Hostile
The Duke
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In the end, Packers GM Ted Thompson might part with a middle-round choice for the 30-year-old Randy Moss, a devastating deep threat for seven seasons in Minnesota but a dud in Oakland for the last two. If the Packers were to offer a player, the source said the Raiders wouldn't have any interest in quarterback Aaron Rodgers but indicated that defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila or defensive tackle Corey Williams might have considerable appeal to them. The Packers insist Rodgers isn't available, anyway.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
Dallas running back Julius Jones, the younger brother of Thomas and somebody plenty familiar with trades, is in a situation where the Cowboys have no choice but to contemplate his future. Jones has one year remaining on his contract. After this season, he can walk away from the Cowboys without Dallas receiving any compensation. This is a situation that, if nothing else, bears monitoring. Teams such as Green Bay, Tennessee, Buffalo and Indianapolis have noticeable holes at the running back position that Jones could help solve.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
Former Commanders linebacker LaVar Arrington is about a month away from being able to pass an NFL physical, according to his agent Kevin Poston, and intends to play next season. Arrington, who negotiated his release from Washington last year and was cut by the Giants after one season, still is recovering from a torn Achilles' tendon but has drawn some free agent interest, Poston said.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
It's unclear whether the Saints still are pursuing free-agent place-kicker Mike Vanderjagt, who was at the team's Airline Drive practice facility for a visit and workout last Tuesday. Gil Scott, Vanderjagt's Toronto-based agent, said he was waiting for a return call from the Saints. Saints Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis said via e-mail Monday the team had not made a contract offer to Vanderjagt, the most accurate kicker in NFL history. "They seemed like they were pretty interested," Scott said, "but maybe they've got other priorities first. I'm not sure."
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
By the way, I still expect David Carr to be traded, but I have no idea where he'll go or what he'll bring. The Texans won't give Carr away for a fifth- or sixth-round pick. They might not even take a fourth-round selection. They might have to wait until after the draft to see what teams didn't fill needs. The Raiders and Vikings need quarterbacks more than any team
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
It's conceivable the Colts will consider re-signing WR Brandon Stokley if he doesn't find another suitor. The decision to release him was all about money. He was due a $500,000 roster bonus and a '07 base salary of $2.1 million. "I never rule out anything in the NFL,'' Stokley said. Until things settle, he will maintain his homes in Louisiana and Carmel. "Until I sign with another team, you just never know what's going to happen,'' he said.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
The Panthers have visited with Marques Tuiasosopo and could be waiting for Joey Harrington to return from his honeymoon before exploring that option. Houston’s David Carr could be released at a later date. Panthers will sign a free agent at some point after releasing Weinke last week.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
The NFL Players Association is concerned that the Patriots and Dolphins violated the Collective Bargaining Agreement while putting together the recent trade of receiver Wes Welker and has asked the NFL Management Council for an explanation, according to a source. "They may have violated the CBA rule that says one club can't offer the player's former team anything that would [sway] that team from matching their offer," the source said. "Anti-collusion [rule], that's another thing that may come into play."
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
Despite acquiring wide receivers Donte' Stallworth, Kelley Washington and Wes Welker in the last week, New England admires Randy Moss and still might take him, one source said. Tampa Bay also has interest but probably only if it can't select Georgia Tech's Calvin Johnson with the No. 4 pick.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
The Bears will have no response to anything Lance Briggs says or does until it affects his standing with the team or the depth chart. The earliest that could happen is early May during the first scheduled mini-camp after the NFL draft. To think that the Bears' front office, the coaching staff or the players would hold anything Briggs says against him if he returns would be na–ve. Understand that the team expected this carefully orchestrated national anti-Bears campaign because Briggs' camp, led by agent Drew Rosenhaus, warned them an offense was coming. They likely haven't heard the last of it either.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
At some point this morning, Ted Thompson will make his monthly presentation to his bosses at the Green Bay Packers and the subject of his keen interest in acquiring Oakland wide receiver Randy Moss undoubtedly will top the agenda. At that time, chairman of the board Bob Harlan, President John Jones and six members of the executive committee will hear details from Thompson regarding his plan to add Moss, and the general manager will learn what management has to say about the raging debate in Packer Nation. "Ted has not spent a lot of time talking to me about it, quite honestly," Harlan said Monday. "Ted always starts out our meetings with a football report so he may get into that." Sources have said the two teams have been discussing Moss for more than a month. On Monday, a source familiar with the inner workings of both organizations said Thompson had spoken directly with Raiders owner Al Davis about dealing for Moss. "They're going to get rid of him," the source said. "I think they think they can trade him. And I know Green Bay has interest."
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
The Saints still are in the running to acquire two of the defensive backs with whom they have visited since free agency commenced March 2. Former Bengals safety Kevin Kaesviharn and ex-Giants cornerback Frank Walker continue to ponder their options.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
Miami could wait until April's draft to address the need at wide receiver. Up to a half-dozen players are considered to have first-round potential. If the Dolphins go the free-agency route, a handful of proven wideouts remain available, highlighted by the St. Louis Rams' Kevin Curtis. Curtis, who caught 100 passes, including 10 touchdowns, the past two seasons, signed with a new agent recently and had to wait until last weekend to begin discussions with potential suitors. Veterans Travis Taylor of Minnesota, Bobby Engram of Seattle, Detroit's Corey Bradford, Eric Moulds of Houston and San Diego's San Diego's Az-Zahir Hakim and Keenan McCardell have not been signed. Only Taylor, who turns 29 this month, will be under 30 when next season begins. The talented but troubled Antonio Bryant of San Francisco also remains a free agent. Last season, the league suspended the five-year veteran four games for violating its substance-abuse policy.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
The Eagles were in contact yesterday with Bruce Tollner, the new agent for free-agent wide receiver Kevin Curtis. Tollner told the Eagles that he was examining the interest of all of the teams Curtis visited during the first eight days of free agency. In addition to his Philadelphia visit on Friday, Curtis made stops in Minnesota, Detroit and with the New York Giants. Though the Eagles were encouraged by Curtis' visit, the team that is most likely to land the wide receiver is going to be the one that offers the most money. Tollner said he would get back to the Eagles no later than today.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
The Panthers could use a power back for short-yardage situations, which makes Ron Dayne intriguing. Corey Dillon’s style makes sense for the offense the Panthers used to run, but would he be a good fit here with new coordinator Jeff Davidson? And, furthermore, would Dillon even come here knowing DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams are in place?
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
Drew Rosenhaus, the agent for Dolphins kicker Olindo Mare, said on a Miami TV station on Sunday the Giants, Falcons and Saints are the most likely destinations for his client. Miami is currently attempting to trade Mare after signing former Giants kicker Jay Feely last week, but will be forced to cut him if no team makes an offer.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
Marcus Pollard is visiting, as the Seahawks continue their quest to sign a tight end. Pollard, 35, had four 40-plus catch seasons the past six years with the Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions, who released him this month.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
The Eagles also discussed their options at running back yesterday, and it's likely they will sign a free agent to serve as Brian Westbrook's backup before the end of the week. Corey Dillon, Ron Dayne, Chris Brown, Kevan Barlow and Correll Buckhalter are still available.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
The Panthers aren’t really in dire need of a receiver, assuming Keyshawn Johnson returns. However, a receiver/return man like Terrence Wilkins or Troy Walters isn’t out of the question. But they will likely fill that need in the draft. Other than Kevin Curtis, who may be a bit overrated, there isn’t much out there.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
The Commanders faced a deadline yesterday to exercise $5 million options on safety Adam Archuleta, according to league sources, and Brandon Lloyd. They executed Lloyd's option, but reached an agreement with Archuleta to push back his deadline. Both players are guaranteed the money in one form or another, but the decision to delay the move for Archuleta could be a bid to buy more time in order to trade or perhaps cut him.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
The Cardinals are discussing the possibility of bringing back fullback James Hodgins, according to an NFL source. Hodgins was an unrestricted free agent who played with the Jets last year. He was with the Cardinals from 2003-05 but was limited by injuries. He played in only one game in his last two seasons with the team and was cut in September. The Jets signed him after the season began.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
For Jason Campbell, the football season begins today. Only two months removed from his first season of actually taking the field and still four months from his first training camp as an NFL starter, the Washington Commanders' quarterback will begin immersing himself in his craft at Commanders Park this morning. "This is an incredibly important time for Jason," said Al Saunders, the Commanders' associate head coach-offense. "There is nothing elementary to that position -- the quarterback position is probably the most intricate position on the football field for all the things you're required to do. And what Jason hasn't had is the same system two years in row. This is the first time in his career he will be able to be taught the techniques and fundamentals he can fall back on and rely on in times of stress.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
Since free agency kicked off March 1, renowned agent Drew Rosenhaus has turned into the NFL's version of Monty Hall. The 17 contracts he has negotiated have been for a whopping $255 million, including an equally jarring $64.6 million in bonus monies. Three of those contracts -- for Panthers linebacker Dan Morgan, Commanders running back Clinton Portis and wide receiver Santana Moss -- were restructured contracts. But even after removing those deals from the equation, Rosenhaus still has done $185.59 million worth of new contracts since March 1, including $52.11 million worth of bonus monies.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
The Lions added depth and experience at wide receiver Monday when free agent Shaun McDonald of the Rams agreed to terms on a two-year contract. He was a backup receiver and return specialist for most of his four seasons with the Rams.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
Mike Bell's response to Travis Henry's need to wear jersey No. 20 with the Broncos? "He can have it," Bell said Monday. "I don't have an emotional attachment to that number. I know he does....I'll talk to him and we'll work it out. He can have it. It'll be his." Henry, who signed with the Broncos last week to be their primary running back, said he would pay Bell, who wore No. 20 as a rookie last season, $10,000 to give up the jersey. Henry has worn the number throughout his career. Monday, he had a medallion around his neck that featured the number. Bell's biggest issue is not financial reimbursement. "I just want to get a good number," said Bell, who said he may ask to wear No. 30, which his hero, Terrell Davis, wore while Davis starred for the Broncos. "That's all I care about is getting a good number."
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
Free-agent cornerback Travis Fisher visited the Lions. He started 53 games in five seasons with St. Louis and intercepted seven passes.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
The Pats certainly seem to have gotten Kelly Washington on amenable contract terms. Reportedly, Washington will receive a $300,000 signing bonus but nothing else in the form of guaranteed money. The deal could stretch to five years and be worth a maximum of $22 million, but the Pats must pick up an option bonus in 2008 worth $4 million for it to be more than a one-year deal. The Pats agreed on a similarly structured contract during the weekend with Donte Stallworth, who must be paid $11 million in bonuses and salary after the 2007 season or his six-year contract becomes a one-and-done proposition.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
David Lofton, the son of former Green Bay Packers receiver James Lofton, had an impressive workout for National Football League scouts Wednesday in Palo Alto, Calif. Before the session, it appeared that David Lofton, a Stanford player, was going to be an undrafted free agent. His agent, former Packers guard Rich Moran, thinks Lofton now might be drafted.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
How About That? Of the 97 players that were on the Pro Bowl roster for the 2006 season (voted in or replacing injured guys), an amazing 87 of them made it representing the team that picked them in the draft or signed them as a rookie free agent. Five members of the free-agent class of 2006 made it – Hutchinson, Drew Brees, Larry Allen, Walt Harris and Julian Peterson. Four others from previous free agencies – Brendon Ayanbadejo, Lorenzo Neal, John Lynch and Antonio Pierce – joined them. Champ Bailey was acquired in a trade from Washington. Other than that, it was all guys on their original teams.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
There is the small matter of which number Deon Grant will wear. He was No. 37 with the Jaguars, but is conceding that to Shaun Alexander. "I won't even try," Grant said. "Shaun looks good in that number." There's also No. 27, which he wore with the Panthers and considers "my number." With the Seahawks, it belongs to defensive back Jordan Babineaux. "I don't think Babineaux really wanted that number, he just got it because it was there for him (as rookie free agent in 2004)," Grant said. "Hopefully, I can get that 27 back."
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
The NFL isn’t really big on players in their 30s, but many of the best free agents of the Class of 2006 were over 30. (And don’t forget, perhaps the all-time best free agent signing was Reggie White, who was 32 when he went to Green Bay in 1993). Of the five Pro Bowlers from the Class of 2006, Walt Harris and Larry Allen were both over 30. Steve McNair wasn’t perfect, but he did lead the Ravens to a 13-3 season at 33. Trevor Pryce of the Ravens should have been comeback player of the year at 32. Ty Law led the Chiefs in interceptions at 34. Kevin Mawae brought new life to Tennessee's offensive line at 35.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
Dallas running back Julius Jones, the younger brother of Thomas and somebody plenty familiar with trades, is in a situation where the Cowboys have no choice but to contemplate his future. Jones has one year remaining on his contract. After this season, he can walk away from the Cowboys without Dallas receiving any compensation. This is a situation that, if nothing else, bears monitoring. Teams such as Green Bay, Tennessee, Buffalo and Indianapolis have noticeable holes at the running back position that Jones could help solve.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
Former Commanders linebacker LaVar Arrington is about a month away from being able to pass an NFL physical, according to his agent Kevin Poston, and intends to play next season. Arrington, who negotiated his release from Washington last year and was cut by the Giants after one season, still is recovering from a torn Achilles' tendon but has drawn some free agent interest, Poston said.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
It's unclear whether the Saints still are pursuing free-agent place-kicker Mike Vanderjagt, who was at the team's Airline Drive practice facility for a visit and workout last Tuesday. Gil Scott, Vanderjagt's Toronto-based agent, said he was waiting for a return call from the Saints. Saints Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis said via e-mail Monday the team had not made a contract offer to Vanderjagt, the most accurate kicker in NFL history. "They seemed like they were pretty interested," Scott said, "but maybe they've got other priorities first. I'm not sure."
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
By the way, I still expect David Carr to be traded, but I have no idea where he'll go or what he'll bring. The Texans won't give Carr away for a fifth- or sixth-round pick. They might not even take a fourth-round selection. They might have to wait until after the draft to see what teams didn't fill needs. The Raiders and Vikings need quarterbacks more than any team
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
It's conceivable the Colts will consider re-signing WR Brandon Stokley if he doesn't find another suitor. The decision to release him was all about money. He was due a $500,000 roster bonus and a '07 base salary of $2.1 million. "I never rule out anything in the NFL,'' Stokley said. Until things settle, he will maintain his homes in Louisiana and Carmel. "Until I sign with another team, you just never know what's going to happen,'' he said.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
The Panthers have visited with Marques Tuiasosopo and could be waiting for Joey Harrington to return from his honeymoon before exploring that option. Houston’s David Carr could be released at a later date. Panthers will sign a free agent at some point after releasing Weinke last week.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
The NFL Players Association is concerned that the Patriots and Dolphins violated the Collective Bargaining Agreement while putting together the recent trade of receiver Wes Welker and has asked the NFL Management Council for an explanation, according to a source. "They may have violated the CBA rule that says one club can't offer the player's former team anything that would [sway] that team from matching their offer," the source said. "Anti-collusion [rule], that's another thing that may come into play."
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
Despite acquiring wide receivers Donte' Stallworth, Kelley Washington and Wes Welker in the last week, New England admires Randy Moss and still might take him, one source said. Tampa Bay also has interest but probably only if it can't select Georgia Tech's Calvin Johnson with the No. 4 pick.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
The Bears will have no response to anything Lance Briggs says or does until it affects his standing with the team or the depth chart. The earliest that could happen is early May during the first scheduled mini-camp after the NFL draft. To think that the Bears' front office, the coaching staff or the players would hold anything Briggs says against him if he returns would be na–ve. Understand that the team expected this carefully orchestrated national anti-Bears campaign because Briggs' camp, led by agent Drew Rosenhaus, warned them an offense was coming. They likely haven't heard the last of it either.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
At some point this morning, Ted Thompson will make his monthly presentation to his bosses at the Green Bay Packers and the subject of his keen interest in acquiring Oakland wide receiver Randy Moss undoubtedly will top the agenda. At that time, chairman of the board Bob Harlan, President John Jones and six members of the executive committee will hear details from Thompson regarding his plan to add Moss, and the general manager will learn what management has to say about the raging debate in Packer Nation. "Ted has not spent a lot of time talking to me about it, quite honestly," Harlan said Monday. "Ted always starts out our meetings with a football report so he may get into that." Sources have said the two teams have been discussing Moss for more than a month. On Monday, a source familiar with the inner workings of both organizations said Thompson had spoken directly with Raiders owner Al Davis about dealing for Moss. "They're going to get rid of him," the source said. "I think they think they can trade him. And I know Green Bay has interest."
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
The Saints still are in the running to acquire two of the defensive backs with whom they have visited since free agency commenced March 2. Former Bengals safety Kevin Kaesviharn and ex-Giants cornerback Frank Walker continue to ponder their options.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
Miami could wait until April's draft to address the need at wide receiver. Up to a half-dozen players are considered to have first-round potential. If the Dolphins go the free-agency route, a handful of proven wideouts remain available, highlighted by the St. Louis Rams' Kevin Curtis. Curtis, who caught 100 passes, including 10 touchdowns, the past two seasons, signed with a new agent recently and had to wait until last weekend to begin discussions with potential suitors. Veterans Travis Taylor of Minnesota, Bobby Engram of Seattle, Detroit's Corey Bradford, Eric Moulds of Houston and San Diego's San Diego's Az-Zahir Hakim and Keenan McCardell have not been signed. Only Taylor, who turns 29 this month, will be under 30 when next season begins. The talented but troubled Antonio Bryant of San Francisco also remains a free agent. Last season, the league suspended the five-year veteran four games for violating its substance-abuse policy.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
The Eagles were in contact yesterday with Bruce Tollner, the new agent for free-agent wide receiver Kevin Curtis. Tollner told the Eagles that he was examining the interest of all of the teams Curtis visited during the first eight days of free agency. In addition to his Philadelphia visit on Friday, Curtis made stops in Minnesota, Detroit and with the New York Giants. Though the Eagles were encouraged by Curtis' visit, the team that is most likely to land the wide receiver is going to be the one that offers the most money. Tollner said he would get back to the Eagles no later than today.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
The Panthers could use a power back for short-yardage situations, which makes Ron Dayne intriguing. Corey Dillon’s style makes sense for the offense the Panthers used to run, but would he be a good fit here with new coordinator Jeff Davidson? And, furthermore, would Dillon even come here knowing DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams are in place?
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
Drew Rosenhaus, the agent for Dolphins kicker Olindo Mare, said on a Miami TV station on Sunday the Giants, Falcons and Saints are the most likely destinations for his client. Miami is currently attempting to trade Mare after signing former Giants kicker Jay Feely last week, but will be forced to cut him if no team makes an offer.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
Marcus Pollard is visiting, as the Seahawks continue their quest to sign a tight end. Pollard, 35, had four 40-plus catch seasons the past six years with the Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions, who released him this month.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
The Eagles also discussed their options at running back yesterday, and it's likely they will sign a free agent to serve as Brian Westbrook's backup before the end of the week. Corey Dillon, Ron Dayne, Chris Brown, Kevan Barlow and Correll Buckhalter are still available.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
The Panthers aren’t really in dire need of a receiver, assuming Keyshawn Johnson returns. However, a receiver/return man like Terrence Wilkins or Troy Walters isn’t out of the question. But they will likely fill that need in the draft. Other than Kevin Curtis, who may be a bit overrated, there isn’t much out there.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
The Commanders faced a deadline yesterday to exercise $5 million options on safety Adam Archuleta, according to league sources, and Brandon Lloyd. They executed Lloyd's option, but reached an agreement with Archuleta to push back his deadline. Both players are guaranteed the money in one form or another, but the decision to delay the move for Archuleta could be a bid to buy more time in order to trade or perhaps cut him.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
The Cardinals are discussing the possibility of bringing back fullback James Hodgins, according to an NFL source. Hodgins was an unrestricted free agent who played with the Jets last year. He was with the Cardinals from 2003-05 but was limited by injuries. He played in only one game in his last two seasons with the team and was cut in September. The Jets signed him after the season began.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
For Jason Campbell, the football season begins today. Only two months removed from his first season of actually taking the field and still four months from his first training camp as an NFL starter, the Washington Commanders' quarterback will begin immersing himself in his craft at Commanders Park this morning. "This is an incredibly important time for Jason," said Al Saunders, the Commanders' associate head coach-offense. "There is nothing elementary to that position -- the quarterback position is probably the most intricate position on the football field for all the things you're required to do. And what Jason hasn't had is the same system two years in row. This is the first time in his career he will be able to be taught the techniques and fundamentals he can fall back on and rely on in times of stress.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
Since free agency kicked off March 1, renowned agent Drew Rosenhaus has turned into the NFL's version of Monty Hall. The 17 contracts he has negotiated have been for a whopping $255 million, including an equally jarring $64.6 million in bonus monies. Three of those contracts -- for Panthers linebacker Dan Morgan, Commanders running back Clinton Portis and wide receiver Santana Moss -- were restructured contracts. But even after removing those deals from the equation, Rosenhaus still has done $185.59 million worth of new contracts since March 1, including $52.11 million worth of bonus monies.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
The Lions added depth and experience at wide receiver Monday when free agent Shaun McDonald of the Rams agreed to terms on a two-year contract. He was a backup receiver and return specialist for most of his four seasons with the Rams.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
Mike Bell's response to Travis Henry's need to wear jersey No. 20 with the Broncos? "He can have it," Bell said Monday. "I don't have an emotional attachment to that number. I know he does....I'll talk to him and we'll work it out. He can have it. It'll be his." Henry, who signed with the Broncos last week to be their primary running back, said he would pay Bell, who wore No. 20 as a rookie last season, $10,000 to give up the jersey. Henry has worn the number throughout his career. Monday, he had a medallion around his neck that featured the number. Bell's biggest issue is not financial reimbursement. "I just want to get a good number," said Bell, who said he may ask to wear No. 30, which his hero, Terrell Davis, wore while Davis starred for the Broncos. "That's all I care about is getting a good number."
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
Free-agent cornerback Travis Fisher visited the Lions. He started 53 games in five seasons with St. Louis and intercepted seven passes.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
The Pats certainly seem to have gotten Kelly Washington on amenable contract terms. Reportedly, Washington will receive a $300,000 signing bonus but nothing else in the form of guaranteed money. The deal could stretch to five years and be worth a maximum of $22 million, but the Pats must pick up an option bonus in 2008 worth $4 million for it to be more than a one-year deal. The Pats agreed on a similarly structured contract during the weekend with Donte Stallworth, who must be paid $11 million in bonuses and salary after the 2007 season or his six-year contract becomes a one-and-done proposition.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
David Lofton, the son of former Green Bay Packers receiver James Lofton, had an impressive workout for National Football League scouts Wednesday in Palo Alto, Calif. Before the session, it appeared that David Lofton, a Stanford player, was going to be an undrafted free agent. His agent, former Packers guard Rich Moran, thinks Lofton now might be drafted.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
How About That? Of the 97 players that were on the Pro Bowl roster for the 2006 season (voted in or replacing injured guys), an amazing 87 of them made it representing the team that picked them in the draft or signed them as a rookie free agent. Five members of the free-agent class of 2006 made it – Hutchinson, Drew Brees, Larry Allen, Walt Harris and Julian Peterson. Four others from previous free agencies – Brendon Ayanbadejo, Lorenzo Neal, John Lynch and Antonio Pierce – joined them. Champ Bailey was acquired in a trade from Washington. Other than that, it was all guys on their original teams.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
There is the small matter of which number Deon Grant will wear. He was No. 37 with the Jaguars, but is conceding that to Shaun Alexander. "I won't even try," Grant said. "Shaun looks good in that number." There's also No. 27, which he wore with the Panthers and considers "my number." With the Seahawks, it belongs to defensive back Jordan Babineaux. "I don't think Babineaux really wanted that number, he just got it because it was there for him (as rookie free agent in 2004)," Grant said. "Hopefully, I can get that 27 back."
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
The NFL isn’t really big on players in their 30s, but many of the best free agents of the Class of 2006 were over 30. (And don’t forget, perhaps the all-time best free agent signing was Reggie White, who was 32 when he went to Green Bay in 1993). Of the five Pro Bowlers from the Class of 2006, Walt Harris and Larry Allen were both over 30. Steve McNair wasn’t perfect, but he did lead the Ravens to a 13-3 season at 33. Trevor Pryce of the Ravens should have been comeback player of the year at 32. Ty Law led the Chiefs in interceptions at 34. Kevin Mawae brought new life to Tennessee's offensive line at 35.
Posted March 13, by Ben Maller
