he got on the field - or didn't. Gholston, who was the #6 overall selection in the 2008 NFL draft, had 0 sacks and 5 tackles in the entire season.

Rich Cimini of the NY Daily News asked Gholston about his thoughts on the season.
"I got a lot out of my rookie year - coming to the NFL, learning how things go, playing on the field a little bit. I think it was tremendous in terms of my growth."
For the record Vernon, a lot does not equal 5 tackles and no sacks.

He was tied for 27th on the team in solo tackles. To make matters worse, the player with whom he was tied was WR Laverneus Coles. (To be fair, Coles' QB led the NFL in interceptions with 22.)

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 02:11 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Marshawn Lynch busted again

The Buffalo Bills RB Marshawn Lynch is 2 for 2 in 1000-yard rushing seasons. In his rookie campaign, he rushed for 1115 yards. This season, he rushed for 1036 yards.

But he is also 2 for 2 in getting arrested in the off-season. Last May, Lynch's vehicle was involved in a hit-and-run accident in which a woman required seven stitches.

At the time, a law enforcement official said he wasn't surprised about the incident.
“God, no, I wasn’t surprised at all,” the source said. “It follows a pattern. It’s the kind of stuff he’s been doing. He’s just so cavalier about everything. That was always my impression.”
For last May's incident, Lynch didn't face criminal charges, but he pled "guilty to failing to use sufficient care to avoid hitting a pedestrian" and paid a $100 fine.

According to a police report filed Sunday, Lynch has been arrested in Culver City, CA on a weapons charge after Lynch and two other men were approached by police.
"A subsequent field investigation led to the discovery of a loaded firearm," the report said. "The officers determined the gun belonged to Lynch and he was arrested for possession of a concealed firearm."
It is unclear if he has a permit for the gun (or if he was wearing sweat pants). But I wouldn't be surprised if the league suspends Lynch considering it's not his first run-in with the law and the high profile status of the Plaxico Burress case involving weapon charges.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:43 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 15, 2009

Navy FB Kettani not allowed to participate at NFL Combine

Jeffrey Fowler, the U.S. Naval Academy superintendent, has decided to not allow Navy FB Eric Kettani to participate in the NFL Combine, which begins on February 18th at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
"A number of factors were considered with regard to this issue," [Cmdr. Joe] Carpenter said. "(Kettani) was denied participation because it would not be consistent with current Navy efforts to support active-duty readiness during wartime. His participation in the NFL Combine could incorrectly imply that the Navy would support him in pursuing a professional football career immediately after graduation."
Kettani is 6'1" and 243 pounds and runs a 4.6 forty-yard dash. Kettani, who impressed scouts at the Senior Bowl, finished the season with 982 yards rushing and 4 TDs on 190 carries.

Kettani has a 5-year military obligation to serve post-graduation.
"I respect the academy's decision. I have never asked to get out of my service obligation," said Kettani.
At least, the Navy won't flip flop with Kettani the way the Army did with Caleb Campbell, who was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 7th-round in 2008 and then told he couldn't play.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:09 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cards name Bill Davis defensive coordinator

Approximately one week after the Arizona Cardinals fired Clancy Pendergast, they have named Bill Davis, who was their LB coach last season, to run the team's defense.

One of the reasons the Cards moved so quickly to promote Davis was the possibility that he would follow Todd Haley, who was the Cardinals offensive coordinator last year, to Kansas City and possibly run the Chiefs' defense.

Before joining the Cardinals' staff, Davis, who has 17 years of coaching experience, was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:09 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Broadway Joe wants answers

Hall of Fame Jets QB Joe Namath has a lot of questions for his former team about the QB situation in an interview he had with the Daily News this weekend.

With Brett Fave retiring earlier in the week, the Jets' QBs are now Kellen Clemens, Brett Ratliff and Erik Ainge. Clemens has thrown 256 career passes in the NFL while both Ratliff and Ainge have never thrown an NFL pass.
"I'm curious," Namath said. "How do the players feel about (Clemens)? How do the coaches feel about him? If he's not the guy, why is he still there? God damn, it's time for him to step up. The guy deserves a shot. If the team doesn't feel that way, don't B.S. everybody and keep dragging it out. It's bull. Say what you mean. Do you have confidence in Clemens or (Brett) Ratliff or not?

"If you're not sure, you trade for a guy. You get somebody," Namath said. "Work it out. Don't be spinning your wheels. You know what they can do by now. I'm assuming Clemens is there because he's good. If not, they ought to get rid of him. How could he be on the team all this time if he's not a good enough pro quarterback?
Rich Cimini of the Daily News points out the Jets haven't ruled out adding a veteran QB such as Byron Leftwich, Jeff Garcia or Kyle Boller, but they will likely wait until after the NFL draft in April.

The Jets have the 17th overall pick in the 2009 draft. (See full draft order.)

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:28 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Mike Furrey says Culpepper will be named Lions starter

Former Detroit Lions WR Mike Furrey, who was one of six Lions to be cut on February 9th, says that the team's starting QB in 2009 will be Daunte Culpepper.
"I've spoken to a couple of my friends who are backups there and I know [the Lions] are going to name Daunte Culpepper as the starter," Furrey said during a Sunday morning appearance on Sirius NFL Radio.
Furrey also says that the team has asked Dan Orlovsky to be the back-up QB. However, Furrey says Orlovsky, who is scheduled to become a free agent on February 27th, will likely end up somewhere else.
"Danny is looking and ready to go someplace else," Furrey said. "He's done well enough to deserve a chance to start or at least compete for a starting spot somewhere. I know they've asked him to come back and be the backup."
Currently, the other QBs on the roster are Jon Kitna, Drew Stanton and Drew Henson.

The Lions have the #1 overall draft pick and many expect them to use it to draft QB Matthew Stafford out of Georgia. However, Stafford is leaving Georgia after his junior season and has to show that he can take a little something off his fastball and be accurate with his throws.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:00 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jets not only team not interested in Vick

The Atlanta Falcons are shopping their imprisoned QB, who is due to be released on July 20th, and the New York Jets aren't the only team that won't be the buyer.

Pro Football Talk is maintaining an "Anti-Vick List," listing the teams that are not interested in Michael "Con" Vick.

Both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Detroit Lions have indicated that they are not interested in Vick.

One thing is for sure. This list will surely grow over the next few days and weeks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:51 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Steelers' Jeff Reed cited for disorderly conduct

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Jeff Reed was cited for disorderly conduct and criminal mischief for an incident at the Sheetz convenience store. The offenses are similar to traffic tickets.
[Reed] "...used profane language towards a Sheetz employee stating that there were no towels in the restroom," police said.

"Reed continued using profane language in a loud manner outside the store. Reed caused damage to a towel dispenser as he was infuriated at the fact that there were no towels in it," according to police.
Look on the bright side. At least you know he washed his hands afterwards.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:35 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jets not interested in Vick

With the announcement that Brett Favre is retiring and that the Falcons are looking to trade imprisoned QB Michael Vick, you may have put 2 and 2 together and wondered about the possibility of Vick ending up with Gang Green.

Put your curiosity to bed. The Jets have confirmed that they are not interested in Vick.
"The Jets have no interest in Michael Vick," a Jets spokesman told The Post.
The current QBs on the Jets roster are Kellen Clemens, Brett Ratliff and Erik Ainge.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:22 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Raiders, Chris Johnson agree to 4-year deal

Oakland Raiders CB Chris Johnson started 8 games opposite Nnamdi Asomugha, who will likely be franchised, after the Raiders parted ways with DeAngelo Hall.

(Hall signed a one-year deal with the Washington Redskins.)

The Raiders have signed Johnson to a 4-year contract extension, which is likely to be finalized by the league by Tuesday.
"The confidence he has gained in himself is tremendous," Raiders coach Tom Cable said in early December, "but, more importantly, the confidence his teammates have gained in him. He has done a tremendous, tremendous job."
The Raiders have until February 19th to franchise Asomugha.

Johnson had 32 tackles and 2 of his 3 interceptions in the final 8 games of the season as a starter.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 03:47 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Falcons looking to trade rights to Michael Vick

The Atlanta Falcons are looking to trade the rights to imprisoned QB Michael Vick, who is scheduled to be released from prison in July.
“With regards to Michael Vick, we’ve decided to seek a trade of his contractual rights to another NFL club,” [Falcons GM Thomas] Dimitroff said. “...because we will actively be involved in a trade situation, I don’t envision our organization speaking any more about this subject publicly until it’s reached a resolution.”
Without trading Vick, a release would have huge repercussions on the Falcons' salary cap. Vick is scheduled to receive a $9 million base salary in addition to a $6.43 million bonus in 2009 with $45.11 million remaining on his contract in addition to possible Pro Bowl bonuses of $3 million.

Vick is currently under suspension by the NFL and Dimitroff says the team hasn't been informed on when a decision on his status might be made.
“We have not been advised by anyone from the League Office of any type of timeline regarding Michael Vick being reinstated. So, we don’t know when that might occur. That decision is up to the Commissioner.”
Using Adam "Pacman" Jones as a precedent, it would surprise me if Roger Goodell doesn't reinstate Vick.

Now who would be interested in Vick and the media circus that would follow is a different question.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:14 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Peppers still wants out

Since the off-season began for the Carolina Panthers, Pro Bowl DE Julius Peppers has expressed his desire to play somewhere else.

One month later, he still wants out.
“I’m just looking for a chance to do things with the abilities I have, that playing this position I’m playing now doesn’t allow me to do.”
The Panthers use a 4-3 scheme on defense. While Peppers would prefer to play in a 3-4 scheme, he says he is not "ruling out any other teams that play a 4-3."

The deadline for the Panthers to place the franchise tag on Peppers is February 19th. If they did, Peppers' 2009 salary would be $16.683 million. Then the Panthers would have the opportunity to try to trade Peppers and get something in return.

However, regardless of what happens, it's going to be difficult to replace his production. Last season, Peppers was 3rd in the NFL with 14.5 sacks.

Charles Johnson was 2nd on the team in sacks (6) in 2008. The other DEs, Tyler Brayton and Hilee Taylor, had 4.5 sacks and 1 sack, respectively.

As Steve Reed from the Shelby Star points out, many of the top free agent DEs, such as Terrell Suggs, Igor Olshansky and Chris Canty, play in the 3-4 defense.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:50 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 14, 2009

Bears' John Tait contemplating retirement

Bears starting RT John Tait is expected to retire even though he has one year remaining on his contract.

If Tait does not retire, he will earn a base salary of $4.8 million and count $5.35 million towards the salary cap in 2009.
''You notice little things that didn't happen when you were younger,'' he said. ''It just takes a little bit longer to recover from games. I think you have to do a lot more maintenance, just the upkeep. That's the biggest thing.''
With John St. Clair set to become an unrestricted free agent on February 27th, LT Chris Williams, who was selected by the Bears in the first-round last year, will be the only tackle on the roster if Tait retires. Williams missed the entire 2008 season after having back surgery in August.
"I definitely want to play tackle," St. Clair told the Tribune. "I've played tackle most of my career. I'm all for playing right tackle. Playing there again wouldn't be a problem at all. And Chicago is a good fit for me."
Tait's status will affect St. Clair's leverage with the team in negotiations. In either case, the Bears are likely to use an early draft choice on a tackle.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:31 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bears cut ties with Booker, Brown among others

The Chicago Bears cut WR Marty Booker, who had 1 year left on his 2-year contract, and LBs Gilbert Gardner and Marcus Riley.

The Bears won't re-sign WR Brandon Lloyd or S Mike Brown, who played 15 games last year after playing 21 games in the previous 4 seasons.

Out of the WRs that will be on the 2009 Bears roster, only Devin Hester (665 yards receiving) and Rashied Davis (445 yards receiving) will return with at least 100+ yards receiving last season.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:26 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Michael Koenen signs Falcons' tender

The Atlanta Falcons placed their franchise tag on punter Michael Koenen on Thursday. Yesterday, he signed the tender and will earn $2.48 million in 2009.

Last year, Koenen earned $1.42 million with the Falcons.

Koenen, who was undrafted out of Western Washington, has played the last four seasons in Atlanta.

Koenen finished 2nd to last in the NFL in punting average (40.7 yards/punt), but finished 9th in the league with punts inside the 20 (25).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:41 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dan Morgan to re-join Saints

New Orleans Saints LB Dan Morgan, who had decided to come out of retirement, has officially been reinstated by the NFL.
“We are looking forward to seeing him compete with our current group of linebackers,” Saints coach Sean Payton told the Sun Herald on Friday.
Morgan will participate with the Saints during their off-season workouts, which begin on March 30th. Also, he will take a physical prior to the team's mandatory mini-camp, which will be in June.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:21 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Brian Xanders to be Broncos' GM

The Denver Broncos have promoted Brian Xanders to the position of General Manager.
"In evaluating the work of our football operations department over the past several weeks, it has become clear to me that Brian Xanders is the right person to step into our general manager's job," Bowlen said in a statement. "I am confident he will work in tandem with head coach Josh McDaniels to re-establish our football team at the level we desire."
Xanders, who played football at Florida State, worked for the Atlanta Falcons organization for 14 years before joining the Broncos on Cinco de Mayo.

When Xanders graduated from FSU, he sent resumes to all NFL teams and says he was rejected at least 3 times by each before getting a chance with the Atlanta Falcons as the assistant GM at the Falcons Sports Complex, which is open to the public.
"I was changing light bulbs, scrubbing toilets and cleaning racquetball courts, and then they made me GM three months later of the Falcons Sports Complex," Xanders said.
Xanders was the team's assistant general manager along with Jeff Goodman, who's father Jim was the team's vice president of football operations.

With the announcement of Xanders becoming GM, Broncos owner Pat Bowlen fired both Jim and Jeff Goodman.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:17 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Florida State loses another WR

Heading into 2009, the Florida State Seminoles lost their top 2 wide receivers to graduation and off-the-field issues. Greg Carr graduated and Preston Parker was released from the team after being arrested for a third time in his Seminoles' career. Parker had fallen asleep in a McDonald's drive-through lane and was arrested for DUI.

Now Taiwan Easterling, who finished third on the team in receiving yards last season, is going to miss spring practice with a ruptured Achilles.

He will have surgery one week from Friday and no timetable has been set for his return.
"He messed up his Achilles pretty bad," said Reed. "I'm praying for him, as he goes through this. But I think we've got a good corps coming back. But it is up to us to step up and stop making kid mistakes and grow up this year. ... Everybody is holding each other accountable right now, and not letting each other down."
The team's top two WRs that will practice this spring (Bert Reed and Rod Owens) only started 4 games in 2008.

Reed caught 23 passes for 295 yards and Owens caught 15 passes for 183 yards last year.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:04 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Titans likely to franchise Bironas?

According to The Tennessean, the Tennessee Titans negotiations with kicker Rob Bironas haven't progressed, which increases the chances the team franchises the kicker.

If the Titans don't tag Bironas or agree on a contract, Bironas will become a free agent on February 27th. The Titans have 13 other players scheduled to become a free agent including Albert Haynesworth, who will be one of the most sought-after free agents this off-season.

Bironas would earn $2.48 million, which is the average of the top 5 kickers' salaries, in 2009 if the Titans franchise him. He earned $1,423,600 in 2008.

Bironas made 29 of 33 field goal attempts last year and was tied for 7th in the NFL in scoring (127).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:34 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"FredEx" gets pot delivered by FedEx

Earlier in the week, former Philadelphia Eagles WR Freddie Mitchell, the "bust" that called himself the People's Champ and FredEx among others, was busted for allegedly signing for 7 pounds of marijuana that was shipped via FedEx.

Technically, Mitchell was handcuffed but not arrested.
"If Freddie's name were on it," [Mitchell's lawyer John] Liguori said, "he'd be sitting in jail."
The FedEx guy first attempted to deliver the package to Mitchell's grandmother, but she thought the package was for her grandson.

Mitchell, who supposedly thought the package might contain "supplies" for his restaurant, signed for the package. Mitchell is calling it a "case of mistaken identity."

Drafted in the 1st-round of the 2001 NFL draft by the Eagles, Mitchell finished his career with 90 receptions and 1263 yards and 5 TDs.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:48 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Charlie Weis to call offensive plays in 2009

Charlie Weis, who called offensive plays two seasons ago, will call offensive plays for Notre Dame in 2009.

It isn't much of a surprise considering he took over play-calling at the end of last season. It's even less of a surprise considering 2009 is for all intents and purposes a do-or-die season for Weis, who has the most losses (15) in a 2-season stretch of any Irish coach in team history.
"I thought the best chance for us to win this year would be to make me the offensive coordinator," Weis said.
With the added responsibilities for Weis, he promoted defensive coordinator Corwin Brown to associate head coach and LB coach Jon Tenuta to co-defensive coordinator. Tenuta will assume defensive play-callilng responsibilities and should be more aggressive with his defensive play-calling.

Romeo Crennel was considering the DL coach position, but decided that it wasn't the right move for him at this time.

One of the things being considered by Weis is calling plays from the press box. If he does, Brown would be in charge on the sidelines.
"I can tell you that it's a subject that we've addressed as a staff. Although I'd say it's definitely on the lower end of 50-50, it's not something that's a 5 percent consideration by us at this point," he said.
QB Jimmy Clausen, who was the #1 prospect in high school his senior year, had the best game of his career in Notre Dame's bowl game against Hawaii. He threw for 401 yards and 5 TDs, which are both Hawaii Bowl records.

The Irish return solid playmakers at the WR position - sophomore Golden Tate (1080 yards and 10 TDs) and freshman Michael Floyd (719 yards and 7 TDs despite missing 3 games).

The weakness on offense is the running game and Frank Verducci, the new OL coach, will be the running game coordinator.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:09 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Giants franchise Brandon Jacobs

The New York Giants placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on RB Brandon Jacobs yesterday.

While Jacobs can negotiate with other teams, it would be costly (loss of 2 first-round draft picks) if another team signed him. In the history of the NFL, no team has ever paid that price to sign a player that has been franchised.

The benefit for the Giants is that it provides them with plenty of time to work out a long-term deal with Jacobs. If they can't work out a long-term deal, Jacobs would earn $6.621 million (the average of the top 5 RB salaries) in 2009.
"With the deadline approaching, it was the right business thing to do at this point, although we are hopeful to get a longer-term deal hammered out in the near future," general manager Jerry Reese said in a team statement. "I did speak to Brandon and we had a very good conversation."
The Giants had until February 19th to decide to use the franchise tag, otherwise Jacobs would have become a free agent on February 27th.

Jacobs, who said last month that he would be "angry and it probably would cause some problems" if he were tagged, had a much more positive outlook on the situation after it has really happened.
"If [the Giants] didn't want me here, they would say, 'Let him hit the market and see what he gets out there and then offer him toward the end of the whole thing,'" he said. "I feel good about the situation that I will be here at least for one more year if nothing gets done, but I am very confident that something is going to be done soon."
The Giants can't afford to not work out a long-term deal with Jacobs, who rushed for 1089 yards and 15 TDs on 219 carries in 13 games. He has had some knee injuries, but at 6'4" and 264 pounds, there is not a more intimidating runner in the NFL.

Jacobs (Earth) is part of RB trio nicknamed "Earth, Wind and Fire." Fire (Admad Bradshaw) will be back in 2009, but Wind (Derrick Ward) is due to become a free agent on February 27th unless the Giants can work out a deal.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:44 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 13, 2009

Raiders' McFadden had shoulder surgery

Oakland Raiders rookie RB Darren McFadden, the 4th overall selection in last year's NFL draft, had surgery on his shoulder one month ago (January 13th).

The surgery was never announced by the Raiders and a team spokesman was "unaware of the surgery." In fact, Raiders.com doesn't mention McFadden's surgery.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that two sources said the injury occurred in week 2.

McFadden's surgery was labeled "minor" and he is expected to be ready for the team's first off-season workouts (March 16th).
"McFadden is tough for the defense," [Raiders' owner Al] Davis said last week. "You put him and (Michael) Bush in the backfield. You got your two wide receivers and you stick McFadden in the slot and you have to cover him as a wide receiver. ...McFadden is a dangerous player but we've got to find out what he can do. We don't know that much about him."
McFadden only had 113 carries for 499 yards on the season. With the exception of week 2 (21 carries - 164 yards), McFadden didn't have over 50 yards in any games.

He also caught 29 passes for 285 yards.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:46 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Saints release WR David Patten

Yesterday the New Orleans Saints have released WR David Patten, who would have counted $2.25 million towards the salary cap and earned $3 million in salary/bonuses this year.
"He's a guy that I've worked with two different places now, the (New York) Giants and here, and he brings a lot to the table. It's always a tough move with someone who brings the kind of leadership traits that he does," said Saints coach Sean Payton.
Patten, who was undrafted out of Western Carolina, had 11 receptions for 162 yards and 1 TD in 5 games last year.

Over his career, Patten has 324 receptions and 4715 yards and 24 TDs.

Saints WR Devery Henderson is due to become a free agent on February 27th. The other Saints WRs include Marques Colston, Lance Moore, Robert Meachem and Adrian Arrington.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:18 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 12, 2009

Niners LB Green arrested in Texas

San Francisco 49ers LB Roderick Green, who is about to become an unrestricted free agent, was arrested in his hometown in Texas after being "uncooperative" during a traffic stop.

He was charged with reckless driving, unlawfully carrying a weapon, possession of marijuana and interfering with the duties of a police officer. All charges are misdemeanors.

Last season, Green had 12 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 13 games with the Niners. In his career (3 seasons with Niners and 2 seasons with Ravens), Green has 44 tackles and 12 sacks in 54 games.

Green was a fifth-round draft pick in 2004 by the Baltimore Ravens.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:11 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Mike Leach turns down Tech's offer

Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach has turned down an offer from Tech for a 5-year, $12.7 million contract. It wasn't the money that caused Leach to reject the offer, but the conditions added at the last minute.

According to ESPN, Leach countered with the same years/dollars but without the conditions below:
• That if he is fired, his contract is only guaranteed for 12 percent. Texas coach Mack Brown, Oklahoma's Bob Stoops, Kansas State's Bill Snyder and Kansas' Mark Mangino are all guaranteed for 100 percent, while the league average is 55 percent. Leach's current contract puts his guaranteed portion at 40 percent.

• Leach's current buyout, which is $500,000, would increase to $1.5 million (Brown, Stoops, Snyder and Mangino do no have buyouts.)

• Leach would have to receive permission from Texas Tech to speak with another school or risk owing Tech $1.5 million.

• All of the money from his personal speaking properties, whether he makes an appearance or authors a book on his life in Wyoming, would go to Tech.
Texas Tech would be foolish to allow Leach, who signed a 5-year contract in August 2006, to walk away. He is due to earn $1.85 million in 2009 and $2.15 million in 2010.

He has led the Red Raiders to a winning record and bowl appearance in all 9 seasons. During those 9 seasons, Leach has compiled a 76-39 record.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:21 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Michael Clayton open to returning to Bucs

According to the Tampa Tribune, Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Michael Clayton is open to return to the Buccaneers. Clayton is set to become an unrestricted free agent on February 27th.
"I feel great about the direction of the Bucs and would love to be a part of things there,'' Clayton said. "I hope it all works out.''
Of course, he's happy about the direction of the Bucs. If you remember, Clayton was one of the most critical players speaking about Gruden's dismissal.
He was kind of a turncoat. He'd tell you one thing and then do something else.''
Clayton has been a disappointment since his rookie season. In his rookie season, he had 80 receptions for 1183 yards and 7 TDs. In the past 4 seasons, he's had a total of 2 receiving TDs.

Last season was his 2nd most productive of his 5-year career, which says more about the other 3 years than last year. Clayton finished with 38 receptions, 484 yards and 1 TD.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:01 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Eagles need bigger WR than TJ?

Rich Hoffman of the Philadelphia Daily News believes the Philadelphia Eagles need a WR that is a big target more than it needs a big-name WR such as T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

Recently Houshmandzadeh said that the Eagles-Bengals game last November was just him ..."giving Andy Reid...an interview in person."

Hoffman argues that the Eagles the Eagles scored plenty of points (26 ppg - 6th in the NFL), but struggled in situations.

So with smallish WRs like Kevin Curtis and DeSean Jackson, they would benefit more with a compliment like Reggie Williams (6'4"), Bryant Johnson (6'3"), Demetrius Williams (6'2") or Malcolm Floyd (6'5") to catch fades in the corner of the endzone. Those 4 WRs are either restricted or unrestricted free agents this off-season.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:15 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 11, 2009

Raiders pick up Gradkowski on waivers

The Cleveland Browns cut QBs Ken Dorsey and Bruce Gradkowski on Monday.

The San Francisco 49ers put in a waiver request for Gradkowski. But so did the Raiders, who had a higher waiver priority.

Gradkowski will compete with Andrew Walter to back up JaMarcus Russell, the #1 overall draft pick in 2007. (See all #1 overall draft picks.)

In his 3-year career, Gradkowski, the Bucs 6th-round draft pick in 2006, has thrown for 1817 yards, 9 TDs and 13 INTs in 19 games.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:09 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jaguars cut Jerry Porter, Drayton Florence

The Jacksonville Jaguars have released the dynamic duo of Jerry Porter and Drayton Florence.
"In going through our personnel evaluations and roster analysis we are making decisions that we believe will help improve our team for the 2009 season and beyond,'' said Jaguars general manager Gene Smith.
As the Florida Times-Union points out, Porter, who signed a 6-year, $30.4 million contract last off-season, was paid $1 million per reception in 2008.

In Porter's 10 games, he had 2 catches in 4 games, 1 catch in 3 games and no catches in 3 games.

The moves save the Jags $8.3 million for 2009.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:55 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

49ers cut Bunta-Cain, Lewis; Jennings next?

The San Francisco 49ers have released OLB Tully Bunta-Cain and FS Keith Lewis.

After spending 4 seasons with the Patriots, Bunta-Cain signed a $8.9 million contract with the Niners in 2007. But he took a substantial paycut last off-season and finished 2008 with only 1/2 sack and 18 tackles in 12 games.

The 2 moves will save the 49ers $3.475 million in salary-cap space.

The Niners are expected to cut OT Jonas Jennings, who is due to earn a base salary of $4.2 million in 2009.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:31 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Brett Favre retires (again)

Michael Phelps can thank Alex Rodriguez. Now A-Rod can thank Brett Favre, who is know the topic du jour.

Favre, the NFL's all-time passing leader, is retiring from the NFL. Although he retired last year and then un-retired, I think he means it this time despite some of the conspiracy theories.
"Mike and Woody, as well as the entire organization, have been nothing short of outstanding," Favre said in the e-mail. "My teammates -- Thomas and Kerry included -- were a pleasure to play with. Eric [Mangini] could not have been any better. I enjoyed playing for him. My time with the Jets was short, but I'm honored to be given that chance."
Last year, he talked about still being having the physical ability to play in the league, but now he's talking about the problem with his throwing shoulder.

When the Packers traded Favre to the Jets, they included a provision that would provide the Packers with 2 first-round picks if the Jets traded him before last season and 1 first-round pick if they traded him this off-season.

Here's the conspiracy theory though: Favre retires, the Jets spend their cap money, Favre un-retires, the Jets release him since they wouldn't be able to afford him and Favre becomes a free man and ends up in Minnesota.

In his conference call at 6:00 p.m., Rich Cimini (of the Daily News) asked Favre if his agent Bus Cook asked for a release. Favre said that wasn't the case.

Favre is the career leader in many categories including passing yards (65,127), passing TDs (464), completions (5,720), interceptions (310), consecutive games started at QB (269).

The Jets have 3 QBs on their roster: Kellen Clemens (likely starter out of current QBs on roster), Brett Ratliff (who "turned heads" last off-season) and Erik Ainge (2008 5th-round pick, who was suspended for violating steroids policy.)

However, the Jets will likely add a QB in free agency or the NFL draft. The Jets have the 17th pick in the first round. (See complete draft order.)

Favre had a messy divorce from the Green Bay Packers, but they confirmed that they will some day retire his number.
"Congratulations to Brett on a remarkable career. The Packers organization wishes him and his family well," the team said. "Brett always will hold a special place in Green Bay Packers history, and we remain committed to retiring his number at an appropriate time in the future."
Of course, if the conspiracy theories turn out to be more than theories and he lands in Minnesota, we may never see that retirement ceremony at Lambeau.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:19 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Texans cut Ahman Green and Morlon Greenwood

The Houston Texans cut RB Ahman Green, who signed a 4-year contract two off-seasons ago. Green would have earned a base salary of $4.8 million and up to $5.5 million next year.

Green, who was once one of the NFL's top RBs when with the Packers, was often injured in his two seasons with the Texans. Green played 14 games and missed 22 games with the team.

In those 14 games, Green rushed for 554 yards and 5 TDs. Green rushed for 1000+ yards in 6 of the 7 seasons prior to joining the Texans.

Texans rookie RB Steve Slaton rushed for 1282 yards and 9 TDs last year.

In addition to Green, the Texans cut OLB Morlon Greenwood, who had lost his starting job to Xavier Adibi and would have earned a base salary of $4.7 million in 2009.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:02 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hines Ward has shoulder surgery

Pittsburgh Steelers WR Hines Ward, who said he may need surgery on his knee, had surgery...on his shoulder.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the surgery was to "clean up" Ward's shoulder.

The good news for Ward is that he won't need surgery on his knee and both his knee and shoulder should be fine for next season.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:56 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 10, 2009

Chargers possibly to franchise Sproles

San Diego Chargers RB Darren Sproles has said that he would prefer to "stay a Charger," but he was "going to test" the free-agent market.

As the Chargers determine how to potentially make an offer to restructure the contract of LaDainian Tomlinson, they are considering the possibility of placing the franchise tag on Sproles.

If the Chargers franchise Sproles, he would earn $6.62 million in 2009. The Chargers have until February 19th to decide whether or not they will use the tag on Sproles.

In theory, the Chargers would receive two 1st-round draft choices if they tagged Sproles and he signed with another team. However, as a steep price to pay, it has yet to happen since the inception of the franchise tag in 1993.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:04 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bucs' Luke McCown has chance to start

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers re-signed QB Luke McCown yesterday although terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"It was clear to me over the process that I was going to get a shot to compete and be a starter," McCown said by conference call Monday. "That's all I asked for and I'm excited about that chance."
McCown was the team's #2 QB on the depth chart last season, but Gruden went with Brian Griese when Jeff Garcia was unable to play on December 14th. McCown believed his days were numbered at that point.

But in came Raheem Morris, who was the DB coach last year and promoted to defensive coordinator and then head coach this off-season.
"Luke McCown is a talented and athletic quarterback who we have gotten to know well over the last four years," said Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris in a statement. "I know he is looking forward to the opportunity to be an integral part of our quarterback group this season."
McCown was drafted in the 4th round of the 2004 NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns. He has a career QB rating of 75.2 in 12 career games and has thrown for 1617 yards, 9 TDs and 10 INTs.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:15 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Browns cut QBs Dorsey, Gradkowski

Last year, the Cleveland Browns started 4 different QBs for at least 1 game - Derek Anderson, Brady Quinn, Ken Dorsey and Bruce Gradkowski.

Anderson was benched in favor of Quinn midway through the season, but Quinn suffered a season-ending injury.

When D.A. sprained his MCL and got put on IR, Dorsey got the starting job. Gradkowski, who was signed as a back-up to Dorsey when D.A. got hurt, became the starter when Dorsey got hurt.

Yesterday, the Browns cut both Dorsey and Gradkowski.

They also cut LB Antwan Peek, CB Terry Cousin, P Mike Dragosavich, K Jason Reda and OL Eric Young.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:57 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Prosecutor does know who Darrell Reid is

Sunday night, Indianapolis Colts DT Darrell Reid was arrested for disorderly conduct and trespassing in the parking lot of an Indianapolis club. Reid resisted requests to leave by using the "do-you-know-who-I-am?" card.

The Marion County prosecutor's office has decided to not press charges against Reid.
"We asked police to do more research," [spokesman Mario Massillamany] said, "and we determined that the location of the incident was on public property, not private."
I guess the prosecutor does know who Darrell Reid is even if security doesn't.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:39 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Lawrence Taylor to compete on Dancing with the Stars

Pro Football Hall of Famer and fierce pass rusher Lawrence Taylor will be a contestant on ABC's Dancing with the Stars season 8, which airs beginning March 9th.

Taylor, who turned 50 years old February 4th, becomes the 5th current or former NFL player to appear on the show. The others were Jerry Rice (season 2 runner-up), Emmitt Smith (season 3 winner), Jason Taylor (season 6 runner-up) and Warren Sapp (season 7 runner-up).

Considering all 4 NFL predecessors have finished 1st or 2nd, the pressure is on for LT. However, if Taylor plays his cards right, he should be able to parlay his appearance into some endorsement deals.

Here is Taylor's competition: Lil' Kim, Steve-O, Nancy O'Dell, Shawn Johnson, Chuck Wicks, Gilles Marini, Denise Richards, Steve Wozniak, Belinda Carlisle, David Alan Grier, Ty Warren and Jewel.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:09 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Giants re-sign Carr and release 3 others

NY Giants back-up QB David Carr, the former #1 overall draft pick in the 2002 NFL draft, was re-signed by the Giants for a 1-year, $1 million deal.
"Honestly, there are spots out there and starting positions and there could have been some things where it would have just been my Houston situation all over again and it wasn't really something I was looking forward to, to tell you the truth,'' Carr said. "Maybe next year there would be some better situations out there for me and we will look at that when that comes up, but I am happy that the Giants and I could come to an agreement where I am coming back for one more."
Who can blame him for wanting to forget the Houston days?

David Carr holds the NFL record for times being sacked (76 times in 2002). In addition, he was sacked the 3rd-most times (68) in 2005.

The Giants also cut RB Reuben Droughns, CB Sam Madison and S Sammy Knight. All three players finished the season on IR.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:00 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 09, 2009

Lions cut 6 including Bodden and Furrey

The Detroit Lions cut six players today, the first day that players could be released.

The players cut are CB Leigh Bodden, G Ed Mulitalo, WR Mike Furrey, S Dwight Smith, T Jon Dunn and TE Dan Campbell.

The Lions saved $8.6 million in a roster bonus by releasing Bodden, who was acquired in a trade for DT Shaun Rodgers. The Lions told Bodden's agent last week that Bodden would be released.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:51 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Eugene Monroe focused on NFL combine

University of Virginia OT Eugene Monroe tries not to listen to what others have to say about him or where he's projected to be drafted. However, he is likely to be a top 10 pick in this year's NFL draft in late-April.

Monroe is the #2-ranked tackle according to Scouts.com and NFL Network's Mike Mayock. Scouts ranks Michael Oher of Mississippi as #1 and Mayock ranks Jason Smith of Baylor as #1.

Monroe, Oher, (Jason) Smith and Andre Smith of Alabama are the top 4 tackles in the draft.
"The goal right now is preparing for the combine, because that's the next step for me. I can't dictate where I'm drafted. All I can do is to continue to position myself as the best player at my position. So hearing all those things, I pretty much let it go in one ear and out the other."
Regardless of where he'll be drafted, the next step is the NFL combine, which begins on February 18th.

According to Monroe's mother, "it seemed like overnight he matured" after his father passed away when Monroe was in the fifth grade.

Monroe, who graduated early this December, didn't grow up a big NFL fan although he claims to be a Packers fan due to Reggie White.
"I've never really had a big interest," Monroe said. "If you asked me football history, I'd give you blank answers."
The Green Bay Packers pick 9th and aren't projected to use the pick with an offensive tackle. But there is a very good chance that Monroe will be long gone by the time they pick. Just don't tell Monroe that.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:17 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Favre to make decision by combine?

The New York Jets say that QB Brett Favre could make his decision by February 18th, which is when the NFL scouting combine begins.
"We're putting together our offseason plan," [Jets GM Mike] Tannenbaum said. "We hope to have initial feedback from Brett by the combine."
Of course, as we have seen in the past, any indication that Favre may give is subject to change.

Gary Myers of the NY Daily News suggests that the Jets should be more assertive with Favre, who played horribly down the stretch last season and turns 40 this year, and demand a response by February 27th, which is the beginning of free agency.

Favre's decision to return/retire makes no difference to me. Let's just hope we only have to suffer through a small percentage of the drama we suffered through in 2008.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:55 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Eagles Runyan out 4-6 months

Philadelphia Eagles RT Jon Runyan, who had microfracture surgery, will be on crutches for 8 weeks and miss from 4-6 months. We are 5 1/2 months away from the start of training camp.
"I think there's enough of a track record out there that it's not going to totally kill me," said Runyan. "The doctor says I should be as good as new. But I'm not going to be able to prove it until time to play."
Runyan has played in 192 consecutive games. The question is where will he play his 193rd.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:14 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Detroit possible destination for Albert Haynesworth?

Unless the Tennessee Titans sign Albert Haynesworth to a long-term deal by February 27th, he will become an unrestricted free agent. The 6'6", 320-pound DT could be the most sought-after prize in the free agent market this off-season.

Last year, the Detroit Lions were the first NFL franchise to finish 0-16. While their offense wasn't good, it wasn't the worst in the NFL. Their defense couldn't say the same.

The Lions finished last in the NFL in scoring defense (32.3 ppg), total defense (404.4 ypg allowed), rushing defense (172.1 ypg allowed) and interceptions (4). But they have vowed to become better at stopping the run.

Jim Schwartz, the new Lions head coach that had spent the previous 8 years in Tennessee, knows Haynesworth as well as anyone.

Tom Kowalski of MLive.com asks whether Haynesworth has matured after the incidents that had marred the beginning of his career such as the Andre Gurode head-stomping in 2006 that led to a 5-game NFL suspension. Or have the past couple of years been simply Haynesworth on good behavior until the big payday comes?
"Has Haynesworth matured and understands what it takes to be a productive and consistent performer in the NFL or was he simply doing what he had to do to get his big contract and guaranteed money? Will Haynesworth still have the fire and motivation once his wallet is fat and happy?"
Like Kowalski points out, it could serve as a "red flag" if Haynesworth makes it to free agency and the Lions aren't targeting him.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:34 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Tony Gonzalez o.k. with staying in K.C.?

Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez has said he wasn't interested in re-building. But in a sideline interview during yesterday's Pro Bowl, Gonzalez said he has spoken with GM Scott Pioli to let him know that he doesn't want to be traded.
“There is no doubt in my mind that Scott Pioli is going to come in there and do an amazing job and so is Todd Haley, the new head coach. But I’m going into year 13. I want to play maybe two more years, and that’s maybe.

“I’m not saying the Chiefs can’t do that [win a Super Bowl]. They will eventually turn that corner; it’s how soon can they do that. Once free-agency comes, and they’re wheeling and dealing, and they’re making trades, and it looks good, then I have no problem staying with the Chiefs.”
In a league of parity, swapping locales for what may be an opportunity to win a Super Bowl can be tricky. Just ask Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas, who both left the Dolphins for the supposed better opportunity to win in Washington and Dallas, respectively.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:51 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Stephen Jones doesn't deny T.O. rumors

Clarence Hill from the Star-Telegram saw Dallas Cowboys VP Stephen Jones, son of owner Jerry, at the Mavs-Bulls game Saturday night. In Hill's attempt to ask Jones about Terrell Owens' future in Dallas, Jones replied "no comment."

Since reports indicate that Jones is trying to persuade his father to part ways with the polarizing, outspoken WR, Hill says that the "no comment" comment means that it must be true.

The Cowboys have plenty of problems from Tony Romo (too many mistakes and lack of leadership and focus) to Jason Garrett (predictable play-calling) to Wade Phillips (too nice to control circus atmosphere) to, most of all, Jerry Jones (too big of an ego to let real football people run football ops).

Before the Giants-Cowboys game on December 14th, I argued that the Cowboys should move on without Owens. So unless the Cowboys can add a real leader, such as Ray Lewis, the Cowboys should get rid of Owens, who is too much of a divisive force the locker room.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:03 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Roethlisberger played with 2 fractured ribs

According to a report by Peter King of Sports Illustrated, Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger played Super Bowl XLIII with a pair of broken ribs.

Supposedly, X-rays taken before the Super Bowl, which coach Mike Tomlin denied Big Ben had, did not show cracked ribs. But an MRI last week did.
"Fractured ribs," Roethlisberger said. "Luckily, in the game, I didn't take any big hits to make 'em hurt. But I knew all along there was something wrong. There wouldn't have been anything they could have done about fractured ribs anyway. It was just suck it up and play."
Big Ben, who was sacked twice in the game, is as tough as any other QB in the league.

Roethlisberger led the Steelers to a game-winning score with less than a minute to go on a pass thrown to Santonio Holmes, who won the Super Bowl MVP. He completed 21 of 30 passes for 256 yards.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:24 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 08, 2009

Colts DT Darrell Reid: "Do you know who I am?"

After refusing to leave the parking lot at Oxygen Lounge in Indianapolis, Colts DT Darrell Reid was arrested for disorderly conduct and trespassing.

This is his second arrest in 11 months as he was arrested for marijuana possession charges in NJ last March.

Reid tried to pull the "do-you-know-who-I-am?" card when security, who was an off-duty officer, asked Reid to leave the parking lot because the club was full to capacity.
"I don't have to because I am a football player with the Indianapolis Colts."

The officer responded: "I don't care who you are. I am a police officer."
Reid had 30 tackles and 2 sacks in 2008.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:04 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Houshmandzadeh to leave the circus Cincinnati?

The deadline to place the franchise tag on an NFL player is 4 p.m. on February 19th. If the Cincinnati Bengals don't franchise WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh before then or re-sign him before February 27th, Houshmandzadeh will become an unrestricted free agent (UFA).

If the Bengals franchise him, his salary would be $9.88 million in 2009. However, coach Marvin Lewis has said that he would prefer not to tag any players.

Does Houshmandzadeh think he'll be back in Cincinnati?
"I really don't know. I can't speak for them but I haven't heard from them which would lead me to assume that I'm out of there," Houshmandzadeh said on Thursday.
There are plenty of teams that would be interested in Houshmandzadeh if he were to become a UFA. As the Cincinnati Enquirer points out, the Titans, the Bears, the Eagles, the Jaguars, the Giants (if they cut ties with Plaxico) and the Seahawks all could use a #1 WR.

But when T.J. was on ESPN 950 earlier in the week, he made it sound as though Philly is his first choice.
"If the Eagles are interested in me, let's put it like this. If they'll be interested in me, I'll be interested in them," he said when asked if the Eagles would be his top choice.

"Did you watch the Eagles and the Bengals game during the season? I was just giving Andy Reid...an interview in person," Houshmandzadeh said. "That's all I was doing. I was giving him a three-month interview ahead of time. That's all."
For what it's worth (and probably not much), Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson says that he needs Houshmandzadeh "like Hugh Hefner needs playmates."

Houshmandzadeh was one of the team's lone bright spots in 2009. Despite Carson Palmer's elbow injury, he still put up solid numbers with Harvard-grad Ryan Fitzpatrick starting at QB.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:38 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Raiders DT Sands punched punter in face

Oakland Raiders Pro Bowl punter Shane Lechler is about to become a free agent unless the Raiders place the franchise tag on him. If they do, they would owe Lechler a salary of $2.483 million for one season.

However, Raiders CB Nnamdi Asomugha, who was franchised last year, will become a free agent on February 27th unless the Raiders franchise him again. If they choose to franchise Asomugha, they would owe him $11.7 million (the required 20% over last year's pay of $9.765 million) since he was franchised last year.

The Raiders' owner Al Davis has not committed either way although it's believed that he will franchise Asomugha over Lechler.
"We've got a tough problem with Nnamdi and Lechler, a tough problem," Davis said. "They're both unsigned and you only have one franchise designation. I'm not resigned to anything, but I say it's tough."
This weekend, an interesting (and perhaps not shocking for the dysfunctional Raiders franchise) fact came out in the San Francisco Chronicle. On a flight back from Denver in November, Raiders DT Terdell Sands punched Lechler in the face.

And to make it worse, the Raiders didn't penalize the 350-pound Sands. No suspension. No fine. No nada.
"They should have cut Sands already for that," said [a former Raiders assistant coach] on the condition of anonymity. "That's just ridiculous."
Newly-named but returning (without the "interim" adjective) coach Tom Cable says the "Raiders are back" and will be a "playoff team" in 2009.

To me, it seems like it'll be the same sh*t, different year in Oakland. "You hear me?"

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 02:18 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Matt Cassel accepts franchise tag

In theory, New England Patriots QB Matt Cassel, who was franchised by the Pats, could have negotiated a deal with another team.

However, the cost of such a deal is the team that would sign him away would have to compensate the Patriots with 2 first-round picks. As the Boston Herald points out, no team has done that since 1993 (when the franchise tag rule started).

Cassel officially accepted the Patriots franchise tag offer and will earn $14.65 million in 2009.

If Tom Brady continues to remain on track for the 2009 opener, there is a good chance that the Patriots trade Cassel.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:59 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jamal Anderson - busted!

ESPN is reporting that their analyst Jamal Anderson was arrested in Atlanta on possession of marijuana (misdemeanor) and cocaine (felony).

According to the report, Anderson, who was arrested Saturday, has his first hearing Sunday (today).

Anderson had four 1,000-yard seasons including 1,846 yards in 1998, the year he set the NFL record for rushing attempts (410) and the Falcons lost in the Super Bowl to the Broncos.

Regardless of what happens in the legal process, Anderson is already likely to have worked his last day for ESPN.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:46 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 07, 2009

Colts hire Larry Coyer as defensive coordinator

The Indianapolis Colts have hired Larry Coyer as defensive coordinator to replace Ron Meeks, who was forced out and is now the defensive coordinator in Carolina.
"Larry's a real good fundamental football coach," said Dennis Green, who coached with Coyer at the University of Iowa during the 1970s... "He's tough, hard-nosed but really understanding dealing with the players, and he has a good feel for what a player can and can't do."
Coyer, who has been an assistant with the Bucs the past 2 years, was defensive coordinator in Denver from 2003-2006.

With the exception of free agent Kelvin Hayden, 10 of 11 defensive starters will return in 2009.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:45 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Time limit of walk-away clause removed from Parcells' contract

Bill Parcells, the Executive VP of Football Operations for the Miami Dolphins, had a clause that allowed him to walk away from the 'Fins and be paid in full within 30 days of a change in team ownership.

Before Stephen Ross, who owns 95% of the team now, took majority ownership of the team from Wayne Huizenga, who owns 5%, Huizenga removed the 30-day window from the contract.

Parcells can leave at any point in time over the remaining 3 years left on his contract and be paid in full. However, Parcells has confirmed that he will stick around for 2009.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:44 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cardinals fire Clancy Pendergast

One day after losing their offensive coordinator to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Arizona Cardinals have fired Clancy Pendergast, their defensive coordinator.
"Clancy is a talented coach and we appreciate all that he’s contributed in his time with the Cardinals,” Whisenhunt said. “... But as part of the evaluation process that’s done after every season, I took a look at the last two years as a whole and felt this move was necessary to help us continue the progress we’ve made...."
The Cardinals were 28th in scoring defense (26.6 ppg) and 19th in overall defense (331.5 ypg) this season. Last year, they gave up 24.9 ppg (tied for 26th) and 330.2 ypg (17th).

Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt says that he will begin "immediately" to look for OC/DC candidates both inside and outside of the organization.

According to East Valley Tribune, Cards LB coach Bill Davis and Steelers LB coach Keith Butler are possible DC candidates.

Pendergast, who was defensive coordinator in Arizona from 2004-09, began his NFL coaching career with the Houston Oilers in 1995.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:40 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 06, 2009

Todd Haley to be next Chiefs head coach

According to FOXSports.com's Jay Glazer, Todd Haley will be the next head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.

It was believed that he was the top candidate for the job and that GM Scott Pioli was waiting for him after he fired Herm Edwards.

Haley led the Cardinals to their highest and third-highest scoring totals in his 2 seasons as offensive coordinator. But he is probably more known for his fiery personality and the sideline confrontation he had with Anquan Boldin.

If LJ wanted out before, he really wants out now that there a no non-sense guy in charge.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:38 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Will the Panthers tag and trade Peppers?

Tom Sorensen of the Charlotte Observer called today "Sign Julius Peppers Day."

On February 27th, Peppers will become an unrestricted free agent unless they sign him to a long-term deal (unlikely if not impossible) or franchise him. If they franchise him, his salary would be $16.683 million (the average of the top 5 defensive ends) in 2009.

But if they tag him, they are likely to trade him. At least that way, they receive something in return for one of the league's most talented defensive players.

Teammates got the sense that Peppers was done during their playoff game against the Cardinals.
“I knew then he was leaving,” one Panther told [Sorensen]. “The way he talked, he was saying goodbye.”
The Panthers have until February 19th to decide whether to place the franchise tag on Peppers.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:12 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 05, 2009

JaMarcus Russell might need ankle surgery

Raiders owner Al Davis says that QB JaMarcus Russell may need ankle surgery. He injured the ankle on November 16th against the Miami Dolphins.
"He's got some physical problems that have to be taken care of," Davis said. "I think his ankle was bothering him at the end of the year. He had some chips in there so they may have to do something with that."
Russell, the overall #1 draft pick in 2007, had a QB rating of 77.1, completed 53.8% of passes for 2423 yards while throwing 13 TDs and 8 INTs.

Russell played well down the stretch throwing 6 TDs and only 2 INTs in the Raiders' final 3 games (2 of them wins).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:43 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dan Reeves won't join Cowboys

In what seemed like a done deal between the Dallas Cowboys and Dan Reeves, Reeves left Valley Ranch yesterday.
"...There were some things in there I couldn't see being in there, and they were important to him. He made a lot of concessions, but this was something that was important to him, and I just didn't feel like I could live with it. So it didn't make sense for us to go forward."
As Pro Football Talk (PFT) points out, Jones and Reeves have a difference in opinions on the sticking point that led Reeves to leave Dallas.
"We may not be on the same page regarding the type of commitment that we're talking about here," Jerry Jones said.

"I fully intended and told them that I would work," Reeves said. "It was a full-time job. A full-time job to me means that you work as long as it takes to get the job done."

"Though the parting is being peddled as amicable, we think that a deal didn’t get accomplished here because, at a fundamental level, Reeves simply didn’t trust Jones," according to PFT.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones says that he's in full control - always has been and always will.
"Not one time with any head coach in 23 years does anyone have an authority to hire a football player, fire a football player, draft a football player, hire a coach, an assistant coach," Jerry said. "In 20 years, not one coach has ever had it. I've always had it. I want to make that clear."
That statement by Jones is the exact and simple reason behind the Cowboys problems. While he may be an astute businessman, Jones is running this franchise into the ground.

Although his ego prevents him from doing what is necessary, Jones needs to step aside and let real football guys run the show.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:02 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Raiders' Cable says "Raiders are back"

Yesterday the Oakland Raiders made it official by introducing Tom Cable as their head coach. Cable has a 2-year deal with an option for 2 additional years.

In addition, Raiders owner Al Davis says that Cable, although not under contract at the time, was the decision-maker when it came to selecting assistant coaches.
"He hired every assistant coach," Davis said. "I did not hire one. I'm not sure I agree with every one, but I think it's a hell of a staff."
The Raiders haven't won more than 5 games in a season since 2002, when they finished 11-2 and lost in the Super Bowl to the Bucs.

The Raiders are on a 2-game winning streak, but will it carry over into 2009? Cable thinks so.
"The Oakland Raiders are back," Cable said. "We're going to win football games and we're going to be a playoff team. You hear me?"
Although I disagree with his opinion, I admire Cable's confidence in his and his team's prospects.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:20 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Terry Glenn arrested last month

Terry Glenn was arrested at an Extended Stay Deluxe Hotel in Irving on January 25th and charged with public intoxication and possession of marijuana under two ounces.
"I guess he was going up and down the halls," [Irving Police spokesman David] Tull said.
Glenn also had traffic warrants outstanding in Roanoke for speeding, expired registration and two warrants for failure to appear.

Glenn didn't play in 2008 was missed the entire 2007 regular season with a right knee injury. He played in the divisional round playoff game against the Giants.

Glenn has 593 career receptions for 8823 receiving yards and 44 TDs. He never had a 100-reception season although Glenn had four 1000-yard seasons.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:54 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Matt Cavanaugh to become Jets' QB coach?

Matt Cavanaugh, who was the Pitt Panthers offensive coordinator in 2008, is expected to resign and become the Jets' QB coach.
"We all know Matt's a great coach, and I'm sure a lot of other people out there will be interested in giving him another opportunity," Wannstedt said after the news conference. "It wouldn't surprise me if people had an interest in him, but at this point, I have nothing further to say about it."
From 1999-2004, Cavanaugh and Jets head coach Rex Ryan coached together with the Baltimore Ravens. Cavanaugh was offensive coordinator and Ryan was a defensive assistant coach.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:31 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Pats tag Cassel (officially)

Today is the first day that NFL franchises can place the franchise tag on a player. And as was widely-expected, the Patriots placed the tag on QB Matt Cassel today.

Cassel will earn the average of the top 5 QB salaries ($14.65 million) and more than starter and future Hall-of-Famer Tom Brady.
"Matt has been a pleasure to coach his entire career and last season in particular, when his years of hard work and commitment resulted in a most impressive performance," said Belichick. "We look forward to working with Matt again in 2009."
Cassel, who becomes the first offensive player to be franchised by the Patriots, provides insurance for the Patriots if Brady, whose rehab is reportedly on track, is not ready to start week 1.

Otherwise, they can trade Cassel if Brady's rehab continues to go well.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:52 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Falcons Weiner to retire

Atlanta Falcons OT Todd Weiner has announced that he will retire after 11 NFL seasons. He's spent the last 7 seasons with the Falcons.
“It’s been something that has been weighing on my mind for quite some time to be honest with you,” Weiner told the Journal-Constitution on Thursday. “After going through the season that we had, and the amount of discomfort and pain that I was going through with the knee, it was just time.”

“Todd Weiner epitomizes toughness, grit and everything a championship-caliber football player should be,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said in a statement.
Before joining the Falcons, Weiner spent 4 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and started 118 NFL games in his career.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:39 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

David Tyree says his catch is best ever

NY Giants WR David Tyree says his catch in Super Bowl XLII against the New England Patriots was the greatest ever.
"You're talking about an 18-0 Patriots team, 12-point underdogs, and me. Santonio Holmes is a starter, and you have me who had four catches [in the 2007 regular season]."
Santonio Holmes, Super Bowl XLIII MVP, made a great catch to give the Steelers the lead (and eventual win) with less than a minute to go against the Arizona Cardinals.

However, Tyree's catch against his helmet with Rodney Harrison trying to pry the ball free is the greatest catch I've ever seen. And Eli Manning's elusiveness in the pocket was no small feat either.

Here's the Tyree/Manning play:



Here's the Santonio Holmes catch:

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:19 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Packers moving Kampman from DE to OLB

The Green Bay Packers defensive coaching staff is almost completely new including defensive coordinator Dom Capers. With Capers in charge, the Packers will transition from the 4-3 defense they played last year to a 3-4 scheme.

And DE Aaron Kampman will transition to OLB.
[Packers head coach Mike] McCarthy said, "Aaron Kampman knows how to rush the passer and the first responsibility for the outside linebacker position in the base personnel is to rush the passer. ... Aaron Kampman is going to be an excellent fit for what we're going to try to do as we move forward with this new scheme."
Kampman has had 37 sacks over the past 3 seasons. This year, Kampman had his lowest sacks total (9.5) since 2005.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:59 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Lions will release CB Leigh Bodden

Before the Detroit Lions hired Jim Schwartz to be their next head coach, CB Leigh Bodden was asked about whether or not he wanted to return to the Lions.
“If they bring somebody in that respects the way that I play, because I’m one of the best in the league, and if a coaching staff can respect that, then I’ll be happy anywhere.”
The Detroit Lions have 2 options with Bodden: pay him an $8.6 million roster bonus or release him and let the CB become an unrestricted free agent.

Lions GM Martin Mayhew has reportedly told Bodden's agent Alvin Keels that the Lions won't exercise their option on him. Players can officially be released on Monday, February 9th.
"I spoke to (general manager) Martin (Mayhew) a couple days ago and they decided they're not going to exercise the option," Keels said. "I don't understand exactly what they're doing, but I guess it'll be better for us, anyway, because he'll be an unrestricted free agent now. Martin's reason was, though they like Leigh, the amount of money they'd be paying him next year -- they could use that elsewhere in free agency. So we'll see what happens."
Bodden came to the Lions in a trade for DT Shaun Rodgers and then Matt Millen, GM at the time, gave Bodden a 4-year extension that included the roster bonus.

Keels, Bodden's agent, says it's unlikely that his client would return to the Lions.
"I would never say never. But I would say it's unlikely that he would end up back in Detroit."
After picking off 6 passes in 2007, Bodden only had 1 interception in 2008.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:16 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Titans Bo Scaife to become free agent

Tennessee Titans TE Bo Scaife, who was the Titans' 6th-round pick in 2005, will test free agency this off-season. Free agency begins on February 27th.
"We've had some discussions with the Titans regarding a contract for Bo and nothing is imminent at this point,'' agent Kevin Robinson said. "At this point he is three weeks away from unrestricted free agency so I think it is wise for him to see what unrestricted free agency has out there for him."
Scaife led the Titans in receptions (58) and was 2nd on the team in receiving yards (561). Scaife earned $1.4 million in 2008.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:04 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Donovan McNabb throws defense under bus

Did anyone see that bus? Donovan McNabb did. Because he threw his teammates under it.

When he was on WIP-AM 610, the Philadelphia Eagles QB blamed the defense for the Eagles' loss to the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship game.
"We were up, 25-24," McNabb said. Then, in case people missed it the first time, he repeated it for good measure. "We were up, 25-24. [The Cardinals] drove down 72 yards by running the ball - probably, what, eight times? And it reminded me so much of [the NFC championship game in] St. Louis where, coming back in that second half, they ran the ball nine times with Marshall Faulk to keep our offense off the field. Because they were terrified of us going back out and scoring more points."
Former Eagles DE Hugh Douglas says that McNabb's comments are a big deal.
"Some people will say it's not a big deal, but it is," Douglas said.

"When you break that team code, it hits home. When you call someone your teammate, you're calling them your brother. Be loyal to your teammates. It's easy to point fingers. Brian Dawkins is a team player. He would never do that."
And as Jeremiah Trotter points out, McNabb hasn't exactly shone in big games.
[McNabb] hasn't done anything in big games. When you look at championship games, the Super Bowl - he hasn't produced in big games. [snip] He had plenty of time to go down the field and score and tie that thing up but he didn't get it done.
Granted McNabb led the team from a 24-6 halftime deficit to take the lead with nearly 11 minutes to go in the fourth quarter. But the QB, as team leader, should never throw his teammates under the bus.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:20 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 04, 2009

Bears add QB Brett Basanez

The Chicago Bears have signed QB Brett Basanez, who played at Northwestern, to a 2-year contract. Basanez was on the Carolina Panthers practice squad last season.
''Everywhere you go, there is going to be competition,'' Basanez said. ''The fact that I get to come home and play for the hometown team, there is nothing more you could want than that..Kyle is the guy, and [general manager] Jerry [Angelo] goes out and says we need to solve the quarterback [issue]...The people are going to be hard on their players, and I want a chance to compete to try to be that guy.''
Basanez will compete with Caleb Hanie for the back-up QB position until/unless the Bears add additional QBs through free agency, which begins at the end of the month, or the NFL draft in April.

Rex Grossman, who was the team's back-up last season, signed a one-year contract heading into last season and won't be back this year.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:34 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Kurt Warner to decide on future

After losing in the Super Bowl to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals QB Kurt Warner says he will take some time to decide whether he will come back or retire.
"There are just so many emotions that go into that decision," Warner said. "There are things that make you want to come back, and there are things that say maybe I'm ready for a little bit of a break. I really don't know at this point. I don't want to make any emotional decisions. I enjoyed this season, and I enjoyed this team. ... I'm going to take some time away from the game, and then I'll make the decision."
Kurt's wife Brenda would like for Kurt to retire, but his agent (Mark Bartelstein) expects Warner to play next year.

Warner is the only QB to pass for over 360 yards in a Super Bowl and he has done it 3 out of 3 times.

In 2008, Warner was 2nd in the NFL in passing yards (4583) and 3rd in QB rating (96.9) and touchdowns (30). Warner threw 14 INTs in 598 pass attempts.

The Cardinals are well beneath the salary cap and could easily afford to pay Warner for a one- or two-year deal.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:29 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Simeon Rice is coming back. To the Bears?

Simeon Rice, who turns 35 in a few weeks, has announced on Sirius' NFL Radio that he will attempt to make a comeback to the NFL. He hasn't played since 2007 due to shoulder problems.

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Sun-Times wonders if that return will be to a Rod Marinelli-coached defensive line.

Marinelli, who coached the TB Buccaneers DL when Rice was there, is now the Bears D-Line coach.

The Bears are looking to improve their pass rush (28 sacks in 2008) and Rice has 122 career sacks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:15 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hines Ward may need surgery

Pittsburgh Steelers WR Hines Ward is one of the toughest players in the league (regardless of position). So it was a certainty that Ward, who sprained his knee in the AFC Championship Game, would play in the Super Bowl.

And he did. But he may have done some more damage to the knee and may need surgery.
"We'll have to see and re-evaluate it," Ward said, "because I don't know if I hurt it (more)."
Ward had 2 catches for 43 yards in the Super Bowl, but Santonio Holmes had 9 catches for 131 yards and the game-winning score.

The pair of Steelers WRs have his and his Escalades given to the Super Bowl MVP. Ward and Holmes were the last 2 WRs to win Super Bowl MVP.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:59 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Santonio gets $85k Cadillac Escalade for Super Bowl MVP

General Motors, who decided to not send representation to the Super Bowl, still honored their contract to provide the Super Bowl's MVP with a Cadillac Escalade. This was the 8th year that Cadillac had been the sponsor.

Santonio Holmes, who caught the game-winning touchdown, won the award this year. (See past Super Bowl MVPs.)
"Given the current business environment, it was much more appropriate we not do that," Krell said in a phone interview. "We made the decision not to actively participate in the Super Bowl. We congratulate the MVP, it is a great achievement. We are very sensitive to the federal assistance loan we have received and we want to carry on our fiduciary responsibility. The Super Bowl was not a place for us to be this year. That is not to say it's not a great platform."
The auto industry and their executives have faced much scrutiny in the past year. Perhaps there weren't any private jets available?

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:47 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Goodell to wait for legal system on Plaxico decision

NY Giants WR Plaxico Burress, who shot himself in the leg and was suspended by the Giants for four games, could face disciplinary action from the NFL.

But NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will be patient and allow the process to work itself out before coming to a decision on Burress' status.
"First, you've got to let the legal process go," Goodell said. "Once you know where it is, we will make that determination. I'm not going to deal with the hypothetical right now. Let's see where it is. We're going to cooperate with law enforcement and let that process go through and then we'll deal with it."
Burress will be back in court on March 31st and faces between 3 1/2 and 15 years in prison.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:36 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Chad Johnson to be model teammate this off-season?

Is Cincinnati Bengals WR Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson ready to be a model teammate this off-season?
On team's prospects for success: "It can happen and with No. 9 (Carson Palmer) healthy we can do it in a hurry."

On his presence at voluntary mini-camp: "Whenever they want us there. Yeah, I'll be there," Ocho Cinco said. "I haven't really stopped working out since the end of the season. I feel good."

On not having surgery on shoulder: "If I needed it, I would have had it by now."

On how much he needs T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who's due to become a free agent: "...like Hugh Hefner needs playmates."
Ocho Cinco had 53 receptions for 540 yards and 4 TDs. In 13 games, he never recorded a 10-reception or 100-yard receiving game last season.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:21 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Chiefs receive permission to interview Todd Haley

The Kansas City Chiefs have a new general manager and no head coach two weeks after Herm Edwards was fired. But the Chiefs have received permission to talk to Todd Haley, offensive coordinator for the Super Bowl-losing Arizona Cardinals.

There was a lot of speculation that Chiefs GM Scott Pioli was waiting for Todd Haley. While Haley is considered the favorite for the job, others are in the discussion like Kirk Ferentz of Iowa.

Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez, who is 32 and hasn't won a Super Bowl, isn't interested in rebuilding.
“I want to see who they name as head coach,” Gonzalez said. “Yeah, I hear they’re talking to Todd Haley, but then there’s this coach [Ferentz] from Iowa State, some [expletive] like that and I don’t want to deal with that. It seems like we’re rebuilding anyway, and I don’t want to do that. I don’t know that I want to do that any more than I already have been.”
Haley and Chiefs GM Scott Pioli have worked together with the New York Jets from '97-'99. Haley was the WR coach and Pioli was the director of pro personnel. The two men haven't worked together since then.

Dick Haley, Todd's father, is a scout for the Miami Dolphins, where Bill Parcells is the Executive VP of Football Operations. Todd has also coached under Parcells as the Cowboys WR coach before joining the Arizona Cardinals. Parcells is Scott Pioli's father-in-law.

In Haley's 2 seasons as offensive coordinator, the Cardinals scored the most points (427 this year) and 3rd-most (404 last year) in franchise history. The Chiefs' offense struggled finishing 26th in the NFL in scoring (18.2 ppg) and 24th in total offense (308.7 ypg).

On 610 AM radio this morning, Chiefs RB Larry Johnson reiterated that he wants out of KC. And as we have seen from the heated discussion on the sidelines with Anquan Boldin, Todd Haley, if he becomes the Chiefs' next coach, definitely won't take any of LJ's crap.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:55 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Tom Cable to be named Raiders head coach today

There never seems to be a rhyme or reason why Al Davis does what he does when running the NFL's most dysfunctional franchise.

After Davis fired Lane Kiffin as Raiders head coach, Tom Cable became interim head coach. Today, at a 4:15 p.m. ET press conference, Cable will be named head coach without the "interim."

Cable led the Raiders to wins in their final two games of the season and went 3-3 in their final six.

More than a week ago, the Raiders officially denied that a decision had been made when ESPN reported that Cable was going to be named head coach.

Yet Cable's contract expired on January 13th and kept interviewing potential assistant coaches and the Raiders didn't interview anyone after they interviewed Kevin Gilbride on January 13th.

The Raiders haven't won more than 5 games in a season for six straight years.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:47 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Manti Te'o picks Notre Dame

According to ESPN rankings, the #2 overall prospect behind QB Matt Barkley, who's going to USC, is Manti Te'o. Rivals.com ranks Te'o as the #12 recruit and the third best LB behind Vontaze Burfict and Jelani Jenkins, who signed with Florida today.

The ILB from Hawai'i narrowed down his choices to USC, UCLA and Notre Dame. With Weis on the hot seat, ND had no chance, right?

Wrong - Te'o signed with Weis and the Irish today.

Cierre Wood, ranked 25th in the ESPN Top 150, had already committed to Notre Dame last year.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:16 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

350000 show up for "Sixburgh" parade

Two days after winning Super Bowl XLIII, the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrated with 350,000 of their hometown fans.
"Steeler Nation, you leave us all speechless, man. We just appreciate the love," said Tomlin, who walked much of the route waving a Terrible Towel. "How about the Steelers? How about the greatest fans in the world? How about number six? Thank you; we love you guys."
The Steelers have now won 2 of the past 4 Super Bowls and 6 all-time, which is the most by any franchise. (See all past Super Bowl winners.)

The Patriots, however, are early favorites to win Super Bowl XLIV in Miami on February 7, 2010.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 02:21 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Super Bowl XLIII - most-watched ever

Super Bowl XLIII, one of the most exciting Super Bowls ever, turned out to be the most-watched Super Bowl ever.

Nielsen Research Media said that the game had an average of 98.7 million viewers, which surpasses last year's record-setting Super Bowl XLII, which had 97.5 million viewers. Initially, Nielsen reported 95.4 million average viewers for Sunday's game.

The series finale of MASH is still the all-time #1-rated show with 106 million viewers. However, NBC says that approximately 152 million viewers watched at least "six minutes" of the Super Bowl.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 02:06 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 03, 2009

Players question moving Pro Bowl

At the end of 2008, the NFL announced that the 2010 Pro Bowl will be played in Miami instead of Hawaii. In addition to the Pro Bowl, Miami will be the site for Super Bowl XLIV as well.

Historically, the game has been played the week after the Super Bowl. Next year, the game will be played during the bye week that currently exists between the Championship games and the Super Bowl.

However, several Pro Bowl players are disappointed about the game being moved.
Ray Lewis: "That's no vacation. That's what we regularly do. You don't want to go to the Pro Bowl and do what you regularly do. You want to come over and do something different. You want to tour the islands and bring the kids over here to see something different."

Clinton Portis: "There's going to be people getting DUIs, people getting suspended, so I think coming out here is much nicer," he said. "[Being in Miami], I don't think it will have the same feel. They don't have any leis in Miami. They don't have flower shorts to walk around in."

Jared Allen: "It would be interesting to see how many people actually go and participate in Miami next year. For me, I like coming over here."
I think playing the game the week before the Super Bowl gets more people interested in the game. After the Championship games, most football fans want another week of football (even if it's the Pro Bowl).

The NFL plans to rotate the game. But my preference would be to do exactly what the NFL is doing next year. Play the Pro Bowl at the same location as the Super Bowl and incorporate it into the overall festivities.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:41 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Chargers Jamal Williams arrested for DUI

In the steeped NFL tradition of drinking and driving, Chargers NT Jamal Williams is doing his part to uphold the tradition.

Of course, football is the ultimate team game and fellow Charger Vincent Jackson was arrested last month for DUI as well.

Although results are pending for the blood-alcohol test that Williams took, he has been booked and later released on bail.

While I make fun of a topic that definitely isn't funny, I still don't understand how these players with their multi-million dollar salaries don't hire drivers or car services.

Why jeopardize such a priviledged lifestyle?

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:35 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ohio State's Alex Boone arrested

Ohio State senior left tackle Alex Boone had a little too much to drink. The 6'8", 312-pound lineman was arrested in California with a blood alcohol level that was 3 times the state's legal limit.

I can only begin to imagine the amount of alcohol someone his size needs to consume to get to triple the state limit.
"We love and support him. He is our heart and soul, and our plan is to help him with this problem," Amy Boone [Alex's mother] said. "This is obviously a problem. He had it in the past and it has reared its ugly head again."
Unlike Florida State's Preston Parker, who fell asleep in the McDonald's drive-through lane, Boone wasn't behind the wheel.

So, what was he doing?

He was jumping up and down on cars in the parking lot of his Los Angeles-area apartment complex. [Imagine calling Geico to file a claim and reporting the damage was caused by a drunk guy was jumping up and down on your car...]

According to police, he fled and hid under a patio. When the police caught up to Boone, they tasered and arrested him.

He has since been released from policy custody and his mommy says he's sorry.
"He is under a tremendous amount of stress, which most people will never know," Amy Boone said. "He is devastated and so sorry that this happened."
Boone, who's rated as the #8 OT in the NFL draft by scout.com, has been invited to the NFL scouting combine, which will take place later this month. He still intends to participate.

While I'm certainly no draft guru, my guess is his stock will take a hit.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:06 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Lucille Hester, not the sister of Bob Hayes?

When Dallas Cowboys WR Bob Hayes was finally selected as a member to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a letter that Hayes wrote to be read at the announcement ceremony was read by Lucille Hester, Hayes' sister.

But is she really Hayes' sister?
“We’ve been trying to tell anyone who will listen that Lucille Hester might have been Bob’s friend, but that she didn’t really become a close friend until Bob was on his death bed,’’ says Ted McIntosh, who says he was Hayes’ business manager and best friend since college and is the godfather to Hayes' only son. “She’s inventing stories. She’s a fraud. The family has tried to tell anyone who will listen. But nobody will listen.’’

“I was married to Bob for 11 years,’’ Janice Hayes-Mohl of Dallas. “I’ve met Lucille. Bob never introduced her as his ‘sister.’ He always said he was his ‘play-sister,’ like it was something from childhood. It is certain news to me and to Bob’s real (siblings) that Lucille (was) suddenly their new sister.''
And when Hayes passed away, this was the obituary in the New York Times on September 20, 2002:
He is survived by a son, Bob Jr. of Dallas; four daughters, Glenda Moore and Dr. Westine Lodge of Jacksonville, Veronica Jenkins of Somerville, N.J., and Adrienne Thomas of Dallas; his mother, Mary Robinson; a brother, Ernest; a sister, Lena Johnson, all of Jacksonville, and eight grandchildren.
No mention of a sister named Lucille.

The report on scout.com goes on to say that Bob Hayes Jr is "painfully shy," but Janice Hayes-Mohl says it should be Bob Jr. on the stage (if he wants to be) when his father is inducted.
“We’ve got to do something before Aug. 8,’’ says Bob’s ex-wife, Janice Hayes-Mohl. “I think Bob Jr. should probably be on that stage, if he wants to be, if he’s up to it, to accept his father’s (Hall of Fame) jacket. As it’s going, I bet Lucille thinks she’s going to wear that jacket around.’’
The report shows two photos - a Bob Hayes' autographed picture and the letter supposably written by Hayes. The signatures are very dissimilar.

With Hayes' best friend and ex-wife saying she's not family and no mention in Hayes' obituary, it seems McIntosh is right. Hester is an imposter.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:41 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 02, 2009

Change of heart for Panthers owner

Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson received a heart transplant around 8 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday.
"It brings new meaning to the word(s) 'Super Sunday,' when you see a guy you respect so much and admire so much -- Jerry Richardson -- and he's got a new heart this morning," Goodell said. "Hopefully, that's going to solve the issue for him, and he's going to be back the way we expect him to be back."
Early word is that the procedure went well. Typically, heart transplant recipients remain in the hospital for a few weeks and take between 3-6 months to recover.

Richardson, who is the only NFL owner to play in the NFL, had the game winning TD reception (caught from Johnny Unitas) in 1959 NFL Championship game over the New York Giants.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:06 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

1-2-3 strikes you're out - Preston Parker dismissed

Florida State WR Preston Parker, who had been arrested 2 other times during his Seminole career, was busted on Saturday morning. He was passed out in the drive-through lane at McDonald's and charged with DUI.

Parker was aware that he "was out of chances" after his second arrest. So, even though the university was in the "process of gathering all of the facts," it is no surprise that Parker has been dismissed from the football team.

Next season, the Seminoles will be without their top two receivers: senior Greg Carr, who had 542 yards receiving, and Parker, who had 372 yards receiving.

Taiwan Easterling was 3rd on the team in receiving with 322 yards.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:14 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

2010 Super Bowl odds

The Pittsburgh Steelers won Super Bowl XLIII last night. Enjoy it. Ok...stop. Vegas is already looking ahead to 2009-2010.

Sportsbook.com has odds for Super Bowl XLIV in Miami on February 7, 2010 on its website.

Who's the favorite?

The Patriots have 8-1 odds.

Here are the rest:

10-1: Steelers, Cowboys, Giants, Colts
12-1: Ravens, Titans, Panthers, Eagles, Chargers
25-1: Packers, Saints, Vikings
30-1: Jaguars, Jets, Cardinals, Bucs, Falcons, Broncos
40-1: Bears, Texans, Bills, Redskins, Dolphins
50-1: Seahawks
60-1: Browns, Bengals, 49ers
100-1: Chiefs, Raiders, Rams, Lions

See past Super Bowl winners.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:51 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 01, 2009

Brian Westbrook might need surgery

Philadelphia Eagles RB Brian Westbrook might need to have surgery on his knee.
"I think they're running medical tests to determine the source of the irritation," the source said. "If he does need surgery, it's only going to be minor and he may not need it at all. We know he will rest and work hard in the off-season and we're optimistic he'll come back healthy."
Westbrook will turn 30 before the start of the season, but Westbrook has had a total of 1809 career touches over 7 seasons. That is an average of only 258 per season.

But as Marshall Faulk points out, "you can't show me a 30-year-old man who was the same as he was at 20."

Westbrook had his least productive year since being more featured in the Eagles' offense in 2006.
2006: 240 rushes, 1217 yards, 7 TDs - 77 receptions, 699 yards, 4 TDs
2007: 278 rushes, 1333 yards, 7 TDs - 90 receptions, 771 yards, 5 TDs
2008: 233 rushes, 936 yards, 9 TDs - 54 receptions, 402 yards, 5 TDs
The Eagles have the 21st and 28th pick in the first round. (See first-round draft order.)

There are 3 RBs expected to be selected in the first round: Knowshon Moreno of Georgia, Chris "Beanie" Wells of Ohio State and LeSean McCoy of Pittsburgh. Moreno and Wells will likely be off the board when the Eagles pick first. More likely, the Eagles will look to add RB depth in a later round.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:54 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

My Super Bowl pick was dead on

If it weren't for the holding call that led to a safety, I would have picked the exact score for both teams.

I predicted that the Steelers would win 27-21. Instead, they won 27-23.

Santonio Holmes said to Larry Fitzgerald that whatever you can do, I can do better.

Fitzgerald scored on 64-yard TD with 2:37 left in the game to give the Cardinals a 23-20 lead. Holmes scored on a 10-yard TD with 0:42 to go.

Both WRs had great games. Holmes: 9 receptions, 131 yards and 1 TD. Fitzgerald: 7 receptions, 127 yards and 2 TDs.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:14 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Tony Richardson might follow Raye to SF

When asked about the San Francisco 49ers lack of a true fullback, Jimmy Raye, the new offensive coordinator, told Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee that they "might need a big, square-backed guy who can go in and bloody some noses."

Tony Richardson could be that "square-backed guy." Richardson has played for Raye with the Chiefs and the Jets.
"That's the one thing I've learned about the National Football League -- you never say never," Richardson said. "Free agency starts in February, so you never know. Never say never."
According to Barrows, Richardson, who becomes a free agent in February, would like to play 2 more years.

RIchardson was one of several factors that helped Thomas Jones lead the AFC in rushing including an improved offensive line and QB that could stretch a defense. If Richardson follows Raye to the Bay area, that's a plus for Frank Gore's production in 2009.

(Plus, Raye coached the Rams' offense when Eric Dickerson rushed for the NFL record 2,105 yards in 1984.)

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:10 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Casey Wiegmann won't retire

The Denver Broncos center Casey Wiegmann will return for the final year of his contract. He was considering retirement.
"Casey will play at least a couple more years," agent Joe Linta said Sunday. "He is playing his best football and he feels really good. He will be back."
Wiegmann made the AFC Pro Bowl team as a first alternate.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:51 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bills vs Titans in Hall of Fame game

As much as I love the sport of football and dislike the Pro Bowl (which will be played next week in Honolulu), the Super Bowl will mark the end of football for the 2008 NFL season. It's a sad day.

Although the off-season will start in a few hours, the pre-season and the resumption of football in 2009 seemed a little closer with the announcement of participants for the first pre-season game in 2009.

The Buffalo Bills and the Tennessee Titans will face off in the 2009 Hall of Fame game on August 9th.

The enshrinement for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2009 (announced yesterday | see previous classes) will take place on August 8th.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:36 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cowboys' practices easier than Lions' practices?

Here's a shocker: Practices run by Rod Marinelli, the former marine that wrestled a bear for $10, were more difficult than those run by Wade Phillips, widely criticized for his easy-going demeanor on a team that needs discipline.

So, Cowboys WR Roy Williams stated the obvious.
"The practices in Detroit are a lot more difficult than they are in Dallas," Williams said. "Rod Marinelli had us moving at a faster tempo. The receivers were blocking downfield after every run and every catch, no matter who ran the ball or who caught the ball..."

"I tried to do it when I first got here, but none of the guys were catching on, so I felt like an idiot running out there by myself," Williams said. "So I quit doing it, but I'm going to start that back up come the off-season work. If people come with me, fine. If they don't, I'm going to get my work in. It's my time to be a leader on this football team."
What the Lions had (work ethic), the Cowboys lacked. What the Cowboys had (talent), the Lions lacked.

Both teams under-achieved - the Lions setting the NFL record for losses in a season (16) and the Cowboys, Super Bowl champs in many pre-season forecasts, missed the playoffs.

The media isn't as good of an outlet as is the locker room for Williams to say he's going to assert himself more as a leader in 2009, but if he works as hard as he says he will, I really hope the Cowboys follow his lead.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 03:52 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Super Bowl XLIII Prediction

With less than 5 hours until kickoff, I've waited long enough to make my official Super Bowl XLIII prediction. Of course, I would be much more accurate if I waited another 9 hours.

With the exception of the wildcard round, the Arizona Cardinals have surprised me throughout the post-season.

The Cardinals (6-2 at home, 3-5 away) were much more successful at home in 2008. And the Falcons (7-1 at home, 4-4 away) and Michael Turner (14 of his 17 TDs came at home) had much less success on the road this year.

But who didn't write the Cardinals off in the divisional round against the Panthers?

Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald has been unconscious in the post-season. In 3 playoff games, he has 23 receptions for 419 yards and 5 TDs.

This post-season, fellow WR Anquan Boldin has been quiet (at least, on the field). In 2 playoff games, he has 6 receptions for 106 yards and 1 TD.

Perhaps it's a consequence of the sideline confrontration with OC Todd Haley, but I wouldn't be surprised if Boldin has a monster game tonight as the Steelers' defense focuses on Fitzgerald.

The Cards, who have the best WR corps in the NFL, trailed only the Saints in passing ypg this season. Fitzgerald, Boldin and Steve Breaston all had 1,000+ receiving yards.

But with nerves and pressure high, how does the bye week affect the timing of the Cardinals offense?

The Steelers, who have the league's top-rated defense, should be less affected by the time off. In the Steelers' 18 games (16 regular-season, 2 post-season), the Steelers gave up 30+ points only once. And that one game (week 16 against the Titans) included a pick six that the Steelers offense allowed.

The Steelers lost all 3 of the games in which Ben Roethlisberger threw multiple interceptions. Their other loss was the game that the Eagles sacked Big Ben 8 times.

The Cardinals ranked roughly in the middle of the league in total defense (19th), interceptions (tied for 17th) and sacks (tied for 14th), but they ranked near the bottom in scoring defense (28th).

As long as Big Ben plays within himself (i.e., manages the game), I can't pick against the Steelers defense.

Final score: Pittsburgh Steelers 27, Arizona Cardinals 21

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:56 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ray Lewis not talking in public about future

Last week, Baltimore Ravens LB Terrell Suggs said the trio of Ravens LBs (Suggs, Ray Lewis and Bart Scott) should provide the Ravens with a "hometown discount." What is Lewis' view on the topic?
"What he really is talking about is a brotherhood," Lewis said. "That's the reason why we played so passionately. There's a commitment to each other. A lot of times in life, you don't like to see that go. But it's business. It happens."
If Lewis doesn't provide a "hometown discount" to owner Steve Bisciotti and the Ravens organization, he will be highly sought-after in free agency, which begins at the end of February.

The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly interested in Lewis as would be the New York Jets, who signed Rex Ryan as their head coach. Ryan was Lewis' defensive coordinator in Baltimore for the past 4 seasons.

Lewis isn't tipping his hand about his future with the Ravens or in free agency.
"What I'm thinking, nobody needs to know," said Lewis. "I've given my prayers to God. It's between me and him. It's nobody else's business. That's between me and God."
The Lewis-led Ravens defense finished the season 2nd in overall defense (261.1 ypg) and 3rd in scoring defense (15.3 ppg).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:07 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jacobs says Giants would've repeated with Plax

Would the New York Giants have repeated as Super Bowl Champions had Plaxico not shot himself? Giants RB Brandon Jacobs says "yes."
"If we have Plax on our team, we go 15-1 and we win the Super Bowl," Jacobs said yesterday. "I'm not afraid to say that and I'll say it to anybody on any team."
Regardless of what anyone says, there is a reason why they play the game. A month ago, nobody expected the Cardinals to be in the Super Bowl.

As far as Burress is concerned, he didn't perform well when he was on the field (35 catches for 454 yards and 4 TDs in 10 games). In fact, his numbers are much worse if you exclude the season opener (10 catches for 133 yards). In the other 9 games, Burress averaged 2.8 receptions and 35.7 yards per game.

But his lack of presence allowed other teams to focus on stopping or slowing down the Giants rushing attack, which led the NFL at 157.4 ypg.

So, if the Giants would have won it all with Plaxico (according to Jacobs), and only Plaxico is responsible for not being out there, you would expect Jacobs to be pissed off at Burress. But he's not.
"You can't judge him for what happened because no one really knows what goes on out in those streets," Jacobs said. "A lot of people don't know anything about what happens or how targeted we are. The guy's not a criminal. He shot himself, he didn't shoot no one else and I think they should get off of his case and [he should] be able to continue his career."
Jacobs is an idiot. If Burress was so concerned with his safety that he needs to tote a gun, then he shouldn't have gone. It's that simple. He's lucky he only shot himself, but it could have been much worse.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:19 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

FSU's Parker busted for DUI

Florida State junior WR Preston Parker was arrested on DUI Saturday morning. This is his 3rd arrest since 2006.

After falling asleep in a McDonald's drive-through lane, Parker struggled to stop the car when the police officer woke him.
The responding officer wrote in the report, “I walked up to the driver’s side window and observed the defendant asleep behind the wheel. I also observed that the vehicle was still running and the car was in drive. I attempted to wake up the driver by banging on the window several times and yelling at the subject. It took me several attempts banging on the window to wake up the driver.”
Parker failed some field sobriety tests (you know, touching your nose, standing on one leg, counting out loud, etc.).

At the Tallahassee police station, Parker's blood-alcohol level was .054 (which is below Florida's .08 legal limit). However, he said that he was "around some weed earlier" when he saw the breathalyzer.

He was arrested in 2006 for petty theft and in April 2008 for gun and drug misdemeanor charges. In May, his attorney, Jason Weiss, said that Parker was aware that he was out of chances.
"I think he understands that he's reached the end of the rope with this and he's not going to be getting any other opportunities to turn it around," Weiss said. "It's been made very clear to him, to his family, to me through the university that he's out of chances.''
The school said they won't comment until they finish the "process of gathering all of the facts."

Parker had a drop-off in production from his sophomore season when he had 62 receptions for 791 yards and was named FSU's offensive MVP in 2007. In 2008, he had 40 receptions for 372 yards.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:14 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Albert Haynesworth: "I'm not Terrell Suggs"

Earlier in the week, Baltimore Ravens LB Terrell Suggs suggested that he and fellow LBs Bart Scott and Ray Lewis give the Ravens a "hometown discount" to stay with the Ravens.

Tennessee Titans DT Albert Haynesworth, who was franchised by the Titans in 2008, says "I'm not Terrell Suggs." He has no interest in providing a "hometown discount" unless the Titans give him a "100 percent guaranteed contract."
"You want to try and make as much as you can because if you have a career-ending injury you are out … and the team sure as heck is not going to pay you. It's not like baseball or basketball. You want to get as much as possible.''
Haynesworth is looking for a 6-year deal that makes him the highest-paid defensive lineman.

In a sport where a player can so easily suffer a career-ending injury, it makes sense to go for the money grab since they are not dealing with guaranteed money.

Haynesworth, the team's first-round pick in 2002, will become a free agent on Feb. 27th if the Titans and Haynesworth don't work out a deal before then.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:01 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)