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The Duke
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Jon Gruden plans to start Chris Simms but will be looking for a veteran backup, such as the Eagles' Jeff Garcia, the Broncos' Jake Plummer and the Vikings' Brad Johnson, when the free-agency signing and trading period begins Friday. The Texans have indicated David Carr might be available through a trade. Tim Rattay, 29, who played well in the final three games of 2006, is scheduled to become a free agent, and the Bucs have an interest in re-signing him.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Buffalo Bills cornerback Nate Clements, soon to be an unrestricted free agent, has the Tennessee Titans high on the list of teams he is interested in playing for, according to a source at the NFL Combine.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome discussed his decision not to place the franchise tag on linebacker Adalius Thomas, one of the prizes of free agency and a potential target of the Patriots.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
There have been a few trade feelers for Lions cornerback Dre Bly , who has been told he can make a deal with another team, president Matt Millen said. "We'll take it where it goes," Millen said. "There are a couple of teams I've talked to about him. Everybody sees value different." Defensive linemen Marcus Bell and James Hall , and guard Ross Verba also have been told they can shop themselves to other teams.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy hopes safety Mike Doss stays. It's easy to assume Doss, an unrestricted free agent, will leave in free agency after the market opens Friday. While the 2003 second-round pick out of McKinley and Ohio State was recovering from knee surgery in 2006, sixth-round pick Antoine Bethea was emerging as a find at safety. Yet, just because the Colts won a Super Bowl without Doss doesn't mean they think they're fine without him. "(Doss leaving) is not a foregone conclusion to me,'' Dungy told The Repository. "We'd love to have him back.''
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
I understand why the New York Giants would be interested in Buffalo Bills running back Willis McGahee, who reportedly is on the trade market. Brandon Jacobs and McGahee would be a nice 1-2 punch replacing the retired Tiki Barber. And he plays like Jim Brown against the New York Jets. But what could the Bills get for McGahee? Probably no better than a third-round draft pick, considering that 2007 is the last year on his contract. And who would run the ball for Buffalo? Anthony Thomas is at best a No. 2 running back, Adrian Peterson will be a top-five pick in the draft (possibly to Cleveland No. 3) and Marshawn Lynch would be a stretch with Buffalo's No. 12 overall pick.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Jerry Jones said the Cowboys' biggest focus this week is getting a contract extension for right tackle Marc Colombo before he becomes a restricted free agent Thursday. Because Colombo and quarterback Tony Romo have the same agent, Tom Condon, Jones said there have been informal discussions about an extension for Romo.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
The Seahawks wouldn't trade their leading receiver, would they? It all depends on the draft-choice compensation another team might be willing to part with to acquire Darrell Jackson. Jackson is available, sources said Sunday at the NFL scouting combine. But club president Tim Ruskell labeled the situation "combine talk" and stressed that nothing is imminent. "We get a lot of interest at the combine, people asking about our players," Ruskell said. "We'll listen to anything, but it doesn't mean we're going to do anything. "In terms of Darrell, he's under contract and we plan on having him back. That's where that stands."
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Patrick Kerney opted out of the final two years of his current contract and will be come an unrestricted free agent. Defensive end is one of the Titans’ top needs either via the draft or the free agent market, and Kerney would likely jump to the top of the list of available free agent defensive ends. Kerney’s agent is Tony Agnone, who also happens to represent Kyle Vanden Bosch of the Titans. Could the Titans attempt to pair up the two Agnone clients?
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones acknowledges that he is concerned about receiver Terrell Owens' upcoming finger surgery and his ability to be ready for the 2007 season. Owens is set to have a second surgery Thursday to repair a torn tendon in his right ring finger. According to team trainers, he is not expected to start catching passes until training camp in July. Jones said the surgery and rehab will have no impact on his decision to pay Owens a $3 million roster bonus in June to guarantee his $5 million salary for next year. He said Owens is under contract and will be with the Cowboys. But Jones is worried about Owens' ability to be in top shape by training camp, not just because of the finger, but because he could lose time acclimating to the coaching staff and possible changes to the offense.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
With free agency coming, veteran defensive tackle Michael Myers, who is considered a tad undersized by standards at his position, does not appear to be close on a new contract with the Broncos. "My agent has been talking to them, but I'm not sure what they're thinking," Myers said. "Hopefully, we can work something out because I want to keep playing for the Broncos."
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn could be available when the Bucs are on the clock with the No .4 overall pick in April's draft. Jon Gruden is in position to stop Quinn's free fall. But will the golden boy coach risk a first-round pick on a Golden Dome quarterback who might never start in Tampa Bay for him? The answer might surprise you. Gruden interviewed the 6-foot-4, 227-pound Quinn in a hotel room Saturday night. "Somebody asked me the other day why his stock is falling," he said. "Who said his stock is falling? The NFL Network? "I don't understand. The guy's a four-year starter at Notre Dame. I see his stock very high. I don't care who coached him, the guy is a physical talent. ... He threw 37 touchdowns and seven picks this year at Notre Dame. He's been in the biggest pressure cooker there is in college football and handled it well. So I don't know how his stock would fall."
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Pittsburgh cornerback Ike Taylor hopes to make a favorable impression on first-year coach Mike Tomlin. Taylor was benched for five games in 2006 because of disappointing play. Taylor started his off-season conditioning program Feb. 1 with speed and conditioning coach Tom Shaw of New Orleans at Walt Disney's Wide World of Sports Center in Orlando, Fla. "I am not looking back," Taylor said. "This is my fifth year and I know expectations are high for me. I have high expectations for myself."
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Jeff Garcia is unlikely to land that starting job with a contender; he instead will sign somewhere - Denver? Tampa Bay? - as a backup, or go back into the situation he said he didn't want to face again, starting for a struggling team, such as Houston. Team sources confirmed there is no chance of Garcia returning to the Eagles, and they also confirmed that the team is very unlikely to make an offer to pending free-agent wide receiver Donté Stallworth.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Within the next week, the Detroit Lions are expected to receive notable offers for their cornerback Dre Bly, who is on the trading block. Knowing that Bly is on the block, Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall admitted that he has been lobbying Atlanta's front office to trade for the Lions Pro Bowl cornerback. Hall and Bly grew up in the same area in Virginia, and Hall considers Bly an older brother. The two speak on the telephone on an almost daily basis, and Hall now is doing the small part he can to bring Bly to Atlanta.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Troy Brown’s representatives refused to field any questions regarding his future this weekend at the NFL Combine, adding to speculation that the 14-year veteran is leaning toward retirement. Sources close to the wide receiver indicated that was his preference following the AFC Championship Game loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Had the Patriots won the Super Bowl, the belief around the team is that Brown would have walked away. The fact they fell just short leaves the door open a crack for his return, but that door appears to be closing.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
The Broncos also could inquire about Cincinnati's Eric Steinbach or San Diego's Kris Dielman, guards widely considered by NFL coaches and executives as the top two prizes in this year's free-agent market.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Linebacker Lance Briggs likely will miss a significant portion of training camp if the Bears don't feel compelled to trade him and his contract baggage. General manager Jerry Angelo worried about sticking the franchise tag on Briggs because of the chemistry problems it could create. So that seems like another valid concern on a team that cited togetherness as a strength in 2006. Losing defensive tackle Ian Scott to free agency could hurt the Bears' defensive interior more than they think, especially if Tommie Harris struggles to return to Pro Bowl form after hamstring surgery. Can the Bears count on Tank Johnson and Dusty Dvoracek for stability? Really?
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Details of the negotiations between the Eagles and Jeff Garcia were almost nonexistent. "I think Jeff was their number-one choice to be brought back, but he was their number-one choice to be brought back at their numbers," Garcia's agent, Steve Baker, said at the Indianapolis Convention Center yesterday. "The problem is I don't even know what their numbers were. The Eagles never made an offer. They gave us some initial parameters that were extremely low, then backed off them, and there was no further offer. "The main reason I came to Indy was that I wanted the Eagles to know I was here, and I wanted them to know I was available to talk."
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Turns out the Rams quietly did yet another contract renegotiation with running back Marshall Faulk last July. The revised deal lowered his base salary to $1 million (from $2 million) in '06; to $820,000 (from $2.6 million) in '07; and to $830,000 (from $3.2 million) in '08. As part of the latest renegotiation, Faulk also is due a $225,000 roster bonus at the end of next week. Although the Rams expect Faulk to retire, it's possible they will still pay out that bonus. Despite the altered base salaries, the Rams remain on the hook for about a $4 million cap hit once Faulk retires — in the form of unamortized signing bonus money from past renegotiations.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
The Bears are cheap. That's not necessarily breaking news. Team President Ted Phillips low-balls head-coaching candidates. Heck, if he didn't, Lovie Smith wouldn't have the job in the first place. It would have gone to Nick Saban in 2004 if Saban could have stopped laughing at the Bears' initial contract offer long enough to sign it. It's not that the Bears think Smith isn't worth nearly $5 million a season, it's that they think no head coach possibly can be worth that much money. If that were not their ingrained philosophy, Smith's extension would have been completed a year ago.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Matt Millen refused to broach topics that dealt with coach Rod Marinelli, and he spoke guardedly about the Lions' personnel strategies during discussions near the NFL scouting combine at the RCA Dome.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
The Lions also have decided to part company with tight end Marcus Pollard after two years. He signed as a free agent in 2005, but his role was diminished last year. He had 49 catches in 2005 and only 12 in '06.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Rufus Alexander admits that he would love playing for a team like the Indianapolis Colts. For that matter, any team that plays the Tampa Bay Cover 2 defensive alignment would be fine with the 6-foot, 227-pound outside linebacker. Alexander, who earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors at Oklahoma last season, figures that his playing style is very conducive to the defensive system currently employed by several NFL teams, including Chicago, St. Louis, Tampa Bay and the Colts. In fact, the Sooners have used that alignment with pretty good success the last several years.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
All but $250,000 of the $4 million in roster bonuses that cornerback Al Harris received in his restructured contract and two-year extension from the Green Bay Packers is contingent upon his continued good health. Harris, 32, has played 144 regular-season and 10 post-season games without a miss during his nine-year career.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
According to league sources, the Rams have made one-year contract offers to linebacker Brandon Chillar, tight end Aaron Walker and offensive lineman Adam Goldberg. Restricted free agents have three years of NFL experience. By making the offers, the Rams get matching rights on any outside offers the players might get once the free agency period starts Friday. If the Rams don't match, they are eligible to receive draft-pick compensation.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
The Eagles seem interested in signing only defensive end Juqua Thomas and safety Quintin Mikell before free agency starts. Thomas' agent, Kennard McGuire, confirmed at the combine that talks are proceeding, and said he was optimistic. Mikell's agent, Jason Chayut, also sounded hopeful yesterday. "I'm still in talks with the Eagles," Chayut said. "They've certainly demonstrated interest in Quentin and he'd like to stay with the Eagles."
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
If the Bears accommodate running back Thomas Jones' trade request, the ground game goes from an obvious strength to an unknown. Cedric Benson looked explosive in late-season spurts but has durability and maturity questions that only a 16-game season can answer.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
The Eagles probably will look for a running-back complement to Brian Westbrook in free agency or the draft. That doesn't necessarily mean Correll Buckhalter won't be back in some capacity - offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said this weekend he was very pleased with Buckhalter's improvement during the season. But the Birds certainly aren't making the signing of Buckhalter a priority. Given his injury history, he is unlikely to attract a lot of interest on the market. If he does get an offer, he's probably gone.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
No team has any more salary-cap space than San Francisco, which has close to $38 million to spend. Thirty-eight million! That used to be close to what the salary cap for an entire team was in the mid 1990s. With the space, the 49ers believe they are going to be able to land at least two defensive studs and quite possibly a quality offensive lineman. Look for the 49ers to make a major push to sign Baltimore's free agent linebacker Adalius Thomas, Seattle free agent safety Ken Hamlin, as well as New England free-agent linebacker Tully Banta-Cain. Along the offensive line, the 49ers are expected to make a significant push for Cincinnati's versatile free-agent offensive lineman Eric Steinbach, who can play any position along the line.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
The Cowboys are expected to finalize their staff by adding Chargers secondary coach Brian Stewart in the next day or so, Jerry Jones said. Stewart or secondary coach Todd Bowles will be named defensive coordinator, with the other handling the secondary.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
LSU's LaRon Landry is considered the top safety in the draft ahead of Florida's Reggie Nelson and Miami's Brandon Merriweather. Merriweather met with Falcons defensive back coach Emmitt Thomas Saturday. Landry will likely be available when the Falcons pick at the No. 10 spot. He's studied Atlanta's secondary situation. "They have great corners, a great secondary all around," Landry said. "I just love their defensive package." Landry is considered a combo-safety, who can play either strong or free safety.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
The Bengals are looking to bolster a defense that was tied for last in passing in 2006. A top early-entry junior might be available at No. 18 in former Pitt cornerback Darrelle Revis. Some mock drafts have Revis staying in Pittsburgh and going to the Steelers with the 15th overall pick. There's a sense among Steelers scouts, though, that Revis might not be worth the 15th pick. He could be there at 18. ... Another defensive player that could be available for the Bengals at No. 18 is Louisville's Amobi Okoye. He is a 6-2, 320-pound defensive tackle who is just 19 years old. He was born June 10, 1987, but already has a college degree in psychology. He turned down Harvard to go to Louisville/ He started school early in his native Nigeria.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Browns General Manager Phil Savage said the microfracture process of Kellen Winslow's surgery was not as drastic or serious as it might sound. ``When you hear microfracture, there's a lot of negative connotations to that surgery,'' Savage said. ``I don't think this was quite as extensive as some of the others that have gone on over the years. He did have some scar tissue cleaned out and the cartilage part involved the microfracture. ``From what I understand, it was not as extensive as other players have had in the past.''
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Minxx has received repeated menacing phone calls, according to co-owner Robert Susnar. He says one caller threatened to kill every bouncer at the club. Susnar, however, says he'll continue to talk about the incident. "I've had two employees shot. The least I can do is step up and tell their story," he says. "I'm not going to let Pacman Jones intimidate me. Are we supposed to cower simply because he's a pro athlete? . . . The NFL is starting to look like an organized crime family and I find that objectionable."
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
The Chargers are on the verge of hiring Kevin Ross as a secondary coach, a league source said yesterday. Ross, who played defensive back in the NFL for 14 seasons, including 1996 with the Chargers, was assistant secondary coach with the Minnesota Vikings under new Chargers defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Five-time Pro Bowl center Matt Birk, 30, whose $4.5 million salary for 2007 is expected to be renegotiated, said Saturday he's eager to remain with the Vikings.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Former Commanders safety Troy Vincent, whom many expect to be the next president of the NFL Players Association, hired renowned agent Drew Rosenhaus, the agent confirmed to NFL Network. "I've known Troy and had the utmost admiration for him for the past 15 years," Rosenhaus said. The marriage is an intriguing one on a number of levels. For starters, Rosenhaus will be negotiating Vincent's next contract with his next NFL team, and the veteran safety does want to continue playing after spending this past season with the Commanders. "There is a definite market for him," Rosenhaus said. "He brings so much leadership to whichever team signs him." But more important, should Vincent succeed Gene Upshaw as the NFLPA president, as many expect, then Rosenhaus will have a strong ally and voice in the union.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Nebraska defensive end Adam Carriker, who is 6-foot-6, 296-pounds, met with the Falcons on Sunday. "It went well," Carriker said. "They had me draw up some defenses of what we did in college and we went over what our schemes were. They just wanted to see what I knew about the Xs and Os of football."
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Browns GM Phil Savage on the perception that Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn did not play well in big games: ``I think it's unfair, quite frankly.'' He added: ``this draft process is interesting because whoever's wearing the crown, everybody tries to knock the crown off his head.''
One prominent and well-respected agent said the fear of staph infection would not preclude him from sending a free agent to the Browns, but the turmoil surrounding the team might. That's if all is equal between the Browns and another team. If the Browns offer the most money? ``No problem,'' the agent said.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Early Sunday afternoon at the NFL combine, Troy Smith did little to separate himself from the mediocre group of 19 quarterbacks that worked out before hundreds of coaches and scouts sitting in the RCA Dome. Afterward, two scouts predicted that Smith would go either late in the third or the fourth round. Another scout guessed fourth or fifth round. Only John Cooper, the Buckeyes' former head coach and now a scouting consultant for the Cincinnati Bengals, seemed confident that Smith would go fairly high. "I think because he won the Heisman Trophy, you look at him and expect him to be perfect," Cooper said. "He's not. He's still got to improve to play at the next level. But somebody will take Troy Smith the first day." The list of Heisman-winning quarterbacks who flopped in pro football includes Jason White, Eric Crouch, Chris Weinke, Danny Wuerffel, Gino Torretta and Andre Ware, and that's just since 1989.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Wisconsin QB John Stocco threw the ball better than he ran the 40-yard dash at the RCA Dome but overall appeared to solidify his status as a mid-to late round draft choice. "It looked like he was fairly good today," said T.J. McCreight, assistant director of player personnel for the Cleveland Browns. "He's smart. Gets rid of the ball fairly good. I'd say fourth or fifth round." Four other scouts all predicted Stocco would be drafted. Two called him a late pick, one said he would go between the fifth and seventh rounds and Kansas City Chiefs President Carl Peterson guessed he could go as early as the third but probably would last to the second day.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Former Gophers running back Gary Russell could have cost himself an opportunity to be selected in the draft when he posted unofficial 40-yard dash times of 4.84 and 4.80 seconds on Sunday. Russell, who would have been a junior this past season but left school after being ruled academically ineligible, had been considered a potential mid-round selection. His substandard performance came two days after he said a friend had jokingly told him, "Just don't run what Maurice Clarett ran." Clarett, the former Ohio State star now in jail, ran the 40 in 4.72 and 4.82 seconds in 2005 at the combine.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Yesterday was the big day for cornerbacks at the Combine. One name to remember is Marcus McCauley of Fresno State. The 6-foot, 200-pounder played alongside current Pats Logan Mankins and James Sanders under coach Pat Hill, a Bill Belichick disciple.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Clemson DE Gaines Adams looks forward as well as back. He's doing all the combine drills except the bench press, because he wants to get stronger before his pro day workout March 13. He has faced one main criticism by analysts: "The question with him is how important is the game and his work ethic," said NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock. "There's been some inconsistent play with (Adams)." Adams is trying to change that perception. He must have mentioned that he was "working hard" six times in the interview.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Rex Grossman did nothing during the Super Bowl to earn the benefit of the doubt around the league, if a handful of conversations with NFL coaches, scouts and executives this week are any indication. Grossman could turn in a Pro Bowl season in his second year as a starter or he could turn into a Chicago version of Joey Harrington. Not even the Bears can be sure yet which Grossman they will get.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
JaMarcus Russell and Notre Dame's Brady Quinn are considered to be the highest-rated quarterbacks in this year's draft. No doubt, Russell (6 feet 6, 260 pounds) would strike an imposing figure in silver and black. "The questions with Russell are going to come up on the work ethic side and how much the guy loves football or doesn't love football," said NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock. "As we get closer (to the draft), the scrutiny on him will increase, especially off the field. How much does he love football? How hard is he willing to work? Really, that's what Al Davis and the Oakland Raiders have to decide."
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
The Browns cleared out the training facility the past few days to put a glaze of some kind on the facility -- locker room, training room, weight room -- to try to prevent future staph infections. At least five players have had staph infections in the past 18 months, including center LeCharles Bentley, whose career is hanging in the balance.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
As for strong-side linebacker, Dhani Jones is still the Eagles starter as of right now, but it wouldn't be shocking if he were replaced by Chris Gocong, last year's third-round draft pick, who spent the 2006 season on injured reserve. It's also possible that the Eagles bring in a free-agent linebacker to replace Jones. Veteran Brian Dawkins will be back for another season as the starter at free safety, and Sean Considine will likely remain as the strong safety. The Eagles want Considine to work at adding bulk and maintaining it through the season.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Reggie Ball, who started at quarterback for four seasons at Georgia Tech, worked out at the NFL scouting combine at wide receiver Sunday. Ball is trying to follow in the footsteps of former college quarterbacks Antwaan Randle El and Reggie McNeal and make the conversation to wide receiver. Randle El, a quarterback at Indiana, plays wide receiver for the Washington Commanders. McNeal, who played quarterback at Texas A&M, made the Cincinnati Bengals last season as a wide receiver. Ball, wearing No. 4, caught all of his passes during the gauntlet drill.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Louisville’s Amobi Okoye, 19, has become a top prospect for the N.F.L. draft. “Obviously, everybody is intrigued because he’s 19 years old,” said Mike Mayock, the NFL Network’s lead draft analyst. He added, “I know a lot of teams that think he’s a top-15 type player.” Okoye, who turns 20 in June, has the stride of a guy in a rush, as befits somebody who has always been a couple of steps ahead of his peer group.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
UTEP quarterback Jordan Palmer, younger brother of Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer, was increasingly precise as his drills wore on. He stood out because, at 6-6, he is the tallest quarterback at the combine.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
With the interest in the combine growing among fans, there is a chance that it may be open to the general public beginning in 2008. “There’s been discussions about it, certainly with the [NFL’s] competition committee,” Jeff Foster said. “I know that we’re working closely with the league office of football operations and player personnel. I know that presentation has been made to the competition committee. It was made in terms of 2007. But we were running too close to the event to make any decisions. There’s certainly a possibility [of the proposal to open up the combine to fans] moving forward.”
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
The Browns have resisted the pressure from others in the league to raise ticket prices. The cost will not go up this season. Owner Randy Lerner does not believe that he should raise prices until the product on the field improves, if then. The Browns ranked 29th in the 32-team league in average ticket cost last season, lowest in the AFC North.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Buffalo Bills cornerback Nate Clements, soon to be an unrestricted free agent, has the Tennessee Titans high on the list of teams he is interested in playing for, according to a source at the NFL Combine.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome discussed his decision not to place the franchise tag on linebacker Adalius Thomas, one of the prizes of free agency and a potential target of the Patriots.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
There have been a few trade feelers for Lions cornerback Dre Bly , who has been told he can make a deal with another team, president Matt Millen said. "We'll take it where it goes," Millen said. "There are a couple of teams I've talked to about him. Everybody sees value different." Defensive linemen Marcus Bell and James Hall , and guard Ross Verba also have been told they can shop themselves to other teams.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy hopes safety Mike Doss stays. It's easy to assume Doss, an unrestricted free agent, will leave in free agency after the market opens Friday. While the 2003 second-round pick out of McKinley and Ohio State was recovering from knee surgery in 2006, sixth-round pick Antoine Bethea was emerging as a find at safety. Yet, just because the Colts won a Super Bowl without Doss doesn't mean they think they're fine without him. "(Doss leaving) is not a foregone conclusion to me,'' Dungy told The Repository. "We'd love to have him back.''
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
I understand why the New York Giants would be interested in Buffalo Bills running back Willis McGahee, who reportedly is on the trade market. Brandon Jacobs and McGahee would be a nice 1-2 punch replacing the retired Tiki Barber. And he plays like Jim Brown against the New York Jets. But what could the Bills get for McGahee? Probably no better than a third-round draft pick, considering that 2007 is the last year on his contract. And who would run the ball for Buffalo? Anthony Thomas is at best a No. 2 running back, Adrian Peterson will be a top-five pick in the draft (possibly to Cleveland No. 3) and Marshawn Lynch would be a stretch with Buffalo's No. 12 overall pick.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Jerry Jones said the Cowboys' biggest focus this week is getting a contract extension for right tackle Marc Colombo before he becomes a restricted free agent Thursday. Because Colombo and quarterback Tony Romo have the same agent, Tom Condon, Jones said there have been informal discussions about an extension for Romo.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
The Seahawks wouldn't trade their leading receiver, would they? It all depends on the draft-choice compensation another team might be willing to part with to acquire Darrell Jackson. Jackson is available, sources said Sunday at the NFL scouting combine. But club president Tim Ruskell labeled the situation "combine talk" and stressed that nothing is imminent. "We get a lot of interest at the combine, people asking about our players," Ruskell said. "We'll listen to anything, but it doesn't mean we're going to do anything. "In terms of Darrell, he's under contract and we plan on having him back. That's where that stands."
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Patrick Kerney opted out of the final two years of his current contract and will be come an unrestricted free agent. Defensive end is one of the Titans’ top needs either via the draft or the free agent market, and Kerney would likely jump to the top of the list of available free agent defensive ends. Kerney’s agent is Tony Agnone, who also happens to represent Kyle Vanden Bosch of the Titans. Could the Titans attempt to pair up the two Agnone clients?
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones acknowledges that he is concerned about receiver Terrell Owens' upcoming finger surgery and his ability to be ready for the 2007 season. Owens is set to have a second surgery Thursday to repair a torn tendon in his right ring finger. According to team trainers, he is not expected to start catching passes until training camp in July. Jones said the surgery and rehab will have no impact on his decision to pay Owens a $3 million roster bonus in June to guarantee his $5 million salary for next year. He said Owens is under contract and will be with the Cowboys. But Jones is worried about Owens' ability to be in top shape by training camp, not just because of the finger, but because he could lose time acclimating to the coaching staff and possible changes to the offense.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
With free agency coming, veteran defensive tackle Michael Myers, who is considered a tad undersized by standards at his position, does not appear to be close on a new contract with the Broncos. "My agent has been talking to them, but I'm not sure what they're thinking," Myers said. "Hopefully, we can work something out because I want to keep playing for the Broncos."
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn could be available when the Bucs are on the clock with the No .4 overall pick in April's draft. Jon Gruden is in position to stop Quinn's free fall. But will the golden boy coach risk a first-round pick on a Golden Dome quarterback who might never start in Tampa Bay for him? The answer might surprise you. Gruden interviewed the 6-foot-4, 227-pound Quinn in a hotel room Saturday night. "Somebody asked me the other day why his stock is falling," he said. "Who said his stock is falling? The NFL Network? "I don't understand. The guy's a four-year starter at Notre Dame. I see his stock very high. I don't care who coached him, the guy is a physical talent. ... He threw 37 touchdowns and seven picks this year at Notre Dame. He's been in the biggest pressure cooker there is in college football and handled it well. So I don't know how his stock would fall."
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Pittsburgh cornerback Ike Taylor hopes to make a favorable impression on first-year coach Mike Tomlin. Taylor was benched for five games in 2006 because of disappointing play. Taylor started his off-season conditioning program Feb. 1 with speed and conditioning coach Tom Shaw of New Orleans at Walt Disney's Wide World of Sports Center in Orlando, Fla. "I am not looking back," Taylor said. "This is my fifth year and I know expectations are high for me. I have high expectations for myself."
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Jeff Garcia is unlikely to land that starting job with a contender; he instead will sign somewhere - Denver? Tampa Bay? - as a backup, or go back into the situation he said he didn't want to face again, starting for a struggling team, such as Houston. Team sources confirmed there is no chance of Garcia returning to the Eagles, and they also confirmed that the team is very unlikely to make an offer to pending free-agent wide receiver Donté Stallworth.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Within the next week, the Detroit Lions are expected to receive notable offers for their cornerback Dre Bly, who is on the trading block. Knowing that Bly is on the block, Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall admitted that he has been lobbying Atlanta's front office to trade for the Lions Pro Bowl cornerback. Hall and Bly grew up in the same area in Virginia, and Hall considers Bly an older brother. The two speak on the telephone on an almost daily basis, and Hall now is doing the small part he can to bring Bly to Atlanta.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Troy Brown’s representatives refused to field any questions regarding his future this weekend at the NFL Combine, adding to speculation that the 14-year veteran is leaning toward retirement. Sources close to the wide receiver indicated that was his preference following the AFC Championship Game loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Had the Patriots won the Super Bowl, the belief around the team is that Brown would have walked away. The fact they fell just short leaves the door open a crack for his return, but that door appears to be closing.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
The Broncos also could inquire about Cincinnati's Eric Steinbach or San Diego's Kris Dielman, guards widely considered by NFL coaches and executives as the top two prizes in this year's free-agent market.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Linebacker Lance Briggs likely will miss a significant portion of training camp if the Bears don't feel compelled to trade him and his contract baggage. General manager Jerry Angelo worried about sticking the franchise tag on Briggs because of the chemistry problems it could create. So that seems like another valid concern on a team that cited togetherness as a strength in 2006. Losing defensive tackle Ian Scott to free agency could hurt the Bears' defensive interior more than they think, especially if Tommie Harris struggles to return to Pro Bowl form after hamstring surgery. Can the Bears count on Tank Johnson and Dusty Dvoracek for stability? Really?
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Details of the negotiations between the Eagles and Jeff Garcia were almost nonexistent. "I think Jeff was their number-one choice to be brought back, but he was their number-one choice to be brought back at their numbers," Garcia's agent, Steve Baker, said at the Indianapolis Convention Center yesterday. "The problem is I don't even know what their numbers were. The Eagles never made an offer. They gave us some initial parameters that were extremely low, then backed off them, and there was no further offer. "The main reason I came to Indy was that I wanted the Eagles to know I was here, and I wanted them to know I was available to talk."
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Turns out the Rams quietly did yet another contract renegotiation with running back Marshall Faulk last July. The revised deal lowered his base salary to $1 million (from $2 million) in '06; to $820,000 (from $2.6 million) in '07; and to $830,000 (from $3.2 million) in '08. As part of the latest renegotiation, Faulk also is due a $225,000 roster bonus at the end of next week. Although the Rams expect Faulk to retire, it's possible they will still pay out that bonus. Despite the altered base salaries, the Rams remain on the hook for about a $4 million cap hit once Faulk retires — in the form of unamortized signing bonus money from past renegotiations.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
The Bears are cheap. That's not necessarily breaking news. Team President Ted Phillips low-balls head-coaching candidates. Heck, if he didn't, Lovie Smith wouldn't have the job in the first place. It would have gone to Nick Saban in 2004 if Saban could have stopped laughing at the Bears' initial contract offer long enough to sign it. It's not that the Bears think Smith isn't worth nearly $5 million a season, it's that they think no head coach possibly can be worth that much money. If that were not their ingrained philosophy, Smith's extension would have been completed a year ago.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Matt Millen refused to broach topics that dealt with coach Rod Marinelli, and he spoke guardedly about the Lions' personnel strategies during discussions near the NFL scouting combine at the RCA Dome.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
The Lions also have decided to part company with tight end Marcus Pollard after two years. He signed as a free agent in 2005, but his role was diminished last year. He had 49 catches in 2005 and only 12 in '06.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Rufus Alexander admits that he would love playing for a team like the Indianapolis Colts. For that matter, any team that plays the Tampa Bay Cover 2 defensive alignment would be fine with the 6-foot, 227-pound outside linebacker. Alexander, who earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors at Oklahoma last season, figures that his playing style is very conducive to the defensive system currently employed by several NFL teams, including Chicago, St. Louis, Tampa Bay and the Colts. In fact, the Sooners have used that alignment with pretty good success the last several years.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
All but $250,000 of the $4 million in roster bonuses that cornerback Al Harris received in his restructured contract and two-year extension from the Green Bay Packers is contingent upon his continued good health. Harris, 32, has played 144 regular-season and 10 post-season games without a miss during his nine-year career.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
According to league sources, the Rams have made one-year contract offers to linebacker Brandon Chillar, tight end Aaron Walker and offensive lineman Adam Goldberg. Restricted free agents have three years of NFL experience. By making the offers, the Rams get matching rights on any outside offers the players might get once the free agency period starts Friday. If the Rams don't match, they are eligible to receive draft-pick compensation.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
The Eagles seem interested in signing only defensive end Juqua Thomas and safety Quintin Mikell before free agency starts. Thomas' agent, Kennard McGuire, confirmed at the combine that talks are proceeding, and said he was optimistic. Mikell's agent, Jason Chayut, also sounded hopeful yesterday. "I'm still in talks with the Eagles," Chayut said. "They've certainly demonstrated interest in Quentin and he'd like to stay with the Eagles."
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
If the Bears accommodate running back Thomas Jones' trade request, the ground game goes from an obvious strength to an unknown. Cedric Benson looked explosive in late-season spurts but has durability and maturity questions that only a 16-game season can answer.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
The Eagles probably will look for a running-back complement to Brian Westbrook in free agency or the draft. That doesn't necessarily mean Correll Buckhalter won't be back in some capacity - offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said this weekend he was very pleased with Buckhalter's improvement during the season. But the Birds certainly aren't making the signing of Buckhalter a priority. Given his injury history, he is unlikely to attract a lot of interest on the market. If he does get an offer, he's probably gone.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
No team has any more salary-cap space than San Francisco, which has close to $38 million to spend. Thirty-eight million! That used to be close to what the salary cap for an entire team was in the mid 1990s. With the space, the 49ers believe they are going to be able to land at least two defensive studs and quite possibly a quality offensive lineman. Look for the 49ers to make a major push to sign Baltimore's free agent linebacker Adalius Thomas, Seattle free agent safety Ken Hamlin, as well as New England free-agent linebacker Tully Banta-Cain. Along the offensive line, the 49ers are expected to make a significant push for Cincinnati's versatile free-agent offensive lineman Eric Steinbach, who can play any position along the line.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
The Cowboys are expected to finalize their staff by adding Chargers secondary coach Brian Stewart in the next day or so, Jerry Jones said. Stewart or secondary coach Todd Bowles will be named defensive coordinator, with the other handling the secondary.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
LSU's LaRon Landry is considered the top safety in the draft ahead of Florida's Reggie Nelson and Miami's Brandon Merriweather. Merriweather met with Falcons defensive back coach Emmitt Thomas Saturday. Landry will likely be available when the Falcons pick at the No. 10 spot. He's studied Atlanta's secondary situation. "They have great corners, a great secondary all around," Landry said. "I just love their defensive package." Landry is considered a combo-safety, who can play either strong or free safety.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
The Bengals are looking to bolster a defense that was tied for last in passing in 2006. A top early-entry junior might be available at No. 18 in former Pitt cornerback Darrelle Revis. Some mock drafts have Revis staying in Pittsburgh and going to the Steelers with the 15th overall pick. There's a sense among Steelers scouts, though, that Revis might not be worth the 15th pick. He could be there at 18. ... Another defensive player that could be available for the Bengals at No. 18 is Louisville's Amobi Okoye. He is a 6-2, 320-pound defensive tackle who is just 19 years old. He was born June 10, 1987, but already has a college degree in psychology. He turned down Harvard to go to Louisville/ He started school early in his native Nigeria.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Browns General Manager Phil Savage said the microfracture process of Kellen Winslow's surgery was not as drastic or serious as it might sound. ``When you hear microfracture, there's a lot of negative connotations to that surgery,'' Savage said. ``I don't think this was quite as extensive as some of the others that have gone on over the years. He did have some scar tissue cleaned out and the cartilage part involved the microfracture. ``From what I understand, it was not as extensive as other players have had in the past.''
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Minxx has received repeated menacing phone calls, according to co-owner Robert Susnar. He says one caller threatened to kill every bouncer at the club. Susnar, however, says he'll continue to talk about the incident. "I've had two employees shot. The least I can do is step up and tell their story," he says. "I'm not going to let Pacman Jones intimidate me. Are we supposed to cower simply because he's a pro athlete? . . . The NFL is starting to look like an organized crime family and I find that objectionable."
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
The Chargers are on the verge of hiring Kevin Ross as a secondary coach, a league source said yesterday. Ross, who played defensive back in the NFL for 14 seasons, including 1996 with the Chargers, was assistant secondary coach with the Minnesota Vikings under new Chargers defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Five-time Pro Bowl center Matt Birk, 30, whose $4.5 million salary for 2007 is expected to be renegotiated, said Saturday he's eager to remain with the Vikings.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Former Commanders safety Troy Vincent, whom many expect to be the next president of the NFL Players Association, hired renowned agent Drew Rosenhaus, the agent confirmed to NFL Network. "I've known Troy and had the utmost admiration for him for the past 15 years," Rosenhaus said. The marriage is an intriguing one on a number of levels. For starters, Rosenhaus will be negotiating Vincent's next contract with his next NFL team, and the veteran safety does want to continue playing after spending this past season with the Commanders. "There is a definite market for him," Rosenhaus said. "He brings so much leadership to whichever team signs him." But more important, should Vincent succeed Gene Upshaw as the NFLPA president, as many expect, then Rosenhaus will have a strong ally and voice in the union.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Nebraska defensive end Adam Carriker, who is 6-foot-6, 296-pounds, met with the Falcons on Sunday. "It went well," Carriker said. "They had me draw up some defenses of what we did in college and we went over what our schemes were. They just wanted to see what I knew about the Xs and Os of football."
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Browns GM Phil Savage on the perception that Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn did not play well in big games: ``I think it's unfair, quite frankly.'' He added: ``this draft process is interesting because whoever's wearing the crown, everybody tries to knock the crown off his head.''
One prominent and well-respected agent said the fear of staph infection would not preclude him from sending a free agent to the Browns, but the turmoil surrounding the team might. That's if all is equal between the Browns and another team. If the Browns offer the most money? ``No problem,'' the agent said.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Early Sunday afternoon at the NFL combine, Troy Smith did little to separate himself from the mediocre group of 19 quarterbacks that worked out before hundreds of coaches and scouts sitting in the RCA Dome. Afterward, two scouts predicted that Smith would go either late in the third or the fourth round. Another scout guessed fourth or fifth round. Only John Cooper, the Buckeyes' former head coach and now a scouting consultant for the Cincinnati Bengals, seemed confident that Smith would go fairly high. "I think because he won the Heisman Trophy, you look at him and expect him to be perfect," Cooper said. "He's not. He's still got to improve to play at the next level. But somebody will take Troy Smith the first day." The list of Heisman-winning quarterbacks who flopped in pro football includes Jason White, Eric Crouch, Chris Weinke, Danny Wuerffel, Gino Torretta and Andre Ware, and that's just since 1989.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Wisconsin QB John Stocco threw the ball better than he ran the 40-yard dash at the RCA Dome but overall appeared to solidify his status as a mid-to late round draft choice. "It looked like he was fairly good today," said T.J. McCreight, assistant director of player personnel for the Cleveland Browns. "He's smart. Gets rid of the ball fairly good. I'd say fourth or fifth round." Four other scouts all predicted Stocco would be drafted. Two called him a late pick, one said he would go between the fifth and seventh rounds and Kansas City Chiefs President Carl Peterson guessed he could go as early as the third but probably would last to the second day.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Former Gophers running back Gary Russell could have cost himself an opportunity to be selected in the draft when he posted unofficial 40-yard dash times of 4.84 and 4.80 seconds on Sunday. Russell, who would have been a junior this past season but left school after being ruled academically ineligible, had been considered a potential mid-round selection. His substandard performance came two days after he said a friend had jokingly told him, "Just don't run what Maurice Clarett ran." Clarett, the former Ohio State star now in jail, ran the 40 in 4.72 and 4.82 seconds in 2005 at the combine.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Yesterday was the big day for cornerbacks at the Combine. One name to remember is Marcus McCauley of Fresno State. The 6-foot, 200-pounder played alongside current Pats Logan Mankins and James Sanders under coach Pat Hill, a Bill Belichick disciple.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Clemson DE Gaines Adams looks forward as well as back. He's doing all the combine drills except the bench press, because he wants to get stronger before his pro day workout March 13. He has faced one main criticism by analysts: "The question with him is how important is the game and his work ethic," said NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock. "There's been some inconsistent play with (Adams)." Adams is trying to change that perception. He must have mentioned that he was "working hard" six times in the interview.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Rex Grossman did nothing during the Super Bowl to earn the benefit of the doubt around the league, if a handful of conversations with NFL coaches, scouts and executives this week are any indication. Grossman could turn in a Pro Bowl season in his second year as a starter or he could turn into a Chicago version of Joey Harrington. Not even the Bears can be sure yet which Grossman they will get.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
JaMarcus Russell and Notre Dame's Brady Quinn are considered to be the highest-rated quarterbacks in this year's draft. No doubt, Russell (6 feet 6, 260 pounds) would strike an imposing figure in silver and black. "The questions with Russell are going to come up on the work ethic side and how much the guy loves football or doesn't love football," said NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock. "As we get closer (to the draft), the scrutiny on him will increase, especially off the field. How much does he love football? How hard is he willing to work? Really, that's what Al Davis and the Oakland Raiders have to decide."
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
The Browns cleared out the training facility the past few days to put a glaze of some kind on the facility -- locker room, training room, weight room -- to try to prevent future staph infections. At least five players have had staph infections in the past 18 months, including center LeCharles Bentley, whose career is hanging in the balance.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
As for strong-side linebacker, Dhani Jones is still the Eagles starter as of right now, but it wouldn't be shocking if he were replaced by Chris Gocong, last year's third-round draft pick, who spent the 2006 season on injured reserve. It's also possible that the Eagles bring in a free-agent linebacker to replace Jones. Veteran Brian Dawkins will be back for another season as the starter at free safety, and Sean Considine will likely remain as the strong safety. The Eagles want Considine to work at adding bulk and maintaining it through the season.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Reggie Ball, who started at quarterback for four seasons at Georgia Tech, worked out at the NFL scouting combine at wide receiver Sunday. Ball is trying to follow in the footsteps of former college quarterbacks Antwaan Randle El and Reggie McNeal and make the conversation to wide receiver. Randle El, a quarterback at Indiana, plays wide receiver for the Washington Commanders. McNeal, who played quarterback at Texas A&M, made the Cincinnati Bengals last season as a wide receiver. Ball, wearing No. 4, caught all of his passes during the gauntlet drill.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
Louisville’s Amobi Okoye, 19, has become a top prospect for the N.F.L. draft. “Obviously, everybody is intrigued because he’s 19 years old,” said Mike Mayock, the NFL Network’s lead draft analyst. He added, “I know a lot of teams that think he’s a top-15 type player.” Okoye, who turns 20 in June, has the stride of a guy in a rush, as befits somebody who has always been a couple of steps ahead of his peer group.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
UTEP quarterback Jordan Palmer, younger brother of Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer, was increasingly precise as his drills wore on. He stood out because, at 6-6, he is the tallest quarterback at the combine.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
With the interest in the combine growing among fans, there is a chance that it may be open to the general public beginning in 2008. “There’s been discussions about it, certainly with the [NFL’s] competition committee,” Jeff Foster said. “I know that we’re working closely with the league office of football operations and player personnel. I know that presentation has been made to the competition committee. It was made in terms of 2007. But we were running too close to the event to make any decisions. There’s certainly a possibility [of the proposal to open up the combine to fans] moving forward.”
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
The Browns have resisted the pressure from others in the league to raise ticket prices. The cost will not go up this season. Owner Randy Lerner does not believe that he should raise prices until the product on the field improves, if then. The Browns ranked 29th in the 32-team league in average ticket cost last season, lowest in the AFC North.
Posted February 26, by Ben Maller
