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March 31, 2009

Plaxico case adjourned until June

As expected, the case for Plaxico Burress has been adjourned per the request of Burress and his attorney Benjamin Brafman. The case will be postponed until June 15th as Burress and Brafman seek to negotiate a plea deal.
"There's been a lot reported in recent days, a lot's been said that I don't think is necessarily accurate," Brafman said. "As we speak there is no agreement of any kind. We're trying our best to see if there is a way to resolve the case."
Burress is looking for a plea deal that doesn't include any jail time. However, Assistant District Attorney John Wolfstaetter would be open to a plea deal that included jail time.

Brafman spoke about the uncertainty of Plaxico's football future.
"I think that is a decision for him, his manager, and the New York Giants," the lawyer said. "I assume a lot will depend on how, when and if this case is resolved."
The Giants have a mandatory mini-camp that begins on June 16th, the day after Burress' court hearing.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:50 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cutler to be traded per Broncos' owner

Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen says that the Broncos will trade QB Jay Cutler.

Bowlen and coach Josh McDaniels have made numerous attempts to contact Cutler. But Cutler has ignored them.
"Numerous attempts to contact Jay Cutler in the last 10 days, both by head coach Josh McDaniels and myself, have been unsuccessful," Bowlen said in a statement released late Tuesday. "A conversation with his agent (Bus Cook) earlier today clearly communicated and confirmed to us that Jay no longer has any desire to play for the Denver Broncos. We will begin discussions with other teams in an effort to accommodate his request to be traded."
Bus Cook has worked his "magic" again. Last year, he orchestrated the Favre-Packers standoff that has tarnished the future Hall of Famer's image. Now he's helped Cutler create his cry-baby image.

Per Mike Klis of the Denver Post, some of the teams that have expressed interest in Cutler include New York Jets, Chicago, Tampa Bay, Detroit and Minnesota.

Even though the Broncos lack leverage from the point of view that Cutler wants out, the number of interested suitors is likely to guarantee a bidding war will ensue.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:20 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Luke McCown calls Bucs "our team"

Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Luke McCown is one of three QBs on the Bucs' roster. The other two are Brian Griese and Josh Johnson.

Of the three current QBs on the team, McCown is the most likely to earn the starting QB gig. That being said, he doesn't buy into the "my team" thing.
"I don't buy into the whole, "This is my team. This is that guy's team,'' McCown said. "This is our team. We're a young team, we got young real fast. We lost a lot of key veteran guys that have been here for 14 years. ... We're going to get better together.''
Considering the Bucs may draft their franchise QB in Josh Freeman with the 19th overall pick (if Freeman's still available), McCown's decision to not call the Bucs "his team" is wise.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:42 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Double murder in Vilma's Long Island condo

Per The New York Post, police are investigating the shooting and murder of two immigrants that were killed in the Long Island condo of Jonathan Vilma on Thursday night. The bodies of the Liberian immigrant were dumped and later found in Brooklyn and Queens.

Five men entered the complex in an F-150 pick-up truck and one of them claimed to be Vilma's cousin. The individual had the keys and pass codes to enter Vilma's apartment.

Vilma, who has re-signed with the New Orleans Saints, isn't a target of the investigation, but the police want to talk to him about the incident according to the Post.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:58 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Odds on Cutler staying in Denver

There are many possible outcomes to the drama surrounding Denver Broncos QB Jay Cutler.

BoDog has set odds on those possibilities and the favorite is that Jay Cutler is in a Broncos' uniform on opening day 2009. The odds are 5/9.

If he doesn't remain with the Broncos, the odds are that he replaces Brett Favre in New York. Odds on the Jets trading for Cutler are set at 7/2.

Here are the remaining odds:
Detroit Lions - 4/1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 23/4
Washington Redskins - 14/1
San Francisco 49ers - 14/1
Any other team - 9/2
Although the prop bet is closed, what's your bet?

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:02 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

March 30, 2009

Bears visiting with Ken Lucas

Not only are the Chicago Bears visiting with free agent tackle Orlando Pace, but they are visiting with cornerback Ken Lucas.

Lucas was a salary-cap casualty in Carolina and it's believed that the Seattle Seahawks also have interest in the free-agent corner.

If Lucas signs with the Bears, he would compete with Nathan Vasher and Corey Graham for playing time.

Lucas had 60 tackles, two interceptions and one broken nose (ex-teammate Steve Smith punched him out in training camp) in 2008.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:44 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Still no plea deal for Plaxico

New York Giants WR Plaxico Burress has a scheduled court date tomorrow.

Per Ralph Vacchiano of the Daily News, Plaxico's attorney Benjamin Brafman says that "tomorrow will involve an adjournment only."

Does the adjournment mean that a plea deal is close?
"It is merely an adjournment. Do not read into it beyond that," Brafman e-mailed Vacchiano.
The minimum sentence for second-degree weapons possession charges is 3 1/2 years. While Plaxico is seeking a plea deal that won't require any jail time, most plea deals reached on these charges result in jail time.

Plaxico wants to play in 2009. Even if he only serves a minimal sentence, he will likely be suspended for a minimum of four games by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell under the personal conduct policy.

In the 10 games he played last year, Burress finished with 35 receptions and 454 receiving yards.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:53 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Harrington re-signs with Saints

The New Orleans Saints have re-signed back-up QB Joey Harrington.

Harrington, who was the third pick in the 2002 NFL draft, was the team's third-string QB in 2008 for the remaining 12 games of the season.

The last pass thrown in an NFL game by Harrington was an interception on December 2, 2007.

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

Jay Cutler is playing hide and seek

Denver Broncos QB Jay Cutler is leaving Nashville. But he's not heading to Denver.

Where is Cutler going? It's a secret.

And on NFL Total Access tonight, Broncos' owner Pat Bowlen said that he has attempted to contact Cutler. However, Cutler hasn't responded.

A few months ago, Chargers LB Matt Wilhelm called Cutler a "punk" and one of the "biggest crybabies in the league." I couldn't have said it better myself.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:07 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Raheem Morris compares Freeman to Roethlisberger

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris has been with the Bucs since 2002 except for one season. In that season (2006), Morris was defensive coordinator for Kansas State.

The QB for Kansas State in 2006 was Josh Freeman, who's projected to be the third QB selected in this year's draft.

Morris has compared Freeman to the current QB for Steelers' coach Mike Tomlin, who's one of his mentors.
"I was with him for a year," said Morris. "Absolute specimen to look at. Physical. Tall, big. Big arm. Deceptively quick, even though the 40 time says 4.8, he's got that Ben Roethlisberger effect where he's hard to tackle once you get back there, so you'd better send somebody blitzing big enough to get him on the ground."
As Rick Stroud of the St. Petersburg Times points out, skepticism is required when a coach or franchise is publicly high on a player. And it's possible that the junior QB can be gone before the Bucs make their selection at pick #19.

The Bucs are certainly in need of a franchise QB. But so are the Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets, who all pick ahead of the Bucs. Even the Bears, who have the 18th pick, might be tempted to take a QB although I expect them to take either a tackle or receiver.

With the 19th overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select...

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:39 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Shawne Merriman: "...I look amazing"

The San Diego Chargers off-season conditioning program began today.

One of the players that didn't plan on attending the opening session was Shawne "Lights Out" Merriman. However, Merriman plans on showing up later in the week.

By all accounts, he is ready to go. Just ask him, he'll tell ya.
“I feel great, and I look amazing,” Merriman said last week.
One day Merriman will come out of his shell.

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

Darren Sproles looking for long-term deal

The San Diego Chargers began their off-season (voluntary) conditioning program today.

RB Darren Sproles, who was franchised by the Chargers, will attend the off-season workout program. However, he'll likely sit out of mini-camp in May to limit the potential of risk of injury.
“I know there are going to be some things that are limited, but I expect him to take part in most of (the offseason),” Chargers coach Norv Turner said. “You always want them there, you always want everyone there. But he does a great job of getting himself physically ready. ... Darren will continue to do that.”
Sproles has not yet signed his tender as the team's designated franchise player. Sproles will earn a salary of $6.62 million, which is the average of the top 5 RB salaries for 2009, if he and the team don't work out a long-term deal.

Teams have until July 15th to negotiate long-term contracts with their franchise players. If no deal is reached by then, they won't be able to resume negotiation until after the season ends.

Sproles rushed for 330 yards on 61 carries and had 29 receptions for 342 yards last season. He also averaged 26.0 yards per kickoff and 11.3 yards per punt return.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:20 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Palmer's elbow 100%, Ocho Cinco absent from workouts

Today was the start of the Cincinnati Bengals' off-season workout program. The program is voluntary, but Chad Ocho Cinco, who previously said he would attend all off-season programs, was a no-show.

Bengals QB Carson Palmer, who says his elbow is 100%, was there.
“I’m not worried about him. I’m worried about the guys we have here,” said Palmer when asked about Ocho Cinco. “The guys that want to be here and want to work now are the guys in the locker room and here today and here this offseason. I’m not going to worry about anyone else.”
With the exception of Ocho Cinco, all Bengals' wide receivers including Laverneus Coles were present today.

In fact, Palmer and receivers Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell (both drafted by the Bengals in 2008) have spent the past month working together in California.
“For them to be in the shape they’re in and to be as mechanically sound as they are at this time of the year and this far away from the season is exciting,” Palmer said. “It shows the dedication, work ethic and their desire to want to be great receivers. They’re young, talented guys who have a very bright future if they do the right things and they’ve done the right things which is get in shape now and work on their games individually, which is what makes me excited as a quarterback.”
Last year, Caldwell had seven receptions for 78 yards and Simpson had only one reception for two yards.

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

Nebraska gives Bo Pelini a contract extension

The Nebraska Cornhuskers have given coach Bo Pelini a contract extension after his first season with the university. The deal will keep Pelini in Lincoln through the 2014 season.

Pelini will earn $1.851 million per season, which is an increase over the average annual pay of $1.1 million in the original deal he signed in December 2007.

Last year, Pelini and the Cornhuskers finished with a 9-4 record.
"When you compare Bo's performance and experience with other coaches, he was certainly deserving of a significant salary increase," said Nebraska athletic director Tom Osborne. "We made significant progress in one year under Bo's leadership and we are confident he has our program moving in the right direction."
Pelini, who was LSU's defensive coordinator before coming to Nebraska, made his mark on Nebraska's defense. The Cornhuskers allowed 232.2 rushing yards per game (ypg) in 2007. In Pelini's first season, they allowed only 125.8 rushing ypg.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:35 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

NFL announces pre-season schedule

The NFL has released the 2009 NFL pre-season schedule today. Matchups for all four weeks of games have been announced as have dates and times for the games played in prime time.

The NFL pre-season will begin with the Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans squaring off in the Hall of Fame game on Sunday, August 9th in Canton, OH.

The first week's prime-time games include a Super Bowl rematch between the Steelers and Cardinals. The other three are Dallas at Oakland, Washington at Baltimore and Carolina at NY Giants.

Click here to see remaining 2009 NFL pre-season schedule. The NFL regular-season schedule should be released next month.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:24 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Orlando Pace visiting with Chicago Bears

Despite an offer from the Baltimore Ravens, free-agent tackle Orlando Pace is visiting with the Chicago Bears.

Pace, who was released by the Rams, could be reunited with Lovie Smith, who was the Rams defensive coordinator before becoming the head coach for the Chicago Bears.

The Bears have a need at tackle after losing John St. Clair to the Cleveland Browns via free agency and John Tait to retirement. However, they signed Kevin Shaffer as a free agent from the Browns.

Signing Pace, who is a seven-time Pro Bowler, could provide the Bears with more flexibility in this year's draft. However, Pace has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons.

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

March 29, 2009

USC begins spring with QB competition

USC's Pete Carroll acted like a jackass at the press conference for departing USC QB Mark Sanchez, who will be one of the top two QBs selected in this year's NFL draft. The other QB will be Georgia junior Matthew Stafford.

Yesterday, the Trojans began the search to find the replacement for Sanchez with a QB competition as they kicked off spring practice. Former USC QB Matt Leinart was in town to watch. And perhaps to participate in a hot tub party later on as well.

The four QBs competing to become the starter are Aaron Corp, Mitch Mustain, Matt Barkley and Garrett Green. Corp is a third-year sophomore, Mustain is a junior, Barkley is a freshman that was ranked as the top prospect by Rivals.com and Green is a senior.
"Early on . . . we'll give everyone an opportunity to be No. 1 and then we'll just kind of play with the numbers [to determine] who's leading or who deserves it," [QB coach Jeremy Bates] said.
Green will also play WR and special teams, which means he's least likely to earn the starting QB job.

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

Jerry Rice Jr. to walk on at UCLA

College Football Talk is reporting that Jerry Rice Jr. will be attending UCLA as a "preferred walk-on."

Apparently, the only school to offer Rice a full ride was Air Force. He also had the opportunity to be a preferred walk-on at Stanford and Arizona.

Rice, who's 5'10" and 177 pounds, is a good route-runner with good hands but isn't a speed-burner. He is ranked as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com.

Considering his pedigree, it's surprising that more schools didn't take the chance that Rice would develop into someone worthy of a scholarship. After all, his father is the owner of virtually every receiving record.

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

Is Vince Young still Titans QB of the future?

Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher says that Vince Young, taken with the 3rd overall pick in 2006, is still the team's "franchise QB."
"Vince is in a situation now where he will have to do everything he possibly can to earn his job back," Fisher said at the NFL owners' meetings in California. "That starts with the offseason commitment."
Young, who has three years remaining on his contract, is due to earn $4.6 million in 2009, which is reasonable. However, his pay jumps to $7.5 million in 2010 and $8.5 million in 2011.

Fisher says that 2009 isn't a make-or-break season. However, with Kerry Collins coming back as the starter for two more seasons, Young will be an expensive back-up in 2010. If he doesn't make much progress this year, it may not make fiscal sense to keep Young at that price.
"I don't think you could put that type of pressure on a player. He's still a young quarterback with a lot of years left," Fisher said.
The reason to not put that "type of pressure" on Young is because he doesn't appear to have the mental toughness to handle it. He has considered given up football and was described as "suicidal" early last season after being "missing" for a while. Fisher and the Titans said the report was "overblown."

Fisher also says that the team will add a third veteran QB.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:30 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Despite Cutler drama, defense still main concern in Denver

As Mike Klis of The Denver Post jokes, the Jay-Cutler-vs-Josh-McDaniels imbroglio means that "no one's asking about the defense anymore."

But Klis argues that defense is still the team's biggest problem.

New coach Josh McDaniels has turned over a quarter of the roster in his efforts to re-make the Broncos, but he hasn't made any major changes to the team's front seven. On the other hand, the secondary has Brian Dawkins, Andre Goodman and Renaldo Hill replacing Dre Bly, Marquand Manuel and Marlon McCree.

Klis expects the Broncos to focus their draft efforts on their front seven. Boston College NT B.J. Raji or LSU DE Tyson Jackson are possibilities to be available when the Broncos make the 12th pick in the draft. Klis also mentions that Mizzou's Evander Hood and Boston College's Ron Brace are defensive tackles that might still be available in the second round when the Broncos pick at 48.

Of all the mock drafts I've seen, Raji goes to the Broncos at 12 or sooner. In other words, there's a good chance Raji won't be around when the Broncos make their first selection.

Per Klis, they also could draft add an inside linebacker, such as USC's Rey Maualuga, this year's Chuck Bednarik award winner, or Ohio State's James Laurinaitis, who won the Butkus award in 2007. Maualuga is a projected to go in the middle of the first round and Laurinaitis is projected to go towards the end of the first round and beginning of the second round in most mock drafts.

In any event, the Broncos are likely to focus on defense and specifically on the front seven at next month's NFL draft.

For a look at a complete Denver Broncos' draft history, click here.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 03:00 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Will Chad Ocho Cinco keep his word?

The Cincinnati Bengals begin their off-season workouts tomorrow. Joe Reedy of The Cincinnati Enquirer wonders whether or not Chad Ocho Cinco be present.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis gave an indirect answer.
"I plan on everyone to be here until I hear that they're not," Lewis said. "Now, there are some guys in weddings or classes who won't be here the first week but will the second, and vice versa. We should be at 90 percent or better in terms of attendance."
As Reedy points out, Ocho Cinco said that he would attend all off-season activities unlike last year when he was doing everything in his power to get traded and didn't show up until June.

Lewis hopes that Ocho Cinco won't repeat what happened last off-season.
"I know Chad learned a valuable lesson from last season. Hopefully he will not have a repeat of that," Lewis said during last week's league meetings. "Chad has to get himself back to where he was. We haven't changed. Offensively we have to do things to get the ball to Chad, to push the ball down the field. ... Chad has to make sure he prepares himself physically in the offseason so that when we get started and play games in September, he's ready to go."
Last year, Ocho Cinco, who separated his shoulder and tore his labrum in the pre-season, had his least productive year of his career. He finished with only 53 receptions for 540 yards in 12 games.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 02:34 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jets' players like Ryan's "swagger" and "energy"

Per Newsday's Erik Boland, LB Bart Scott, who signed with the Jets last month, said that his new teammates like the "energy" of new coach Rex Ryan saying he's "like a breath of fresh air."

Jets RB/KR Leon Washington says that Ryan reminds him of Bobby Bowden, his college coach at Florida State.
"I guess the new word now is the swagger he displays," Washington said of Ryan. "Hopefully, that can be infectious to the rest of the team. I was telling one of the guys, this was the way I was used to playing when I was at Florida State. We kind of went out and did our thing and not too much worried about what everybody else did. Hopefully, that attitude can be infectious to the rest of the guys on the team and go out there and do our thing and have swagger about it and be confident about it."
Jets safety Kerry Rhodes echoed Washington's sentiments about Ryan's impact on team and player confidence.
"I think the right guy got the job," safety Kerry Rhodes said. "He set the tone for us early, letting us know that we're going to be a confident group, that we're going to go out and attack, which is something that we want to do and is something we think we should do."
Confidence and swagger are great, but the question mark for the 2009 Jets will be their QB play. The Jets' collapse in 2008 correlated directly to the play of Brett Favre, who threw two touchdowns and nine interceptions in the final five games of the season.

Then again, Ryan took the first step to address that issue by never calling Favre.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:33 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Rex Ryan never reached out to Favre

As Gary Myers of the NY Daily News points out, via Pro Football Talk, Jets head coach Rex Ryan didn't want Brett Favre back despite comments made to the contrary.

According to Myers, Favre, who was due to earn $13 million in 2009, wasn't contacted by Ryan from January 19th (the day Ryan was hired) to February 11th (the day Favre retired).
“If Ryan wanted Favre, he would have called him or shown up on his doorstep in Hattiesburg,” Myers writes.
Pro Football Talk points out that Favre, if willing to take further hits to his reputation after un-retiring once, could force the Jets' hand by asking the Commissioner to come off the reserve-retired list. Since the Jets don't have the cap room, they would need to cut Favre.

Favre, who helped get Eric Mangini fired by his performance down the stretch, has an open invitation to be a guest at the Cleveland Browns' training camp.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:54 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bills' owner Ralph Wilson still alive despite rumors

The Buffalo Bills and owner Ralph Wilson Jr. were surprised by internet rumors that had circulated about Wilson passing away. Apparently, even Wilson's wikipedia page had been changed.

Wilson went to the hospital on Friday for a shoulder injury, but the 90-year-old owner is alive and kicking.

The team rejected the rumor by making a Twitter post that reads: "There is absolutely no truth to the internet rumor referencing Ralph Wilson’s health."

In August, Wilson will be one of six new members inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Hame as part of the Class of 2009.

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

Parcells and Sparano work out Hakeem Nicks

Per Edgar Thompson of the Palm Beach Post, Miami Dolphins VP Bill Parcells and coach Tony Sparano headed north to Chapel Hill, NC for a private workout with some Tar Heels' players including WR Hakeem Nicks. It is uncommon for Parcells to take a road trip for private workouts.

As Keyshawn Johnson recently pointed out, Parcells prefers bigger receivers unlike Ted Ginn Jr., who is currently the top receiver on the team's depth chart. Nicks is a big receiver (6'0 3/4", 216 pounds) that would fit the mold of what Parcells likes in a receiver.

Nicks had the best game of his career in his last collegiate game, the Meineke Car Care Bowl - 217 receiving yards and 3 TDs.

However, Nicks may not be available when the Dolphins pick at 25 at next month's NFL draft. Some mock drafts have Nicks going to the Jets at 17 or the Bears at 18.

Even if Nicks is still on the board at 25, Johnson doesn't believe that the 'Fins will use their first-round pick on a receiver. There is a good chance the Dolphins will address other areas, such as CB and OLB, in the first round.

As Keyshawn pointed out, the Dolphins are likely to target Cal Poly WR Ramses Barden, an even bigger receiver who is projected as a third-rounder.

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

Phillip Daniels to re-sign with 'Skins

Last year, the Washington Redskins lost Phillip Daniels on the first day of training camp, which led to the deal that brought Jason Taylor to the 'Skins for draft picks.

Per the Washington Times, Daniels, who was a salary-cap casualty this off-season, is about to re-sign with the team. Under his old deal, Daniels would have earned $2.15 million in 2009. Instead, he will earn the 10-year veteran minimum of $845,000 and will only count $510,000 towards the salary cap.
"We're working something out," he said. "I'll be a Redskin this year."

"I've been with Coach Blache for 10 years," Daniels said. "I know the system so well. The coaches all told me they wanted me back. I'm so close to so many of the guys. And now Renaldo's back. I don't know who's going to start [at left end]. I don't mind being a backup. I just want to win a championship."
Daniels, who was the Seahawks fourth-round pick in 1996, has 59 career sacks. Before missing the 2008 season, Daniels had 37 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2007.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:28 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

T.O. "blindsided" by Cowboys' release

There was plenty of debate on whether the Dallas Cowboys should have released Terrell Owens, who leads the NFL in receiving touchdowns (38) over the past three seasons. So much so that Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones issued a "gag order" for his coaching staff including Jones' puppet head coach Wade Phillips.

The debate boiled down to: did T.O.'s production on the football field outweigh his antics in the locker room? Ultimately, the answer to that question, as determined by Jones, was no.

Owens, who signed a one-year contract with Buffalo, shared his thoughts on the subject with Rogers Sportsnet.
"You hear all the speculation, and you talk to the owner of the team, and he reassures you, you're not going anywhere and then, out of left-field … you get blindsided."

"I know whole-heartedly he [Jerry Jones] wanted me there," Owens said. "There were some people I know who got in his ear that pressured him to make that decision. For that, it's sad. You let two or three people conspire to get me out of the situation."
Jones, however, did not have any comments about T.O.'s conspiracy theory.
"I don't have anything to say, but we have a great relationship," Jones said. "I'm sorry we didn't get this year in on the contract, but I don't have any pointed comment to what he said that there were people within the organization that didn't want him here. I read the substance of [the comments]. Bottom line is I don't really have any comments."
Last June, Jones made a huge mistake by giving T.O. a contract extension. With the perceived security of being under contract for another four years, it was easy for Owens to revert to his divisive ways that led to his departure in San Francisco and Philadelphia.

While I believe T.O. would have continued to be a "locker room cancer" in Dallas had he not been released, Buffalo is getting a bargain. Owens, who will earn $6.5 million with the Bills, has no choice but to perform at his best while toeing the company line. If he doesn't, he'll be shooting himself in the foot for his next deal.

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

Zach Thomas' wife mistreated by same officer as Moats

The story of Ryan Moats' delay at the hospital of his dying mother-in-law by Dallas PD officer Robert Powell is well-documented.

Powell has since issued an apology to the Moats' family. But it appears as though Powell's abuse of authority in the Moats' situation is not an isolated incident.

Maritza Thomas, wife of Cowboys free-agent LB Zach Thomas, had a run-in with Powell last year. She was charged with traffic violations (illegal U-turn, running a red light, improper address on a driver's license, etc.), handcuffed and spent three hours in a Dallas County jail.
"This in no way compares to what happened to Ryan Moats and his family," said Zach Thomas, who played for the Cowboys last season and is now a free agent. "But we wanted to tell our story, not knowing how many others have been affected by Officer Powell. We know the vast majority of the Dallas police force are good and professional people, but this guy just seems excessive."
I'm not a police officer nor an attorney, but to spend time in jail for those kind of traffic violations makes no sense to me. It doesn't make any sense to Brody Shanklin, Thomas' attorney, either.
"This situation never should've happened," said Maritza Thomas' attorney, Brody Shanklin. "Unless extraordinary circumstances exist, no person should be arrested for a Class C citation. In this case, it was an example of Officer Powell being overzealous and exerting his authority in a manner that he never should have."
However, Judge C. Victor Lander says that Texas law allows an arrest to be made for any Class C misdemeanor traffic violation except speeding and having an open container. However, that those instances are "relatively rare" unless the person stopped has unpaid parking tickets.

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

March 28, 2009

Larry Johnson gets 2 years probation, has grievance hearing

Kansas City Chiefs RB Larry Johnson was sentenced to two years of probation as a result of two separate nightclub incidents involving women.

In both cases, Johnson, who wants out of Kansas City, faced charges of assualt, which were reduced to disturbing the peace.

If Johnson doesn't violate his probation, the guilty plea will be removed from his record. In order to satisfy the terms of his probation, LJ cannot consume alcohol or be present in any Kansas City bars or nightclubs after 9 p.m.

The first incident involved Johnson shoving a woman in the head. In the second incident, Johnson was accused of spitting a drink in the face of a different woman. After the second incident, Johnson was suspended for one game by the NFL.

Per Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star, the Chiefs and LJ have a grievance hearing set for Wednesday in a dispute over $3.75 million of guaranteed money.

The Chiefs say that LJ's one-game suspension last year is a breach of his contract and they don't have to pay him the $3.5 million payment this year and $250,000 payment next year.

LJ's agent says that he will participate in the Chiefs' off-season workout program, which begins Monday. However, his participation may be short-lived.

According to the Kansas City Star, the Chiefs will likely release Johnson if they win the grievance hearing.

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

Niners add Marvel Smith, cut Jonas Jennings

The San Francisco 49ers have signed tackle Marvel Smith to a two-year contract worth $10.5 million.

To make room for Smith, the Niners cut tackle Jonas Jennings. In his four seasons with the Niners, Jennings started only 23 (out of a possible 64) games.
"I am blessed with the opportunity the Niners have given me to come back home and play," said Smith, an Oakland native.
Smith, the Steelers' second-round pick in 2000, spent the majority of last season on injured reserve. He will likely start at right tackle at their next mini-camp in May. Adam Snyder started at RT at their most recent mini-camp. Snyder will likely move back to guard.

The addition of Smith provides greater flexibility in the draft for the 49ers.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:14 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

March 27, 2009

Kerry Rhodes not a fan of Jay Cutler

The New York Jets are one of the teams interested in Jay Cutler, the Broncos' disgruntled QB.

But not every Jets' player is excited about the potential of Cutler being in a Jets uniform. Jets safety Kerry Rhodes is "not going to fight him" if he is Brett Favre's replacement, but he won't be throwing a party to welcome him either.
"Me and Jay just don't get along too well right now," Rhodes said. "...You can be confident, but when you're too confident for your own self, that can be a little tough."
Instead, Rhodes would prefer the QBs on the team (Kellen Clemens, Brett Ratliff and Erik Ainge) get a shot to lead the team.

For obvious reasons, Clemens isn't thrilled with the prospect either.
"At times, it can be distracting, I'm not going to lie," Clemens said of the Cutler buzz. "It's not like, 'Oh, Jay could be here, that's great.' You try to ignore it and focus on things under your control . . . I try to dismiss it as best I can, but it's easier said than done."
Last year, Cutler threw for 4526 yards, 25 TDs and 18 INTs.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:49 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bucs offer Brooks front office job?

Earlier in this off-season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released 11-time Pro Bowler Derrick Brooks among other players.

According to JoesBucsFan.com, the Bucs offered Brooks a front office position not long after cutting him. The site goes on to say that Brooks told the Glazers, the family that owns the Bucs, that he'd like to exhaust all possibilities as a player first.

Brooks, the Bucs first-round pick in 1995, has 1719 tackles, 13.5 sacks and 25 interceptions in his career. He had 100+ tackles in 12 of his 14 seasons. In 2002, Brooks had 4 defensive touchdowns and won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.

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

March 26, 2009

Torry Holt visits with Jaguars

WR Torry Holt, who was released by the Rams, visited with the Jacksonville Jaguars today.

The Jaguars have one of the league's weakest WR corps after parting ways with troubled WR Matt Jones and not re-signing Reggie Williams in the off-season.

As Gene Frenette of The Florida Times-Union points out, Holt would be a good fit if the price is right for the Jags (and many other teams, for that matter).

Holt, who was due to earn $8 million this year with the Rams, is a seven-time Pro Bowler and ranks 14th all-time in receiving yards (12660) and 11th all-time in receptions (869).

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

T.O. won't be at any voluntary workouts

Buffalo Bills WR Terrell Owens says that he would prefer to follow his own off-season workout program and won't show for any of the team's voluntary workouts.
"Right now if there's nothing mandatory that I have to be a part of, then I won't intend to be there."

"I've never gone to a voluntary workout," Owens said. "I have a personal trainer. I take very good care of myself. I take pride in coming into camp in shape.

"If I'm in the area, I tend to stop by the facilities and work out with the guys. You know, I'm looking forward to that type of stuff."
Staying in shape certainly isn't the problem for T.O. Being on the same page with his teammates, coaches and QB is usually the challenge.

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

Plaxico's attorney trying to work out plea

New York Giants WR Plaxico Burress has a pre-trial hearing set for Tuesday morning in Manhattan criminal court.

In November, Burress accidentally shot himself in the leg at Latin Quarter, a Manhattan nightclub. Burress is facing two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a loaded and unlicensed weapon. If found guilty, the minimum sentence is 3 1/2 years.

At the time, NYC mayor Mike Bloomberg said that Burress should be prosecuted "to the fullest extent of the law."
"Our children are getting killed with guns in the streets. Our police officers are getting killed with guns in the hands of criminals, and because of that, we got the State Legislature to pass a law that if you carry a loaded handgun, you get automatically 3½ years in the slammer," Bloomberg told reporters. "I don't think that anybody should be exempt from that, and I think it would be an outrage if we didn't prosecute to the fullest extent of the law, particularly people who live in the public domain, make their living because of their visibility. They are the role models for our kids."
Per ESPN.com, Burress' attorney, Benjamin Brafman, is trying to work out a plea agreement.
"People should reserve judgment on Mr. Burress until all the facts are in this case are in," Brafman said at the time.
If Brafman gets the charges reduced to third-degree possession, Plaxico would avoid the minimum sentence of 3 1/2 years. According to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, roughly 80 percent of people convicted of third-degree possession spend time in jail.

If Burress doesn't serve any time (or serves much less than 3 1/2 years), it reinforces the public's opinion that there are two sets of rules in society.

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

Ryan Moats delayed after being pulled over while mother-in-law dies

On March 18th, Houston Texans RB Ryan Moats was pulled over for running a red light when he was in a rush to visit his dying mother-in-law in a Dallas-area hospital.

Officer Robert Powell reportedly pulled a gun on Moats while in the hospital parking lot.
"My mother-in-law is dying! Right now! You're wasting my time!" Moats yelled. "I don't understand why you can't understand that."

"Shut your mouth," the officer said. "You can either settle down and cooperate or I can just take you to jail for running a red light."

"I can screw you over," [Powell] said at one point in the videotaped incident. When another officer came with word that Moats' mother-in-law was indeed dying, Powell's response was: "All right. I'm almost done."
Powell has been put on paid administrative leave while the matter is being investigated.
"When we at the command staff reviewed the tape, we were embarrassed, disappointed," [Dallas Police Chief David] Kunkle said. "It's hard to find the right word and still be professional in my role as the police chief. But the behavior was not appropriate."

"His behavior, in my opinion, did not exhibit the common sense, the discretion, the compassion that we expect our officers to exhibit," Kunkle said.
Moats' mother-in-law, who was suffering from breast cancer, had died while Moats was being delayed in the parking lot.

Powell is an ass. He took one of life's most difficult situations (the death of a loved one) and made it ten times worse. Like Moats says, Powell "should lose his job."

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:22 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

March 25, 2009

Goodell wants to increase regular-season games

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell wants to keep the number of combined pre-season and regular-season games the same. However, he wants to change the composition of those games, which is currently four pre-season games and 16 regular-season games.

Goodell hopes to propose in May that the league increase the number of regular-season games to 17 or 18. That would reduce the number of pre-season games to two or three.
"It's possible that we could vote in May, but we want to have core discussions on this," Goodell said Wednesday. "Anytime you have change, there is some reluctance. But it's clear we don't need four preseason games anymore."
Serious discussions would need to happen with the players/union and broadcast partners.

With a 17-game schedule, a possible solution to avoid half the league having an extra home game and the other half having an extra away game would be to have 16 games held on neutral sites. Such a move would allow also the league to schedule more international games.

With an 18-game schedule, it would be easier to schedule nine home and nine away games.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:14 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Osi Umyeniora will be ready for training camp

New York Giants finished sixth in the NFL in sacks (42) last year without DE Osi Umyeniora after leading the league in sacks (53) with him in 2007. Umyeniora had 13 sacks in 2007.

After tearing the lateral meniscus in his left knee last pre-season, Umenyiora says that he is 99 percent and that he will be ready for training camp in July.

He also said that he was between 80-85 percent at the end of last season. He would have considered playing if he hadn't been placed on injured reserve.
"I haven't been in a situation like that my whole life," Umenyiora said. "To see the way it unfolded and the pain and rehabilitation process, how grueling and how hard it was, I think that added an extra motivation (for this season)."
In addition to getting Umenyiora back in 2009, the Giants have added Chris Canty and Rocky Bernard to the defensive line in the off-season.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:01 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Brett Favre to visit Browns' training camp?

Brett Favre might be joining Eric Mangini and the Browns at training camp.
"He might come out to training camp to visit," Mangini said. "Maybe I will have him do the show team or just hang out."

"I don't think it would be anything formal," Mangini said. "It's not like we are hiring him to run the scout team. I don't think he would be interested in that. He would be more like a visitor. An open invite."
The Jets, Mangini and Favre started generating talk of a Jets-Giants Super Bowl after they went to Tennessee and beat the Titans to improve to 8-3. However, Favre's poor performance down the stretch as much as anything else led to the team's collapse. The Jets finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs.

That collapse is ultimately what cost Mangini his job.
"We had a legitimately good relationship," Mangini said. "He's a good guy. I like Brett a lot. That was a tough situation for him to come into and I thought he handled it incredibly well."
Mangini has said that QBs Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson will face off in an open competition during training camp.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:40 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Charles Rogers goes from bust to busted

The Detroit Lions selected Charles Rogers with the number two overall selection in the 2003 NFL draft and signed him to a $55 million contract.

In 14 career games over two separate seasons (2003 and 2005), Rogers has 36 receptions for 440 yards and 4 TDs.

Rogers, who pleaded guilty to trespassing after being charged with assualting his fiancee in September, was arrested for violating his probation. He falsified records about attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and tested positive for alcohol.
"I'm just going to do my 10 days, get out of the court system and try to get in shape for a comeback," Rogers said Wednesday in a telephone interview with The Associated Press from the Oakland County jail. "Am I sad about the way my life has turned out? No, because I know the strides I've made to take care of Charles Rogers."
For more on the "strides" he's making, here's his mugshot.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:21 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bears sign tackle Kevin Shaffer

The Chicago Bears and tackle Kevin Shaffer agreed to a three-year deal worth $8 million. Shaffer was released by the Cleveland Browns earlier this month.

John St. Clair, who was expected to start at right tackle for the Bears, opted to sign with the Browns for three years. The Bears are to believed to offer St. Clair only half of what the Browns offered him, which was $9 million over three years.

Earlier in the off-season, the Bears signed guard Frank Omiyale. But Omiyale, who has been playing tackle at the Bears' mini-camp, prefers to play tackle.

In Shaffer's three seasons with the Browns, he started 16 games at left tackle and 31 games at right tackle.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:00 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jets sign Donald Strickland as third CB

Per Rich Cimini of the Daily News, the New York Jets have signed cornerback Donald Strickland as the team's third corner. Pro Bowler Darrell Revis and Lito Sheppard, acquired this off-season as well, are the two starters.

Strickland started ten games for the San Francisco 49ers last year, but he will cover the slot in the nickel and dime packages for the Jets.

The Jets had brought in (and passed on) former Ravens' Corey Ivy and Samari Rolle, who played under coach Rex Ryan last year.

According to Cimini, Strickland's signing isn't a "ringing endorsement" for Dwight Lowery, who started until the Jets signed Ty Law last November.

Strickland, the Colts third-round pick in 2003, will be playing for his fourth NFL team. He has played for the Colts, Eagles and 49ers. Last year, Strickland had 38 tackles for the Niners.

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

Tony Gonzalez still wants a trade?

Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said that the team was not going to trade its future Hall of Fame TE Tony Gonzalez. But a source told AP, via National Football Post, that Hunt's statement surprised Gonzalez.
“If the right deal can be made, Tony very much wants the Chiefs to trade him,” the person said. “Tony is not demanding a trade. Tony cherishes the time he’s spent with the Chiefs and he loves the way he’s always been treated by the fans there. But he knows of some other teams that would be interested in him and if the right deal can be made, he wants it to be made.”
Gonzalez, who is a 13-year veteran, led the Chiefs in receptions (96) and receiving yards (1058) in 2008.

For his career, he has 916 receptions and 10940 yards. His 916 receptions ranks ninth all-time and first among tight ends in NFL history.

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

Shaun Rogers shows for Browns' workouts

Cleveland Browns nose tackle Shaun Rogers, who felt he was snubbed (two times) by new coach Eric Mangini, was a no-show for the Browns' off-season workout program.

But video on the Browns' website of the workout program shows Rogers there greeting his teammates.

According to Browns GM George Kokinis, "The communication [between Mangini and Rogers] is ongoing now and I think that's being cleaned up."

Last year, Rogers made the Pro Bowl for the third in his career. He had 75 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 2008.

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

March 24, 2009

QB competition in Cleveland?

Provided that both Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson are on the Browns' roster when the team begins training camp in July, both QBs will fight it out for the opportunity to start.
''I don't have a projected starter at this point,'' Mangini said at a breakfast meeting with the media. ''We'll have an open competition where they'll both get a chance to establish that they'll be the starter.''
Quinn, the Ohio-born and raised first-round pick, is definitely the fan favorite over Anderson.

Hindsight is 20-20, but many projected a disappointing season for Anderson. The Browns re-signed Anderson to a three-year contract last off-season.

Anderson started the season, but he was benched mid-way through it. After Quinn was injured, Anderson became the starter. After Anderson got hurt, Ken Dorsey became the starter and so on.

The per game stats for the two quarterbacks were almost identical.
QB Rating: Quinn 66.6, Anderson 66.5
Completion Percentage: Quinn 50.6%, Anderson 50.2%
Yards/Attempt: Quinn 5.8, Anderson 5.7
TD:INT: Anderson 9 TDs to 8 INTs, Quinn 2 TDs to 2 INTs
The Browns haven't scored an offensive touchdown since November 17th.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:10 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Chargers' Jeromey Clary receives most performance-based pay

The top earner in the NFL's performance-based pay system in 2008 was Jeromey Clary, who received $405,859 in additional compensation.

The performance-based pay system, which was negotiated into the collective bargaining agreement, determines additional compensation based on comparison of salary and playing time. In total, $105 million was awarded to NFL players in additional performance-based pay.

Clary, the Chargers' sixth-round pick in 2006, started all 16 games in 2008 for the Chargers.

After Clary, the next four highest recipients of performance-based pay were Cardinals center Lyle Sendlein ($348,134), Washington Redskins safety Chris Horton ($342,197), New Orleans Saints guard Carl Nicks ($335,033) and Cleveland Browns cornerback Brandon McDonald ($329,803).

In 2009, the performance-based pay is expected to increase by 5% to $3.5 million per team. In 2007, the league paid out $99 million and Willie Colon was the highest earner with $309,534 received.

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

March 23, 2009

NFL announces compensatory draft picks

The NFL announced the compensatory draft picks for the 2009 NFL draft, which begins at noon on Saturday, April 25th.

Based on a formula, the NFL awards compensatory picks based on a team losing more or better free agents than it acquires in return in the previous off-season. The number and placement of picks are determined by performance and pay of those pay agents.

Of the 32 picks awarded, the Tennessee Titans and Cincinnati Bengals received four picks each, which is the maximum. Fourteen other teams received compensatory picks as follows:

3 picks each: Chicago Bears, New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks
2 picks each: Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers
1 pick each: Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Redskins

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

Browns to sign David Patten

Today the Browns have announced that they are going to sign WR David Patten, who spent the past two seasons in New Orleans.
"We're going to sign him. It's another veteran leader, experienced," [Browns GM George] Kokinis said.

"We had David in before the Stallworth incident occurred, so that signing wasn't really triggered by that."
This off-season, the Browns have traded TE Kellen Winslow to Tampa Bay and have released Joe Jurevicius.

Braylon Edwards, their #1 WR, has been the subject of trade talks with the Giants. Today, Kokinis confirmed that he had spoken to Giants' GM Jerry Reese at the NFL Combine.

Donte' Stallworth, their #2 WR, only played 11 games hauling in 17 catches. But he is likely to be charged with DUI manslaughter from an accident that led to the death of Mario Reyes.

Patten has spent 13 seasons in the NFL and has 324 career receptions. Last year, Patten played in only five games and had 11 receptions for 162 yards.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:36 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Seven prime-time games announced for 2009

Today, the NFL announced the schedule for seven prime-time games. Here they are:

Week One:
Thursday, September 10th, 8:30 PM ET: Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh Steelers
Sunday, September 13th, 8:30 PM ET: Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers
Monday, September 14th, 7 PM ET: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots
Monday, September 14th, 10:15 PM ET: San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders

Thanksgiving:
Thursday, November 26th, 12:30 PM ET: Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions
Thursday, November 26th, 4:15 PM ET: Oakland Raiders at Dallas Cowboys
Thursday, November 26th, 8:20 PM ET: New York Giants at Denver Broncos

I'm surprised that the Raiders have prime-time appearances in two of the seven games announced.

In the past six seasons, the Raiders haven't won more than five games in a year and they are a cumulative 24-72 over that span. Even the Detroit Lions, winless in 2008, have a better record over the past six years (26-70).

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

Keyshawn Johnson on Fins WRs

Keyshawn Johnson thinks that Miami Dolphins' WR Ted Ginn Jr. "had a good year, but he's a guy that is not your elite receiver. He's a good No. 2." Ginn, who was taken ninth in 2007 by the Dolphins, is the only receiver taken in the first round by the Fins in the past 11 years.
"The problem you have with him is he can run like a deer and he can play like a deer - scared."
It's exactly earth-shattered news that Keyshawn is willing to share his opinion on a topic, any topic, and that he doesn't think Ginn is an "elite receiver."

Johnson says he knows what kind of WR Bill Parcells likes. Someone like, well, him. In other words, a receiver that is big, strong and can line up inside or outside.

He went on to say that Parcells believes WRs are "a dime a dozen" so he won't draft one in the first round. The Dolphins have the 25th pick in this year's draft.

Instead, he thinks Parcells will target someone like Cal Poly's Ramses Barden.
"I like his size. He attacks the football," Johnson said. "He doesn't look like he's fast, but he gets down the field because he has a long stride. I think he'd fit good with Ted Ginn."
Barden, who's 6'6" and weighs 227 pounds, is projected as a third-round pick. He improved on his Combine performance in the 40-yard dash at his Pro Day Friday when he ran 4.51 and 4.55.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:43 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Thanksgiving Day Schedule set

The Detroit Lions will host the Green Bay Packers in the first game of the day. Hopefully, the Lions won't already be 0-10 heading into Thanksgiving.

The Dallas Cowboys will host the Oakland Raiders in the second game of the day. This is the first time that the Raiders will be playing on Thanksgiving in 39 years.

And the Denver Broncos will host the New York Giants in the Thursday Night game. The question is who will be under center for the Broncos.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:50 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cutler ignores McDaniels' text

According to Mike Klis of the Denver Post, a source told him that Broncos coach Josh McDaniels, who called Jay Cutler "our quarterback," sent Cutler a text message before arriving at the NFL owners' meetings which run from March 22nd to 25th.

Per Klis, Cutler didn't respond to McDaniels' text message.

While Cutler hasn't shown up for the voluntary off-season workout program, which began last Monday, Cutler has stated that he would show up for mandatory sessions. The next mandatory event is the team's mini-camp that runs from April 17th to 19th.

If Cutler and McDaniels don't iron out their differences by then, it's likely that trade discussions get going in earnest between then and the NFL draft (April 25th and 26th). More than ten teams have inquired about Cutler's availability.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:38 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jets are interested in Jay Cutler

Denver Broncos' coach Josh McDaniels still says that Jay Cutler is "our quarterback."

Per Gary Myers of the Daily News, the Jets have told the Broncos that they are interested in the Broncos' franchise QB (and unhappy camper) if (or, more likely, when) the Broncos start engaging in trade talks.

Jets coach Rex Ryan referred to QBs Kellen Clemens and Brett Ratliff as "1 and 1-A. Clemens may get the first snap, but then 1-A is Ratliff. This is clearly an open competition. Erik Ainge, if he comes around and lights it up, he will be in there."

There will be plenty of possible suitors for Cutler including the Bucs and Bears and possibly the 49ers, Lions among others.

Cutler finished third in the NFL in passing yards (4526) and seventh in passing TDs (25). However, he also finished second in interceptions (18).

The good news is that if Cutler is part of Gang Green in '09, he threw less interceptions than their QB did in '08.

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

Steelers to begin title defense vs Titans

In week 16 of the regular season, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tennessee Titans met at LP Field in Nashville. The Titans won that game 31-14 and locked up home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

In that game, some Titans' players stomped on the "terrible towel." While the Steelers never got their rematch (since the Titans lost to the Ravens in the divisional round), they did get the last laugh by winning Super Bowl XLIII.

Per the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, the Steelers will host the Titans in the NFL season opener on Thursday, September 10th at Heinz Field.

The full 2009 schedule should be released in April.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:01 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Singletary having hill built next to Niners practice fields

San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Singletary is "old school." So, it's only appropriate that the Hall of Fame linebacker has ordered 2,500 tons of dirt to make a hill adjacent to the team's practice facility.

When asked what he calls his creation, Singletary gave the same one-word response that Clubber Lang gave when he was asked for his prediction in Rocky III. In other words, "pain."

As Singletary points out, many players like Singletary himself, Walter Payton, Jerry Rice ran hills and that running hills "builds something that's kind of a mystery" that you can't get "in the weight room" or "on the track."

The hill isn't ready to be run yet, but Singletary ran his team through a grueling two-day workout and conditioning program Friday and Saturday. Although Singletary was considering ending Friday's workout early, the team wouldn't have it.
"Vernon was the first one to say, 'No, we're going to finish this,' and everybody else chimed in,'' Singletary said. "I think that says a lot about our team."
Many questioned his methods after Singletary's first game as coach when he publicly chewed out Vernon Davis and mooned his team at halftime of the same game. However, the team is buying in (or just really scared).

I've predicted year after year that the athletically-freakish Vernon Davis will break out. And year after year I've been wrong. Well, at the risk of sounding foolish (in other words, business as usual here at The Daily Blitz), I'm predicting a breakout year for Vernon Davis in 2009. And this time, I really mean it.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 03:24 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Texans give Shaun Cody 3-year deal

Per ESPN's John Clayton, the Houston Texans have agreed to a three-year contract with defensive tackle Shaun Cody. The Houston Chronicle reports that the deal could be worth $6 million.

The move provides the Texans with additional depth on the defensive line.

Cody will become the second D-Lineman and former Detroit Lion to be acquired this off-season. The Texans have also added Antonio Smith from the Arizona Cardinals and ex-Lions QB Dan Orlovsky to back up Matt Schaub.

As the Lions second-round pick in 2005, Cody has started 11 games in his career including four in 2008.

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

No T.O. at Bills' first voluntary workout

Today the Buffalo Bills began their 12-week off-season conditioning program, which is voluntary but normally attended by 50 Bills' players. A notable absentee was newcomer Terrell Owens.
“Terrell in the past has not been involved in all of those things,” Bills coach Dick Jauron said. “My hope is that he’s here. He knows how important it is for us, particularly in his first year with us.”
There are a lot of things for which T.O. can be criticized. However, Owens maintains himself in peak physical condition.

T.O. will eventually report and should be on his best behavior in 2009. In the past, he hasn't caused any problems in his first year with a team. It's less likely that he'll be a disruptive force in his first year with the Bills considering he'll be 35 in December, has a history of incidents and, most importantly, will need to negotiate a new contract after this season.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 02:18 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Samson Satele to Oakland for draft pick

The Miami Dolphins have traded center Samson Steele to the Oakland Raiders for an undisclosed draft pick. Earlier in the month, the Dolphins signed former Raiders center Jake Grove to a five-year contract worth nearly $30 million.

Satele had struggled against some of the bigger nose tackles in the AFC East, such as the Jets' Kris Jenkins and the Patriots' Vince Wilfork. The hope is that Grove, who is an inch taller but roughly the same weight as Satele, will be better able to handle larger nose tackles.

Since being drafted in the second round in 2007, Satele started all 32 games with the Dolphins. The other centers currently on the Raiders' roster are John Wade and Chris Morris.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:34 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Giants, Browns talked about Edwards

Trade rumors had circulated involving the Giants DE Mathias Kiawanuka and the Browns WR Braylon Edwards.

Per the Newark Star-Ledger's Mike Garafolo, Scout.com's The Giant Insider has reported that the Browns and Giants had a series of offers and counter-offers involving Edwards. However, Kiawanuka wasn't involved in the trade discussions.

The report says that the Giants originally offered their 2009 draft picks acquired from the Saints (second- and fifth-rounders) when they traded Jeremy Shockey last year. After the Browns said no, they countered with Giants' WR Steve Smith. The Giants said no and countered with either Mario Manningham or Domenik Hixon, which the Browns turned down.

Per the report, trade talks have slowed, but Garafolo points out that they could heat up again depending on what happens with Plaxico Burress. If Burress faces jail time and/or league suspensions, the talks could intensify as the Giants enter the Plan B phase.

Edwards, the Browns first-round pick in 2005, is in the final year of his contract. Last year, Edwards had a huge drop-off in production from 2007 including leading the league with 16-22 dropped passes.

In 2008, Edwards had 55 receptions for 873 yards and three touchdowns. The prior year, he broke out with 80 catches for 1289 yards and 16 TDs.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:23 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cowboys shopped Bobby Carpenter

Per Todd Archer of the Dallas Morning News, the Dallas Cowboys have shopped ILB Bobby Carpenter.

However, Archer points out that the Cowboys are less likely to trade Carpenter, the franchise's first-round pick in 2006, since they lost free agent Kevin Burnett to the San Diego Chargers last month.

In the off-season, the Cowboys signed Keith Brooking, who will start with Bradie James. Without Burnett, Carpenter would be the team's top back-up ILB.

Carpenter is scheduled to earn a base salary of $885,000 in 2009, but a playing-time incentive bonus of $1.895 million in his contract could make it difficult to trade Carpenter.

Carpenter has been a huge disappointment. The Cowboys should cut their losses (whether by trade or releasing the player) and find a replacement in this year's draft. It shouldn't be too difficult to find someone to be as (un)productive as "Barbie", who has been credited with only seven tackles in the past two seasons.

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

March 22, 2009

Lions following in Dolphins' footsteps

The Detroit Lions hold the #1 overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft as did the Miami Dolphins in the 2008 NFL draft. Before draft day in 2008, the Dolphins had already negotiated with and signed Jake Long to a five-year contract.

Taking his cue from the Dolphins, Lions President Tom Lewand says that the Lions have begun the negotiation process.
"We have to have robust dialogue with the agents of the players we're interested in. We've started that process and we've made it very clear to all of them that we have to have that as this month draws to a close,'' Lewand said.
Lewand says they haven't "put a timetable" on completing the process whether it happens "tomorrow" or "the night before the draft."

The NFL has a perverted pay scale whereby first-round rookies sign mega-contracts that in many cases dwarf those signed by proven veterans.

As the only team to have more than ten minutes to make a selection, the Lions should make signability part of their selection process. The Lions may actually be able to save millions of dollars on the contract with the player they ultimately select by turning this into a reverse bidding war.

Who knew that any Motor City business could be cost efficient?

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:35 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Raiders' Cornell Green arrested

Raiders tackle Cornell Green (6'6" and 315 pounds) was arrested yesterday on charges of domestic violence against the mother of his two children.
"...Green slammed 30-year-old Teriyonal Ebony Flowers into a wall, then struck her right arm with an aluminum mop handle."
Although there is no word on whether Ms. Flowers was armed (you know, with an "aluminum mop handle"), but a guy (especially one his size) should never hit a woman in a "heated argument."

After the incident, Green fled to the Tampa International Airport (TIA), but he was apprehended at TIA.

In addition to playing for the Raiders, Green has played for the Jets, Bucs and Broncos. According to his Wikipedia profile, he also was on the practice squad and/or off-season rosters of the Falcons and Dolphins.

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

Isaac Bruce has "deadline" to decide

The San Francisco 49ers have given WR Isaac Bruce an "informal deadline" of April 1st to decide whether or not he'll return for another season.

Bruce isn't participating in the team's off-season workouts and Brandon Jones, who signed with the Niners three weeks ago, was in the flanker (Isaac Bruce's) position.
"When you've done the things that he's done, you just kind of sit back and weigh your options and try to figure it out,'' Singletary said. "He's still working out "... but he's just making sure he's fully committed when he comes back."
In 2008, Bruce led the team in receptions (61), receiving yards (835) and receiving TDs (7).

Bruce ranks second all-time on the receiving yards (14,944) list behind Jerry Rice and he ranks fifth all-time on the career receptions list (1003).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:10 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

March 21, 2009

Bears add safety Glenn Earl

The Chicago Bears have added another safety to their roster this off-season. Per ESPN.com, the Bears have signed Glenn Earl to a one-year contract, which is expected to be worth $620,000 (the veteran league minimum).

He joined the Bears for their recent three-day mini-camp and appears to be healthy again.

Last week, the Bears signed free-agent safety Josh Bullocks to a four-year contract.

Earl, drafted in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL draft by the Texans, hasn't played in the past two seasons. He suffered a lisfranc injury at the end of the 2007 pre-season.

Before getting injured, Earl had 75 tackles, two sacks and one interception with the Texans in 2006.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:16 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Colts sign Adam Seward

The Indianapolis Colts have signed linebacker Adam Seward to a one-year contract.
"Adam's looking forward to the opportunity,'' Mike Hoffman, his agent, said Friday evening. "He's a good match for the Colts.''
Seward, the Panthers' fifth-round pick in 2005, has appeared in 40 games in his four seasons with the Carolina Panthers. He has a total of 44 tackles in his career.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:58 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

March 20, 2009

Zimmer says Williams has "good workout"

Two weeks ago, the Dallas Cowboys released safety Roy Williams. Yesterday, he worked out for the Cincinnati Bengals and Mike Zimmer, his former defensive coordinator.
"It was a good workout. I wanted to evaluate him from when I remembered him," Zimmer said. "He's still got some quickness."
Williams earned four Pro Bowl appearances in Zimmer's 4-3 defensive scheme, where he was allowed to play closer to the line of scrimmage. Williams made the Pro Bowl in 2007 after Zimmer switched to a 3-4 defense. Under the 3-4 scheme utilized by Wade Phillips, Williams has often gotten burned in coverage.

After breaking his forearm, Williams only played three games in 2008. In his career, he has 512 tackles in 98 games, 6.5 sacks and 19 interceptions.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:49 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Nick Collins not attending Packers' voluntary workouts

Green Bay Packers safety Nick Collins earned a Pro Bowl bid last year, his fourth season (of his five-year rookie contract) with the Packers.

The NFL's current collective bargaining agreement doesn't allow for rookies drafted after the first round to sign contracts in excess of four years. Before that change became effective, Collins, the Packers' second-round draft pick in 2005, signed his five-year contract.

Collins had intended on participating in the off-season workout program, which began Monday. However, in light of the fact the team won't be initiating contract negotiations with him, Collins has decided to not attend the off-season program, which is voluntary.

The only mandatory session is the team's mini-camp from June 23rd to 25th.

Collins had 99 tackles and seven interceptions in 2008. Three of those interceptions were returned for touchdowns.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:37 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Shaun Rogers is no-show for Browns' workouts

Cleveland Browns Pro Bowl DT Shaun Rogers was upset by what he feels were snubs by new head coach Eric Mangini. In fact, he asked to be traded or released.

The Browns are not reporting who has or hasn't attended off-season workouts, which began this week, but reports are that Rogers is not present for the workouts.

Reportedly, Mangini has attempted to reach out to Rogers. But it is unknown whether he and Rogers have spoken.

If they have, they seem to be following the McDaniels-Cutler method of building a player-coach relationship.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:06 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Stallworth back in Cleveland working out with Browns

Cleveland Browns WR Donte' Stallworth, who will likely face DUI manslaughter charges, is back in Cleveland and participating in the team's off-season workouts.

While the team isn't officially reporting who is (or isn't) participating, Chris Lyons, Stallworth's attorney, confirmed his participation with the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
"Donte reported to the Browns on Wednesday morning and he's been welcomed back by everyone -- his teammates, the management, the coaching staff, and they've all been extremely supportive," Lyons said. "It's been good for him to get back to work."
Miami Beach Police say they don't have the results back. Lyons says that neither he nor Stallworth have been informed of the results.

But multiple media outlets have reported that Stallworth's blood-alcohol concentration is above the state of Florida's legal limit of .08.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:37 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ray Lewis says Ravens were his first choice

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, who has made 10 Pro Bowls in his 13 seasons with the Ravens, tested the free-agent market. But a week after free agency began, he agreed to a contract with the Ravens that will allow him to spend his entire career with only one team.

Lewis held a news conference yesterday and said that the Ravens were his first choice.
"My family is Baltimore," said Lewis. "The bottom line: Was there ever a decision for me to leave Baltimore? I don't think so. I didn't visit anyone else's facility. That would have taken away from what I do for my city. When I put that purple jersey on my back, I give everything that I have for every fan that's in the stands."
There is no doubt that Lewis leaves everything that he has on the field. Nobody could ever question his heart.

Whether or not the Ravens were his first choice, I don't know. Does he love the city of Baltimore, the fans and the franchise? I'm sure he does.

But to say the reason he "didn't visit anyone else's facility" was because it "would have taken away from what I do for my city" is a big stretch. Before the off-season began, he talked about how he wouldn't give Baltimore a "hometown discount" as Terrell Suggs suggested that the Ravens' trio of LBs should.

He "didn't visit anyone else's facility," because the interest wasn't there. Rex Ryan was waiting in Bart Scott's driveway as soon as free agency began and Jerry Jones didn't want (to pay) Lewis.

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

Eagles sign Leonard Weaver

The Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to terms with fullback Leonard Weaver on a one-year contract.
"When I looked at Philly, I looked at the type of offense they run," Weaver said via conference call. "In free agency, a lot of the guys look at the money. For me, that wasn't really the case. I looked at more of the opportunity. I hope I get a chance to catch passes, but they called me to do some blocking and that's exactly what I'm expected to do. I looked at the offense and it's basically the same offense Mike Holmgren ran in Seattle. I liked the opportunities there, so I took a chance."
Dan Klecko, who started at fullback for the Eagles last year, will make the transition back to the defensive line.

Last year, Weaver carried the ball 30 times for 130 yards and caught 20 passes for 222 yards.

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

March 19, 2009

Earl Bennett struggled learning Bears' plays

The Chicago Bears drafted WR Earl Bennett with their third-round pick in last year's NFL draft. In college (Vanderbilt), Bennett set the SEC career mark for receptions (236).

Bennett wasn't as successful making the transition to the NFL.
"I struggled [learning] the plays last year," Bennett said Wednesday. "I was lethargic because of it. It probably took me until Week 6, Week 7 to pick them up.

"Toward the end, I started grasping the concepts. Once you put things aside and just play, you can play a lot faster."
He may have taken until week 6 or 7 to learn the plays. He may have played "faster" after learning them.

That being said, Bennett and I were tied for NFL receptions with 0 in 2008. However, coach Lovie Smith says that he will give Bennett every opportunity to start opposite Devin Hester.

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

Saints release Mike McKenzie

The New Orleans Saints have released cornerback Mike McKenzie, who has spent the last five seasons with the Saints.
“Decisions such as these are the hardest to make in this business,” said Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis. “Mike has been a standout performer for the Saints both on and off the field during his career with the Saints. We wish him well in his future and thank him for all of his efforts representing the Saints.”
McKenzie landed on Injured Reserve to end each of the past two seasons. He tore his ACL in 2007 and fractured his right patella last year.

Before joining the Saints, McKenzie played five seasons with the Green Bay Packers. During his 10-year career, he has 27 career interceptions.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:08 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Samari Rolle to visit with Jets

Cornerback Samari Rolle, who was released by the Ravens, is expected to visit with the New York Jets.

The Jets acquired Lito Sheppard for draft picks this off-season to start opposite Pro Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis. If the Jets sign Rolle, he would be the nickelback.

Rex Ryan, who was defensive coordinator in Baltimore for the past four seasons, has already added two former Ravens' defensive players this off-season. The Jets signed LB Bart Scott to a six-year contract and later signed safety Jim Leonhard to a three-year contract.

Rolle, who missed six games due to injury, had 27 tackles and three interceptions in 2008. Rolle, the Titans' second-round draft pick in 1998, is an 11-year veteran.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:06 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Lendale White - 20 pounds lighter

The Tennessean's Gary Estwick interviewed Steve Watterson, the Titans strength and conditioning coach.

One of the things discussed was Titans RB Lendale White, who promised to come back in 2009 as a better player with better work habits. According to Watterson, he's sticking to his word.
"He came in this offseason over 20 pounds lighter than he was last year at this time. He showed up today, what is considered the voluntary day, the extra day of training, to make up for Monday because he was not here. He came in yesterday and today and both days have been excellent workouts."
White, the Titans second-round pick in 2006, is certainly going to lose his "starting" spot to the speedy Chris Johnson, who finished eighth in the NFL in rushing with 1228 yards. Last year, Johnson had 251 carries to 200 carries for White. Johnson should see a higher percentage of the carries in 2009.

But if White keeps losing weight, he just might have to concede the "copyright and trademark" to the "Smash and Dash" nicknames to the Panthers' DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, to whom he referred as "Identity and Theft."

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:24 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Herald reports Stallworth was above legal limit

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte' Stallworth was involved in an accident last weekend in which resulted in the death of Mario Reyes.

Stallworth was subjected to alcohol and drug testing as part of the normal procedure involving a homicide resulting from a car accident. The legal blood alcohol limit for the state of Florida is .08.

Per a report in the Miami Herald, Stallworth's blood alcohol level was .12.

Stallworth's attorney Robert Switkes has "no comment" and the Miami Beach police won't confirm the Herald's assertion.
"That has not been released or confirmed by us," Miami Beach detective Juan Sanchez told the Cleveland Plain-Dealer. "They went with that story without confirming it with us.''
The maximum sentence for DUI manslaughter is 15 years. With representation by high-priced attorneys, Stallworth will likely get much less if the Herald report is true.

In 1998, Leonard Little, who still plays for the St. Louis Rams, had a blood alcohol limit of .19 when he killed a motorist. He served only 90 days in jail.

The biggest shame in this is that an innocent, hard-working man lost his life. But it will also be a shame if Stallworth killed someone while under the influence yet only gets a similar punishment as Little received.

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

Browns sign Corey Ivy

The Cleveland Browns have signed Corey Ivy to a one-year deal.

Ivy has spent the past three seasons the Baltimore Ravens as their nickelback, but Ivy played over 50% of the Ravens' defensive snaps last year due to injuries to starters Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle. Both McAllister and Rolle have been released by the Ravens this off-season.

In 2008, Ivy had 51 tackles and 2.5 sacks for the Ravens. He has also appeared in games for the Buccaneers and Rams. Before that, he spent some time on the Patriots' practice squad in 1999 and spent the 2000 training camp with the Browns.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:34 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

March 18, 2009

Bucs sign Crowell; moving Phillips to LB?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed free-agent Angelo Crowell as strong-side linebacker.

Crowell will compete with Quincy Black and Adam Hayward for playing time on the strong side.

After an "out-of-the-blue" decision to have arthroscopic surgery on his knee right before the start of the season, Crowell missed the entire 2008 season on injured reserve. In 2007, Crowell had 126 tackles (tied for 8th in the NFL), two sacks and one interception.

The Bucs safety Jermaine Phillips is a candidate to play weak-side LB, Derrick Brooks' old spot.
"At this point, I'm looking at the switch as a switch," Phillips said. "There's still a lot for me to learn to even know what I'm doing at this position, but right now, I'm a linebacker."

"We felt comfortable in the fact that we did so much before in our old package with the safeties in the box that we said, 'Hey, he's done it from a safety's standpoint; let's see if he can play linebacker,' " linebackers coach Joe Barry said.
Two weeks ago, the Bucs re-signed Phillips, who had 59 tackles and three interceptions in 11 games last year.

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

Saints sign Darren Sharper

The New Orleans Saints have signed safety Darren Sharper, who has made four Pro Bowls in his 12 NFL seasons. Terms of the contract haven't been disclosed.
"Darren is an accomplished veteran player that brings a wealth of knowledge and ability to our secondary and has always possessed outstanding instincts and playmaking skills," Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said.
The Saints, who lost safety Josh Bullocks to the Bears, needed to add a safety.

Sharper, who only had 1 interception in 2008, is the active leader in interceptions (54). He has returned eight interceptions (and two fumble recoveries) for touchdowns in his career.

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

Cards re-sign Bertrand Berry

The Arizona Cardinals have re-signed defensive end Bertrand Berry to a one-year deal. Financial terms weren't disclosed.

Berry, who signed as a free agent with the Cardinals in 2004, recorded back-to-back double-digit sack seasons in 2003 and 2004.

Since then, Berry hasn't played a full season due to a variety of injuries. He has missed 23 games during the past four years, but he missed only two games last year.

Although he was a regular on the D-Line rotation, Berry started only seven games (four in the regular season and three in the post-season) for the Cardinals last year. He finished the year with five sacks and 22 tackles.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:13 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Kurt Warner has hip surgery

Arizona Cardinals QB Kurt Warner had arthroscopic surgery on his hip. The surgery, performed by Dr. Marc Philippon, was to repair a torn labrum, an injury with which Warner played all 20 games (counting post-season) in 2008.
"Everything went well and I'm feeling great," Warner said in a statement released by the team Wednesday. "I began rehab on a stationary bike just a few hours after surgery and then a couple of more times today."
Warner will miss the team's mini-camp, which runs from May 1 to 3, but is hopeful to participate in the voluntary team workouts when they begin on May 19.

The Cardinals re-signed Warner to a two-year contract worth $23 million this off-season.

Last year, Warner finished second in the NFL in passing yards (4583) to Drew Brees. The only year in which Warner threw for more yards was 2001 when he threw for 4830 yards and won league MVP with the "Greatest Show on Turf."

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

Marshawn Lynch expects to be suspended

In both of his off-seasons with the Buffalo Bills, Marshawn Lynch has screwed up and had run-ins with the law.

Last year, there was a hit-and-run accident. Earlier this month, he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor gun charge after a mid-February arrest in Culver City, CA. Lynch must serve 80 hours of community service and three years of probation.

Yesterday, Lynch met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and he expects what everyone else expects. That he'll get suspended.
"I'll find out that in about 10 days," Lynch said about being suspended. "But just from the situations that happened with me before, and people kind of felt that I skated off with not being suspended....I honestly see a suspension coming. But, I mean, that comes with the consequences."
Most expect that Goodell will hand down a suspension of one to four games.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:19 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Orlando Pace to visit with Ravens

The St. Louis Rams released left tackle Orlando Pace on March 11th. On March 16th, the Baltimore Sun quoted Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome as saying that there were no plans to bring in any tackles.
"Hey, I'm always looking to improve this football team," Newsome said. "At this point, we have no plans to bring in any tackles."
Things change fast. Orlando Pace is heading to Baltimore tonight to meet with the Ravens tomorrow.

If the Ravens sign Pace, it's likely that they would release tackle Willie Anderson. Cutting Anderson would save the team $2.9 million.

Pace, the former #1 overall draft pick in 1997, has made seven Pro Bowls in his career. However, injuries have caused him to miss 25 games in the past three seasons.

The Ravens would be interested in Pace playing right tackle. He spent his entire career as a left tackle.

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

Correll Buckhalter named in drug case

Styles N. Beckles is on trial in Pennsylvania for drug charges. [Can't you just picture a drug dealer named "Styles"? I picture something like this.]

In any event, the prosecutor in the case said that Styles had sold drugs to pro athletes including RB Correll Buckhalter, who signed with the Denver Broncos this off-season. Buckhalter is expected to start for the Broncos, who have also signed J.J. Arrington and Lamont Jordan this off-season.

Through his agent, Buckhalter has denied that he is a customer of Styles.
"I spoke to Correll about it and there's no validity to it as far as he's concerned," Buchhalter's agent J.R. Rickert said. "I don't know the circumstances as to how or why he dropped his name. All I know is I asked Correll, 'Are you involved in this at all?' And he said, 'Nope, there's no validity to it.' "
I don't know whether Buckhalter bought or didn't buy drugs from Styles. But considering the amount of players that have been busted for drugs in the NFL, I'm not sure that the phrase "nope, there's no validity to it" means so matter-of-factly that "nope, there's no validity to it."

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

Chiefs release David Macklin

Today the Kansas City Chiefs released cornerback David Macklin, who played four games for the Chiefs in 2008 after signing with the team mid-season.

Last week, Macklin was arrested on DUI charges in Newport News, VA after he was pulled over for illegal window tint on his BMW.

While Macklin was not expected to make the team considering the team's depth at the cornerback position, the DUI charges have sped up the decision-making process.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:57 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Titans sign Mark Jones to multi-year contract

The Tennessee Titans have agreed on a multi-year contract with return specialist Mark Jones. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Last year, Jones averaged 24.0 yards per return on kickoffs (tied for 21st in NFL) and 11.4 yards per return on punts (7th in NFL).

Cornerback Chris Carr returned punts and kickoffs for the Titans in 2008. As a free agent, Carr departed for the Baltimore Ravens earlier in the week.

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

March 17, 2009

Chiefs sign Engram, Biesel and Cooper

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed WRs Bobby Engram and Terrance Cooper as well as LB Monty Beisel today.

Engram, who missed the first quarter of the season due to injury, had 47 receptions for 489 yards. In 2007, Engram had 94 receptions for 1147 yards and 6 TDs.
“I’m going into my 14th year, and I want a Super Bowl,” Engram said. “I just want to prove to my new teammates and my new coaches and everybody that I can still play and make plays. I’m coming in for one goal, and that’s to help the Chiefs win games. We’ll see where it goes from there.”
If Engram "wants a Super Bowl," why KC? Granted, the Chiefs have upgraded their GM, head coach and QB positions. But they are still a couple of years away.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:03 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

John St. Clair signs with Cleveland

The Chicago Bears had very little depth at offensive tackle so it seemed likely that they would re-sign unrestricted free-agent John St. Clair, who started at left tackle for the Bears in 2008.

Instead, St. Clair agreed to a 3-year deal with the Cleveland Browns worth $9 million with $1.25 million guaranteed. The Bears are believed to have offered a 3-year, $4.5 million deal to St. Clair.

If the Bears signed St. Clair, he was expected to start at right tackle. Chris Williams, the Bears' 2008 first-round pick, is expected to start at left tackle.

Some tackles available as free agents include Orlando Pace, Marvel Smith and Kevin Shaffer. Even if they sign one of these guys, they will likely consider drafting a tackle with their first-round pick (18th overall).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:39 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jets match Browns' offer to Abram Elam

This off-season, coach Eric Mangini and the Cleveland Browns have signed four of his former Jets (defensive) players. The list includes DE C.J. Mosley, CB Hank Poteat, LB David Bowens and LB Eric Barton.

The Browns made an offer to Jets safety Abram Elam, who was a restricted free agent, for $1.5 million. The Jets, who had made a one-year, $1.01 million tender, had until today to match the Browns' offer, which they did.

After replacing injured Eric Smith in the starting lineup, Elam finished 2008 with 57 tackles, an interception (returned for a TD) and forced three fumbles, two of which were returned for TDs.

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

Cards re-sign Clark Haggans

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Clark Haggans played the fewest games (11) of his career last season due to a foot injury. He missed the final three games of the regular season and all four post-season games with the injury.

The Cardinals have re-signed Haggans to a three-year contract. Terms weren't disclosed.

Haggans, the Steelers' fifth-round draft pick in 2000, only had 19 tackles and 1 sack in 2008. For his career, Haggans has 335 tackles and 33.5 sacks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:26 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

LJ Smith is heading to Baltimore

According to the Baltimore Sun, the Ravens and L.J. Smith have agreed to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million.

The current tight ends on the Ravens' roster are Smith, Todd Heap, who started last year, Quinn Sypniewski and Edgar Jones.

Smith, who was designated with the franchise tag in 2008, played only 23 games in the past two seasons. After putting up back-to-back 600-yard seasons in 2005 and 2006, Smith's production, even after accounting for games missed due to injury, has declined.

In the past two seasons, Smith has posted 236 yards receiving and 298 yards receiving. His 22.9 receiving yards per game in 2008 was the second-lowest of his career. He averaged 21.4 receiving yards per game in his rookie season (2003).

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

Saints add Paul Spicer

The New Orleans Saints and defensive end Paul Spicer have agreed to a one-year deal.

The addition of Spicer provides the Saints with depth in the event that Will Smith and Charles Grant start the season serving four-game suspensions.

Spicer, who has spent the past nine seasons in Jacksonville, had 34 tackles and three sacks in 2008. For his career, Spicer has 259 tackles and 28 sacks (21 in past four years).

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

Steelers re-sign two of their unrestricted free agents

The Pittsburgh Steelers have re-signed two of their free agents, tackle Trai Essex and cornerback Fernando Bryant.

Essex signed a two-year contract that will pay him $620,000 and $800,000 over the next two seasons as well as a $500,000 signing bonus.

Bryant signed a one-year contract worth $745,000.

After these moves, the Steelers have re-signed eight of their free agents. Four of the free agents play on the offensive line: Essex, guard Chris Kemoeatu and tackles Max Starks and Willie Colon. The other four players are Bryant, TE/FB Sean McHugh and linebackers Andre Frazier and Arnold Harrison

Drafted in the third round of the 2005 NFL draft by the Steelers, Essex has started five games and has played in 33 games. Drafted in the first round of the 1999 NFL draft by the Jaguars, Bryant joined the Steelers last November and appeared in only two games in 2008.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:22 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Renaldo Wynn heading back to Washington

Defensive End Renaldo Wynn played for the Washington Redskins from 2002 to 2006. After spending the past two seasons with the Saints (2007) and the Giants (2008), Wynn will be back with the Redskins in 2009.

Wynn and the Redskins agreed to a one-year deal. In addition to Wynn, the Redskins are also interested in re-signing DE Phillip Daniels.

Selected in the first round of the 1997 NFL draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Wynn has 348 career tackles and 27 career sacks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:53 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

March 16, 2009

Bryce Brown heading to Knoxville

Bryce Brown, who was the nation's top-rated RB recruit, is heading to the University of Tennessee.
''If you followed this recruiting process, it was like a roller-coaster ride and I didn't expect for it to turn out like this, but things happened that I didn't expect and we had to come up with an alternative plan,'' Bryce Brown said. "We asked God to give us his plan.''
His second choice was Kansas State.

More than 13 months ago, Brown committed to the Miami Hurricanes, where his brother Arthur plays linebacker. He mentioned that his mother wanted him to go to Miami to play with his brother.
"The most important person to me is the person to my left, my brother. I want to thank him just for being there. I know how bad he wants me to play at the University of Miami, but he never put any pressure on me. He was always there to support me and that means a lot to me.''
Before gaining a single rushing yard on the collegiate level, Brown is already thinking about the NFL.
"They have a lot of NFL coaches there and I feel like that's a school that's going to prepare me for the next level. They expect greatness. That's what I'm used to. I wanted to go to a place where I know the coaches are going to put a lot of pressure on me to work hard.''
According to Rivals.com rankings, Brown is Tennessee's second prospect with a five-star rating to sign with Tennessee. The other is defensive back Janzen Jackson. Rivals ranks Tennessee's 2009 recruiting class tenth in the nation.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:24 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Panthers deny talks with Patriots on Peppers

Despite reports that the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots have discussed the possibility of sending Julius Peppers to the Patriots for the 34th overall pick in this year's draft, the Panthers say it isn't so.
"By the rules of the [collective bargaining agreement] we cannot and have not had any conversations with other teams about Julius," Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said in a statement. "Under the non-exclusive franchise tag, Julius and his agent, Carl Carey, are within their rights to talk to other teams about a potential contract. However, at this point, we are not aware of any such conversations."
Peppers, who was designated with the franchise tag by the Panthers, can talk to other teams. But the Panthers can't talk to other teams about Peppers until he signs the one-year tender.

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

Will Julius Peppers be a Patriot in 2009?

Per Vic Carucci of NFL.com, Julius Peppers will likely be playing his home games at Gillette Stadium in 2009. In return, the Carolina Panthers would receive the 34th overall pick in this year's NFL draft from the Patriots.

The Kansas City Chiefs traded that pick to the Patriots in exchange for QB Matt Cassel, who was franchised by the Pats, and LB Mike Vrabel.

The Pats and Panthers expect to complete the transaction between NFL owners' meetings (March 22-25) and the NFL draft (April 25-26).

Peppers, who was franchised by the Panthers, is due to receive $16.68 million guaranteed in 2009. The Pats would convert Peppers to a LB in their 3-4 defense.
Per Carucci's source: "One of the things (the Patriots) are looking at is the fact that, in passing situations, they can have Peppers up front with (Richard) Seymour and (Jarvis) Green. That makes it easier for them to take (nose tackle Vince) Wilfork out of the game in (passing situations) and just play him on running downs."
Peppers, the Panthers 2002 first-round pick, has been inconsistent over the past three seasons, in which he recorded 13.0 sacks in 2006, 2.5 sacks in 2007 (career low) and 14.5 sacks in 2008 (career high). Peppers has 70.5 sacks throughout his seven-year career.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:18 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jaguars release Matt Jones

After being busted last off-season for felony cocaine possession, Jacksonville Jaguars' WR Matt Jones' case was moved to the drug court and he was required to enter a drug treatment program. Provided Jones completed the program successfully, the felony drug charge would have been erased.

However, he recently spent a week in jail for failing a drug and alcohol test, which violated the terms of his probation.

After Jones was released from jail Saturday, he was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday.
"All roster moves are decisions we feel are in the best interest of the organization," Smith said. "This decision is a result of our ongoing player and roster evaluations. We expect responsibility and accountability, and those are important qualities as we continue the process of building this team."
Jones had a career year and led the Jags in receptions (65) and receiving yards (761) despite being suspended by the league for three games due to last year's drug arrest.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:45 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cutler demands trade

Not only did the Broncos begin their off-season program today without their franchise QB, but Cutler has instructed James "Bus" Cook, his agent, to request a trade after this weekend's meeting with coach Josh McDaniels and GM Brian Xanders.
"At the end of the meeting, he wasn't like, 'Jay, I want you as our quarterback, you're our guy.' It felt like the opposite. He basically said that I needed to tell him if we can't work this out, to let him know," Cutler added. "I thought he was antagonizing me and that was disappointing because I was ready to move on, committed as a Bronco. Really, I figured we'd hash things out, shake hands, laugh a little and move forward. What happened [Saturday] was the last thing I expected..."
McDaniels said that while he would prefer not to speak publicly about the situation, he has a different take on the events than Cutler has.
"...I never made a statement [Saturday] that 'you can be traded at any time.' They asked a question and I told them it was the time of year when people inquire about your team. Your job, as a head coach and general manager, is to listen and not bypass any opportunity to help your team improve. I think most people [in the NFL] feel the same way. You make smart, educated decisions that are best for your football team."
When Cook called Xanders to request that Cutler be traded, Xanders said that Cutler won't be traded.

I have found it odd that Cook has involved himself (through his clients) in the two biggest QB controversies of the past two years: Brett Favre and Cutler.

Cutler, who has three years remaining on his six-year contract, asks "how can I trust him [McDaniels] now?" Hmmm...what will solve the lack of trust?

According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, a league source says that Cook's solution is to give Cutler a new contract.

As Florio also points out in a Sporting News piece, the Broncos have (or should have) control of the situation - not Cutler, not Cook.
"...from the moment Cutler started banging the drum to get out of Denver, the Broncos should have made it clear to Cutler and his agent, Bus Cook, that Cutler has two options: (1) play for the Broncos; or (2) play for no one and pay back to the team a big chunk of his bonus money."
As the Broncos began their off-season program, McDaniels only said to the team that he'll "take care of it."

Stay tuned to find out exactly what that means...

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:39 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cardinals sign Jason Wright

The Arizona Cardinals have signed free-agent RB Jason Wright to a two-year contract worth roughly $2 million.
"It's just a great opportunity for Jason to go to a team that went to the Super Bowl last year," agent Mike McCartney said. "We feel Arizona is a good fit for him."
Wright has spent the past four years of his five-year career with the Cleveland Browns. He rushed for a career-high 277 yards in 2007, but he only had 85 rushing yards in 2008.

The Cardinals lost their third-down back J.J. Arrington to the Denver Broncos this off-season.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:32 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

March 15, 2009

Cutler won't attend Monday's team meeting

Tomorrow, the Denver Broncos begin their off-season workout program, which is voluntary under the league's collective bargaining agreement.

Despite the tension between QB Jay Cutler and coach Josh McDaniels, Cutler planned on attending McDaniels' first team meeting Monday per Mike Klis of the Denver Post. However, Cutler had a change of heart based on how a meeting with the Broncos went this weekend.

The situation seems to have deteriorated enough that Broncos owner Pat Bowlen acknowledged the possibility of Cutler leaving town. Both Cutler, who has three years left on his contract, and his parents have placed Denver property on the market over the past week.
"I'm very disappointed," Broncos owner Pat Bowlen said Sunday. "I'm disappointed in the whole picture, not just disappointed that we might lose our star quarterback."
The first mandatory team meeting is the Broncos' mini-camp, which runs from April 17 to 19. If Cutler doesn't show for mini-camp, the team can fine him for each day he misses.

Cutler is due to earn $1.035 million this season and $100,000 bonus if he were to attend 90% of the off-season conditioning program.

If Cutler is traded, which likely wouldn't happen until the NFL draft, Klis believes his preferences would be Tennessee (Cutler went to Vanderbilt) or Chicago (his childhood favorite team). According to Klis, other possibilities include Cleveland, Tampa Bay, Minnesota, Detroit and Arizona.

Both the Titans (Vince Young, 3rd overall pick) and Cardinals (Matt Leinart, 10th overall pick) drafted QBs ahead of Cutler (11th overall pick) in the 2006 NFL draft. Both Young and Leinart have struggled early in their careers and are back-ups to veteran QBs.

Cutler says that until the situation has been resolved that James "Bus" Cook, his agent, must be present for all conversations with team officials.

This is now the second consecutive year that a huge standoff between a star QB and a team has happened. The one thing in common is Cook, who also represents Brett Favre.

Hmmm...coincidence?

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:13 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Packers won't retire #4 in 2009

Last night, Green Bay Packers president Mark Murphy said that the Packers won't retire Brett Favre's #4 jersey in 2009.
“Obviously we will do it,” Murphy said. “We’ve made that commitment. He deserves to have his number retired. I just think both sides need some time. Quite honestly, from a practical standpoint, we’ve had to cancel one retirement ceremony already. I think it’s smart to make sure he is retired rather than going through a situation like that again.”
However, Murphy didn't rule out extending the personal services contract that Favre was offered last year.

Favre, who was the Falcons' second-round draft pick in 1991, was 0-5 for 2 interceptions and sacked once in his rookie year with Atlanta.

Last year, Favre helped turn around the Jets, who made a five-game win improvement to 9 wins with Favre. After the Jets started 8-3, however, the Jets fell apart primarily due to Favre's 2 TD:9 INT stretch in the final five weeks (1-4) of the season.

In all the years in between his first and last, which were spent with the Packers, Favre became the NFL's leader in passing yards and touchdowns (among other records), won a Super Bowl (XXXI) and won three consecutive league MVPs (1995-1997).

While he was revered in Green Bay, he admitted to SI's Peter King that "part of me coming back last year, I have to admit now, was sticking it to Ted [Thompson, Packers GM].''

Not only does it make sense to wait from a "practical standpoint," time will allow the wounds of Packers' fans bitter with how he left to heal.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:59 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cutler and his parents put homes up for sale

When he first found out the team was entertaining trade offers that involved QB Matt Cassel, Denver Broncos QB Jay Cutler said "there's going to be a lot of problems if they try to trade me." In attempt to make peace, coach Josh McDaniels and the Broncos camp had a conference call with Cutler and agent Bus Cook last week.

The Denver Broncos have a team meeting and begin their off-season program Monday. So, tomorrow will be the first potential mini-showdown between Cutler and McDaniels. Will Cutler show? If so, does he create "problems"?

Although McDaniels and the Broncos have said that they are not trading Jay Cutler, McDaniels has also pointed out that everyone is tradable. For a QB with a career losing record (17-20) and with the second-most INTs (18) in 2008 trailing only another Cook client (Brett Favre), Cutler has rubbed many the wrong way with his cry-baby attitude.

And despite the nay-sayers calling Cutler putting his primary home up for sale a coincidence, it looks as though Cutler is preparing for life outside of the Mile High City. Not only is his $2 million house in the suburbs up for sale, his parents' house is as well.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:27 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Joey Galloway signs with the Pats

The New England Patriots signed free-agent WR Joey Galloway, who was released last month by the Bucs, to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal weren't released.

But this move makes a lot of sense for both the Patriots and Galloway. Galloway's agent (Shawn Trell) says that the choice was easy due to the "compelling opportunity to play for a premier owner, organization, team and coach."

With Randy Moss and Wes Welker, Galloway will be the third wide receiver. Despite having only 13 receptions for 138 yards in 9 games in 2008, Galloway had 3 consecutive 1000-yard seasons before last year.
"The ankle injury suffered last year is behind him," Trell said in an email. "The Patriots would not have made this move if they didn't believe the same. The fact is that at the end of last season Joey remained the faster player on the Buccaneers..."
With Moss and Galloway stretching the field and Welker in the slot, Brady just might pick up where he left off in 2007. That is, provided he can stay healthy.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 02:20 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Raiders sign Khalif Barnes to one-year deal

On February 23rd, the Oakland Raiders cut tackle Kwame Harris, who signed a 3-year contract one year ago.

Today, the Raiders signed Khalif Barnes, who started 57 games for the Jags, to a one-year contract. Barnes should be motivated as he plays for a new contract.

Barnes has had some off-the-field issues, but he is a good fit for Oakland's zone blocking scheme and has the versatility to play left or right tackle. If Mario Henderson can play left tackle, Barnes will play on the right side. If Henderson can't, Barnes will play on the left side.

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

Ravens, Carr agree to 2-year deal

The Baltimore Ravens are expected to release CB Samari Rolle on Monday. On the same day, the Ravens will sign CB Chris Carr to a 2-year contract worth $5 million after he takes (and assuming passes) his physical.

Carr, who was undrafted out of Boise State, could compete with Frank Walker for the nickel back role. In addition, he could assume return responsibilities. Carr was 4th in the NFL in kick returns and 12th in punt returns.

Without Chris McAlister, Samari Rolle or Corey Ivy on the roster in 2009, Fabian Washington and free-agent signee Dominique Foxworth will start at cornerback.

In four NFL seasons (first three in Oakland and last year in Tennessee), Carr has 87 career tackles and 2 career interceptions.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:04 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

March 14, 2009

Seahawks trade Peterson to Lions

The Seattle Seahawks traded LB Julian Peterson to the Detroit Lions for Cory Redding and a fifth-round draft pick.
"Cory Redding is a guy we've had our eye on for some time," said Tim Ruskell, Seahawks president. "We liked him coming out of Texas because of his versatility to play inside and out and also because of the type of person he is. This gives us another big, physical presence along the defensive line and someone we can play at multiple positions."
Peterson signed a 7-year, $54 million contract in 2006 while Redding signed a 7-year, $47.8 million contract in 2007. Peterson, who was asked to accept a paycut but declined, was due to earn $6.5 million in 2009.

Redding had his best year in 2006, when he had 8 sacks and became the league's highest-paid DT. He had 3 sacks in 2008 before finishing the season on IR in the final three regular-season games.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:54 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Torrey Davis to leave Florida Gators

Florida Gators DT Torrey Davis is going to leave the school for undisclosed reasons. Davis has struggled with academic and off-the-field issues in his two seasons in Gainesville.

About 10 days ago, DL coach Dan McCarney indicated that Davis was "working very hard at" getting things in order.
"With issues, he had lots of them in his life before he came here," McCarney said. "So we try to impact his life and how to be a better teammate, student, citizen, all those things. He probably had as far to go as anybody I’ve ever been around in college football. It’s still a process, but he’s come a long ways and he’s working hard and is getting better."
The sophomore DT played in 8 games in 2008. While he only had seven tackles, two of them came on back-to-back goalline plays during the BCS National Championship game against the Oklahoma Sooners.

Davis was the 9th-ranked prospect in the 2007 recruiting class according to Rivals.com.

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

Stallworth hits and kills pedestrian

Cleveland Browns WR Donte' Stallworth was questioned after driving into a pedestrian, who later died, in Miami Beach. Driving a two-door Bentley, Stallworth struck Mario Reyes as he was crossing the street to get to a bus stop Saturday morning shortly after 7 a.m.

Stallworth was cooperative in police questioning and had blood drawn to test for alcohol and drugs. Per Marla Ridenour of the Akron Beacon Journal, Stallworth hasn't been cited and has been released on his own recognizance.

However, prosecutors could be preparing charges against Stallworth for DUI manslaughter. Per Pro Football Talk, sources have indicated that Stallworth admitted to drinking "at least four Patrons and two Margaritas," but that the last drink was consumed at midnight.

Also, Stallworth has indicated in his statement to police that "he saw the man crossing the street from a distance, and flashed the high beams and honked the horn." Seeing the man "from a distance" would imply that Stallworth should have been able to slow down to avoid hitting (and killing) Reyes if he were not speeding and/or drinking.

Stallworth, the first-round pick by the Saints in 2002, received a $4.75 million roster bonus from the Browns yesterday.

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

Darren McFadden is "ready to go"

The Oakland Raiders used their first pick, the 4th overall selection, in last year's NFL draft to select Arkansas RB Darren McFadden.

In a year where the NFL saw rookie RBs have tremendous success (3 of top 8 leading rushers were rookies), McFadden, the first RB selected, was disappointing. He missed three games with turf toe and had 3 or less carries in three other games.

On the season, he finished with 499 rushing yards (164 of them came in week 2 against the Chiefs) and 285 receiving yards.

The Raiders have three RBs: McFadden, Justin Fargas and Michael Bush. Earlier this month, Fargas restructured his contract to help the Raiders stay under the salary cap. Although the Bucs were interested in Bush, Raiders owner Al Davis says he's not shopping him.

McFadden also had minor shoulder surgery this off-season. He has confirmed that he is "ready to go" for the off-season workout program, which begins on March 16th.
"Oh yeah, I'm fine, ready to go," McFadden said. "I'm ready to get back on the field and get going again. People say (the offseason) is short but if you've just been chilling at home, it feels like it's been forever."
Now if McFadden can only find shoes that fit.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:39 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

March 13, 2009

Clancy Pendergast to run Chiefs' defense

The Kansas City Chiefs have hired Clancy Pendergast to run their defense. Pendergast, who was fired last month by Arizona, spent the past five years as defensive coordinator of the Cardinals.
"Clancy was instrumental in the Arizona Cardinals run at the end of last season that led to our appearance in the Super Bowl," [new Chiefs head coach Todd] Haley said. "The fact that we have experience working together along with Clancy's previous experience working with Gary Gibbs will be a big factor in our continuity as we move forward."
Haley coached the Cardinals offense for the past two seasons. Gibbs is the Chiefs' LB coach and worked with Pendergast when he was with the Dallas Cowboys.

Before coaching with the Cardinals, Pendergast coached with the Houston Oilers, Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:46 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Samari Rolle to be released next week?

Per Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun, CB Samari Rolle expects to be released from the Ravens on Monday.
"I anticipate it happening. I'm happy," Rolle told The Sun. "Everyone got what they wanted out of this. I wish the Ravens nothing but the best of luck."
The move will save the Ravens $4.1 million against the cap. Rolle, who didn't want a reduced role or pay, had previously stated that he wanted to be released.

He felt that Rex Ryan, the new Jets coach, was "the only man in the building that supported me." So, will he be the next Ravens defensive player to follow Bart Scott and Jim Leonhard up the NJ Turnpike to East Rutherford?

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:49 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Rams release Torry Holt

Earlier this week, the St. Louis Rams released LT Orlando Pace, who the Rams selected with the #1 overall draft pick in 1997.

Today, they released WR Torry Holt, who was selected with the 6th overall pick in 1999 by the Rams.

Both Pace and Holt have made the Pro Bowl seven times in their careers.
Rams owner Chip Rosenbloom issued the following statement: “The Rams will forever be grateful for the way Torry Holt represented the Rams on the field and in the community. He is an All-Pro in every sense of the word. Over the past 10 seasons Torry has proven himself to be one of the finest wide receivers in league history. This is a difficult decision because Torry has meant so much to the organization. In my mind and for all Rams fans, Torry will always be a Ram and we wish him and his family nothing but the best as they move forward.”
Holt was due to earn $9,104,714 in 2009 and he was unwilling to re-work his deal to remain with the Rams.

Holt ranks 11th all-time in NFL receptions (869) and 14th all-time in receiving yards (12,660). However, the 33-year-old WR had 29 fewer receptions (64) and 393 fewer yards (796) in 2008 than he had in 2007.

Despite the drop in his production, Holt led the Rams in receptions and receiving yards in 2008.

Considering his decline in production, age and health issues (knees) for his cap cost, it's not surprising that the Rams let him go.

Possible teams that could be interested in Holt include the Jets, who say they are not interested, Bears, Ravens, Jaguars among others.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:36 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

David Macklin arrested for DUI

Kansas City Chiefs CB David Macklin was arrested early this morning in Newport News, VA on DUI charges. He was initially pulled over for illegal window tint on his BMW, but the officer “detected the smell of alcohol and noticed the driver to be impaired."

Maclin's blood-alcohol level was .11, which is over the Virginia legal limit of .08.

Appearing in four games with the Chiefs, Maclin didn't have any tackles in 2008. He has played in the NFL for 10 seasons for Indianapolis, Arizona, Washington, St. Louis and Kansas City.

If I were a betting man, I would bet that Macklin will be searching for a new employer very soon.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:53 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

March 12, 2009

Travis Henry says he's broke

Former NFL RB Travis Henry, 30, has nine children, all of whom have different mothers.

At the NFL Combine, Henry scored 7 (out of 50) on the Wonderlic exam, which measures intelligence. So, in other words, the number of Henry kids exceeds his Wonderlic score.

His attorney, Randy Kessler, estimates that his annual child support bill is $170,000. Because of that, Henry claims he's broke.
“They’ve got my blood; I’ve got to deal with it [the financial burden]...I love all my kids...I’ve lost everything in this mess I’ve gotten myself into,” Henry said.
Henry, who signed a 5-year, $25 million contract in 2007, was cut by the Denver Broncos last year. Henry was arrested on September 30th as part of a cocaine-trafficking case and could spend up to ten years in prison if he is convicted.

Although he says he used protection at first, Henry says four of the women "trapped" him by claiming to be on birth control when they weren't. Clearly, Henry has never heard the phrase that starts "fool me once, shame on you..."
“My counselor asks me, ‘How can you do the same thing over and over?’ ” he said, unable to provide an answer.
I think the correct response would be Henry's insane. Doesn't insanity equal doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results?

But at least, Henry never owned "more than three vehicles" at once and only spent $250,000 on jewelry, which he says "ain't a lot." The median per capita income in 2007 was roughly $50,000. So, Henry has spent the equivalent of 5 years of an average person's income on jewelry and claims it's not a "lot."

Henry, who is engaged, says he and his fiancee don't plan on having (more) children. While that is good news, I feel sorry for the ones that he already has.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:23 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Larry Izzo signs with Jets

The New York Jets have signed special teams star Larry Izzo. Before signing with the Jets, Izzo played eight years with New England and five years with the Dolphins.
"I am very excited about the opportunity to play for the Jets and Mr. (Woody) Johnson," Izzo said in a statement. "I'm grateful for the chance to be reunited with Coach Westhoff, who played a key role early in my career, and look forward to playing for Coach Ryan as he brings his passionate, physical style of football to New York.''
Mike Westhoff, the Jets special teams coach, coached Izzo in Miami.

Izzo has 199 career special teams tackles, which is the all-time record. Special teams tackles have been tracked since 1994. Izzo has made the Pro Bowl 3 times (2000, 2002 and 2004).

This is a good move by the Jets as they continue to bolster their defense and special teams under new coach Rex Ryan. This off-season, the Jets have added LB Bart Scott, S/PR Jim Leonhard and now Izzo.

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

March 11, 2009

Willie Colon signs tender

Pittsburgh Steelers starting right tackle Willie Colon was a restricted free agent (RFA). The Steelers tendered Colon for $2,198,000.

Based on Colon's tender, the Steelers would have received a first-round draft choice if Colon signed elsewhere and the Steelers didn't match the offer.

Today Colon signed the tender with the Steelers.

Colon has started the past two years at right tackle. The Steelers left tackle will be Max Starks, who started when Marvel Smith was injured last year. The Steelers designed Starks as their franchise player.

That means both starting tackles will become free agents next after the 2009 season. The Steelers could negotiate a longer-term deal with Starks up to July 15th.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:00 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Browns release Joe Jurevicius

The Cleveland Browns have released WR Joe Jurevicius, who joined the Browns as a free agent in 2006.
"These types of decisions are always difficult ones, especially with someone like Joe, who has meant a great deal to the Cleveland Browns organization and to the fans of Cleveland," Browns General Manager George Kokinis said in a statement released by the team. "Eric (Mangini) and I have had extensive conversations with Joe and his representatives. In the end we were unable to reach an agreement that was in the best interests of both parties. We want to thank Joe for his contributions to the Browns and wish him the best of luck in the future."
Jurevicius, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, was third on the team in receptions (50) and yards (614) in 2007 behind Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow. He finished third on the team in receptions (40) and yards (495) in 2006 as well.

Earlier this off-season, the Browns traded Winslow to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for draft picks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:33 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bears sign safety Josh Bullocks

The Chicago Bears have signed safety Josh Bullocks to a one-year contract that will pay him a guaranteed salary of $525,000.

Bullocks, who has started 49 games for the New Orleans Saints, is expected to compete with Craig Steltz to start at free safety for the Bears in 2009. Mike Brown, who was a salary-cap casualty, started at FS for the Bears last year.

In 2008, Bullocks had 40 tackles and 1 interception. He was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2005 NFL draft by the Saints.

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

Cutler and Broncos not on same page

The Denver Broncos and QB Jay Cutler had a conference call on Monday. Per the Denver Post, the outcome of the call depends on whom you ask.

If you ask the Broncos, it went well. If you ask Jay Cutler, it went horribly.

The Broncos still say they won't trade Cutler, but point out that any player can be traded at any time.

Cutler, on the other hand, would prefer to be traded if the Broncos aren't committed to him for the long-term.

Cutler certainly has the physical tools to be a "franchise QB" in the NFL. But does he have the maturity and mental make-up to be a "franchise QB"?

The team begins its off-season "voluntary" workout program on Monday. Cutler hasn't yet said whether or not he'll show. Even though the off-season conditioning programs are "voluntary," players are expected to show.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Broncos trade Cutler, who has a lot of value on the trade market, if he doesn't show for off-season workout program.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:40 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Panthers release Ken Lucas

The Carolina Panthers have released CB Ken Lucas, who has spent the past four seasons in Carolina. Prior to joining the Panthers, Lucas spent four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks.

Although the Panthers had attempted to trade Lucas, Lucas vetoed a trade that would have sent him to the Detroit Lions.
"Ken Lucas has been a very valuable player for us over the last four years and played an important role on two playoff teams during that span. Ken is a true pro and we wish him the very best," said general manager Marty Hurney. "This year, we have re-signed some veteran players and this move means some younger players will have an opportunity to step up."
Lucas, who was drafted in the 2nd round in 2001 by the Seahawks, had 60 tackles, 2 interceptions and 1 broken nose in 2008.

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

L.T., Chargers agree on restructured contract

LaDainian Tomlinson and the San Diego Chargers have agreed on a restructured deal that will keep L.T. in San Diego for the next 3 years.

Per Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, it is believed that the restructured deal pays L.T. the same 2009 salary ($6.725 million) as the original contract but less next year and in 2011. He was due to receive $17.275 million in the final two years of the deal.
“What he's done since his career started here, what he's meant to the community and the fans and the organization, it was unthinkable he wouldn't be here,” Dean Spanos, the Chargers' president and CEO, said Tuesday night.
While it's unknown how much less he will receive during the final two years, Spanos said he was willing to “give a little extra” to make sure L.T. stays in San Diego.

Tomlinson, who was drafted 5th overall in 2001 by the Chargers, had his worst NFL season of his 8-year career. He rushed for 1,110 yards and 11 TDs.

He has never had a season below 1000 yard or 10 TDs. His streak of 8 consecutive 1000-yard rushing seasons leads active players. Steven Jackson and Thomas Jones are second with 4 consecutive seasons.
“I love San Diego and being a part of this team with my teammates,” Tomlinson said in the statement. “My No. 1 priority was to stay here in San Diego. I truly believe this is the place that gives me the best chance to be successful and win a championship. I want to finish the job we started when I got here eight years ago. My heart has always been in San Diego. I couldn't imagine putting on another uniform.”
NFL contracts seem more like a series of one-year deals as teams seem to cut players whenever it serves the team's purposes. And players often complain about their existing deals and/or hold out when they feel underpaid.

So with a 2010 roster bonus in the re-worked deal, the only certainty is that he'll be in a Chargers uniform in 2009. I'll take a wait-and-see approach for the final two years.

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

March 10, 2009

49ers, Alex Smith restructure contract

The San Francisco 49ers and QB Alex Smith have restructured his contract. Smith was due to earn $9.625 million and count $12.3 million against the salary cap in 2009, but terms of the restructured deal weren't disclosed.

If Smith didn't accept the paycut, which was offered to him while he was on his honeymoon, the Niners would have released him. But now he is under contract for 2 more seasons.
"Alex expressed a deep interest to remain with the team, and that feeling was mutual," said 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan.
After starting all 16 games in his second season (2006), Smith, who was selected #1 overall in 2005, has played in only 7 games in the past two seasons due to injuries and his differences with former coach Mike Nolan.

Success for QBs selected #1 overall have been hit or miss. The following QBs have been selected with the #1 overall pick in the past 10 drafts: Tim Couch (1999), Michael Vick (2001), David Carr (2002), Carson Palmer (2003), Eli Manning (2004), Alex Smith (2005) and JaMarcus Russell (2007). (Many expect the Detroit Lions, who have this year's #1 overall pick, to take QB Matthew Stafford.)

Smith will compete with Shaun Hill and Damon Huard, who was signed this off-season, for the starting job.

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

Does Sensabaugh signing make sense?

The Dallas Cowboys signed safety Gerald Sensabaugh to a one-year deal. With the exception of free safety Ken Hamlin, the Cowboys had little depth and experience at the safety position.

On the field, signing Sensabaugh makes sense. He started 13 games (10 at SS, 3 at FS) for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2008. Sensabaugh had 70 tackles and 4 interceptions last year.

But the Cowboys have begun an effort to clean up their locker room by parting ways with Pacman Jones, Tank Johnson and Terrell Owens. This signing bucks that trend.

Sensabaugh has been busted in each of the past 3 off-seasons. I suppose the good news for Cowboys' fans is that he has already been arrested this off-season. If past performance is any indication, that means he will stay out of jail until the 2010 off-season. In other words, after his one-year contract has expired.

As a 5th-round selection by the Jaguars in the 2005 NFL draft, Sensabaugh has played for Cowboys secondary coach Dave Campo and special teams coach Joe DeCamillis in Jacksonville.

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

March 09, 2009

Matt Jones arrested again

Jacksonville Jaguars WR Matt Jones was loaded with potential - height (6'5"), speed (4.37 40 at Combine) and leaping ability (39" vertical jump) - when he entered the NFL.

After three years of mediocre performance (2005-2007) and getting busted for felony cocaine possession last summer, it seemed like Jones was getting his life (or, at least, his football career) back on track.

He had his best season in 2008 despite serving a 3-game suspension. Jones led the Jaguars with 65 receptions and 761 yards in 12 games. If he maintained that pace for a full 16-game season, he would have finished with 86 receptions and 1015 yards.

Jones, who is in a drug intervention program as a result of the charges for felony cocaine possession, wasn't supposed to use any substances including alcohol as part of the program. He was booked tonight at 6:21 p.m. for possession of a controlled substance after failing a random alcohol test on February 27th, which violates the terms of his probation.
“He came to court and admitted to Judge Gunn that he did drink on Thursday before the test when he was playing golf with some friends in Northwest Arkansas,” said Lisa Dennis, deputy prosecuting attorney for the drug court. “Since it was a proceeding that happened in court, I don’t really feel comfortable commenting on it or talking about it.”
Jones was given the choice of serving 10 days in jail or a six-week treatment stint. He initially chose the treatment, but then changed his mind after the judge suggested he reconsider due to the impact it might have on his NFL career. Judge Gunn will allow Jones out of jail at 8 a.m. Sunday so that Jones can be in Jacksonville on Monday.

It's unknown whether the Jags will cut him, whether the league will suspend Jones, etc. But this reminds me of one of my favorite Mitch Hedberg jokes:
"Alcoholism is the only disease you can get yelled at for having. 'Damn it, Otto [Matt Jones], you're an alcoholic.' 'Damn it, Otto [Matt Jones], you have lupus.' One of those two doesn't sound right."
Jones is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2009 NFL season.

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

Geno Hayes' girlfriend stabbed him with scissors AND a knife

Per the Tampa Tribune, Buccaneers LB Geno Hayes was stabbed in the head with a pair of scissors by his psycho girlfriend Shevelle Bagley. As if stabbing her boyfriend in the head with scissors weren't enough, Bagley then stabbed him in the neck with a knife.

The injuries don't appear to be as serious as one would think since Hayes has already been treated and released from the hospital.

Bagley, who was arrested and released on bail, was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

Hayes was drafted in the 6th-round last year by the Bucs and had 8 tackles in 2008.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:31 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jags sign LT Tra Thomas

The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed free-agent LT Tra Thomas, who spent the past 11 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. Does the 34-year-old have another 9 years to play?
"I have several years left in the tank," Thomas said. "I take good care of myself. I'm always in the weight room training. ... I put in a goal to play 20 years, so I want to come in and play as long as I possibly can. I feel like if I continue to take care of myself it can definitely happen."
Thomas, who was selected by the Eagles with the 11th overall pick in 1996, has missed only 8 games in his 11 seasons.

The Jaguars GM Gene Smith expects Thomas to start at LT to replace Khalif Barnes, who is now a free agent. However, Smith didn't rule out the possibility of the Jags signing a tackle in the draft with the 8th overall pick.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:48 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Eagles' Employee Fired for Facebook Post

A lot of Philadelphia Eagles fans were upset devastated to see the Eagles allow Brian Dawkins to walk via free agency. Dawkins, who was the "heart and soul" of the team, signed a five-year contract with the Denver Broncos.

One of the devastated die-hard fans, who also happened to be an Eagles employee, showed his frustration with his favorite team (and employer) through his account on Facebook, the social-networking site. Per John Gonzalez of the Philadelphia Inquirer, this is what Dan Leone, who was the Eagles' "west gate chief," wrote:
"Dan is [expletive] devastated about Dawkins signing with Denver. . .Dam Eagles R Retarted!!"
Should Leone, who suffers from transverse myelitis (neurological disorder), have posted these comments about his employer? Even Leone says no.
"I shouldn't have put it up there," Leone said. "I was ticked off, and I let my emotions go, but I didn't offend any one person or target a specific individual. I was just upset that we lost such a great guy. Dawkins was one of my favorite players. I made a mistake."
Per the Philadelphia Inquirer, Leone was contacted by Leonard Bonacci, director of event operations, who said that he and Leone needed to talk about his Facebook post.

According to Leone, a face-to-face meeting never took place. Instead, he was fired two days later over the phone by Rachel Vitagliano, guest services manager.
"I tried putting in my case to Rachel," Leone said. "I told her I worked there for six years. I did whatever they asked. I only missed one Eagles game the entire time I worked there, and that was because I'm a Mummer. I told her it was my dream to work for the Eagles and that I'd never do anything like that again."

"I apologized for it," Leone said. "I apologized 20 million times. I never bad-mouthed the organization before. I made one mistake and they terminate me? And they couldn't even bring me into the office to talk to me? They had to do it over the phone? At least look me in the eye. To get done dirty like this, I can't believe it. I'm devastated."
Leone is "not holding any grudges" and says he would return if the Eagles were to ask. But should the Eagles have fired Leone in the first place? No. While he made a mistake, he should've been given a second chance.

But his story should be a lesson to us all. When you think your comments posted online are "private," think twice.

And I think Texas Tech coach Mike Leach might be on to something when said he would say he "loves Lubbock every single press conference." (Leach had some sticky negotiations regarding his contract extension with Texas Tech last month.)

So, as an employee of a Dutch-based company (day job), I'd like to go on the record and say that "I love Amsterdam."

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:53 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

March 08, 2009

Arizona Cardinals sign Bryant McFadden

The Arizona Cardinals have signed their second defensive free agent of the off-season. After signing Keith Lewis, who was waived by the San Francisco 49ers last month, the Cards have added free-agent CB Bryant McFadden from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

McFadden, the Steelers' 2nd-round draft pick in 2005, signed a 2-year, $10 million contract despite being dubbed an "$8 million a year player" by his agent, Drew Rosenhaus.

As Deshea Townsend's replacement in the starting lineup, McFadden had 41 tackles and 2 interceptions in 10 games. A broken arm kept him out of the other 6 games.

Steelers' defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau has indicated that William Gay, who had 41 tackles and 1 interception, will likely start in McFadden's place.
"I think we've got a good, quality player there," LeBeau said of Gay, "who should continue to grow."
Last year, the Cardinals' starting cornerbacks were Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Roderick Hood. McFadden is expected to compete with Hood for the starting gig.

Both the Steelers and Cardinals have lost two defensive free agents this off-season. The Steelers have lost McFadden and safety Anthony Smith, who signed with the Packers. The Cardinals have lost Antonio Smith to Houston and Matt Stewart to Dallas.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:02 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

March 07, 2009

Bills sign Terrell Owens to 1-year deal

Terrell Owens' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said that he would have a deal for his client before the "end of next week, if not sooner." It was much sooner.

The Buffalo Bills signed T.O. to a one-year contract that is worth $6.5 million guaranteed. That is almost $4 million less than what Bills WR Lee Evans will be paid ($10,374,585) in 2009.
“I’m leaving America’s team (for) North America’s team. I must move on, and it’s another beginning for me,” Owens said. “If I can be that extra added piece to get them to the playoffs, then that’s what I’m here for. I looked at the defensive side of ball and offensive side of the ball, and these guys have all the pieces.”
While Owens says "these guys have all the pieces," Bills Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas says these guys "stink." And last off-season, Bills safety Donte' Whitner guaranteed that the Bills would make the playoffs, which they did not do after their 5-1 start.

Neither Whitner nor any of his teammates should make any playoff guarantees for 2009. However, signing T.O. should improve their offense substantially.

The Bills ranked 25th in the NFL in total offense (305.1 ypg) and were tied for 26th in the league in passing touchdowns (14). Of the Bills 14 receiving TDs, 9 of them were made by their wide receivers.

In 2008, Owens had nearly as many receiving TDs (10) as the Bills did as a team. In fact, he has 38 receiving TDs, which is tops in the league, during his 3-year span spent in Big D.

Even though he drops his share of passes, T.O.'s production on the field is not the question mark. It's the locker room antics that has led the majority of NFL teams to publicly declare their lack of interest in the divisive diva WR.

There is always a risk with T.O. However, considering he will be 36 years old in December and only has a one-year deal (in other words, this is essentially a contract year), I think the potential reward for the Bills outweighs the risk.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:05 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cowboys sign Igor Olshansky

The Dallas Cowboys lost Chris Canty to (and replaced him through) free agency. The Cowboys have signed Igor Olshansky to a 4-year, $18 million contract with $8 million guaranteed.

He has played for Wade Phillips, who the Chargers defensive coordinator in Olshansky's first 3 seasons in the league (2004-2006).

Olshansky, drafted by the Chargers in the 2nd round of the 2004 NFL draft, has 11 career sacks in his 5 seasons.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:17 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

49ers "not closing the door" on T.O.

Will Terrell Owens end up where he began?

It may not be likely, but the San Francisco 49ers, who drafted T.O. in the 3rd round of the 1996 NFL draft, have "not closed the door" on the possibility of pursuing the Owens.
Brian Murphy, co-host of the "Murph & Mac" morning show, "So official statement from the 49ers: 'Not closing the door?'"

"Correct," [49ers GM Scott] McCloughan said.
The 49ers signed Brandon Jones this off-season and he's currently the #1 WR on their depth chart. Talent-wise, however, T.O. would be a huge upgrade over Jones.

Owens, who played for the Niners from 1996 to 2003, has 951 career receptions, 14122 career receiving yards and 139 career receiving TDs.

Perhaps there are a few teams (New England and Pittsburgh as examples) that have coaches and leaders that could handle Owens. And if T.O. were on their team and out of line, they would most likely handle it behind the scenes.

But T.O. in San Fran with Mike Singletary? Who wouldn't love to see one of his "I'd-rather-play-with-10-people-and-just-get-penalized" rants directed towards T.O.? Even better if he's mooning him.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:50 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

March 06, 2009

Bengals cut 4 players including Dexter Jackson

The Cincinnati Bengals have cut 4 players including safety Dexter Jackson. In addition to Jackson, they cut G James Blair, CB Marcus Brown and DE Victor DeGrate.

Jackson has spent the past 3 seasons with the Bengals and has also played for the Bucs and Cardinals. In 2008, Jackson played only 3 games for the Bengals due to injuries and he never played more than 14 in his 3 years with the team.

He had 21 tackles and no interceptions in 2008. Jackson was the last defensive player to win Super Bowl MVP when he helped the Bucs win Super Bowl XXXVII over the Oakland Raiders.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:23 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

March 05, 2009

Pats trade for Greg Lewis

The New England Patriots lost Jabar Gaffney, their #3 WR last year, to the Denver Broncos.

Yesterday the Pats hosted free-agent WR Joey Galloway, who had an injury-shortened season (9 games) in 2008. However, Galloway recorded 1000-yard seasons in each of the previous 3 seasons with the Buccaneers.

Today, the Patriots have sent an undisclosed draft pick to the Philadelphia Eagles. In return, they get WR Greg Lewis from the Eagles.

Lewis has been in the league for 6 seasons and has 127 career receptions for 1699 yards and 7 TDs.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:49 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cowboys release safety Roy Williams

In addition to releasing Terrell Owens, the Cowboys let go of safety Roy Williams.
"Roy has been a wonderful representative of this organization since coming to Dallas," said Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. "Unfortunately, we have reached a crossroad with his time here in Dallas, and the difficult decision was made to allow him to explore other opportunities in the NFL."
The move was long expected due to Williams' difficulty in pass coverage. In fact, Williams demanded that the Cowboys either trade or release him "today" (on Tuesday).

Although he said it was taken out of context, CB Terence Newman once criticized Williams' coverage skills.
"The funny thing is, coming into his rookie year, I think Roy had five picks and showed he could cover," Newman said. "He's the same guy, I just think sometimes he gets a deer-in-the-headlights type of reaction to some plays. Not everybody's going to have a perfect season. He had a bad season last year, as far as coverage."
Since being drafted by the Cowboys with the 8th overall pick in 2002, Williams has 512 tackles, 56 passes defensed, 19 interceptions and 6 1/2 sacks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:01 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Marshawn Lynch pleads guilty to misdemeanor

Marshawn Lynch was arrested on February 11th and initially charged with 3 misdemeanors. While 2 of the charges (carrying a loaded firearm and carrying an unregistered firearm) have been dropped, Lynch pled guilty to carrying a firearm in a vehicle.

Lynch has released this statement through his attorney:
"Today I pled guilty to a misdemeanor violation of having a firearm in a vehicle. I am embarrassed by my recent arrest and conviction. I deeply regret that I placed myself in this situation. I have made mistakes in the past. Although I have learned many lessons over recent years, I obviously have not learned enough. I apologize to my family, the Buffalo Bills organization, my teammates, the Buffalo community, and Commissioner Goodell. I have already learned from this recent mistake and am sincerely committed to being a more responsible citizen and better representative of the NFL."
Lynch was sentenced to 36 months probation and will need to complete 80 hours of community service before September 1st.

Fortunately for Lynch, Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas isn't the Bills GM. If Thomas were the GM, Lynch would "be out of there."

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:27 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Saints sign Heath Evans to 2-year contract

The New Orleans Saints have signed FB Heath Evans to a 2-year contract.
“Heath is a versatile and fundamentally sound fullback who can help our offense in a variety of roles, whether it be as a lead blocker, as a runner or receiving option out of the backfield as well as on special teams,” Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis said in a statement. “He has played in a few different offensive systems and has adapted quickly and been a contributor to all of them.”
Signing Evans could mean Mike Karney's days in New Orleans are numbered.

Yesterday, the Saints signed CB Jabari Greer and re-signed WR Devery Henderson to 4-year contracts.

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

Paycut saves Raiders cap space, Walker his job

Javon "Rain Maker" Walker made $12 million in his first season with the Oakland Raiders. Walker had 15 receptions for 196 yards and 1 TD in 8 games last year.

So, in other words, he earned $800,000 per reception, $61,224 per receiving yard and $12 million per TD catch.

It surprised me (sort-of, since Al Davis was signing the checks) that the Raiders signed Walker to a 6-year, $55 million contract before the start of last season. And it surprised me that Davis didn't take the opportunity to let Walker "retire" and run with it before the season started.

But the Raiders and Walker have agreed to restructure Walker's deal. He won't receive a $5 million roster bonus, but instead will have his next 2 seasons' salaries guaranteed.

Over the remaining years of his contract, he will receive the following base salaries (original contract values in parenthesis): $2 million ($4 million) in 2009, $2.6 million ($6 million) in 2010, $3.2 million ($8 million) in 2011, $3.8 million ($10 million) in 2012 and $4.4 million ($10 million) in 2013.

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

The Cowboys part ways Terrell Owens

The Dallas Cowboys have parted ways with Terrell Owens, the diva WR and locker-room cancer.

From a salary-cap perspective, cutting T.O. is actually more expensive ($9.675 million) than if he played in Big D ($8.995 million) in 2009.

As you may have already known (if you're one of the 5 readers of The Daily Blitz), you know that I have supported the move to cut Owens.

Owens, the 49ers 3rd-round pick in 1996, was undoubtedly productive on the field. In his 3 years in Dallas, Owens had 3 1,000-yard seasons and scored 38 receiving TDs. Although he certainly dropped his share of balls, no NFL WR caught as many TD passes during T.O.'s tenure in Dallas.

Despite his on-field productivity, he was equally counter-productive in the locker room. T.O. was a disruptive and dividing force in the locker room.

As a Cowboys fan, I care much less about where he will go than I do about where he won't be (Dallas) in 2009. But if you want to see a full list of places that have officially rejected of the notion of T.O. playing in their city, check out PFT's The Anti-T.O. List.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:48 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cards, Warner agree to 2-year deal

The Arizona Cardinals and Kurt Warner have agreed to a 2-year contract worth $23 million yesterday.

Warner said he realized how much he wanted to play in Arizona after leaving his meeting with the San Francisco 49ers.
“I love what this team is doing, and I love what we’re building,” Warner said.
With WRs Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston to throw to, that beats any trio of 49er WRs.

Warner threw for 4583 yards, 30 TDs and 14 INTs in 2008. In the post-season, he threw for 1155 yards (377 in the Super Bowl) in 4 games as well as 11 TDs to only 3 INTs.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:49 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ray Lewis will retire a Raven

Yesterday the Baltimore Ravens and Ray Lewis agreed to a 3-year contract worth $22 million.
"From beginning to end as a Raven ... Wow!" Lewis said in a statement. "My heart is with the Ravens. My heart is with Baltimore and the great fans."
Lewis, the Ravens' first-round pick in 1996, is the unquestioned leader in the Ravens' locker room. Whether or not he would have been able to bring the same effect to another locker room (e.g., Cowboys, Jets) is unknown but unlikely.

Although the Ravens have lost Bart Scott, Jim Leonhard and cut Chris McAlister, they are still strong up the middle with safety Ed Reed and NT Haloti Ngata playing with Lewis.

At 34, this contract should be the last for Lewis. With the exception of two injury-shortened seasons, Lewis has had 100+ tackles in every season including 117 last year, which led the team. Lewis also has 33.5 career sacks and 28 interceptions.

Lewis has made the Pro Bowl 10 times including last year and is a 2-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and the Super Bowl XXXV MVP.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:21 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Coles, Bengals agree to deal

The Cincinnati Bengals have found their replacement for T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who departed to the Seattle Seahawks. Yesterday the Bengals signed WR Laverneus Coles to a 4-year, $28 million contract.

Coles asked for the Jets to restructure his contract so that he could become a free agent. After no interest from Bill Parcells and the Dolphins, it appeared that Coles made a costly mistake in letting the Jets off the hook for a guaranteed $6 million, which is what he was due this year.

Pairing Coles with Ocho Cinco will allow Chris Henry to be the 3rd WR.

Coles had 70 receptions for 850 yards and 7 TDs in 2008.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:09 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

March 03, 2009

Bills sign Florence, Chargers squash Cromartie rumor

The Buffalo Bills signed CB Drayton Florence to a 2-year contract that is worth $6.6 million. Incentives could increase the value of the contract to $7.3 million.

Florence signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars last off-season and was released by them this off-season. After his release, the Chargers were talking with Florence. The speculation was that if the Chargers worked out a deal to bring back Florence, that Cromartie might have been the odd-man-out.

With Florence signing with Buffalo, Chargers GM A.J. Smith has said that Cromartie is "not being traded."

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:54 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cutler and McDaniels to meet

Disgruntled Broncos QB Jay Cutler, who was the subject of trade rumors involving Matt Cassel, will meet with Broncos coach Josh McDaniels. Team spokesman Patrick Smyth says he is speaking on behalf of team owner Pat Bowlen when he says the Broncos won't trade Cutler.
"Josh and Jay will sit down and meet next week when Jay gets back from Nashville," said Smyth. "The Denver Broncos are not trading, Jay Cutler. Period."
McDaniels echoed Smyth's comments about the team not trading Cutler.
“Let me be as clear as I can about this,” McDaniels said when reached at his office Tuesday afternoon. “We are not trading Jay Cutler — period.”
While it's understandable that nobody would like to know that you may be the subject of trade rumors, it's part of the business. And while the economy is tanking and employment rates are soaring, nobody is feeling sorry for Jay Cutler, who signed a 6-year, $47.86 million contract in 2006.

As Colin Cowherd of ESPN Radio mentioned on his radio show yesterday, Joe Montana and Johnny Unitas were traded. Those guys are all-time greats that have won Super Bowls and were idolized in their cities. So why wouldn't the Broncos entertain offers for its QB that is 17-20 in his career and threw 18 interceptions last year?

For the Broncos, they need to improve the relationship with Cutler. If they really do want him to stay, an offensive head coach can't/shouldn't be at odds with his QB. If they do want to trade him despite their comments to the contrary, it serves them well to improve their relationship to develop a market for Cutler.

Whether or not Cutler believes Smyth (on behalf of Bowlen) and McDaniels, it only makes sense for Cutler to be grow up and handle this like a professional. What good does it do for him to be bitter anyways?

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:14 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Giants want Plaxico back

Giants WR Plaxico Burress faces bigger challenges than getting back on the field at Giants Stadium. Specifically, he would serve a sentence of 3 1/2 years in prison if convicted of an illegal weapons charge. While in a club with a gun in his sweat pants, the idiot accidentally shot himself in the leg.

However, if Plax is able to withhand his legal challenge, the Giants say Burress is welcome back.
"Right now, he is still a Giant, and if things work out and he's on board with what we want coming back, we'd love to have him back," Giants GM Jerry Reese said Tuesday.
Even if Burress isn't convicted, he could (and likely will) face a suspension from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell under the league's Personal Conduct Policy. A guilty conviction isn't mandatory to warrant a suspension under the league's policy.

My guess is Goodell isn't a fan of its marquee players shooting up a club, even if it is by "accident" and if the only person getting shot is the player himself.

Whether or not Burress is back, the Giants will likely add another WR through the NFL draft. But Reese is confident in the 4 youngsters on the roster - Dominik Hixon, Steve Smith, Sinorice Moss and Mario Manningham.
"Who knows who is going to step out of the shadows and be the guy?" Reese said. "Again, we'll try to continue to upgrade that spot, but we have good players at that position right now. We can go into the fall with these guys, but we are definitely going to try to continue to upgrade that position."
Last year, Burress had 35 receptions for 35 receptions for 454 yards and 4 TDs in 10 games.

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

Thurman Thomas says Bills "stink"

Hall of Fame RB Thurman Thomas had some critical comments about his former team and the player who currently plays his former position. Thomas was speaking at a fund-raising event in Buffalo over the weekend.
“The team I can’t stomach the most when I watch them is probably the Buffalo Bills,” Thomas said to laughs. “I’m serious. They stink. They need some better football players.”
The Bills started strong in 2008 with a 5-1 record. Then they collapsed going 1-7 in their next 8 games. The Bills finished last in the AFC East with a 7-9 record.

On the field, RB Marshawn Lynch, the Bills' first-round pick in 2007, was solid finishing the year with his second 1000-yard season in as many years. However, Lynch has been far from solid off the field.
“If I was the GM, he’d be out of there,” Thomas said.
Lynch was arrested mid-February for possession of a concealed firearm. Lynch is fortunate that his felony gun charges have been reduced to 3 misdemeanors, but he could still face discipline from the league.

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

Jets sign Jim Leonhard, another ex-Raven

Rex Ryan has brought another Ravens' starter to the New York Jets. The Jets and safety Jim Leonhard agreed to a 3-year contract today despite the Broncos' strong interest late in Leonhard.

In addition to starting in the defensive backfield, Leonhard will field punts for the Jets, which will allow last year's punt returner Leon Washington to be more involved with the offense.
"I've liked Jim since his days at Wisconsin and was excited when we were able to bring him to Baltimore last season," Ryan said. "He was everything I expected him to be in 2008 when he bailed us out at safety after we had some injuries. He's a smart player that can get guys lined up in the secondary and was one of the best tacklers on that Ravens defense.

"He's always around the ball, brings everything he has on every play, and will be a great addition to our group of defensive backs."
Leonhard had 69 tackles and 1 interception, which he returned for a TD, for the Ravens in 2008. Only Ray Lewis and Bart Scott, who also signed with the Jets, had more tackles for the Ravens.

He also finished 6th in the NFL in punt return average (11.6 yards per return) last year.

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

Bengals re-sign Benson for 2 more years

The Cincinnati Bengals, who lost T.J. Houshmandzadeh to the Seahawks yesterday, and free-agent RB Cedric Benson agreed to a 2-year, $7 million contract. According to Adam Schefter of the NFL Network, Benson agreed to the deal while he was in Houston visiting the Texans.
“Cedric was a great addition for us last year,” said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, “and we’re looking to see him pick up right where he left off.”

“Cedric was recognized as an elite talent coming out of college,” Lewis said. “His years in Chicago weren’t what he hoped for, but he was able to give us a lift on the field and be a great presence in the locker room. He earned everyone’s respect, and we’re excited to let him continue to grow in our system.”
Benson, who was drafted 4th overall by the Bears in 2005, had career highs in carries (214) and rushing yards (747) in the 12 games he played for the Bengals last year. He also had 20 receptions for 185 yards.

In the final 2 games of the season, Benson rushed for 282 yards on 63 carries and had 2 of his 3 100-yard games to close out the season. However, those 2 games were against weak competition (Browns and Chiefs).

It's surprising to hear Cedric Benson and "great presence in the locker room" in the same sentence, but after all, this is the Bengals' locker room.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:42 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Samari Rolle wants to be released

The Baltimore Ravens cut CB Chris McAlister, who was surprised by his release, and have signed Dominique Foxworth to a 4-year, $28 million contract.

They have also asked Samari Rolle to take a paycut, but he has declined. Instead, he would like to be released.
"Honestly, I don't want to play in Baltimore anymore because I feel I'm not wanted," said Rolle, who has started for the Ravens the past four seasons. "During the past two years, the Ravens have wanted to replace me, and the only man in the building that supported me was Rex [Ryan, the former defensive coordinator].

"I have nothing against the organization, nothing against ownership. I just feel it's time for me to move on. Never have I challenged this organization, but I think it's in both our best interest."
Rolle says he'll do whatever the Ravens ask of him next season, but his preference is to be released. He doesn't want to come off the bench or be a nickleback.

Last year, Rolle played only 10 regular season games, but had 3 interceptions.

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

March 02, 2009

Titans sign WR Washington and DT Haye

The Tennessee Titans have signed WR Nate Washington and DT Jovan Haye.

Washington's contract is for 6 years and worth $27 million with $9 million guaranteed. Haye's contract is for 4 years and is worth $16 million.
“Albert was a great player, and he did great things here in Tennessee,” Haye said. “I’m not coming here to try and fill his shoes. I’m just going to be me. Whatever I have to offer, I’m going to give. I don’t see it as replacing Albert. You can never replace Albert. He’s a big massive guy and a great football player."
Haye finished with 6 sacks in 2007, but battled injuries last year and was sackless.

Unless the Titans add another WR, Washington and Justin Gage will be the starters.
“I’m ready for that opportunity and I’m ready for that responsibility to step in and be a No. 1-type receiver,” Washington said.
The operative word here is "type," because in no way, shape or form is Washington a #1 receiver. However, he is probably the best receiver on a team with bad receivers.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:49 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Laverneus Coles made a huge mistake

WR Laverneus Coles asked out of the final year of his contract with the New York Jets and guaranteed $6 million salary so he could pursue a long-term deal. The Jets obliged.

Although the Buffalo Bills had Coles in for a visit, nobody else seems interested including the Miami Dolphins.

There are plenty of reasons why the Dolphins could be interested. Unlike with his last QB, Coles and Dolphins QB Chad Pennington have a close relationship. Bill Parcells knows Coles very well having drafted him in New York. The Dolphins aren't talented at WR and could use more weapons.

If Parcells doesn't want Coles, what does he know? At least, that is the question that will be in the minds of the 30 teams other than the Dolphins or Jets.

Last year, Coles had 70 receptions for 850 yards and 7 TDs.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:30 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Is Antonio Cromartie on the trading block?

Per Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the San Diego Chargers will put CB Antonio Cromartie on the trading block if they bring back free-agent CB Drayton Florence.

According to Acee, both Florence and the Chargers are talking and could have a deal in place this week. However, signing Florence doesn't mean he returns to the starting lineup as Antoine Cason would likely get the starting nod.

Florence signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a free agent last off-season, but was recently released along with Jerry Porter, the Jags' other big free-agent signing.

Cromartie set a team record for interceptions with 10 in 2007, however, he struggled last season with only 2 interceptions.

Chargers GM A.J. Smith wouldn't comment on Cromartie's status.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:16 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dolphins release Vonnie Holliday

Today the Miami Dolphins released DE Vonnie Holliday, which will save the Dolphins $3.25 million in salary-cap room.
"We thought we were in a negotiating process,'' Holliday said. "But at the 11th hour it turned out it wasn't necessarily a negotiating process. It was more like they decided to go a different route.

"There was a deal on the table and I assume that deal would still be on the table and we would try and negotiate, but there was no negotiation. I'm not bitter at anybody. It's a business. I'm a 12-year guy. I thought my deal was pretty cap-friendly if you will."
Holliday, who's a 12-year veteran, would like to play a couple more years as long as it's for a contender.
"More than anything I want a chance to compete for a ring,'' Holliday said. "I've done very well for myself financially, fortunately…I want a chance to give up some of that for a chance to compete.''
Holliday had 46 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2008. Do the 'Fins contact Jason Taylor, who was released by the Redskins today?

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

Derrick Ward signs with Bucs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed free-agent RB Derrick Ward to a 4-year contract that is worth $17 million. Ward will earn a 2009 guaranteed salary of $6 million.

Prior to meeting with the Bucs today, Ward visited with the Bengals, Eagles and Broncos. And it didn't seem out of the question that Ward might have returned to the Giants.

Primarily serving in a back-up role to Brandon Jacobs, Ward averaged 5.6 yards/carry last season and rushed for 1025 yards. Although Ward will turn 29 before the season starts, he only has 342 carries in his career.

Ward and Earnest Graham should split the load next year. Graham played only 10 games last year after injuring his ankle in the Minnesota game. Graham carried the ball 132 times for 563 yards and 4 TDs.

This is a good move for the Bucs, who are flush with cash having entered free agency with $61 million in cap space. Over the weekend, they re-signed WR Michael Clayton and traded for Kellen Winslow Jr.

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

T.J. Houshmandzadeh signs with Seahawks

After meeting with the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings, T.J. Houshmandzadeh decided to leave Cincinnati even though his QB Carson Palmer was lobbying him to stay. He had planned on making his decision over the weekend, but needed to sleep on it for another day.

It appeared as though the Vikings were the team most likely to land the biggest WR prize in free agency. Instead, it was the Seahawks.

Houshmandzadeh, 31, agreed to a 5-year, $40 million contract with $15 million in guaranteed money.

That seems like a steep price for a guy who is more of a possession receiver and not a true #1 WR, which he will be in Seattle. Houshmadzadeh, however, is consistent and has the most receptions (372) of any receiver in the past 4 seasons. And he's a good fit for the precision passing game of a West Coast offense.

Houshmandzadeh was selected in the 7th round of the 2001 NFL draft by the Bengals. In fact, the Bengals selected Chad Johnson (2nd round) and Rudi Johnson (4th round) in the same draft. Both Johnson and Houshmandzadeh played for Oregon State together.

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

Redskins release Jason Taylor

Redskins DE Jason Taylor, who was due $8.5 million in 2009, was released by the Redskins after not accepting a workout provision. The team wanted Taylor to participate in 75% of the team's off-season workout program, but Taylor declined as his family lives in Miami. And he didn't want to be away from them for 8 weeks of the 13-week off-season program.

Last year, Taylor was acquired from the Dolphins when Phillip Daniels suffered a season-ending injury on the first day of training camp. The 'Fins received a 2nd-round pick in this year's draft and 6th-round pick in next year's draft as compensation.

Taylor, who was the 2006 Defensive Player of the Year, had a down year with 3.5 sacks. He battled injuries, but struggled, which was partly due to the scheme.

Last week, I wrote a post about Taylor's agent saying Taylor would be back this year. While Taylor struggled in 2008, the Redskins were planning on utilizing him better in the system. So the last sentence in that post read:
"The Redskins are expected to give him more freedom in 2009."
Yep. That pretty much sums it up.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:10 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Update: Charges dropped against Marshall

Broncos WR Brandon Marshall, who was arrested Sunday morning on disorderly conduct charges, had charges against him dismissed.
"Based on my investigation yesterday, he shouldn't have been charged in the first place and I was confident the charges would be dismissed," said Harvey Steinberg, Marshall's attorney.
However, that doesn't mean that Marshall won't spend time in the NFL's dog house. According to Pro Football Talk, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello says that the league “will look in to it.”

As PFT points out, getting arrested is as harmful to the league's image as is being convicted. After all, perception is often reality in most people's minds.

The NFL's Personal Conduct Policy also states that a player could still be "subject to discipline, even where the conduct itself does not result in conviction of a crime."

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:19 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Brandon Marshall arrested, lengthy supension next?

Have you ever realized that you can't hurt in two places simultaneously?

For example, if you strained your back and then you stub your toe, you feel the pain in your toe (the newer pain) - not the pain in your back (the existing pain) - at least temporarily.

Well, for new coach Josh McDaniels, QB Jay Cutler is the back (the existing pain) and WR Brandon Marshall is the stubbed toe (the newer pain).

After finding out that he was the subject of trade talks involving Matt Cassel, who was traded to Kansas City, Cutler was none too pleased. In fact, he's still not interested in talking to the Broncos.

The new problem confrontring the Broncos is that WR Brandon Marshall was arrested in Atlanta for disorderly conduct.

If you recall, Marshall was suspended for 3 games last off-season. However, he appealed and successfully got NFL commissioner to reduce the suspension to 1 game with a fine of 2 games.

And Marshall has a long history of run-in's with the law, especially involving ex-girlfriend Rasheedah Watley. The Denver Post has been kind enough to provide a full list here.

Considering Marshall has already been suspended under the league's Personal Conduct Policy, it's likely that he will face another suspension. And this suspension could be much longer - 8-16 games if past 2nd suspensions are any indication.

Marshall has a ton of talent, but he's a head-case despite claiming to have matured. He's in the final year of his contract and is due $2.2 million and was looking for a contract extension.

In 2008, Marshall was 3rd in the league in receptions (104) and 7th in receiving yards (1265) despite missing one game (suspension).

With the problems the Broncos could be facing in the passing attack with Cutler and Marshall, it's good that the Broncos have been stockpiling RBs.

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

March 01, 2009

Houshmandzadeh needs another day to decide

Entering free agency, Bengals WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh hoped to make his decision on where he would play in 2009 (and beyond) by the end of the weekend.

After being wined and dined by the Vikings (among other teams), Minnesota appears to be the favorite. But a decision won't be made until tomorrow.
“If I can play with Adrian Peterson, can you imagine what I would do getting one-on-one coverage?” Houshmandzadeh said. “I'm going to win 98.6 percent of the time with one-on-one coverage with him in the backfield.”
Cincinnati has made an offer to Houshmandzadeh and his agent, Kenneth McGuire, has been in contact with the Bengals too. Per Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the offer made to Houshmandzadeh is north of the Giants' offer to Plaxico Burress (5 years, $35 million) last year.

No WR has more receptions since 2005 than does Houshmandzadeh (372).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:31 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ryan Mallett arrested for public intoxication

Per College Football Talk, Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett was arrested early Sunday morning for public intoxication.
“I am very disappointed that Ryan Mallett put himself in a situation that doesn’t reflect positively on him or on our program,” Petrino said. “All members of the Razorback football team have a responsibility to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner on and off the field. While the legal process has not yet taken its course in this matter, Ryan will face internal team disciplinary action for not representing the Razorbacks in a way that is required of our student-athletes.”
I wonder if Petrino said "...have a responsibility to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner" with a straight face considering how he left the Atlanta Falcons.

Mallett, 20, transferred from Michigan to Arkansas and sat out last year in order to do so.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:57 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Patriots re-sign safety James Sanders

The New England Patriots have re-signed safety James Sanders to a 3-year contract. He reportedly turn down more money elsewhere to stay in New England.
"It gives him a chance to grow and become a playmaker," [Sanders' agent Steve] Feldman said. "He stays in the same system with a championship team. They know him. He knows them. It was the right fit."
Sanders, projected to start alongside safety Brandon Merriweather, had 66 tackles and 1 interception in 2008. Sanders was drafted by the Patriots in the 4th-round of the 2005 NFL draft.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:47 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Broncos sign Andre' Goodman to 5-year contract

NFL.com is reporting that the Denver Broncos signed CB Andre' Goodman to a 5-year contract worth $25 million. The contract includes $10 million in guaranteed money.

Goodman led the Dolphins in interceptions with 5 in 2008 and started all 16 games.

The Broncos have added a dizzying number of players since free agency began, but one of the players they released was CB Dre' Bly, which they did before free agency began.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:33 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Crabtree won't run, will have surgery Wednesday

Michael Crabtree, who's the consensus top WR in this year's draft, has changed his mind and will not run at his pro day. Instead, he will have surgery on his foot on Wednesday, which will allow him to get healthier sooner.

He was scheduled to run at his pro day on March 26th and the surgery will sideline Crabtree for roughly 10 weeks. At the combine, he said he'd run. Then a few days later, he was "50-50" on running.
“After thorough consideration and discussion with my advisers and doctors, I decided to have the surgery rather than risk any further injury,” Crabtree said in a statement. “As a competitor, I wanted to run at my pro day, but it became clear that the best thing for me is to have the surgery and be ready to get on the field as soon as possible.”
This is the right decision. Perhaps a knock on Crabtree is that many expected his forty time to be in the 4.5-range or higher. But Crabtree has dominated DBs in his 2 years as a collegiate WR winning the Fred Biletnikoff award, which is given to the nation's top receiver, both seasons.

In 2 seasons, Crabtree has 231 receptions, 3127 receiving yards and 41 TDs. The production and tapes speak for themselves.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:10 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Giants, Canty agree to terms

The New York Giants have signed Chris Canty to a 6-year, $42 million contract. Canty played DE in the 3-4 scheme for the Cowboys, but will play both DT and DE for the Giants.

In addition, the Giants have signed DT Rocky Bernard, who played for the Seahawks since 2002.
“Chris is an athletic, big man who can play anywhere in our front,” [Giants GM Jerry] Reese said. “He gives us a lot of flexibility in that respect. Our defensive line did a very good job last year, but without Osi and Stray, we seemed to get worn down late in the season and we weren’t able to generate the kind of pass rush that we’re accustomed to. Hopefully with the addition of Rocky and Chris, and with Osi coming back, that won’t happen again.”
The Giants are stacked at D-Line including Canty, Bernard, Osi Umyeniora, Fred Robbins, Barry Cofield, Jay Alford, Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka and Dave Tollefson. Robbins, who will be 32 this month, could be the odd-man out.

Several teams were interested in Canty including the Seahawks, Packers, 49ers and Titans. The 4th-round draft pick out of Virginia has 10 career sacks in his 4-year career.

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

Seahawks sign Colin Cole

The Seattle Seahawks have signed DT Colin Cole to a 5-year contract. Cole will start alongside fellow DT Brandon Mebane.

Signing Cole is the first move the Seahawks have made in free agency.

The Seahawks lost Rocky Bernard to the New York Giants.

Cole had 30 tackles and a half-sack for the Green Bay Packers in 2008.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:11 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

2 NFL players missing off Florida's Gulf Coast

NFL Players Corey Smith and Marquis Cooper as well as 2 others are missing after setting sail from Clearwater Pass.

The boat, which is owned by Smith, left Saturday morning and did not return as expected. Rescue crews are searching for the boat/men, but the waters are "extremely rough and choppy" according to meteorologist Rick Davis.

Smith has played 60 NFL games including 12 last year with the Lions. Cooper has played 39 NFL games including 8 last year with the Raiders.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:59 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dan Orlovsky signs with Houston

QB Dan Orlovsky entered free agency to pursue a better offer than what the Detroit Lions had given to him. Orlovsky, who started 7 games for the Lions in 2008, wanted an opportunity to start even though the Lions said there would be an open competition.

Apparently, the "better opportunity" that Orlovsky was sure to find is in Houston backing up QB Matt Schaub.

Orlovsky's claim-to-fame was his bonehead move sprinting outside of the endzone for a safety in the Lions' 12-10 loss to the Vikings. The QB he'll replace as the back-up is Sage Rosenfels, who was traded to Minnesota for a 4th-round draft pick.

Rosenfels single-handedly lost the Texans a game against the Colts with his assortment of 4th-quarter turnovers including "The Helicopter."

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:42 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Snag in Arrington's deal with Denver

It was reported that the Denver Broncos signed RBs Correll Buckhalter and J.J. Arrington to 4-year contracts. However, Arrington's deal is not done yet and a contract glitch may prevent the deal from getting done.
"J.J's back in Arizona," said [Arrington's agent J.R.] Rickert. "The deal's not dead yet."
Rickert, who's also Buckhalter's agent, says Buckhalter's deal is complete.

Brian Dawkins, who signed a 5-year contract with the Broncos, is happy for his former-Eagles teammate.
"Man, I'm so happy for Buck," Dawkins said. "Being his teammate for so long, and the things he's had to endure and the injuries he's had to sustain and not always being able to put it on the football field, for whatever reason, if he's not being used or the injury. For him to get this opportunity to show what he can do, I am so happy for him."
Buckhalter has as good of a chance to be the starter as anyone else currently on the roster. However, that would likely change if the Broncos agree to terms with free-agent Derrick Ward, who's in town today.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 03:13 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Sharper to visit Saints, draws interest from Bears

Free-agent safety Darren Sharper will be in New Orleans tomorrow to visit with the Saints. Sharper shares an agent (Joel Segal) with some other prominent Saints' players, such as Reggie Bush, Marques Colston and Will Smith.

Sharper has played for 12 seasons and hasn't missed any games over the past 3 years. The Saints are also scheduled to meet with Gerald Sensabaugh today and tomorrow.

Last year, Josh Bullocks started at free safety and Roman Harper at strong safety.

Sharper has also drawn interest from the Chicago Bears.
"There's definitely a lot of interest," Sharper said Saturday via cell phone from the Bahamas. "First, they're in the NFC North, which I've grown accustomed to. They have a great defense. And they're on the cusp of getting back to the Super Bowl. It's a great organization. And it's great to draw some interest from them."
It's unclear whether Sharper, who's currently in the Bahamas, has a visit scheduled with the Bears.

Sharper has 54 career interceptions (8 returned to the house) and 9 forced fumbles.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 02:57 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Kevin Jones has Bears' offer + interest from others

RB Kevin Jones, drafted in the 1st round of the 2004 NFL draft by the Lions, spent the past season with the Chicago Bears.

Per Brad Biggs of the Sun Times, the Bears have made Jones an offer to return, but he has drawn interest from other teams as well. Jones has said that the following teams are interested: Bills, Bengals, Browns, Jets and Bucs. Currently, he isn't scheduled to visit with any of those possible suitors.

Jones, who had only 34 carries with the Bears last year, called the Bears an "example of what an NFL team should be like, the coaching staff, everything..."
''It's a negotiation process, and I am making sure I am in the right situation. The Bears expressed interest and I want to be back, but we've got to hammer out the paperwork. We'll see what happens.''
GM Jerry Angelo says that he wants the Bears to use more of a 2-back approach as most teams do these days. Last year, rookie Matt Forte carried the ball 316 times. Only Michael Turner (Atlanta), Adrian Peterson (Minnesota) and Clinton Portis (Washington) had more carries.

Jones had 1,133 rushing yards on 241 carries in his rookie season, but hasn't had a 200+ carry (or 1000-yard rushing) season since then.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 02:37 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bills sign Geoff Hangartner

Yesterday the Buffalo Bills signed free-agent center Geoff Hangartner to a 4-year contract.

Hangartner has spent the past 4 years with the Carolina Panthers and started 8 games last year as well as 15 games in 2006.
"Playing in the division is going to be a challenge every week," Hangartner said. "There are some great nose guards. But I really like that. I like the challenge of playing against guys who are Pro Bowlers. I know Kris really well from three years in Carolina together. He's a heck of a player. I know the other guys are, too. I'm looking forward to a challenge. It will be fun."
Duke Preston started at center last year for the Bills, but is now a free agent. Hangartner feels comfortable stepping into the Bills' offense.
"They run a lot of zone [blocking], which I'm comfortable with," he said. "They run some power, which I also think is a great play. A lot of one-back stuff, a lot of two tight ends. They have a good scheme. We talked a little about the scheme today and protections, and I'm really excited about working with those guys."
Hangartner is tough, big (6'5", 315 lbs) and smart. Believed to have registered the highest score on the 12-minute test for an offensive lineman, Hangartner scored 47 (out of 50) on the Wonderlic.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 02:22 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Derrick Ward to visit with Broncos today

Since free agency began, free-agent RB Derrick Ward has visited with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals (both on Saturday). Today Ward is going to visit with the Denver Broncos.

However, there is still the chance that Ward could end up back with the Giants.
"They left the door open for me and I know they would love to have me back, but it's a business," Ward said on Sirius NFL Radio on Friday, "and the business aspect of it right now is I feel I'm a starter and I proved I can help a team win some games and reach a Super Bowl level."
It is a business. And as Michael Lombardi of National Football Post and NFL Network said regarding free-agent RBs in general is that many teams have seen what mid-round draft picks a la Steve Slaton in Houston can do and would prefer to spend minimum rookie money on adding a back than spending in free agency.

Ward finished 2008 with 1,025 rushing yards as a backup to Brandon Jacobs. Ward averaged 5.6 yards per carry and had 215 rushing yards in the Giants' win over the Carolina Panthers in week 16. That win clinched home-field advantage for the Giants in the NFC playoffs.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:55 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Texas' John Chiles to switch to WR

According to the Dallas Morning News, University of Texas junior QB John Chiles has become University of Texas junior WR John Chiles. That began with spring practice for the Longhorns, which began Friday.

With Colt McCoy returning at QB and five-star incoming recruit Garrett Gilbert, he would have had competition to be QB in 2010 with McCoy graduating this season. Sherrod Harris will now move up the depth chart behind McCoy.
"Colt's return and Quan's [Cosby] departure makes this a great move for our team," Brown said. "When we've done our draft boards during the spring, our staff has always voted John as one of our best athletes on the team. This gives us a chance to get him more playing time."
With the departure of Cosby, the Longhorns' leading WR is Jordan Shipley, who received a 6th-year of eligibility. Shipley finished 2008 with 89 receptions, 1060 receiving yards and 11 receiving TDs.

Chiles was ranked 31st in the Top 100 recruits by Rivals.com in 2007.

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

Saints interested in L.T.?

By now, you'd have to be living under a rock to not be well-versed in the L.T.-A.J. saga.

If you remember, in an effort to get the public even further on his side, L.T. issued a statement on his website indicating his desire to return to the Chargers. In return, Chargers GM A.J. Smith mocked L.T. LB Shawne Merriman chimed in and said "it needs to stop now.” Tomlinson and Smith have since cleared the air personally.

However, it is widely-believed that the Chargers will release the franchise's all-time leading rusher if he doesn't agree to a restructured contract.

If he is released, one team that would be interested is New Orleans per the National Football Post.

The Saints were the most explosive offense in the league last year averaging 28.9 ppg and 410.7 ypg. Drew Brees fell only 15 yards short of Dan Marino's all-time single-season passing record last year.

Although L.T. had his career low of 1,110 rushing yards in 2008, he could bounce back big if (big ifs) he ends up in the Crescent City and he's fully healthy.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:00 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cutler has thin skin

One of the big stories surrounding the Matt Cassel (and Mike Vrabel) trade to Kansas City for a 2nd-round pick is how it almost involved Broncos QB Jay Cutler and his reaction to the information.
"I'm upset. I mean I'm really shocked at this point," he said. "I could see why they want Cassel. I don't know if they think I can't run the system or I don't have the skills for it. I just don't get it. Or if they don't think they can sign me with my next contract. I just don't know what it is. I've heard I'm still on the trading block."
Selected 11th overall in the 2006 NFL draft, Cutler has 3 years remaining on his 6-year contract. Although the Broncos assert that they were contacted by other teams including the Bucs regarding Cutler's availability in a trade, Cutler's relationship with new 32-year-old head coach Josh McDaniels is getting off to a rocky start.
"Anything can be mended," he said. "I'll always play with the guys we've got. I love playing for those guys. Obviously, Josh and I's relationship has taken a few steps backward. I don't play for the coaches anyway, I play for teammates..."
Overall, the Broncos are doing the Patriots thing this off-season. Bringing in a lot of players - not big names - to compete for spots.

They have brought in safety Brian Dawkins to provide heart and soul to a defense that was lackluster last year. They have signed Jabar Gaffney, Lonie Paxton, J.J. Arrington, Correll Buckhalter, Darrell Reid, Reynaldo Hill, Andra Davis and counting...
"We don't want to trade Jay," said McDaniels. " We never did. He's our quarterback. We're excited about this season. And excited about what we're doing here in free agency to improve our team."
Cutler finished 3rd in the NFL in passing yards (4526) and 7th in passing TDs (25). However, he also finished with the 2nd-most INTs (18) to league-leader Brett Favre.

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

Bucs re-sign WR Michael Clayton

What do "Come on Eileen," "Rock Me Amadeus," "I'm Too Sexy," and Michael Clayton have in common?

You guessed it. They're all one-hit wonders.

Selected in the first round of the 2004 NFL draft by the Bucs, Clayton had a great rookie season. He finished the year with 80 receptions, 1193 yards and 7 TDs and played all 16 games.

Since then (4 more years), here are his bests: receptions (38 in 2008), yards (484 in 2008) and TDs (1 in 2006 and 2008).

Clayton has re-signed with the Bucs for another 5 years and will be guaranteed to receive at least $10.5 million. Over this contract, he could earn up to $26 million with incentives.

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

The Lions sign WR Bryant Johnson

The Detroit Lions have signed free-agent WR Bryant Johnson to a 3-year, $9 million deal.

Johnson, who was the #2 WR in San Francisco last year, may be the #2 WR in Detroit. The Lions met with Nate Washington yesterday, but Washington will visit with the Titans on Sunday.

Selected in the 1st round by the Cardinals in 2003, Johnson finished 2008 with 45 receptions and 546 yards.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 02:41 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Are the Niners interested in Kurt Warner?

Are the San Francisco 49ers really interested in free-agent QB Kurt Warner?

Per Matt Maiocco of the Press Democrat, there have been conflicting reports from insiders. One league source has told him that there have been no serious discussions while another league source says the 49ers have a "legitimate shot" to pull off the coup.

That's narrows it down. It's like a weather forecaster saying it's either going to rain or it's not.

As Maiocco points out, the Niners have the cap room to make the deal happen. They are currently under the cap by roughly $25 million and have asked QB Alex Smith to take a paycut (on his honeymoon, nonetheless). Remember, it's just business.

Warner is looking to be paid in the range of a top 5 QB for at least 2 seasons. The average of the top 5 QBs would be in the $14.7 million range.

The Niners could use an upgrade at QB. But it doesn't make sense that the Niners would sign Warner to a lucrative contract since they will be instituting a run-first, run-second offense under Jimmy Raye, which coach Mike Singletary favors.

If the outgoing mad scientist Mike Martz, who coached Warner in St. Louis, and his pass-happy scheme remained in San Fran, it would make much more sense.

Or, if it were the Bucs or Lions that were interested in Warner, it would make more sense. Both teams were reportedly interested in Matt Cassel, who was traded to the Chiefs today.

To me, this is just a wise move by the agent in an attempt to apply a little pressure on the Cards.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 02:07 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Vikings re-sign TE Jim Kleinsasser

The Minnesota Vikings re-signed TE Jim Kleinsasser, who has made the USA Today All-Joe team the past 2 years. The All-Joe team "honors the overlooked, the overachievers, the hard-working guys."
“We’re excited to have Jim back,” said Vikings Head Coach Brad Childress. “We wanted him back and we’re glad he took time out from ice fishing to come in and sign his contract. Jim’s an important part of our offense and the kind of guy you want in your locker room.”
Kleinsasser, who was drafted in the 2nd round in 1999, has spent his entire 10-year career with the Minnesota Vikings.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:50 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Saints re-sign free agent Jon Stinchcomb

The New Orleans Saints entered free agency with 2 unrestricted free agents that started for the team in 2008: Jonathan Vilma and Jon Stinchcomb.

The Saints signed Vilma to a 5-year contract and have agreed to terms with Stinchcomb on a 5-year contract as well.

Terms of Stinchcomb's deal weren't disclosed yet.
“Jon has been a real good player for us since cracking the starting lineup in 2006,” said Loomis. “He has become a respected leader on our team, not only on the field but off the field as well.”
Stinchcomb has started 48 regular-season and 2 playoff games over the past 3 seasons at right tackle.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:07 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Niners sign WR Brandon Jones

The San Francisco 49ers have added free-agent WR Brandon Jones, who spent the past 4 seasons with the Tennessee Titans. Jones and the Niners agreed on a 5-year, $16.5 million contract with $5.4 million guaranteed.

According to SI.com, 49ers GM Scott McCloughan says that Isaac Bruce, the team's leading WR last year, is "50-50" on returning. Bruce is contemplating retirement after the 49ers changed offensive coordinators in the off-season.

The 49ers replaced Mike Martz with Jimmy Raye, who will lead a run-heavy 49ers offense.

The other WRs on the 49ers roster include Josh Morgan, Jason Hill, Dominique Zeigler and Arnaz Battle.

In 2008, Jones finished 3rd on the Titans in receptions (41) and receiving yards (449).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:53 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Giants sign Rocky Bernard

The New York Giants have agreed to terms with DT Rocky Bernard although the terms weren't not immediately available.

Bernard, who was drafted by the Seahawks in the 5th round of the 2002 NFL draft, had the 2nd best year of his career in 2008. He finished with 55 tackles and 4 sacks. In 2005, he had 8.5 sacks.
“He’s a veteran defensive tackle with skins on the wall,” GM Jerry Reese said. “He plays hard, he’s stout against the run and he has to be accounted for as a pass rusher. We’re happy to have Rocky on board in our defensive tackle rotation.”
He will join Fred Robbins and Barry Cofield in the DT rotation.

Free-agent DE Chris Canty is visiting with the Giants and is expected to be in town until Sunday around dinner time. According to Ralph Vacchiano of the Daily News, Canty's asking price is around $8 million per season.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:39 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jets re-sign Brandon Moore after cutting him

The New York Jets released guard Brandon Moore on Thursday. Two days later, they re-signed Moore to a 4-year, $16 million contract.

It wasn't so much a change of heart by the Jets as it was a rejection from Chris Kemoeatu, who re-signed with the Steelers.
"At the end of the day, when all was said and done, who did they come back to?" Moore said on a conference call. "This is where I wanted to be.

"My family is comfortable here. You can't put a price tag on being comfortable. I hope I finish my career here."
The upshot for Moore is that he will earn more with the new contract than he would have otherwise.

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