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| Gold retires | Wednesday 7/23, 11:52 PM CT |
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Linebacker Ian Gold has announced his decision to retire from professional football, according to NFL.com.
Our View: Gold tore an ACL during the 2003 season, the final year of his rookie contract. He signed as a free agent with the Bucs, started 13 games there in 2004, and then re-signed with the Broncos in 2005. He started 16 games for Denver in 2005, 15 games in 2006, and 14 games in 2007. Gold qualified for the Pro Bowl in 2001, his second NFL season. |
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| Ellis, Porter likely to see prolonged holdout for Saints | Wednesday 7/23, 11:49 PM CT |
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As we track the various rookie contracts and negotiations around the NFL, we are learning of strong concerns in the New Orleans where the only remaining rookies yet to be signed, 1st-rounder Sedrick Ellis and 2nd-rounder Tracy Porter, are rumored to be heading towards an elongated holdout, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Our View: The belief has been fueled by public comments made by New Orleans GM Mike Loomis, noting the team has had very little progress in getting both Ellis and Porter to the negotiating table. Loomis blames the delay on the attempts by agents to get significant increases over what was paid to players in the same slots a year ago. Each year brings one or two guys that tend to miss the bulk of training camp due to these complications, but with two players on the same team failing to get deals done, it is difficult to look at the situation and avoid questions about how the Saints are going about their business. They have dedicated funds, draft picks, and long hours to get top free agents signed and to add top talents via trade. Getting rookies signed should be a walk in the park, but it appears this is not the case. We'll keep you posted. |
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| Jets, Gholston nearing agreement | Wednesday 7/23, 11:40 PM CT |
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The Jets continue to work diligently to get 1st-round draft pick defensive lineman Vernon Gholston signed to his first NFL contract so he can report to training camp on time, and reports out of New York indicate the sides are close, according to the New York Daily News.
Our View: As of Wednesday night, Gholston, the Jets' top draft pick (No. 6 overall), still was unsigned. However, the two sides made late progress, according to two NFL sources, and were expected to have a marathon negotiating session with the hope of producing an agreement by Thursday. That Gholston wasn't signed by Wednesday's reporting date was somewhat surprising, considering the top four picks in the draft are under contract. But recent changes in the collective bargaining agreement complicated matters, especially with regard to contract length. By rule, Gholston can sign for up to six years, but it could end up being a five-year deal with about $24 million in guarantees. Gholston probably will be paid in the neighborhood of $8 million to $9 million per year, making it one of the richest in team history. |
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| Jordan says he's coming to camp | Wednesday 7/23, 11:18 PM CT |
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Earlier today we reported the Oakland Raiders had asked rusher LaMont Jordan to avoid reporting for training camp despite lacking the right to do so. The thought is simple: They are trying to trade Jordan as their rushing corps is loaded with depth, and they wish to keep him healthy. Now, exercising rights afforded to him by the Players Union and their agreement with the league, Jordan will be ignoring the desires of the Raiders and intends to report for camp, acccording to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Our View: According to the current collective bargaining agreement, an NFL player under contract must be allowed to report and participate in all offseason and training camp meetings and workouts. Alvin Keels, who represents the embattled running back, said he told the Raiders on Wednesday they have just over 24 hours to either release his client, trade him or permit him to report as scheduled. Being released is the most likely desire for Jordan, thus allowing him to sign with another team and get to work melding into that new scenario. For now, the Raiders hold the cards and are working for their best interests. Jordan is trying to swing as much power as he can for his own destiny (hard to blame him for that), and this move makes the most sense to get that done. |
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| Lilja to open on PUP | Wednesday 7/23, 11:13 PM CT |
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The Colts report guard Ryan Lilja is likely to begin camp on the PUP list, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Lilja has been hampered by knee issues throughout his career, though he is highly reliable when healthy (and often plays hurt). The Colts want to save him for action that matters, and this move will accomplish that. |
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| Colts add two veteran arms | Wednesday 7/23, 10:28 PM CT |
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In a move that indicates the concerns surrounding Peyton Manning may run deeper than originally thought, the Colts have signed veteran passers Quinn Gray and Jared Lorenzen, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Our View: The Colts continue to assert that Manning, recovering from knee surgery, will be all good to go well before the season starts, but this move adds experienced insurance policies should complications arise. Gray spent his first four seasons with the Jaguars, appearing in 11 games and starting four, all in 2007. He signed with the Texans as a free agent, but was released after failing to sufficiently pick up the offense during offseason workouts. Talk notes the signing of Lorenzen is not confirmed, though their source is reliable. The other quarterbacks on the roster are Jim Sorgi, Josh Betts, and rookie Adam Tafralis. |
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| Lions get Cherilus signed and sealed | Wednesday 7/23, 10:23 PM CT |
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The Detroit Lions have reached a contractual agreement with 1st-round draft pick tackle Gosder Cherilus , according to SLAM Sports.
Our View: Cherilus was the 17th pick in April's draft out of Boston College. He is expected to play right tackle for the Lions after being a left tackle in college. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. |
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| Boldin, Dockett report for Day 1 | Wednesday 7/23, 9:42 PM CT |
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As hoped, the Cardinals watched two of their top contributors, receiver Anquan Boldin and defensive lineman Darnell Dockett, report for the start of training camp despite ongoing contract negotiations that currently sit as frustrations for the players, according to the East Valley Tribune.
Our View: Boldin did not speak to reporters, but Dockett expressed his desire to stay hard at work while his agent (Drew Rosenhaus) and the team iron things out. With four years remaining on his current deal, it is hard to assert Dockett has much room to complain, but for Boldin, the story is much different. He has proven his mettle and ability and worked to benefit the team in his financial numbers, only to watch fellow receiver Larry Fitzgerald break the bank with a monsterous new contract. If the team can't get him happy, it is fair to suggest he could leave camp and engage in a holdout effort to get things right. It is a tentative situation for the Cardinals, so keep track on the progress of this story. |
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| Bills get Bowen signed | Wednesday 7/23, 9:35 PM CT |
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The Bills have reached a contract agreement with 5th-round draft pick linebacker Alvin Bowen , according to SLAM Sports.
Our View: Selected 147th overall out of Iowa State, Bowen was a three-year starter and an All-Big 12 Conference first-team selection in both his junior and senior seasons. He led the nation with 155 tackles in 2006 and finished with nine sacks in 46 career games. Bowen is expected to compete for a backup spot and fill a special teams role. He is the sixth of Buffalo's 10 draft picks to sign as the team prepares to open camp in suburban Rochester on Friday morning. |
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| Packers ink Sitton | Wednesday 7/23, 9:17 PM CT |
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The Green Bay Packers have agreed to terms with 4th-round pick offensive guard Josh Sitton , according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Our View: The 6-foot-3, 324-pound Sitton played both guard positions and right tackle in college, but has mostly worked at right guard with the Packers, playing behind starter Jason Spitz. Sitton is the third of nine draft choices to reach an agreement with the Packers, joining quarterback Matt Flynn and receiver Brett Swain. |
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| Jones, Kreutz placed on PUP list | Wednesday 7/23, 9:14 PM CT |
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The Bears recently added rusher Kevin Jones to the roster to compete for snaps in training camp, but now the team has decided to put their new commodity on the physically unable to perform list, joined by Pro Bowl center Olin Kreutz, according to the Chicago Sun Times.
Our View: Both Jones and Kreutz will not be cleared to participate in practices until they pass physical examinations. Jones is still recovering from the torn ACL in his right knee suffered Dec. 23. He had reconstructive surgery performed by Dr. James Andrews on Jan. 3 and the rehabilitation process can take more than eight months. The Bears want to be careful with Jones and it could be that he's left to do work on the side for the bulk of camp. Kreutz recently underwent a procedure to remove scar tissue from an Achille tendon. It's not believed to be serious and he was moving around fine when players reported to training camp Tuesday. |
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| Army calls Campbell into duty | Wednesday 7/23, 9:07 PM CT |
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The Army has called rookie linebacker Caleb Campbell into action, meaning the Lions' 7th-round draft pick will not be playing football any time soon, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Campbell was a 7th-round draft pick for the Lions in April. At the time, Army policy would have allowed the West Point graduate to serve as a recruiter if he made the team. But a subsequent Department of Defense policy has superseded the 2005 Army policy. In a letter to Lions president Matt Millen dated Wednesday, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jonathan P. Liba wrote that Campbell has been ordered to give up professional football for full-time traditional military duties" and may ask to be released from his active duty obligations in May 2010. |
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| Colts sign Pollak, five other draft picks | Wednesday 7/23, 9:02 PM CT |
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The Colts have agreed to contract terms with top rookie draft pick offensive lineman Mike Pollak , also getting five additional draft picks signed to deals to insure they will all be attending training camp, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Pollak and five other Indy draft picks agreed to four-year deals Wednesday, with Pollak expected to earn roughly $3 million, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations who requested anonymity because the contract includes a confidentiality clause. Besides signing Pollak, a Arizona State center taken 59th overall, they also agreed to terms with fourth-round pick Jacob Tamme, a tight end from Kentucky; fifth-round pick Marcus Howard, a pass rushing defensive end from Georgia; two sixth-rounders -- offensive lineman Steve Justice of Wake Forest and running back Mike Hart of Michigan; and seventh-rounder Jamey Richard, an offensive lineman from Buffalo. |
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| Raiders ink Shields | Wednesday 7/23, 8:54 PM CT |
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The Oakland Raiders have signed rookie wide receiver Arman Shields , the team's 4th-round draft pick, to a contract, according to Raiders.com.
Our View: The Raiders selected Shields with the 125th overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, which they received from the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for CB Fabian Washington. The 6’1”, 195-pound receiver caught 160 passes for 1,930 yards, averaged 12.0 yards per catch, and scored 13 touchdowns while attending the University of Richmond. The Washington, DC native will report to his first NFL Training Camp on July 23rd at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex. |
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| Asomugha signs one-year tender | Wednesday 7/23, 8:51 PM CT |
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Despite rumors of a pending holdout, Oakland defensive backfielder Nnamdi Asomugha has signed the one-year franchise tender offer put forth by the Raiders, allowing him to join training camp, according to Raiders.com.
Our View: This is a bit relieving for the Raiders as Asomugha carries large responsibilities in the team's rising defensive effort. The hope was to get a long-term deal signed, but this gets Asomugha into camp. |
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| Dallas signs Choice | Wednesday 7/23, 7:57 PM CT |
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Running back Tashard Choice , the Cowboys' fourth-round choice (123rd overall) has agreed to a four-year contract with the team, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View: Choice, from Georgia Tech, is expected to compete for the team's No. 3 running back spot. Terms were not disclosed. |
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| It's official, Hester holding out | Wednesday 7/23, 7:52 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier report, the worst fears for Chicago fans have come true as return man and potential top receiver Devin Hester has choosen to begin a holdout, failing to report for training camp and indicating he will continue his absence until the team negotiates a new contract for his services, according to ChicagoBears.com.
Our View: Bears GM Jerry Angelo told reporters that Hester’s absence was “unexpected” because negotiations with agent Eugene Parker were ongoing. Hester was placed on the reserve/did not report list and does not count against the 80-man roster limit. Obviously, the team needs to get this resolved, and they need to do it quickly. The hope was to push Hester as a top receiving threat on offense, and getting him involved in that effort will be a difficult process and a top priority during training camp. If they fail to get him signed and in camp in short order, that effort will be damaged (to say the least). We'll keep you posted. |
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| Favre to decide by the end of the week | Wednesday 7/23, 7:40 PM CT |
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Turning the attention to the field of play, reports now indicate veteran passer Brett Favre is expected to make an official decision about his status for 2008 before the end of the week, possibly as early as Thursday, according to Adam Schefter of NFL.com.
Our View: Favre has yet to put forth an official letter of request for reinstatement to the NFL league office, and there are still many who believe he will remain retired. Schefter reports Favre will make that decision by the end of this week. He also reports the Packers are growing increasingly concerned with the options in the trade market. Schefter reports the Packers have spoken with 20 teams with which they would consider making a deal for Favre, the bulk of which claim they have absolutely no interest. That leaves a list of less-than-desirable partners to negotiate a trade with, and that adds to the intrigue of the scenario. Stay tuned. |
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| Panthers pickup Houston outcast Spencer | Wednesday 7/23, 7:18 PM CT |
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Offensive lineman Charles Spencer , released yesterday by the Houston Texans, has been claimed by the Carolina Panthers, according to Scout.com.
Our View: Spencer is a versatile lineman, capable of filling backup roles at both guard and tackle. The Panthers recognize the value of such a commodity and wasted no time in adding him to the roster. We doubt he battles for starting snaps, but he'll play a pertinent role in the effort should injury become an issue. |
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| Wroten suspended 1 year for substance abuse | Wednesday 7/23, 7:13 PM CT |
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The Rams have announced third-year defensive tackle Claude Wroten has been officially suspended, without pay, for a minimum of one year for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy, according to ProFootballWeekly.com.
Our View: Wroten is eligible to be reinstated no sooner than May 30, 2009. The Rams were counting on Wroten easing the load of starting DT La’Roi Glover this season, and considering Wroten's previous off-the-field problems, the odds of him remaining on the team are probably not good. |
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| Titans ink DL Jones to rookie deal | Wednesday 7/23, 7:09 PM CT |
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The Titans have reached contract terms with 2nd-round draft pick defensive lineman Jason Jones , according to SLAM Sports.
Our View: Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Jones was the 54th pick overall, and the 6-foot-5, 273-pound defensive lineman had 14 sacks at Eastern Michigan where he started 36 of 45 games. He had 19 1/2 tackles for loss as a senior. Now the Titans have just one rookie remaining without a contract, that being 1st-round running back Chris Johnson. |
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| Cowboys sign Scandrick | Wednesday 7/23, 7:05 PM CT |
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The Cowboys have signed 5th-round draft pick cornerback Orlando Scandrick to a four-year contract, the first Dallas draft pick to sign on the dotted line, according to SLAM Sports.
Our View: Scandrick, a fifth-round pick from Boise State, got a four-year deal worth about $1.85 million with a signing bonus of about $185,000. Five draft picks had yet to sign, including first-rounders, running back Felix Jones from Arkansas and cornerback Mike Jenkins from South Florida. |
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| Hester fails to report | Wednesday 7/23, 7:01 PM CT |
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Reports from team sources indicate Pro-Bowl return man and top receiver (as listed on the current depth chart) Devin Hester has not reported for the first day of training camp, according to SLAM Sports.
Our View: Hester was placed on the Bears' Did Not Report list. The reason for his absence was not immediately known Wednesday. The Bears had hoped to extend Hester's contract before training camp but had not completed a deal. However, there is no indication that Hester has started a holdout effort to enhance those negotiations. If we find news on this headline, we'll be passing it along. |
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| Savage says Browns not eyeing Parker | Wednesday 7/23, 6:57 PM CT |
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With rumors of potential interest and the future of Joe Jurevicius in questions, Cleveland GM Phil Savage has told reporters the Browns are not currently considering a move to add recently-released San Diego receiver Eric Parker , according to ClevelandBrowns.com.
Our View: Donte Stallworth is also battling minor soreness, thus adding to the thoughts that claim the Browns are considering a move to add the veteran target. Parker would be familiar with Rob Chudzinski's offensive system from the time Chudzinski spent as the Chargers' tight ends coach before returning to the Browns last year. However, Savage believes there are more than enough hands on deck at the position for the Browns should either of their top commodities struggle to regain health, including return man Joshua Cribbs, rookie Paul Hubbardand, veteran newcomer Kevin Kasper and third-year man Travis Wilson. |
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| Goodell tracking the saga of Favre | Wednesday 7/23, 6:49 PM CT |
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As the flurry surrounding Brett Favre , his use of a team-provided cell phone, potential salary-cap infractions, and his potential return to the NFL continues to swirl, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has told reporters that he has spoken with management for the Packers and is "closely monitoring the situation," according to the Associated Press.
Our View: ESPN.com first reported Goodell's interest in the Favre predicament, indicating that Goodell encouraged Packers general manager Ted Thompson to survey teams around the league to try to find a trade partner in hopes of resolving it quickly. NFL.com reported Tuesday that the Packers had spoken to several teams to gauge their interest in a trade for Favre. Goodell has more than a few interests of need in tracking the situation. Accusations (and the pending investigation) against the Minnesota Vikings of tampering, attempting to talk with Favre while his rights were still retained by the Packers, is priority #1, but the desire to move past this ugly chapter of the offseason is likely to be a concern for Goodell as well. Getting the tampering scandal under wraps, insuring the Packers have or have not violated salary cap restrictions and the investigation sure to follow on those charges, giving Favre an avenue to return despite Green Bay's desire to hold him out... that's a full plate. |
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| Smith calls press conference, likely to retire | Wednesday 7/23, 6:42 PM CT |
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Veteran Denver receiver Rod Smith has scheduled a press conference for Thursday with reports indicating he will announce his retirement from the NFL, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
Our View: Smith's agent, Jack Mills, confirmed the event but declined to give details. Team spokesman Jim Saccomano said he wasn't aware of the press conference. Smith, 38, has been on the reserve/retired list since February and has had two hip operations in the last year. He's the franchise's career leader in every major receiving category. |
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| Bucs struggling to sign Talib | Wednesday 7/23, 6:38 PM CT |
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The Bucs report they are unlikely to get top rookie, cornerback Aqib Talib , signed to a contract before the start of training camp, according to the St. Petersburg Times.
Our View: The story, like many involving top rookies across the league, revolves around agent Todd France. The Times reports the team has had almost no contact with France in recent days and thus believes their top draft pick is not likely to be signed before camp starts on Friday. Several teams are fighting for the same goal, attempting to get France (who represents many of the top rookies taken in the 1st round of this year's Draft) in town and at the table to get a deal done. His involvement in so many players is playing tricks on the entire process as many of these deals and the numbers involved are based on the results of negotiations with players selected in the same area of the draft. With France representing many of those players and experiencing obvious troubles in getting the entire process rolling for most of them, it appears his clients are actually working against each other (at least in terms of getting a deal signed before Day 1 of camp). |
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| Saints sign Nicks | Wednesday 7/23, 6:29 PM CT |
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The Saints have signed rookie offensive lineman Carl Nicks , selected in the 5th round of this this year's NFL Draft, to a three-year contract, according to the Times-Picayune.
Our View: Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Now the Saints must get their remaining rookies, 1st-round linebacker Sedrick Ellis and 2nd-round cornerback Tracy Porter, to join Nicks as officially signed NFL employees. |
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| Deuce drops weight, cleared for work | Wednesday 7/23, 6:25 PM CT |
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The Saints report rusher Deuce McAllister has reported to camp at 227 pounds, significantly lighter than he has come into the fold in recent seasons, according to the Times-Picayune.
Our View: McAllister, coming off two offseason knee surgeries, has not taken part in the team's conditioning activities but was recently examied by famed surgeon Dr. James Andrews and has been cleared to participate in football activities. |
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| Colston gets three-year extension | Wednesday 7/23, 6:21 PM CT |
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Reports out of New Orleans indicate the Saints have reached terms on a new contract extension for top receiver Marques Colston , according to the Times-Picayune.
Our View: Colston has agreed to terms on a three-year extension with the Saints, GM Mickey Loomis announced Wednesday in his pre-training camp address. Colston, a seventh-round pick in 2006, has far outplayed his rookie contract. In two seasons, he's caught 168 passes for 2,240 yardsand 19 touchdowns. The Times-Picayune did not reveal terms of the deal in their report, other than the length. |
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| McGahee to be pressed by Rice? | Wednesday 7/23, 5:53 PM CT |
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Willis McGahee has been labeled a "little flaky" and not fully able to be trusted by the Ravens, according to Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun.
Our View: According to Preston, the team is very fond of newcomer rookie Ray Rice who has impressed pretty much everyone he has come into contact with. Seems like the best plan of action would be to draft Rice late as a handcuff, though we still expect McGahee to produce bottom tier RB1 numbers this season. |
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| Grant, Packers, still negotiating | Wednesday 7/23, 4:57 PM CT |
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Ryan Grant and the Packers are working their way toward resolving the contract impasse that has Grant threatening to sit out camp, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "Overall, the majority of the money we're willing to put into performance-based pay," agent Alan Herman said. "The better he does, the more money he makes. It's a no-brainer."
Our View: The deadline for reporting to camp in Sunday, and Herman expressed hope that a deal will be completed by then. Eventually this will get worked out, it's really just a matter of when. |
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| Giants to spread carries around | Wednesday 7/23, 4:50 PM CT |
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Brandon Jacobs has been thought of as the Giants lead back heading into the season, and while that might still be the case, it also appears that he is in danger of losing touches, according to the Giants Official Website. When asked about how the team's runners will be treated this season, here is what OC Kevin Gilbride said. "...depending on how certain defenses are playing us, which guy's playing better that day, in other words, kind of who has the hot hand, who is playing the best, that is the guy that we would certainly feature that day."
Our View: Ahmad Bradshaw and Derrick Ward are the two backs who will obviously benefit if the team follows through with this plan. Jacobs is still the top target on draft, and if he is healthy there is no reason to think that he won't be able to produce solid RB2 numbers. |
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| Jordan told to stay home | Wednesday 7/23, 4:45 PM CT |
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LaMont Jordan was told to avoid reporting to Raiders camp, according to the Associated Press. However, the team has no authority to request such a move as they must let Jordan participate, cut him or trade him.
Our View: The Raiders are never boring are they? The Raiders clearly have no desire to pay Jordan almost five million dollars as his contract calls for, and with Darren McFadden now in the fold, they also don't need him on the field. Therefore, it would appear that Jordan will be released at some point in the near future since his contract makes it improbable that he could be traded. |
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| Rams ink King | Wednesday 7/23, 3:52 PM CT |
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The Rams have inked fourth-round pick Justin King (Penn State) to a four-year contract, according to the AP. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Our View: He is a great athlete who has the skills to develop into a quality starter with the Rams down the road. |
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| Chiefs ink Flowers | Wednesday 7/23, 3:20 PM CT |
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The Chiefs inked second-round pick Brandon Flowers (Virginia Tech) to a four-year deal, according to the AP. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Our View: He is a very aggressive and physical cornerback and is projected to start for the Chiefs as a rookie. He should make some big plays this season and rack up a favorable amount of tackles, making him worthy of a late round selection in IDP drafts. |
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| Shockey officially a Saint | Wednesday 7/23, 3:14 PM CT |
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Jeremy Shockey passed his physical in New Orleans and is officially a member of the Saints, according to the NY Daily News.
Our View: Shockey hauled in a career-high 74 receptions in 2002, and could challenge a new high with the Saints if he can stay healthy, when you consider the lack of solid targets in the receiving corps beyond Marques Colston. |
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| Top rookies expected for camp | Wednesday 7/23, 2:27 PM CT |
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Top rookies Rashard Mendenhall and Limas Sweed are expected to be signed prior to the start of training camp Sunday, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Coach Mike Tomlin said, "We don't anticipate any of these guys having hold ups as far as participating."
Our View: Contract negotiations are going well for both rookies. |
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| Wallace inks with Niners | Wednesday 7/23, 2:16 PM CT |
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The 49ers have inked fourth-round pick Cody Wallace (Texas A&M), according to the SF Chronicle. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Our View: Wallace is athletic but needs to add bulk in order to contribute with the team. |
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| Parker released | Wednesday 7/23, 1:35 PM CT |
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Updating a previous report, Eric Parker has been released by San Diego, according to the official team page.
Our View: He had a decent run with the team, but no longer fit in among a deep and talented receiving corps that features Chris Chambers, Vincent Jackson, and Buster Davis. Parker is expected to find work with another team, possibly the Browns, who previously showed interest. |
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| Vikings sign Sullivan | Wednesday 7/23, 1:26 PM CT |
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The Vikings have signed sixth-round pick John Sullivan (Notre Dame), according to the AP. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Our View: He displays above average abilities in pass and run protection, but needs to improve his strength and aggressiveness. |
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| Vikings sign John David Booty | Wednesday 7/23, 1:21 PM CT |
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The Vikings have signed fifth-round pick John David Booty (USC), according to the AP. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Our View: He possesses a solid arm and a quick release, but needs to improve his recognition skills. |
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| Petitti waived | Wednesday 7/23, 12:59 PM CT |
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Rob Petitti has been waived by the Rams, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View: He had little chance to work in the Rams' offensive line rotation this season. |
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| Bears ink Williams | Wednesday 7/23, 12:54 PM CT |
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The Bears have inked first-round pick Chris Williams (Vanderbilt) to a five-year deal, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The deal has a base value of $13 million and can top out at more than $15 million if he meets various triggers.
Our View: He signed before camp, so he has a strong chance to start on the left side at tackle immediately as a rookie. That would allow John Tait to cover the right side, which he is best suited for. |
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| Brown to be eased back in slowly | Wednesday 7/23, 12:31 PM CT |
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Ronnie Brown says his surgically repaired right knee feels strong, but the Dolphins still intend to remain cautious and ease him back in slowly, according to the Sun-Sentinel. New head coach Tony Sparano said he will "sprinkle" Brown into contact work during training camp, which opens Saturday.
Our View: Brown could be a steal for fantasy owners, but will also remain a risk, especially with Ricky Williams in the mix to share carries. |
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| Buzbee placed on IR | Wednesday 7/23, 12:21 PM CT |
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As expected, Alex Buzbee has been placed on IR after sustaining a ruptured Achilles.
Our View: He will miss the 2008 campaign, but wasn't going to see much (if any) time in the Redskins' rotation anyway. |
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| Patten to open camp as starter | Wednesday 7/23, 12:16 PM CT |
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The New Orleans Times-Picayune indicates that David Patten will begin training camp as the starting receiver opposite Marques Colston.
Our View: Patten will be challenged by a few young receivers, namely Robert Meachem, but the vet should ultimately hold them off for the number two spot. |
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| Boller to be No. 3 QB? | Wednesday 7/23, 12:10 PM CT |
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Don Banks of Sports Illustrated suggests that Kyle Boller "seems destined" to be the Ravens number three quarterback this season.
Our View: The top two quarterback spots are believed to be decided by Troy Smith and rookie Joe Flacco, leaving Kyle Boller third for clipboard duty. |
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| Johnson signs with Vikings | Wednesday 7/23, 11:36 AM CT |
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Second-round pick Tyrell Johnson (Arkansas State) has signed a four-year deal with the Vikings, according to the Star Tribune. His base salaries are $295,000 this year, $385,000 in 2009, $470,000 in 2010 and $555,000 in 2011. He also gets a one-time incentive bonus of $600,000 if is he on the field for 35 percent of the defensive snaps this season or 45 percent of the defensive snaps in 2009.
Our View: Johnson is a hard-hitter and should prove to be an asset in run support, as well as pass support, when he develops. He is expected to serve as a backup as a rookie behind starters Darren Sharper and Madieu Williams, and also has the skills to be an option as a punt returner if needed. |
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| Walker will be ready for camp | Wednesday 7/23, 11:21 AM CT |
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Coach Lane Kiffin states Javon Walker will be ready for the start of training camp, according to the SF Chronicle.
Our View: This is encouraging news, as Walker has not practiced since he was robbed and assaulted in Las Vegas last month. Previous reports indicated that Walker's jaw was broken in the incident, so it does seem a bit hard to believe Walker will be ready for full-contact if that injury news is true. |
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| Stevenson waived | Wednesday 7/23, 11:15 AM CT |
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Dan Stevenson has been waived by the Texans, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Our View: He wasn't going to see any action in the Texans' offensive line rotation, and was cut to make room on the roster for their recently signed rookies. |
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| Parker to be released | Wednesday 7/23, 10:54 AM CT |
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As previously suggested, Eric Parker is expected to be released by the Chargers today, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Our View: Following the move, Parker is expected to sign with another team rather quickly. The Browns were previously said to be interested in him. |
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| Caldwell to be brough along slowly | Wednesday 7/23, 10:25 AM CT |
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Bengals' offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski expects rookie Andre Caldwell (Florida) to be brought along slowly this season, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Our View: The offense is going to rely on veterans, with Antonio Chatman and Marcus Maxwell slated for the top backup spots behind starters Chad Johnson and TJ Houshmandzadeh. Caldwell's fantasy impact looks to be limited, which is a common case with rookie receivers, but he should still make the highlight reel a few times, as he was projected as a first-round talent. |
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| Pryce passes test | Wednesday 7/23, 10:17 AM CT |
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Trevor Pryce had no difficulty passing his condititioning test with the Ravens, according to the Carroll County Times.
Our View: This is good news, as he missed most of the voluntary OTA sessions. He missed most of last season due to a torn pectoral and a broken wrist. The four-time Pro Bowler could have a solid bounce back campaign, and is worth a look in the closing rounds of larger IDP drafts. |
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| Brooks continues to work out | Wednesday 7/23, 9:38 AM CT |
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Aaron Brooks continues to work out every day in case an NFL team calls for his services, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Our View: Brooks has a strong arm and good mobility, but is not perceived as a good leader. Brooks had a favorable run for a while with the Saints, and it is surprising he can't find work in the NFL as a backup. |
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| No repercussions looming for Harrison | Wednesday 7/23, 9:19 AM CT |
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Coach Tony Dungy believes that no repercussions are looming for Marvin Harrison regarding his connection to April's shooting in his hometown of Philadelphia, according to the Indianapolis Star. Dungy said, "I've been given reason to think that Marvin's part of it will not be anything that will come up for us during the year."
Our View: It looks like this matter won't be a distraction during the season, and Harrison has also been medically cleared to practice at the onset of training camp, meaning his fantasy stock is back on the rise. |
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| Hester and Lloyd current starters | Wednesday 7/23, 8:34 AM CT |
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Devin Hester and veteran Brandon Lloyd will begin training camp as the Bears' starting receivers, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Ron Turner expects the pair to get the nod over Mark Bradley and Marty Booker.
Our View: This bodes well for Hester in his bid for a lucrative new contract with the Bears. Hester is already the most dangerous return man in the NFL, and will make some big plays as a wide receiver this season as well, but the Bears' aerial attack is not expected to be very good, and his numbers in that area will show. |
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| Fowler released | Wednesday 7/23, 8:20 AM CT |
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Eric Fowler has been released by the Rams, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View: The small-school star out of Grand Valley State had little chance to contribute to the Rams this season. |
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| Smith placed on PUP list | Wednesday 7/23, 8:16 AM CT |
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Bryan Smith has been placed on the PUP list, according to the Philly Burbs.com. He is dealing with a hamstring injury.
Our View: Smith is expected to begin practice in the next few days, but the move is precautionary in case the injury fails to heal quickly. If healthy, he looks to contribute to the Eagles' pass rush this season, and could hold some fantasy value as a rookie.
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| Kreider joins Rams | Wednesday 7/23, 8:08 AM CT |
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Dan Kreider has left the Steelers as he inked a deal with the Rams, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Our View: Brian Leonard is going to be the starting fullback, so Kreider was added for insurance. Kreider could see time in short-yardage and in goal-line situations as Steven Jackson's lead blocker, but won't hold any fantasy value. |
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| Stephenson waived | Wednesday 7/23, 8:03 AM CT |
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Cameron Stephenson has been waived by the Packers, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Our View: He spent the entire 2007 campaign on the practice squad, and was hindered by a calf injury through the off-season. |
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| Westy says show me the money | Wednesday 7/23, 12:50 AM CT |
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With training camp set to commence and the Eagles looking to start on a positive note, reports from Philadelphia indicate the agent for rusher Brian Westbrook has contacted the team to suggest his client is worthy of a new contract paying $10 million per season for the first three years of the deal, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Our View: The stories out of the city of brotherly love suggest Westbrook's decision to hire his new agent, Todd France, was based solely on France's assertions that he would get the 29-year-old rusher a certain level of compensation for his services, and now the time has come to see if he can live up to his word. Sources also report that several top NFL player agents withdrew their name from consideration for the opportunity to serve Westbrook after they heard the numbers he was set to demand, implicating such a deal is not likely to be found. |
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