The Carolina Panthers traded three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kris Jenkins to the New York Jets on Friday for third- and fifth-round draft picks. The Jets then came to terms with Jenkins on a new five-year contract worth $35 million, including $20 million in guaranteed money. “Kris is a productive player who is stout at the point of attack and has the ability to rush the passer,” Jets coach Eric Mangini said. “We are looking forward to adding him to our defense.”
Asante Samuel has such good hands and terrific instincts that the All-Pro cornerback rarely drops the ball, one reason why he has 16 interceptions the last two years. The Eagles instincts were on the ball, too, that Samuel was the kind of playmaker they desperately needed to strengthen a defense that recorded an NFL-worst 19 takeaways in 2007. Philadelphia got its first one of 2008, signing the free-agent cornerback to a six-year contract on Friday and ending Samuel’s five-year stint in New England.
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Tony Romo won't have to worry about who is blocking his blind side. His faith will remain in Flozell Adams. According to a team source, the Dallas Cowboys re-signed the four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Thursday to a six-year deal worth more than $42 million with $15 million in guaranteed money over the first three years of the contract, ESPN's Ed Werder reported. "I'm just really happy to be here," Adams told the team's Web site. Asked if he considered leaving Dallas, he added, "Nope. Not at all." Also Thursday, the Cowboys moved to keep three of their restricted free agents, putting tenders on Pro Bowl running back Marion Barber ($2.56 million, the highest), defensive end Chris Canty ($2.017 million) and guard Joe Berger ($927,000). Running back Tyson Thompson, who lost his job as a kick returner late in the season, was not tendered, freeing him to sign wherever he wants. AP
The Rams released wide receiver Isaac Bruce on Thursday, cutting ties with the last player remaining from the team’s 1995 move from Los Angeles to St. Louis. Gus Frerotte, the backup quarterback the last two seasons, also was released. The moves came hours before the start of free agency. Bruce, a second-round draft pick in 1994, is among the NFL career leaders with 942 receptions for 14,109 yards and 84 touchdowns. He was released after the Rams were unsuccessful in attempts to restructure his contract. Frerotte, also a 14-year veteran, made three starts when starter Marc Bulger was sidelined by injury. Frerotte played in nine games overall.
All-Pro fullback Lorenzo Neal was released Thursday by the San Diego Chargers, who also parted with safety Marlon McCree and right tackle Shane Olivea in the hours before free agency opened. General manager A.J. Smith said all three requested their release so they can quickly jump into free agency. Olivea had four years left on his contract while McCree and Neal each had three years remaining. Olivea lost his starting job to Jeromy Clary midway through the season. McCree was released in part to allow safety Eric Weddle to move into the starting lineup. Neal’s role was expected to decrease in 2008. Neal also was a Pro Bowler. Smith also stated that the team will not tender kicker Dave Rayner's contract.
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The Jets are also setting their sights on Samuel, but the free-agent cornerback appears to be favoring the Saints and Bucs at this point, according to multiple reports. "Tampa Bay is a situation that makes sense," Alonzo Shavers, Samuel's agent, told The Tampa Tribune. "Tampa Bay is definitely worth considering. It was an organization that was in the Super Bowl not too long ago. It is an organization Asante wants to play for. It's definitely something that makes perfect sense for everybody." It's unclear how many teams are willing to offer Samuel the kind of salary the Pro Bowl cornerback will command. Samuel made $8 million last season with the Patriots and is believed to be seeking a 10-year, $100 million deal.
Faneca could be the Jets' No. 1 priority in free agency, according to the New York Daily News. The Jets they have a glaring hole at left guard, which Faneca is more than capable of filling. The 31-year-old has appeared in seven straight Pro Bowls and is considered one of the elite offensive linemen in the game. Faneca is expected to command at least $19 million in guarantees. Source: ESPN
Tom Coughlin's expected new contract extension reportedly will make him one of the NFL's highest-paid coaches. The New York Daily News reported Thursday that Coughlin will receive a four-year extension worth approximately $21 million from the Giants after leading New York to a Super Bowl victory over the Patriots. There are only minor details to be worked out and the newspaper reported that an official agreement could be announced as early as next week. The $5.25 million per year average will put Coughlin only below Seattle's Mike Holmgren, who will make about $8 million in 2008 and New England's Bill Belichick, who signed an extension last season and was believed to make over $4 million per year in his earlier contract. The newspaper reported that Coughlin was slated to make $3.5 million in 2008 but that contract will be discarded for this new extension, which will take the Giants coach through the 2011 season.
The next player headed out in the Carolina Panthers' revolving-door offseason could be defensive tackle Kris Jenkins. According to sources, the Panthers are trying to trade him before his $1 million roster bonus is due within the next week the Charlotte Observer reported. The trading period starts Friday, the same day the free agency signing period opens, and the Panthers need to move him shortly thereafter or face the bonus payment. Carolina general manager Marty Hurney declined comment. Jenkins' agent, Tony Paige, could not be reached. Source: Charlotte Observer
After four mostly disappointing and injury-plagued seasons where he only showed glimpses of his feared pass rushing ability, the Eagles released defensive end Jevon Kearse on Thursday.
Kearse was in the middle of a $66 million, eight-year deal signed in 2004 that made him at the time the highest-paid defensive end in NFL history. The three-time Pro Bowl selection failed to live up the lofty expectations set when he signed. His ineffective performance last year led to reduced playing time and finally landed him on the sideline, despite his big salary. Juqua Thomas replaced Kearse in the starting lineup.
The Colts cleared close to $8 million in cap room Wednesday by releasing defensive tackle Anthony "Booger" McFarland and middle linebacker Rob Morris. Both players, who entered last year's training camp as starters, spent much of the season on injured reserve. Morris participated in only 57 plays on the Colts defense last year. McFarland missed the entire season. They were released after they both failed physicals.
Veteran running back Anthony Thomas was one of three Bills players to have their contracts terminated by the team on Wednesday. A seven-year NFL veteran and the league's rookie of the year in 2001, Thomas' numbers dwindled this season. Used mostly as a backup behind rookie first-round draft pick Marshawn Lynch, Thomas finished with career-lows in carries (36) and yards rushing (89).
Quarterback Kelly Holcomb was released Wednesday by the Vikings, clearing room on the roster for another veteran to push starter Tarvaris Jackson. Holcomb was 0-3 as a starter last season while Jackson was hurt. In his 11th year in the NFL, Holcomb completed only 50.6 percent of his passes (42-for-83) for 515 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
The Browns terminated the contract of defensive lineman Orpheus Roye on Wednesday, cutting loose one of their most productive players ahead of free agency. A 12-year veteran, Roye battled knee injuries the past two seasons. The 35-year-old was scheduled to make $3 million in 2008.
The Buccaneers had a mini youth movement along their offensive line Wednesday by releasing veterans Kevin Carter and Greg Spires.
The Saints, who re-signed kicker Martin Grammatica, released kicker Olindo Mare Wednesday after he failed a physical. He came to the Saints in a trade from the Dolphins last year. He is a veteran of 11 NFL seasons.
The Titans released wide receiver David Givens Wednesday after two seasons in which he was bothered by injuries. The Tennessee Titans receiver Justin Gage agreed to a multiyear contract Wednesday. He was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent Feb. 29. In 2007, Gage's fifth NFL season and first with the Titans, he led the team with 750 receiving yards and tied Roydell Williams for most receptions with 55.
Article Source: John Clayton ESPN
The Detroit Lions are moving closer to trading Shaun Rogers, with the Denver Broncos figuring most prominently in talks involving the massive nose tackle the Detroit News reported. The Lions face a deadline in making a deal because of a $1 million bonus payment due if Rogers is on the roster on March 1. President Matt Millen and coach Rod Marinelli have said Rogers will not be released, and they want to get fair value if Rogers is traded. Reports out of Denver late Monday said the Broncos were working aggressively to acquire Rogers. Millen could not be reached for comment but said earlier Monday a number of teams were interested in acquiring Rogers. Source: Detroit News
The Carolina Panthers released disappointing quarterback David Carr on Wednesday and came to terms with receiver Muhsin Muhammad on a two-year contract. Carr was let go a year after he signed a $6 million, two-year deal with the Panthers following a five-year stint as a starter in Houston. But Carr struggled so badly when he took over for the injured Jake Delhomme last season that he was eventually demoted to third-string. Carr leaves Carolina as Muhammad prepares for his second stint with the franchise. Muhammad was expected to sign his contract later Wednesday, a week after he was released by the Chicago Bears.
The Minnesota Vikings' last link to the Randy Moss trade reportedly will be jettisoned from their roster later this week. According to reports out of Minnesota, the Vikings have agreed in principle to trade wide receiver Troy Williamson to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a second-day pick in the 2008 draft, likely a sixth-round selection. The trade cannot be completed until midnight ET on Friday, which is the official start of the NFL's new year.
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The Chicago Bears and quarterback Kyle Orton agreed Monday on a one-year contract extension that runs through the 2009 season, setting up a competition between him and Rex Grossman. In three seasons, Orton is 12-6 as a starter and has the fourth-highest winning percentage among Bears quarterbacks with at least 16 starts since 1961. He spent most of last season as the third-stringer behind Grossman and Brian Griese, and had mixed results while starting the final three games. Orton was 43 of 80 with 478 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. The Bears won two of three, but finished a disappointing 7-9 after winning the NFC championship the previous year. My Take: This is an awful move by the Bears management. They have re-signed two of there three quarterbacks, all which are sub-par players, and are most likely not going to try to bring in a free agent quarterback. The Bears management think that they can win with either of these quarterbacks and they are going to set them up for a competition this off-season. The Bears will most likely draft a quarterback, but the signing of the two QBs mean that they will most likely use one of their later picks to do so. Maybe Hawaii QB Colt Brennan? Don't expect the Bears to make any trades for a QB like Donovan McNabb...what are the Bears thinking?
The free-agent buzz surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles for the last few weeks has been that they are going to pursue New England Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel. That might end up happening, but it seems more likely, and perhaps even more logical, that they are going to make a strong attempt to sign New York Giants safety Gibril Wilson, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. It's more likely because Samuel is considered the premier defensive player on the open market, and he is going to command a top contract — probably at least $12 million per season with a $20 million signing bonus — and there's going to be a line of teams bidding for his services. Wilson, a 26-year-old free safety, doesn't figure to get nearly as much money as Samuel and probably fits better with the Eagles in terms of need. Source: Philadelphia Inquirer
The Chicago Bears and tight end Desmond Clark agreed Sunday to a two-year contract extension through the 2010 season. Over the past two years, Clark has averaged 13.2 yards per catch -- most among NFL tight ends. He was third on the team with 44 receptions for 545 yards and four touchdowns last season, giving him 15 in five years with Chicago -- second to Mike Ditka (34). The extension for Clark, who has 262 catches for 3,067 yards and 24 touchdowns in nine seasons, came one day after the Bears re-signed quarterback Rex Grossman to a one-year contract. AP
The San Diego Chargers have agreed to terms with veteran linebacker Derek Smith on a two-year deal. Smith, whose role with the 49ers was assumed last season by rookie Patrick Willis, will bolster San Diego's inside linebackers group. Smith, an 11-year veteran, led the 49ers in tackles each season from 2001-05. The 33-year-old was released Tuesday in a salary-cutting move. He was due to make $4.5 million in 2008. Full Article
Linebacker Zach Thomas is headed home to Texas to play for the Dallas Cowboys in the state where he was a high school and college standout before 12 seasons with the Miami Dolphins. Thomas has reached an agreement on a one-year, $3 million deal with the Cowboys, agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed Saturday night. Thomas, a seven-time Pro Bowler who missed much of last season because of concussions and migraines, has already taken a physical for the Cowboys. “It is going to be signed in the next couple of days,” Rosenhaus said. The deal includes a $1 million base salary, a $1 million signing bonus and a $1 million incentive-based bonus based on playing time that Rosenhaus said should be easily attained.
Rex Grossman signed a one-year contract Saturday with the Chicago Bears and will compete for the starting quarterback job. Grossman, a 2003 first-round draft pick, started the Super Bowl for the Bears after an up-and-down season in 2006. He struggled again last year and was benched following the third game. He returned for five more games before injuring his left knee.
Grossman passed for 913 yards with three touchdowns and one interception for an 80.2 passer rating when he returned. In the first three games, his 45.2 rating with one TD and six interceptions contributed to the Bears’ 1-2 start. “Rex has won a lot of football games for us around here,” coach Lovie Smith said. “You look at how he played at the end of the football season until he came up with that injury, he is playing good football.” Grossman has started 30 games with 489 completions in 900 attempts (54.3 percent) for 5,907 yards with 31 touchdowns and 33 interceptions. His career passer rating is 70.9.
The New England Patriots' pattern of illicitly videotaping the signals of opposing NFL coaches began in Coach Bill Belichick's first preseason with the team in 2000, a former Patriots player said. The information was put to use in that year's regular-season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Belichick's debut as New England's coach the New York Times reported.
The secret taping of signals, which is against league rules, continued at least through three championship seasons to the 2007 season opener against the Jets, when the Patriots were caught and subsequently sanctioned by the league. As coaches and executives gathered here Thursday for the NFL scouting combine, many saying they were satisfied with the league's investigation and ready to move on, new details were emerging about the history of the Patriots' videotaping. According to several executives in the league, the season opener against the Jets was not the first time the Patriots had been spotted taping another team's defensive coaches at Giants Stadium. In the final preseason game of 2006, the Patriots were caught taping a Giants defensive assistant giving signals, the executives said. Source: New York Times
In other news, Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel plans to test the free agent market after failing to sign a long-term deal with the Patriots.
The Carolina Panthers released starting running back DeShaun Foster on Thursday, a move that clears salary-cap space and opens the door for DeAngelo Williams to become the team’s featured back. Foster, Carolina’s second-round pick in 2002, never rushed for more than 897 yards in six seasons plagued by fumbles and injuries. “We wish him the best because we’ll always hold him in high regard,” general manager Marty Hurney said. “We just thought it was time to go in another direction.” The move clears about $4.75 million in cap space and comes after the Panthers started shopping Foster in the last couple of weeks.
The Dallas Cowboys designated Ken Hamlin their franchise player on Thursday, locking up the Pro Bowl safety through at least next season. The move essentially means Hamlin has a one-year contract at the average base salary of the top five safeties in the NFL: $4.4 million. It also keeps the unrestricted free agent off the market and extends the window to negotiate a long-term contract. Hamlin made his first Pro Bowl during the Cowboys’ 13-3 season. He finished with 62 tackles and five interceptions, one behind team leader Anthony Henry.
The Seattle Seahawks officially made their initial move to keep Pro Bowl cornerback Marcus Trufant from free agency by designating him as their franchise player for 2008 on Thursday. The team announced that Trufant is still free to negotiate with any other team when free agency begins March 1. That means Seattle used the non-exclusive franchise tag, which allows the Seahawks to match any offer or receive two first-round draft choices if they decide not to match. Should he decide to sign the tender offer, Trufant would be guaranteed $9,465,000 for 2008, currently the average of the top five salaries for cornerbacks in the league. He could still sign a long-term contract with the Seahawks by July.
The Green Bay Packers have designated defensive tackle Corey Williams as their franchise player and released tight end Bubba Franks. The transactions were announced Wednesday by Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson. As the Packers' franchise player, Williams has a one-year contract tender offer at the defensive tackle franchise number set by the NFL. The Packers maintain a right of first refusal to match any team's offer received by Williams. Williams played in all 16 games, including nine starts, in 2007 and set career highs with 51 tackles and 32 solo stops. He tied his career high with seven sacks. Source: Packers.com
Lewis was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next week. But the Browns, who went 10-6 and barely missed the playoffs last season, didn’t want to risk losing him after he rushed for more than 1,300 yards. The club will officially sign Lewis once the contract is finalized by his agents, a person familiar with the negotiations said Thursday on the condition of anonymity because the deal was not yet completed. The Browns are believed to have relented and added a third year to an initial two-year offer they made for the 28-year-old. Financial terms were not immediately known. Lewis, who will be 29 in August, proved he still could be an effective everydown back in 2007. After signing a one-year, incentive-laded free agent deal with Cleveland in March, he gained 1,304 yards and scored nine touchdowns. Only Hall of Famer Jim Brown has run for more yards in a season for the Browns.
Former NFL wide receiver and current TV analyst Keyshawn Johnson is reportedly looking to return to the NFL this year after taking a year off. According to Johnson he's been working out regularly and is still in great shape. He was a three-time pro bowler with 10,571 career yards. In 2006 when he played for the Panthers he had 70 catches for 815 yards and 4 touchdowns. Johnson could be a great steal for a team that is looking for an experienced player. Rumored teams with interest: Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets.
Drew Rosenhaus, agent for Marion Barber, said he plans to meet with the Dallas Cowboys this week at the NFL scouting combine. The Cowboys have said they would like to sign the standout running back to a long-term deal the Dallas Morning News reported. Dallas is expected to give Barber, a restricted free agent, a $2.562 million tender, which would require another team to fork over first- and third-round picks to get him. The Cowboys value Barber as the future at running back, especially after he earned his first Pro Bowl berth despite not starting a regular-season game. Rosenhaus acknowledged that a meeting was coming but wouldn't get into specifics. Source: Yahoo Sports
The New England Patriots are setting their sights on another former Miami Dolphin, as receiver Marty Booker is scheduled to meet with team officials at Gillette Stadium Tuesday the Boston Globe reported. Much like the Patriots' decision to pursue Wes Welker last year, Booker's success against New England might be a significant factor in the level of interest he's received from Vice President of Player Personnel Scott Pioli and head coach Bill Belichick. In eight games against the Patriots over the last four seasons, the 6-foot-, 210-pound Booker had three 100-yard receiving games. He played a major role in the Dolphins' last two wins against New England - catching eight passes for 103 yards and a touchdown in a 21-0 win Dec. 10, 2006, and seven receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown in a 28-26 victory Jan. 1, 2006. The 31-year-old Booker enters his 10th NFL season in 2008, after playing for the Bears (1999-2003) and Dolphins (2004-2007). He was released by the Dolphins on Feb. 11. Source: Boston Globe
After failing to reach a long-term agreement with Dallas Clark, the Indianapolis Colts placed the franchise tag on their tight end on Tuesday. Negotiations with Clark, whose contract voided after the 2007 season, heated up toward the end of the season, but without resolution. The Colts instead reached agreement on a five-year, $37.5 million contract with safety Bob Sanders, the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year. Talks with Clark resumed in the past week, but with no deal in sight, the Colts felt it necessary to designate him as their franchise player. The one-year franchise tender for a tight end is $4.522 million. ESPN
The Panthers decided Tuesday to place the franchise tag on Jordan Gross, all but assuring the right tackle will remain in Carolina next season. After failing to agree on a long-term deal, the Panthers offered Gross a one-year contract for $7.45 million, which is the average salary of the top five highest-paid offensive linemen in the NFL from last season.
The Kansas City Chiefs put a franchise tag on defensive end Jared Allen, who led the NFL in sacks last season despite being suspended for the first two games. The Chiefs and Allen have been unable to work out a contract for almost a year. The Chiefs said Tuesday they had franchised Allen, who had 15 1/2 sacks last season. He was suspended the first two games because of multiple DUI convictions. Under terms of the collective bargaining agreement, Allen will make almost $9 million next season, the average of the five highest-paid defensive ends in the NFL. If another club signs Allen, it would have to compensate the Chiefs with two first-round draft picks.
The New England Patriots met with free-agent linebacker Zach Thomas at Gillette Stadium today. The meeting went well enough that the Patriots made an undisclosed offer to Thomas. The NFL Network's Adam Schefter first reported the offer to Thomas. The 34-year-old Thomas has played his entire 12-year career with Miami. A seven-time Pro Bowler, he was limited to just five games last season due to concussions and migraines.
Offensive lineman Stacy Andrews has been designated the Cincinnati Bengals' franchise player. The franchise tag gives Andrews the option to play for Cincinnati in 2008 for a salary equal to the average of the top five offensive linemen in the NFL in 2007. Andrews will be a fifth-year player in 2008. The 26-year-old is unsigned for 2008, and will become an unrestricted free agent on Feb. 29 if he doesn't reach an agreement with the Bengals.
The Chicago Bears released wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad Monday, but reached a two-year extension with defensive end Alex Brown. The Muhammad release wasn't much of a surprise. His pass reception numbers have dropped in each of the past three seasons. Muhammad caught 64 passes in 2005, 60 in 2006 and only 40 in 2007. At the age of 34, he was entering the final two years of a five-year contract. The timing of the release was curious, though, because wide receiver Bernard Berrian is a free agent and is considered one of the top free agents available. Muhammad started all but one game in his three years with the Bears. Brown's two-year extension was a little surprising. He was entering the final year of his contract and had expressed some unhappiness early last season about his playing time. He started only two games in 2007. Despite that, he had 41 tackles and 4½ sacks. John Clayton Report
Zach Thomas grew up in Pampa, Texas, went to Texas Tech and despite calling Miami home for the last 12 years still considers himself a Texan. According to two sources, the Dallas Cowboys have had discussions with Thomas' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, about bringing the veteran linebacker in for a visit after the NFL scouting combine concludes Feb. 26 the Dallas Morning News reported. The Dolphins released Thomas on Thursday in a salary-cap move as new executive vice president of football operations Bill Parcells looks to rebuild a team that went 1-15 in 2007. Thomas played in only five games last season because of the effects of a concussion and failed to reach 100 tackles for the first time in his 12-year career. He has been named to the Pro Bowl seven times, the most by any Dolphins defender in history. Source: Dallas Morning News
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Buffalo Bills receiver Roscoe Parrish was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence, police say. Parrish was stopped at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, said Miami Beach Police Department spokesman Juan Sanchez. Parrish was driving a 2005 Bentley westbound on MacArthur Causeway, which connects Miami Beach to the mainland. Sanchez said Parrish was taken into custody on a DUI charge. A Miami-Dade County jail spokeswoman said he was released later Saturday on $1,000 bond. The 25-year-old went to high school and college in Miami. He was a second-round pick of the Bills in 2005. It was not immediately known whether he had a lawyer. Calls and e-mail messages sent to KCB Sports Marketing, which represents Parrish, were not immediately returned.
The Tennessee Titans will slap defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth with a franchise tag by Thursday's deadline, but will keep working to sign the All-Pro to a long-term deal, his agent said Friday. Agent Chad Speck said he talked with Titans general manger Mike Reinfeldt on Friday and that both sides are working on a long-term contract for Haynesworth. Speck said he doesn't anticipate a deal being completed before the Thursday deadline for teams' to designate franchise player. "Mike confirmed to me that he will use the franchise tag on Albert but is committed to trying to get a deal done by July 15," Speck wrote in an e-mail. "I spoke with Albert today, and he is encouraged that talks have resumed." Thursday is the final day teams can slap the franchise tag on players to keep them off the free-agent market that opens March 1.
The Atlanta Falcons released four-time Pro Bowl tight end Alge Crumpler and six other players Friday in the first step of a major rebuilding job in the post-Michael Vick era. The Falcons also cut quarterback Byron Leftwich, defensive tackle Rod Coleman, offensive tackle Wayne Gandy, cornerback Lewis Sanders, wide receiver Jamin Elliott and linebacker Marcus Wilkins. "This is a difficult day for the entire organization," said Thomas Dimitroff, the Falcons' new general manager. "A number of these players have contributed to this organization on and off the field at a high level, and we greatly appreciate their efforts." None contributed more than Crumpler, one of the team's most respected players and a leader in the locker room. He twice led the Falcons in receptions and had a streak of four straight Pro Bowl appearances from 2003-06. But Crumpler was plagued by knee problems this past season and dropped off to 44 receptions. Also, he counted $5.1 million against the salary cap for 2008, money the Falcons felt could be better spent elsewhere. AP
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce was accused of neglecting one of his dogs in the days leading up to the Super Bowl. The Middlesex County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals issued a summons Wednesday. The group said Pierce's two pit bulls escaped from a fenced enclosure in his yard on Jan. 30 -- just days before the game. Pierce was issued the summons because one of the dogs was found to be underweight and suffering from a respiratory illness, officials said. SPCA chief Walt Mychal stressed that Pierce was not charged with anything related to dogfighting and could face only a fine, not jail time, if convicted. In New Jersey, the SPCA has authority to bring charges in animal cruelty cases. Pierce and the team would not comment, Giants spokesman Pat Hanlon said Thursday.
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The Carolina Panthers have signed starting strong safety Chris Harris to a four-year contract extension through the 2012 season. One of the team's most consistent defenders in 2007, when he posted 97 tackles and a remarkable eight forced fumbles, Harris will earn about $3 million per year in so-called "new money" under the terms of the extension, which was signed on Thursday afternoon. The Panthers also re-signed left tackle Travelle Wharton to a six-year deal Thursday. Harris, a former Chicago Bears part-time starter, figures to bank about $5.5 million to $6 million in the first two years. -Len Pasquerelli ESPN
Chad Johnson will remain with the Bengals according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Johnson lobbied on radio stations across the country expressing a desire to place elsewhere in 2008. In his strongest statements to date about the disgruntled wide receiver, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said Wednesday that the team will not trade Johnson and never has discussed it. "No. 1, the guy has a contract through 2011, OK," Lewis said in an interview with The Enquirer and the team Web site. "No one within the Bengals organization has ever spoken of or ever uttered anything about trading Chad Johnson, nor will he be traded. "There is no such thing as behind-the-door dealings in the NFL. That does not occur because the team in question (the Bengals) is not willing to trade their player, nor have they thought about trading their player or discussed trading their player, nor will they discuss trading their player.'' Source: Cincinnati Enquirer
Bill Belichick has been illegally taping opponents' defensive signals since he became the New England Patriots' coach in 2000, according to Sen. Arlen Specter, who said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told him that during a meeting Wednesday. "There was confirmation that there has been taping since 2000, when Coach Belichick took over," Specter said. Specter said Goodell gave him that information during the 1-hour, 40-minute meeting, which was requested by Specter so the commissioner could explain his reasons for destroying the Spygate tapes and notes. "There were a great many questions answered by Commissioner Goodell," Specter, the senior Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, told reporters after the meeting. "I found a lot of questions unanswerable because of the tapes and notes had been destroyed." Goodell said Belichick told him he believed the taping was legal; Goodell said he did not concur. "He said that's always been his interpretation since he's been the head coach," the commissioner said. "We are going to agree to disagree on the facts." Specter, from Pennsylvania, wants to talk to other league officials about what exactly was taped and which games may have been compromised.
The Jacksonville Jaguars retained one of their top free agents Wednesday when fullback Greg Jones re-signed with the team. Jones has 856 yards rushing and nine touchdowns since the Jaguars drafted him in the second round in 2004. He also has 24 receptions for 178 yards and two scores. More important to the Jaguars, Jones has become one of their best blockers and helped create one of the NFL's top rushing attacks. Jones, who started 11 games last season after missing all of 2006 with a knee injury, was named the first alternate to the AFC Pro Bowl. Jacksonville led the conference in rushing, averaging 149.4 yards a game. Details of his new contract were not available. AP
Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said Monday that if the team can't work out a long-term deal with the star linebacker, Baltimore will place the franchise tag on him to keep him off the free-agent market. The NFL deadline to use the franchise tag is Feb. 21. "We will be using the franchise tag on Terrell if we don't have a long-term deal in place between now and then," Newsome told the Baltimore Sun. If the Ravens use the franchise tag on Suggs and he can't work out a long-term deal with the team, the linebacker will be paid $8.065 million for the 2008 season -- the average of the five highest-paid NFL linebackers.
The Carolina Panthers released injury-prone linebacker Dan Morgan and guard Mike Wahle on Monday in the first of many expected changes during the offseason. Morgan was Carolina's first-round pick in 2001, but played in only 59 of 112 games with the Panthers because of numerous injuries, including at least five concussions. He missed the final 13 games last season with a partially torn right Achilles' tendon. Wahle started all 16 games last season at left guard. He turns 30 next month and the Panthers clear salary cap space with his release.
In the Dolphins' first major player purge since Parcells took charge of Miami's football operations, the team parted ways with Green, wide receiver Marty Booker and seven other players Monday -- ushering in the start of what's expected to be a massive offseason roster shakeup by the rebuilding franchise. "This is never easy, especially since all of these players worked hard during their tenure here," new Dolphins' general manager Jeff Ireland said. Other notable cuts by the Dolphins included tackle L.J. Shelton and massive defensive tackle Keith Traylor, both of whom were starters. Miami also waived tackle Anthony Alabi, defensive tackle Anthony Bryant, tackle Marion Dukes, defensive tackle Marquay Love and tackle Joe Toledo. AP
The St. Petersburg Times reported the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will look to add at least one veteran quarterback this offseason to serve as a reserve to Jeff Garcia. The guy to keep an eye on is Daunte Culpepper, who struggled in his only season with the Raiders. Remember, the Bucs met with Culpepper in Tampa last year, and Gruden is intrigued by his arm strength and accomplishments. Last season, Culpepper started six games for the Raiders, passing for 1,331 yards with five touchdowns and five interceptions. But he has completed 63.8 percent of his career passing attempts, a figure that stands out to Gruden. And the Florida native might welcome a return to his home state. Others who might receive some attention from the Bucs include Bears quarterback Rex Grossman, who is an unrestricted free agent; Brian Griese, who could be cut loose from Chicago and had good success with the Bucs; and the Jets' Chad Pennington, a career 65.6 percentage passer who could become a free agent.
The Washington Redskins hired Jim Zorn as their coach Saturday night, a surprise ending to a month-long search for a replacement for Joe Gibbs. The former Seattle Seahawks quarterback was promoted to head coach Saturday night two weeks after being hired as the offensive coordinator, bringing an end to a secretive process that tried fans' patience and produced a new coaching favorite every week. ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that Zorn's new contract is for five years and approximately $15 million. Zorn will be introduced at a news conference at noon Sunday. More To Come...
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Asante Samuel said "it's gonna take a lot" to keep him a New England Patriot the Boston Globe reported. But the 27-year-old unrestricted free agent cornerback, who has spent his five-year career in New England, added that on a scale of 1 to 10, he'd probably rate his chances of coming back a 10. Samuel had six interceptions during the regular season and has 22 in his career. He's returned three for touchdowns. Samuel made $7.79 million this season after being designated the team's franchise player. "It's gonna take a lot to make me happy and my family happy," said the first-time Pro Bowler after an AFC practice session at Kapolei High Wednesday. "It's no secret I'm looking for a big, huge, blockbuster deal." Source: Boston Globe
As rumored a few days ago, tight end L.J. Smith, who was scheduled to become a free agent at the end of the month, was given the franchise tag by the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday. Thursday marked the first day of the offseason that teams could use the tag. Although Smith can receive offers from other teams, the tag gives the Eagles seven days to match. A team signing him would have to give up two first-round picks as compensation. "Any player wants a long-term deal -- that's what you want, to feel secure in your job and also your family's position, but I'm OK with it right now," Smith said. "I definitely would have preferred a long-term deal but, hey, my agent, he's going to want to talk with the team, and who knows? I didn't even think I was going to get this. Maybe they can get something worked out later on." If he signs with the Eagles, Smith will receive a one-year deal worth the average of the top five highest salaries earned by tight ends.
After the AFC squad worked out here this morning, Lorenzo Neal walked off the practice field carrying his white helmet with the gold lightning bolts according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. This week at the Pro Bowl could well be the last time Neal wears the San Diego Chargers colors, and he knows it. The 15-year veteran plans on speaking with coach Norv Turner next week about his future with the team. Neal is careful not to make it appear he is demanding assurances or trying to make it all about him. But the four-time Pro Bowl fullback does not want to be a role player. Source: San Diego Union-Tribune, Yahoo Sports
The Patriots have 13 players scheduled for unrestricted free agency, a group headlined by Moss and cornerback Asante Samuel. The Patriots cannot use the tag to retain Samuel, per an agreement between the sides last year. So that leaves Moss as the next likely possibility. The franchise-tag figure for receivers is $7.84 million for one year, which represents the average salary cap charge of the highest-paid five receivers in 2007. If the Patriots place the non-exclusive franchise tag on Moss, it would strongly increase the likelihood of his return to New England in 2008. Other teams could still sign Moss to an offer sheet, but would have to forfeit two first-round draft choices if the offer isn't matched by the Patriots. Because of that steep price, it is unlikely another team would submit an offer sheet to any franchise player. Source: Boston Globe , yahoo sports
A restaurateur angry at being denied a liquor license threatened to shoot people at the Super Bowl and drove to within sight of the stadium with a rifle and 200 rounds of ammunition before changing his mind, federal authorities said. Kurt William Havelock said in a manifesto mailed Sunday to media outlets that he would "shed the blood of the innocent," according to court documents. The documents say he was armed with an AR-15 assault-style rifle when he reached a parking lot near University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, where pregame activities were happening. "He waited about a minute and decided he couldn't do this," FBI agent Philip Thorlin testified at a detention hearing for Havelock on Tuesday. Havelock's father testified that his son then called his fiancee and met his parents at his Tempe condominium. "He was very upset, he was sobbing hysterically," Frank Havelock said. "He said, 'I've done something terribly, terribly wrong.' " Kurt Havelock, 35, turned himself in and was charged Monday with mailing threatening communications. He is being held without bail. It was unclear whether he had a lawyer, and additional hearings have yet to be scheduled. Federal authorities say Havelock was upset because his establishment was recently denied a liquor license by the city of Tempe, like Glendale a Phoenix suburb. In the eight-page manifesto, Havelock said that the original site of the planned massacre was Phoenix's Desert Ridge Marketplace near Scottsdale, but that "scum and villainy" are in Scottsdale and that instead he would "shed the blood of the innocent." "How many dollars will you lose? And all because you took my right to own a business from me," the manifesto said. AP
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Jim Mora will succeed Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren, beginning with the 2009 season. After serving as the assistant head coach and defensive backs coach for one more season, the 46-year-old Mora will begin a new, four-year contract as the head coach. Seahawks president Tim Ruskell and chief executive officer Tod Leiweke both emphasized during a news conference Wednesday that the move gives the team stability and unity. "What (Holmgren's) done here, by announcing his retirement a year ahead of time, has afforded this organization to make a smooth transition, to be seamless, to be non-chaotic," Ruskell said. "Which is kind of rare in the sports world -- certainly in the NFL. "We all know about the elongated processes and the back-stabbing, some of the ugly things that can go on. Well, we're not going to have that." Holmgren pushed for the announcement now, so players who are poised to enter free agency next month can judge Seattle while knowing who its coach will be beyond next season. AP
The Green Bay Packers signed coach Mike McCarthy on Tuesday to a five-year contract that runs through the 2012 season. "We have accomplished some of our goals over the past two seasons, but there remains much left to be done," McCarthy said in a statement. "I am excited by the opportunity to meet those challenges and someday return another Lombardi Trophy home to Green Bay." McCarthy, who had a year left on his original three-year deal, reportedly agreed in principle last month to the new contract, which is worth about $4 million per season. "Mike brings tremendous passion, work ethic and structure to his position," general manager Ted Thompson said. "These are the traits we saw in him when he was hired, and we're very happy for the success we have had under his guidance." McCarthy, who signed the deal without using an agent, said the paperwork on his new contract was completed Monday before being announced Tuesday. AP
Here are a few wide receivers that could make a big impact on the market this offseason...
1) Chad Johnson (Bengals)- Johnson is coming off a solid season, but has been publicly expressing his feelings against head coach Marvin Lewis, and might possibly sit out of the 2008-09 season if he is not traded. Rumor: There was a rumor started on ESPN radio about Chad Johnson being traded to Dallas for safety Roy Williams (Most likely false), T.O. and Chad Johnson would not work well together.
2) Javon Walker (Broncos)- Walker has said that he made a bad decision leaving Green Bay to go to Denver and has even mentioned trying to go back to the Packers. Click Here for my older article.
3) Donte Stallworth (Patriots)- Stallworth was not used as much as he hoped by Tom Brady this season, mostly because of all of the other great options Brady had (Moss, Welker). Rumor: One rumor that I heard was that the Eagles might try to pursuade Stallworth to return to Philidelphia. McNabb has asked for some playmakers and the McNabb-Stallworth combo worked pretty well last season until McNabb's injury.
4) Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals)- Fitzgerald is a pro bowl player who believes his skills are being limited by the quarterback situation in Arizona. Fitzgerald also has friend and fellow pro-bowler Anquan Boldin on his team, who also receives a lot of attention. Fitzgerald wants out of Arizona and onto a team where he would be the feature player. Rumor: There have been a lot of rumors flying around about him possibly going to Philidelphia...but we'll see what happens.
Feel free to leave a comment and add a player to this list!
It was only a matter of time before Donovan McNabb's name surfaced in some sort of trade rumor this off-season, and it has happened at Super Bowl XLII the Philadelphia Daily News reported. A report on ESPN Sunday said that the Baltimore Ravens, with new head coach John Harbaugh, are pondering making a substantial offer for the Eagles' veteran quarterback. After injuries limited Ravens starter Steve McNair to six games this season, it is only natural to wonder if Harbaugh, the Eagles' longtime assistant, would have interest in acquiring McNabb.
The Eagles have gone on record as saying they expect McNabb to be back as their starting quarterback. Team president Joe Banner strongly stated late in the season that McNabb would return. Source: Phiadelphia Daily News
There was a palpable expectation of history here on chilly night in the Arizona desert. Super Bowl XLII delivered on that score, but history of a different sort was made Sunday. The Giants, 12-point underdogs, ruined the New England Patriots' quest for a perfect season. New York, which lost six of 16 games during the regular season, prevailed 17-14 at University of Phoenix Stadium. Quarterback Eli Manning, the game's MVP, lofted a regal, floating 25-yard pass to Plaxico Burress -- over Patriots cornerback Ellis Hobbs -- to put the Giants over the top with 35 seconds left. Wild, Wild BestThe Lombardi Trophy has landed in the hands of the Giants. Eli Manning and New York took the long playoff route, becoming the fifth wild-card team to win the Super Bowl. "The guys on this team and the run we've made, it's hard to believe -- it really is," Manning said. "The drive at the end there were so many clutch plays by so many guys. It is an unbelievable game and an unbelievable feeling." Said Burress: "This is the greatest feeling in professional sports. For us to come out and win a world championship tonight -- nobody gave us a shot." Somewhere, the 1972 Miami Dolphins (17-0) are popping their long-awaited champagne. The Giants are nothing if not resilient. Because they were technically the visiting team, they won their 11th consecutive game on the road, including all four playoff games. It was the second straight Super Bowl victory for a son of Archie and Olivia Manning, a tribute to good genes and diligent film study. The Colts' Peyton Manning won his first Super Bowl last season at the age of 30. Eli, who was also a No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, is three years younger. Manning completed 19 of 34 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns. This was especially sweet for defensive end Michael Strahan and wide receiver Amani Toomer, the only holdovers from the 34-7 strafing by the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XXXV. In addition, it was the third Super Bowl victory for one of the league's most venerable franchises, to go with the Vince Lombardi trophies won at the end of the 1986 and 1990 seasons. "We shocked the world but not ourselves," Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce said.
Read more...The New England Patriots Saturday denied filming the St. Louis Rams' walkthrough before Super Bowl XXXVI. "The suggestion that the New England Patriots [team stats] recorded the St. Louis Rams' walkthrough on the day before Super Bowl XXXVI in 2002 is absolutely false," the club said in a statement. "Any suggestion to the contrary is untrue." NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league investigated the claim and found no evidence of wrongdoing. The Boston Herald cited a source Saturday who said a member of the Patriots' video department filmed the Rams' walkthrough the day before the game. It was not known if the coaching staff viewed the tape or if the cameraman was instructed to record it. New York Daily News columnist Mike Lupica noted in his Sunday Super Bowl column that Mike Martz told ESPN Saturday that in Super Bowl XXXVI, the St. Louis Rams finally started drawing up red zone plays on the sideline because the New England Patriots kept acting like they knew what was coming. And while they have denied it, the Patriots may have taped a Rams walkthrough before that Super Bowl game.
There is a reason why the Giants moved their training site around this week, and it wasn't because they wanted to see more sites in the desert.
There has been speculation that the Philadelphia Eagles will prevent tight end L.J. Smith from becoming a free agent by franchising him for $4.522 million in 2008 the Philadelphia Daily News reported. Quarterback Donovan McNabb said he would like to see Smith back, recovered from the injuries that cost him most of the season. "He's a big part of our offense," McNabb said.
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