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According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Chargers will entertain offers for wide receiver Vincent Jackson, who hasn't signed his tender as a restricted free agent (RFA).

In addition to the Seahawks, who inquired about Jackson earlier this month, "several other teams" including the Redskins have interest in Jackson.

Jackson would have received $3.268 million if he had signed his RFA tender by June 15th. Instead the value of the offer has been reduced to $583,000.

If the Chargers don't trade him before the trade deadline (October 19th), however, Jackson is unlikely to sign the tender and show up for work until after week 10.

In order to earn a year towards free agency, he is required to be on a roster for six weeks.

Last year, Jackson had career-highs in receptions (68), yards (1,167) and touchdowns (nine) and he wants to be paid more than Brandon Marshall, who signed a four-year, $47.5 million deal with Miami this off-season. But he is facing a potential league suspension for two DUIs.

The one thing that appears certain is it won't be the Chargers that sign him to such a lucrative deal.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

At his football camp for kids in New Jersey, Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson was asked today whether or not there has been any progress towards a new contract.

"There has been no progress so far," Jackson said, per Tyler Dunne of the Philadelphia Daily News (via Pro Football Talk). "I'm looking forward to just working with them and hopefully making something happen."

As Sheil Kapadia of Philly.com points out, Jackson is one of only three receivers to finish a season with 60+ receptions, 1,000+ yards and 18+ yards per reception during the past five seasons. In 2009, Jackson caught 63 passes for 1,167 yards (18.5 average).

The other two were Carolina's Steve Smith in 2008 and Terry Glenn in 2005.

According to Mock Draft Central, Jackson has been the ninth receiver (and 28th player) selected in fantasy football drafts based on his average draft position.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Tennessee Titans have had more than thier fair share of off-the-field issues this off-season: Chris Johnson's potential holdout, Vince Young's misdemeanor assault, Gerald McRath's suspension, Derrick Morgan's arrest, etc.

On the field, Titans receiver Kenny Britt has done some things that even I could have done this off-season. In other words, he had shown up out of shape and has been dropping too many passes.

"It has been horrible,'' Britt said, per Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean. "I am disappointed in myself. I know I have to get better. They expect me to get better. And that's what I plan on doing.''

All of the dropped passes has earned him the nickname "Question Mark" from his teammates, according to Wyatt.

"We are going to go away here, and he still has some things to work on," [offensive coordinator Mike] Heimerdinger said. "I'll be very interested to see if he goes and works on them and stays in shape and does what he is supposed to do to get better, and get healthy for two-a-days. Or is he going to come in and we're going to have to start all over again like he did in the beginning at OTAs because he was out of shape? That is part of being a pro. We'll see how he handles himself, I guess.''

Britt, who was the Titans' first-round pick in 2009, led the team in receiving yards (701) as a rookie.

According to Mock Draft Central, Britt is the 41st receiver drafted on average in fantasy football drafts this summer.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Despite expectations of a one-game suspension for Jets receiver Braylon Edwards, Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com reports that Edwards won't be suspended under the league's personal-conduct policy for an incident that occurred in a Cleveland nightclub in October. Instead he'll likely receive a fine for one game check.

The incident from October involved a (135-pound) friend of LeBron James that accused Edwards of punching him at a Cleveland club.

At the time, LeBron James said (via the Cleveland Plain Dealer), "I've never crossed paths with Braylon before but it seems like there is a little jealously going on with Braylon and me and my friends."

Despite his potential, Edwards has essentially been a one-hit wonder (no pun intended). In his breakout season (2007), Edwards finished with 80 receptions for 1,289 and 16 touchdowns.

In his other four seasons combined, Edwards has 16 touchdowns. Plus, he has averaged only 737 yards per season during that four-year span.

Cimini also points out that the Jets likely won't pursue Laveranues Coles, who played for the Jets from 2000-2002 and 2005-2008. Coles was released by the Bengals this off-season.

Per Jenny Vrentas of the Newark Star-Ledger, Edwards said this month that he expects 2010 is "definitely going to be my best season."

It's hard to imagine Edwards having a better season than 2007 for a run-first team that has acquired Santonio Holmes, even if he will serve a four-game suspension to start the season. That said, he has the talent to do so.

My rankings (44th receiver) indicate that I'm not buying into that claim as much as most (30th receiver drafted, according to Mock Draft Central). However, I will bump up Edwards a bit in our next rankings update for next week.

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

I don't know Jonathan Wade. I don't have anything against Wade. And, to be honest, I even respect and admire his confidence.

But, seriously, the Lions cornerback and some of his fellow teammates should just shut up and play.

"I've got to find a way to help this team get to the playoffs," Wade said Thursday, per Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press. "It's been said. I've heard it. I want you to write this down. It's been said. (Jon) Jansen said it. (Louis) Delmas said it. (DeAndre) Levy said it. Jonathan Wade now says we're going to the playoffs: 9-7. We're going to the playoffs."

Like many others, I believe the Lions will be better in 2010. And I certainly don't expect Wade to think that the Lions will or should lose. But let's face it: it'd be tough to be worse.

In the past two years, the Lions are a combined 2-30.

How often does Peyton Manning 'guarantee' a Colts' playoff appearance? How about Ray Lewis? Or Drew Brees?

Take a cue from the guys who actually make the playoffs -- not just talk about it (and lose).

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

Last year, the Bears ranked eighth in the NFL in passing attempts (35.2 per game) yet they ranked only 17th in passing yards (229.8 per game).

With Mike Martz now running their offense, most expect the Bears' passing attack to take some steps forward in 2010.

To help ease the transition, Bears receiver Devin Hester plans to work with the guy who flouished in Hester's role (the "Z" receiver) within Martz's offense from 1999 to 2005.

''We'll get on a field, watch some film and everything,'' Hester said after practice Wednesday, per Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times. ''I can't learn from anyone better.''

Of course, Hester is referring to Isaac Bruce, who retired this off-season after a 16-year career.

''I know Devin is craving and trying to become the best possible receiver he can be, and I know Isaac Bruce,'' [Bears coach Lovie] Smith said. ''He's one of the great ambassadors of the game, with a Hall of Fame type of career. Guys want to get better, and they want to talk to the best at the position. Of course, Isaac has had success in the position, and he knows it as well as anyone.''

Heading into the 2010 season, Hester will start opposite Johnny Knox based on the team's current depth chart.

Meanwhile, Devin Aromashodu is the top Bears receiver in my fantasy rankings and the first Bears receiver drafted, based on Mock Draft Central's average draft positions (ADPs). The ADPs for Aromashodu, Hester and Knox are 83rd overall (33rd receiver), 133rd (53rd) and 144th (55th), respectively.

(Vote on our poll: Which Bears WR will finish with the most productive fantasy season?)

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

When the Giants and Panthers face each other on September 12th to open the season, we may or may not see the battle of the Steve Smith's.

If the Carolina version does not play, it will be due to the injury he suffered yesterday.

Smith, who was playing in an adult flag football league championship game, broke his left arm and had surgery Sunday. That means, he'll likely miss all of training camp and his status for the season opener could be jeopardized, per Darin Gantt of the Herald Online.

“Steve has talked to me and feels terrible about it,” [Panthers GM Marty] Hurney said through a statement (via Gantt). “Now his focus is on the rehabilitating process and getting back as quickly as he can.”

Coincidentally, Smith broke the same arm against the Giants in week 16 of the 2009 season.

Nonetheless Derrick Fox, Smith's agent, expects him to "come back stronger, faster, meaner and more ready to play than before.”

Smith's receptions (65) and receiving yards (982) in 2009 were five-year lows. That said, Smith's numbers were considerably better with Matt Moore (instead of Jake Delhomme) under center.

With Moore as quarterback, Smith had 19 receptions for 378 yards and three touchdowns in four games. That's a 16-game pace of 76-1,512-12. While it would have been unlikely for him to maintain that pace over a full season, his production level increased quite a bit without Jake Delhomme pulling the offensive strings.

In my fantasy rankings for 2010, I rank Smith (Panthers) as the 16th-best fantasy wide receiver. By comparison, that's two spots better than the Giants' version of Smith.

At least, until the next update.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The New Orleans Saints have released defensive end Bobby McCray today, per the Associated Press.

McCray, who started at left defensive end during all three post-season games including the Super Bowl, told WWL-TV's Scott Cody (via Rachel Whittaker of the New Orleans Times-Picayune) that he's "speechless."

With McCray being released, the Saints will start Will Smith as right defensive end and rotate newcomers Alex Brown and Jimmy Wilkerson on the left side.

McCray, who was the seventh-round pick of the Jaguars in 2004, played his first four seasons with the Jaguars and his past two seasons with the Saints.

For his career, McCray has 134 tackles and 29.5 sacks. He had a career-high in sacks (10) in 2006.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cardinals receiver Ed Gant has been suspended four games for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs, per Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic.

With Anquan Boldin and Jerheme Urban no longer on the roster, Gant, who spent last year on the team's practice squad, had a shot to earn a roster spot as the team's fourth or fifth receiver.

Instead, those spots seem likely to go to Andre Roberts, who was the team's third-round pick this year, and Onrea Jones.

Gant, who spent last season on the practice squad, has dropped many passes during the team's off-season workouts and his inconsistent play and suspension will likely lead to the end of his career in Arizona, according to Somers.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The San Diego Chargers have released safety Kevin Ellison, per Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Ellison, who was arrested in May for possession of 100 pills of vicodin without having a prescription, had spent the past two weeks working with the first-team defense.

“After the minicamp and our offseason program we felt we were going to go another direction at this time,” General Manager A.J. Smith said, per Acee. “Letting Kevin go now gives him an excellent chance to get with a team before training camp gets underway.”

According to Acee, the team's starting strong safety will likely be Steve Gregory, who will compete with Darrell Stuckey, the team's fourth-round pick, for playing time.

In 13 games last year as a rookie, Ellison had 52 tackles and one sack.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Many teams wouldn't give him a chance. The Bengals did.

According to Carlos Holmes of the Dayton Daily News, the Bengals are willing to negotiate a longer-term extension with running back Cedric Benson, who is entering the second year of his two-year contract.

In 2009, Benson had the best year of his career despite missing three games (all in the second half). He finished with 1,251 yards and six touchdowns on 301 carries, but he led the NFL in rushing for the majority of the first half of the season.

There are very few teams with a workhorse running back these days.

With the exception of the games he missed and the one in which he left early due to injury, Benson finished with 15+ carries in every game. And in half (six) of the games he finished (12), Benson had 27 carries or more.

But Benson, who was the fourth overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, is working hard on making this year better than last year.

“Cedric is a guy who wants to work hard and push the other guys,” [RB coach Jim] Anderson said, per Holmes. “He wants the other players to see that he’s a hard worker. I think that is indicative to how he plays the game. How you practice is how you play. If you want to play fast in the game you have to practice fast and play hard. Cedric is like a lot of runners and doesn’t want to leave yards out there on the field.”

Last year, Benson was a huge value before the season started and I loved his upside.

This year, Benson will be drafted in the first two rounds and he ranks in my top 10 running backs.

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

Raiders defensive end Richard Seymour signed his tender today as the team's franchise player, according to Associated Press.

In 2010, Seymour will earn $12.398 million, which was the average salary of the five highest-paid defensive ends in 2009.

The Raiders acquired Seymour by sending their first-round pick in 2011 to the Patriots.

For the past five years, the Raiders have had a top-eight pick every season as they have posted an NFL-worse seven straight seasons of 11+ losses.

Seymour, the Patriots first-round pick in 2001, had four sacks in 2009 and has 43 sacks for his career.

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

The Redskins have now added two first-round offensive tackles this off-season.

Back in April, the Redskins drafted Oklahoma tackle Trent Williams with the fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Redskins have acquired former first-rounder Jammal Brown from New Orleans today.

The Redskins, who traded for quarterback Donovan McNabb this off-season, sent their second-round pick (37th overall) to the Eagles at the time. In addition, they owe the Eagles a third- or fourth-round pick in 2011 based on the play of either McNabb or the Redskins.

If the Redskins win nine games, make the playoffs or McNabb earns a trip to the Pro Bowl, the Eagles will get the 'Skins third-round pick. Otherwise, they will get Washington's fourth-round pick.

The Saints will receive whichever pick is not sent to Philadelphia as compensation for Brown, the Saints' first-round pick in 2005. In addition, the Saints will receive a sixth-round pick in 2012 if Brown makes the Pro Bowl or plays in 90 percent of the team's offensive snaps.

In return, the Saints will send Washington their fifth-round pick next year if the Redskins send their third-round pick to the Saints. If it's the fourth-round pick instead, they will send the Redskins their sixth- or seventh-round pick.

Brown, who missed all of last season due to injury, has played in two Pro Bowls (2006 and 2008). Per Schefter, Brown will start the year at right tackle while Williams will play left tackle.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Philadelphia Eagles are about to begin the post-McNabb era with a quarterback that has started only two games in his career.

Fortunately for Kevin Kolb, however, he takes over an offense with a strong (and young) set of skill players: receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, tight end Brent Celek and running back LeSean McCoy.

Plus former Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski said this week on 97.5 The Ticket (via Sheil Kapadia of Moving The Chains), the team "almost" has "that little-kid enthusiasm" due in part to their youth.

"I've spoken to a number of players, a number of the coaches, and the one thing I sense that was probably missing over the last couple years is energy," Jaworski said. "There's almost that little-kid enthusiasm right now within the organization because of the changes they've made. When you get those young, enthusiastic players int he locker room, it's amazing how they raise the spirit, and even of Andy Reid and the coaching staff. And the feeling down at the Novacare Center is real positive now. They know they've got a young team. They know they're going to make mistakes, but as they grow together, this has the chance to be a real good football team down the road. I think that's the part that's exciting."

In my fantasy football rankings, I ranked McNabb as the tenth-best fantasy quarterback and Kolb as the 14th-best.

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

St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford believes the Rams offense, which averaged only 10.9 points per game in 2009, is making progress everyday.

"I think this offense has great potential, and I feel like we've gotten better every practice," Bradford said Thursday, per Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "One thing I can attest to is a great attitude. Everyone comes ready to work. When we go to meetings, everyone's positive. When we come on the field, everyone's excited to be here. I think there's a lot of talent, and I think we're going in the right direction."

While Bradford, who the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2010, has taken reps with the first-team offense, he's taken more reps with the second and third units than he has with the first.

It's unlikely that Bradford will begin the season as the starting quarterback as coach Steve Spagnuolo had previously suggested that the Rams would like to bring along Bradford similarly to the way they did (when he was in Philadelphia) with Donovan McNabb, who started around mid-season.

Regardless of which unit he's on to start the season, Bradford expects to have a deal done before training camp even though he's not concerning himself with the contract stuff.

"I haven't even talked to my agent (Tom Condon) about it," Bradford said. "I'm not concerned about it. That's why I hired an agent, and I think he's very good at what he does. I'm sure he and the Rams will come to an agreement before training camp. I expect to be here on time."

From a fantasy perspective, Bradford has little value in a non-keeper leagues or shallow leagues where owners start only one quarterback. Nonetheless he ranks as my top rookie QB for fantasy football.

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

One of the biggest off-season stories has been the threat of a holdout by Titans running back Chris Johnson, who won last year's offensive player of the year award.

Even without considering the potential holdout, however, it's been a horrible week off-the-field for the Tennessee Titans.

Not only has linebacker Gerald McRath been suspended for the first four games of the regular season and quarterback Vince Young cited with Class C assualt, but now Derrick Morgan has been arrested for driving with a suspended license and speeding, according to Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.

Morgan, who was the team's first-round pick, was on his way to Tennessee for the team's mandatory mini-camp on Wednesday when he was pulled over in Georgia for driving 91 mph in a 70-mph zone. His court date is set for July 26th.

Wyatt notes that Morgan hasn't gotten off to a fast start (at least on the field) since he's been slowed by hamstring and calf injuries.

While neither offense is horrible, the Titans continue to be in the news for the wrong reasons this off-season.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

When Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean asked LenDale White about Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, White said: “Pete Carroll? The same Pete Carroll who ran out on ’SC? I have no comment on Pete. I better wait ’til I’m on a team one day before I say anything.’’

Bengals cornerback Leon Hall said of his contract, "I haven't thought too much about it right now. I still have years left (on my contract), but I'm not really worried about it at this moment."

The Seahawks have claimed cornerback Cord Parks off waivers from the St. Louis Rams, per Danny O'Neill of the Seattle Times.

Dr. James Andrews said today that the procedure he performed on the ankle of Vikings quarterback Brett Favre "went fine."'

The Patriots have signed punter Zoltan Mesko, their fifth-round pick, to a contract today. Terms weren't disclosed.

Packers defensive end Johnny Jolly signed his one-year tender as a restricted free agent for $2.521 million.

The Bucs have released wide receiver Mark Bradley after signing punter Brent Bowden, per the St. Petersburg Times.

Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has a simple slogan for his defense for the upcoming season: "affect the quarterback."

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said of receivers T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Deion Branch: "Certainly they're going to be ready to go for (training) camp."

49ers coach Mike Singletary says it "does not bother [him] one bit" that nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin and linebacker Manny Lawson are expected to skip the team's mandatory mini-camp that begins Thursday.

The Bills have signed fourth-round rookie receiver Marcus Easley.

Giants general manager Jerry Reese said of Domenik Hixon's season-ending ACL injury: “I was looking right at (Hixon). It didn’t look like his foot got caught. He was kind of weaving a little bit and his knee just buckled a little bit. It could have happened right here on this grass field.”

The Broncos have claimed running back Kolby Smith, who was released by the Chiefs.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh said “I think we’ll sign at least one of" three DBs: cornerbacks Ken Lucas and Walt Harris or safety Ken Hamlin.

According to Jenny Vrentas of the Newark Star-Ledger, Jets coach Rex Ryan and cornerback Darrelle Revis are on "the same page" after an hour-long talk today.

The Steelers signed two fifth-rounders (tackle Chris Scott and cornerback Crezdon Butler) today.

Packers nose tackle B.J. Raji set his 2010 goal to “just cause havoc.”

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson is one of only six NFL players to have rushed for over 2,000 yards while setting the NFL single-season record for yards from scrimmage (2,509).

But Johnson is upset (despite recently saying, “I like my team. I’m not mad,’’) about the Titans' reluctance to rework his contract and has threatened to hold out of training camp, which begins on July 31st.

Johnson, who was the team's first-round pick in 2008, has three years left on his five-year contract and he's due to earn only $550,000 in 2010.

“I can’t play for $550,000,’’ Johnson said, per Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean. “The money that I am playing for, I am getting paid less than the starting 11 (on offense) and I’m one of the lowest paid starting running backs in the league.’’

“I think Chris is willing to take it as far as he needs to take it,” [former backfield mate LenDale] White said. “I can’t get inside his mind and say how long he’ll hold out, but obviously he is serious about this. This is his livelihood. He has to look out for himself. Believe me, he loves the Titans and the city of Nashville, but he is looking for his livelihood and his life. No one can be mad about that.’’

Johnson has clearly outplayed his contract. Yet the team hasn't budged, according to Wyatt.

In 31 career games over two NFL seasons, Johnson has 3,997 yards from scrimmage (3,234 rushing and 763 receiving) and he has scored 26 touchdowns.

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

The likelihood that the San Diego Chargers could start the season without wide receiver Vincent Jackson or left tackle Marcus McNeil has increased substantially over the past 24 hours.

Both players, who are restricted free agents (RFAs), have decided not to sign their one-year tender offers, per Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Meanwhile, the team had notified both players that it intended to lower their tender offers on June 15th to 110 percent of their 2009 salary, which is allowed under the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Most RFAs that were frustrated by their contract situations signed their tenders to avoid such a decrease.

Instead Jackson will earn $583,000 (not $3.268 million) and McNeil will earn $600,000 (not $3.168 million) if they play the full season.

As Acee points out, players need to be on the roster for six weeks to accrue a season, which could be important depending on the number of seasons needed to reach unrestricted free agent status under the next CBA. So, it's possible that the players will hold out through week 10 and return to make sure that they accrue a season of service.

Last year, Jackson had a career year finishing with 68 receptions for 1,167 and nine touchdowns.

Obviously, the fantasy value of Jackson will take a huge hit if he holds out. In addition, it will negatively impact the fantasy value of quarterback Phillip Rivers, but it should help the value of Malcom Floyd, who is the team's No. 2 receiver.

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

Today Saints running back Pierre Thomas signed his one-year tender as a restricted free agent, per the Associated Press.

"It's still our desire to work out a long-term deal because Pierre deserves security," [Thomas' agent Lamont] Smith said.

Thomas will earn $1.684 million in 2010 after earning $460,000 last year.

In his three-year career, Thomas has rushed for 1,670 yards and 16 touchdowns on 328 carries (5.1 yards per carry). In addition, he has caught 87 passes for 737 yards and six touchdowns during that span.

For the 2010 fantasy football season, Thomas is the 18th-best running back in our latest fantasy running back rankings.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

According to Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic, Cardinals guard Deuce Lutui has signed his one-year tender as a restricted free agent.

Lutui, who was the team's second-round pick in 2006, will earn $1.76 million in 2010 and avoided a possible reduction to $580,000, which was ten percent more than he earned in 2009.

As McManaman points out, Lutui will likely be behind Alan Faneca, who was released by the Jets this off-season, and Reggie Wells on the depth chart to begin training camp next month.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

As the Jets hold their mini-camp, cornerback Darrelle Revis took a series off today to make a point (about his contract situation).

"A little light-headed," Revis said, per Jenny Vrentas of the Newark Star-Ledger. "I sat out for a little bit, something to let them know that I can play and I can not play."

Revis wants to be the league's highest-paid cornerback, which is currently Oakland's Nnamdi Asomugha, and he said he would be happy even if he were paid only "50 cents more" than Asomugha.

For the 2010 season, Revis is due $1 million unless a new deal is worked out. In addition, the Jets hold options that could keep him under contract through the 2012 season. (Revis would earn $5 million in 2011 and $15 million in 2012.)

He previously said that general manager Mike Tannenbaum had promised a deal before training camp. Meanwhile Tannenbaum, who said he expects Revis to retire as a Jet, wants to a get a deal done provided it's within reason.

With the Jets set to be featured on HBO's Hard Knocks, we will be able to see the drama unfold firsthand when camp starts. But coach Rex Ryan downplayed the potential distraction.

"My goal is to win a Super Bowl and nothing's going to get in the way," Ryan said, per Manish Mehta of the NY Daily News. "We'll go to war with whoever the hell is on this team. It doesn't matter. We're going to be the New York Jets. We're about the decal. It's not about one individual. But do I think Darrelle Revis will be here? Yeah, I absolutely do."

Stay tuned...

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

As expected, Broncos linebacker Elvis Dumervil signed his one-year tender today, per Mike Klis of the Denver Post.

Dumervil, who led the NFL in sacks (17), will earn $3.168 million in 2010. Had he not signed the tender by Tuesday, he could have had his 2010 salary reduced to $630,000 (or ten percent above his 2009 salary).

Over his four-year career, Dumervil, who was drafted in the fourth round in 2006, has 43 sacks. By comparison, Minnesota's defensive end Jared Allen also had 43 sacks in the first four seasons of his career.

In addition to putting up comparable numbers despite being only 5-foot-11, Dumervil hopes to earn elite-level compensation as a pass-rusher like Allen does.

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

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed rookie cornerback Myron Lewis to a four-year contract, per the Tampa Tribune.

Lewis, who was the team's third-round pick (67th overall), is the second Buccaneer rookie to sign. (Wide receiver Mike Williams has also signed.)

"He's a big, tall, athletic corner with great ball skills," general manager Mark Dominik said shortly after drafting Lewis. "He's a good tackler, a great kid off the field as well. He's got very good feet for such a big man. Part of what we wanted to do here is build a bigger football team, and I believe we did that with his selection."

Expected to compete as the team's nickel corner, Lewis had four interceptions last year at Vanderbilt, where he started 36 games in his collegiate career.

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

The latest Patriot to become a member of the team's Hall of Fame is running back Sam "Bam" Cunningham, according to the team's official website.

Cunningham, who will be inducted on August 12th, remains the franchise's all-time leading rusher (5,453 yards).

"I had the pleasure of talking to Sam, he's excited and enthused," [Patriots' owner Robert] Kraft said, per Shalise Manza Young of the Boston Globe. "Sitting in the stands, like so many of us, I remember the thrills he gave us...the great contributions he made."

You can see a full list of former Patriots in their Hall of Fame as well as in the Pro Football Hall of Fame here.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

According to Rick Alonzo of the Pioneer Press, Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards signed his one-year tender today.

The signing was expected since the Vikings could have cut their offer to $1.1 million if he hadn't signed by tomorrow.

Instead Edwards, who finished second on the team in sacks (8.5) behind Jared Allen, will earn $2.521 million in 2010.

With Edwards now under contract, Alonzo points out that all of last year's starters are now under contract.

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

In an interview with ESPN 980 in DC (via Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post), ex-Redskins defensive end Charles Mann has called out Albert Haynesworth for not showing up to off-season workouts.

Haynesworth, who signed a $100 million contract as a free agent in 2009, is unhappy about making a shift to nose tackle in the Redskins' 3-4 defense.

"Man, lemme tell you this, for a million dollars I would have done all those things, not a hundred million," Mann said last week, according to Steinberg. "And I've sat with Albert and his wife and his mother at an event in the community. I just don't think he realizes. I'm looking at athletic events, I'm looking at the way these athletes handle different situations, and I look, and I say gosh..lee.

"I mean, you go through it, you're young, and you think this is the way it's supposed to be and this is just regular life, and they have no clue as to the opportunity that they'r'e in the midst of. I'd crawl on the ground backwards for a hundred million dollars."

Meanwhile, Mann doesn't expect Haynesworth to report in shape when the team begins their mandatory mini-camp Wednesday.

"HECK no," he said. "Heck no. Did he show up last year in shape for the league, for the season? I mean, c'mon now."

While Mann believes that coach Mike Shanahan will trade Haynesworth as soon as he gets a fair offer, it's tricky to move an overpaid, unmotivated whiner.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Another second-year linebacker has violated the league's policy against performance-enhancing drugs.

Like last year's Defensive Rookie of the Year (Houston's Brian Cushing), Titans linebacker Gerald McRath has been suspended for the first four games of the 2010 season, per Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.

McRath, who found out in February and initially appealed, said that he "took the appeals off. I didn’t go through with it. I withdraw my appeals because I am getting over it."

The Titans face the Raiders, Steelers, Giants and Broncos in their first four games. The first game in which McRath will be eligible to play is their game in Dallas on October 10th.

"You look at it and you say, 'OK, I’m going to look and double-check anything I take.’ You always say, 'I’m not going to be that guy. I’m not going to be that person.’ You always look for the outside in, and it’s kind of different because I’m sitting in the shoes of where other people are. I’ve never felt this way,’’ McRath said.

McRath, who was one of the team's fourth-round draft picks in 2009, finished with 47 tackles and one interception last year.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In the past nine years, the Detroit Lions have had more winless seasons (one) than they have had .500+ seasons (none).

Lions safety Louis Delmas thinks that is about to change.

"We know what we can do," Delmas said Saturday, per Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press. "We just slipped up last year. I know that we lost a lot of games on last drives last year. It's no surprise if we come out and get eight wins -- I won't be surprised at all. We know we can do it."

Delmas added, "If we get eight wins and we don't make it to the playoffs, I'll be pissed. So that's what we're shooting for."

While the Lions are making progress in their rebuilding effort and I commend Delmas for his confidence, it doesn't make sense to follow in the footsteps of Jon Kitna, who predicted ten wins in 2008, or Kevin Smith, who guaranteed a playoff berth last year.

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

An NFL player. A strip club. Not exactly two things that go well together.

Last night was another example.

According to CBS 11 Dallas, Titans quarterback Vince Young was issued a Class C assault citation (PDF of citation) for his role in an altercation at Club Onyx, a strip club in Dallas. While Young won't be arrested, he faces up to a $500 fine.

Young, who played his college football at the University of Texas, attacked a man in the back office who made "a derogatory 'Horns down' hand sign."

According to TMZ, the manager is from Oklahoma and apparently said "F**k the Longhorns" to Young while making the gesture.

"We are aware of the report about Vince Young," Titans spokesman Robbie Bohren said (via CBS 11). "The organization has been in touch with Vince and we will continue to gather addition information."

Perhaps you can view it as Young standing up for his alma mater, but this is clearly another situation of Young not using the best judgment.

Considering the development he showed last year after replacing Kerry Collins as the starter, it's disappointing that Young would allow himself to get into this situation.

Young, who was the third-overall draft pick in 2006, threw for ten touchdowns and rushed for two others while throwing only seven interceptions in 12 games last year.

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

Last off-season, the Cleveland Browns waged a quarterback competition between Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson.

As Quinn and D.A. find themselves in Denver and Arizona, respectively, the Browns will begin the 2010 season with a new signal-caller, whom most believe will be Jake Delhomme.

That said, Browns coach Eric Mangini plans for both Delhomme and Seneca Wallace to get an equal number of reps during training camp, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer.

"We're heading in that direction (with Delhomme as the starter), but we'll head into camp and see what happens,'' said Mangini (via the Plain-Dealer). "Jake has looked good, but Seneca's done a really nice job too. They'll both get work with the ones. It's good to have this situation.''

Delhomme, who was released by the Panthers this off-season, had a season that he'd like to forget in 2009 even though he was given a five-year extension last April.

Despite missing the final five games of the season, he threw a career-high 18 interceptions. Meanwhile, his QB rating (59.4), completion percentage (55.5%), passing yards per game (183.2) and touchdown passes (eight) where all lows during his seven-year stint as the Panthers' starting quarterback.

Unless you're in a deep fantasy league or one that starts two quarterbacks, neither Delhomme nor Wallace has much fantasy value regardless of which one emerges as the team's starter.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

According to Mike Garafolo of the Newark Star-Ledger, the New York Giants have agreed to terms with safety Chad Jones.

Selected one pick after Bears safety Major Wright, Jones will earn slightly less than Jones (four years, $2.638 million).

Jones, who was the team's third-round pick, became the team's first draft pick to be signed to a contract.

The Giants waived kicker Tom Swank to make room for Jones.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Rams left tackle Jason Smith will miss the rest of the team's mini-camp as well as the team's organized team activities (OTAs) next week, per Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

“You just shut him down,” [coach Steve] Spagnuolo said. “He’ll be able to do non-weight-bearing exercises. I thought he was just feeling really comfortable doing some things at left tackle.”

Smith, who was the second-overall pick in 2009, played tight end for the first two seasons of his collegiate career at Baylor.

Fortunately, Smith won't need surgery.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Green Bay Packers receiver Donald Driver, who had arthroscopic surgery on his knees in January, says that he feels "so good now," per Lori Nickel of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

"The trainers said, 'You look 25 again,' " Driver said (via Nickel). "I had the scope because I want to play until I'm 40. I wanted to extend my career another five years."

Since Driver said he played with pain "for two, three years," he also said that he "should have done it years ago."

Driver, who is 35 years old, has had six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.

Over the past three years, he's finished with 1,012 to 1,061 yards. Over the previous three seasons, he finished with 1,208 to 1,295 yards.

Although his knee(s) might have bothered him for three years, I wouldn't expect him to revert to the 1,200-yard level this year. That said, I wouldn't bet against a seventh-consecutive 1,000-yard season either.

In my 2010 fantasy football rankings, Driver ranks as the 25th receiver. Greg Jennings, his Packers' teammate, ranks 12th.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Colts receiver Reggie Wayne is unhappy about his contract status. Colts defensive end Robert Mathis is unhappy about his contract status.

Colts safety Antoine Bethea is not.

Today Bethea and the Colts agreed to a four-year deal worth $27 million, per Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Bethea will paid about $18 million over the first two years.

Bethea said that his contract gives him "more motivation to prove myself and become a better player.’’ In half (i.e., two) of his four seasons, Bethea has earned a trip to Hawaii (or in the case of the 2009 Pro Bowl, to Miami).

“It’s a big burden off my shoulders,’’ Bethea said this afternoon. “It feels real good. I’m just thankful for the Colts organization, Mr. (Jim) Irsay (team owner), both sides getting it done. Today is a great day for me and my family.’’

Bethea, the team's sixth-round pick in 2006, had 95 tackles, two forced fumbles and four interceptions in 2009.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Today Cowboys receiver Miles Austin signed his one-year tender offer as a restricted free agent, per Todd Archer of the Dallas Morning News.

Unless Austin and the Cowboys work out a long-term deal, which is the goal of both parties, the team's No. 1 receiver (based on performance but not salary) will earn $3.168 million in 2010.

"It's not that big of a deal to me," Austin said. "It is what it is. I'm here to work, that's what I do. I'm not trying to lose any more money ... Hopefully something can work out. Obviously I love Dallas. Yeah, I'm excited for the season. I'm excited to play hard."

After his record-setting perfomance (250 yards) in week five against the Chiefs, Austin hasn't looked back.

"He is confident now," [coach Wade] Phillips said, according to Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "The only thing he lacked was confidence. Once you catch 80 something balls, you have that confidence. He is a star receiver. But he is not pompous. He is determined to keep doing better."

Despite catching only five passes for less than 100 yards in the first quarter of the season, Austin finished third in receiving yards (1,320) and tied for fourth in touchdowns (11) in the NFL last year.

Austin enters 2010 as a top-ten fantasy wide receiver although the addition of Dez Bryant to the offense hurts Austin's fantasy value some.

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

It wouldn't be difficult for Raiders receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, the first receiver and seventh-overall player drafted last year, to improve on his nine-reception rookie campaign.

Not only did Michael Crabtree produce more than DHB after Crabtree's holdout-shortened season, but Louis Murphy, Oakland's fourth-round pick in 2009, did as well.

And it wasn't even close.

Per Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News, DHB appears to have caught on (pun intended) to something.

"I've just been using my speed to my advantage," Heyward-Bey said, per Kawakami. "I can move the defense around the way I want to, and that's just by listening to Hue and to Coach (Sanjay) Lal about how to use my speed out there."

If Heyward-Bey can avoid the drops, he might be a fantasy bargain as he's currently the 76th receiver selected in fantasy drafts (on average), according to Mock Draft Central.

Meanwhile, team chemistry seems to be up from last season.

"Everybody's wanting to go out to eat, go over to San Fran, get some dinner, go to the movies or something," Heyward-Bey said. "It's more of a team this year.

"I don't know if that's because Jason came, but the teammates we have here all want to come together and be one."

Perhaps it's not the arrival of Jason. Maybe it's the departure of JaMarcus. More likely, it's both.

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

Compared to other elite pass-rushers, Broncos linebacker Elvis Dumervil, who led the NFL in sacks (17) last year, is under-paid.

That disparity could get much larger if he doesn't sign his restricted free agent tender by June 15th. If he signs between now and then, he will earn $3.168 million in 2010.

Mike Klis of the Denver Post says that Dumervil intends to sign it as well as attend this weekend's mandatory mini-camp that begins Friday.

If he decides not to sign it before then, however, the Broncos can (and have indicated they will) reduce his tender offer to 110 percent of his 2009 salary. That means Dumervil, who was the team's fourth-round pick in 2006, would only be paid $630,000 in 2010.

If the Broncos front office push the wrong buttons, it's possible to leave a bitter taste in Dunervil's mouth and could jeopardize their ability to retain his services beyond 2010, as Klis points out in a blog post.

Over four seasons, the 26-year-old has recorded 43 sacks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

More than a month away from training camp, Raiders coach Tom Cable has hinted that the offense could utilize a running back tandem that will split carries, according to Jerry McDonald of the Oakland Tribune (via ESPN's Bill Williamson).

That goes against Cable's initial hopes that either Michael Bush and Darren McFadden would emerge to be the featured back.

“I think they’re both doing something exciting each day, whether it’s running the ball or pass protecting,” Cable said (via McDonald). “Each one of them has their own strength but they both show up every time we come out here. I actually think they’re both [No. 1s] and I think it’s a great deal we got going here.”

Bush said: “My motto is, 'you call it, I’ll haul it,’ so I don’t have a preference as long as I get the ball.”

Since being the fourth pick of the 2008 NFL Draft, McFadden has disappointed and underperformed Bush, who was the team's fourth-round pick in 2008.

In 31 career games, Bush has 218 rushes for 1,010 yards (4.6 yards per carry). Meanwhile, McFadden has 217 rushing attempts for 856 yards (3.9 YPC) in his 25-game young career.

While the running backs may split carries and McFadden might have the higher draft pedigree, I would draft Bush over McFadden in fantasy drafts (see RB ranks) if it came down to selecting one over the other.

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

Despite what the Oakland wide receivers might say, big things are not expected from the Raiders receiving corps.

According to MockDraftCentral.com, the first Raiders' receiver drafted is Chaz Schilens, who has an average draft position (ADP) of 135 as the 52nd receiver taken (on average). Darrius Heyward-Bey, the Raiders first-round pick last year, is the 66th receiver in drafts.

"I'm excited to be on this offense, I'll tell you that," Schilens said. "I think we're legit, and we're taking steps forward every day, not backward. Working on turnovers, working on big plays. The offense is great. I'm just looking forward to it, being out there."

Schilens, who missed half of the season last year after breaking his foot during training camp, returned to the practice field on Wednesday. He had off-season surgery on the foot and wasn't expected to return until training camp.

"It's been awhile for me," he said. "I just wanted to get back out here as soon as possible and start working back into it. I'm glad [the trainers] let me come back out here. It feels good, and I am just going to take it slow."

In his final game of the 2009 season, Schilens had eight catches for 99 yards against Baltimore. Over his final four games, he compiled 19 receptions for 220 yards and one touchdown.

Schilens, who is a big target (6-foot-4, 225 pounds), enters as the 2010 season as a legitimate sleeper pick.

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

What receiver Michael Crabtree did in his holdout-shortened rookie season exceeded nearly everyone's expectations.

In 11 games, Crabtree finished with 48 receptions for 625 yards, which is a full-season pace of 70 receptions and 909 yards. Had he attended off-season workouts and training camp, he might have actually exceeded that pace as a rookie.

In either case, Crabtree led all 49ers' receivers in receiving yards. Only tight end Vernon Davis had more (965).

Per David White of the San Francisco Chronicle, Crabtree said yesterday that the off-season of learning the offense and playbook "can make me from good to great. All the great players know what they're doing. They know the whole playbook. I'm just trying to get to their point."

As one of his three "bold predictions for 2010," Gregg Rosenthal of RotoWorld wrote that "Crabtree will be a top-five receiver."

While top five for 2010 seems a little too "bold," I can see Crabtree finishing in the top 10. Currently, I rank him as the 22nd-best fantasy wide receiver.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown will miss the remainder of off-season workouts before training camp. Brown had a procedure to remove one of two screws from his foot on June 2nd.

"It was precautionary,'' Brown said, according to Jackson. "The doctor told me to take two weeks off.''

"We were going to get it taken out anyway," Brown said, per Mike Berardino of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "There's no reason to wait and not get it taken out when I can start training and get back in shape for the [training] camp. I figured I participated in minicamp..."

Brown, who is a restricted free agent, has yet to sign his one-year tender as he would like to get a long-term deal.

"There's no animosity that I'm not signing,'' said Brown. "I'm showing that. I'm here.''

Considering Brown's track record of health (or lack thereof), Brown knows it's unlikely that he will get a long-term extension before completing a (close to) full season in 2010.

Through five seasons, Brown has averaged only 12 games per year.

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

Unfortunately for Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis, it's déjà vu all over again.

Davis, who tore his ACL last November, will miss the 2010 season due to a torn ACL, per Darin Gantt of the Herald Online.

During some individual non-contact drills, Davis collapsed while backpedaling yesterday. Not only did he suffer the injury yesterday, Davis signed his one-year tender as a restricted free agent for $3.268 million.

As Gantt points out, the potential for a big payday after this season has been jeopardized after suffering back-to-back season-ending knee injuries.

Davis, who was the team's first-round pick in 2005, had a career-high 113 tackles in his last full season (2008).

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

The days of running back LaDainian Tomlinson not getting much pre-season work are over.

The Jets plan to use LT in the pre-season more than he's been used in the past, according to Manish Mehta of the NY Daily News.

Since 2001, Tomlinson has carried the ball 26 times during pre-season games. In fact, 12 of those came last season with the Chargers.

“With change comes different expectations,” offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer told Mehta. “LaDainian’s fighting for playing time. He’s got to earn the right. He wants to have the chance to start. So, he’s going to have to play… We can look forward to (him playing more in the preseason). Hopefully that will have something to do with him getting energized and getting off to a great start.”

“He’s in a situation now where -- yeah, he’s LaDainian Tomlinson - but he’s now a Jet,” Schottenheimer said. “He’s got to prove to us and to the rest of the guys that he’s still got to go and play. Now, will we play him as much as Joe McKnight (in the preseason)? Absolutely not. But he’s still going to have to play.”

Despite posting the ninth double-digit touchdown season of his nine-year career, Tomlinson posted back-to-back declining seasons (1,474 to 1,110 to 730 rushing yards) for the first time in his career and will turn 31 this month.

From a fantasy perspective, Tomlinson is an interesting guy with a bit of upside in a run-first offense with a great line, based on his average draft position (ADP). I have Tomlinson ranked as the 31st-best fantasy running back.

According to MockDraftCentral.com, Tomlinson is the 43rd running back off the boards (108 overall). As an example, the three running backs going right before LT (based on ADPs) are Washington's Clinton Portis, Oakland's Michael Bush and San Diego's Darren Sproles.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Minnesota Vikings open their three-day mandatory mini-camp on Friday and will conduct a total of four practices over the weekend. One player that is unlikely to attend is running back Adrian Peterson, per Judd Zulgad of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Saturday is "Adrian Peterson Day" (an event organized by his aunt) in Palestine, Texas and Peterson is scheduled to appear, of course.

Peterson, who hasn't attended the club's organized team activities (OTAs), likely won't travel for one practice on Sunday, according to Zulgad.

While Peterson will go first in some fantasy football drafts, he's likely to go second overall in most drafts behind Tennessee's Chris Johnson.

With the exception of his fumbling issues (16 over past two seasons), there is little to complain about Peterson's game. If you're nitpicking, you could say that down the stretch (i.e., during fantasy playoffs), he doesn't perform as strongly as he does during the start of the season.

In his career (more precisely, in two of his three seasons), Peterson has struggled to finish the season as strongly as he starts it. Through 13 games played in December, Peterson has averaged a monthly low of 73.4 yards per game (ypg) and 4.0 yards per carry (YPC). His second worst split is October, where he averages 95.1 ypg and 4.8 YPC.

(Debate who should be the top pick in fantasy drafts in our forums.)

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

Yesterday the San Diego Chargers No. 2 receiver (Malcolm Floyd) signed his tender as a restricted free agent (RFA).

On June 15th, it's possible that the team's No. 1 receiver (Vincent Jackson) could see his RFA tender reduced from $3.268 million to $583,000, according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune (via Pro Football Talk).

As teams can lower their tender offers to 110 percent of a player's 2009 salary, the Chargers will also lower left tackle Marcus McNeil's tender to $600,000 from $3.168 million, per Acee.

Florio of Pro Football Talk writes "don't be shocked if [Jackson] refuses to sign the tender and then sits out into the regular season, possibly until Week 10 and possibly for the entire year."

He believes that his value (for the 2011 season) wouldn't be drastically reduced considering how missing a year of college football didn't significantly impact the draft status of quarterback Sam Bradford and tight end Jermaine Gresham, who were both drafted in the first round with the first and 21st picks, respectively.

Jackson, the team's second-round pick in 2005, tied for ninth in the NFL -- and set a career-high -- in receiving yards (1,167) and scored nine touchdowns last year.

In our fantasy rankings, Jackson is 13th overall among receivers. He would have been ranked a few spots higher but the threat of league discipline for two DUI arrests and possible holdout impact his fantasy value.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

According to the team's website, Chargers wide receiver Malcolm Floyd signed his one-year tender as a restricted free agent today and rejoined the team for their organized team activities (OTAs).

“There wasn’t really any positive in missing any more time, especially on my part, because I’m in a different situation than the other guys,” he said. “I thought, ‘Why not?’ Just come in and get some reps with Philip (Rivers) and get things rolling.”

Floyd, who is a big target (6-foot-5, 225 pounds), emerged as the team's No. 2 receiver and will be a sleeper/breakout pick in many fantasy leagues.

In our wide receiver rankings for fantasy football, Floyd cracked the top 50 at No. 50.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It will be difficult for Alabama running back Mark Ingram to duplicate the success he had in his sophomore season where he won the Heisman Trophy and helped lead the Crimson Tide to the BCS national championship.

As he enters his junior season, however, he is avoiding the speculation that this could be his last collegiate season.

"My main focus right now is being the best player I can be for this team and helping this team win games and win another championship," Ingram said according to Don Kausler Jr. of the Birmingham News (via John Taylor of College Football Talk). "Anything else is not necessary to talk about."

In their 2011 NFL Mock Draft, WalterFootball.com has Ingram going as the 12th overall pick (and first running back off the board) to the New England Patriots.

Because the shelf life for a running back in the NFL is so short-lived, it makes no sense for Ingram (or any other top RB prospect, for that matter) to return for (and risk injury in) his senior season.

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

Absent from today's organized team activities (OTAs) in Cleveland were a pair of running backs: Jerome Harrison and Peyton Hillis, per Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer.

Harrison, who has yet to sign his tender as a restricted free agent, participated in OTAs previously and is expected to show for the team's mandatory mini-camp that begins on June 10th.

Hillis, who was part of the deal that sent quarterback Brady Quinn to Denver, only has 81 career rushing attempts for 397 yards in 26 games. During a four-game stretch in 2008, however, Hillis had 57 of those carries for 305 yards and five touchdowns.

Meanwhile, rookie Montario Hardesty, who was drafted in the second round, could end up being the most worked of the trio as he has impressed the coaching staff from the start.

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

Lions second-year linebacker Deandre Levy, who started eight games as a rookie at outside linebacker, is transitioning to become a full-time starter in the middle.

And although Levy may have led the NFC North in missed tackles (12), the Lions like his ability to defend the run and the pass. Meanwhile, part of the problem was the talent (or lack thereof) around him last year. As the rest of the defense around him improves, Levy should see those missed tackles decline, per Tom Kowalski of MLive.com.

In 2009, the Lions ranked last in scoring defense (30.9 points per game) and total defense (392.1 yards allowed per game) in the NFL.

One team official told Kowalski, "If we put him on the trading block, we'd have 31 teams banging on our door.'' In addition, defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham said (of Levy), "I've never seen a young linebacker like him. I can't compare him to anybody. He's really coming out of his shell.''

John Niyo of the Detroit News named Levy as one of the five Lions that will make or break their season. The other four Niyo named were tackle Gosder Cherilus, defensive lineman Cliff Avril, cornerback Chris Houston and rookie running back Jahvid Best.

Levy, who was a third-round pick in 2009, had 85 tackes (including 12 in the season finale), one forced fumble and one interception as a rookie.

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

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who has won four NFL MVP awards, works as hard (if not harder) than any other player in the league.

One of the things that Manning does every off-season with quarterbacks coach Frank Reich is review every snap from the previous season including his performance, pre-snap reads and the performance of his teammates.

Head coach Jim Caldwell, who was Manning's quarterback coach when Tony Dungy was head coach, said of that process, per Mike Chapell of the Indianapolis Star, it takes "months, plural. It's a long process. It's a great exercise.''

"I don't think there is any limitation on him,'' Caldwell said. "He has such great presence of mind, such great will and determination that I think you will see him improve in almost every area.''

It didn't take long for Manning to review the playbook of new offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen and center Jeff Saturday joked that he tries to avoid Manning.

"I see he's got 14 little 'Post-Its' (notes on the playbook) on things he's going to ask questions about," Saturday said. "You try to duck your head and run past him because you know he's going to pull you over for 15 minutes and discuss something that he sees as an issue. That goes to why he is the player he is.''

For the 2010 fantasy football season, Manning ranks as my third-best fantasy quarterback behind Drew Brees (Saints) and Aaron Rodgers (Packers). When it comes time to make my pre-season prediction for the MVP award, however, Manning is my clear frontrunner.

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

Jeff Duncan of the New Orleans Times-Picayune writes "it'd be unwise to count out Daniel" for the back-up quarterback job even if the team is expected to sign Patrick Ramsey.

Wide receiver Robert Meachem and safety Malcolm Jenkins did not participate in the Saints' final mini-camp practice on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Saints first-rounder Patrick Robinson had a rough day getting burned a couple of times by the team's receivers.

Colts defensive tackle Fili Moala, who was the team's second-round pick in 2009, said that his lack of an impact last year “lit a fire in my stomach. I don’t want to go through that again.”

Meanwhile Colts receiver Anthony Gonzalez did not practice today.

Bills quarterback Brian Brohm continues to work with the first-team offense.

Speaking on the possibility of Lions rookie Jahvid Best returning kickoffs this year, coach Jim Schwartz said (via Nicholas Cotsonika of the Detroit Free Press), "I think there's a lot of ground to be covered before we actually return a kick this year, but yeah, he'll definitely be in the mix."

Panthers second-year running back Mike Goodson expects to make a bigger impact as a kickoff returner and as a receiver out of the backfield this year.

Panthers defensive end Tyler Brayton is the only returning starter on the defensive line and defensive line coach Brian Baker says, "Hungry guys are fun from a coaching standpoint."

Phil Barber of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat names some players who will especially benefit from the 49ers' upcoming voluntary practices.

Titans rookie linebacker Rennie Curran hopes to do something good with his first NFL contract: "My parents' lifelong dream has been to finish the house they started in Liberia. So it's an opportunity to take them back, let them finish that up and see other members of their family.''

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

Per the Decatur Daily (via Pro Football Talk), Raiders rookie linebacker Rolando McClain won't be a holdout when training camp starts.

"I'm not looking to sit out," McClain said. "In order to play for the team, I need to be in training camp. I'm going to OTAs and not worried about the contract."

McClain, who won the 2009 Butkus Award, was the eighth-overall pick and the first linebacker selected in the 2010 NFL Draft.

The Raiders haven't had much luck with their recent first-round (top ten) picks (all offensive players): quarterback JaMarcus Russell, who was released this off-season, Darren McFadden, who has underwhelmed thus far, and Darrious Heyward-Bey, who had only nine catches in 11 games as a rookie.

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

Despite the potential for "sophomore slumps," quarterbacks should feel more comfortable in their second seasons compared with their rookie campaigns.

After having an entire season to learn the basics of the offense as well as the strengths and limitations of their receivers, there is the opportunity to really internalize the playbook and system as they prepare for their second season. In year one, it's a scramble to learn as much as possible in a short period of time, which limits the ability to fully understand the nuances and details within an offense.

Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez, who was the fifth-overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, seems to poised to take a big step forward in 2010, according to Manish Mehta of the NY Daily News.

“It just feels more natural and I’m not scrambling when I get the play call like last year,” Sanchez said, per Mehta. “(In the past), I’d have to say it a couple times in my head before I’d get to the huddle and now I’m visualizing it. I see the concept. It’s to the point where (offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer) is barely starting to get the play call out of his mouth and I’m starting to walk away and he’s grabbing me to make sure I get the whole call, but I feel good about it. That’s the way I want it to be.”

“When we get up to the line and we’re making checks, I just feel more confident with the audible mechanics, route depth and now getting into fine details of where the receivers’ splits are supposed to be,” Sanchez said. “How deep is Cover Two vs. Cover Three are little nuances of our offense that are coming even more and more natural. I feel great about it. That’s the point. As the quarterback, you want to master it and make that offense your own. That’s what I’m in the process of doing.”

Sanchez hopes to work with the Jets' receivers by inviting them out to his home in southern California to further develop his chemistry and rapport with the receiving corps, which now includes Santonio Holmes, who is suspended for the first four games of the season.

As a rookie, Sanchez had four really bad games (two touchdowns, 15 interceptions). In addition, he only completed 45.9 percent of his 109 passes in those four games.

If you exclude that one-quarter of the season, however, Sanchez threw twice as many touchdowns (10) as interceptions (five). Or, in other words, Sanchez did not play "like a rookie" for the majority of his rookie season.

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

The Bills will have an open practice at 3 p.m. today and it's unlikely that running back Marshawn Lynch will participate.

Lynch, who lifted at the team's facility on Wednesday and Thursday, hasn't yet practiced.

"He's trying to force their hand and I think you can make yourself a problem as a player that way by hanging around and say not doing anything or not really participating, so the fact he's not participating makes him a problem for the Bills,'' NFL.com reporter Vic Carrucci told WGRZ-TV's Ben Hayes.

That said, the Bills seem reluctant to trade Lynch, who lost his starting job to Fred Jackson last year. The Bills also made Clemson's C.J. Spiller the first running back drafted with the ninth-overall pick.

"He's the most talented running back in the National Football League," [safety Donte] Whitner said Friday, per the Associated Press. "We do need him. We do want him. Hopefully, he gets out here soon."

"Most talented" in the NFL? Really, Donte?

I can think of a running back or two (or thirty) that may have something to say about that.

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

Panthers wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett has been a disappointment, but he has a new-found dedication, per Ryan Wood of the Charlotte Observer.

Jarrett, who set the Pac 10 record for receiving touchdowns (41), has scored only one touchdown in his three seasons as a Panther.

"It's nobody's fault. I'm not pointing fingers at anybody," Jarrett said (via Wood). "I'll take full responsibility. There were a lot of things I had to learn coming in, and it's still a continue-to-learn process. You always have to be a student of the game."

One of the things that may have helped Jarrett, according to Wood, is new receivers coach Tyke Tolbert, who is less confrontational than Richard Williams, last year's receivers coach.

Either way, his teammates are noticing the change in Jarrett, who was selected in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft.

"I've definitely seen a change, and I think that's pretty unanimous throughout the team," Carolina and USC teammate Ryan Kalil said. "Dwayne's definitely grown a lot since he first got here. This league is all about opportunity. Everybody is talented. It just depends on who makes plays when your name is called."

Coincidentally, his maturity, dedication and development have arrived just in time for the final year of his rookie contract. Funny how that happens, isn't it?

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

For his third consecutive season, Atlanta Falcons receiver Roddy White finished with 80+ receptions and 1,100+ receiving yards.

One area in which he would like to improve is yards after the catch (YAC). White led the team with a YAC of 392 yards.

"We can do a lot more of that," White said, per D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "We are going to have to do a lot more of that. We have to break some more tackles, pick up some third downs and move the chains."

"YAC can just get us more possessions," White said. "That's our big thing because we want to be out there on the field as much as possible and try to eat the clock and score some more touchdowns."

Over the past three years, only four receivers (Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Reggie Wayne and Randy Moss) have had more receiving yards than White.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Denver Broncos and right guard Chris Kuper have agreed to a five-year extension worth $25.5 million, per Mike Klis of the Denver Post.

Kuper, who will play this year for his $2.521 million tender as a restricted free agent, will be a Bronco through the 2015 season. Over the next six seasons, Kuper has $13.021 in guaranteed money.

“We are extremely excited about the extension of Chris Kuper’s contract and the fact that he will be a Bronco for a long time,” Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said (via the National Football Post). “He exemplifies the qualities that we look for in our players both on and off the field. We look forward to his continued leadership and toughness in our efforts to build a championship caliber team.”

"The fact that the Broncos are putting this much trust in me is an incredible feeling," Kuper said. "It is a dream come true."

Kuper, who was the team's fifth-round draft pick in 2006, becomes the second-highest paid offensive lineman in team history, on a per-season basis, behind former left tackle Matt Lepsis.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Today the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reached a four-year agreement with rookie wide receiver Mike Williams, according to Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune. The deal is worth $3.15 million.

"I love this game, so I urged my agent, Hadley Engelhard, to reach an agreement quickly," Williams said in a statement issued by the team (via Cummings). "I am focused on the opportunity to contribute to the team and am very excited to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer."

Williams missed a season at Syracuse due to academic suspension and also missed the final three games last year after he quit the team. But Daniel Jeremiah, who's now in the Eagles' scouting department, tweeted (after the Draft) that Williams was a "sleeper rookie of the year candidate."

It's off-the-field (or "in-school," as Williams calls it) issues that caused Williams to drop all the way to the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. If it weren't for those "in-school" issues, Williams might have been a first-round pick.

"I'm not a bad guy,'' Williams said shortly after being drafted in late April. "I didn't have off-the-field issues. I just had some in-school issues. ..."

In my rookie fantasy rankings, I ranked Williams as the fifth-best rookie fantasy wide receiver. Fellow rookie receiver and teammate Arrelious Benn is third on the list.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who had neck surgery in March, says he feels "good" and he will have more time to hit the weights and watch film than he has had in the past several years.

"I feel good out there throwing, I feel good in my lifting, I feel like everything went according to plan," Manning said, per ESPN blogger Paul Kuharsky. "I'm very relieved of that and I no longer have to get the treatment that I was having to get for the past four years. Treatment was time as much as anything, manual traction trying to relieve some things. Three times a day about 25 minutes apiece just got to be tough, very time consuming."

One of the things that Manning is not worrying about is the potential for a Super Bowl hangover (where the losing team struggles and misses the playoffs the following season).

"I don't really get into the tendencies," Manning said. "I think it's all about how you handle it as a team. I think we've had another outstanding offseason. Come training camp time we expect everybody to be here."

Manning, who is in the final year of his contract, will likely become the league's highest-paid player between now and the start of the 2011 season (provided there is one).

With his contract being the priority to negotiate, some of the other players who have more than one year remaining on their deal, such as wide receiver Reggie Wayne and defensive end Robert Mathis, are skipping the mandatory mini-camp.

In this year's fantasy football rankings, I ranked Manning third in my fantasy quarterback rankings behind Drew Brees of New Orleans and Aaron Rodgers of Green Bay.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 03:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne plans to skip the team's mandatory mini-camp, which begins today, according to Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star.

Wayne, who has had more receptions (532) and yards (7,494) than any receiver since 2004, is unhappy about his contract situation. There are two years remaining on Wayne's six-year contract, which pay him less than $6 million per season.

"I will continue training diligently in Florida, as I have each offseason since my rookie year, to ensure that I am ready to play this season,'' Wayne said in his e-mail (via Chappell). "I hope that a fair resolution can be reached in the not-too-distant future that allows me to achieve my goal of playing my entire career with the Indianapolis Colts.''

In my fantasy football rankings, Wayne ranks as my fifth-best fantasy receiver behind Houston's Andre Johnson, Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald, Detroit's Calvin Johnson and New England's Randy Moss.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

For the first time this off-season, New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis did not participate at the team's voluntary organized team activity (OTA) today.

"With Darrelle, I look at it as he’s been here every day up until this," [coach Rex] Ryan said this afternoon, per Jenny Vrentas of the Newark Star-Ledger. "He volunteered to be here every single day, and now he wasn’t here today. These are voluntary camps, just like they're voluntary workouts and all that. He's made every one up until today. I've been impressed with him, to say the least, the way he’s worked."

Revis, who is due to earn $1 million in 2010, is looking to become the highest-paid cornerback in the league.

“Darrelle is everything we believe in on and off the field,” [general manager Mike] Tannenbaum said, per Manish Mehta of the NY Daily News. “We told him that shortly after the season. We remained committed to that. He’s a foundation for this organization. He’s a role model for our players. He’s really been great. I’m really proud to be the GM that traded up for him. Within reason, we want to sign him to an extension that will keep him here long term.”

Aside from giving himself a pat on the back (by being "really proud to be the GM that traded up for him"), Tannenbaum expressed concern over the uncertain environment going forward and having the flexibility to do what's right for the team collectively.

“Fast forward to March 2011,” the general manager added. “First of all, let’s hope there’s a new CBA. There may not be one. … So I don’t know what the rules are. I don’t know who’s going to be an RFA. I don’t know who’s going to be a UFA. I don’t know if there’s going to be a franchise tag. Maybe there’s none. Maybe there’s five of them. So, those are tremendous challenges that we have as a GM profession right now in managing our teams in such uncertainty…. It’s really hard right now because I don’t know who’s going to be in what class.”

Ultimately, I believe the Jets and Revis will agree to an extension before the start of the season (as Revis claims was promised to him). But the Jets hold his rights through the 2012 season, which somewhat limits the ability of Revis to exert pressure on the Jets.

That said, he's the best cornerback in the NFL (and deserves to be paid like it).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Social-networking sites like Facebook certaintly have plenty of benefits. But they also open us up to the potential for misunderstandings with our significant other.

And then, in some cases, to fighting. And to spitting. And to having your wife attempt to stab you with a pen. And to throwing your wife down the stairs and out of the house.

Well, that was the (alleged) situation surrounding Atlanta Falcons tackle Quinn Ojinnaka last year when his wife was upset about one of his (female) Facebook friends.

Based on that incident, the NFL has suspended Ojinnaka for the first game of the 2010 regular season for violating the league's Personal Conduct Policy.

Ojinnaka has started 12 career games (seven in 2007 and the final five games of 2009).

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

Although he's only done it once before (2007), Seahawks wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh hopes to do it again this year.

Per Clare Farnsworth of Seahawks.com, Houshmandzadeh expects to have a "minimum" of 100 receptions in 2010.

In an interview on Sirius Radio, Houshmandzadeh said (via Farnsworth), “I think 100 catches, to me, should be the minimum I get this year just because of the offense we’re in. I don’t feel like last year, I wasn’t a priority in the game plan and I was almost so much told that last year. ..."

In 2007, Houshmandzadeh set career highs in receptions (112), receiving yards (1,143) and touchdowns (12).

Despite his lofty goals he set for himself, a more realistic expectation for Houshmandzadeh in 2010 is in the ballpark of 85-900-5.

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

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart, who was the team's first-round pick in 2006, has been a "bust" (at least, a mild one) so far in his relatively short career.

In fact, if you compare his numbers with those of ex-Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell, the career totals are remarkably similar.

Through 29 career games, Leinart has thrown for 3,893 yards, 14 touchdowns and 20 interceptions with a quarterback rating of 70.8. Meanwhile, Russell has thrown for 4,083 yards, 18 touchdowns and 23 interceptions with a quarterback rating of 65.2 through 31 career games.

That said, coach Ken Whisenhunt is singing the praises of Leinart, who is set to replace Kurt Warner as starter. At least, for now.

"It's obvious to me he's more comfortable with the whole process, not just throwing a pass or knowing where guys line up," Whisenhunt said on Tuesday, per Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic. "He understands the concepts of the plays and he has the ability to get us in and out of certain plays - all those things you see more assuredness from him. I am excited with what he has done in the OTAs (organized team activities) so far."

And if you ask Leinart himself, he'll tell you "I feel like I'm good."

"I'm just feeling good every time I'm coming out here," Leinart said. "My confidence is back. It's hard to explain. It's one of those things where I feel like I'm good and I got to just keep progressing. I just know it's coming to me a lot easier than it ever has."

The Cardinals brought in Derek Anderson to compete with Leinart and rumors exist (despite the team's denials) about the possibility of bringing in ex-Rams quarterback Marc Bulger.

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

The Dallas Cowboys, who released safety Ken Hamlin this off-season, were one of the teams rumored to be in the market for ball-hawking safety O.J. Atogwe, who became a free agent less than 24 hours ago.

That said, Cowboys owner (and general manager) Jerry Jones said (at least, publicly) that he isn't interested.

"I'm ready to go to our season with the safeties we have," Jones said, per the Cowboys' website.

Alan Ball, who started four games at free safety last year, is most likely to start over Mike Hamlin, who will compete with Ball.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

About three weeks ago, I wrote a post about how Patriots receiver Wes Welker was "happy" with the progress of rehabbing his surgically-repaired knee.

Today we get a better glimpse into why.

At the Patriots organized team activity (OTA) Wednesday, Welker suited up (with knee brace) for practice although he skipped the offense-versus-defense portion of practice for treatments.

Per Albert Breer of the Boston Globe, Welker "looked swift and agile during a cone drill, cutting and weaving in a "W" shape. ... Welker ran routes with his teammates, and you could see him running in-cuts and squirrel routes and slants. He rounded off his cuts and breaks, which is certainly to be expected, and dropped a ball or two, which is no reason for alarm in May."

As Breer pointed out, the likelihood of Welker landing on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list at the end of training camp has greatly decreased.

Not only did Welker impress the media, he impressed his teammates as well.

“It’s very impressive to me,” fellow receiver Randy Moss said, per the team's website. “I’m a big fan of Welker’s, well before he came here. Back when he was in Miami. I can’t wait to have him back on the [game] field, whenever that day comes. The sky’s the limit … we’ll see what happens.”

Although he missed two games last year, Welker still led the NFL in receptions (123) and finished second in receiving yards (1,348) behind Houston's Andre Johnson.

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

Today the Chargers signed a player they hope to not see play (at least, during regular-season and post-season games).

Per Jason La Canfora of NFL Network, the Chargers agreed to a four-year deal with rookie quarterback Jonathan Crompton. According to Aaron Wilson of National Football Post, the maximum value of the contract is $2.675 million.

Crompton, who was the team's fifth-round pick, threw for 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns for the Tennessee Volunteers in 2009.

He will back up both Phillip Rivers (who's fourth in my latest fantasy QB rankings) and Billy Volek.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

According to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post, the Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to a contract with rookie running back Charles Scott, who becomes the team's first pick to sign.

The four-year deal is worth $1.88 million, per Wilson.

Scott, who was drafted in the sixth round, rushed for 2,317 yards and 32 touchdowns during his collegiate career at LSU.

In addition to starter LeSean McCoy, Scott will compete with Leonard Weaver, Mike Bell and others for carries.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

With the addition of first-rounder Jahvid Best to the Detroit Lions' backfield, it's likely to relegate Kevin Smith to a secondary role.

Smith, who is currently recovering from a season-ending knee injury, was described as a "complete player" as the Lions' No. 2 back by Tom Kowalski of MLive.com.

Depending on how the other backs perform and Smith's recovery process, it's possible that Smith could land on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list and ultimately miss the first six weeks of the regular season.

But Kowalski points to Smith's ability to run between the tackles, pass protect and receive out of the backfield that could make him an "ideal fit" as the team's back-up running back.

According to Mock Draft Central, Best currently has an average draft position (ADP) of 45.48 (21st RB) versus 173.16 (53rd RB) for Smith.

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

When the clock struck midnight, safety O.J. Atogwe become an unrestricted free agent.

Although the Rams and Otogwe couldn't reach a deal last night, they will continue to negotiate, according to Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Since the Rams selected him in the third-round in 2005, Atogwe has 19 interceptions and 14 forced fumbles. Despite missing the final four games last year, Atogwe still finished with 74 tackles.

According to Matt Bowen of National Football Post, he sees Dallas, Miami or Minnesota as likely teams to pursue the play-making safety.

The Eagles, who lost Marlin Jackson to a ruptured Achilles yesterday, reportedly aren't interested in Atogwe.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Per Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic, Cardinals running back Tim Hightower -- not Beanie Wells -- has been the No. 1 running back on the team's depth chart this off-season.

That said, coach Ken Whisenhunt is non-committal about his rotation for 2010.

"This is a whole new season," Whisenhunt said. "We've got a lot of time before we have to make any decisions with that. Both guys are good football players."

Although Hightower started every week, Wells led the team in rushing yards (793) and rushing attempts (176). Meanwhile, Hightower ranked third on the team in receptions (63) and fourth in receiving yards (428).

In our fantasy rankings, Wells was in the top 12 running backs while Hightower fell (just) outside of the top 40.

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

If I am sitting at a roulette table and Eagles safety Marlin Jackson bets red, I am betting black.

In other words, if it weren't for bad luck, Jackson wouldn't have any at all.

Today at practice, Jackson was carted off in what has turned out to be a ruptured Achilles, according to Pro Football Talk. That means Jackson is likely to land on injured reserve (IR).

Jackson, who played a combined 11 games in 2008 and 2009, had the past two seasons cut short due to ACL injuries.

According to Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News, the Eagles won't pursue Rams safety Oshiomogho Atogwe.

The Eagles drafted safety Nate Allen in the second round of this year's draft and have Quintin Demps, who made waves last training camp, and Macho Harris, who started last year at free safety.

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

The Seattle Seahawks have agreed to terms with rookie tight end Anthony McCoy, according to the team's website.

Of the team's nine draft picks, McCoy is the first to sign although terms were not disclosed. However, Aaron Wilson tweeted (via Greg Johns of SeattlePI.com) that it's a four-year, $1.895 million deal.

“I think our background with Anthony helps us,” Carroll said after selecting McCoy. “… We’ve played a lot of games with Anthony, he’s done a lot of great things and he has made some mistakes along the way. ... if we work together on this thing, he can be a tremendous, tremendous value to our football team – probably the best guy at the position that we got in the draft.”

McCoy, who was drafted with the 185th pick, tested positive for marijuana at the NFL Combine otherwise he would have likely been a much higher draft pick.

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

It is his physical running style that has earned Dallas Cowboys running Marion Barber the nickname "Marion the Barbarian."

This off-season, however, Barber has slimmed down.

According to running backs coach Skip Peete (via Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News), Barber has shed ten pounds from last season's playing weight and has regained some lost speed.

"He's leaner and looks quicker than he's been,'' Peete said today. "It's noticeable. I'm excited to see what he does when we get to camp.''

Barber, the team's fourth-round pick in 2005, had his lowest touchdown total (seven) since his rookie season. And in the post-season, Barber rushed 11 times for only 18 yards.

With rumors that Felix Jones could emerge as the Cowboys' back with the larger workload, I moved Jones (23rd) ahead of Barber (26th) on my fantasy football rankings update on May 24th. Depending on how the weight-loss impacts Barber's performance, that could change again.

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

Tampa Bay running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams played in only ten combined games over the 2007 and 2008 seasons, both of which were cut short due to knee injuries.

So, a first-ever 16-game season made Williams one of the "feel-good" stories of 2009.

"Team-wise, record-wise, it just wasn't a very good year overall,'' Williams said, per Rick Stroud of the St. Petersburg Times. "But individually, for me to go 16 games, for both knees to hold up just fine, once the season was over, it was like a sigh of relief, it was like I had really accomplished something. It made the two years, all the hard work I had put in worthwhile. I could sit down and actually kind of pat myself on the back.''

Now the focus for Williams isn't as much on getting and staying healthy as it is on making big strides.

"I am a goal guy and I think very highly of myself and my God-given ability with my will and determination,'' Williams said. "It's no longer me just trying to feel my way through it and rehabbing and trying to get back. I feel better now than I've ever felt. My goals are very high. I definitely want all those accolades -- the Pro Bowl, to be one of the top rushers in the [league] and I feel like that's coming in the near future.''

Last year, Williams finished with 211 carries for 823 yards and four touchdowns. He also caught 29 passes for 219 yards and three touchdowns.

While I don't expect a Pro Bowl season for Williams, there's a strong chance that he improves upon his 2009 numbers. Therefore, Williams ranks as the 28th running back in my fantasy rankings (which is an improvement over his previous ranking of 31st).

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

Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown hasn't yet signed his tender of $3.97 million as a restricted free agent (RFA). And while Brown hopes to get a long-term deal, the Dolphins could lower the offer if he doesn't sign by June 15th.

In either case, Brown is trying not to worry too much about a getting a long-term contract.

"I can't worry about it too much. I can't sign myself," said Brown, per Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "If I start to worry about it, is it going to change it? If I start to talk about it, is it going to change it? Is [my contract situation] going to become a positive or a negative?"

Brown, the second-overall pick in 2005, is returning from a Lisfranc injury that he says is 80-percent healed. In his five-year career, Brown has missed one-quarter of games played.

Through five seasons, Brown has rushed for 1,000 yards only once (1,008 yards in 2006).

So, regardless of whether the 'Fins sign him to a long-term deal or not, be careful not to overpay for Brown on your fantasy draft day.

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

During an interview with Jorge Sedano on 790 The Ticket in Miami, Dolphins receiver Davone Bess witnessed an accident and cut the interview short.

Per Sedano's blog post on the Miami Herald, here's the account of the story from Bess:

"Man, it was crazy. I was on the phone with you & I saw the truck in front of me swerving. Then, he just flipped over 3 times.

That's when I stopped & went to see of he was O.K. I saw he got out of the truck and was walking and saw he was cool.

There were a lot of other people there too to make sure everything was ok."

In addition to Brian Hartline and Greg Camarillo, Bess is battling for the starting receiver spot opposite Brandon Marshall. Ultimately, I believe Bess will earn the role as the team's No. 2 receiver.

Therefore, he made my list of top 50 receivers for fantasy football.

Bess finished with three (or more) receptions in every game and led the team in receptions (76) and receiving yards (758) in 2009.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Last week, it was announced that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger would be allowed to rejoin the team to participate in off-season workouts. And today he did.

For the first time since April 20th, Roethlisberger, who is suspended for six (which can be reduced to four) games, took snaps with the first-team offense today.

Roethlisberger, who looked slimmer, "made several great throws rarely seen this offseason" at today's practice, according to ESPN blogger James Walker.

During the first four weeks of the season (2010 schedule), the Steelers face the Falcons, Titans, Buccaneers and Ravens.

Roethlisberger can't participate in team activities once his suspension begins, but the Steelers have a bye in week 5 allowing him two weeks to prepare for the Browns in week 6 (if his suspension is reduced to only four games).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Free-agent running back Brian Westbrook could sign with a team in the not-so-distant future, according to Jason La Canfora of NFL Network.

However, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk "would be surprised" if he makes the 53-man final roster of whichever team he joins. Westbrook has visited with the Rams, Redskins and Broncos.

While contract expectations may have delayed Westbrook from signing thus far, Florio believes it's the concerns surrounding his health (and availability of younger -- presumably healthier -- backs) that is Westbrook's biggest obstacle to making a roster.

Westbrook, who suffered multiple concussions last season, was released by the Eagles in February.

At this stage of his career, it doesn't seem like it would make much sense for him to join a team like the Rams, who are in a rebuilding mode. At most, Westbrook will play another year or two and not be around to see the completion of a rebuilding project.

Washington makes little sense to me due to their crowded backfield (Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker). Plus, that trio is getting up there in age (at least, by RB standards).

Meanwhile, SI's Peter King tweeted, "I don't expect Denver to sign Brian Westbrook."

Stay tuned...

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)