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Feb. 16, 2008
- We’re told the Bengals may elect to give DE Justin Smith the franchise tag for the second consecutive year. However, if they do, Smith’s salary-cap number for 2008 would be in excess of $10 million, and that could hamstring Cincinnati’s attempts to bring back other members of one of the Bengals’ most talented groups of free agents in years — a group that includes S Madieu Williams, OLB Landon Johnson and OG-OT Stacy Andrews, among others.
- The way we hear it, don’t rule out the possibility of the Bengals re-signing unrestricted free-agent S Madieu Williams, even with young safeties Marvin White and Chinedum Ndukwe having staked their claims for more playing time in 2008.
- Word from Baltimore is that the Ravens are hopeful they will receive a compensatory third-round selection after losing versatile OLB Adalius Thomas to the Patriots in free agency last offseason.
- The Browns’ aggressiveness at the outset of free agency may be tied to the availability of the top free-agent defensive linemen. It’s no secret Cleveland wants to bolster its D-line, but the feeling is some of the top linemen available — with Titans DT Albert Haynesworth being the prime example — will be slapped with the franchise tag.
- The Dolphins’ release of MLB Zach Thomas came as only a mild surprise to those close to the situation. A veteran of 12 seasons, he’s not the player he once was, as injuries and age have limited his impact. Furthermore, he doesn’t fit the mold of the massive, hulking inside linebacker that executive vice president of football operations Bill Parcells prefers. However, the prevailing thought had been that Parcells would want to keep Thomas around for stability and leadership purposes but would ask him to agree to a lesser contract.
- What had been rumored around Orchard Park all season became official on Thursday. WR Peerless Price will not be a Bill in 2008. Price was one of the few Bills who had failed to fulfill expectations under Dick Jauron, and he was seen as dead weight. Wide receiver is undoubtedly the team’s biggest need, both before and after Price’s release.
- Don’t expect the Patriots to pick up the $4 million option they have on WR Kelley Washington. In his first year as a Patriot, the former Bengal failed to catch a pass, as he was buried on the Patriots’ depth chart. However, the Pats value his tremendous special-teams contributions and would be happy to keep him on board if he’s willing to accept a reduced salary.
- Look for Jets WR Justin McCareins to be earning his paycheck outside New York in 2008. Even with the contractual stalemate between fellow WR Laveranues Coles and Jets management, McCareins — who had been rumored to be on the trading blocks all season — doesn’t fit into the team’s plans. The team is excited about the potential of WR Brad Smith, a converted quarterback who has game-breaking ability.
- Three of the Colts’ most prominent players may not be available for the start of training camp in late July. DE Dwight Freeney (foot), WR Marvin Harrison (knee) and S Bob Sanders (shoulder) could all be sidelined through the summer. On the plus side, team president Bill Polian says that none of them is expected to be out for the start of the regular season.
- While the Titans want to sign PK Rob Bironas to a contract extension, they also realize there is no rush to do so, the way we hear it. Bironas, a restricted free agent, will likely receive one of the highest tenders from the Titans if they don’t sign him to an extension, and that probably will ward off any potential suitors for the 2007 Golden Toe winner.
- Team insiders say that an infusion of youth is needed in the Chiefs’ CB corps. For as great as his career as a whole has been, 34-year-old Ty Law no longer has the speed to be considered an elite player. Once boasting the physicality and recovery speed to be a premier bump-and-run corner, Law now cheats further off the line to help mask his diminishing ability. Fellow starting CB Patrick Surtain will be 32 by the time training camp opens and also has seen a regression in ability.
- Sources tell us it’s only a matter of time before FS Marlon McCree is officially booted off the Chargers. He was a liability in coverage and also showed poor tackling ability in 2007. Making the move easier and all the more prudent is the Chargers’ belief that they have a budding star in versatile DB Eric Weddle. The team traded up in the second round in the ’07 draft to nab him, and he showed great promise in sub packages in his rookie season.
- We hear one of the last remaining Broncos from the John Elway era could be on his way out of Denver. WR Rod Smith, who’ll be 38 in May, has been placed on the reserve/retired list, though he has not made anything official and still has hopes that he will play again. Smith missed all of last season with an injured left hip.
- The Cowboys would be willing to franchise FS Ken Hamlin if it means keeping him. They would like to reach a long-term accord with Hamlin, who was mostly very good last season and earned a Pro Bowl invite. However, if they can’t reach an agreement, the Cowboys are not afraid to slap the tag on him and guarantee another year with him heading up the secondary.
