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While it seems highly unlikely the Pats would pursue a player as divisive and highly paid as Terrell Owens, Keyshawn Johnson makes a lot of sense. The 6-foot-4, 214-pounder’s style of play very much fits the Patriots mold - big, strong, tough and willing to block in the running game. He would provide an excellent complement to the smaller, speedier Branch. Jerome Stanley, Johnson’s agent, did not return calls seeking comment.
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The Ravens are still shopping around middle linebacker Ray Lewis as trade bait, possibly to the Denver Broncos for one of their two offensive tackles, Matt Lepsis or George Foster.
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With an eye toward improving the safety position, the Falcons have made a three-year contract offer to hard-hitting strong safety Lawyer Milloy, who visited the team's facilities in Flowery Branch on Monday, according to his agent. "We are looking over things," said Carl Poston, Milloy's Houston-based agent. "He had a great interview and he loved it. We just have to try to look at all of the options and see what's best for him."
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How are the Eagles going to replace Terrell Owens? It's possible that Green Bay's Javon Walker and Buffalo's Eric Moulds could become available in a trade because they are in contract disputes with their current teams. If the Eagles keep the status quo at the receiver position, they'd go into the season with Reggie Brown as the No. 1 target and either Todd Pinkston or Greg Lewis as the No. 2 guy. The other veteran receiver on the roster is Billy McMullen.
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Former Cardinals quarterback Josh McCown arrived in Alameda on Tuesday night for a look, further squelching rumors that the Raiders are still negotiating with Kerry Collins. Collins, 33, was waived last week to rid the team of his $9.2 million cap hit. The Raiders apparently have no interest in re-signing him; there has been no dialogue between the team and Collins' agent, David Dunn, since Collins was cut loose.
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Chiefs coach Herm Edwards said the Chiefs had no plans to meet with Terrell Owens. “We haven’t had that conversation,” Edwards said. “We haven’t talked about it. We don’t know what that situation is, so we’ll just have to see. “We haven’t talked to his people since the Senior Bowl (in January). Nothing has transpired since that. We’re open to listening to everybody. That’s what you have to be able to do in free-agency. You have to be a good listener.”
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The Jets and Falcons are engaged in trade talks, and the Jets are offering disgruntled defensive end John Abraham, the person said. The Falcons want Abraham and appear willing to meet his huge contract demands, but they're not willing to include Matt Schaub in the package, ESPN reported. That could be a deal-breaker. The Falcons have two attractive commodities — Schaub and their first-round pick (No.15) — and it's hard to imagine the Jets settling for a deal that doesn't include one of those. The Jets probably would take Schaub and a second-round pick for Abraham
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Team officials had been telling reporters covering the Cowboys that they didn't envision signing T.O.; yesterday, those reporters were told there was no connection between axing Keyshawn and adding T.O., but apparently, no one flat-out said an Terrell Owens signing couldn't happen. Drew Rosenhaus met with Dallas coach Bill Parcells at the NFL scouting combine last month.
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An NFL source said Tuesday night that the Packers plan on bringing New England Patriots free agent kicker Adam Vinatieri in for a visit on Friday. Vinatieri, widely considered the best clutch kicker in the game after making last-minute kicks to win Super Bowls XXXVI and XXXVIII, figures to command even more than the five-year, $10 million ($3 million signing bonus) contract Ryan Longwell signed with the Minnesota Vikings earlier this week. Vinatieri was tagged as a franchise player by the Patriots each of the past two offseasons, but the team opted not to use the tag on him again this year. While the Patriots want him back, the prevailing thought is that he will sign elsewhere - though the Packers' interest comes as a mild surprise. Packers general manager Ted Thompson was unavailable for comment Tuesday night.
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The Dolphins contacted the agent for free agent quarterback Tommy Maddox, who could take the backup role if Gus Frerotte doesn't re-sign.
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Will the Broncos dare to become T.O.'s next employer? "I don't know what our position is with Terrell Owens," Broncos owner Pat Bowlen said. "I'm sure there will be a lot more interest in him around the league now that he's a free agent. But as for us, I'm not sure."
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Some people think the Vikings might be able to take the No. 51 pick from Miami, their own No. 17 and No. 48 overall picks, plus trade a player or two (perhaps Jim Kleinsasser and/or Nate Burleson), to New Orleans for the Saints' No. 2 overall pick. With the No. 2 pick, the Vikings probably would have their choice of quarterbacks: Matt Leinart of Southern California, Vince Young of Texas or Jay Cutler of Vanderbilt. Each of them would command a signing bonus of at least $20 million.
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The Miami Dolphins released quarterback Gus Frerotte. Frerotte, who still has a home in the Denver area from his time with the Broncos, has told his agent, Marvin Demoff, he would like to play in Denver or St. Louis. The Rams are coached by Scott Linehan, who was Frerotte's offensive coordinator in Minnesota and Miami. Frerotte turned away an offer from the Broncos last year to stay in Miami to work with Linehan. ‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗
Defensive end John Abraham arrived in Seattle on Tuesday night and will visit Seahawks headquarters today.
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Vinny Cerrato, Commanders vice president of football operations, has contacted the agent for free agent linebacker Sam Cowart, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Cowart, an eight-year veteran, played middle linebacker in Buffalo under Gregg Williams, assistant head coach-defense, and is familiar with the system. Cowart wants to continue to play middle linebacker, according to his agent, Paul Healy, and has visits scheduled for next week but not to Washington.
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A source said the Browns have begun to feel out what it would take to sign Julian Peterson, a free agent outside linebacker who was the 49ers' franchise player two straight years. Peterson made 82 tackles last season after just 27 in 2004 when an Achilles injury ended his season after five games.
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The Commanders are believed to be pursuing San Diego cornerback Jamar Fletcher for their vacant nickel back spot. Fletcher, 26, is a former first-round pick of Miami who had one sack and one interception last year.
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Falcons president and general manager Rich McKay scoffed at suggestions of becoming NFL commissioner in light of reports that Paul Tagliabue could be stepping down before his contract expires in two years. "I struggle enough to keep my present day job to worry about another job," said McKay, hired by team owner Arthur Blank to run the Falcons in 2003. "I don't really have any answer to that." For years McKay has been mentioned as a possible successor to Tagliabue. "Since I was five years old I've been hearing that," McKay said.
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Two NFC personnel executives said the Broncos have been shopping their two first-round picks in April's draft in exchange for early picks in the 2007 draft.
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The Saints made it happen by showing Drew Brees the love -- and the money -- outbidding all other teams for his services. The Saints will owe Brees another $12 million bonus next March if they want to keep him on the roster, according to sources. "Really, what it came down to was who I felt like believed in me the most," Brees told the Times-Picayune on Tuesday night. "I really got a great feeling from the Saints organization and the head coach. And I really felt like I have the opportunity to do something great here. "The Saints have made it clear from the beginning that I'm their guy they want to build this thing with, and that's really exciting." A source told the Sun-Sentinel that Brees' shoulder was "much worse" than the Dolphins thought after he was examined by the team's medical staff. But the Saints did not have such concerns after their own evaluation.
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Quarterback Daunte Culpepper, traded by the Vikings to the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday, will be in downtown Minneapolis next week for a Hennepin County motions hearing. Culpepper's attorney, Earl Gray from St. Paul, is seeking dismissal of lewd conduct charges stemming from the Lake Minnetonka boat party in October. If Culpepper were not to appear at the hearing at 9 a.m. next Wednesday, a warrant for his arrest could be issued. "Now that (prosecuting attorney Steven) Mr. Tallen has driven Mr. Culpepper out of town with his frivolous charge, maybe he'll own up and dismiss the case since it never should have been charged," Gray said Tuesday.
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Contract issues could have an impact on Joey Harrington's future with the Lions. He has two years left on the original six-year contract he signed in 2002, when the Lions drafted him in the first round. A roster bonus payment of $4 million is due June 15, and his base salaries are $4.45 million for each of the next two years. The base salaries are not guaranteed. Without a renegotiation, Harrington's salary-cap number for 2006 will be about $12 million.
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To clarify the structure of Adam Archuleta's contract, it includes $10 million in guaranteed money as part of a six-year, $30 million deal, the richest signed by a safety in NFL history. According to a NFLPA source, there is a $5 million signing bonus and a $5 million roster bonus due in March 2007, which is prorated as a $1 million bonus per season for salary cap purposes, keeping Archuleta's cap hit lower.
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When word got out yesterday that Jon Kitna was headed to the Lions, the Jets put in a call to Josh McCown, a free agent who played in Arizona last season. McCown, however, isn't interested.
This leaves the Jets with a number of options, including:
The Saints' signing of free-agent quarterback Drew Brees on Tuesday won't deter Matt Leinart from coming to New Orleans if the team uses its first-round draft choice to select the former Heisman Trophy winner, his agent said. "From Matt's perspective, we have always assumed there would be a veteran starter with any franchise that drafted him," agent Leigh Steinberg said, "and (assumed) he would not be the immediate starter, wherever he would go, and spending some time learning has proven to be advantageous for a number of the best quarterbacks in football." Steinberg said Tuesday he didn't think Brees' presence in New Orleans would be a problem as far as negotiating a contract with the Saints should the team decide to use its pick on Leinart. It has been reported that Leinart could command a $22 million signing bonus.
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With the loss of Edgerrin James to Arizona, the Colts have paid out a $1.45 million roster bonus to backup Dominic Rhodes. Third-string running back and short-yardage specialist James Mungro, also an unrestricted free agent, continues to wait for an offer from Colts’ officials.
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According to recent comments Colts team president Bill Polian, Mike Vanderjagt has apparently played his last game in an Indianapolis uniform. Vanderjagt’s agent, Gil Scott, has been in contact with the Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys and, most recently, the Miami Dolphins. Green Bay lost its kicker, Ryan Longwell, to Minnesota over the weekend while the Dolphins have asked that their kicker, Olindo Mare, take a significant pay cut. Mare has balked at the request and has reportedly asked Miami to trade or release him. If that would occur, the Dolphins would seem to have a passing interest in Vanderjagt.
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A name not to forget is Troy Brown. The 13-year veteran told a West Virginia TV station Monday that he hasn’t decided if he’s going to play or retire. He has yet to hear from the Pats. The remaining free agents are uninspiring. Seattle’s Peter Warrick is a former No. 4 pick who caught 79 passes with Cincinnati in 2003, but has hauled in just 22 since. San Diego’s Reche Caldwell, Houston’s Jabar Gaffney and New Orleans’ Az Hakim would seem to lack Patriots toughness, while Peerless Price and Rod Gardner are coming off woeful seasons.
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Steelers starting cornerback Deshea Townsend, an unrestricted free agent, will visit the New England Patriots this week.
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The Steelers yesterday also entertained tight end Aaron Shea, a free agent from the Browns, but no deal was reached as they closed in a contract to bring back Jerame Tuman.
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While retirement from football is a strong possibility, Doug Flutie and Pats coach Bill Belichick are expected to discuss the 43-year-old quarterback’s future with the team one last time. Flutie and Pats quarterback Tom Brady formed a strong bond last season. Brady, according to a source, would like to have Flutie return for another season. There is an outside chance that Flutie may return to the Canadian Football League to close out his career.
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The Ravens are still shopping around middle linebacker Ray Lewis as trade bait, possibly to the Denver Broncos for one of their two offensive tackles, Matt Lepsis or George Foster.
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With an eye toward improving the safety position, the Falcons have made a three-year contract offer to hard-hitting strong safety Lawyer Milloy, who visited the team's facilities in Flowery Branch on Monday, according to his agent. "We are looking over things," said Carl Poston, Milloy's Houston-based agent. "He had a great interview and he loved it. We just have to try to look at all of the options and see what's best for him."
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How are the Eagles going to replace Terrell Owens? It's possible that Green Bay's Javon Walker and Buffalo's Eric Moulds could become available in a trade because they are in contract disputes with their current teams. If the Eagles keep the status quo at the receiver position, they'd go into the season with Reggie Brown as the No. 1 target and either Todd Pinkston or Greg Lewis as the No. 2 guy. The other veteran receiver on the roster is Billy McMullen.
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Former Cardinals quarterback Josh McCown arrived in Alameda on Tuesday night for a look, further squelching rumors that the Raiders are still negotiating with Kerry Collins. Collins, 33, was waived last week to rid the team of his $9.2 million cap hit. The Raiders apparently have no interest in re-signing him; there has been no dialogue between the team and Collins' agent, David Dunn, since Collins was cut loose.
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Chiefs coach Herm Edwards said the Chiefs had no plans to meet with Terrell Owens. “We haven’t had that conversation,” Edwards said. “We haven’t talked about it. We don’t know what that situation is, so we’ll just have to see. “We haven’t talked to his people since the Senior Bowl (in January). Nothing has transpired since that. We’re open to listening to everybody. That’s what you have to be able to do in free-agency. You have to be a good listener.”
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The Jets and Falcons are engaged in trade talks, and the Jets are offering disgruntled defensive end John Abraham, the person said. The Falcons want Abraham and appear willing to meet his huge contract demands, but they're not willing to include Matt Schaub in the package, ESPN reported. That could be a deal-breaker. The Falcons have two attractive commodities — Schaub and their first-round pick (No.15) — and it's hard to imagine the Jets settling for a deal that doesn't include one of those. The Jets probably would take Schaub and a second-round pick for Abraham
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Team officials had been telling reporters covering the Cowboys that they didn't envision signing T.O.; yesterday, those reporters were told there was no connection between axing Keyshawn and adding T.O., but apparently, no one flat-out said an Terrell Owens signing couldn't happen. Drew Rosenhaus met with Dallas coach Bill Parcells at the NFL scouting combine last month.
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An NFL source said Tuesday night that the Packers plan on bringing New England Patriots free agent kicker Adam Vinatieri in for a visit on Friday. Vinatieri, widely considered the best clutch kicker in the game after making last-minute kicks to win Super Bowls XXXVI and XXXVIII, figures to command even more than the five-year, $10 million ($3 million signing bonus) contract Ryan Longwell signed with the Minnesota Vikings earlier this week. Vinatieri was tagged as a franchise player by the Patriots each of the past two offseasons, but the team opted not to use the tag on him again this year. While the Patriots want him back, the prevailing thought is that he will sign elsewhere - though the Packers' interest comes as a mild surprise. Packers general manager Ted Thompson was unavailable for comment Tuesday night.
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The Dolphins contacted the agent for free agent quarterback Tommy Maddox, who could take the backup role if Gus Frerotte doesn't re-sign.
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Will the Broncos dare to become T.O.'s next employer? "I don't know what our position is with Terrell Owens," Broncos owner Pat Bowlen said. "I'm sure there will be a lot more interest in him around the league now that he's a free agent. But as for us, I'm not sure."
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Some people think the Vikings might be able to take the No. 51 pick from Miami, their own No. 17 and No. 48 overall picks, plus trade a player or two (perhaps Jim Kleinsasser and/or Nate Burleson), to New Orleans for the Saints' No. 2 overall pick. With the No. 2 pick, the Vikings probably would have their choice of quarterbacks: Matt Leinart of Southern California, Vince Young of Texas or Jay Cutler of Vanderbilt. Each of them would command a signing bonus of at least $20 million.
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The Miami Dolphins released quarterback Gus Frerotte. Frerotte, who still has a home in the Denver area from his time with the Broncos, has told his agent, Marvin Demoff, he would like to play in Denver or St. Louis. The Rams are coached by Scott Linehan, who was Frerotte's offensive coordinator in Minnesota and Miami. Frerotte turned away an offer from the Broncos last year to stay in Miami to work with Linehan. ‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗
Defensive end John Abraham arrived in Seattle on Tuesday night and will visit Seahawks headquarters today.
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Vinny Cerrato, Commanders vice president of football operations, has contacted the agent for free agent linebacker Sam Cowart, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Cowart, an eight-year veteran, played middle linebacker in Buffalo under Gregg Williams, assistant head coach-defense, and is familiar with the system. Cowart wants to continue to play middle linebacker, according to his agent, Paul Healy, and has visits scheduled for next week but not to Washington.
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A source said the Browns have begun to feel out what it would take to sign Julian Peterson, a free agent outside linebacker who was the 49ers' franchise player two straight years. Peterson made 82 tackles last season after just 27 in 2004 when an Achilles injury ended his season after five games.
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The Commanders are believed to be pursuing San Diego cornerback Jamar Fletcher for their vacant nickel back spot. Fletcher, 26, is a former first-round pick of Miami who had one sack and one interception last year.
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Falcons president and general manager Rich McKay scoffed at suggestions of becoming NFL commissioner in light of reports that Paul Tagliabue could be stepping down before his contract expires in two years. "I struggle enough to keep my present day job to worry about another job," said McKay, hired by team owner Arthur Blank to run the Falcons in 2003. "I don't really have any answer to that." For years McKay has been mentioned as a possible successor to Tagliabue. "Since I was five years old I've been hearing that," McKay said.
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Two NFC personnel executives said the Broncos have been shopping their two first-round picks in April's draft in exchange for early picks in the 2007 draft.
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The Saints made it happen by showing Drew Brees the love -- and the money -- outbidding all other teams for his services. The Saints will owe Brees another $12 million bonus next March if they want to keep him on the roster, according to sources. "Really, what it came down to was who I felt like believed in me the most," Brees told the Times-Picayune on Tuesday night. "I really got a great feeling from the Saints organization and the head coach. And I really felt like I have the opportunity to do something great here. "The Saints have made it clear from the beginning that I'm their guy they want to build this thing with, and that's really exciting." A source told the Sun-Sentinel that Brees' shoulder was "much worse" than the Dolphins thought after he was examined by the team's medical staff. But the Saints did not have such concerns after their own evaluation.
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Quarterback Daunte Culpepper, traded by the Vikings to the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday, will be in downtown Minneapolis next week for a Hennepin County motions hearing. Culpepper's attorney, Earl Gray from St. Paul, is seeking dismissal of lewd conduct charges stemming from the Lake Minnetonka boat party in October. If Culpepper were not to appear at the hearing at 9 a.m. next Wednesday, a warrant for his arrest could be issued. "Now that (prosecuting attorney Steven) Mr. Tallen has driven Mr. Culpepper out of town with his frivolous charge, maybe he'll own up and dismiss the case since it never should have been charged," Gray said Tuesday.
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Contract issues could have an impact on Joey Harrington's future with the Lions. He has two years left on the original six-year contract he signed in 2002, when the Lions drafted him in the first round. A roster bonus payment of $4 million is due June 15, and his base salaries are $4.45 million for each of the next two years. The base salaries are not guaranteed. Without a renegotiation, Harrington's salary-cap number for 2006 will be about $12 million.
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To clarify the structure of Adam Archuleta's contract, it includes $10 million in guaranteed money as part of a six-year, $30 million deal, the richest signed by a safety in NFL history. According to a NFLPA source, there is a $5 million signing bonus and a $5 million roster bonus due in March 2007, which is prorated as a $1 million bonus per season for salary cap purposes, keeping Archuleta's cap hit lower.
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When word got out yesterday that Jon Kitna was headed to the Lions, the Jets put in a call to Josh McCown, a free agent who played in Arizona last season. McCown, however, isn't interested.
This leaves the Jets with a number of options, including:
• Wait on Patrick Ramsey. Washington is believed to be seeking a fourth-round pick for its backup QB; the Jets are said to be offering no better than a seventh-round pick.
• Sign Kerry Collins. He's on the market and familiar with the area.
• Draft Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler with their fourth pick overall and groom him for the future.
• Attempt to trade up into the Saints slot at No. 2 and draft Matt Leinert. The Saints, who signed free agent Drew Brees yesterday, are willing to trade down but likely would ask for the Jets' No. 4 pick along with their second- or third-round pick in a deal.
‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗• Sign Kerry Collins. He's on the market and familiar with the area.
• Draft Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler with their fourth pick overall and groom him for the future.
• Attempt to trade up into the Saints slot at No. 2 and draft Matt Leinert. The Saints, who signed free agent Drew Brees yesterday, are willing to trade down but likely would ask for the Jets' No. 4 pick along with their second- or third-round pick in a deal.
The Saints' signing of free-agent quarterback Drew Brees on Tuesday won't deter Matt Leinart from coming to New Orleans if the team uses its first-round draft choice to select the former Heisman Trophy winner, his agent said. "From Matt's perspective, we have always assumed there would be a veteran starter with any franchise that drafted him," agent Leigh Steinberg said, "and (assumed) he would not be the immediate starter, wherever he would go, and spending some time learning has proven to be advantageous for a number of the best quarterbacks in football." Steinberg said Tuesday he didn't think Brees' presence in New Orleans would be a problem as far as negotiating a contract with the Saints should the team decide to use its pick on Leinart. It has been reported that Leinart could command a $22 million signing bonus.
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With the loss of Edgerrin James to Arizona, the Colts have paid out a $1.45 million roster bonus to backup Dominic Rhodes. Third-string running back and short-yardage specialist James Mungro, also an unrestricted free agent, continues to wait for an offer from Colts’ officials.
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According to recent comments Colts team president Bill Polian, Mike Vanderjagt has apparently played his last game in an Indianapolis uniform. Vanderjagt’s agent, Gil Scott, has been in contact with the Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys and, most recently, the Miami Dolphins. Green Bay lost its kicker, Ryan Longwell, to Minnesota over the weekend while the Dolphins have asked that their kicker, Olindo Mare, take a significant pay cut. Mare has balked at the request and has reportedly asked Miami to trade or release him. If that would occur, the Dolphins would seem to have a passing interest in Vanderjagt.
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A name not to forget is Troy Brown. The 13-year veteran told a West Virginia TV station Monday that he hasn’t decided if he’s going to play or retire. He has yet to hear from the Pats. The remaining free agents are uninspiring. Seattle’s Peter Warrick is a former No. 4 pick who caught 79 passes with Cincinnati in 2003, but has hauled in just 22 since. San Diego’s Reche Caldwell, Houston’s Jabar Gaffney and New Orleans’ Az Hakim would seem to lack Patriots toughness, while Peerless Price and Rod Gardner are coming off woeful seasons.
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Steelers starting cornerback Deshea Townsend, an unrestricted free agent, will visit the New England Patriots this week.
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The Steelers yesterday also entertained tight end Aaron Shea, a free agent from the Browns, but no deal was reached as they closed in a contract to bring back Jerame Tuman.
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While retirement from football is a strong possibility, Doug Flutie and Pats coach Bill Belichick are expected to discuss the 43-year-old quarterback’s future with the team one last time. Flutie and Pats quarterback Tom Brady formed a strong bond last season. Brady, according to a source, would like to have Flutie return for another season. There is an outside chance that Flutie may return to the Canadian Football League to close out his career.
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