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| The Chiefs have acquired three picks from the Vikings in exchange for Jared Allen, according to NFL.com. The Vikings gave up the No. 17, 73 and 82 selections in the upcoming draft. |
Our View: The Chiefs are in rebuilding mode, and they couldn't have asked for a bigger haul than that. The club currently holds 13 picks, including six selections in the top 82. Herm Edwards wants an infusion of youth and talent, and he's going to get it.
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| The Vikings and defensive end Jared Allen have reached an agreement on a multi-year contract, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. The terms of the deal haven't been announced. The Vikings and Chiefs will complete a trade on Wednesday, and the AFC club is expected to receive the No. 17 overall pick and a third-round selection (No. 73) in the upcoming draft. The Vikings may add a third choice to the deal. |
Our View: This is the culmination of roughly four days of speculation. Allen should benefit from playing beside Kevin Williams and Pat Williams, and the Vikings defense now looks much better for fantasy purposes.
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| The Detroit Lions hav re-signed three restricted free agents to new one-year contracts, including passer Dan Orlovsky , guard Stephen Peterman, and defensive lineman Langston Moore, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Terms of these deals were undisclosed. |
Our View: Orlovsky spent last season as the 3rd-string QB and is expected to compete with Drew Stanton for the primary backup honors. Peterman started 13 games in 2007 at right guard. Moore played in all 16 games last season for Detroit. He had 37 tackles and two sacks.
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| The New England Patriots have reportedly signed veteran TE Marcus Pollard , according to the Boston Globe. Terms of the deal were undisclosed. |
Our View: The 36-year-old Pollard enters his 14th season in the NFL having caught 28 passes for 273 yards and two touchdowns last season, his only season with the Seahawks. He previously played for the Colts (1995-2004) and Lions (2005-2006).
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| The New Orleans Saints are seeking a trade that will allow them to move up in the upcoming NFL Draft and have entered talks with several teams to accomplish that goal, according to the Associated Press. Saints GM Mickey Loomis says, "We've talked to a number of teams in front of us about the possibility of moving forward. It's all preliminary discussion." |
Our View: Reports indicate Loomis was rather vague in his comments, obviously needing to protect his team's true intent and negotiations. Loomis also declined to comment when asked about potential dealings for New York Giants TE Jeremy Shockey. The Saints realize their defense is in need of attention. Trading for LB Jonathan Vilma and signing free-agent LB Dan Morgan proves this true. Now it appears the desire to move up in the draft could be motivated by similar desires.
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| The Vikings have not offered the Chiefs three picks in exchange for defensive end Jared Allen, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Scout.com reported earlier in the day that the Vikings put up a package that included the No. 17 overall pick and a third-round selection in 2008 plus a second-round choice in 2009. |
Our View: Regardless of the exact price, the Vikings remain in pursuit of the stud defensive end. The Bucs and Eagles have also shown interest in Allen.
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| Despite recent reports that he felt things would work out fine, Arizona WR Anquan Boldin has requested to be traded, according to NFL.com. |
Our View: Adam Schefter reports the negotiations between Boldin's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, and team management have gone rather poorly and it is apparent the rift following the new contract signed by Larry Fitzgerald (paying the fellow wideout $10 million per season, versus the $4 million Boldin is set to make) has created a divide that may not be overcome. Stay tuned for further updates.
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| A rumor has emerged that the Ravens may be interested in trading for Chad Pennington if the Jets choose Matt Ryan in Saturday's draft, Scout.com reports. |
Our View: We'll consider this idle speculation at this point. It seems more likely that the Ravens would try to trade up if Ryan actually slips down to the No. 6 spot in the draft.
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| It's the end of an era in Seattle. The Seahawks officially released Shaun Alexander on Tuesday, NFL.com reports. Alexander, 30, dealt with wrist and foot injuries the last two seasons. Prior to that, he set an NFL record with 27 rushing touchdowns in 2005. |
Our View: The Seahawks will move forward with T.J. Duckett and Julius Jones, as fantasy owners were already aware of. The interesting thing will be to see what now happens to Alexander. Will he accept a backup or short yardage gig somewhere?
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| Radio Station KJR-AM is reporting that former stud Shaun Alexander has been told that the Seahawks will release him today, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. The team has not confirmed the news, but it makes sense since they added Julius Jones and TJ Duckett to their running back stable, and his release would save around $5 million under the salary cap.
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Our View: It was already widely believed that Alexander would be released before June. Another team would likely take a shot on him if this news proves to be true, but his best days are clearly behind him.
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| Bears' GM Jerry Angelo commented that Mike Brown should be "up and going" with no restrictions by the end of May, according to The Chicago Sun-Times. He is recovering from a torn left ACL. |
Our View: He will start at free safety this season if he proves to be healthy. He is one of the best play makers in the NFL at the position, but has a grave track record with durability.
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| Bears' GM Jerry Angelo said that Cedric Benson will be "up and going" with no restrictions by the end of May, according to The Chicago Sun-Times. He is recovering from a broken leg and ankle. |
Our View: This is favorable news for him, as he will likely have some competition for his starting spot in 2008 if he remains in Chicago. There is speculation that the team is interested in a running back with their first round pick in the NFL Draft, such as Felix Jones of Arkansas. Benson has failed to live up to high expectations up to this point in his career.
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| Jake Long has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Dolphins and will go number one in the NFL Draft this weekend, according to ESPN.com. |
Our View: The offensive line is the biggest area of need for the Dolphins, and Long will help to solidify the left side at tackle. He is a safe pick for number one.
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| There was news circulating that David Pollack may be medically cleared to play, but he has now decided to retire, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. He is not completely comfortable with where he is medically right now, and Coach Marvin Lewis stated that Pollack is headed into retirement. |
Our View: His promising career was cut short by a neck injury, but Coach Lewis commented, "The good thing he is going to have an outstanding life." He held little fantasy value before his decision to retire.
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| If the season started today, wide receiver Devard Darling would join Dwayne Bowe in the starting lineup, according to the Kansas City Star. Darling, a four-year veteran, has compiled 20 receptions for 331 yards and three touchdowns during his career. |
Our View: With only Jeff Webb, Bobby Sippio and Maurice Price behind him on the depth chart, we expect the Chiefs to look for help in the draft.
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| The Cincinnati Bengals turned down a trade offer by the Washington Redskins, who offered this year's first round pick, No. 21 overall, and a conditional third rounder in 2009 for disgruntled wide receiver Chad Johnson, according to ESPN. |
Our View: It was not the first time the Redskins approached the Bengals about a deal but it was the first significant proposal. The Bengals have not only rejected the Redskins, but two other NFC East suitors - the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles - have been informed that there has been no change in the team's position that Johnson will not be traded.
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| Wide receiver Steve Smith wants teammate Dwayne Jarrett to get his act together, according to FOX Sports. Carolina's three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver was asked recently if the embattled Jarrett was due for a coming-out party after his disappointing rookie season was followed by an offseason charge of driving while impaired. "You know, the party session is actually over. This is the NFL," Smith said. "You make plays. You're here to play football. You do the party scene at your own discretion, but on Sundays, we're here to play football. If you can't play football, you won't be playing with the Carolina Panthers or any NFL team.” |
Our View: Jarrett played in just seven games last year, catching six passes for 73 yards. During the offseason the organization added veteran receivers Muhsin Muhammad and D.J. Hackett, which will make it very difficult for Jarrett to move up the depth chart.
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| The Minnesota Vikings have reportedly increased their offer to the Kansas City Chiefs for defensive end Jared Allen, according to Scout.com. The Vikings organization has reportedly upped their compensation to three draft picks, including first- and third-round picks in 2008, and an additional 2009 second-round pick. |
Our View: If the Chiefs are serious about moving Allen, this seems like a pretty fair package of draft picks.
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| Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson won't pass up a worthwhile passer in this weekend's NFL draft. And if the Packers end up taking a quarterback with the 30th pick in the first round, Thompson said it shouldn't be interpreted as a lack of confidence in new starter Aaron Rodgers, according to ESPN. "If we take a player at any other position, it's no slight on the players that we have at those positions," Thompson said in his pre-draft news conference Monday. "Aaron, he's comfortable in his own skin. He understands the NFL is the NFL." |
Our View: The Packers depth chart behind Rodgers is barren wasteland. We fully expect them to select a quarterback in the draft, to not only provide depth, but also a backup plan in case Rodgers is unable to fill the large shoes of Favre.
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| Adam "Pacman" Jones paid "extortion" money to a 29-year-old man arrested for a Las Vegas strip club shooting that left a club employee paralyzed, according to ESPN. Arvin Kenti Edwards, of Renton, Wash., allegedly used go-betweens to reach Jones, who paid $15,000 in two installments after the shooting, according to a police report obtained Monday. "He paid $15,000 to his friends, who advised him that if he didn't pay the money then this guy would come after him," said Robert Langford, Jones' lawyer in Las Vegas. Jones, 24, went to Seattle last Friday and picked Edwards from a police lineup. Jones identified Edwards as the man who opened fire with a handgun a little before 5 a.m. Feb. 19, 2007, outside the strip club during the NBA's All-Star Weekend. |
Our View: Jones was suspended for the 2007 season for his role in the Las Vegas incident and other misconduct off the field. His status for the 2008 season remains unclear, although NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has said he will consider reinstating Jones.
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| There has been much speculation recently that St. Louis Rams’ cornerback Fakhir Brown was facing a possible suspension for failing to meet the standards of the NFL’s substance abuse policy. But league sources told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that Brown has won his appeal for a failed drug test, and will not be suspended. |
Our View: After missing the first four weeks of the Rams’ offseason conditioning program, Brown was at Rams Park on Monday, working out with the rest of the team. It is uncertain how Brown’s successful appeal affects the Rams draft needs. Four cornerbacks were among the draft prospects brought into Rams Park last week for pre-draft visits with the team.
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| Baltimore Ravens’ offensive guard Jason Brown signed his one-year, $1.47 million second-round restricted tender, according to the Carroll County Times. |
Our View: The ultimate goal of the organization is to sign Brown to a long-term contract extension. Brown started all 16 games at left guard last season, after veteran Edwin Mulitalo was cut prior to the 2007 season. He played well enough to be named to the Sports Illustrated All-Pro team, while emerging as a locker-room leader. This is obviously good news for running back Willis McGahee, who will continue to have an up-and-coming road grader clearing lanes in front of him next season.
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| The Carolina Panthers have called a 1 p.m. press conference today to announce the retirement of long-time defensive end Mike Rucker, according to the Gaston Gazette. |
Our View: Rucker's best season came in 2003 when he had 73 tackles and recorded 12 sacks (despite missing two games) helping the Panthers reach their only Super Bowl. He was one of the most respected leaders ever to set foot in the Panthers locker room and along with close friend Mike Minter has been a fixture in the Charlotte community.
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| The Denver Broncos love Oregon running back Jonathan Stewart and they had Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall in for a visit last week, according to the Denver Post. |
Our View: The organization isn’t convinced Travis Henry can walk the straight and narrow, and head coach Mike Shanahan doesn’t think either Selvin Young or Andre Hall are every down backs. However, the Broncos aren’t known for selecting backs in the first round, and both of the previously mentioned players are first round prospects.
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| The Denver Broncos will try to make a second-day draft trade with the New York Jets for veteran defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson, according to the Denver Post. |
Our View: These rumors have been circulating throughout the offseason. The Jets want a fourth- and fifth-round pick for Robertson, but the price could go down as we get closer to the draft.
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| The Chicago Bears have offered linebacker Brian Urlacher a one-year, $18 million extension, which basically equates to a $5 million guaranteed signing bonus, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. |
Our View: Urlacher wants more money, even though his existing contract pays him $3.95 million in base salary this season and rises to $4.95 million in 2009, $6.15 million in 2010 and $7.35 million in 2011, totaling $22.4 million. Urlacher underwent offseason neck surgery and has an arthritic back condition but says he's in good shape, even while he skips the voluntary workout program and prepares to turn 30 next month.
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| Three undisclosed teams are showing interest in Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard, according to ESPN. |
Our View: The St. Louis Rams are also interested, but the Eagles won't deal Sheppard unless they get satisfactory value. Talks have picked up this week, but Philadelphia wants a second round draft pick for Sheppard.
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| The Oakland Raiders have narrowed their targets in the 2008 NFL draft to running back Darren McFadden and defensive ends Chris Long and Vernon Gholston, according to ESPN. |
Our View: Al Davis reportedly loves Gholston’s speed and athletic ability, and would consider taking him over Long, who is less flashy and disappears less often on game film. At the moment, it's a three-way debate in Oakland.
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| The St. Louis Rams know the New Orleans Saints want to trade up to select defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, but the organization is leery of dropping down to No. 10 overall, even for an additional first rounder in 2009, according to ESPN. |
Our View: It sounds like the Rams are interested in trading down, but would like to remain in the top 5 or so. Most scouts consider this a six- or seven-player draft at the top, so while dropping to No. 10 would save money, it would also result on getting a player who could possibly make less of an impact in 2008.
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| Sources close to offensive tackle Jake Long say it's premature to say a deal with the Miami Dolphins is in place or close, according to ESPN. |
Our View: The next two days are important because the complicated language of a huge contract sometimes takes time to complete. The Dolphins are reportedly trying to get Long signed to a contract for less than the six-year, $61 million deal signed by JaMarcus Russell last season.
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| On the first offensive huddle of the first practice of the Pittsburgh Steelers' new season, running back Willie Parker lined up at tailback behind quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "Right now I'm a little shaky," Parker said, "but I'm at full speed, cutting and all that stuff. If not 100 percent, I'm real close to it." |
Our View: This is great news for Parker, who was leading the NFL in rushing last season, before breaking his right fibula in Week 15. Keep an eye on the backfield situation in Pittsburgh, as there are rumors circulating that the organization wants to draft a back to reduce some of the workload on Parker.
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