|
|
| Mike Williams has been instructed by Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher to be at a certain weight or risk being released, according to the Nashville City Paper. Williams, a former first-round pick of the Detroit Lions, was signed by the Titans in November after being released by Oakland.
Speculation was that Williams’ weight was more than 260 pounds at the time of his signing. The Titans are believed to want Williams in the 235 to 240 range. It’s pretty obvious at this point that Williams doesn’t have much love for the game, as he’s unable to stay in the necessary physical condition to play football at a high level. |
|
|
|
| The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms with kicker Jason Elam on a four-year, $9 million contract, according to Adam Schefter of the NFL Network. The deal includes $3 million in guaranteed money, and ends a string of 15 seasons in Denver for Elam. |
|
|
|
| Albert Haynesworth hasn’t yet made up his mind as to whether he will report to Baptist Sports Park on Monday with his teammates for the beginning of the Tennessee Titans’ off-season conditioning program, according to the Nashville City Paper. Offseason work is not mandatory, except for organized team activities (OTAs), but players are strongly encouraged to attend. Franchised players are not required to participate in OTAs and often use not reporting in the off-season as leverage in negotiations. The Titans placed the franchise tag on the defensive tackle on Feb. 20, which gives him the option of not reporting for any off-season work with the team if he so chooses. |
|
|
|
| The Oakland Raiders have re-signed exclusive rights free agent tight end Jon Madsen, according to the Contra Costa Times. Madsen is a backup, who has started four games the past two seasons for Oakland. |
|
|
|
| The Minnesota Vikings have signed defensive lineman Kendrick Allen to an undisclosed contract, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Allen, who was out of football last season, played in two games for Green Bay in 2006 and spent the rest of the season on injured reserve because of a foot injury. |
|
|
|
| New York Giants' season ticket holders are going to pay about $7 more per ticket to watch the Super Bowl champions next season, according to CBS Sports. The Giants sent letters to ticket holders this week informing them of the roughly eight percent increase. Last season, the average price of a ticket was $83.29, which ranked 12th out of the 32 teams in the NFL. Things are tough all over, but the organization has to find a way to pay for wide receiver Plaxico Burress' new deal. |
|
|
|
| The agent for suspended Tennessee cornerback Pacman Jones told ESPN on Friday that it’s his understanding the Detroit Lions are one of three teams interested in trading for the troubled player, according to the Detroit Free Press. Jones would bring a lot of talent – but a lot of baggage, too. He has been suspended since April 2007 for violations of the NFL’s conduct policy, and the suspension is indefinite. He has been arrested six times since the Titans selected him in the 2005 draft. The Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots have also expressed interest in Jones. |
|
|
|
| The San Francisco 49ers want to at least create the illusion that there’s an open competition at the quarterback spot, but the truth is Shaun Hill or J.T. O’Sullivan will have to be dramatically better than Alex Smith to become the opening-day starter, according to the Sacramento Bee. The 49ers simply have too much invested in Smith, including their reputations, not to give him at least a slight edge. Smith is smart, more physically gifted than his two challengers, and perhaps most important, more hardened after a nightmarish 2007 season. This report contradicts what head coach Mike Nolan said yesterday about it being an open competition, but we tend to agree that Smith is likely the frontrunner for the starting job. |
|
|
|
| The Seattle Seahawks have rewarded linebacker Lofa Tatupu with a six-year, $40 million contract extension including $16 million in guaranteed money, according to ESPN. Three Pro Bowls and one trip to the Super Bowl later, Tatupu has emerged as the leader of the Seahawks' defense, and that leadership was rewarded. The deal makes him one of the top six paid linebackers in football. His new contract will take him through the 2015 season. |
|
|
|
| The Seattle Seahawks just issued an e-mail announcing a press conference today with Mike Holmgren and Tim Ruskell at 12:30 p.m. PST, according to the Tacoma News Tribune. The announcement didn't have any other specifics; however, there’s speculation that running back Shaun Alexander has either restructured his contract, or the team has signed cornerback Marcus Trufant to a contract extension. Stay tuned. |
|
|
|
| General Manager Phil Savage expects center LeCharles Bentley to be ready for organized team activities in May, according to the Canton Repository. Of Bentley, Savage said he expects "that at some point in May he'll be back with us and hopefully on the field. He's gonna check back with us probably every three to four weeks during the offseason and hopefully get to a point after the draft once the OTAs (organized team activities) start in mid-May, where he can come back and begin to learn the offense.” Bentley has missed each of the past two seasons due to issues with his twice surgically repaired knee. |
|
|
|
| The Atlanta Falcons have been in serious negotiations with kicker Jason Elam during the past two days, according to the Denver Post. Two NFL sources said the Falcons' offer was more lucrative than what the Broncos had last presented, but that Elam was going to give his team of 15 years an attempt to sweeten its proposal. Elam ranks fifth all time with 395 career field goals and sixth with 1,786 points. And for all the concern about Elam's age and declining leg strength, he finished the 2007 season with 15 consecutive field goals and four walk-off, game-winning kicks. |
|
|
|
| Either this year or next, linebacker DeMarcus Ware figures to cash in on what should be the most lucrative contract Jerry Jones has ever given out in terms of guaranteed money as the Dallas Cowboys' owner and general manager, according to the Dallas Morning News. Executive vice president Stephen Jones acknowledged that part of the team's lack of work in the current free-agent market was due to the fact they have to re-sign Ware, whose deal runs out in 2009. In the past three seasons, Ware has been named to the Pro Bowl twice and was an alternate as a rookie. His sack totals have increased each year from eight in 2005 to 11.5 in 2006 and 14 last season, which brought him consideration for the Defensive Player of the Year award. Considering Indianapolis gave its pass-rushing fiend, Dwight Freeney, a six-year, $72 million deal with a $30 million signing bonus last summer, the Cowboys are probably looking at similar numbers for Ware. |
|
|
|
| Adam Schefter of NFL Network is reporting that the Cleveland Browns have reached an agreement on a one-year contract with free agent linebacker Shantee Orr, according to Pro Football Talk. Orr, who filled a reserve role in Houston and Jacksonville last year, will provide depth at linebacker for Cleveland. |
|
|
|
| Chris Draft is the early favorite to take over at strong side linebacker for the St. Louis Rams in 2008, following the departure of Brandon Chillar, according to Pro Football Weekly. Team insiders also expect second-year player Quinton Culberson, who has shown some flashes, to enter the mix and provide competition for Draft on the strong side. Chillar’s departure increases the likelihood that the Rams will select at least one linebacker in the upcoming draft. |
|
|
|
| Don’t read too much into the fact that Herm Edwards was the only head coach on hand to watch quarterback Matt Ryan at Boston College’s pro day, according to Pro Football Weekly. Ryan remains a long shot to be the Kansas City Chiefs’ selection as the fifth pick in the draft. For starters, there’s little chance Ryan slips by the Falcons at No. 3. But more than that, Edwards plans on being present at a number of pro days around the country, unlike many NFL head coaches. After making few moves in free agency, Edwards strongly believes in taking a proactive approach to the draft. Offensive line remains the Chiefs' most pressing area of concern, and Edwards was also on hand in Chestnut Hill, Mass., to take a look at Boston College OT Gosder Cherilus. Cherilus isn’t top-five material, but would represent good value if he fell to Kansas City early in the second round. |
|
|
|
| The Houston Texans may have found a long-term solution to one of their most pressing offensive problems with the recent acquisition of center Chris Myers, according to Pro Football Weekly. Houston traded its sixth-round pick to the Broncos in exchange for the 6-4, 300-pound Myers and also signed him to a four-year, $11 million contract extension. Myers is familiar with the zone-blocking scheme that is used in Houston, as it's similar to the one employed by Denver. Improving the offensive line has been one of the themes of the offseason for the Texans. In January, head coach Gary Kubiak hired Alex Gibbs, regarded as one of the game's best O-line experts, as assistant head coach/offense. Steve McKinney and Chris White may compete to back up Myers at center, but both players are coming off knee injuries. |
|
|
|
| Offensive guard Stacy Andrews signed his franchise tender earlier this week, but the team will attempt to sign him to a long-term deal, according to Pro Football Weekly. Andrews, who is an intimidating presence at 6-7, 342 pounds, can play both tackle and guard. He has displayed striking athleticism for a man his size, and if he continues to improve, will draw significant attention on the free agent market after the 2008 season. |
|
|
|
| The Miami Dolphins have made more noise with their defensive additions this offseason, but rumors suggest the upgrades they’ve made to their receiver corps may be just as important, according to Pro Football Weekly. After cutting Marty Booker, second-year pro Ted Ginn Jr. was the only receiver left on the roster that the coaching staff felt comfortable trotting out as part of the starting lineup. Since then, the Fins have added a pair of receivers with considerable promise. In ex-Jaguar Ernest Wilford, the Fins have obtained a physical, 6-4, 218-pound possession receiver who can keep the chains moving and be a factor in the red zone. Tab Perry is far more of a wild card, but an intriguing one. Injuries have limited the 26-year-old speedster to just four games over the last two seasons in Cincinnati, but he has the tools to become a dangerous weapon. |
|
|
|
| The Green Bay Packers have re-signed safety Atari Bigby to a one-year contract worth $445,000, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Bigby is an exclusive rights free agent, which means he doesn't have enough years in the league to qualify for restricted or unrestricted free agency. Last season was his second year in the NFL, which means he will qualify for restricted free agency after this year. Last year, he started 16 games and finished with 86 tackles, five interceptions and nine passes defended. |
|
|
|
| A co-defendant of suspended NFL quarterback Michael Vick has been released from federal prison after completing a two-month sentence in the dogfighting conspiracy, according to ESPN. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Bureau of Prisons said Friday that Tony Taylor was released Thursday from the federal prison work camp in Lewisburg, Penn. He pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court last July to one federal count of conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of illegal gambling and to sponsor a dog in animal fighting. Meanwhile, Vick continues to serve his 23-month sentence at the U.S. Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas. |
|
|
|
| Manny Arora, Pacman Jones’ attorney throughout his various brushes with the law, said yesterday that if the Tennessee Titans decide to trade their troubled corner, the New England Patriots would be atop his list of landing spots, according to the Boston Herald. “Tennessee has said publicly that they’re considering all their options, including a trade,” Arora said. “If Tennessee decides there is going to be a trade, New England would be a very good fit for us. The reason for that is great leadership, strong coaching and a winning tradition. Over my years representing athletes and being a lawyer, as long as you’re winning, all the baggage goes away. No one wants to be the guy to mess up winning. The track record the Patriots have in giving players a fresh start would be a great fit.” Though the Patriots have been described in prior reports as having shown a measure of interest in Jones, there’s no evidence their curiosity has ever advanced beyond cursory. The current front-runners for Jones’ services are the Cowboys, with the Lions also in pursuit. Jones would be willing to renegotiate his rookie deal wherever he ends up, with Tennessee’s asking price rumored to be no higher than a fourth- or fifth-round draft pick. |
|
|
|
| David Patten will partner with second-year wide receiver Robert Meachem during offseason workouts, according to Pro Football Weekly. Patten, an 11-year veteran and three-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, is viewed as a great mentor for the soft-spoken second-year receiver. Meachem, who is a highly touted prospect and the team's first-round pick last year, has a realistic shot of going from the sideline to No. 2 on the depth chart next season if he's healthy. |
|
|
|
| The San Diego Chargers could be without another offensive starter early next season, as center Nick Hardwick underwent surgery last week to repair a severe sprain in his right foot, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. “I think I'll be ready to go by the season,” Hardwick said yesterday. “If not, I'll
definitely be there when it starts getting interesting.” A Pro Bowler in 2006, Hardwick initially injured the foot on Oct. 14 of last year against the Oakland Raiders and missed the next four games. The Chargers went 2-2 without Hardwick last season, as Cory Withrow filled in. The Chargers offense potentially could also be missing starting tight end Antonio Gates (toe), quarterback Philip Rivers (knee) and fullback Andrew Pinnock (knee) for some or all of the preseason. |
|
|
|
| The Dallas Cowboys will keep their eyes on veteran receivers around the league as the 2008 NFL draft approaches, according to Pro Football Weekly. The organization is keeping their eyes on Chad Johnson, Anquan Boldin and Roy Williams – and should any of them come available – might be willing to part with one of their first-round picks as compensation. The team likes Patrick Crayton, who started most of last season and could be a No. 2 if needed, but the choice of adding a top veteran wide receiver over a rookie who might be two years away from developing fully is very appealing to the organization. |
|
|
|
| The contract negotiations between David Garrard and the Jacksonville Jaguars have been progressing at a slower rate than many believed they would, according to Pro Football Weekly. The sticking point revolves around agent Al Irby's assertion that Garrard deserves a contract commensurate with the deal Tony Romo inked with the Cowboys, which was six years for $67 million. The Jags have countered by saying they believe Romo was overpaid, and that they don't think it's appropriate to commit such money to a player with only one year of full-time starting experience. Garrard is still likely to get a deal done before training camp, although it wouldn't come as too big a surprise if he agrees to an extension during the '08 season. The one thing for certain is that the Jags will make sure Garrard does not test the open market next offseason, even if it means slapping the franchise tag on him. |
|
|
|
| The most eagerly anticipated new face in the Buffalo Bills defense in 2008 is linebacker Paul Posluszny, according to Pro Football Weekly. Posluszny, who broke his forearm in Week 3 last season, has been an active presence around the team facilities throughout the season, unlike many injured players who slink into the background. His hard-nosed style fits in well with the Bills' mantra, and his heady play provides the team with what it believes will be the consummate defensive centerpiece. Posluszny won’t be asked to do much blitzing, but he will be a run stuffing tackle machine in the middle of the Bills defense. |
|
|
|
| Clark Haggans met with the Cleveland Browns this week, but left town without a contract offer, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Haggan’s agent Jeff Perbeck indicated the veteran linebacker would likely return to the Pittsburgh Steelers. |
|
|
|
| Michigan quarterback Chad Henne will workout for the Miami Dolphins early next week in Ann Arbor, Michigan, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. The Dolphins held a private workout for Matt Ryan last week, so they appear to be doing their due diligence on the 2008 quarterback class. The team has two second-round draft picks, and could burn one of them on a quarterback. Other teams scheduled to meet with Henne next week: Atlanta, Seattle and Tampa Bay. |
|
|
|
| The Carolina Panthers have re-signed linebacker Brandon Jamison, an exclusive rights free agent, to a contract, according to the Carolina Growl. Jamison played in 15 games (no starts) last season for Carolina. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. |
|
|
|
| The Carolina Panthers have re-signed offensive guard Evan Mathis to a one-year contract worth $927,000, according to the Carolina Growl. Mathis, who has started 15 games for Carolina during the past two seasons, will provide offensive line depth. |
|
|
|
| The Carolina Panthers have re-signed offensive guard Geoff Hangartner to a one-year contract worth $1.47 million, according to the Carolina Growl. Hangartner, who has started 19 games for Carolina during the past two seasons, will provide offensive line depth. |
|
|
|
| Marques Colston recently had arthroscopic surgery on the left knee that bothered him throughout last season, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Colston is also rehabbing from a wrist injury he suffered in the final game of the 2007 season, but expects to be full speed in his training by next month. "Unfortunately I'm a vet to the surgeries, so I know exactly what it takes. I've just got to be patient with it," said Colston, who has kept up his conditioning on the stationary bike, among other methods. "I had a lot of irritation going on in there throughout the season. Now's the time to clean it up and get healthy." Colston caught 98 passes for 1,202 yards and 11 touchdowns, despite playing hurt for much of last season. |
|
|
|
| Jordan Gross signed his one-year tender officially putting him under contract for the 2008 season, according to the Charlotte Observer. The Carolina Panthers placed the franchise tag on Gross, which kept him away from other teams in free agency and assured him a salary of $7.45 million this year – an average of the top 10 salaries for offensive linemen in 2007. The signing does not preclude Gross from signing a longer-term contract with the Panthers. Negotiations are likely to resume soon, but for now, the two sides don’t seem very close. |
|
