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| Grant to face charges on Aug 15 | Tuesday 7/22, 11:13 PM CT |
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The arraignment in Saints defensive end Charles Grant's involuntary manslaughter case has been scheduled for August 15 at 9 am in Early County, Georgia, according to Nola.com.
Our View: Grant will enter a plea of not guilty, according to his attorney, Edward Tolley. Because involuntary manslaughter is a felony, Grant likely will appear in person. Grant was indicted in May on the charge of involuntary manslaughter and the misdemeanor charge of affray for his alleged involvement in a fight that led to the shooting death of a pregnant woman outside of a Blakely, Georgia, nightclub. Grant was one of seven men indicted on the manslaughter charge. His longtime friend, Laquient Macklin, is charged with felony murder and feticide for allegedly firing the bullet that hit Korynda Reed, a bystander who happened to be carrying child. |
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| Suggs to miss start of camp | Tuesday 7/22, 10:46 PM CT |
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The Ravens report defensive end/linebacker Terrell Suggs will not be reporting on Wednesday to the open of training camp with the rest of the team's veteran players, according to CBSSports.com.
Our View: Suggs is Baltimore's franchise player and one of the most valued members of its defense, yet he hasn't signed his one-year tender and can't practice until he does. The team hopes to resolve the matter in the next month, no longer allowed to sign Suggs to a long-term deal. However, we suggest you expect a long stay away from camp. It's a time honored tradition. He's not too happy with the contract, and he (like most players) is not a huge fan of camp, so why not skip and use it as a sounding board for your anger? He'll come in late in camp, but for now, you'll see reports of worry and potential rumors of a holdout. |
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| Bucs struggling to sign Jackson | Tuesday 7/22, 9:11 PM CT |
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Earlier today we reported Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden's intentions to use 2nd-round draft pick receiver Dexter Jackson in spot action (trick plays, decoy routs, etc). We are now learning Jackson, one of three draft picks for the Bucs not signed to a contract, is finding it difficult to come to a contractual agreement with the team, according to PewterReport.com.
Our View: Tampa Bay has contracts for four of its seven 2008 draft picks completed, which means the Bucs have three days to finalize deals for their three unsigned draft selections, including first-round selection Aqib Talib, second-round pick Dexter Jackson and fifth-round selection Josh Johnson. The Bucs have had serious dialogue and negotiations with the agents for Talib and Johnson, and deals for both players likely will be completed before Tampa Bay reports to Celebration Hotel for the start of training camp on July 25. However, sources close to contract negotiations for Jackson tell Pewter Report that little progress has been made on a deal for the speedy wide receiver and return specialist. |
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| Bucs avoiding talk of Favre | Tuesday 7/22, 9:05 PM CT |
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This has become the time of Brett Favre off the field as the headlines and rumors continue to swirl around him. Tampa Bay, believed to be the top suitor for the veteran passer in potential trade talks with the Packers, has been asked for official comment, questions that have brought answers that further add to the intrigue of the situation, according to ProFootballTalk.com. Bucs G.M. Bruce Allen was asked about the possibility of pursuing Favre on a local radio show, calling any such talk “hypothetical.”
Our View: If the Packers and the Bucs have spoken, Allen couldn’t have disclosed the existence of those talks without risking a tampering violation. Still, the answers seem to push the thought that there are hopes of getting this done, and it might be best to protect those efforts by saying nothing. The general concensus has listed the Bucs as the most likely spot for Favre to land despite a roster bloated with passers. Their love of veteran commodities and an even-larger love of quarterbacks has Tampa Bay squarely in the light of this saga, so comments like this only add to the fire. Stay tuned. |
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| Bucs expect Simms to compete as starter | Tuesday 7/22, 8:49 PM CT |
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In response to the report that quarterback Chris Simms will in fact be attending Bucs training camp, beginning on Friday, the team has announced they fully expect Simms to come in and compete for a starting job, according to PewterReport.com.
Our View: Simms may be newly motivated by the struggles for veteran passer and returning starter Jeff Garcia. Like Simms, Garcia has urged the Bucs to sign him to a new deal, but nothing has come forth and no contract revisions have been made. Thus it appears the Bucs may be pitting the two against each other, and the winner may reap the rewards. We'll keep you posted. |
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| Cleveland gets Rucker, all rookies signed | Tuesday 7/22, 8:37 PM CT |
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As we went to bed last night, the Cleveland Browns had secured the services of none of their rookie draft picks. As we sit today, all five rookies have agreed to contract terms and are signed to play, according to ProFootballTalk.com. Linebacker Beau Bell, tight end Martin Rucker, defensive tackle Ahytba Rubin, receiver Paul Hubbard, and linebacker Alex Hall have each signed, and will all be in attendance when training camp officially opens on Wednesday at 3:30 pm EDT.
Our View: This secures what is sure to be an intriguing situation at tight end for the Browns. Bell is a solid addition at linebacker, a talented young powerhouse that could battle for starting snaps. However, getting Rucker into camp was key for the Browns, seeking to identify options in dealing with disgruntled Kellen Winslow, Jr. Winslow's 2007 campaign as among the best in the NFL at his position, but he has turned that one season into a ploy to re-negotiatate his contract, and reports indicate the Browns have yet to move past the 2+ seasons of frustration as Winslow laid injured from a ridiculous motorcycle stunt gone wrong. Rucker was a key part of a potent Missouri offense in college, and if he plays as well as hoped, he could be their offensive target of the future. Stay tuned. |
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| Jags keeping Jones | Tuesday 7/22, 8:29 PM CT |
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In an odd turn of events, the Jacksonville Jaguars have announced receiver Matt Jones will not be cut from the roster before the start of training camp, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Our View: In the season debut of The Jack Del Rio Show on WOKV in Jacksonville, the Jags head coach said that Jones will be with the team when training camp opens later this month, despite being arrested for felony cocaine possession earlier this month. We are unwilling to assert he is insured of a second chance, but we do know the Jags are hurting to keep receivers in tow (with Jerry Porter hurting and possibly out for extended time). If he can get through the legal troubles, he may stick. We'll keep you posted. |
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| Shockey may cost 1st rounder??? | Tuesday 7/22, 8:25 PM CT |
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In a weird and tangled turn of events, it now appears the Saints may be in line to lose a 1st-round draft pick, rather than the 2nd rounder they believe they have sent to the Giants, in exchange for tight end Jeremy Shockey , according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Our View: Under the trade between the Jets and the Saints that brought linebacker Jonathan Vilma to 'Nawlins, the Saints will be required to surrender a 2nd-round draft pick if Vilma participates in 85 percent of the defensive snaps this season, and if the Saints sign Vilma to a contract extension. Per Tom Rock of Newsday, the Giants would get the Saints’ first-round pick if the Jets get the second-rounder. If the Giants get the first-round pick, the Saints’ fifth-rounder falls out of the Shockey deal. |
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| Jets sign CB Carroll | Tuesday 7/22, 8:20 PM CT |
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The New York Jets have announced the signing of cornerback Ahmad Carroll , a former 1st-round draft pick of the Green Bay Packers (most recently with Jacksonville), according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Our View: The Jaguars released Carroll in May 2007 after an arrest on gun and drug (ecstasy) charges. Out of football in 2007, Carroll played for the Orlando Predators of the Arena Football League in 2008, starting in 15 of 16 games. |
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| Giants give Phillips 5 years, $11.15 million | Tuesday 7/22, 8:17 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier report, we have learned that the rookie contract signed by Giants' 1st-round draft pick safety Kenny Phillips is a five-year contract worth $11.15 million, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Our View: As indicated by the number, the Giants are hoping Phillips is able to earn a starting job in training camp. He also has the potential to be an immediate contributor on special teams. |
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| Favre's phone = salary cap violation? | Tuesday 7/22, 8:13 PM CT |
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The story continues to grow as reports of cellphone usage and records by Brett Favre hit the headlines. League sources have indicate the fact that Favre was using a team-issued cell phone at any time during his career with the Packers would be a violation of the salary cap rules, unless the value of the phone was included within Favre’s total cap number, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Our View: The use of the phone is not an issue after Favre's retirement, working in whatever capacity he was for the team and no longer earning roster dollars to count against the cap. However, if Favre was using the phone during his career, the NFL may seek to penalize the team for violating the league's salary cap. |
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| Detroit was unaware of Dizon arrest | Tuesday 7/22, 8:09 PM CT |
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Detroit rookie linebacker Jordon Dizon was arrested in days leading to the NFL Draft on a charge of drunk driving, and we have learned the Lions had no idea, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Our View: Team president Matt Millen told MLive.com that the team had performed all of the typical background checks and investigative efforts, but no report of the arrest came forth. Millen would not speculate about whether the Lions still would have drafted Dizon had they known. |
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| Titans sign rookie TE | Tuesday 7/22, 7:23 PM CT |
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The Tennessee Titans agreed to terms on a multi-year contract with rookie tight end Craig Stevens on Tuesday, according to SLAM Sports.
Our View: Stevens was a third-round draft pick out of the University of California. The Titans have now agreed to terms with five of their seven 2008 draft choices, with only running back Chris Johnson and defensive lineman Jason Jones unsigned. Johnson was picked in the first round and Jones in the second. Training camp opens Friday. |
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| Cards, Rodgers-Cromartie struggling to agree | Tuesday 7/22, 7:21 PM CT |
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Reports from Arizona indicate the Cardinals and 1st-round draft pick Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie are finding it rather difficult to reach terms on a rookie contract, according to East Valley Tribune.
Our View: Cardinals general manager Rod Graves told on XTRA-910 this morning that the pace of negotiations with the agent for Rodgers-Cromartie has slowed and it's questionable if the team’s 1st-round pick will be under contract by the start of training camp Wednesday. Graves said the pace has slowed because Rodgers-Cromartie's agent, Eugene Parker, has been traveling. Parker has four first-round picks, so his time has been divided among them, thus we wonder if the negotiations could be ramped up a bit as training camp approaches. The initial reports suggested the two parties were having a hard time finind an agreeable number, but Graves' most-recent comments seem to suggest it is just a matter of timing. We'll keep you posted. |
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| Packers tout Favre records, suggest tampering | Tuesday 7/22, 7:14 PM CT |
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The Green Bay Packers are reportedly in possession of cell phone records that show passer Brett Favre has had multiple phone conversations with Minnesota HC Brad Childress and OC Darrell Bevell, supporting claims of illegale tampering, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Our View: Source state Favre had continued to use a Packers-issued cell phone and that when the team checked the phone records it found repeated calls to Childress and Bevell. The possibility of Favre having used a phone issued by the Packers had been speculated on last week after the Associated Press reported that Green Bay informed the NFL it felt “an investigation of the phone records would show more than ‘normal contact’ between the Vikings and Favre, even before he formally asked for his release to play for another team.” The league continues to investigate, and the Vikings, if found guilty, could face penalties that include loss of draft picks and/or fines. |
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| Hester making big impression | Tuesday 7/22, 7:06 PM CT |
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The Chargers appear to be rather enamored with their latest addition, passing along words of praise tagged with hopes of offensive pertinence for fullback Jacob Hester , the team's 3rd-round draft pick from this year's NFL Draft, according to Chargers.com.
Our View: During the first two days of training camp, Hester has served as the primary ball carrier during team drills but will likely be asked to play fullback, contribute on special teams and have a unique role in the passing game. His performance in camp thus far has coach Norve Turner describing Hester as a “natural runner” who will have plenty of chances to make plays with the ball in his hands, regardless of whatever may be asked of him. Turner has suggested that Hester could easily fit into the role vacated by Michael Turner, spelling LaDainian Tomlinson as a change-of-pace rushing option, and while Darren Sproles is still looking like the favorite to serve as RB2 on the depth chart, it now appears Hester is making a move to earn consideration for that job.
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| RB Smith signs with Lions | Tuesday 7/22, 6:50 PM CT |
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Running back Kevin Smith came to terms with the Detroit Lions on Tuesday.
Our View: Smith's role will be closely followed throughout training camp. He could pass Tatum Bell on the depth chart prior to Week 1, but would need to be very impressive to do so. The Lions have said they will use a run-focused offense this season. |
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| Fins looking to sign OT Sosa | Tuesday 7/22, 6:33 PM CT |
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Training camp is set to start late this week, but the Miami Dolphins continue to seek value in the rookie free agent market with hopes of finding offensive linemen the team can mentor to their needs. The Fins have reportedly invited former Rutgers tackle Pedro Sosa to Miami for an official workout, according to the Miami Sun-Sentinel.
Our View: Sosa started 38 games for the Scarlet Knights and was a two-time second-team All-Big East selection. Miami is one of several teams that have shown open interest in getting Sosa involved in training camp, but with rumors of worry at the tackle position (namely on the right side where Julius Wilson is tentatively penciled as the top dog) and nothing but inexperience sitting behind Vernon Carey on the roster, the team seems ready to make an offer. The workout today was followed by a physical examination and medical testing. If those come back clean, we expect you could see the start of a rather intriguing position battle at the Miami training camp this season. We'll keep you posted.
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| Garcia excused from training camp opener | Tuesday 7/22, 6:26 PM CT |
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers report quarterback Jeff Garcia has been officially excused from the first weekend of training camp, commencing this Friday, according to the St. Petersburgh Times.
Our View: Garcia, 38, has been excused by the Bucs to attend a reunion of players to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Gavilan College's 1973 national championship team in Gilroy, California. Rumors of continued contract bickering seem to ooze from the story, but the beat reporters in town suggest there is no need for alarm. Garcia does want a new deal and has not gotten the negotiating conclusion he stated he wanted to attend camp, but the team seems confident he will show. We'll keep you posted. |
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| No contact for Pace | Tuesday 7/22, 6:22 PM CT |
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Orlando Pace will not participate in contact drills at the start of training camp while recovering from a torn labrum in his shoulder, according to the AP. Linehan said he hoped that Pace would be declared fit for contact by Aug. 5 when the team leaves for Nashville for a few days of joint practice sessions against the Titans
Our View: A healthy Pace is badly needed for the Rams offensive weapons to have success. He has missed 23 games over the past two seasons. |
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| Chargers to trade or release Parker by Friday | Tuesday 7/22, 6:19 PM CT |
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Reports out of San Diego indicate the Chargers will be either trading or releasing receiver Eric Parker before the team starts their first full-squad practice on Friday, according to the North County Times.
Our View: The team is going to push more youthful options into prominent roles, including Vincent Jackson, Kasseem Osgood, and Craig Davis. The hope is to find a team in need of a veteran target for a minor trade, likely seeking a low-round draft pick in any exchange. Rumors have Cleveland pondering the potential for such a deal, but with this report, they may wait to see if the Bolts simply release the guy. We'll keep you posted. |
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| Niners sign 3rd rounder | Tuesday 7/22, 6:14 PM CT |
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The San Francisco 49ers have signed rookie cornerback Reggie Smith , the team's 3rd-round draft pick this season, according to NinersNation.com.
Our View: Smith will have a good opportunity to battle for starting snaps in a defensive system that will utilize a number of package schemes this season. His true role remains to be determined in training camp, but it appears the Niners are excited to have him in the mix. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. |
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| Pats sign rookie cornerback | Tuesday 7/22, 6:07 PM CT |
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The New England Patroits have reached terms on a rookie contract with 2nd-round draft pick cornerback Terrence Wheatley , according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Wheatley started 28 games in four seasons at Colorado and had 14 interceptions, two for touchdowns. He is in a large group of players with a chance to replace star cornerback Asante Samuel, who left for Philadelphia as a free agent. The other starting cornerback, Ellis Hobbs, is coming off offseason surgeries on his left shoulder and for a sports hernia. Wheatley, the 62nd overall pick in the draft, also is a return threat, having gained 1,350 yards on kickoff returns in college. This leaves top draft pick defensive end Jerod Mayo as the only unsigned rookie in New England. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. |
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| DE Daniels out for the season | Tuesday 7/22, 6:04 PM CT |
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The AP reports that defensive end Phillip Daniels has officially been placed on the injured reserve and will likely miss the entire season. He tore his ACL on the first day of training camp.
Our View: This is a blow for the Redskins defense. They have re-signed the less talented J.T. Mapu to take his spot on the defensive line. |
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| Bradley cleared to practice | Tuesday 7/22, 5:42 PM CT |
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The Chicago Tribune reports that Mark Bradley was cleared for practice last week. He had his right knee scoped earlier in the offseason.
Our View: Bradley will probably be tentative early on in camp. He is almost as good a bet as any to wind up with some starts for a weak wide receiver corps. |
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| Glenn still in limbo | Tuesday 7/22, 5:39 PM CT |
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The Dallas Morning News reports that Jerry Jones said there's no resolution in the talks with Terry Glenn about a split salary agreement.
Our View: Jones said he expects to have something worked out by the time training camp starts on Thursday. Call us skeptical, but we don't see this getting resolved anytime soon. |
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| Manning will be ready before Week 1 | Tuesday 7/22, 5:04 PM CT |
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SI.com reports that Colts head coach Tony Dungy thinks that Peyton Manning (knee) may be ready to participate in preseason games.
Our View: Manning had surgery last week to remove an infected bursa sac, a procedure doctors said would require four to six weeks to heal. |
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| Zuttah gets signed | Tuesday 7/22, 4:50 PM CT |
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The Bucs have reached terms on what is believed to be a four-year deal with third-round draft pick Jeremy Zuttah, according to the Tampa Tribune. Terms of the deal were not released.
Our View: The Bucs are still working on deals for first-round pick Aqib Talib, second-round pick Dexter Jackson and fifth-round pick Josh Johnson. |
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| Abbate released | Tuesday 7/22, 4:24 PM CT |
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The Houston Texans have released full back Jon Abbate.
Our View: Abbate will have to earn a spot with another team. |
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| Kaczur pleads guilty | Tuesday 7/22, 4:06 PM CT |
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ESPN.com reports that Nick Kaczur pleaded guilty on Tuesday to speeding in a deal with prosecutors that will put a misdemeanor drug possession charge on hold.
Our View: Kaczur will be in camp on Wednesday and it does not appear he will face suspension at this point. The article does mention Kaczur ratting out his supplier which led to an arrest, so bad karma should be hanging over the former Pro Bowler's head. |
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| Okam inked by Texans | Tuesday 7/22, 4:04 PM CT |
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The Houston Texans and fifth-round defensive tackle Frank Okam have agreed on a contract, according to houstontexans.com. Terms of the deal were not released.
Our View: Okam was selected 151st in the draft from the University of Texas. |
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| Spencer waived by Texans | Tuesday 7/22, 3:58 PM CT |
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Charles Spencer has been waived by the Houston Texans, reports Scout.com.
Our View: Spencer may receive a decent amount of attention from other teams because of his ability to play guard and tackle. |
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| Pace placed on PUP | Tuesday 7/22, 3:34 PM CT |
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Although he should be ready by the regular season, Orlando Pace will begin training camp on the PUP list. Rams coach Scott Linehan said the team plans to be conservative with Pace, according to the AP.
Our View: Pace is key for the Rams to have success this season. So don't be surprised to see Pace rested a lot this preseason. |
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| Vobora gets deal | Tuesday 7/22, 3:25 PM CT |
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The St. Louis rams and seventh-round pick linebacker David Vobora have agreed to terms on a three-year deal, reports the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Terms of the deal were not released.
Our View: David Vobora was termed "Mr. Irrelevant" because he was the last pick of the draft. The linebacker was drafted by the Rams out of the University of Idaho with the 252nd pick. |
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| Giants sign Phillips | Tuesday 7/22, 3:19 PM CT |
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The New York Giants have signed first-round pick safety Kenny Phillips, according to ProFootballTalk.com. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Our View: Phillips should have an opportunity to start right away, especially with the departure of Gibril Wilson via free agency. |
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| Harrison cleared to practice | Tuesday 7/22, 2:16 PM CT |
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Colts head coach Tony Dungy has reported that Marvin Harrison has been cleared for practice, according to the Indianapolis Star. Dungy said, "The last I heard from our doctors’ meeting was Marvin would be ready to go when we get there.’’
Our View: We didn't know what to expect with the lingering injury that forced Marvin out of 11 games last season. We will keep a close eye on the situation, but if Marvin's knee can hold up his fantasy value will skyrocket. |
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| Broncos ink Williams | Tuesday 7/22, 1:53 PM CT |
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The Broncos inked fourth-round pick Jack Williams (Kent State) to a four-year deal, according to the Rocky Mountain News. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Our View: Williams is undersized at 5-9 186 pounds, but he is great athlete who exudes tougness. He will hold little to no fantasy value as a reserve as a rookie, but could push for a larger role down the road with a little luck. |
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| Castillo inks extension | Tuesday 7/22, 1:10 PM CT |
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Luis Castillo has signed a five-year extension with the Chargers worth $43 million, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Our View: Castillo has had trouble staying healthy, but he still managed to rack up 13 sacks over 34 starts in three pro seasons. This deal ranks him among the highest paid ends in the NFL, and the Chargers envision a bright future for him with the team. |
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| Smith takes first snaps at QB | Tuesday 7/22, 1:01 PM CT |
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Troy Smith took the first snaps at practice Tuesday in red-zone drills, but went 1-for-5 with three interceptions, according to the Baltimore Sun. He also fumbled a snap. Rookie Joe Flacco only went 1-for-3 during the same drill, but his lone completion was a tough pass over the middle to Patrick Carter.
Our View: The quarterback battle in Baltimore should be among the closest in the league, with Smith the slight leader for the job heading into training camp. |
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| Rolle excused from camp | Tuesday 7/22, 12:24 PM CT |
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Cornerback Samari Rolle will miss the start of training camp following the death of his father, ESPN.com reports. Harry Rolle died of a heart attack last week, and the funeral is on Saturday.
Our View: Our thoughts and prayers go out to Samari and the Rolle family. Fabian Washington will likely step into the starting lineup while Rolle is out, but that's hardly the most important issue right now. |
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| Favre trade talks beginning | Tuesday 7/22, 12:17 PM CT |
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The Packers have spoken to multiple teams about what they might be willing to offer for Brett Favre, NFL.com reports. At least one of the contacts is an NFC club.
Our View: The going rate for a Pro Bowl player appears to be a second-round and a fifth or sixth-round pick. This report doesn't mean a deal is imminent regarding Favre. |
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| Walker added | Tuesday 7/22, 12:11 PM CT |
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The Ravens signed tight end Aaron Walker on Tuesday, the Baltimore Sun reports.
Our View: Walker gives them much-needed depth at the position. The Ravens lost Quinn Sypniewswki to a torn ACL in April. Todd Heap remains the unquestioned starter, and Daniel Wilcox is the top backup. |
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| Laws lands on PUP list | Tuesday 7/22, 12:07 PM CT |
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Defensive tackle Trevor Laws opened the rookie portion of training camp on the PUP list, the team's official web site reports. Laws is dealing with a foot injury and should return in a few days.
Our View: Broderick Bunkley and Mike Patterson are set as the starting tackles, and Laws is in the backup mix. The rookie has no IDP value. |
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| Bengals not interested in Henry | Tuesday 7/22, 11:30 AM CT |
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Marvin Lewis stated that the Bengals are not interested in bringing back Chris Henry, according to Bengals.com. Lewis said, "It's not productive for our football team. You have to be a productive part to be a NFL player. There is a responsibility to be a NFL player. It's a privilege, not a right."
Our View: Henry still has interest in several other teams, but it remains to be seen if any of those clubs are willing to give him another chance to play in the NFL. |
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| Jackson listed as starting SS | Tuesday 7/22, 11:24 AM CT |
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Dexter Jackson is currently listed as the starting strong safety on the Bengals' depth chart, according to the Bengals.com.
Our View: Marvin Lewis lists Jackson as the starter, but second-year pro Chinedum Ndukwe showed great promise in his debut campaign last season, and we expect him to unseat the veteran at some point through training camp and the preseason. Ndukwe could be a big time fantasy sleeper for 2008, and we will continue to monitor the situation. |
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| Ortega expected to be released | Tuesday 7/22, 11:06 AM CT |
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Buck Ortega is expected to be released by the Saints following the acquisition of stud Jeremy Shockey, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Our View: His release would leave Eric Johnson, Mark Campbell, and Billy Miller likely fighting for two spots on the Saints' roster at tight end. Ortega held no fantasy value prior to the Shockey trade. |
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| McNabb participates | Tuesday 7/22, 10:40 AM CT |
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Donovan McNabb participated in the Eagles' preliminary training camp workouts on Tuesday morning, according to Eagles.com.
Our View: McNabb was throwing bullet passes and had good zip on his deep ball during the practice, and looked healthy and enthusiastic. |
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| Williams could be cap casualty? | Tuesday 7/22, 10:12 AM CT |
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Gil Brandt stated on a Sirius radio show that Roy Williams could be a cap casualty if he doesn't have a strong camp with the Cowboys, according to ProFootballTalk.com. Brandt received the information from an undisclosed NFL source.
Our View: There is a concern that he isn't a good fit for the Cowboys' defense, but it would seem more likely the team would try to trade him prior to releasing Williams, who has been selected to five-straight Pro Bowls. |
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| Taylor listed as DE/OLB | Tuesday 7/22, 9:47 AM CT |
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Jason Taylor is listed as a DE/OLB on the Redskins' training camp roster, and he has been issued number 55, according to the Washington Post.
Our View: He will primarily work as a standard defensive end, but will also see time with his hand up as an outside linebacker. Defensive coordinator Geg Blache is going to find creative ways to utilize Taylor's talents in various packages this season, meaning he could make more plays, which will lead to more tackles and potentially more turnovers as well. |
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| Cason presented with final offer | Tuesday 7/22, 9:21 AM CT |
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First-round pick Antoine Cason (Arizona) has been presented with his final contract offer from the Chargers, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Chargers' GM A.J. Smith said, "Antoine and his agent, Ron Slavin, are viewing our offer. When they call us and say they like it, they will be in. If they don't like it, they will stay away. I hope things work out. If not, we will be disappointed and move on."
Our View: Cason possesses great instincts and ball skills, but is not ready to challenge Quentin Jammer for his starting job, especially if he misses significant time in camp due to a holdout. |
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| Watson won't be ready | Tuesday 7/22, 9:00 AM CT |
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Gabriel Watson won't be ready to participate at the beginning of training camp, as he is still recovering from a fractured kneecap, according to the East Valley Tribune.
Our View: Backup Alan Branch will see added reps through camp, but Watson will resume his role as the starting nose-tackle when he is ready to play. |
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| Flacco will be given shot to start | Tuesday 7/22, 8:56 AM CT |
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Joe Flacco will be given a shot to start right away as a rookie, according to the Carroll County Times. He said, "I’m going to go out there and act like I am (going to start), just like everybody else should do. I want to go out there and play the way I’ve always played football, and expect myself to play. I want to prove to everybody that I can play. Obviously, at the end of camp we’re going to find out."
Our View: Flacco has the strongest arm on the team, as well as the best overall skill set. He would likely suffer through growing pains as a starter, but it won't be difficult for him to beat out Kyle Boller or Troy Smith for the job out of training camp. |
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| Ravens ink Zbikowski | Tuesday 7/22, 8:48 AM CT |
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The Ravens have inked third-round pick Tom Zbikowski (Notre Dame) to a three-year deal worth $1.66 million, according to the Carroll County Times.
Our View: Zbikowski was selected higher than expected in the third round as he lacks the skills to develop into a starter, especially in Baltimore behind Ed Reed and Dawan Landry. |
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| Pace in great shape | Tuesday 7/22, 8:43 AM CT |
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Orlando Pace is reportedly in great shape, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Scott Linehan said, "Orlando is in great shape. He has really worked and has got himself in a good spot. It's a matter of what the docs say."
Our View: Pace will be examined by team doctors on Thursday. He should be ready to make the next step for contact, and remains on target to start at left tackle for Week 1.
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| Tight battle for WR spot in Green Bay | Tuesday 7/22, 8:37 AM CT |
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There is going to be a tight battle for the number four spot at receiver on the Packers' depth chart between rookie Jordy Nelson and Ruvell Martin, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Our View: James Jones should have a firm grip on the number three role behind starters Donald Driver and Greg Jennings. Nelson has quickly adapted to the Packers' system and looks to have the edge over Martin for the number four spot. Nelson provides a big target (6-3 218 pounds) to new starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and is also dangerous running after the catch, which will help him fit in as a rookie (the Packers led the league in YAC in 2007). |
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| Johnson apologizes | Tuesday 7/22, 8:29 AM CT |
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Chad Johnson has decided to apologize for complaining and criticizing the Bengals about the state of his contract, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. He is going to report to camp and play hard when the season begins, and commented, "I am sorry and I apologize to those I upset. My whole focus right now is on Baltimore (who the Bengals play in Week 1). I’m still going to get fined and still going to have Cincinnati on the edge of its seat wondering what I’m going to do next, but I am going to mature in some way, I just don’t know how it will be."
Our View: Johnson is still recovering from last month’s arthroscopic ankle surgery, so it could keep him from doing everything in training camp, but he is expected to be 100 percent ready for Week 1 against the Ravens.
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| Raiders ink Wesley | Tuesday 7/22, 8:21 AM CT |
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The Raiders have inked Greg Wesley, who was recently released by the rival Chiefs, according to ProFootballTalk.com. He agreed to a one-year deal, but financial details were not disclosed.
Our View: He is expected to be the top reserve at safety behind starters Gibril Wilson and Michael Huff, and will hold no fantasy value with the silver and black. |
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| Jackson to serve spot role | Tuesday 7/22, 7:00 AM CT |
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Rookie Dexter Jackson is expected to serve a spot role with the Buccaneers this season, according to the St. Petersburg Times. He said, "Coach Gruden is going to spot-play me throughout the season. Like trick plays and decoy routes. Whatever the team might need."
Our View: Jackson is only 5-10 182 pounds, and will make his biggest contribution as a punt returner in his debut campaign with Tampa Bay, meaning he will have minimal fantasy value in 2008. |
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