|
| Jacobs signs with Denver | Saturday 7/26, 10:52 PM CT |
|
Former second-round selection Taylor Jacobs has re-signed with Denver after the team cut him in June, according to MileHighReport.com.
Our View: Jacobs will have a tough time making the roster, which is deep at the wide receiver position. |
|
|
| Jones to share time | Saturday 7/26, 10:36 PM CT |
|
Julius Jones will split carries with fellow running back Maurice Morris, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. "It will certainly help our team if I can keep them both fresh and somewhat healthy through the course of the season by doing it this way," Seattle coach Mike Holmgren said.
Our View: Jones was expected to be the guy to get the bulk of the carries, and it may still turn out that way, but a timeshare sounds like a distinct possibility. This could be a frustration for fantasy owners, and it will likely play out on a week-to-week basis. |
|
|
| Harrell still injured | Saturday 7/26, 10:31 PM CT |
|
Justin Harrell is still recovering from April back surgery and will not be healthy for training camp, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Our View: Harrell, the team's first-round pick last season, only played seven games in 2007 due to an injury, and he may miss more time due to this injury, though it is unknown how long he will be out for. |
|
|
| Grant unlikely to show for camp | Saturday 7/26, 10:28 PM CT |
|
Green Bay running back Ryan Grant is not likely to be a participant when the Packers open training camp tomorrow, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentiinel.
Our View: It's difficult to assess what eight games of quality play is worth, but the Packers apparently believe in Grant enough to sign him long-term. |
|
|
| Williams wants 1,000 yards | Saturday 7/26, 8:56 PM CT |
|
Miami running back Ricky Williams and fellow back Ronnie Brown have a goal of each rushing for 1,000 yards on the season, according to ESPN.com. Williams has been turning heads with his impressive play, and he looks "explosive" on the field, according to the report.
Our View: The goal of the two backs seems highly unlikely to happen, but Williams is a guy that most fantasy owners are forgetting about. Don't be afraid to spend a late-round pick on him, as it just might pay dividends. |
|
|
| Brohm remains unsigned | Saturday 7/26, 8:49 PM CT |
|
Rookie quarterback Brian Brohm, a second-round pick of the Packers, remains the team's only unsigned draft pick, according to Scout.com.
Our View: Brohm has a legitimate chance to be the backup to Aaron Rodgers, so it would be wise for him to get a deal done as soon as possible. |
|
|
| Lee inks contract | Saturday 7/26, 8:47 PM CT |
|
Cornerback Patrick Lee, a second-round selection, has signed a contract with the Green Bay Packers, according to Scout.com.
Our View: Lee will fight for the nickel back job in training camp behind starters Charles Woodson and Al Harris. |
|
|
| Nelson signs with Green Bay | Saturday 7/26, 8:44 PM CT |
|
Green Bay has signed their second-round selection, wide receiver Jordy Nelson, according to Scout.com. The contract is over four years and worth $4.7 million.
Our View: Nelson will battle for the fourth receiver spot in camp, and even if he does win that job, his prospects to make an impact in fantasy leagues are minimal. |
|
|
| Branch at back of depth chart | Saturday 7/26, 8:28 PM CT |
|
Alan Branch is now third on the depth chart at defensive tackle, according to the Arizona Republic.
Our View: Branch was thought to be a possible top-10 selection coming out of Michigan, but he slid all the way to the second round, and now he is doing more sliding - to the back of the depth chart. |
|
|
| Olshansky could opt out of contract | Saturday 7/26, 7:16 PM CT |
|
The San Diego Chargers may lose defensive lineman Igor Olshansky after this season as he is eligible to opt out of his contract, and the Chargers need to save money to sign their many impending free agents, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: Olshansky is just 26, and though his numbers don't necessarily bear it out, he is an important part of the Chargers defense and would certainly be coveted in free agency. |
|
|
| Huard could be traded | Saturday 7/26, 7:11 PM CT |
|
Chiefs quarterback Damon Huard is currently third on the depth chart behind Brodie Croyle and Tyler Thigpen, and he could be a prime candidate to be traded, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: Croyle could make a useful backup for somebody, and as the article suggests, third-string quarterbacks are usually developmental guys, not 35-year-old veterans. |
|
|
| Cody impressing early | Saturday 7/26, 6:57 PM CT |
|
Lions defensive tackle Shaun Cody lost weight during the offseason, and he has looked good so far in camp because of his quickness, accoridng to the Detroit Free-Press.
Our View: This by no means indicates that the Lions defense should be considered for fantasy teams, but Cody is in the final year of his contract, so he needs a good season in order to get a good contract next year. |
|
|
| Ball may miss season | Saturday 7/26, 6:54 PM CT |
|
Reggie Ball injured his knee during practice and may miss the entire season, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Ball had yet to catch a pass in the NFL, and he did not possess fantasy value. |
|
|
| Packers sign Finley | Saturday 7/26, 6:49 PM CT |
|
Green Bay has signed their third-round pick, tight end Jermichael Finley, according to the Madison Capital Times.
Our View: Finley may eventually turn into a player fantasy owners will pay attention to, but that time is not now. |
|
|
| McKelvin inks deal | Saturday 7/26, 6:18 PM CT |
|
Buffalo Bills first-round draft pick Leodis McKelvin has signed a contract with the team, according to BuffaloBills.com.
Our View: McKelvin is expected to compete for a starting job at corner and as a return man. He had eight returns for a touchdown in college, including seven on punts. |
|
|
| Davis moves to weakside 'backer | Saturday 7/26, 5:26 PM CT |
|
Thomas Davis has been moved from strongside linebacker to the weakside position, according to the Charlotte Observer. The team expects him to use his speed more from that position to get to the ball.
Our View: Why is this a major move? Because the strongside linebacker is the one who lines up over the tight end, often covering him or fighting through his blocks. Meanwhile, the weakside linebacker does not have to worry about engaging the tight end, and can use his athletic ability in order to make more plays. This move enhances Davis' IDP value in fantasy leagues. |
|
|
| Anderson leaves practice with injury | Saturday 7/26, 5:18 PM CT |
|
Atlanta defensive end Jamaal Anderson left practice early with a hamstring injury, though the extent of it is not known, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: This injury certainly isn't going to help Anderson improve on his zero sacks from last season. |
|
|
| Grimes works with starters | Saturday 7/26, 5:15 PM CT |
|
Brent Grimes, an NFL Europe veteran, is working with the starting unit at cornerback, and could remain there for the duration, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: Grimes was undrafted and is just 5-10, but the coaching staff seems intent on letting him have a shot to play. |
|
|
| Evans develops chemistry with Edwards | Saturday 7/26, 5:00 PM CT |
|
Buffalo wide receiver Lee Evans worked in the offseason catching passes from second-year quarterback Trent Edwards, and the duo started off training camp by putting together some nice plays early, according to BuffaloBills.com.
Our View: Lee Evans has a chance to return to elite status in fantasy if he can continue this. He was disappointing last year, and his stock has taken a dip because of it. Evans could wind up as a steal should he and Edwards make a steady transition to the regular season. |
|
|
| Lions bring Lehman back | Saturday 7/26, 4:21 PM CT |
|
Released earlier today by the Bucs, the Detroit Lions have re-signed veteran linebacker Teddy Lehman , according to the Detroit News.
Our View: Lehman was drafted by the Lions in 2004 and signed with Tampa Bay as a free agent earlier this year. To make room for Lehman on the roster, the Lions released linebacker Albert Fincher. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. |
|
|
| Favre unlikely to join Jets | Saturday 7/26, 4:18 PM CT |
|
Updating the latest in what seems like hourly news on Brett Favre, the New York Jets now seem like an unlikely landing spot for the quarterback, as team officials deemed the possibility of trading for him, "very remote", according to the Newark Star-Ledger.
Our View: Favre would have been a pretty good fit in New York, despite the fact he would have received even more media attention than he ever has. New York must still decide between Kellen Clemens and Chad Pennington at QB. |
|
|
| McAllister MRI negative | Saturday 7/26, 4:08 PM CT |
|
The MRI taken on Saints running back Deuce McAllister's left knee showed no structural damage, and he could do a limited amount of work in practice later this afternoon, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Our View: McAllister required the MRI after having to drain fluid from the knee yesterday. McAllister's fantasy value depends on whether or not you believe he will be fully healthy enough to get 15 touches per game. |
|
|
| Thomas, Jones set the tone for 'Boys | Saturday 7/26, 3:51 PM CT |
|
Reports from Dallas have both free-agent additions on defense, namely linebacker Zach Thomas and cornerback Adam Jones (a.k.a. Pacman), working like monsters to lead the way at training camp, according to the Star Telegram.
Our View: In the middle of the defense, Thomas was already making No. 55 very visible. The highlight for the seven-time Pro Bowler was reading and reacting on a running play by Tashard Choice when he meet him at the line of scrimmage. Thomas is also a player coming off a year which he missed 11 games because of a concussion and migraines after a car wreck. The 13-year veteran and Texas native has said he is fully recovered and 100% healthy. Jones, who expects to be the primary punt returner, is getting acclimated quickly despite the amount of practice time he has missed. His conditioning is apparent and his play-making shined. The Cowboys now just have to hope he will be fully reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for the regular season. A decision will be made September 1st. |
|
|
| Manning still missing | Saturday 7/26, 3:29 PM CT |
|
Peyton Manning has yet to report to training camp, missing once again today from team activities, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: The two-time league MVP missed his second straight day of Colts practice Saturday as he continues to recover from knee surgery at his Indianapolis-area home. He had an infected bursa sac removed from his left knee July 14 and doctors have instructed him to stay home to avoid risking another infection. Neither Colts coach Tony Dungy nor Manning, who addressed the injury during a conference call with reporters Thursday, have said when he is expected to arrive at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, where the Colts practice through August 15th. |
|
|
| McCarthy (still) backing Rodgers | Saturday 7/26, 3:27 PM CT |
|
Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy says he has no idea how or where the Brett Favre saga to unretire will come to fruition, but he does know this: Aaron Rodgers is his starting quarterback, according to SLAM Sports.
Our View: McCarthy acknowledged the possibility that Favre, who is having serious second thoughts about his football future, could report to training camp with the rest of the team and even be in uniform for their first practice Monday morning. But he'll have to file for reinstatement with the league first, then pass a physical. The team has been more than honest in letting Favre know he is in line to enter as the QB2, but you better believe Favre knows what he is doing. If he does in fact file for reinstatement and join training camp with the Packers, and if he is retained in the QB2 spot entering the season, it is rather difficult to imagine how the local fans will respond the first time Rodgers goes three-and-out. It's a story that just won't die, and it seems we have a long road ahead to reach the end. Stay tuned. |
|
|
| Shepherd done for the year | Saturday 7/26, 2:45 PM CT |
|
Denver receiver Edell Shepherd is out for the season with a torn ACL and hamstring, suffered on Friday morning in training camp, according to the Rocky Mountain News.
Our View: Shepherd would struggle to gain notice in the deepest of fantasy leagues, but the picture at the position gets a bit more clear for fantasy owners wanting to watch how the receiver position unfolds in Denver. |
|
|
| Henne signs in Miami | Saturday 7/26, 2:37 PM CT |
|
He's taken snaps with the first-team offense in practice (one month ago, in OTAs), but newly-drafted Michigan passer Chad Henne has just finalized the terms of his first NFL contract, sealing the deal with Miami and getting his arm on the field at training camp, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Our View: Per Adam Schefter of the NFL Network, Henne has signed a four-year, $3.5 million contract with $1.5 million guaranteed. Henne will get a shot to start as a rookie, although he’ll enter training camp behind veterans Josh McCown and John Beck on the quarterback depth chart. McCown and Beck split reps with the first team at this morning’s practice, and McCown showed no ill effects of the recent injury to his throwing hand suffered in a chain saw accident. |
|
|
| Baker shows up early after signing | Saturday 7/26, 2:32 PM CT |
|
Yesterday we reported top draft pick Sam Baker had reached contract terms with the Atlanta Falcons, and today we are reporting he showed up for training camp... too early, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Our View: The NFL has not approved the deal, and thus Baker is not allowed to practice. Thus he sat in team offices and reports of problems were run to the wire. There is no worries, for Baker's deal has been approved and he is on the field this afternoon. |
|
|
| Pats sign Jordan | Saturday 7/26, 2:08 PM CT |
|
In a move to shock the foundation of your fantasy world, we are learning the New England Patriots have signed recently-released rusher LaMont Jordan , according to ProFootballTalk.
Our View: PFT is passing along a verbal report from Adam Schefter of the NFL Network, stating Jordan was also pursued by the Saints (clearly worried about he health of Deuce McAllister). Jordan’s deal with the Patriots is a one-year contract. No financial terms have been reported. |
|
|
| Gaither carted off | Saturday 7/26, 1:33 PM CT |
|
Baltimore offensive lineman Jared Gaither was carted off the field at the end of Saturday's morning practice after suffering an apparent ankle injury, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View: The Ravens' policy is not to comment on injuries, thus we know very little. The Ravens can ill afford an injury on the offensive line, a unit where depth is shallow and players are learning to live without retired Jon Ogden. Gaither is a player in the mix for significant playing time and thus this is an injury of great interest for those with rusher Willis McGahee or other Baltimore players on the fantasy roster. When the team decides to share news on his status, we'll pass it along. |
|
|
| Bears continue to miss top draft pick | Saturday 7/26, 1:13 PM CT |
|
Continuing to follow a story originating yesterday, Chicago's 1st-round draft pick, tackle Chris Williams , was once again held out of team practices at training camp today due to a stiff back, according to the Chicago Sun Times.
Our View: The Bears report Williams is likely to be out until late next week but do not believe the injury is serious. The offensive tackle was injured halfway through the second practice of training camp on Thursday. He skipped Friday's fully padded session and was a bystander Saturday morning. He's expected to skip the evening practice at Ward Field also. Williams was moving around slowly. No one has put a timetable on things for a return but the more days he misses the more difficult it will be for him to unseat veteran John St. Clair. Williams needs practice time that will lead to significant playing time in preseason games. The Bears could also consider switching it up and moving John Tait back to the left side and slotting St. Clair at right tackle. That could spark a game of musical chairs though because if and when Williams is ready to play, he'll need to be at left tackle. |
|
|
| Porter misses camp opener | Saturday 7/26, 1:09 PM CT |
|
Miami linebacker Joey Porter is being held from the first day of training camp due to an ankle injury that prevented him from running full speed while working with team trainers, according to the Miami Sun-Sentinel.
Our View: After practice head coach Tony Sparano confirmed the three-time Pro Bowl selection was played on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, but was optimistic the injury, which happened while Porter was training on his own the week before training camp, isn't extremely serious. We'll keep you posted of further developements. |
|
|
| Contract extension for Whitworth | Saturday 7/26, 12:41 PM CT |
|
The Bengals have secured tackle Andrew Whitworth through 2013, signing the offensive lineman to a new four-year contract extension, according to Bengals.com.
Our View: We reported this would be coming as the Bengals passed on the opportunity to sign Stacy Andrews to a long-term deal. Reports indicate that with incentives the new money can total as much as $30 million for Whitworth, a 2nd-round pick in 2006. |
|
|
| Insight into Haynesworth provisions for UFA | Saturday 7/26, 12:38 PM CT |
|
With top defensive lineman and franchise-tagged Albert Haynesworth signed to the one-year tender offer (worth approximately $7.25 million), the reports in Tennessee have started to focus on his future, leading Jim Wyatt to research and report just how Haynesworth can gain his freedom from the current situation, according to the Tennessean.
Our View: Haynesworth signed a one-year franchise tender on Friday, with provisions that would prevent the Titans from using the tag again next year. Those provisions that will earn him the desired status for next season include (1) if he qualifies for the Pro Bowl, (2) if he participates in 60 percent of the snaps on defense, (3) if he participates in 53 percent of the snaps and the team wins 10 games or more, and (4) if he participates in 53 percent of the snaps and the Titans finish in the league’s top five in total defense. Those seem to be very reasonable goals for Haynesworth this season, and thus we expect he will be an urestricted free agent next season. |
|
|
| Rams ink Avery | Saturday 7/26, 12:18 PM CT |
|
No sooner do we report the team's love of fellow rookie target Keenan Burton and Donnie Avery , the 2nd-round draft pick for the Rams, signs, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Avery, who was expected to report to camp for Saturday's afternoon practice, led Conference USA and ranked fourth in the nation with an average of 112 receiving yards per game in 2007. His average of seven catches per contest also led the league and ranked 14th nationally for the University of Houston standout.
|
|
|
| Carlson at practice for Seahawks | Saturday 7/26, 12:11 PM CT |
|
Seattle is enjoying the presence of rookie tight end John Carlson on the practice field today, giving reason to believe the Seahawks' 2nd-round draft choice has come to terms on a contract, according to the Seattle News Tribune.
Our View: Reports suggest the two sides were working late Friday night to get a deal done. Carlson is expected to fight for (and likely win) the starting job at tight end, thus they have been anxious to get him into camp. We'll keep you posted. |
|
|
| Deuce getting MRI on left knee | Saturday 7/26, 12:00 PM CT |
|
Concerning new out of New Orleans where the Saints report rusher Deuce McAllister will undergo an MRI exam on his left knee following discomfort and swelling experienced during training camp sessions, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: McAllister had surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in that knee last season. Coach Sean Payton said it swelled up after Friday's practice and trainers had to drain fluid from it. McAllister sat out Saturday morning's practice. Payton said doctors don't know if anything is wrong with the ligament but because of last year's surgery they want to be sure. We'll update with results as soon as we get 'em. |
|
|
| Williams, others move to PUP list for Jags | Saturday 7/26, 11:48 AM CT |
|
As anticipated, the Jaguards have placed receiver Reggie Williams and four other players on the team's PUP (physically unable to perform) list, according to CBSSports.com.
Our View: Receiver Jerry Porter (hamstring), defensive end Jeremy Mincey (wrist), safety Chad Nkang (wrist) and tight end George Wrighster (knee) also were placed on the PUP list. The five players can be activated at any time during training camp, but putting them on the list protects the Jaguars from being on the hook for their entire salaries if the injuries prevent them from making the final roster. |
|
|
| Galloway suffers groin strain | Saturday 7/26, 11:04 AM CT |
|
The Bucs are reporting top receiver Joey Galloway has suffered a groin strain and will be held out of training camp workouts as a result, according to the St. Petersburg Times.
Our View: The reports indicate the injury was suffered first during the offseason during Galloway's rigorous training regiment. With a lack of reliable targets listed behing Galloway on the depth chart, it would seem likely the team is going to give him every opportunity to rest and get healthy, thus we anticipate he will be sitting more than working at training camp this season. |
|
|
| Samuel hurt | Saturday 7/26, 10:52 AM CT |
|
Cornerback Asante Samuel , the Eagles' top free-agent addition in the offseason, became the first injury of training camp, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Our View: Eagles coach Andy Reid said the cornerback strained his right hamstring this morning. An injury to his left hamstring had kept him out of the Eagles voluntary camp last month. Samuel pulled up during a seven-on-seven drill as he was covering receiver Greg Lewis and left the field. Reid said he hopes to know more this afternoon after Samuel is examined by trainer Rick Burkholder and team doctors. |
|
|
| Burton impressing in St. Lou | Saturday 7/26, 10:48 AM CT |
|
He may be listed as a 4th-round selection, but St. Louis is giving rookie receiver Keenan Burton a strong look as he continues to perform at a high level in training camp, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View: The team's top receiver selected in the Draft, Donnie Avery, has yet to sign a contract and thus has been missing from these early workouts. Meanwhile the speedy Burton made three amazing catches in 11-on-11 drills, one on each sideline and another across the middle. Burton, 6-feet-0 and 202 pounds, was impressive during spring workouts, too. Recovered from knee and ankle injuries that slowed his senior season at the University of Kentucky, Burton has his hot wheels back. |
|
|
| Police issue warrant for Hargrove | Saturday 7/26, 10:35 AM CT |
|
Earlier this year former Buffalo defensive end Anthony Hargrove was suspended for the entire season. Today WHEC-TV in Rochester reports that a warrant has been issued for Hargrove’s arrest, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Our View: Hargrove has failed to perform 200 hours of community service at the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester. PFT reports the sentence arose from a guilty plea to disorderly conduct, stemming from an arrest of Hargrove and his brother outside a night club. At the time, Hargrove was excited about the development, stating he and his brother were excited to help the Boys and Girls Club to start football camps and play an active roll in the community. Since then, the Club reports they have never heard a single word from Hargrove, and now he's a wanted man. |
|
|
| Andrews absence continues to worry | Saturday 7/26, 10:30 AM CT |
|
Yesterday we passed along a report indicating the Philadelphia Eagles have told reporters offensive guard Shawn Andrews will not be in training camp due to personal matters. However, reports we are reading today suggest the Eagles are not entirely sure why Andrews is not in camp, and as a result, he has been removed from the official Philadelphia roster, leaving his status in question, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Our View: PFT believes the team will explain the decision to remove Andrews from the roster by stating that because Andrews is on the reserve/did not report list, he’s not part of the active roster. There are various theories regarding Andrews’ absence. One report indicates that Andrews doesn’t like coach Andy Reid’s contact-heavy training camp. Agent Rich Moran states the absence is for other reasons, but still won’t say what those reasons may be. Meanwhile, Reid denied the WIP radio report that the Eagles had considered trading Andrews. In addition to the daily fines, Andrews also faces the partial forfeiture of signing bonus money. |
|
|
| Titans get Johnson on the dotted line | Saturday 7/26, 10:23 AM CT |
|
The Titans have reached contractual terms with top rookie running back Chris Johnson , according to the Tennessean.
Our View: Johnson, the team’s first-round pick (24th overall), reached a 5-year, $12 million deal with the team that includes roughly $7 million in guaranteed money. He is in Nashville, is expected to undergo a physical today, and the Titans expect him to be able to practice at 3:30 p.m today. Rejoice fantasy owners, for your prized rookie phenom will report to camp early and receive all of the benefits that come with it. If you have targeted Johnson in your league and feel he is capable of producing at the NFL level, this comes as great news. |
|
|
| Bears tracking Simms | Saturday 7/26, 9:51 AM CT |
|
Reports out of Tampa suggest the Chicago Bears are continuing to track the progress of quarterback Chris Simms as he prepares to partake in training camp and battle with the team for a new contract, according to the Chicago Sun Times.
Our View: The Bears have long been rumored to be interested in Simms and were hoping the Bucs would simply release their former starter. With Simms reporting to camp and coach Jon Gruden claiming he anticipates Simms will battle for the starting job (especially with Jeff Garcia engaged in a contract dispute of his own), it would seem the Bears, if they are truly interested, would need to formulate a trade offer to get the deal done. At this point, the timing is off. We expect the Bears to play a game of wait-and-see as the events unfold in Tampa. If Simms decides to leave camp due to frustrations over his contract, that would seem an optimal time to make a low-ball offer. We'll keep you posted. |
|
|
| Stallworth practicing, Winslow not | Saturday 7/26, 9:40 AM CT |
|
Early reports from training camp this morning have receiver Donte Stallworth donning full pads and participating in drills with the rest of his Cleveland teammates while star tight end Kellen Winslow is wearing shorts and sitting out, according to ClevelandBrowns.com.
Our View: Stallworth missed the first three days of training camp with his new team due to a hamstring issue. He's been going through the full paces with the other receivers this morning. Winslow was given a few days off in last year's camp by the coaches as well to keep him fresh for the season ahead. |
|
|
| Lehman, others released by Tampa | Saturday 7/26, 9:34 AM CT |
|
The Buccaneers have released three players, including linebacker Teddy Lehman , according to the Tampa Tribune.
Our View: In addition, Tampa Bay released WR Taye Biddle and waived-injured RB Cory Boyd, who failed a physical because of knee problems. If Boyd clears waivers, he will be placed on Tampa Bay’s injured reserve list. |
|
|
| Mruczkowski retires, Bauta added | Saturday 7/26, 9:19 AM CT |
|
Patriots offensive lineman Gene Mruczkowski has decided to retire from the game, according to the Providence Journal.
Our View: Mruczkowski, who came to New England from Purdue as a rookie free agent, played in a career-high 15 games with Miami last season after spending training camp with the Patriots and being one of the final cuts before the regular season. He was brought back to the Pats in June. In all, Mruczkowski played in 18 games with New England. To fill his spot, the Pats re-signed rookie free agent Lavdrim Bauta, who was signed Tuesday and then released Thursday afternoon after top rookie Jerod Mayo was officially signed. |
|
|
| Panthers sign Stewart | Saturday 7/26, 9:13 AM CT |
|
The Panthers and 1st-round draft pick running back Jonathan Stewart have reached terms on a rookie contract, according to according to Charlotte.com.
Our View: Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Panthers came to terms with their other first-round pick, offensive tackle Jeff Otah, early Friday evening. To make room for Stewart and Otah on the roster, the Panthers released running back Alex Haynes and linebacker Brandon Jamison. |
|
|
| Vikes looking to improve Peterson's patience | Saturday 7/26, 9:05 AM CT |
|
Reports out of Minnesota claim the efforts in training camp are aimed at improving the patience of star rusher Adrian Peterson , according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Our View: The team notes Peterson was too anxious to make big plays and failed to adjust to the evolved defenses teams started to throw his way upon realizing his true potential. As such, the team is working with Peterson to improve his vision, to allow those offensive line blocks progress in front of him, and to seek small-yet-beneficial gains rather than constantly seeking the highlight-reel burst. Imagine if the lessons take hold fantasy owners, avoiding the dreaded Barry Sanders syndrome (three two-yard losses followed by the 15-yard gain) to find positive yards with each carry of the football. We already know the kid is as talented as any player on the field, and now the Vikes are looking to improve his overall game. |
|
|
| Bucs ink White | Saturday 7/26, 9:00 AM CT |
|
Yesterday we reported the Bucs and top sack man from '07 defensive end Greg White were nearing terms on a new contract. Today, we report that deal has been signed, though it is unclear if White has signed the one-year offer made as an exclusive rights free agent or if he has signed a new multiyear contract with Tampa Bay, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Our View: The term "exclusive rights free agent) applies to players with less than three years of NFL service whose contracts (typically, one year for the minimum salary) have expired. Until the player has three years of service, the team that signed him to his last contract holds the player’s ”exclusive rights” merely by tendering to him an offer equal to the minimum salary for the next year for a player at his level of experience. White had a respectable year in 2007 and thus wanted more than a one-year deal for the minimum. However, with no leverage (other than holding out) to speak of, PFT seems to believe he has likely seen the light of reality and signed the one-year tender. |
|
|
| Chiefs, Dorsey get deal done | Saturday 7/26, 8:54 AM CT |
|
The Chiefs and 1st-round draft pick defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey have reached terms on a rookie contract, according to the Kansas City Star. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Our View: The 5th-overall pick of the Draft, Dorsey was feared to be engaged in bitter negotiations that had shown no sign of ending, but with the Jets inking linebacker Vernon Gholston to a new deal, both players drafted on each side of Dorsey were signed and those numbers gave the Chiefs and Dorsey's agent the target for their deal. While numbers on the deal have not been released, you can bet they fell between the contracts signed by Gholston and Oakland rusher Darren McFadden. |
|
|
| Jackson had offer but passed for holdout | Saturday 7/26, 8:45 AM CT |
|
Keeping a close eye on a situation near and dear to the hearts of fantasy owners, reports out of St. Louis indicate running back Steven Jackson and his agent had received a new contract offer from the Rams, but their decision to reject that proposal led to his absence at training camp and now the sides are in the midst of a negotiating stare down, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Jackson's agent, Eugene Parker, turned down an offer Friday afternoon that the team said would have put Jackson in the top tier at his position in terms of pay. Coach Scott Linehan had anticipated a holdout Thursday when Jackson informed him he would not be on the team charter flight from St. Louis, although he didn't relay those fears until after the first practice. The Rams have taken a stance that they will not be continuing talks until Jackson reports for camp. Rams president of football operations Jay Zygmunt said the team approached Jackson about a longterm deal shortly after last season, but talks were delayed when the running back switched agents last month. Zygmunt also told reporters the team has made several contract offers, and declined to say how far apart the parties remained. Parker told him after turning down the offer that Jackson would not be in camp Friday, but Zygmunt was unclear how much longer the holdout would last without a deal. |
|
|
| Falcons sign Wire | Saturday 7/26, 8:39 AM CT |
|
Former Buffalo linebacker Coy Wire has signed with the Atlanta Falcons, according to the Gainesville Times.
Our View: Wire, 6-foot-0, 228 pounds, is a six-year veteran who was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the 3rd round of the 2002 NFL Draft. Last season he was voted the Bills special teams captain while seeing action in seven games. Wire finished the year with four tackles and also started one game. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. |
|
|
| Burress staging holdout, or ankle injury? | Saturday 7/26, 8:28 AM CT |
|
Updating an ongoing bit of concern in Giants camp, receiver Plaxico Burress has reported for training camp but is currently claiming an ankle injury to avoid working with the team. However, there are indications that suggest Burress is attempting to stage a holdout by simply avoiding these practices while still being onhand and avoiding financial consequqnce, according to the New York Post.
Our View: Back in June during mini-camp, a reporter with the Post had asked Burress about his various injury concerns (including minor ankle, knee, finger, and shoulder injuries) to which Plaxico claimed he was near 100% healthy. Now he fains an ankle injury and reports indicate coach Tom Coughlin is being short and frustrated with the questions that come as a result. We'll keep you posted on this situation as it moves forward. |
|
|
| Glenn released, but could return to Dallas | Saturday 7/26, 8:20 AM CT |
|
Updating a story of interest for Dallas fans and fantasy owners alike, veteran receiver Terry Glenn has been released by the Cowboys, yet the door remains open for a possible return, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View: The Cowboys will release Glenn, but should his conditioning improve, the team would like to revisit the possibility of bringing him back in the fold at some point. Of course, Glenn would also have the chance to sign with another team. The Cowboys not only had concern about Glenn's knee and the financial commitment, but they also wondered if he would stop the progress of their younger receivers like Sam Hurd, Miles Austin and Isaiah Stanback. The Cowboys asked Glenn to agree to a split-salary agreement in case he reinjured his right knee during the season, but the veteran was unwilling to take a pay cut. He was scheduled to make $1.74 million this season. |
|
|
| Jets, Packers have groundwork for Favre trade | Saturday 7/26, 8:17 AM CT |
|
Updating the latest in the Brett Favre saga, the Jets appear to be actively seeking a path towards bringing the future Hall of Famer to New York, according to the New York Daily News.
Our View: According to the News, the Jets and Packers have held preliminary trade talks to discuss draft pick compensation and Favre's contract status, according to unnamed sources close to the situation. The same source reports the Packers have urged the Jets to call Favre and gauge his interest in coming to New York as well, yet the Jets have not made that call as of Friday evening. As always, we'll keep you posted as news comes forth. |
|
