NFL INFORMATION

Agent: Packers agree to new deal with RT Tauscher

2010-03-15T01:24:00.002-07:00

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Veteran Green Bay Packers right tackle Mark Tauscher (notes) has agreed to terms on a multiyear contract that will bring him back to the team, his agent said Sunday.

Agent Neil Cornrich said the deal will allow Tauscher, who went to the University of Wisconsin, to play his entire football career in his home state. Tauscher was an unrestricted free agent.

Milwaukee’s ESPN 540 AM radio reported Tauscher’s return on its Web site Saturday night. The team has yet to announce the move.

Cornrich said Tauscher was thankful the team’s front office—including general manager Ted Thompson, vice president of football administration/player finance Russ Ball and coach Mike McCarthy—gave him the chance to finish his career with the Packers.

“He’s ecstatic,” Cornrich said. “Mark’s very grateful that Ted Thompson, Russ Ball and Coach McCarthy have worked so diligently to provide him an opportunity to return to the Green Bay Packers.”

Speaking at the team’s Fan Fest on Friday, McCarthy said he was optimistic about Tauscher’s return.

“I feel Mark Tauscher is definitely not too far away, and hopefully we’ll have some news for you there shortly,” McCarthy said.

The new deal for Tauscher completed a flurry of activity this weekend for the Packers, who also completed long-term deals with two cornerstones of what was a much-improved defense last season: nose tackle Ryan Pickett (notes) and safety Nick Collins (notes).

The Packers also recently re-signed veteran left tackle Chad Clifton (notes), who also was an unrestricted free agent.

“We’re focused on bringing our own free agents back, getting better as a football team, starting internally, and then we’ll add another draft class to this group,” McCarthy said Friday. “We like where we are today, but the importance of the offseason program and keeping your own players has been our focus, and that time is upon us now.”

Promising young lineman T.J. Lang (notes) could be in line to eventually replace Tauscher at right tackle. The team also is expected to look closely at offensive line prospects in the NFL draft.

Tauscher, Green Bay’s starting right tackle for most of his first nine seasons in the league, began the 2009 season out of football after a torn left anterior cruciate ligament ended his 2008 season.

The Packers brought Tauscher back in midseason after his replacement, Allen Barbre (notes), struggled on the field.

After working his way back into football shape, Tauscher returned to his starting spot, bringing stability to the NFL’s worst pass protection unit and earning praise from quarterback Aaron Rodgers (notes)

Tomlinson signs 2-year deal with Jets

2010-03-15T01:24:00.001-07:00

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Tomlinson’s agent, Tom Condon, said Sunday that the New York Jets signed the former Chargers running back to a two-year contract. The Jets confirmed that they have agreed to a deal, adding the aging star to the NFL’s top-ranked rushing offense last season.

“He wanted to go to a team that he thought had a chance to compete for the championship,” Condon told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. “He wanted to go somewhere where he had a chance to have a significant role, and so with the Jets he also was going to be very familiar with the offensive system.”

The Jets reached the AFC championship game last season, eliminating Tomlinson and the Chargers along the way.

The 2006 NFL MVP, cut last month by San Diego, chose New York over Minnesota after visiting the Vikings on Thursday. Tomlinson spent Friday with the Jets, capping it with dinner with coach Rex Ryan, general manager Mike Tannenbaum and other team officials.

The Jets went after Tomlinson hard even though he turns 31 in June, is coming off his least productive season and there are questions whether he has much left. New York apparently still saw plenty to like from Tomlinson, who ranks eighth on the NFL’s career rushing list with 12,490 yards, and gave him a deal worth about $5.2 million.

Once one of the NFL’s most dynamic players, Tomlinson is expected to back up second-year running back Shonn Greene (notes), who emerged in his rookie season and made Thomas Jones (notes) expendable. Jones signed with Kansas City last week after running for a career-high 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Tomlinson was welcomed to the Jets by several of his new teammates on Twitter, including left tackle Damien Woody (notes), defensive end Mike DeVito (notes) and All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis (notes).

“Good move by the organization,” Revis tweeted. “I couldn’t be more excited about this.”

Added Woody: “LaDainian running behind our line … I think he’ll put up better numbers than people think.”

Former Chargers teammate Antonio Cromartie (notes), acquired by the Jets before the trade deadline on March 4, said: “Congrats to my homie L.T.”

The Jets were already selling Tomlinson jerseys on their official Web site within minutes of announcing the deal. The $80 green and white replicas are without a jersey number for now; third-year cornerback Dwight Lowery (notes) currently wears Tomlinson’s familiar No. 21.

Tomlinson ran for 730 yards—his first season under 1,000—on 223 carries for an average of 3.3 yards per carry, all career lows. He scored 12 touchdowns, but his role was reduced in an offense that shifted its focus to quarterback Philip Rivers (notes) and the passing game.

He’s still regarded as an excellent route runner and superb receiver, two qualities that made him attractive to both New York and Minnesota.

Tomlinson is the latest high-profile player to be signed, drafted or acquired by the Jets in the last few years, joining Cromartie, Brett Favre (notes), Kris Jenkins (notes), Mark Sanchez (notes), Bart Scott (notes) and Braylon Edwards (notes).

With the Jets moving into the new Meadowlands Stadium, the 82,500-seat, $1.6 billion home they’ll share with the Giants, Tomlinson’s star power could potentially help the team sell more personal seat licenses.

More than that, though, New York hopes Tomlinson’s contributions on the field are greater. While he likely won’t be the focal point of the offense, as he had been for so many years with the Chargers—a role he has said he’s OK with—the Jets are hoping he can still be a dangerous presence with the ball in his hands.

He’s also familiar with the Jets’ style of offense and coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, who was San Diego’s quarterbacks coach from 2002-05. The Jets have Sanchez returning for a second season, along with a solid offensive line that helped pave the way for New York to average a league-leading 172.2 yards on the ground per game.

Those factors might have helped the Jets beat out the Vikings for Tomlinson’s services. While Minnesota was also just a game away from the Super Bowl, the uncertainty surrounding Favre’s return might have caused Tomlinson to hesitate about signing with the Vikings.

Tomlinson met with Minnesota team officials Thursday, but left for the New York area without a deal. He then spent all of Friday with the Jets—touring the team’s facility and the new stadium—before returning home to San Diego to mull his options on Saturday.

He was drafted with the fifth overall pick in 2001 out of TCU, and immediately became a star as he helped the Chargers become a perennial playoff contender. His 138 career touchdowns rushing rank second in NFL history, and his 153 total touchdowns rank third.

NFL-Tomlinson charges across country to NY Jets

2010-03-15T01:22:00.002-07:00

Post by Tampa Bay Buccaneers jerseys

Tomlinson, who was recently released after nine seasons with the San Diego Chargers, had visited several potential teams before choosing the Jets in a two-year contract worth slightly more than $5 million, the New York Times reported.

The 30-year-old will boost a Jets team that reached the AFC championship game last season and was the top-ranked rushing team in the league.

The Jets recently released long time running back Thomas Jones (notes) and Tomlinson join second year running back Shonn Greene (notes) in the back field.

Tomlinson rushed for 12,490 yards and 153 touchdowns, won two rushing titles and was named the NFL MVP in 2006 while with the Chargers.

Walker healthy, hungry for another chance after release by Raiders

2010-03-15T01:22:00.001-07:00

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Javon Walker was released by the Oakland Raiders earlier this week, but he says he isn't done with the NFL.

Multiple injuries and incomparable tragedy have derailed Walker's career since he caught 69 passes for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns with the Denver Broncos in 2006. However, Walker professed Friday on NFL Network that after several surgeries — including an experimental procedure on his right knee — he's 100 percent healthy and ready to play for whatever team is willing to give him a chance.

"The NFL is all about what have you done for me lately, and you know, I haven't done anything lately,” Walker admitted. “But (I'm) just (looking for) somebody who's going to dig down deep and say, 'Let's take a look and see what this kid can do.'"

Appearing on the NFL Total Access set, Walker told host Fran Charles that a broken ankle and lingering knee problems from his time in Denver never allowed him to perform at the level the Raiders had hoped he would when they signed him to a six-year, $55 million contract before the 2008 season. Walker went on to start seven games for the Raiders that year, catching 15 passes for 196 yards and one touchdown.

Since then, Walker, who appeared in three games for the Raiders last season, traveled to Israel to have an experimental surgery (without the team's knowledge) in which cartilage from his knee was regrown, then inserted into the knee. Walker said the procedure, which is usually performed on soccer players, has allowed him to regain his explosiveness at age 31.

As surprised as the Raiders must have been to learn about Walker's lingering knee problems and the distance he traveled to fix them, the receiver said he was equally shocked when the team offered him such a hefty contract two years ago.

"It was a surprise to me," Walker said. "But, you know, like any human, if somebody offers you something good, I wasn’t going to say no. … Really, football has never been about the money to me, but what the Raiders offered, it’s not like I'm going to turn it down and say, 'Hey, you know, I don't think I deserve this.' I was like 'OK, maybe I can be a part of the puzzle to make this organization go again.'"

Walker also discussed the Thursday conviction of a suspected gang member in the murder of his friend and former Broncos teammate, Darrent Williams. Walker was in the limousine with Williams when he was gunned down in the early hours of Jan. 1, 2007.

"I'm mostly happy for his family," Walker said. “For them, obviously they can't get Darrent Williams back, but at least they get some closure on that whole situation, what occured. At least they got the guy who committed such a, to me, horrifying tragedy."

Packers defensive cornerstones Collins, Pickett locked up long term

2010-03-15T01:21:00.000-07:00

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The Green Bay Packers signed safety Nick Collins and nose tackle Ryan Pickett to long-term contract extensions Friday, securing the services of two cornerstones in their much-improved defense.

The team didn't release details of either deal, but Collins' agents, Dave Butz and Alan Herman, confirmed a report on the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Web site that their client received a three-year, $23.4 million contract.

A league source told NFL Network's Jason La Canfora that Pickett agreed to a four-year, $28 million deal, with $10 million coming in the first year. Pickett was an unrestricted free agent, but the Packers placed the franchise tag on him earlier in the offseason. Collins was a restricted free agent.

The deal marks the end of a long wait for Collins, who was angling for a contract extension before last season. But if he was unhappy with his contract status, it didn't show on the field. Collins was selected to his second consecutive Pro Bowl last season, and he has 13 interceptions in the last two seasons.

"The Packers always try to be proactive in our discussions with our current players, and we are pleased we were able to come to an agreement with Nick," Packers general manager Ted Thompson said in a statement released by the team. "Nick has been an impact player for us, and we look forward to having him continue his career as a Packer."

Pickett, whom the Packers signed as a free agent before the 2006 season, was a vital part of what was one of the NFL's best run defenses under new coordinator Dom Capers and his 3-4 alignment last season.

"We have continued to talk to Ryan and his representatives and are pleased we were able to sign Ryan to this extension," Thompson said. "He has been a key part of our success on defense, and we look forward to having Ryan be a part of our future in Green Bay."

After re-signing veteran left tackle Chad Clifton -- and watching standout pass rusher Aaron Kampman sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a free agent -- the Packers' top remaining offseason priority is the status of veteran right tackle Mark Tauscher, who's an unrestricted free agent.

Also Friday, the Packers unveiled a throwback-style third jersey and uniform that the team will wear for selected games during this season, and perhaps beyond.

Redskins try to solidify backfield by giving Johnson three-year deal

2010-03-15T01:19:00.002-07:00

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Not content with just one aging, opinionated running back, the Redskins added a second one Friday night when they signed Larry Johnson to a three-year, incentive-laden contract.

Johnson agreed to a deal with a base value of $3.5 million, but he could make as much as $12 million if he meets certain incentives.

Johnson joins Clinton Portis in what should make for an intriguing backfield dynamic under new Redskins coach Mike Shanahan. Johnson is 30, Portis is 28 -- although Portis' body has been battered by 50 percent more carries. Both have been to two Pro Bowls. Both need to show some sort of resurgence rather than a steady decline toward retirement.

And both have been known to get in trouble for saying too much.

Johnson ended his season with the Cincinnati Bengals after being released by the Kansas City Chiefs in November. His six-plus years in Kansas City were marred by off-the-field problems, including two suspensions in his last 12 months with the team. The final straw came when he posted a gay slur on his Twitter account, insulted followers and questioned the competence of head coach Todd Haley.

Johnson's most productive years were 2005 and 2006, when he had back-to-back 1,750-yard seasons. He has 6,219 yards and 55 touchdowns on 1,421 carries over eight NFL seasons, plus 154 catches for 1,373 yards and six TDs.

Shanahan and Redskins general manager Bruce Allen have said Portis will be the team's running back next season, but he ended 2009 on injured reserve with a concussion. He ran for a career-low 494 yards and didn't have the burst of speed from earlier in his career.

The flamboyant Portis hasn't shied from publicly criticizing coaches and teammates in years past, and he hasn't been a fan of the team's offseason workout program.

On Thursday, Shanahan guaranteed that Portis will be in attendance when the offseason workouts begin Monday. With Johnson and Portis both on the roster, the Redskins have insurance in case one or the other misbehaves or is unproductive.

"Competition is a great motivator," Johnson's agent, Peter Schaffer, said Friday.

Schaffer said Johnson also was motivated to return to the Washington area, where he grew up as a Redskins fan.

The Redskins have taken a different approach to free agency under Shanahan. Johnson is the fourth player signed in eight days, but none of the contracts have been blockbusters -- and he's by far the biggest name added to date.

"We are excited to bring in a running back that has had so much success in this league," Shanahan said in a statement released by the team. "Larry is a physical runner who will be a great addition to our backfield."

Bucs sign veteran Alston to bolster linebacker corps

2010-03-15T01:19:00.001-07:00

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed free agent linebacker Jon Alston.

The club announced the deal Friday.

Alston was a third-round draft pick of the St. Louis Rams in 2006. He spent the past three seasons with the Oakland Raiders, appearing in 39 games with eight starts.

Roethlisberger's attorney hires private investigator for assistance

2010-03-15T01:17:00.000-07:00

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An attorney for Ben Roethlisberger has hired a private investigator to look into a 20-year-old Georgia college student's sexual-assault allegation against the Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback.

Police in the college town of Milledgeville continue to investigate, but they have released little information since the accusation was made last week.

Roethlisberger's lawyer, Ed Garland, said he has hired his own investigative team.

"Any lawyer representing anyone needs to know all the facts so that he can perform his duties," Garland said.

Roethlisberger hasn't been charged, and Garland said "no criminal conduct took place."

Carl Cansino, a lawyer for the club where the woman says the assault took place, said he was contacted Friday by the private investigator, Charles Mittelstadt. Cansino also was on hand when authorities interviewed club manager Rocky Duncan on Wednesday.

Police Chief Woodrow Blue said at a Monday news conference that investigators expected to speak to Roethlisberger this week. He said Friday that the investigation continues at a steady pace but declined to comment on any details, including whether authorities had interviewed Roethlisberger or asked him for a DNA sample.

"We haven't set any kind of timetable," Blue said. "Where the investigation leads us will determine that."

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation also is working on the case, but agent Tom Davis in Milledgeville didn't return calls seeking comment. Agency spokesman John Bankhead said only that the investigation is ongoing.

Lawyers for the woman who accused Roethlisberger released a statement earlier in the week saying their client is cooperating with authorities and asking the media to respect her privacy. They haven't responded to calls and e-mails from The Associated Press seeking additional comment.

Photos also have surfaced online of Roethlisberger smiling alongside the officer who wrote the initial incident report early March 5. The police chief said the photos were taken hours before the allegation was made.

Blue said Friday that he wasn't concerned about the photos, saying the officer, Sgt. Jerry Blash, and others had seen Roethlisberger earlier in the evening. Beyond filing the report, Blash hasn't been involved in the investigation, Blue said.

Panthers lack of free-agent aggression makes task ahead tough

2010-03-15T01:16:00.000-07:00

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With the vast majority of top free agents off the market, the big spending is just about over. Although unsigned players aren't necessarily on the verge of panic, you can rest assured that they're calling their agents about getting a deal done now.

The annual NFL owners meeting starts March 21, which usually signifies the end of real interest in free agents until after the draft.

One team that seems to have passed on free agency is the Carolina Panthers. They could definitely sell a few available veterans on getting an opportunity to play in Carolina. Coach John Fox and general manger Marty Hurney are in a tough situation right now. How will they compete in 2010 if they don't get some experienced players on the roster?

Every coaching staff and front office faces the challenge of replacing talent with talent. Carolina's roster has been hit hard by free-agent departures, contract terminations and eroding skills. The skill lost must be replaced, and no position has a young, rising star sitting behind the starter.

The Panthers lost defensive end Julius Peppers in free agency, released quarterback Jake Delhomme, linebacker Na'il Diggs, defensive tackles Maake Kemoeatu and Damione Lewis, as well as fullback Brad Hoover. They probably will lose defensive end Tyler Brayton and maybe even guard Keydrick Vincent. Veteran receiver Muhsin Muhammad is also a free agent. Even though some of those names don't sound like stars, they were starters. At this point, the Panthers are going to ask at least six young players to fill the void and start.

Ultimately, the club will likely ask upwards of nine inexperienced players to start for the departed veterans. The young talent pool has a combined 26 career starts and would be possibly replacing nine starters who made 114 starts between them last season.

Consider for their whole career that quarterback Matt Moore (eight starts), receiver Dwayne Jarrett (three), guard Mackenzy Bernadeau (seven), ends Everette Brown (one) and Charles Johnson (four), defensive tackles Louis Leonard (one) and Corvey Irvin (zero), linebacker Dan Connor (zero), and fullback Tony Fiammetta (two) now move into starting roles. So ask yourself the next critical question: Who replaces this young group as the quality reserves on the roster?

Don't overlook the fact that replacing talent off the bench with more talent is also critical with all the potential injuries during the course of a season. A deep roster is usually the only way to success. The New Orleans Saints won the Super Bowl with multiple starters on injured reserve.

Carolina is without a first- and fifth-round pick from previous trades, which currently leaves it with only five draft selections, pending the announcement of compensatory picks. On top of that, the Panthers have only signed special teams contributor Wallace Wright in free agency. Does that mean the team will have four undrafted rookies make the team as backups? That almost sounds like an expansion team.

The Panthers ranked No. 8 in overall defense last season, but with five of the front seven players not projected to return, how can they maintain that top 10 status?

Leaders aren't assigned in the NFL by management; they emerge as they prove they can play and inspire others. Who are the 2010 leaders of the Panthers?

There's no doubt this is an exciting time for the young players on the Panthers. However, as Brown said to me last week, "It will be different in the locker room this year."

That might be an understatement. Not one of the players being asked to step up was even a first-round pick.

Granted, it was time for some of the veterans to be shown the door, as is the case with teams every year. But these wholesale changes are going to put too much pressure on a great coach like Fox and a real smart GM like Hurney.

It's not too late to fortify this roster before free agency completely dries up. Go get guys looking for work, like a possible backup QB in Derek Anderson or veteran guard Bobbie Williams and hope you don't lose a corner like Richard Marshall in restricted free agency.

The Arizona Cardinals have been hit hard in free agency, but at least the team traded for safety Kerry Rhodes when Antrel Rolle left. Without some key draft picks, the Chicago Bears have similar problems to the Panthers. However, they used free agency to bolster the roster. The champion Saints are in the NFC South with the Panthers, and that just makes things even tougher.

Fox and Hurney always take the high road and you will never hear a peep out of them about the challenges ahead. Still, here's a team that needs a starting receiver, a real No. 2 QB, some veteran help on the interior of the defensive line, an elite pass rusher, and more players for special teams. A handful of draft picks aren't going to be enough to get the job done.

Bryant signs four-year contract, wants to further Bengals' success

2010-03-15T01:15:00.000-07:00

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Antonio Bryant is the latest complementary receiver to Chad Ochocinco.

Bryant signed a four-year deal with the Bengals on Friday, ostensibly replacing Laveranues Coles, who spent the 2009 season with the team, then was released.

"It was definitely a plus to me that this team really seemed to want me," Bryant said in a conference call. "The interest of the coaches and everyone in the organization made me feel comfortable. It's always easy to go out and perform when you're wanted as opposed to just being there to be there."

Bryant comes off a season in which he complained about a diminished role in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offense. After recovering from surgery for torn cartilage in his left knee last year, Bryant had 39 catches for 600 yards and four touchdowns.

The previous year, Bryant revived his career after being out of football in 2007, finishing with 83 catches for 1,248 yards and seven touchdowns. The Bucs placed their franchise tag on Bryant, assuring him a salary of $9.88 million last season. He became a free agent after 2009, and the Bengals, who also have contacted Terrell Owens, signed him one week into free agency for about $28 million over four years.

"You've got a dominant team that played well enough to be in the playoffs, and hopefully I can be an addition, as well as some guys to further that success," Bryant said.

Cincinnati is adamant about improving a passing game that ranked 26th in the NFL last season.

"The players will notice the difference," Bengals offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said on the team's Web site. "It's not as big as the changes we made in the running game last year, but the passing game is getting the same kind of attention we gave the running game in the offseason last year.

"We're looking to match our quarterback's strengths with our receivers in order to get bigger plays downfield."

Bryant, who won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top collegiate receiver while a sophomore at Pitt, has been with four NFL teams. His career has been hampered by a history of headstrong behavior -- most notably a 2004 post-practice tirade directed at Bill Parcells, in which Bryant threw his sweaty jersey at the then-Dallas Cowboys coach.

Bryant was sent to anger-management counseling and eventually traded to the Cleveland Browns, with whom he had his first 1,000-yard season in 2005 despite falling out of favor with the coaching staff. The San Francisco 49ers, desperate to add a top receiver, signed Bryant in spite of concerns about his character.

In December 2006, Bryant received a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.

"Football is a testosterone sport. It's not ballet, know what I mean?" Bryant said. "I'm an edgy guy. I'm very edgy, but I think every player has to have some type of edge. That's what defines your competitive nature and how you approach the game.

"I'm a little bit more physical than probably what they're used to. You have to have each side of the scale to balance out the situation in the offense. I know there's a lot of ins and outs in the offense, and what I can do is bring a little more toughness to the game."

The Bengals also signed wide receiver/kick returner Chris Davis, a third-year pro from Florida State, on Friday. The former Tennessee Titan sat out last season after reaching an injury settlement.

Safety Sharper's status still unclear for Saints, who focus on D-ends

2010-03-15T01:14:00.000-07:00

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New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis didn't have an update Friday on negotiations with free-agent safety Darren Sharper, who has publicly lamented that the team isn't "showing the love" he expected after he intercepted nine passes during a Super Bowl championship season.

"Listen, I got all the love in the world for Darren Sharper, I just don't have all the money in the world for Darren Sharper," Loomis said. "If it fits under our salary structure and the resources that we have, then we'll definitely want to have him back. If it doesn't, and he has an opportunity someplace else, then we understand that."

Last season, the Saints drafted safety Chip Vaughn out of Wake Forest in the fourth round, but he spent his rookie season on injured reserve. The team also moved 2007 third-round draft pick Usama Young from cornerback to safety last season. Sharper was Young's mentor, though it remains to be seen if Young is ready to fill Sharper's shoes should the NFL's active interception leader sign elsewhere.

Released from the shackles of the NFL's "final four" rule, the Saints are diving into the free-agent market and starting by taking a close look at defensive ends. St. Louis Rams defensive ends James Hall and Leonard Little both are of interest to the Saints, Loomis said Friday.

Hall was finishing up a visit Friday, and Little was expected to reschedule a visit that he had to call off this week because of a personal conflict, Loomis said.

New Orleans could use another experienced defensive end after releasing veteran Charles Grant last week. But the search was slowed by a league rule for an uncapped season, limiting which free agents can be signed by teams that played in conference title games until they have lost free agents of their own.

When linebacker Scott Fujita signed a three-year, $14 million deal with the Cleveland Browns earlier this week, the Saints could start looking at players with expired contracts on other teams.

"Scott just got an offer that was too good to turn down," Loomis said. "He wanted to return to New Orleans. We wanted him to return to New Orleans, but we understand what free agency is. ... Now we've got an opportunity to bring some guys in."

With Fujita turning 31 and the Saints' roster full of young linebackers, the team couldn't justify matching the Browns' offer.

Loomis said 2009 draft pick Stanley Arnoux, 2009 undrafted free agent Jonathan Casillas, two-year pro Jo-Lonn Dunbar, 2007 draft pick Marvin Mitchell, three-year pro Anthony Waters and veteran Troy Evans all could compete to join middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma and weakside linebacker Scott Shanle as starters. Loomis also wouldn't rule out going after a linebacker in free agency, but he acknowledged that the Saints' depth at defensive end is thinner.

"We have a need at both of those positions. But we have some guys in the building, probably more guys in the building at the linebacker position than we do at defensive end," Loomis said. "We've also got a lot of draft picks that we get to exercise in April, so hopefully we'll be able to fill both those spots between free agency and the draft."

One day after meeting with the Browns, former Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme had a visit lined up in New Orleans on Friday and Saturday, but his flight was canceled, a league source told NFL Network's Jason La Canfora. Delhomme still intends to visit with the Saints, though.

Because Delhomme was released by the Panthers, he doesn't fall under the "final four" rule. But the 35-year-old also wouldn't compete for a starting role in New Orleans, where Drew Brees' job is as secure as it gets.

While Cleveland's quarterback situation is less certain and could be more attractive to Delhomme, Loomis said, "obviously Jake wouldn't take the visit (to New Orleans) if he didn't have some interest."

Delhomme, a Louisiana native, keeps a permanent residence in his hometown of Breaux Bridge, where much of his family still lives and where he trains thoroughbred race horses with his father.

"We need to have a conversation with Jake and how he sees himself and how he sees his role here before we can say, 'Look, we're willing to sign you,'" Loomis said.

Meanwhile, Loomis reiterated coach Sean Payton's comments that the Saints had no intention of releasing Reggie Bush. Loomis added that the team wouldn't ask Bush to renegotiate his contract, which pays him about $8 million in 2010.

Loomis declined to discuss whether a raise and contract extension were in the works for Brees, who's entering the fifth year of a six-year, $60 million contract.

"I'm not going to address that," Loomis said. "These contracts are personal issues for players."

Titans agree to terms with CB Hood, who joined team last season

2010-03-15T01:13:00.000-07:00

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The Tennessee Titans announced Friday that they have agreed to undisclosed terms with cornerback Roderick Hood, an unrestricted free agent.

Hood, who's entering his eighth NFL season, made four starts for the Titans in 2009. He had 18 tackles and tied for second on the team with three interceptions after being signed as a free agent in October. He returned an interception 31 yards for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills.

Hood has made 47 starts in his career, with 234 tackles, 14 interceptions, one sack and five fumble recoveries. He previously played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals.

Judge in Williamses' trial says decision could come as early as May

2010-03-15T01:12:00.000-07:00

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After more than a year and a half of legal maneuvering in their labor fight with the NFL, Minnesota Vikings defensive tackles Kevin and Pat Williams might finally learn in May if they must serve a four-game suspension for taking a banned substance.

Attorneys for the players and the NFL made closing arguments Friday, wrapping up a five-day trial that included testimony from the two players, their coach and a league official. The players contend the NFL broke Minnesota law when it applied its anti-doping policy two years ago and are seeking unspecified damages.

Hennepin County Judge Gary Larson told both sides to submit final briefs by April 2 and said he will rule between 30 and 45 days after that, sometime in the first half of May.

If Larson favors the league, his injunction blocking the suspensions -- which were initially levied in December 2008 -- likely would be lifted. That would allow the NFL to follow through with the punishment, yanking the heart of Minnesota's stout run defense out of the lineup for a quarter of the 2010 season.

An appeal by the loser is anticipated, however, so the end of this complicated case isn't necessarily in sight. The players declined to comment until after the judge's ruling.

"Been a long week," Pat Williams said outside the courtroom.

A key issue at trial is who employs the two players -- the team, the NFL or both. Players attorney Peter Ginsberg contends the NFL is the employer and thus violated Minnesota law regarding a required three-day notification of their positive test in 2008 and also failed to keep it confidential. News that the Williamses were among several NFL players who took a weight-loss pill called StarCaps containing the banned diuretic bumetanide broke in October 2008.

Ginsberg argued that the NFL has tight control of both teams and players, right down to the required color of the chinstraps on the helmets (it's white). He also criticized the league for unfairness and told the judge that "the arrogance and the cold-heartedness of the NFL in administering the policy needs to be stopped."

Joe Schmitt, an attorney for the NFL, accused Ginsberg of "raising red herrings" and trying to "bootstrap" the arguments about unfairness onto their claim that the league broke state drug-testing law. The unfairness claim was previously dismissed in federal court.

Schmitt argued that the terms of the collective bargaining agreement dictate league activity and said the NFL isn't able to impose at will rules upon the individual teams and players. Ginsberg has accused the NFL of leaking the information about the positive test to the media and therefore breaking the confidentiality code, but Schmitt said there was "not a shred of evidence" that occurred.

"It's undisputed that we got it right," Schmitt said.

The NFL has called the lawsuit a "state law end-around that can undermine all anti-doping policies in sports." Other sports leagues -- including Major League Baseball, the NBA and the NHL -- filed court papers supporting the NFL's position, saying the Williamses' case could affect their ability to enforce their own rules against steroids and other drugs.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wasn't ultimately called to be a witness, but Vikings coach Brad Childress and vice president for football operations Rob Brzezinski testified Friday.

Ginsberg asked Childress if he was the source of the leak, after the players confided their positive test to him.

"Absolutely not," the coach said. "That's so anti-me."

In a lighter moment, Ginsberg concluded his examination by asking Childress: "Who is your quarterback going to be next year?"

Childress simply smiled, unwilling to make any comments about Brett Favre's status.

"It's OK to have fun in here sometimes," Larson said.

The league alleges the leak came from Ginsberg or someone on the players' side. Brzezinski was equally adamant that it wasn't him.

"Don't feel offended. He's asked everybody," Larson said.

Responded Brzezinski: "I like my job, your honor."

Both sides tried to use Brzezinski to support their claims about who employs the Williamses. Brzezinski compared the Vikings to a McDonald's restaurant, as a franchisee operating under the parent company, during Ginsberg's examination. During cross-examination by NFL attorney Dan Nash, Brzezinski testified that the Vikings had complete authority to hire him and dictate his salary -- not the league.

Baskett signs one-year deal to return to Eagles; Fargas visits

2010-03-15T01:11:00.002-07:00

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The Philadelphia Eagles signed free-agent wide receiver Hank Baskett to a one-year contract Friday, the same day that free-agent running back Justin Fargas also visited the team but reportedly left without a deal.

The Eagles released Baskett last September after three seasons together. Baskett spent the rest of 2009 with the Indianapolis Colts and played in Super Bowl XLIV, although his inability to recover an onside kick to start the second half helped spark a New Orleans Saints rally to the title.

Baskett had 71 catches for 1,046 yards and six touchdowns in 47 games with the Eagles. Three of his TD catches were longer than 85 yards.

"There were a couple teams who had shown some interest, but my agent and I had been in contact with the Eagles pretty much since Day 1," Baskett said, according to the team's Web site. "That just shows that I was really wanted back here, and that makes me feel good because everyone knows that I left with no hard feelings, and the Eagles, the coaches, everybody let me know that they weren't releasing me on bad terms. Everybody told me that you never know when I could be back here, so it's a good feeling that they showed interest from Day 1."

That interest evidently was more than what the Eagles showed Fargas. The Philadelphia Daily News reported Friday that Fargas would leave his visit without a contract.

At a news conference arranged by the Eagles, Vargas expressed his feelings about playing in Philadelphia.

"Yeah, from what I understand they're excited about the possibility for me to be an Eagle," said Fargas, who was released by the Oakland Raiders after seven seasons with the team. "They feel like my style of play can fit in well here. This is known as a tough city and a tough team, and I consider myself a tough running back. So, it should be a good fit."

Need for playmakers has receivers going fast this offseason

2010-03-15T01:11:00.001-07:00

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In the week since teams began their shopping spree for proven talent, one clear trend is that wide receivers are in high demand.

Most clubs in need of receiver help decided to go out and get it rather than wait for next month's draft.

Certainly, those teams could still draft receivers, but the sense of urgency to find a proven commodity in this pass-driven league is obvious.

As Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland told reporters during the NFL Scouting Combine, "Every offense needs big playmakers."

The Dolphins are still in the market for one, but the Detroit Lions were so determined to get theirs that on the eve of the free-agency signing period they dispatched offensive coordinator Scott Linehan to Seattle to meet with Seahawks free-agent receiver Nate Burleson, whom Linehan coached when he was offensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings. Hours later, Burleson was a Lion.

A more recent example came Wednesday when the Cincinnati Bengals gave 29-year-old Antonio Bryant, slowed by knee problems with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season after a big 2008 campaign, a reported four-year contract worth $28 million to be a complement to Chad Ochocinco.

Earlier in the week, the Pittsburgh Steelers added depth at the position (while also helping their special teams) by signing former San Francisco 49er Arnaz Battle and bringing back Antwaan Randle El.

After the Lions signed Burleson to a five-year contract worth $25 million (including $11 million guaranteed), the Baltimore Ravens landed perhaps the best receiver available by trading with the Arizona Cardinals for Anquan Boldin, and then gave him a three-year contract extension worth $25 million in new money (including $10 million guaranteed).

The Lions are convinced Burleson can do plenty to help prevent opponents from consistently employing coverages to eliminate their No. 1 receiver, Calvin Johnson, from the game. Linehan saw Burleson effectively play that role for Randy Moss in Minnesota.

Boldin isn't a burner, but at 29 he still offers plenty of game-breaking ability, something the Ravens sorely lacked. He has overcome injuries to average more than 81 receptions over the last three seasons. And with Baltimore re-signing steady Derrick Mason, the team now has one of the more formidable receiving duos in the NFL.

The Houston Texans made sure they didn't lose a crucial part of their explosive passing game by re-signing Kevin Walter, who has developed into a chain-moving force on third down, to a reported five-year, $21.5-million contract (including $8 million guaranteed).

The Philadelphia Eagles also saw the value of keeping their own by signing Jason Avant, a restricted free agent, to a reported five-year deal worth $18 million (including $8 million guaranteed). Ditto for the Kansas City Chiefs, who re-signed Chris Chambers to a three-year, $12-million agreement (including $6 million guaranteed). On top of that, Chiefs coach Todd Haley is also reuniting with former Arizona receiver Jerheme Urban, whom Haley coached as offensive coordinator for the Cardinals.

The Dolphins made one of the bigger splashes in free agency with the signing of former Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Karlos Dansby. However, they haven't found a wideout, either because the price wasn't right or they wanted to avoid bringing a "diva receiver" into the fold.

That leaves Miami likely counting on the draft to find one, although it's risky because few receivers make an impact as rookies and Dolphins executive vice president of football operations Bill Parcells has never selected a receiver in the first two rounds of a draft he has overseen.

The current college crop offers good depth, but there are some significant question marks surrounding the two highest-rated receivers. Dez Bryant of Oklahoma State received a season-ending suspension from the NCAA last October, and didn't run at the combine because of a hamstring injury. Demaryius Thomas of Georgia Tech is recovering from a broken foot.

The Seattle Seahawks kicked the tires on Denver Broncos restricted free-agent receiver Brandon Marshall, but so far have apparently been unwilling to make a contract offer that, if unmatched by the Broncos, could cost them the No. 6 overall pick of the draft. There has been speculation that the teams might work out a trade that would cost the Seahawks less in draft-choice compensation, but it remains to be seen if such a deal can get done.

Another restricted free agent, Miles Austin of the Dallas Cowboys, is highly talented, but seemingly not enough for another club to risk giving up first- and third-round draft picks if the Cowboys didn't match a contract offer for him. New York Jets receiver Braylon Edwards has the same restricted status, although his inconsistency prevents him from attracting much interest.

The signings of Burleson, Walter, Chambers, Bryant, and Mason have left the receiver pickings in the unrestricted market slim.

After the Bengals chose Bryant over him, Terrell Owens is still available. But at 36, he might be viewed as too old to have a meaningful impact, even at a much lower salary than the $6.5 million he received from the Buffalo Bills last season.

Fans to choose 75 most valuable draft picks of all time

2010-03-15T01:10:00.000-07:00

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Voting runs through April 18 on NFL.com

Top 10 all-time draft picks announced during 2010 NFL Draft

Jerry Rice, first round, pick 16. Emmitt Smith, first round, pick 17. Joe Montana, third round, pick 82. Roger Staubach, 10th round, pick 129. Tom Brady, sixth round, pick 199.

They are considered among the greatest NFL players. But who is the most valuable draft pick?

In celebration of the 75th NFL Draft, which kicks off in primetime for the first time on Thursday, April 22, fans now can help choose the 75 most valuable draft picks of all time. Fans can vote for their choices at NFL.com now through April 18.

Following the conclusion of the fan vote, picks 11-75 will be announced from April 19-April 22 on NFL.com and NFL Network. The 10 most valuable draft picks then will be revealed during the 2010 NFL Draft, which begins Thursday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The second and third Rounds of the draft will be Friday, April 23 at 6 p.m. ET followed by Rounds 4-7 on Saturday, April 24 at 10 a.m. ET.

The 10 most valuable draft picks will be announced during Round 1, when many of the top 10 will be in attendance at Radio City Music Hall, the home of the 2010 NFL Draft. The order of the top 10 will be revealed after the conclusion of the second round of the draft Friday night. Many of these players will be on hand for the announcement.

NFL.com editors narrowed down the first 74 Drafts to a list of the top 320 players, consisting of 10 players from each team. Fans begin the process of determining the most valuable draft pick by choosing between pairs of players randomly generated from the list of 320 greats. After selecting winners of 30 random matchups, fans will begin to build their own top 10 list. Fans may continue to vote in order to make changes to their personal top 10 list as well as the all-time top 10 announced at the draft. Users then may share their lists and their head-to-head winners on Facebook (you can become a fan of the NFL on Facebook, click here).

NFL.com delivers comprehensive information on each of the 320 players, including the player's draft information and career accomplishments to help the voters make educated selections in determining the most valuable pick.

Below is a list of the 320 all-time most valuable draft picks as chosen by NFL.com editors. Players are listed by the team that drafted them:

Arizona Cardinals -- Anquan Boldin; Dan Dierdorf; Larry Fitzgerald; Roy Green; Tim McDonald; Jackie Smith; Charlie Trippi; Roger Wehrli; Aeneas Williams; Larry Wilson

Atlanta Falcons -- Steve Bartkowski; Keith Brooking; Alge Crumpler; Brett Favre; Bill Fralic; Claude Humphrey; Mike Kenn; Deion Sanders; R.C. Thielemann; Jeff Van Note

Baltimore Ravens -- Peter Boulware; Todd Heap; Jamal Lewis; Ray Lewis; Edwin Mulitalo; Jonathan Ogden; Ed Reed; Jamie Sharper; Terrell Suggs; Adalius Thomas

Buffalo Bills -- Gary Anderson; Ruben Brown; Joe DeLamielleure; Jim Kelly; Reggie McKenzie; Andre Reed ; O.J. Simpson; Fred Smerlas; Bruce Smith; Thurman Thomas

Carolina Panthers -- Jon Beason; Kerry Collins; Jordan Gross; Kris Jenkins; Mike Minter; Dan Morgan; Muhsin Muhammad; Julius Peppers; Mike Rucker; Steve Smith

Chicago Bears -- Dick Butkus; Mike Ditka; Bill George; Stan Jones; Bobby Layne; Sid Luckman; Walter Payton; Gale Sayers; Mike Singletary; Brian Urlacher

Cincinnati Bengals -- Ken Anderson; Willie Anderson; Bill Bergey; Boomer Esiason; Max Montoya; Anthony Munoz; Chad Ochocinco; Lemar Parrish; Ken Riley; Bob Trumpy

Cleveland Browns -- Jim Brown; Willie Davis; Hanford Dixon; Gene Hickerson; Henry Jordan; Leroy Kelly; Ozzie Newsome; Dick Schafrath; Walt Sweeney; Paul Warfield

Dallas Cowboys -- Troy Aikman; Larry Allen; Tony Dorsett; Bob Hayes; Michael Irvin; Bob Lilly; Emmitt Smith; Roger Staubach; Randy White; Darren Woodson

Denver Broncos -- Lyle Alzado; Steve Atwater; Terrell Davis; Randy Gradishar; Tom Jackson; Karl Mecklenburg; Tom Nalen; Shannon Sharpe; Rick Upchurch; Louis Wright

Detroit Lions -- Jerry Ball; Lem Barney; Lomas Brown; Jack Christiansen; Yale Lary; Alex Karras; Barry Sanders; Charlie Sanders; Joe Schmidt; Wayne H. Walker

Green Bay Packers -- Herb Adderley; LeRoy Butler; Forrest Gregg; Paul Hornung; Jerry Kramer; James Lofton; Ray Nitschke; Jim Ringo; Darren Sharper; Bart Starr

Houston Texans -- David Carr; Owen Daniels; Jabar Gaffney; Andre Johnson; Travis Johnson; Jerome Mathis; Chester Pitts; Dunta Robinson; DeMeco Ryans; Mario Williams

Indianapolis Colts -- Raymond Berry; Mike Curtis; Ray Donaldson; Marshall Faulk; Dwight Freeney; Marvin Harrison; John Mackey; Peyton Manning; Lenny Moore; Jim Parker

Jacksonville Jaguars -- Tony Boselli; Fernando Bryant; Donovin Darius; Kevin Hardy; John Henderson; Rashean Mathis; Brad Meester; Marcus Stroud; Fred Taylor; Renaldo Wynn

Kansas City Chiefs -- Jared Allen; Bobby Bell; Tony Gonzalez; Willie Lanier; Albert Lewis; Will Shields; Neil Smith; Otis Taylor; Derrick Thomas; Jim Tyrer

Miami Dolphins -- Dick Anderson; Larry Csonka; Leon Gray; Bob Griese; Sam Madison; Dan Marino; Jake Scott; Dwight Stephenson; Jason Taylor; Zach Thomas

Minnesota Vikings -- Joey Browner; Chris Doleman; Carl Eller; Steve Jordan; Randall McDaniel; Randy Moss; Alan Page; Fran Tarkenton; Kevin Williams; Ron Yary

New England Patriots -- Tom Brady; Nick Buoniconti; John Hannah; Mike Haynes; Lee Roy Jordan; Ty Law; Curtis Martin; Lawyer Milloy; Richard Seymour; Andre Tippett

New Orleans Saints -- Morten Andersen; Wes Chandler; John Gilliam; Rickey Jackson; Archie Manning; Chuck Muncie; Lorenzo Neal; Willie Roaf; Pat Swilling; Dave Waymer

New York Giants -- Harry Carson; George Connor; Art Donovan; Frank Gifford; Sam Huff; Don Maynard; Phil Simms; Michael Strahan; Lawrence Taylor; Brad Van Pelt

New York Jets -- Joe Fields; Mark Gastineau; Craig Hentrich; Keyshawn Johnson; Joe Klecko; Mo Lewis; Joe Namath; Marvin Powell; John Riggins; Wesley Walker

Oakland Raiders -- Marcus Allen; Lance Alworth; Fred Biletnikoff; Cliff Branch; Dave Casper; La'Roi Glover; Shane Lechler; Howie Long; Art Shell; Gene Upshaw

Philadelphia Eagles -- Eric Allen; Maxie Baughan; Bob Brown; Chuck Bednarik; Brian Dawkins; Sonny Jurgensen; Tommy McDonald; Pete Pihos; Clyde Simmons; Steve Van Buren

Pittsburgh Steelers -- Mel Blount; Terry Bradshaw; Dermontti Dawson; Joe Greene; L.C. Greenwood; Jack Ham; Franco Harris; Jack Lambert; Mike Webster; Rod Woodson

St. Louis Rams -- Jerome Bettis; Nolan Cromwell; Eric Dickerson; Kevin Greene; Harold Jackson; Deacon Jones; Jackie Slater; Norm Van Brocklin; Bob Waterfield; Jack Youngblood

San Diego Chargers -- Drew Brees; Fred Dean; Dan Fouts; John Hadl; Rodney Harrison; John Jefferson; Gary Johnson; Junior Seau; LaDainian Tomlinson; Kellen Winslow

San Francisco 49ers -- Charles Haley; Jimmy Johnson; Ronnie Lott; Hugh McElhenny; Joe Montana; Leo Nomellini; Terrell Owens; Jerry Rice; Gene A. Washington; Dave Wilcox

Seattle Seahawks -- Sam Adams; Shaun Alexander; Kenny Easley; Ahman Green; Steve Hutchinson; Walter Jones; Cortez Kennedy; Kevin Mawae; Lofa Tatupu; Fredd Young

Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Mike Alstott; Ronde Barber; Derrick Brooks; Mark Carrier; Warrick Dunn; John Lynch; Tony Mayberry; Warren Sapp; Lee Roy Selmon; Vinny Testaverde

Tennessee Titans -- Robert Brazile; Earl Campbell; Ray Childress; Eddie George; Albert Haynesworth; Ken Houston; Charlie Joiner; Derrick Mason; Bruce Matthews; Mike Munchak

Washington Redskins -- Champ Bailey; Sammy Baugh; Larry Brown; Darrell Green; Russ Grimm; Chris Hanburger; Paul Krause; Art Monk; Jerry Smith; Charley Taylor

Goodell to speak at UMass Lowell commencement; father honored

2010-03-15T01:09:00.000-07:00

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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will address graduates at the University of Massachusetts Lowell's commencement on Saturday, May 29 at 10 a.m. ET at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell.

Goodell also will accept a posthumous Doctor of Humane Letters degree for his father, the late U.S. Sen. Charles Goodell, a Republican who was elected to Congress in 1959 and appointed to the Senate following the assassination of U.S. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy in 1968. He established a solid record on issues such as civil rights, the war on poverty and education.

"Roger Goodell is an inspirational role model who can share his personal story of working his way up from intern to leader of an organization that today oversees the diverse interests of the most successful sports league in the world," said Chancellor Marty Meehan. "Our students will benefit from the examples set by Roger and his father, Charles, both of whom have led without compromising their beliefs."

"I learned a lot from my father about the importance of acting on your values and doing what's right, no matter what the pressure and opposition," said Roger Goodell. "I welcome the opportunity to share with UMass Lowell graduates how the lessons I've learned from my father and leading the NFL can be applied to anything they pursue in life."

Other Doctor of Humane Letters degree recipients include Doris Kearns Goodwin, presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author; Richard N. Goodwin, presidential speechwriter and adviser to John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson and Robert Kennedy; Gloria Ladson-Billings, pedagogical philosopher, scholar and educational author; and Alan P. Lightman, physicist, novelist and author of international bestseller "Einstein's Dreams."

In addition to appearing at Commencement, Goodell, the honorary degree recipients and Distinguished Alumna Bonnie Comley, '81, award-winning Broadway producer, will speak at a Commencement Eve Celebration. The gala will benefit student scholarships, including new endowments in honor of Charles Goodell and Richard and Doris Kearns Goodwin, on Friday, May 28 at 6 p.m. at the UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center.

Goodell, who was named commissioner in 2006, began his NFL career in 1982 as a public relations intern in the New York league office - a position he secured through an extensive letter-writing campaign to the NFL and each of its then 28 teams. Over the years, he held various positions with the league, including chief operating officer, where he took responsibility for the league's football operations and officiating and supervised league business functions. He headed NFL Ventures, which oversees the league's business units, including media properties, marketing and sales, stadium development and strategic planning. Goodell, a native of Jamestown, N.Y., graduated from Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, Pa., in 1981 with a degree in economics.

Charles Goodell, who opposed the Vietnam War, led the first anti-war march down Constitution Avenue, his arms linked with Coretta Scott King and George McGovern. He then became a target of the Nixon-Agnew "purge" during his re-election bid. Criticized by his own Republican Party as a radical liberal who was undercutting the president, Goodell lost his bid for re-election to Nixon-backed Republican James Buckley. He returned to practicing law and later founded his own firm in Washington, D.C. In 1976, his former House colleague, President Gerald Ford, appointed Goodell chairman of the Presidential Clemency Board, which reviewed more than 20,000 applications from Vietnam War resisters.

UMass Lowell students who apply for a Goodell scholarship will write essays on the impact that Charles Goodell had on U.S. history.

NFL panel finds some knee, ankle injuries more common on turf

2010-03-15T01:08:00.002-07:00

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An NFL panel found that certain serious knee and ankle injuries happen more often in games played on the most popular brand of artificial turf than on grass.

The league's Injury and Safety Panel is presenting its study Friday at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in New Orleans.

The report examined the 2002 through 2008 NFL seasons, comparing games played on grass to those on FieldTurf. It found that the rate of anterior cruciate ligament injuries was 88 percent higher in FieldTurf games -- a conclusion that the manufacturer of the synthetic field hotly disputes.

Panel chairman Dr. Elliott Hershman, a New York Jets team orthopedist, said it's too soon to make any recommendations on what surface teams should choose. More research is needed on issues such as whether players are wearing the right types of shoes on artificial turf.

"At this point, we want to stimulate more discussion," Hershman said.

The panel has presented its findings to league owners, the NFL Players Association and companies that make artificial turf. The study has been submitted for publication.

"The paper is designed to stimulate further discussion, inquiry and improvements in playing surfaces," league spokesman Greg Aiello said. "It does not draw any conclusions about the cause of the injuries analyzed. Our panel states in the report that additional analyses, data from future NFL seasons, and studies of injury rates on synthetic turf and natural grass surfaces, including for other athletic populations and levels of football, are needed before any conclusions can be drawn or recommendations made."

Nine NFL stadiums currently have FieldTurf (Cincinnati, Detroit, Indianapolis, New England, Atlanta, Minnesota, St. Louis, Seattle and the new Meadowlands Stadium).

NFL teams began switching from the old carpet-style turf to the springier, more grass-like surface in 2000. By the end of the 2008 season, 14 stadiums used a brand of next-generation turf, while the rest had grass. Too few games were played on brands other than FieldTurf to include them in the study, Hershman said.

The panel started to notice a higher rate of injuries on the new turf in evaluating the data that the NFL compiles each season, Hershman said. Once enough games had been played on the newer surfaces to do a scientific analysis, the panel found that anterior cruciate ligament injuries and a more serious type of ankle sprain occurred at a higher rate that is statistically significant.

The rate for the ankle sprains was 32 percent higher on FieldTurf than on grass. Medial collateral ligament injuries and a less serious type of ankle sprain also happened more frequently, but the difference wasn't statistically significant.

Hershman noted that the NFL research might not apply to lower levels of football or to other sports.

FieldTurf president Eric Daliere argues that the panel's methods are faulty and cites research by Montana State professor Michael Meyers that has been published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine. Meyers' work, though, has only looked at high school and college football, and not the NFL. FieldTurf paid for Meyers' recent study that found lower overall injury rates for college games played on the surface.

"Michael Meyers has come to a very different conclusion on a different level and his is a real study, not just a report," Daliere said. "He mentions poorly designed (analyses) -- and this is the kind of work he does -- and that the statistical analysis by the (NFL) panel was also flawed.

"I don't put a lot of weight in it and think if is unfortunate it is coming out this way at this time."

Meyers said in an e-mail to The Associated Press that he told the NFL in 2008 "there are too many glaring omissions and biases in the study to reach any valid conclusions." He questioned why certain factors that could influence injury rates weren't included and noted that some teams didn't play any games on FieldTurf during some of the seasons studied.

Other university scientists and statisticians also expressed concerns, he said, and the panel withdrew its report after those meetings.

Hershman disputed that.

"Nobody withdrew anything," he said. "We actually did some review of our data based on some of the thoughts they raised, and we validated our data. Because we did all that, we now feel our data is valid, relevant and statistically significant."

FieldTurf promotes the safety benefits of its product on its Web site.

"As a company," Daliere said, "the safety of the athletes really is in our DNA. It's what FieldTurf focused on from the very beginning when we replaced traditional Astroturf with something dramatically safer."

Daliere mentioned that Hershman's team, the Jets, will have FieldTurf in its new stadium.

A close look at the panel's data might not have much effect on NFL teams that know they can save money on maintenance in the long run by using FieldTurf rather than grass. The study estimated that if every stadium with grass were to switch to FieldTurf, that would result in only five additional ACL injuries per season across the NFL because of the infrequency of the injury.

The NFLPA's biennial poll of its players last year showed that their four favorite fields were grass: Arizona, Tampa, San Diego and Carolina. Four of the next six were FieldTurf.

Warren becomes fourth veteran cut by Raiders this offseason

2010-03-15T01:08:00.001-07:00

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The Oakland Raiders released defensive tackle Gerard Warren on Thursday, letting go of yet another veteran this offseason.

The decision to release Warren follows moves in the past week to cut running back Justin Fargas, defensive end Greg Ellis and wide receiver Javon Walker. Those moves help the Raiders save money, as well as open up opportunities for young players to receive more significant playing time.

The beneficiary of Warren's release could be Desmond Bryant, an undrafted free agent who showed signs of potential as a rookie.

The only other defensive tackle currently under contract for the Raiders is Tommy Kelly. Defensive end Richard Seymour, who has been designated the team's franchise player, also can move inside to play tackle.

The Raiders acquired Warren from the Denver Broncos just before the start of the 2007 season in the first trade between the AFC West rivals since defensive back Willie Brown came to Oakland in 1967. While Brown put together a Hall of Fame career and helped lead the Raiders to their first Super Bowl title, Warren was unable to end the franchise's current run of losing.

The Raiders had the worst run defense in the NFL during Warren's tenure, allowing 153.7 yards per game and a league-worst 71 touchdowns on the ground. Warren had 76 solo tackles and 10 sacks in 44 games with Oakland.

The Raiders won just 14 games in the past three years, extending their NFL-worst run of seven consecutive seasons with at least 11 losses.

Warren has never lived up to his draft billing after being selected third overall by the Cleveland Browns in 2001. He spent four disappointing years with the Browns before being dealt to the Broncos in 2005. He spent two years in Denver before being unloaded to Oakland.

Warren has 225 solo tackles, 32 sacks, seven forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in his NFL career. He has been to the playoffs only once in his nine seasons.

Veteran LBs Porter, Foote like Cardinals; QB Anderson to visit Friday

2010-03-15T01:07:00.000-07:00

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The Arizona Cardinals welcomed free-agent linebackers Joey Porter and Larry Foote for visits Thursday, and both expressed a desire to join the team after seeing some familiar faces.

Porter said Arizona was his first stop after the Miami Dolphins released him last week because it's relatively close to his hometown of Bakersfield, Calif., and Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt and assistant head coach Russ Grimm are there. Both men coached Porter when the four-time Pro Bowl linebacker was with the Steelers.

"I was looking to play for a West Coast team, and I know everything Whiz is about," said Porter, who played for the Steelers from 1999 to 2006. "He had me over there in Pittsburgh for eight years so I don't have to be blindsided by some new coaches and trying to wonder how I fit. I know exactly how I fit. I know how he would try and use me if I was here, and I am just trying to be a piece to the puzzle that's already there."

Porter disagreed with those who say his decrease in playing time with the Dolphins signals a downward slide in his abilities.

"I've got a lot left," Porter said. "All you have to do is turn on the tape, and I feel like I don't have to sell myself. What I did on the football field is going to sell that for me. With my role being reduced to the playing time I did have and missing three games, I still mustered up enough to lead the team (with nine sacks)."

Foote, an inside linebacker, led the Detroit Lions in tackles last season despite missing two games. He started every game for the Steelers from 2004 to 2008, and said "it would be a dream come true" to be reunited with Whisenhunt, Porter and ex-Pittsburgh linebacker Clark Haggans, who's also in Arizona.

"I'm begging," Foote told the Arizona Republic. "I want to get back to a winner. I feel more comfortable with a 3-4 (defense). Pittsburgh wants me back, but I want to be a Cardinal, and hopefully we can get it done."

Foote would replace Karlos Dansby, who signed a five-year, $43 million contract with the Dolphins, with $22 million guaranteed.

Quarterback Derek Anderson, whom the Cleveland Browns released earlier this week, is scheduled to meet with the Cardinals on Friday. NFL Network's Jason La Canfora confirmed through a league source that Anderson completed his Thursday visit with the Seattle Seahawks and was on his way to Arizona.

The Cardinals are looking for someone to compete with Matt Leinart, the only quarterback the team has under contract after Kurt Warner's retirement.

The Cardinals also announced Thursday that they had re-signed offensive tackle Jeremy Bridges to a three-year contract. Financial terms weren't disclosed. Bridges appeared in all 16 regular-season games at left tackle, four as a starter, for the Cardinals last season.

The Cardinals further beefed up their offensive line by agreeing to a three-year, $9 million contract with guard Rex Hadnot, a league source told NFL Network's Jason La Canfora. Hadnot, a six-year NFL veteran who has started for the Dolphins (2004-07) and Browns (2008-09), could receive $12 million with incentives.

The Cardinals said Friday that they had signed Hadnot and gave backup center Ben Claxton a one-year contract.

Tomlinson leaves Vikings without a contract, will visit Jets next

2010-03-15T01:06:00.000-07:00

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The Minnesota Vikings wined and dined LaDainian Tomlinson on Wednesday night, then spent much of Thursday meeting with the star running back in hopes of pairing him with Adrian Peterson in a big-name backfield.

Tomlinson emerged from team headquarters Thursday night with a purple Vikings jersey in hand, but he pulled away in a black limousine without a deal in place.

Tomlinson declined to comment to reporters before the limo drove away, but several people with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press that the two sides had yet to reach a deal and the running back was headed to the New York Jets for a Friday visit. Those people spoke anonymously because talks are ongoing with Tomlinson.

That doesn't mean the Vikings have lost out on their first choice to replace the departed Chester Taylor as the third-down back behind Peterson. But it does show that Tomlinson is being deliberate and thorough in his first foray into free agency after nine mostly brilliant seasons with the San Diego Chargers.

Vikings vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman sounded pragmatic about the process Thursday, telling play-by-play voice Paul Allen on KFAN that there's no pressure to sign Tomlinson before he leaves town.

"There's no pressure to say, 'Hey, we have to get it done today,'" Spielman said. "This could be a process that will continue on. He may want to look at both options. He may want to weigh what is the best situation for him. ... Just because a guy comes in on a visit and we don't get something done today doesn't mean something won't get done down the road, either."

As Tomlinson chases the Super Bowl appearance that has eluded him so far, he has set his sights on two teams that advanced to the conference championship games in January and also place an emphasis on the running game.

After visiting the Vikings, who lost to the Saints in the NFC Championship Game, Tomlinson will now visit Rex Ryan and the Jets, who fell to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game, after beating Tomlinson's Chargers.

With the Jets, Tomlinson would back up Shonn Greene, who emerged in his rookie season and helped make Thomas Jones expendable. Jones signed with the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this week after the Jets released him.

The Vikings lost the dependable Taylor to the Chicago Bears, so they need an experienced, versatile player behind the All-Pro Peterson. Tomlinson's ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and fill in as a capable pass blocker makes him an ideal fit.

"I'm sure he wants to know what our vision is for him and then our sense for him is, will he fit? From a mindset standpoint, from a physical standpoint, from a systems standpoint," Vikings coach Brad Childress said Wednesday about the visit.

Tomlinson was released by the Chargers in February. After being drafted in 2001, he skyrocketed to stardom and helped put the Chargers back on the map. He ranks eighth on the NFL's all-time rushing list with 12,490 yards. His 138 career rushing touchdowns rank second, and his 153 total touchdowns rank third.

But Tomlinson never reached a Super Bowl in San Diego, and age and injuries started to take their toll in recent seasons. Tomlinson will turn 31 in June and is coming off the least productive season of his career. He had 730 yards rushing on 223 carries for an average of 3.3 yards per carry, all career lows. He still managed to score 12 touchdowns, but his role was reduced in an offense that shifted its focus to Philip Rivers and the passing game.

With Peterson already in Minnesota, Tomlinson wouldn't have to be the every-down, do-everything player he was with the Chargers. But the reduced role could put him in a position to win that first Super Bowl ring.

"It's the old close but no cigar. That's what comes to mind," Childress said. "I'm sure as he's surveying the landscape of people that are approaching he and his agent, that's always something. You don't really want to go somewhere and get your brains beat out. You want to go and have a chance to win and compete and win that ultimate prize."

The role could fit Tomlinson well at this stage of his career. He's an excellent route runner and superb pass catcher, two things Peterson is still working on entering his fourth NFL season.

Tomlinson also could be intrigued by the possibility of taking handoffs from Brett Favre. The quarterback is still mulling whether or not to return for a 20th NFL season.

Favre's return could give the Vikings a slight edge over the Jets, who will have Mark Sanchez returning for a second season under center after a promising rookie year. But the Jets' stellar offensive line and the fact that they play on grass and not artificial turf also could be attractive for Tomlinson.

It was unclear Thursday night when Tomlinson would make a decision, or if he has any more visits scheduled after the Jets.

In search of 3-4 help, Redskins eye trade for Rams DL Carriker

2010-03-15T01:05:00.000-07:00

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The Washington Redskins are interested in acquiring defensive lineman Adam Carriker from the St. Louis Rams and have contacted the team about the possibility, league sources said Thursday.

New Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett, who coached Carriker in St. Louis, is a strong proponent of the three-year NFL veteran and would like to add him as Washington transitions to a 3-4 scheme, according to team and league sources. The Redskins also graded Carriker highly coming out of Nebraska when Gregg Williams was running their defense.

Carriker, who missed all of last season because of a right shoulder injury, hasn't lived up to expectations after the Rams drafted him 13th overall in 2007, and he's someone whom other NFL teams believe would be available in a trade. Other teams also have inquired about Carriker, and a deal is possible before the draft next month.

Carriker can toggle between tackle and end, and he has two sacks and 53 tackles in 31 career games. He played end in college, and his transition to tackle has been bumpy.

Albert Haynesworth, who's due a $21 million bonus in April, isn't interested in playing nose tackle in Washington, according to team and league sources, and convincing him to do so will not be easy for a player who often has clashed with coaches. Even after signing former Carolina Panthers nose tackle Maake Kemoeatu, the Redskins could use more 3-4 personnel to fortify their defensive line.

The Redskins, who have shown uncharacteristic restraint in the free-agent market thus far, could be active on the trade market, and defensive end Andre Carter might be on his way out of Washington. Carter has struggled as a tweener linebacker in a 3-4 front, but he has value because he plays a position that has few available alternatives in the free-agent market.

Carter is one of few players to have a no-trade clause in his contract, but he's very open to a change of scenery and would waive that clause should the right opportunity arise, according to team and league sources. The Redskins signed Carter as a free agent in 2006 and renegotiated his deal in 2009. Last season, he had 11 sacks, his highest total since 2002.

Olsen, Hall of Famer and member of 'Fearsome Foursome,' dies

2010-03-15T01:03:00.000-07:00

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Labeled fierce for his relentless play as a Hall of Fame defensive lineman, Merlin Olsen also was gentle enough for a role on one of television's most wholesome shows and as a spokesman in a well-known flower advertising campaign.

Olsen's deep, rich voice and sincerity made him a success both as an actor and in the broadcast booth, where he offered insights to the game he played so well for so long.

Olsen died early Thursday after a battle with cancer. He was 69

"He was ferocious and fearless on the football field and then the other probably more important aspect of his personality was he was a true gentleman," said fellow Hall of Famer Jack Youngblood, Olsen's teammate with the Rams in Los Angeles. "We all know what a wonderful, tremendous football player he was, but he was so much more than that."

Whether it was his role in the Rams' "Fearsome Foursome" defensive line or the characters he played on "Little House on the Prairie" and "Father Murphy," Olsen had the versatility to break through to any audience. He was even the spokesman for a well-known FTD ad campaign in the 1980s -- a 6-foot-5 giant pitching flower bouquets.

Utah State, Olsen's alma mater, said he died outside of Los Angeles. He was diagnosed last year with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lung lining often linked to asbestos. He filed a lawsuit last year, claiming he contracted the disease as a result of being exposed to asbestos on construction sites where he worked as a child and young adult.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell issued a statement lauding Olsen as an "extraordinary person, friend and football player."

"He cared deeply about people, especially those that shared the game of football with him," Goodell said. "Merlin was a larger-than-life person, literally and figuratively, and leaves an enormously positive legacy."

Olsen was an All-American at Utah State and a first-round draft pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 1962. He joined Deacon Jones, Lamar Lundy and Rosey Grier on the Rams' storied "Fearsome Foursome" defensive line, known for either stopping or knocking backward whatever offenses it faced. The Rams set an NFL record for the fewest yards allowed during a 14-game season in 1968.

Youngblood joined the Rams as a rookie in 1971, backing up Jones as Olsen continued to anchor the other side of the line. Youngblood remembered Olsen telling him as a young player to push to be great not just on every play but with "every heartbeat."

"When you stop and think of Merlin on the field, he accomplished things that will never be accomplished again," Youngblood said. "If it hadn't been for Merlin Olsen, I wouldn't have turned out to be the football player that he helped mold and make."

Former Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Jerry Kramer remembered in his 1968 book "Instant Replay," co-written with late sportswriter and broadcaster Dick Schaap, dreading going up against Olsen.

"I'll be facing Merlin Olsen, and that's definitely work, not fun," Kramer wrote. "Merlin never lets up. He'll run right over you no matter what the score is."

Olsen was rookie of the year for the Rams in 1962 and remains the franchise's all-time leader in career tackles with 915. He was named to 14 consecutive Pro Bowls, a string that started his rookie year.

"Merlin Olsen is one of the best players in the history of the NFL," Rams general manager Billy Devaney said in a statement released by the team Thursday afternoon. "His passing is a tremendous loss for the Rams. He will always be remembered as an ambassador for the organization as well as the National Football League."

After football, Olsen played the role of Jonathan Garvey, friend to Michael Landon's Charles Ingalls, on "Little House." Olsen later starred in his own series, "Father Murphy," from 1981 to 1983 and the short-lived "Aaron's Way" in 1988.

Olsen also stayed in the game as a broadcaster. He wasn't just some former player who knew football and would weave tales of his playing days into the broadcast. He was well-spoken and smart. The son of a former school teacher, Olsen graduated summa cum laude at Utah State with a degree in economics and earned a master's in economics in between his 15 NFL seasons.

Olsen was a consensus All-American at Utah State and won the 1961 Outland Trophy as the nation's best interior lineman. The Rams drafted Olsen third overall in 1962, and he spent the next 15 years with the team before retiring in 1976.

"I love the game of football," Olsen said in his Hall of Fame induction speech. "There was some special magic out on that piece of grass out there on that field. And win or lose, when I came off that field, it was always coming down. I am sure that the thing I miss most about the game is the people, the very special people and those incredible highs and lows."

Utah State honored Olsen in December by naming the football field at Romney Stadium "Merlin Olsen Field." Because of his illness, Olsen's alma mater didn't want to wait until football season and made the announcement during halftime of a basketball game.

Olsen was well enough to attend, but he didn't speak at the event. He stood and smiled as he waved to fans during a standing ovation and chants of "Merlin Olsen!" and "Aggie Legend!"

Utah State also is planning to erect a statue of Olsen at the southeast corner of the stadium.

The Rams also honored Olsen during a game Dec. 20, with a video tribute narrated by Dick Enberg, Olsen's longtime broadcast partner. Olsen didn't attend because of his health. His name already was part of the Ring of Fame inside the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, along with other franchise standouts.

Olsen was voted NFC defensive lineman of the year in 1973 and the league MVP in 1974, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982. Brothers Phil and Orrin also played in the NFL.

Olsen is survived by his wife, Susan, and three children. There was no immediate word on funeral arrangements.

Draft Posted 2 days ago 83 Comments 6 Recommendations E-mail 5 burning questions: Cal's Best has most potential to be next CJ2K

2010-03-15T01:02:00.000-07:00

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As we inch closer to the 2010 NFL Draft, scouts are starting to uncover answers to the hard questions that will ultimately shape what happens when teams are officially on the clock.

Occasionally, scouts discover these answers on their own. Most of the time, however, the answers are derived from a series of debates -- sometimes contentious -- with fellow evaluators.

Using those meaningful debates as a premise, I thought I'd take a look at some questions that are being pitched in various war rooms across the league. Here are the five burning questions for this week:

1. Closest Chris Johnson clone?

Although Clemson's C.J. Spiller naturally comes to mind due to his exceptional speed and explosiveness, Cal's Jahvid Best is the runner who most resembles Titans 2,000-yard rusher Chris Johnson.

Best is a dynamic runner with outstanding speed, quickness and vision. He has the burst and quickness to get to the corner, but also flashes the instincts and cutback ability to attack as a downhill runner. Best's patience to the line of scrimmage is extraordinary for a fast guy, and his burst to the second level makes him a threat to take it the distance at any time.

(While Spiller's track exploits are roundly touted, it should be noted that Best was California's state 100-meter champion as a high school senior with a time of 10.31, and also has recorded a 20.65 in the 200 meters.)

Best was widely considered the best runner in college football last season until a series of concussions derailed his junior season after only nine games. At the time of his injury, he had recorded five 100-yard games and was averaging a robust 6.1 yards per carry. This came on the heels of his sensational sophomore season, when he rushed for 1,580 yards with eight 100-yard games, including four games with 200 or more rushing yards. Not that statistics are an indicator of future success, but Best's outstanding production is noteworthy when considering his big-play ability.

(For comparison's sake, Spiller has tallied 11 100-yard games in his career, but five of those occurred during his freshman season.)

While Spiller is flying up the charts as teams are looking for the next CJ2K, scouts would be wise to take a closer look at Best.

2. Who should Rams take at No. 1?

Gerald McCoy and Ndamukong Suh are outstanding prospects, but the Rams should take quarterback Sam Bradford with the first overall pick.

This is a QB-driven league, and the Rams can never ascend to the ranks of the elite without a legitimate threat at the position. Last season, the NFL had 10 4,000-yard passers, and seven led their teams into the playoffs.

While Suh or McCoy would undoubtedly upgrade the Rams' woeful defense, the presence of a legitimate stud under center will enhance the team's chances of making the playoffs in the near future.

Bradford is viewed as the top player at the position this year and was even viewed by many scouts as the top quarterback in last season's draft before he elected to return for his senior year at Oklahoma. A study of his game tape reveals that he is an extremely accurate passer with the arm strength to make all the necessary throws on the next level. While injuries during his final season have raised some concerns about durability, he has received a strong endorsement from his doctors and appeared to come through the exams at the NFL Scouting Combine unscathed from a medical standpoint.

With reports emerging that he has the "it" factor that franchise quarterbacks must possess, Bradford is just an impressive workout away from putting the pressure on the Rams to take him at No. 1. St. Louis passed on Matt Ryan and Mark Sanchez in recent years, and the franchise can't continue to move forward without a stud QB.

3. Did Haden's 40 time hurt him?

Florida cornerback Joe Haden will likely fall out of the top 10 on draft day, but it will be based on team needs rather than his disappointing 40-yard dash at the combine. Only one team (Cleveland) picking in th top 10 needs help in the secondary. The Browns' desire to shore up their corner and safety situations could lead them to take Tennessee safety Eric Berry, if he is available when Cleveland picks at No. 7.

But whether or not Haden goes in the top 10, he remains the top corner in the draft. He is an outstanding technician with excellent instincts and awareness. His exceptional ability to read routes allows him to get quick jumps on throws, and he is a natural ball hawk with good hands.

Although his disappointing 40-time forced scouts to reevaluate his game to see if his speed was an issue on tape, he played so well against a talented group of receivers in the SEC that his speed shouldn't be questioned by evaluators on draft day.

4. Is Mays' stock on the rise?

USC safety Taylor Mays had a sensational workout that created quite a stir at the combine, but it has done little to change his status on draft boards across the league. He was viewed as an exceptional athlete prior to his workout, so his exceptional results only reaffirmed that belief among scouts.

However, scouts and coaches are all over the board when assessing Mays' potential as a player. While he is viewed as one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft, his disappointing senior year exposed his weaknesses in coverage. As a "big" safety with rare physical dimensions, Mays struggles at times in coverage and isn't a natural ball hawk in the middle of the field.

In addition, Mays' reputation as a big hitter overshadows the fact that he can be a shoddy tackler in the hole and fails to take proper angles in the open field.

There is no denying that Mays is an exceptional athlete with all of the physical tools to be an all-star caliber player. But scouts and coaches are unsure about his ability to transfer his athleticism to the field in the NFL.

5. Why is Pierre-Paul dropping?

South Florida defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul was quickly placed atop the list of available pass rushers when he declared for the draft in January. But after closer examinations, scouts are slowly backing away from their lofty assessments.

Although Pierre-Paul is a freakish athlete with developing rush skills, teams are fearful that he may be a "one-year wonder" with serious bust potential. He is a former junior college transfer with only one season of football at a major college program, and his limited experience in the game has raised concerns in the minds of many evaluators.

Additionally, Pierre-Paul reportedly didn't interview well with some teams at the combine, and questions are mounting about his readiness to handle the spotlight as a potential top pick.

Pierre-Paul's immense talent and athletic potential deservedly make him worthy of first-round consideration, but the emerging red flags will likely lead to a slide on draft day.

Report: Roethlisberger told police he didn't have sex with accuser

2010-03-15T01:01:00.000-07:00

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Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger told Milledgeville, Ga., police and people in his party that he didn't have intercourse with the 20-year-old woman who has accused him of sexual assault, Pittsburgh television station KDKA reported Wednesday, citing sources.

According to KDKA, Roethlisberger admitted last Friday -- the day of the alleged incident -- to having contact with the woman at the Capital City nightclub, but he said it wasn't consummated. Afterward, the woman slipped and fell, injuring her head, Roethelisberger told police, according to sources.

The woman went to a local hospital, where she was treated and released, Deputy Police Chief Richard Malone said last weekend.

Authorities are still investigating the matter, and Roethlisberger hasn't been charged. He's cooperating with authorities, and police have said they expect to interview the quarterback again in the next several days. Police plan to take a DNA sample from Roethlisberger, but KDKA reported that the quarterback's attorney, Ed Garland, hasn't agreed to it.

Garland has said Roethlisberger is innocent of any crime and that no sexual assault occurred. Two Atlanta-based attorneys for the woman who accused Roethlisberger have said that she did the right thing and asked for her family's privacy.

Steelers offensive tackle Willie Colon was with Roethlisberger at the nightclub, but he didn't witness anything, his agent said Wednesday. Joe Linta told The Associated Press that Colon was on the dance floor and not close by when Roethlisberger allegedly sexually assaulted the woman.

"Willie, although he was in the building, had no knowledge of the incident, and his name should not be brought up about this incident again," Linta said. "The first knowledge he had was when he was stopped when leaving the place to be asked some questions."

Colon was part of a group of Roethlisberger's friends who went to Milledgeville to celebrate the quarterback's 28th birthday.

Two off-duty Pennsylvania law enforcement officers also were with Roethlisberger, but they didn't see anything inappropriate, according to a lawyer for one of the men.

Pennsylvania attorney Michael Santicola represents Anthony Barravecchio, an officer on the force in the Pittsburgh suburb of Coraopolis, but he said Pennsylvania Trooper Ed Joyner also is a longtime friend. Santicola, who's based in western Pennsylvania, said both officers are cooperating fully with the investigation.

"They saw nothing inappropriate, no criminal activity and no inappropriate contact or behavior," said Santicola, who added that Barravecchio was "completely sober" during the evening.

Santicola also said the officers don't remember meeting Roethlisberger's accuser.

"If they did meet the woman, they have no memory of it," Santicola said. "This was a crowded bar with people everywhere."

Roethlisberger, who owns a home about 30 miles north of Milledgeville on Lake Oconee, also is being sued by a woman who claims that he raped her in 2008 at a hotel-casino in Lake Tahoe -- an allegation he strongly denies. It is a civil matter as no criminal charges were filed.

Winners and losers from the first week of free agency

2010-03-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

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If free-agent shopping has taught us anything through the years, it's that there is no correlation between how much a team spends to win and the realization of actual success.

The Washington Redskins became the definitive cautionary tale for the NFL's free-agency era. Spend big in the offseason, do little when the games are played.

That is, until now, with the Redskins so far seemingly content to watch as other clubs continue opening their bank vault doors.

The beginning of the free-agent signing period has been similar to that of other years, with one player landing a contract of staggering proportions, a couple of others getting some serious money, and a few other deals worth noting. The most significant difference is that the Redskins are not the team that has gone the "staggering" route; that distinction belongs to the Chicago Bears, who spent crazy money on Julius Peppers and made a couple of other big-ticket additions for good measure. Another change is the significant amount of trade activity and the prospect of more to come thanks largely to a glut of players who had been headed for unrestricted free agency but who became restricted without a salary cap in place.

In getting a handle on which teams appear to have done the most to help themselves in the early going of free agency/the trade market, it's important to separate splash from substance. Simply being active isn't necessarily a sign of progress, although clubs that are desperately in need of help and have been conspicuously inactive seem to be on a path to continued futility.

The following is a look at the initial five biggest winners and losers in free agency:

Winners

1. New York Jets: They made what looks like an ideal trade with San Diego for cornerback Antonio Cromartie. Cromartie's interceptions have declined significantly since 2007, when he led the league with 10. However, it's no coincidence that was the last season the Chargers had a dominant pass rush and Cromartie was able to do what he does best -- play mostly man-to-man coverage. He'll be back to doing much more of that for the Jets, whose aggressive blitz scheme relies heavily on their corners' single-coverage prowess. With Darrelle Revis starting on the other side, there is every reason to believe that Cromartie will go back to his ball-hawking ways. The Jets also didn't have to give up much, parting with a third-round pick in 2011 (that could become a second-rounder) when there might not even be a season. They made a couple of wise moves to gain financial breathing room by trading disgruntled free safety Kerry Rhodes -- whose reluctance to make contact made him a bad fit in Rex Ryan's defense -- to Arizona for a savings of about $4 million, and by releasing running back Thomas Jones (before having to pay him a $3.3 million roster bonus on top of a $2.8 million base salary) and cornerback Lito Sheppard. Jones was the leading rusher on the NFL's top-rushing offense and popular in the locker room, but he has been moved aside thanks to the more effective Shonn Greene.

2. Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens addressed their most pressing need by trading with Arizona for wide receiver Anquan Boldin. He might not provide the game-breaking speed they still lack at the position, but he's a consistent big-time performer who should provide a major boost to the continued development of quarterback Joe Flacco. General manager Ozzie Newsome worked some wizardry on the deal, giving up a third-round pick in this year's draft and exchanging a fourth-round choice for the Cardinals' fifth-rounder. The Ravens can still pursue a receiver in the draft, but they don't have do so as early as they might have once considered.

3. Miami Dolphins: Signing free-agent inside linebacker Karlos Dansby from the Cardinals is a huge upgrade for the Dolphins' defense. Dansby was expensive ($43 million over five years, with about $22 million guaranteed), but he should be a catalyst in new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan's 3-4 scheme, making plays and making certain that everyone around him is where they're supposed to be. The Dolphins will make Dansby even more effective if they can add a nose tackle and a safety. Their other smart move was re-signing veteran quarterback Chad Pennington to continue serving as a mentor for young starter Chad Henne. The chemistry between the two quarterbacks is exceptional, and if Pennington is fully recovered from the shoulder injury that cut short his 2009 season, he's as reliable a backup as any team could have.

4. Detroit Lions: It's a surprise to see the Lions show up on any list of positive moves, but they belong after the aggressiveness they displayed in their free-agent signings of defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch from Tennessee and wide receiver Nate Burleson from Seattle. Vanden Bosch's productivity was a concern with the Titans, but it's reasonable to assume he can thrive now that he has been reunited with coach Jim Schwartz, his former defensive coordinator. Schwartz will know how to take full advantage of his non-stop drive and leadership that the Lions, still in the formative stages of their latest rebuilding effort, desperately need. As a player who thrived in the Seahawks' West Coast offense, Burleson is an ideal fit in the Lions' scheme because of his effectiveness on short and intermediate routes and the fact he still is a deep threat. He should be a nice complement to Calvin Johnson.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars' top need was a defensive end, and they appear to have found one of the better ones available in free-agent Aaron Kampman from Green Bay. Sure, there's some risk involved, given the torn ACL that caused Kampman to miss nearly half of last season. However, all indications are that he is recovering well. Kampman proved to be a bad fit for the Packers after they converted him from end to outside linebacker in their new 3-4 scheme. If he's healthy, he should make a tremendous impact in Jacksonville's 4-3 alignment, which will allow him to utilize his tremendous pass-rushing prowess. Kampman goes all-out all the time, which should make him a strong leader by example. The Jaguars also bolstered their special teams by adding free-agent receiver Kassim Osgood from the Chargers. Osgood is a Pro Bowl gunner, and is also looking for an opportunity to contribute as a wideout, an area of need for the Jaguars.

Losers

1. Buffalo Bills: New general manager Buddy Nix and coach Chan Gailey aren't exactly off to a scintillating start in giving long-suffering Bills fans any hope that their regime is going to bring an end to a 10-year postseason drought. It's true that the Bills have far too many needs than can be fixed in one offseason, but they are conspicuous by their relative inactivity beyond signing not-so-special, free-agent offensive tackle Cornell Green. Green could be a starter for the Bills, but that's less a reflection of how good he is than a sign of how desperate the Bills are for offensive line help. This team clearly seems focused on keeping its costs down -- which every team is able to do without a spending floor in place -- and doing everything it can to get better through the draft.

2. Carolina Panthers: All the Panthers have done is show the door to their best player, Peppers, and several others, including quarterback Jake Delhomme. So far, their offseason has been dedicated to trimming costs and getting younger. Their best hope is that new quarterback, Matt Moore, is at least the same guy he was while going 4-1 late last season. Wide receiver Steve Smith needs some complementary help, but defensive line is likely to be the Panthers' priority in the draft.

3. New York Giants: Antrel Rolle is a good safety, but the Giants aren't paying the free agent from Arizona that way. They're paying him to be great, because that's all that can be expected of the highest-paid safety in NFL history ($37 million over five years, including $15 million guaranteed). The suspicion here is that Rolle probably will make a solid contribution and the media will continually pound on the fact that he isn't living up to his contract.

4. Arizona Cardinals: It has been an offseason exodus from the desert, with the Cardinals saying goodbye to Boldin, Dansby, Rolle, and (probably the biggest loss of all) retired quarterback Kurt Warner. Picking up Rhodes fills a hole at safety, and the Cards have the depth at wide receiver to withstand Boldin's departure. But they'll miss Dansby, and their offense faces plenty of question marks with unaccomplished Matt Leinart as quarterback.

5. San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers have reason to wonder if Alex Smith can take them anywhere as a starting quarterback. They were wise to go into the free-agent market seeking an experienced backup at the position, but it's hard to view David Carr, whom they signed from the New York Giants, as providing any sort of meaningful help.

Observation points

» OK, so it's hard to think that anything other than $23 million in guaranteed money attracted Dansby to Miami. But I believe him when he says that the man overseeing the Dolphins' football operation, Bill Parcells, was an important factor as well. "He builds winners, and for him to bring in 60-some years of experience in the NFL to the defensive side of the ball and the front office ... how can I pass on that?" Dansby told reporters in Miami. There is something to be said for credibility at the top of an organization attracting high-end free agents. And the opposite of that can also be a factor, if all else is equal from a money standpoint.

» So far, there is no indication that the New England Patriots, who have plenty of room for improvement, have done very much to get better. In fact, the argument could be made that they've gotten a little worse after losing free-agent defensive end Jarvis Green, who they wanted to keep, to Denver. The Pats' greatest shortcoming is their pass rush, and they still haven't done anything to get it fixed. But at least give them credit for making sure they kept the best pass-rusher on the roster -- outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain -- and for doing plenty for the peace of mind of their best defensive player, nose tackle Vince Wilfork, by signing him to a long-term contract. A trifecta of sorts was the Patriots retaining their best cornerback, Leigh Bodden, who was getting attention elsewhere.

» The Packers didn't make the top five list of early free-agent winners, but keeping offensive tackle Chad Clifton was a smart move. Despite the fact that he turns 34 in June and battled injuries last season, he still gives them a dependable starter, which they desperately need on their line, for at least another season or two.

» It's understandable that defensive end Aaron Schobel is taking his time to decide whether he wants to return to the Bills. For one thing, he failed his season-ending physical exam because of an elbow injury that has since been surgically repaired. He needs to pass a physical to collect a $2 million roster bonus. But Schobel is putting off traveling from his offseason home in Texas to Buffalo for the second exam because he might follow through on retirement thoughts he expressed at the end of last season. One obvious reason would be the Bills' switch from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense, which would require Schobel to switch to outside linebacker. He saw how poorly that worked out for Kampman, and player-personnel people with whom I've spoken have their doubts that Schobel would be any more successful despite how well he has played at end for most of his NFL career.

Mock draft 2.0: Berry's versatility has safety moving up the boards

2010-03-15T00:58:00.000-07:00

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The combine is over, free agency is under way and the pro days are starting to heat up. There are plenty of clues as to what direction some teams may take in the draft. There is still lots of work to do before the end of April but here is a second look at my mock draft:

1. Saint Louis Rams
Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

Nothing has changed in a week in a quarterback-driven league. In fact, more people are starting to see Bradford as the top pick. It will be interesting to see if Washington, Seattle or Cleveland try to move up to get him.

2. Detroit Lions
Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

Suh can play all three downs, has the physical credentials to dominate, and recorded 63 tackles for a loss (including 23 sacks) in college. He's a mature young man who can handle the money he's about to make.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

In any other year, he's the top tackle on draft boards. McCoy is a perfect fit for Raheem Morris' defense at the "three technique."

4. Washington Redskins
Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

With Chris Samuels' retirement, the Redskins need a left tackle to line up for the next 10 years. Mike Shanahan hit a home run with Ryan Clady a few years ago in Denver and will look to do it again ... unless he moves up for Bradford.

5. Kansas City Chiefs
Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

Scott Pioli is not taking any player with issues off the field or one who is a risk to be a problem, no matter how talented he may appear to be. Bulaga fits a need with a first-round grade and is a rock-solid person.

6. Seattle Seahawks
Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

The Seahawks need a QB for the future; Pete Carroll has two first-round picks and is very familiar with Clausen. Unless they find a quarterback they love for a later round, it's now or never for finding a QB.

7. Cleveland Browns
Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

When Joe Haden ran slow at the combine, it made this decision an easy one. Berry can play all four secondary spots and some teams have him graded as a top-five pick. A 4.4 in the 40 with a 43-inch vertical and close to 11 feet in the broad jump tells you the kind of athlete Berry is.

8. Oakland Raiders
Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

Some will project Bruce Campbell here based on his combine workout, but the game tapes suggest something much different. Davis can play sooner in the NFL and is only 20 years old.

9. Buffalo Bills
Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee

The Bills have lots of needs, especially at offensive tackle, but they can't really build a 3-4 defense without a nose tackle. Williams is very quick for a 327-pound guy.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars
Earl Thomas, S/CB, Texas

I don't believe signing Aaron Kampman solved their defensive end issues so they may opt to draft another one. But Thomas is a versatile defensive back that can play anywhere and the Jags have made enough mistakes at DE in recent drafts.

11. Denver Broncos
Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama

McClain can play outside as well as inside, according to Eagles personnel man Phil Savage, who watched him play every game for Alabama. Denver needs linebacker help in its 3-4 defense and the 6-foot-4, 254-pound McClain, with 40 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and five interceptions, fits for the Broncos.

12. Miami Dolphins
Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State

Miami got some bad news when Jason Ferguson was suspended for eight games, not to mention he's old and coming off injury. Odrick can play anywhere up front and they could slide someone else to the nose and play him at the five technique. He has the size (6-5, 305) and the motor Bill Parcells loves.

13. San Francisco 49ers
Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma State

San Francisco needs an offensive tackle to play opposite Joe Staley if it wants to keep pounding that running game and protect Alex Smith.

14. Seattle Seahawks
C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson

This year's Chris Johnson is a big play waiting to happen every time he touches the ball. Between rushing attempts, receiving and returns, Spiller will touch the ball 20 times a game. Carroll has always had a speedy playmaker in his backfield and Spiller'a 40-yard dash was clocked under 4.3 at the combine.

15. New York Giants
Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas

It's no secret the Giants need linebackers inside and out. Kindle is a guy with 57 tackles for a loss in 25 starts.

16. Tennessee Titans
Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse are gone and the Titans are a tough defensive-minded organization. In 2009, Morgan had 12.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for a loss.

17. San Francisco 49ers
Taylor Mays, S, USC

Some call Mays an underachiever, some call him a linebacker disguised as a safety. Mays is an imposing athlete who will bring a presence to the 49ers defense.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers
Joe Haden, CB, Florida

Haden's 40-yard dash time dropped him for the time being and a re-time may improve his stock later this spring. Right now, he falls into the lap of a team looking for a corner.

19. Atlanta Falcons
Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame

The Falcons could go defensive end here and take a guy like Jason Pierre-Paul, but the kind of speed (4.3) and character Tate possesses make him very tempting.

20. Houston Texans
Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State

The Texans lost Dunta Robinson in free agency and need to continue to build a secondary that faces Peyton Manning twice a year. Wilson also has return skills.

21. Cincinnati Bengals
Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech

Surprised he's in the first round after an honorable mention in last week's mock draft? Too many people have been telling me this guy, with his 19 yard-per-catch average for his career, belongs in the same class as Calvin Johnson. He's moving up draft boards.

22. New England Patriots
Brandon Graham, OLB, Michigan

Whether Bill Belichick has the Patriots in a 3-4 or a 4-3 alignment, Graham fits. He's smart, athletic and highly productive. He had 85 tackles for a loss in 28 starts.

23. Green Bay Packers
Charles Brown, OT, USC

Like many drafts in recent years, tackles tend to go at the end of the first round because teams know they will be gone by this time in Round 2. I had a scout tell me Brown compares well to the high-profile tackles earlier in Round 1. Showing up at the combine over 6-5 and 300 pounds helped his cause.

24. Philadelphia Eagles
Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida

Pierre-Paul is grading out higher than this in many draft rooms but he's also a one-year wonder. He could slip on draft day after teams reconsider giving first-round money to a guy with just one season as a starter and 6.5 sacks. If he slides -- and I think he will -- the Eagles will not pass.

25. Baltimore Ravens
Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State

Once the Ravens traded for WR Anquan Boldin, they turned their attention to the cornerback position. Robinson may be the best one left on the board.

26. Arizona Cardinals
Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri

With the losses of Karlos Dansby and Antrel Rolle, the Cardinals have been hit hard in free agency, especially on defense. Weatherspoon is a highly-productive linebacker (400-plus tackles in college), very bright and had a tremendous performance at the combine.

27. Dallas Cowboys
Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

Everyone projects Bryant much higher than this but he has baggage and some risk. The Cowboys could want an offensive tackle like Bruce Campbell here but the athletic grade on Bryant might be too good to turn down. A year from now, the Cowboys could be done with Roy Williams.

28. San Diego Chargers
Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State

Mathews is a complete back that had 3,280 yards in college. He needs work in the passing game but he knows where the end zone is (39 touchdowns) and ran 4.41 at the combine.

29. New York Jets
Everson Griffen, DE, USC

Griffen moved off the honorable mention list and into the first round. When a defensive end measures at close to 6-4, 273 pounds and runs a 4.66 40-yard dash, he gets attention. With arms under 33 inches long, Griffen is not a perfect fit for the Jets' 3-4, but he can replace Marques Douglas, the former starter still floating around in free agency.

30. Minnesota Vikings
Brian Price, DT, UCLA

Price is the answer to an aging Pat Williams. He'd likely play in a rotation this year and take over in 2011. Price is short, quick, thick and is very disruptive.

31. Indianapolis Colts
Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida

Jeff Saturday can't play forever and this four-year starter is the long-term answer at center. In the meantime, he can play some guard and learn from one of the best in Saturday.

32. New Orleans Saints
Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida

The Saints are going to have some fine football players all graded about the same to pick from at this spot. In addition to Dunlap, Jerry Hughes, Ricky Sapp, Jermaine Gresham and Mike Iupati may all be on the board. Dunlap has some off the field issues that may eliminate him, but at close to 6-6, 277 pounds, he may be the guy to replace the recently released Charles Grant.

Greene's fantasy value will rise to new heights next season

2010-03-15T00:57:00.000-07:00

Post by Cincinnati Bengals jerseys

When you're in the fantasy football business like I am, making predictions on players is a major part of the game. From rankings to projections on breakouts, sleepers, busts and more, there is a lot of forward thinking. In fact, most of the online and print fantasy content you read, regardless of the sport, is centered around prognostication.

I don't think Nostradamus looked into the future this much!

Among the countless players I promote or warn owners against every season, inevitably there are going to be one or two that I hang my hat on. In 2005, it was Carson Palmer. The following year, I was all over Frank Gore. I had a self-admitted man crush on Marshawn Lynch in 2007. Aaron Rodgers was my main man in 2008.

Admittedly, though, not all of my predictions have gone well (thanks for nothing last season, Matt Forte), but you get the point.

Despite the fact that we've just now reached the month of March, I'm already prepared to hang my hat on someone for next season. In my opinion, he is unequivocally the No. 1 breakout player of 2010. No question about it. Big numbers await the fantasy owners who pull the trigger on this player in the first round.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Jets running back Shonn Greene.

The team has already announced that it will release veteran Thomas Jones on March 5. That will open the door for Greene to take over the top spot on the depth chart, which will result in a major increase in carries and production.

Before we look ahead at the sort of numbers we can expect from Greene in his new role, let's first look back at the level of success Jones had as the team's featured back.

The veteran rushed for a combined 2,714 yards and scored 29 total touchdowns over the last two seasons. He also finished no worse than fifth among running backs in fantasy points on NFL.com in that time. LaDainian Tomlinson, Frank Gore and Steven Jackson can't make that claim.

Furthermore, those ultra-impressive numbers came from a back in Jones who averaged a mere 812 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns in his first eight seasons at the NFL level.

If you ask me, you can put the 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns Jones recorded last season and put them next to Greene's name in 2010.

Furthermore, the Jets love this kid.

Remember, general manager Mike Tannenbaum traded the team's third- (No. 76 overall), fourth- (No. 115 overall) and seventh- (No. 228 overall) round picks in the 2009 NFL Draft to move up and draft Greene in the third round (No. 65 overall).

While he was a fantasy afterthought for much of his rookie season, the Iowa product did showcase flashes of brilliance down the stretch.

In his final two regular season games, Greene carried the ball a combined 29 times and averaged an impressive 5.4 yards per attempt. With Jones at less than 100 percent due to a sore knee, Greene went on to take over the featured spot in the first two weeks of the postseason. He thrived in the role, rushing for a combined 263 yards and two touchdowns on the big stage in road wins over the Bengals and Chargers.

Aside from his impressive postseason run, Greene also had a tremendous yards-per-carry average. In three regular-season games where he received 13 or more rushing attempts, Greene had a combined 301 yards with a 6.3 yards-per-carry average. In three postseason games, he averaged 5.6 yards per carry.

Overall, he rushed for an average of 5.2 yards per rushing attempt between the regular season and playoffs.

Combine those numbers with the 310 carries Jones has averaged in the featured role over the last three seasons, and Greene would be projected to rush for better than 1,600 yards over a full 16 games. With one of the league's best offensive lines in front of him, I don't think that number is out of reach, either.

As if those statistics alone aren't reason enough to be excited about Greene, take into consideration that he'll be the featured back on a team that fielded the top-ranked rushing offense in the league last season. While he will lose some work to Leon Washington, it won't be nearly enough to put a dent into his overall statistical potential.

If Chris Johnson is the Gisele Bundchen of fantasy football running backs, then Greene is Brooklyn Decker. He is a superstar in the making, a future fantasy beast who will help lead your team to a championship. In fact, I see him as a top-six player at his position behind only Johnson, Adrian Peterson, Maurice Jones-Drew, Ray Rice and Michael Turner.

Make no mistake, Greene is worth a high first-round pick in seasonal and keeper drafts.

Consider my hat hung...

Johnson, Peterson headline our latest one-man mock draft

2010-03-15T00:55:00.000-07:00

Post by Chicago Bears jerseys

With the NFL free-agent period in full swing, a number of players have experienced a change in fantasy value heading into next season. That's evident in our most recent one-man, three-round mock draft, which includes a new member in the first round. As always, each numbered position represents an individual fantasy team, so no more than one quarterback, two running backs or two wide receivers will be selected for each roster. The draft is based on NFL.com's standard scoring system, rewarding one point for each 25 passing yards, 10 rushing and receiving yards, four points for passing touchdowns six points for rushing and receiving touchdowns.

Round 1

1. Chris Johnson, RB, Titans

Talk about the ultimate no brainer. Johnson led the league in fantasy points, broke the NFL record for scrimmage yards in a season and found the end zone 16 times. Can he do it again in 2010? Time will tell, but his talent and big statistical potential will be impossible to pass on with the top pick.

2. Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings

Peterson, the consensus top pick in 2009 drafts, is coming off his best season from a fantasy perspective with better than 1,800 scrimmage yards and 18 rushing touchdowns. He also hauled in a career-best 43 passes as a receiver out of the backfield. Peterson remains a top-three pick in all drafts.

3. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars

Jones-Drew's days of being underrated are over. He had his best fantasy season ever in 2009, posting close to 1,400 yards on the ground and 16 total touchdowns. The little man nicknamed "Pocket Hercules" also put up 53 receptions for 374 yards as the true focal point of the Jaguars' offensive attack.

4. Ray Rice, RB, Ravens

A 2009 preseason sleeper pick on NFL.com, Rice exceeded even our expectations with 78 reception, 2,000-plus scrimmage yards and eight total touchdowns. He will lose a lot of goal-line work to Willis McGahee, but Rice is so versatile that he'll continue to put up big numbers for his fantasy owners.

5. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers

The NFL has become a passing league, and Rodgers has been at the forefront of this evolution. He put up his second consecutive monster season and has established himself as the top fantasy option at his position. Rodgers, who had 35 total scores in 2009, is well worth a high first-round draft selection.

6. Michael Turner, RB, Falcons

The "Curse of 370" struck again, as Turner missed five games in 2009 due to an injured ankle and saw his numbers fall across the board. That might be a good thing for 2010, though, as Turner rushed the football a mere 178 times and should be 100 percent and well rested. He's a No. 1 fantasy runner.

7. Drew Brees, QB, Saints

Brees is coming off another monster season, throwing for 4,388 yards and 34 touchdowns. He was third in fantasy points among all players with 280 and has scored a combined 643 points since 2008. Brees is consistent, reliable and will remain one of the most coveted signal-callers in all drafts.

8. Shonne Greene, RB, Jets

The new No. 1 back for coach Rex Ryan, Greene has a chance to be next season's top breakout player. A physical, explosive runner, he'll be featured in a run-based offense that fields one of the league's best offensive lines. A season with 1,400 rushing yards and 10-plus touchdowns is possible.

9. Frank Gore, RB, 49ers

Gore showed flashes of his impressive 2006 form last season, but injuries limited him to 14 games and hurt his value a bit. Overall, Gore still finished in the top 10 in fantasy points among running backs and rushed for a career-best 10 touchdowns (13 total). He's worth a first-round pick.

10. Steven Jackson, RB, Rams

Jackson had one of the more underrated fantasy seasons of 2009. Despite the fact that the Rams had no other legitimate offensive threats, Jackson still rushed for 1,424 yards. While his touchdown total (4) left much to be desired, the fact that he's a talented featured back makes Jackson an asset.

11. Andre Johnson, WR, Texans

Johnson, who should now be selected ahead of Larry Fitzgerald in most drafts, is coming off another huge season, with 101 receptions, 1,569 yards and nine touchdowns. He's a younger version of Terrell Owens and an absolute nightmare for opposing defensive backs, not to mention fantasy's top wideout.

12. Peyton Manning, QB, Colts

Manning is coming off another solid season, throwing for 4,500 yards with 33 touchdown passes. He once again started all 16 games, though he was limited the final two weeks with the Colts locked into the top AFC postseason seed. Manning is one of a select few quarterbacks worth a first rounder.

Round 2

13. Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs

Charles was one of the best runners in fantasy football down the stretch, finishing 12th in points among his positional brethren despite starting just 10 games. He'll benefit from the presence of new coordinator Charlie Weis, and should post strong numbers even with Thomas Jones in the backfield mix.

14. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Panthers

Williams was on pace to finish the 2009 campaign with close to 1,750 scrimmage yards and nine total touchdowns before an injured ankle ended his season. The emergence of Jonathan Stewart is cause for some concern, but there should be enough carries for both backs to put up good fantasy totals.

15. Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals

It took five seasons, but Benson finally had the numbers everyone expected from him coming out of college. In what became a run-based Bengals offense, Benson rushed for 1,251 yards and six touchdowns despite missing three games due to injury. The veteran back is well worth a second-round selection.

16. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots

Brady was a disappointment for those fantasy owners who expected him to re-capture his 2007 form, but he still threw for close to 4,400 yards and recorded 28 touchdown passes. With a full season under his belt since reconstructive knee surgery, Brady is a lock to at least duplicate his 2009 totals.

17. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals

One of the top wide receivers in fantasy football, Fitzgerald is almost certain to come off the board in the second round in drafts. He's been ultra-consistent, productive and even avoided the dreaded Madden curse. Of course, Fitzgerald will lose a bit of his luster with Matt Leinart under center.

18. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Steelers

Mendenhall turned into one of last season's best draft values, emerging past incumbent starter Willie Parker and finishing with career bests across the board. Now cemented into the top spot on the Steelers depth chart, Mendenhall is well worth a second-round pick as a high-end No. 2 fantasy runner.

19. Ryan Grant, RB, Packers

Grant is coming off his best fantasy season at the NFL level, rushing for career bests in yards and touchdowns in the Packers' explosive offense. While this team will remain a pass-laden one with Rodgers under center, Grant still sees more than enough opportunities to score points for fantasy owners.

20. Randy Moss, WR, Patriots

Moss certainly wasn't as consistent as fantasy owners would have liked in 2009, but he still finished with the second-most points at his position on NFL.com. A touchdown machine, Moss should still have one more good fantasy campaign in the tank even as he closes in on his 13th NFL season.

21. Reggie Wayne, WR, Colts

In his first full season without Marvin Harrison, Wayne finished sixth in fantasy points among wide receivers on NFL.com. While he did have his share of down weeks, the veteran still posted 1,264 yards and found the end zone 10 times. Wayne remains a No. 1 fantasy wideout in all formats.

22. DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles

Jackson has become one of the elite playmakers in the NFL. While he loses some luster in PPR leagues, Jackson is the top threat in the Eagles' prolific pass attack and has added value in leagues that reward players for return yards and touchdowns. He's quickly moved up to elite fantasy status.

23. Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers

With LaDainian Tomlinson gone, the Chargers will continue to evolve into a pass-laden football team in 2010. The leader of the offense is now Rivers, who has done his best Dan Fouts impersonation with 4,000-plus passing yards in consecutive seasons. He'll be a fantasy asset for years to come.

24. Matt Schaub, QB, Texans

Schaub, a 2009 preseason breakout candidate on NFL.com, finally reached his statistical potential with 4,770 passing yards and 29 touchdowns. While his pior injury history will still be in the backs of the minds of fantasy owners, Schaub has become a viable early-round selection.

Round 3

25. Miles Austin, WR, Cowboys

If I had told you that Austin would put up more fantasy points than Fitzgerald and Calvin Johnson back in the preseason, well, I would have been looked at like a madman. But it did happen, and Austin has now become a very valuable asset in fantasy land. Look for his success to continue in 2010.

26. Roddy White, WR, Falcons

While he did have his share of down weeks from a statistical perspective, White still finished the 2009 season with 85 receptions, 1,153 yards and a career-best 11 touchdown catches. He'll remain the top option in the pass attack for Matt Ryan and is a solid No. 1 fantasy receiver in all formats.

27. Brandon Marshall, WR, Broncos

Despite the fact that he started just 13 games, Marshall still put up his third consecutive season with 100-plus receptions and 1,100-plus yards. He also scored a career-best 10 touchdowns, and that was with Kyle Orton under center. If he can avoid off-field trouble, Marshall can be a fantasy superstar.

28. Vincent Jackson, WR, Chargers

Jackson wasn't the most consistent wide receiver in fantasy football this past season, but he still produced career bests in most categories. The 6-foot-5, 230-pound veteran has become a prominent option in the Chargers' pass attack and is well worth a third-round pick in most fantasy leagues.

29. Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos

Moreno showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season, finishing 53 rushing yards shy of the 1,000-yard mark. Despite the fact that he'll lose carries to veteran Correll Buckhalter in the backfield, Moreno should still produce improved numbers. He also has a very favorable schedule next season.

30. Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions

There wasn't a bigger disappointment at wide receiver than Johnson, who cost fantasy owners an early-round pick but finished out of the top 20 in points at his position. Still, "Megatron" is too talented not to rebound and have a big season. Look for his rapport with Matthew Stafford to improve.

31. Sidney Rice, WR, Vikings

Like so many wideouts before him, Rice broke out in his third NFL season with career bests in receptions, yards and touchdowns. He thrived with Brett Favre under center, becoming a stable fantasy starter in all formats. If Favre decides to retire, though, Rice's stock will fall across the board.

32. LeSean McCoy, RB, Eagles

The release of Brian Westbrook opens the door for McCoy to take over the top spot on the Eagles depth chart. He still needs to work on his pass protection and won't be a true featured back in 2010, but McCoy's versatile skill set and upside make him worth a late second-round pick for fantasy leaguers.

32. Joseph Addai, RB, Colts

Addai didn't rush for 1,000 yards and failed to average at least four yards per carry, but he still finished in the top 10 in fantasy points among NFL.com running backs on the strength of his 13 total touchdowns. Donald Brown remains in the mix, however, so Addai is no more than a No. 2 fantasy back.

33. Marques Colston, WR, Saints

Colston, the ultimate fantasy sleeper in his rookie season, put up very good numbers across the board in 2009. If it weren't for the improving cast of offensive weapons around him, not to mention Brees' tendency to spread the ball around, Colston would be listed even higher in this initial mock draft.

34. Steve Smith, WR, Giants

You might not be shocked that Steve Smith made the top three rounds of this first mock draft for 2010. But it's not the one we're used to being listed from Carolina. The Big Apple's version put up his best season at the NFL level in 2009 and is now the No. 1 option in the Giants' improved pass attack.

35. Ronnie Brown, RB, Dolphins

Brown was on pace for a productive season in 2009, but an injured foot cost him the final seven weeks and any chance at emerging into a No. 1 fantasy back. The fact that he's suffered injuries in two of the past three years, not to mention the presence of Ricky Williams, makes Brown a risk-reward pick.

36. Beanie Wells, RB, Cardinals

Wells really turned it on at the end of his rookie season, and the offseason retirement of Kurt Warner could mean more carries in 2010. He won't develop into a featured back with Tim Hightower in the backfield rotation, however, so Wells' statistical upside is a bit limited despite his obvious talent.

Mock draft 5.0: New No. 1 overall pick, but it's still not Stafford

2010-03-15T00:54:00.000-07:00

Post by Carolina Panthers jerseys

Spending the better part of the week at the NFL Annual Meeting provided another set of clues as to what teams were thinking for the draft. My Sirius Radio show partner, Tim Ryan, and I interviewed 13 head coaches, 12 general managers and four owners at the meetings.

Club officials were not going to come right out and say who they wanted to select, but they were able to talk about what is important to them. As one GM said, "We will not be taking one player with any off-the-field issues." Another GM said, "We have to get bigger on defense, especially at the linebacker position." The Lions want their first pick signed before the draft, so that will be a determining factor.

I feel like I'm getting closer to what may actually happen on April 25, but there is still time left and a few critical pro days to finish up. I have completed an eight-game film study of Matthew Stafford, Mark Sanchez and Josh Freeman, and I have a much better feel for what they are all about and where they might fit in the draft. I also got a chance to watch tape of every one of Knowshon Moreno's runs last season, as well as looking at two tapes for each of the top five offensive tackles in the draft.

Here's a look at my latest mock draft, version 5.0, as well as what each team might do in the second round. The order is different in the second round, so the selection number is indicated next to the pick.

Tomlinson completes visit with Jets without a contract

2010-03-15T00:53:00.000-07:00

Post by Buffalo Bills jerseys

LaDainian Tomlinson flew home to San Diego on Saturday to consider his options after spending a day with the New York Jets and leaving without a deal.

The free agent -- the eighth-leading rusher in NFL history -- was on a flight Saturday morning after his visit.

Tomlinson had encouraging trips with the Minnesota Vikings and Jets this week and is now mulling both opportunities, but could take another visit early next week as well, reports NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora.

Tomlinson arrived in New Jersey on Thursday night after meeting with the Vikings and spent Friday touring the Jets' facility in Florham Park. He then had dinner with coach Rex Ryan, general manager Mike Tannenbaum and other team officials, who tried to persuade him to join an offense ranked No. 1 in rushing last season.

Tomlinson, who has rushed for 12,490 career yards, will turn 31 in June and was released by the Chargers last month after his least productive season. He ran for 730 yards on 223 carries for an average of 3.3 yards per carry, all career lows. Tomlinson scored 12 touchdowns, but his role was reduced in an offense now geared toward Philip Rivers and the passing game.

He's still regarded as an excellent route runner and superb pass catcher, two qualities that make him attractive to New York and Minnesota.

Tomlinson had dinner with members of the Vikings on Wednesday night and spent the next day at the team's headquarters. He left with a purple Vikings jersey in hand, but pulled away in a black limousine without a deal and headed to New Jersey.

He had been scheduled to fly back to San Diego on Friday night, but changed his flight after arriving in New Jersey so late Thursday. The Jets extended their visit with him Friday to include dinner. There were also no late-night flights to the West Coast available Friday.

If he joins the Jets, Tomlinson would back up Shonn Greene, who emerged in his rookie season and made Thomas Jones expendable. Jones signed with Kansas City days earlier.

The Jets have quarterback Mark Sanchez returning for his second season along with a solid offensive line that helped New York to average a league-leading 172 yards on the ground per game. Tomlinson is also familiar with Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, who was the Chargers' quarterbacks coach from 2002-05.

Tomlinson could also be intrigued by the possibility of taking handoffs in Minnesota from Brett Favre, who's still mulling whether to return for a 20th season. He would back up Adrian Peterson and help replace Chester Taylor as the pass-catching threat out of the backfield. Taylor signed with Chicago last week.

Whether he chooses the Jets or Vikings, Tomlinson would not be the focal point of the offense, as he was for so many years with the Chargers -- a role he has said he's OK with.

He was drafted with the fifth overall pick in 2001 out of TCU. He immediately became a star and helped transform the Chargers into perennial playoff contenders. His 138 career touchdowns rushing rank second in NFL history, and his 153 total touchdowns rank third.

After a heavy workload and a few injuries made him less effective in recent seasons -- last season was his first under 1,000 yards -- Tomlinson appears intent on winning a Super Bowl.

That's something the Vikings and Jets might be able to offer -- both were a win shy of the NFL's big game last season. Minnesota lost to Super Bowl champion New Orleans 31-28 in overtime in the NFC title game, and New York fell to Indianapolis 30-17 in the AFC title game.

Redskins re-sign offensive lineman Montgomery

2010-03-15T00:52:00.002-07:00

Post by Baltimore Ravens jerseys
Offensive lineman Will Montgomery has re-signed with the Washington Redskins.

Montgomery, a restricted free agent, started three games at right guard last season as the Redskins frequently shuffled their lineup due to injuries.

The 27-year-old lineman has played in 29 career games with nine starts over four seasons with the Carolina Panthers, New York Jets and Redskins. He first signed with Washington in December 2008.

Veteran TE Baker agrees to terms with Seahawks

2010-03-15T00:52:00.001-07:00

Post by Atlanta Falcons jerseys
The Seattle Seahawks have finally stepped into the free agent marketplace, agreeing to terms with tight end Chris Baker.

A team spokesman confirmed a deal had been agreed to on Saturday, although the team did not release terms of the contract.

Baker spent last season as a backup in New England, but previously was a starter for the New York Jets. Last season with the Patriots, Baker had just 14 catches and two touchdowns. His best season came in 2007 with the Jets when he caught 41 passes for 409 yards and three scores. He spent his first seven years in the league with the Jets.

Baker, 30, will be a backup in Seattle to John Carlson.

Kansas City Chiefs Posted 1 day ago 16 Comments 0 Recommendations E-mail Center Wiegmann returns to Chiefs, who look to bolster O-line

2010-03-15T00:51:00.000-07:00

Post by
Arizona Cardinals jerseys
The Chiefs announced Friday that they had signed Wiegmann, who was a free agent after two seasons with the Denver Broncos. Terms of the deal weren't released.

Wiegmann has 168 starts in 195 games in a 14-year NFL career that began in Indianapolis in 1996. He also played for the New York Jets and Chicago Bears before joining the Chiefs in 2001. He played in Kansas City through 2007, starting 111 consecutive regular-season games and two playoff games.

Including his time with the Broncos, Wiegmann has started 143 consecutive games at center and taken 9,078 snaps dating to 2001.

In another attempt to bolster their offensive line, the Chiefs have scheduled Monday visits with guard Ryan Lilja and tackle Hank Fraley, a league source told NFL Network's Jason La Canfora.

No. 1 spot belongs to Bradford on list of top 25 prospects

2010-03-15T00:49:00.002-07:00

Post by Warren Moon jerseys

The 2010 NFL Draft is a little over a month away, and scouts are putting the finishing touches on their draft boards based on information gathered at pro days.

While several of the draft's top prospects still have workouts pending, the top of the board is slowly starting to take shape as teams are narrowing their focus on the elite players at each position.

Though teams separate prospects by position, decision-makers eventually rank top players by grade, regardless of position.

In an attempt to mirror the draft boards across the league, I thought it was a great time to unveil my top 25 prospects in the draft. I'll be updating this list every week from now until the draft.

1. Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

Bradford wowed NFL officials during the interview process at the combine; if his medical history checks, he should be the top pick in the draft.

2. Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

A dominant interior defender with outstanding skills as a run or pass defender.

3. Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

McCoy is a disruptive force in the middle and an ideal fit as a "3-technique" in a one-gap system.

4. Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

Polished left tackle with outstanding skills; 47 career starts at OSU makes him ready to start immediately.

5. Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

Dynamic safety with corner-like cover skills and playmaking ability.

6. Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

Big, physical receiver with outstanding hands; off-field issues could affect his status on draft day.

7. Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

Savvy technician with excellent skills; arm length is a concern, but has shown no issues handling edge rushers on tape.

8. Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

Exceptional athlete with multi-positional versatility; Williams has logged snaps at both OT spots and center during his career.

9. Joe Haden, CB, Florida

Outstanding cover corner with exceptional cover skills and instincts; slow 40-time has dropped his status on some boards.

10. Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

Good athlete with immense talent and potential for the position.

11. C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson

Explosive runner with the ability to score from anywhere on the field.

12. Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama

Big hitter with outstanding instincts and intangibles; should be ready to start from Day 1 after being groomed by Nick Saban's pro-sytle system.

13. Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas

Explosive athlete with intriguing skills as an edge rusher; prime candidate to move to hybrid player in a 3-4 defense.

14. Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

Steady player with solid skills as an edge rusher.

15. Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee

Tenacious interior defender with explosive strength and power; offers some flexibility as a 4-3 tackle or 3-4 end.

16. Mike Iupati, G, Idaho

Aggressive mauler with exceptional strength and power; flashes the potential to possibly play RT in the NFL.

17. Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida

Raw player with outstanding athleticism; limited experience in football could hinder his immediate impact.

18. Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan

High-motor edge rusher with dynamic rush skills; some teams view him as a 3-4 hybrid rusher.

19. Earl Thomas, S, Texas

Ball-hawking safety with great instincts and awareness.

20. Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

Big-play tight end with outstanding hands and skills; he will be a dangerous red-zone threat.

21. Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri

Athletic playmaker with good instincts and awareness; could move to MLB in some schemes.

22. Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

Polished QB groomed in a pro-style offense; has all of the physical tools to be an outstanding pro, but questions linger about attitude and leadership skills.

23. Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State

Hard-nosed runner with big-play ability; former California high school 100-meter champion quietly led the nation in rushing at Fresno State with 1,808 yards.

24. Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida

Lanky edge player with some rush skills; must address character concerns to maintain early-round status.

25. Taylor Mays, S, USC

Freakish athlete at the position, but scouts worry about his cover skills and tackling.

Jets add Tomlinson to top-ranked rushing offense

2010-03-15T00:49:00.001-07:00

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The New York Jets signed the former Chargers running back to a two-year contract Sunday, adding an aging star to an offense that ranked No. 1 in rushing last season.

The Jets confirmed that they have agreed to a deal, adding the aging star to the NFL's top-ranked rushing offense last season.

New York's Daily News reported Tomlinson's two-year deal is worth $5.2 million, according to source, and can escalate to $5.7 million.

"He wanted to go to a team that he thought had a chance to compete for the championship," Tomlinson's agent Tom Condon told the AP. "He wanted to go somewhere where he had a chance to have a significant role, and so with the Jets he also was going to be very familiar with the offensive system."

The Jets reached the AFC Championship Game last season, eliminating Tomlinson and the Chargers along the way.

The 2006 NFL MVP, cut last month by San Diego, chose New York over Minnesota after visiting the Vikings on Thursday. Tomlinson spent Friday with the Jets, capping it by having dinner with coach Rex Ryan, general manager Mike Tannenbaum and other team officials.

Once one of the NFL's most dynamic players, Tomlinson is expected to back up second-year running back Shonn Greene, who emerged in his rookie season and made Thomas Jones expendable. Jones signed with Kansas City last week after rushing for a career-high 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Tomlinson was welcomed to the Jets by several of his new teammates on Twitter, including left tackle Damien Woody, defensive end Mike DeVito and All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis.

"Good move by the organization," Revis tweeted. "I couldn't be more excited about this."

Added Woody: "LaDainian running behind our line ... I think he'll put up better numbers than people think."

Former Chargers teammate Antonio Cromartie, acquired by the Jets before the trade deadline on March 4, said: "Congrats to my homie L.T."

Tomlinson ran for 730 yards -- his first season under 1,000 -- on 223 carries for an average of 3.3 yards per carry, all career lows. He scored 12 touchdowns, but his role was reduced in an offense that shifted its focus to quarterback Philip Rivers and the passing game.

He's still regarded as an excellent route runner out of the backfield and superb receiver, two qualities that made him attractive to both New York and Minnesota.

Tomlinson is the latest high-profile player to be signed, drafted or acquired by the Jets in the last few years, joining Brett Favre, Kris Jenkins, Mark Sanchez, Bart Scott, Braylon Edwards and Antonio Cromartie.

With the Jets moving into the new Meadowlands Stadium, the 82,500-seat, $1.6 billion home they'll share with the Giants, Tomlinson's star power could potentially help the team sell more personal seat licenses.

More than that, though, New York hopes Tomlinson's contributions on the field are greater. While he likely won't be the focal point of the offense, as he had been for so many years with the Chargers -- a role he has said he's OK with -- the Jets are hoping he can still be a dangerous presence with the ball in his hands.

He's also familiar with the Jets' style of offense and coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, who was San Diego's quarterbacks coach from 2002-05. The Jets have Sanchez returning for a second season, along with a solid offensive line that helped pave the way for New York to average a league-leading 172.2 yards on the ground per game.

Those factors might have helped the Jets beat out the Vikings for Tomlinson's services. While Minnesota was also just a game away from the Super Bowl, the uncertainty surrounding Favre's return might have caused Tomlinson to hesitate about signing with the Vikings.

Tomlinson met with Minnesota team officials Thursday, but left for the New York area without a deal. He then spent all of Friday with the Jets -- touring the team's facility and the new stadium -- before returning home to San Diego to mull his options on Saturday.

He was drafted with the fifth overall pick in 2001 out of TCU, and immediately became a star as he helped the Chargers become a perennial playoff contender. His 138 career rushing touchdowns rank second in NFL history, and his 153 total touchdowns rank third.

Raiders acquire Wimbley from Browns for third-round pick

2010-03-15T00:48:00.000-07:00

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The Oakland Raiders bolstered their pass rush Sunday by acquiring former first-round pick Kamerion Wimbley from the Cleveland Browns.

NFL Network's Jason La Canfora reports the Browns will receive a third-round pick in April's upcoming draft.

Oakland senior executive John Herrera confirmed the deal, saying Oakland gave up a pick it had acquired in a previous deal. The Raiders had acquired a third-round pick from New England last summer in a deal for Derrick Burgess.

"This gives us a guy who has been a strong presence as a pass rusher," Herrera said. "He has been very productive."

The Browns traded two former first-round picks Sunday, confirming a deal that sent quarterback 2007 first-rounder Brady Quinn to the Denver Broncos about two hours before Oakland announced it had picked up Wimbley.

The Browns' decision to deal Wimbley was a bit of a surprise. Last season, he began to show flashes of being the kind of player he was when he recorded 11 sacks in his rookie year.

The 6-foot-3, 255-pounder was drafted in the first round out of Florida State in 2006. He had 6.5 sacks and 48 tackles in 15 games last season and has 26.5 sacks in his career.

Cleveland may use one of its high draft picks to address its pass rush.

Wimbley becomes the fourth former first-round pick on Oakland's defense, joining defensive end Richard Seymour, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha and safety Michael Huff.

The Raiders previously had released defensive end Greg Ellis, who tied for the team lead in sacks last season with seven.

Wimbley can play either end or outside linebacker. The Raiders used second-year player Trevor Scott in that role last season as an outside linebacker/third-down pass rusher. Scott had seven sacks in the role.

Wimbley is the first player Oakland has added from another organization since the start of free agency earlier this month. The Raiders had previously cut four veterans -- Ellis, running back Justin Fargas, receiver Javon Walker and defensive tackle Gerard Warren.

Oakland also re-signed kicker Sebastian Janikowski before he could become a free agent, used the franchise tag on Seymour and re-signed free agent offensive lineman Khalif Barnes.

Browns send Quinn to Broncos for Hillis, two picks

2010-03-15T00:43:00.000-07:00

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Brady Quinn will get a chance to start over in Denver. Whether he'll get to start is up in the air.

The Broncos acquired the former first-round draft pick from the Cleveland Browns for fullback Peyton Hillis, a 2011 sixth-round draft pick and a conditional pick in 2012.

The teams announced the trade Sunday and said the deal is pending physicals.

Ostensibly, Quinn will compete with Kyle Orton for the Broncos' starting job, although coach Josh McDaniels was unavailable Sunday to comment on the trade, according to a team spokesman.

Quinn's departure comes one day after the Browns agreed to terms with free agent Jake Delhomme on a two-year contract. Quinn went 3-9 in 12 starts for Cleveland, which drafted him with the 22nd pick in the first round in 2007 out of Notre Dame.

From Dublin, Ohio, he was embraced by Browns fans as the quarterback of the future. But it never panned out for the Browns or Quinn.

"I appreciate everything Brady did for us last year and in his three seasons with the Cleveland Browns," coach Eric Mangini said in a statement. "He is professional in the way he goes about doing his job and worked extremely hard at every aspect of his game. I wish him the best of success in Denver."

Quinn won Cleveland's starting job last season, but was benched after 2 1/2 games for Derek Anderson. Quinn eventually got his job back when Anderson struggled, but he was hindered by inaccuracy.

He completed only 53 percent of his passes last season for 1,339 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. His rating was 67.3.

Quinn's days in Cleveland appeared numbered when new president Mike Holmgren failed to endorse him as the Browns' future starter. The Browns acquired backup Seneca Wallace in a trade with Seattle last week and have also agreed to a two-year deal with Jake Delhomme, a league source told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora.

Holmgren's house cleaning continued Sunday, when he shipped another former first-round draft pick, linebacker Kamerion Wimbley, to the Oakland Raiders for draft picks.

The Broncos reportedly pursued Quinn last season when they were trying to replace Jay Cutler.

Instead, they dealt Cutler to Chicago for a bevy of draft picks and Orton, who beat out Chris Simms for the starting job in June.

The Broncos have insisted they're happy with Orton, a workmanlike leader who wasn't allowed to throw downfield much last season, when he led the Broncos to a 6-2 start before a 2-6 finish kept them out of the playoffs for a fourth straight season.

That's the longest drought in the 26 years Pat Bowlen has owned the team. Bowlen recently said he likes Orton as his quarterback but would like to see the Broncos draft a passer next month.

Those plans may now be on hold.

The Broncos lost confidence in Simms last season, so it would appear he's out of the picture with the acquisition of Quinn.

Last week, the Broncos offered Orton, a restricted free agent, a first-round tender offer that would pay him $2.261 million this season.

Like hundreds of other players caught up in the league's labor issues, however, Orton is expected to boycott his team's start of offseason training, which starts Monday for the Broncos.

With the league ripping up the labor deal in hopes of getting a more owner-friendly contract, dozens of players who were set to reach the riches of unrestricted free agency this month are instead bound by their teams, which are offering much less than the players could have made in an unfettered marketplace.

Hillis will also be getting a fresh start.

He went from starting tailback under coach Mike Shanahan in 2008 to forgotten fullback under McDaniels, who adamantly refused to use him even though rookie running back Knowshon Moreno frequently came up short in short-yardage situations.

McDaniels insisted that the problems were on the line and not in the backfield and that he'd rather give the ball to his top draft pick. With Spencer Larsen banged up for much of the season, McDaniels said his hands were often tied because he didn't want to risk running Hillis, who was often his only available fullback.

Hillis had just 13 carries for 53 yards last season. He was inactive for two games, once to attend his grandmother's funeral in November. He also returned four kicks.

The 240-pound bone-rattler energized the Broncos in 2008 when he emerged during an injury epidemic among the team's tailbacks and ran for a team-high 343 yards and scored six touchdowns before tearing his right hamstring against Kansas City in December.

The Browns seemed to have found their No. 1 tailback late last season in Jerome Harrison, who finished with a team-high 862 yards rushing. But veteran Jamal Lewis, second on the team in rushing, was released last month, which could provide an opening for Hillis to be the power complement to the small and quick Harrison.

So Hillis gets another chance in Cleveland while Quinn tries to jump-start his career in Denver.

Jets coach Ryan undergoes weight-loss procedure

2010-03-15T00:42:00.000-07:00

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Jets coach Rex Ryan underwent a weight-loss procedure Saturday to help him fight obesity.

Ryan had lap-band surgery at NYU Medical Center, and was relaxing at his home in New Jersey on Saturday night, team spokesman Bruce Speight told The Associated Press.

Speight said Ryan also had a hernia repaired.

The outpatient procedure came a day after Ryan and the Jets wined and dined free agent running back LaDainian Tomlinson, trying to persuade him to join the team that had the league's No. 1 rushing offense last season.

The 47-year-old Ryan has frequently poked fun at himself and his rotund midsection, including after unflattering belly bearing photos of him changing into a jersey during a Florida-Carolina NHL game last month floated around the Internet.

"I'm watching ESPN and I'm like, 'Whoa, that's not a real good shot,'" Ryan said during the NFL Scouting Combine. "I mean, don't get me wrong, I get hit on all the time by women."

Ryan also partially blamed his weight for him not getting a head coaching job with the Atlanta Falcons after the 2007 season. He thought he was a shoo-in for the job that eventually went to friend and former Baltimore Ravens colleague Mike Smith.

"I think I was too fat," Ryan said with a laugh in December.

Ryan weighed 340 pounds at the start of last season, gaining at least 30 pounds after he was hired by the Jets in January 2009. He even tried a liquid diet during training camp and lost 20 pounds, but quickly gained it right back.

In a lap-band procedure, a plastic band is inserted that encircles a patient's stomach, effectively shrinking it and curbing their appetite.

Jets say coin flip will determine new stadium opener

2010-03-15T00:38:00.002-07:00

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It's a toss up whether the Jets or Giants will open the new Meadowlands Stadium.

The Jets announced on their Web site Saturday night that they will flip a coin with the Giants to determine which team will host the first regular-season game at their new 82,500-seat, $1.6 billion stadium this season.

Both teams have expressed to the NFL their desire to play the opening game there. The Jets said the league will make heads or tails of it by tossing a coin in the near future.

"We look forward to the coin toss," Jets spokesman Bruce Speight said.

League spokesman Greg Aiello would not confirm a flip would occur, saying simply that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell determines the schedule.

"We have no announcements to make about the schedule at this point," Aiello added.

This year's regular-season schedule will be announced next month. The teams do not play each other in the regular season this year, eliminating the possibility of both opening the stadium in Week 1.

The Jets have shared a stadium with the Giants since they moved from Shea Stadium for the 1984 season. The new Meadowlands Stadium is the first constructed to serve as the home of two NFL teams, and holds the distinction of being the largest privately financed stadium in U.S. history.

The teams are also teaming up to try to bring the 2014 Super Bowl to the Meadowlands. Miami and Tampa also plan to present bids for the game. League owners will award the game at their annual meeting in May.

If the new stadium wins out, it would set the stage for the first cold weather Super Bowl. The NFL gave the Giants and Jets the right to bid on the Super Bowl game in December despite the traditional requirement that host regions have a minimum temperature of 50 degrees or stadiums with domes or retractable roofs.

The new stadium does not have a retractable roof.

League, union disagree over benefits for retired players

2010-03-15T00:38:00.001-07:00

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The NFL and its players union are in debate again, this time over benefits for the league's retired players.

Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a letter posted on the league's labor Web site Saturday that the NFL is committed to its former players, and that no new collective bargaining agreement will be made without improving things for them.

He also said the union's recent proposal to strike a new deal included no improvements for retired players.

Goodell's letter, dated March 9, was addressed to Rep. Linda Sanchez, a California Democrat, who recently asked the commissioner what the league was doing for former players.

"I have said publicly that there will be no agreement without improvements for retired players," Goodell wrote. "On the contrary, when the union last week informed us that it was willing to make a new deal under certain conditions, there was no mention by them of increased benefits for retirees. The union leadership was willing to make a deal without any improvements for retired players."

Goodell said the league proposed to the union several months ago a plan to reduce salaries and bonuses for rookies, and use the first $100 million of that to cover pensions and other benefits for former players.

"The union to this point in our discussions has not agreed to that proposal," Goodell wrote.

The NFLPA executive committee, holding its annual meetings in Hawaii, responded by releasing a statement on its site. It said "truth becomes a casualty" when it reads Goodell's letter because its plan is being labeled "disingenuous."

"Neither the NFL nor its NFL Alumni have decided to get into the real game to improve retiree pensions and give players more than five years of health care when they retire, if they are lucky enough to play four years," the statement said. "When will the NFL start paying the former players who built this game for the legacy it sells?"

Mawae voted in for second straight term as NFLPA president

2010-03-15T00:35:00.000-07:00

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Free agent center Kevin Mawae was unanimously re-elected as president of the NFL Players Association during the union's board of player representatives meeting Saturday.

Mawae, an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, will serve his second straight two-year term beginning this season after the voting was announced in Maui with more than 100 players in attendance. The 16-year veteran has spent the last four seasons playing with the Tennessee Titans.

He has served on the NFLPA executive committee since 2002 and was a player representative for five previous seasons.

"I'm thankful and humbled by my re-election as president of the NFL Players Association," Mawae said in a statement. "I believe it shows the faith and belief that the board has in me and my ability to continue to lead the players of the NFL through a period of uncertainty."

Mawae's re-election comes at a crucial time for the union and the NFL as this season is the league's first without a salary cap since 1993. The current collective bargaining agreement expires in March 2011. While NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith has characterized the possibility of a work stoppage as a "14" on a scale of 1 to 10, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has said it would be unwise to think that owners want to not have football.

Also elected to serve on the NFLPA executive committee were Charlie Batch, Scott Fujita, Sean Morey and Brian Waters. They join current committee members Mawae, Drew Brees, Brian Dawkins, Domonique Foxworth, Tony Richardson, Jeff Saturday and Mike Vrabel.

Arizona re-signs Bridges; LBs Porter, Foote visit

2010-03-12T01:51:00.001-08:00

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The Arizona Cardinals have re-signed offensive tackle Jeremy Bridges (notes) to a three-year contract and, in what could portend a far more significant development, welcomed free agent linebackers Joey Porter (notes) and Larry Foote (notes) for a visit.
Quarterback Derek Anderson (notes), released by the Cleveland Browns this week, is scheduled to be in Tempe to meet with the Cardinals on Friday.
Bridges appeared in all 16 regular-season games at left tackle, four as a starter, for Arizona last season.
When they visited the Cardinals’ training facility on Thursday, Porter and Foote saw several coaches and players from their days with Pittsburgh.
Porter, a four-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker, was released by the Miami Dolphins. He was with the Steelers from 1999 to 2007.
Foote, an inside linebacker, led Detroit in tackles last season despite missing two games. He started every game for Pittsburgh from 2004 to 2008.
Porter said Arizona was his first stop since becoming a free agent because it is relatively close to his hometown of Bakersfield, Calif., and because of the presence of Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt and assistant head coach Russ Grimm. Both coaches were with the Steelers when Porter was there.
“I was looking to play for a West Coast team and I know everything Whiz is about,” Porter said. “He had me over there in Pittsburgh for eight years so I don’t have to be blindsided by some new coaches and trying to wonder how I fit. I know exactly how I fit. I know how he would try and use me if I was here and I am just trying to be a piece to the puzzle that’s already there.”
He disagreed with those who say his decrease in playing time in Miami signals a downward slide in his abilities.
“I’ve got a lot left,” Porter said. “All you have to do is turn on the tape and I feel like I don’t have to sell myself. What I did on the football field is going to sell that for me. With my role being reduced to the playing time I did have and missing three games, I still mustered up enough to lead the team (with nine sacks).”
Foote said “it would be a dream come true” for him to be reunited with Whisenhunt, Porter and ex-Steelers linebacker Clark Haggans (notes).
“We had so many good times in Pittsburgh and built that brother relationship and bond,” Foote said. “It would just be a blessing if we can make it happen.”
He would replace Karlos Dansby (notes), who signed a $43 million, five-year contract with Miami, with $22 million guaranteed.
Anderson is coming to town as the Cardinals look for someone to compete with Matt Leinart (notes), the only quarterback the team has under contract after Kurt Warner’s (notes) retirement.

L.T. to visit Jets

2010-03-12T01:50:00.002-08:00

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LaDainian Tomlinson (notes) is running a sweep route toward the New York Jets after not signing with the Minnesota Vikings during a visit that concluded tonight.
The former San Diego Chargers star running back reportedly enjoyed his meeting with the Vikings.
"If the Jets really want Tomlinson, they’ll have to bring it," Sports Illustrated’s Jim Trotter wrote on his Twitter account. "Vikes really wowed him. Said he could see himself playing there."
After jettisoning Thomas Jones (notes), the Jets could use some depth. However, they are expecting Leon Washington (notes) back from his broken leg.
And the Vikings envision Tomlinson as a potential replacement for Chester Taylor (notes), who signed with the Chicago Bears.
Tomlinson reportedly has other pending visits set up, but, for now, it’s between the Jets and the Vikings in a battle of the boardroom.
Tomlinson left the Vikings visit holding onto a purple Vikings jersey.
According to the Associated Press, he didn’t issue any comments before leaving team headquarters in a limousine.

Changes begin in earnest for Browns at quarterback

2010-03-12T01:50:00.001-08:00

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The Browns didn’t begin to reshuffle their ranks at quarterback until after the first weekend of free agency had passed, but they then made three moves that clearly signaled a sea change for their offense. First, they traded a conditional 2011 draft pick on March 8 for Seahawks backup QB Seneca Wallace (notes), who played his first six seasons for then-head coach Mike Holmgren, now the Browns’ president and the catalyst for a revamping of the Cleveland offense this offseason. At the very least, Wallace will be the Browns’ top backup quarterback, and he could compete to start. The day after adding Wallace, the Browns released Derek Anderson (notes), who is not a good fit in a West Coast offense because of his lack of accuracy. Also, on March 11, they hosted ex-Panthers QB Jake Delhomme (notes), released by Carolina last week. These developments have called into question the future of fourth-year QB Brady Quinn (notes), who had an up-and-down ’09 campaign with Cleveland. With deep pockets, the absence of a salary cap and 11 selections in April’s draft, the Browns are afforded quite a few options if they decide to acquire another passer, whether it be adding a rookie or signing or trading for a veteran.

Brodney Pool is a Jet

2010-03-12T01:49:00.002-08:00

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Veteran safety Brodney Pool (notes) has reportedly agreed to terms with the New York Jets
According to ESPN, Pool has agreed to a one-year, $1.3 million contract with the AFC East franchise.
The former Cleveland Browns starter wasn’t given a restricted tender by the Browns, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Pool has suffered numerous concussions, which raised concerns about his durability and health.
Now, he’s been cleared to play and the former Oklahoma player is set for a fresh start in New York.

Bullocks signs with Bears

2010-03-12T01:49:00.001-08:00

Post by Seattle Seahawks jerseys
Restricted free agent safety Josh Bullocks (notes) has signed his one-year tender offer from the Chicago Bears.
Bullocks made four starts and appeared in 12 games with the Bears last season, finishing with 21 tackles—14 in the last two games—and five special teams stops.
He has 327 tackles, six interceptions and 28 pass breakups in five seasons with the Bears and New Orleans Saints.

Blount ditches pro day workout

2010-03-12T01:48:00.000-08:00

Post by SanDiego Chargers jerseys
If you’re a LeGarrette Blount fan, you had better hope he has a good excuse.
The senior running back was a no-show at Oregon’s pro day on Thursday, per Gil Brandt of NFL.com, casting another dark cloud over the head of a player with very little room for error.
Blount landed himself a ten-game suspension back in September when he punched Boise State’s Byron Hout after a 19-8 road loss to open the season. Oregon head coach Chip Kelly eventually reinstated Blount, who ran for 51 yards and a touchdown on nine carries in Oregon’s Rose Bowl-clinching 37-33 win over Oregon State.
The unfortunate thing about this situation is that it undoes some of the positive steps Blount had been taking over the last few months in an effort to repair his image.
The 6’2”, 240-pound bruiser—currently ranked 10th among running backs on the NFP’s Big Board— was impressive during practices at the Senior Bowl, capping off the week by carrying the ball seven times for 36 yards and one touchdown in the North team’s 31-13 win in Mobile, Alabama.
With this latest development, you can bet Blount and his handlers will have their hands full looking to repair the running back’s image—especially when youtube clips like this are still fresh in everyone’s mind.

NFL exec testifies in Williamses’ drug lawsuit

2010-03-12T01:47:00.000-08:00

Post by San Francisco 49ers jerseys
An NFL executive testified in court that he consistently applied the league’s anti-doping policy, and alleged Thursday that the lead attorney for two Minnesota Vikings stars leaked information about their positive test for a banned drug.
The league’s vice president for law and labor policy, Adolpho Birch, was on the witness stand before a Hennepin County judge for more than 3 hours, as the case of Kevin Williams (notes) and Pat Williams (notes) against the NFL continued for a fourth day.
Vikings head coach Brad Childress and vice president for football operations Rob Brzezinski are scheduled to appear Friday, and perhaps a financial official from the league.
The attorney for the players, Peter Ginsberg, said he wasn’t the source of the media report in October 2008 that first brought this complicated legal fight to public light. Ginsberg will ask judge Gary Larson to add his denial of Birch’s accusation to Friday’s record.
Birch testified that in 2006 he told the league’s independent drug advisor, Dr. John Lombardo, that Lombardo was improperly interpreting policy by issuing exemptions for inadvertent use of the diuretic bumetanide.
The drug is at the root of the conflict, with the Williamses contending the NFL doesn’t have the right to suspend them for four games for a positive test. They’re arguing the league’s anti-doping policy application violated Minnesota labor laws that give employers no more than three days to tell workers they failed a drug test and require them to preserve their confidentiality.
The NFL, on the other hand, contends the Vikings employ the players and can’t subject league-wide drug testing policy to individual state laws.
Attorneys for the Williamses also argue the NFL has unevenly enforced the policy and didn’t properly inform players about the weight-loss supplement StarCaps, pointing to Lombardo’s earlier testimony that some players tested positive for banned diuretics before the Williamses but weren’t punished. The pair took StarCaps, which didn’t include bumetanide on the label.
The league has a no-tolerance policy, making players responsible for what’s in their bodies even if they didn’t intend to take a substance that’s banned.
The Williamses have alleged the leak of the initial report came from the NFL, which Birch denied. He took that stance further under examination from another attorney for the players, Steven Rau, by accusing Ginsberg of breaching the confidentiality of the program.
“That would be the most logical person,” Birch said.
Dr. Bryan Finkle, a toxicology consultant for the league who works with Lombardo on the program, also testified Thursday. So did the agents for both players, who said publicity from the court case has unfairly hurt them off the field.
Pat Williams’ agent, Angelo Wright, said his client had to cancel several community service opportunities and also tabled an endorsement deal with a California energy drink company that he said could have paid him $450,000 over three years.
Kevin Williams’ agent, Tom Condon, said the situation could hurt his client’s chance of making the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Kevin Williams is an All-Pro defensive tackle entering his eighth season with the Vikings.
There were a few moments of levity during a drawn-out day of peppering witnesses. There were questions about dozens of memos and documents, and lawyers on both sides frequently asked to flip back and forth among pieces of evidence.
Attorneys for the players spent several minutes searching for the right documents, which led to some delays. Larson encouraged efficiency and expediency, at one point telling NFL attorney Dan Nash to hurry up. Rau once laughed at his inability to pronounce bumetanide, but Birch didn’t crack a smile.
After discussing the witness schedule and the possibility of more testimony next week, Rau mentioned to the judge that Pat Williams has a family vacation scheduled. The judge said the trial could continue without the players in attendance.
“There’s no reason for them to sit here. I’m sure they’ve been bored to death,” Larson said.

Blount to work out March 18 at Oregon’s second Pro Day

2010-03-12T01:46:00.002-08:00

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Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount will work out at the Ducks’ March 18 Pro Day workout, according to a league source.
Blount didn’t work out at today’s campus workout.
"Oregon has two Pro Days, and this is no different than what Sam Bradford did," a source told National Football Post. "All of the NFL scouts were aware of it. This is the option that’s best for him. He’ll be at the second Pro Day that’s scheduled."
For Blount, any type of misunderstanding isn’t a good development.
Retired Dallas Cowboys executive Gil Brandt wrote on NFL.com that Blount was a no-show.
Blount was suspended for 10 games for punching a Boise State player.
He was subsequently reinstated and rushed for 51 yards and a touchdown during a win over rival Oregon State.
At 6-foot-2, 240 pounds, Blount is an extremely physical downhill runner who drew high marks from several NFL scouts and executives, including Baltimore Ravens director of player personnel Eric DeCosta, during the Senior Bowl week.
He rushed for 36 yards and a touchdown during the Senior Bowl game.

Source: Hadnot agrees to $9 million deal with Cards

2010-03-12T01:46:00.001-08:00

Post by Philadelphia Eagles jerseys
Veteran free agent offensive lineman Rex Hadnot (notes) has agreed to a three-year, $9 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals, a league source with knowledge of the situation confirmed.
The contract carries a maximum value of $12 million.
A 6-foot-2, 320-pound blocker, Hadnot spent the past two seasons with the Cleveland Browns where he started 21 games.
He previously played for the Miami Dolphins, starting 76 games in five NFL seasons.
Hadnot played collegiately at the University of Houston.

Leinart: ‘I’m Not Really Worried about Anything’

2010-03-12T01:45:00.000-08:00

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Cardinals QB Matt Leinart (notes), now the team’s starter with the retirement of Kurt Warner (notes), says he knows it’s now or never for him, even though the team might sign a veteran like Jake Delhomme (notes) or Derek Anderson (notes) to compete for the job.
"It’s my time and I know that," Leinart told KTAR-AM. "I’m working my butt off to get ready. … Competition makes you better, I’m aware of that. To be honest with you, I’m not really worried about anything. I don’t know if that’s cockiness or not. I’m confident that I can do it. I’ve been in the system for three years. To me it doesn’t really matter because I’m focused on my job.
"There’s going to be a lot of doubters, a lot of guys who are going to write us off. I think that is motivation, motivation for the team and then obviously everyone is going to look at the quarterback position and I look at that as motivation."In other Cardinals news, the team did play host to OLB Joey Porter (notes) and ILB Larry Foote (notes) on Thursday. Each has a history with coach Ken Whisenhunt, dating back to their time with the Steelers. Foote, who turns 30 in June, is seen as a possible replacement for Karlos Dansby (notes), who signed with Miami. Porter, who turns 33 on March 22, could bolster the defense as a pass-rush specialist. Foote told the Arizona Republic that the Cardinals are his first choice but that the Redskins and Steelers also remain interested.
The Cardinals also re-signed T Jeremy Bridges (notes) to a three-year contract Thursday, who gives the team an in-house option should LT Mike Gandy (notes) not return. If Gandy returns, Bridges would be in the mix at right tackle, along with youngsters Brandon Keith (notes) and Herman Johnson (notes).

Redskins’ Snyder supports free agency approach

2010-03-12T01:44:00.002-08:00

Post by NewYork Jets jerseys
Dan Snyder’s early verdict on Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen: “Great guys. Lucky to have ‘em.”
In brief remarks to reporters before a charity dinner, the Washington Redskins owner said Thursday night he supports the measured approach to free agency under his new coach and general manager, which differs from his aggressive style of years past.
“It’s really not about the past now,” Snyder said. “It’s really about the future. And when we look at the pedigree of Bruce and Mike and everything that they’ve experienced, we’re in good hands.”
The Redskins have signed three players in the first week of free agency: offensive lineman Artis Hicks (notes), nose tackle Maake Kemoeatu (notes) and tight end Sean Ryan (notes). Free agent running back Larry Johnson (notes) will meet with Shanahan on Friday.
The Redskins have been known as the champions of the offseason under Snyder, but the owner gave control of the roster to Shanahan when the coach was hired after a 4-12 season.
“We’ve got a game plan. It takes time,” Shanahan said. “And we’ve got a plan. It’s not going to happen overnight. You’ll just have to watch the plan take place.”
Shanahan said he expects 100 percent participation when the offseason conditioning program begins Monday. That includes running back Clinton Portis (notes), whose preference is to stay home in Florida and avoid the extra work.
“Oh, I guarantee you Clinton’ll be there,” Shanahan said. “I know Clinton too well. He’ll be there, and he’ll kick off the offseason on the right note. I want my leaders to be there.”
Shanahan also said he met with cornerback Carlos Rogers (notes), who was hoping to become an unrestricted free agent and find another team. Instead, the Redskins tendered Rogers, making him a restricted free agent.
“It was very positive,” Shanahan said. “I’m a big fan of Carlos, and he will be here for the offseason program.”

Jets, S Pool agree in principle to 1-year deal

2010-03-12T01:44:00.001-08:00

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The New York Jets and safety Brodney Pool (notes), whose career appeared to be threatened by head injuries, agreed in principle to a one-year contract Thursday worth $1.3 million.
The deal includes $1.2 million guaranteed, agent Ben Dogra told The Associated Press.
Pool wasn’t given a second-round tender by Cleveland last week, making him an unrestricted free agent.
“He’s going to sign there and have a great opportunity to play in a terrific defense under Rex Ryan,” Dogra said. “It was the No. 1 place for him and hopefully it’s the first year of many for him there as a New York Jet.”
The 25-year-old Pool gives the Jets a replacement for Kerry Rhodes (notes), whom they traded to Arizona last weekend—as long as Pool remains healthy. He has been cleared to play, but Pool missed Cleveland’s final five games last season after sustaining what reportedly was at least his fourth known concussion—a number Dogra disputes.
“He is healthy and ready to go,” Dogra said. “Despite reports to the contrary, Brodney only had one known concussion. He is excited about the opportunity to play for the Jets and making a contribution to the No. 1 defense in the NFL.”
Pool, a second-round pick out of Oklahoma in 2005, had 50 tackles, four interceptions and a sack before being injured at Cincinnati in Week 12. He has 11 interceptions and four sacks in five seasons, all with the Browns.
Pool holds the Browns’ franchise record for longest interception return, going 100 yards for a score against the Baltimore Ravens in 2007.

A few noteworthy Pro Day workouts

2010-03-12T01:43:00.001-08:00

Post by New Orleans Saints jerseys
Some below-the-radar NFL draft prospects turned in some impressive Pro Day workouts.
Southern Illinois running back Deji Karim ran the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds with a 43-inch vertical leap.
He also bench pressed 225 pounds19 times and turned in a 10-3 broad jump.
Plus, Karim had a 4.05 20-yard shuttle and a 6.67 three-cone drill.
Meanwhile, Western Illinois cornerback Patrick Stoudamire turned in a 4.45 40-yard dash with a 43-inch vertical leap.
And University of Alabama-Birmingham wide receiver Joe Webb, a converted quarterback, turned in a 42 1/2 inch vertical leap, bench pressed 225 pounds 21 times and turned in an 11-5 1/2 broad jump.

NFL panel finds some injuries more common on turf

2010-03-12T01:42:00.000-08:00

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An NFL panel found that certain serious knee and ankle injuries happen more often in games played on the most popular brand of artificial turf than on grass.
The league’s Injury and Safety Panel is presenting its study Friday at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in New Orleans.
The report examined the 2002-08 NFL seasons, comparing games played on grass to those on FieldTurf. It found that the rate of anterior cruciate ligament injuries was 88 percent higher in FieldTurf games—a conclusion the manufacturer of the synthetic field hotly disputes.

Panel chairman Dr. Elliott Hershman, a Jets team orthopedist, said it’s too soon to make any recommendations on what surface teams should choose. More research is needed on issues such as whether players are wearing the right types of shoes on artificial turf.
“At this point we want to stimulate more discussion,” he said.
The panel has presented its findings to league owners, the NFL Players Association and companies that make artificial turf. The study has been submitted for publication.
“The paper is designed to stimulate further discussion, inquiry, and improvements in playing surfaces,” league spokesman Greg Aiello said. “It does not draw any conclusions about the cause of the injuries analyzed. Our panel states in the report that additional analyses, data from future NFL seasons, and studies of injury rates on synthetic turf and natural grass surfaces, including for other athletic populations and levels of football, are needed before any conclusions can be drawn or recommendations made.”
Nine NFL stadiums currently have FieldTurf (Cincinnati, Detroit, Indianapolis, New England, Atlanta, Minnesota, St. Louis, Seattle and the new Meadowlands Stadium).
NFL teams began switching from the old carpet-style turf to the springier, more grass-like surface in 2000. By the end of the 2008 season, 14 stadiums used a brand of next-generation turf, while the rest had grass. Too few games were played on brands other than FieldTurf to include them in the study, Hershman said.
The panel started to notice a higher rate of injuries on the new turf in evaluating the data the NFL compiles each season, Hershman said. Once enough games had been played on the newer surfaces to do a scientific analysis, the panel found that ACL injuries and a more serious type of ankle sprain occurred at a higher rate that is statistically significant.
The rate for the ankle sprains was 32 percent higher on FieldTurf than on grass. MCL injuries and a less serious type of ankle sprain also happened more frequently, but the difference was not statistically significant.
Hershman noted the NFL research may not apply to lower levels of football or to other sports.
FieldTurf president Eric Daliere argues that the panel’s methods are faulty and cites research by Montana State professor Michael Meyers that has been published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine. Meyers’ work, though, has only looked at high school and college football, and not the NFL. FieldTurf paid for Meyers’ recent study that found lower overall injury rates for college games played on the surface.
“Michael Meyers has come to a very different conclusion on a different level and his is a real study, not just a report,” Daliere said. “He mentions poorly designed (analyses)—and this is the kind of work he does—and that the statistical analysis by the (NFL) panel was also flawed.
“I don’t put a lot of weight in it and think if is unfortunate it is coming out this way at this time.”
Meyers said in an e-mail to The Associated Press that he told the NFL in 2008 “there are too many glaring omissions and biases in the study to reach any valid conclusions.” He questioned why certain factors that could influence injury rates were not included and noted that some teams didn’t play any games on FieldTurf during some of the seasons studied.
Other university scientists and statisticians also expressed concerns, he said, and the panel withdrew its report after those meetings.
Hershman disputed that.
“Nobody withdrew anything,” he said. “We actually did some review of our data based on some of the thoughts they raised, and we validated our data. Because we did all that, we now feel our data is valid, relevant and statistically significant.”
FieldTurf promotes the safety benefits of its product on its Web site.
“As a company,” Daliere said, “the safety of the athletes really is in our DNA. It’s what FieldTurf focused on from the very beginning when we replaced traditional Astroturf with something dramatically safer.”
Daliere mentioned that Hershman’s team, the Jets, will have FieldTurf in its new stadium.
A close look at the panel’s data may not have much effect on NFL teams who know they can save money on maintenance in the long run by using FieldTurf rather than grass. The study estimated that if every stadium with grass were to switch to FieldTurf, that would result in only five additional ACL injuries per season across the NFL because of the infrequency of the injury.
The NFLPA’s biennial poll of its players last year showed that their four favorite fields were grass: Arizona, Tampa, San Diego and Carolina. Four of the next six were FieldTurf.

Man convicted in slaying of Broncos cornerback

2010-03-12T01:41:00.001-08:00

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The group of Denver Broncos players arrived at the Safari nightclub to celebrate New Year’s Eve and was whisked inside by bouncers. One of the dozens of people waiting in line to get in—an alleged Tre-Tre Crips gang member—took exception.
“We street,” Willie Clark told wide receiver Brandon Marshall (notes), according to court testimony. “We got money too.”
That encounter between celebrated professional athletes and an alleged angry gang member ultimately led to the Jan. 1, 2007, shooting death of cornerback Darrent Williams (notes), a jury decided Thursday, convicting Clark of first degree murder.

“It was a chance meeting and it was a ridiculous altercation that led to this tragic result,” said Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey.
Clark, 26, faces life in prison at his April 30 sentencing.
It took prosecutors and police nearly two years to build their case against Clark, partly because those who witnessed the shooting were part of a gang drug ring that was under federal investigation, Morrissey said. A code of silence kept those witnesses from talking.
Federal drug cases pending against the gang’s members helped crack the case. Several witnesses testified they saw or heard from Clark that he fired shots from an SUV truck into a stretch Hummer limousine carrying Williams and 16 others from the nightclub at 2 a.m. Williams died in teammate Javon Walker’s (notes) arms.
“It was this man, who indiscriminately, with universal maliciousness … took it upon himself to unload his .40-caliber handgun into that limousine full of innocent people,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Timothy Twining said in his closing argument.
Inside the nightclub, Clark continued to confront the athletes, prosecutors said. During testimony, Marshall described Clark as “off the hook” after a member of the Broncos’ entourage sprayed champagne on New Year’s revelers.
Prosecutors portrayed Williams as a peacemaker as his friends argued with gang members.
Marshall, who was at the nightclub but not in Williams’ limo, grew emotional on the stand as he described teammates with bloodstained clothes at a hospital afterward. He said Walker clutched a bloody necklace Williams was wearing and wouldn’t let it go.
Some gang members testified against Clark in exchange for lighter sentences on unrelated crimes. Two witnesses refused to testify against Clark, saying their families would be hurt if they spoke out against a gang member. A third witness spent a night in jail before changing his mind and agreeing to tell jurors Clark confessed to the shooting.
Security was tight throughout the 11-day trial. Thirteen armed deputies stood in the courtroom as the verdict was read. Deputies also were stationed along a hallway outside the courtroom.
Clark declined to testify in his defense, citing threats to himself and his family. Defense attorney Darren Cantor said gang members had threatened to turn Clark into “Swiss cheese” if he said anything in court.
Another defense attorney, Abraham Hutt, maintained that Clark wasn’t even in the SUV when the shooting happened.
“This is what this is about: Willie Clark is a scapegoat,” Hutt told jurors.
Hutt tried to undercut the credibility of five prosecution witnesses who got shorter prison time in other cases in exchange for testifying. Hutt said the five had their sentences reduced by a combined 188 years.
“We did what we thought was necessary to get the truth in front of those jurors,” Morrissey said.
Hutt said the prosecution’s star witness, Daniel “Ponytail” Harris, faced a life sentence for a drug charge but will be released within two years. Harris testified that he saw Clark fire the shots.
The defense suggested during the trial that Harris had fired into the limo. Harris hasn’t been charged in the case.
A written exchange between the jurors and District Judge Christina Habas during deliberations seemed to center on the possibility that someone else was involved in the shooting.
Jurors asked Habas if complicity was enough for a conviction. Habas answered that it was, if prosecutors met their burden of proof—even if jurors found that someone else committed all or part of a murder.
Williams was a star cornerback at O.D. Wyatt High School in Fort Worth, Texas. He played at Oklahoma State, where he was a 2003 All-Big 12 selection. The Broncos made him their second-round pick, 56th overall, in the 2005 draft.
In his second season, Williams was already a starter and had four interceptions, second-best on the team. He was tied for third in tackles with 86.
“After three long years, it is very gratifying to see closure brought to this case,” Broncos owner Pat Bowlen said in a prepared statement.
Shortly before the shooting, Williams had said he wanted to return to his native Fort Worth to talk to kids about staying out of gangs.
“The guy had an excellent future ahead of him and to see it cut short senselessly by violence, it’s just really sad,” said Nick Ferguson (notes), a former Broncos safety who played with Williams.
“As elated as I am, as happy as I am over the conviction, it won’t bring Darrent back to his mom or to his kids,” Ferguson said. “But I do know, after all this time, this means a lot for his family. Maybe now, Darrent can rest in peace.”
Clark showed no emotion as the verdict was read. He leaned back and looked at the ceiling when the jury was dismissed, and gave a small smile to relatives before he was taken from the courtroom in handcuffs.
There was no immediate word on a possible appeal. But Cantor told three sobbing people in the courtroom, “Try to breathe, OK? That’s what appeals are for.”
Williams’ mother, Rosalind Williams, wept as she left the courtroom.
“Something has to happen in society to stop gang violence,” she said afterward.
Asked if she thought there were other gang members responsible for her son’s slaying, Williams gave a tight smile, leaned into a microphone and said, “No comment.”
Jurors deliberated a day and a half before convicting Clark on all 21 counts he faced, including the attempted murders of the 16 others in the limousine.
“We’ll never know what happened that night,” Rosalind Williams said. “This is a start, to clean up the streets here and hopefully everywhere else.”
Associated Press writers Colleen Slevin, Dennis Georgatos and P.

Tomlinson leaves Vikings, headed to Jets

2010-03-12T01:39:00.000-08:00

Post by Miami Dolphins jerseys
The Minnesota Vikings wined and dined LaDainian Tomlinson (notes) on Wednesday night, then spent much of Thursday meeting with the star running back in hopes of pairing him with Adrian Peterson in what would be a big-name backfield.
Tomlinson emerged from Vikings headquarters on Thursday evening with a purple Vikings jersey in hand, but pulled away in a black limousine without a deal in place.
Tomlinson declined to comment to reporters before the limo drove away, but several people with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press that the two sides had yet to reach a deal and Tomlinson was headed to the New York Jets for a visit on Friday. Those people spoke anonymously because talks are ongoing with Tomlinson.
That doesn’t mean the Vikings have lost out on their first choice to replace the departed Chester Taylor (notes) as the third-down back behind Peterson. But it does show that Tomlinson is being deliberate and thorough in his first foray into free agency after nine mostly brilliant seasons with the San Diego Chargers.
As Tomlinson chases the Super Bowl appearance that has eluded him so far, he has set his sights early on two teams that advanced to the conference championship games in January and also place an emphasis on the running game.
After visiting the Vikings, who lost to the Saints in the NFC title game, Tomlinson will now visit Rex Ryan and the Jets, who fell to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC title game.
With the Jets, Tomlinson would back up Shonn Greene (notes), who emerged in his rookie season and helped make Thomas Jones (notes) expendable in New York. Jones signed with the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this week.
Minnesota lost the dependable Taylor to the Chicago Bears, so it needs an experienced, versatile player behind the All-Pro Peterson. Tomlinson’s ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and fill in as a capable pass blocker makes him an ideal fit.
“I’m sure he wants to know what our vision is for him and then our sense for him is, will he fit? From a mindset standpoint, from a physical standpoint, from a systems standpoint,” Vikings coach Brad Childress said Wednesday about the visit.
Tomlinson was released by the Chargers in February. After being drafted in 2001, he skyrocketed to stardom and helped put the Chargers back on the map. He ranks eighth on the NFL’s all-time rushing list with 12,490 yards. His 138 career touchdowns rushing rank second, and his 153 total touchdowns rank third.
But he never reached a Super Bowl in San Diego and age and injuries started to take their toll in recent seasons. Tomlinson will turn 31 in June and is coming off the least productive season of his career. He had 730 yards rushing on 223 carries for an average of 3.3 yards per carry, all career lows. He still managed to score 12 touchdowns, but his role was reduced in an offense that shifted its focus to Philip Rivers (notes) and the passing game.
With Peterson already in Minnesota, Tomlinson would not have to be the every-down, do-everything player he was with the Chargers. But the reduced role could put him in a position to get that first Super Bowl.
“It’s the old close but no cigar. That’s what comes to mind,” Childress said. “I’m sure as he’s surveying the landscape of people that are approaching he and his agent, that’s always something. You don’t really want to go somewhere and get your brains beat out. You want to go and have a chance to win and compete and win that ultimate prize.”
The role could fit him well at this stage of his career. He is an excellent route runner and superb pass catcher, two things Peterson is still working on heading into his fourth season.
Tomlinson also could be intrigued by the possibility of taking handoffs from Brett Favre (notes). The quarterback is still mulling whether to return for a 20th NFL season.
Favre’s return could give the Vikings a slight edge over the Jets, who will have Mark Sanchez (notes) returning for a second season under center after a promising rookie year. But the Jets’ stellar offensive line and the fact that they play on grass and not artificial turf, could be attractive for Tomlinson as well.
It was unclear on Thursday night when Tomlinson would make a decision, or if he has any more visits scheduled after the Jets.

Tomlinson signing not essential for Vikings

2010-03-12T01:35:00.000-08:00

Post by Kansas City Chiefs jerseys
There is a certain school of thought that the potential signing of RB LaDainian Tomlinson (notes) would be a huge score for the Vikings, for several reasons. One, he would provide the perfect veteran pairing with Adrian Peterson, perhaps challenging him and helping him curb his ill-timed fumbling. Two, Tomlinson could handle some third-down and goal-line duties. And three, he just might be the icing on the cake for QB Brett Favre (notes) to decide to return. Although Tomlinson might have at least one of these desired effects, the Vikings are not acting with any urgency on this. They know that, as attractive a player as Tomlinson is, he clearly isn’t the runner he was three years ago, has diminished receiving skills and might not be as effective as Chester Taylor (notes) was. Also, Tomlinson doesn’t contribute on special teams, so the Vikings certainly would need their third back to help out significantly in that regard. Tomlinson left Minnesota without a contract after spending several hours at the Vikings facility Thursday, and he was reportedly en route to visit with the Jets.

Redskins sign NT Kemoeatu, who spent 2009 on injured reserve

2010-03-12T01:34:00.000-08:00

Post by Jacksonville Jaguars jerseys
Free-agent nose tackle Maake Kemoeatu signed a two-year, $6.975 million contract with the Washington Redskins on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-5, 345-pound Kemoeatu spent last season on injured reserve with the Carolina Panthers after tearing his Achilles' tendon during training camp.
Kemoeatu's agent, Ken Vierra, said in a telephone interview that his client's tendon is "structurally sound" and he's able to walk and jog but not run yet.
"He's got to really work it from a physical therapy standpoint," Vierra said. "He's on schedule. He should be ready for training camp, but you never know."
Kemoeatu has 208 tackles and four sacks in 107 NFL games, including 61 starts, with the Panthers (2006-09) and Baltimore Ravens (2002-05). The Redskins are expected to shift from a 4-3 alignment to a 3-4 under new defensive coordinator Jim Haslett, and Kemoeatu's presence could allow tackle Albert Haynesworth to move outside.
Kemoeatu's signing represents the latest low-key move in a relatively quiet free-agency period for the Redskins under new coach Mike Shanahan and new general manager Bruce Allen. The team signed offensive lineman Artis Hicks on Saturday.
"It's a new regime there," Vierra said. "I think that was appealing."
Vierra said Kemoeatu's deal includes various bonus provisions, and while it represents a step down from the free-agent deal that his client had with the Panthers, he recognized that he's coming off a serious injury.
"This is clearly a move by the Redskins to say, 'We like you. We believe you can be a guy for us. So we're willing to make an investment and take a risk,'" Vierra said. "And that says a lot."

Titans introduce LB Witherspoon after he signs three-year contract

2010-03-12T01:33:00.000-08:00

Post by Indianapolis Colts jerseys
Will Witherspoon says Tennessee Titans fans need not worry about his age or his production.
Witherspoon, who turns 30 in August, said he still has plenty of skills left as he joins his third team in the past year, agreeing with the Titans on a three-year, $11 million contract that was finalized Tuesday night.
"In eight years, the best thing about it, my only issue ever is that I had one minor scoping," Witherspoon said Wednesday. "In eight years, I've only missed four games.
"I feel like I've got a lot of good years left in me. If you had asked me eight years ago how long I thought I would play, I wouldn't know. But if you ask me the same question today, I feel like I've got plenty more left in the tank. I don't think people should be worried about me. If I get the choice, there's a good possibility I'd like to finish my career here."
The deal is the Titans' first signing since free agency began Friday, and the first toward revamping the linebacking corps.
Ten-year veteran Keith Bulluck is an unrestricted free agent who's coming off surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee suffered last December. Also, David Thornton recently had pectoral surgery and was bothered by shoulder and hip problems throughout the 2009 season. He has just one year left on his deal.
Middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch was offered a one-year tender worth a first-round draft pick if another team tries to sign him. Gerald McRath also started five games in Thornton's place as a rookie.
Of Witherspoon, Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt said: "He has been a quality starting linebacker in this league for a number of years and shown the ability to play all three spots. His final landing spot will be sorted out as the roster is formed, but I would expect him to be in the mix for us at outside linebacker."
Witherspoon was released last week by the Philadelphia Eagles, who would have owed him $5 million for the 2010 season. The Eagles acquired Witherspoon from the St. Louis Rams during the 2009 season.
"My release in Philly was kind of a surprise to everyone," Witherspoon said. "That just kind of came about, but the opportunity to come here arrived, and I said I definitely have to take a look at this."
Witherspoon, who had 92 tackles last season, not only fits a need for the Titans, he also has ties to the Nashville area. His father, Cordell, a retired military officer, was born in nearby Franklin, and Witherspoon still has uncles and cousins in the vicinity.
"And knowing the organization and knowing coach (Jeff) Fisher and (linebackers) coach (Dave) McGinnis and kind of getting a better idea of what's going on, all that kind of came into play," Witherspoon said. "I'm going to do my best to make sure everybody knows what I've brought to the table here."

Chiefs sign veteran DT Smith

2010-03-12T01:32:00.000-08:00

Post by Houston Texans jerseys
The Chiefs have signed free-agent defensive tackle Shaun Smith, who played for the Cincinnati Bengals last season.
The Chiefs announced the deal Wednesday but declined to disclose terms.
Smith has played in 63 NFL games, including 27 starts, with the New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns and Bengals. He has 152 tackles and two sacks in his career.
Smith began his NFL career in 2003 on the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad. After a partial season with the Saints, he played for the Bengals from 2004 through 2006 and the Browns for two years before returning to Cincinnati last year.

Active teams in free agency can reevaluate draft strategies

2010-03-12T01:30:00.000-08:00

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After the first three days of free agency, it is apparent that a handful of teams have given themselves tremendous flexibility heading into the draft.
Although these franchises have been reconstructed on the premise of building through the draft, their decision makers have bolstered their chances of properly addressing their needs by being active players in the free agent market.
Whether signing unrestricted free agents to robust contracts or prying all stars away from their respective teams, front office executives are pulling out all of the stops to fill their biggest holes.
With some of those voids being addressed via free agency or trades, teams are starting to alter their draft strategies based on the flurry of activity that took place over the weekend.
Let's take a look at how the most active players during the free-agent frenzy will likely attack the draft:

Chicago Bears
Signed: DE Julius Peppers, RB Chester Taylor and TE Brandon ManumaleunaDraft effect: The Bears lack a draft pick in the first two rounds, so their best opportunity to improve their roster was through free agency. With their defense experiencing a dramatic fall in recent years, the Bears coughed up a a lot of cash to land Peppers. While the Pro Bowler addresses the team's mediocre pass rush, the Bears must fortify their woeful secondary with the majority of their picks. Fortunately, the draft is brimming with cornerbacks and safeties with immense potential, and the team may be able to come away with a starter or two with their mid-round picks. Although the Bears will likely fail to address their No. 1-receiver woes during the draft, the team will look to add a few more offensive weapons in the mold of Johnny Knox.
Detroit Lions
Signed: DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, WR Nate Burleson and DT Corey Williams (acquired via trade with the Browns)Draft effect: The Lions actively pursued a pair of veterans to add some leadership to a young locker room. Though their invaluable experience in the league will allow them to mentor their teammates, the duo must show that they can still play at a high level to have a legitimate impact. Vanden Bosch, in particular, must show that he can regain his Pro Bowl form after registering only three sacks last season. While the Williams trade flew under the radar, it is the one transaction that may have a significant impact on the Lions' draft plans. The seventh-year pro was viewed as an "up-and-comer" prior to signing with the Browns two seasons ago, and his presence could allow the Lions to go after an offensive tackle at the No. 2 overall pick. If the team decides to stick with a defensive pick, the Lions could pair the veteran with Gerald McCoy or Ndamukong Suh to form a dynamic tandem in the middle.
New York Giants
Signed: S Antrel RolleDraft effect: The Giants opened up the vault to make Rolle the highest paid safety in the league, and the money may be well spent considering the team's woes at the position. Rolle will team with Kenny Phillips to give the Giants one of the top safety tandems in the NFC. With their problematic safety position properly addressed, the Giants will turn their attention to adding more speed and quickness to their linebacker corps. While recently departed MLB Antonio Pierce brought a sense of toughness to the position, his lack of athleticism hurt the team at critical moments and the team could find an athletic playmaker at pick No. 15 to fill the void in the middle.
Atlanta Falcons
Signed: CB Dunta RobinsonDraft effect: The Falcons signed Robinson to shore up a leaky pass defense that ranked 28th in the league. Though Robinson is coming off a season where he registered only one interception, his solid cover skills are a vast improvement Atlanta's starters last year. With a prime pick in the middle of the first round (No. 19), the Falcons can continue to address their secondary with the selection of another cornerback or seek to improve their pass rush by adding one of the athletic defensive ends still on the board at this point. In addition, the team has the option of picking up a swift outside linebacker to plug in at the WILL linebacker spot in Mike Smith's defense. Regardless of their eventual decision, the Falcons will continue to address their defensive woes with their early round picks.
Baltimore Ravens
Signed: WR Anquan Boldin (acquired via trade with the Arizona Cardinals)Draft effect: The Ravens have desperately needed a legitimate No. 1 receiver to balance out their offensive attack, and the move to acquire Boldin gives them a dependable weapon in the passing game. With their receiver needs properly addressed with the acquisition of a three-time Pro Bowler, the team can use their first round pick to address their cornerback situation. Although the draft doesn't have a host of elite talents at the position, the Ravens can get a solid cover man at their pick (No. 25) to fortify their back end.
New York Jets
Signed: Antonio Cromartie (acquired via trade with the San Diego Chargers)Draft effect: The Jets realized during the AFC Championship game that they need a legitimate corner opposite Darrelle Revis to fully execute Rex Ryan's exotic schemes. Though Cromartie's sub-par play and litany of off-field issues raise red flags, he is only two seasons removed from a Pro Bowl season. With the team willing to gamble that he can recapture his all-star form, the Jets can set their sights on adding a ball-hawking nickel corner or safety to fill out their secondary with their first round pick. Adding another weapon in the passing game is also an option, but the enormous sum used to acquire Braylon Edwards makes it unlikely that the team would spend a top pick on a wide receiver.

Veteran TEs Becht, Spach re-sign with Cardinals

2010-03-12T01:29:00.000-08:00

Post by Houston Oilers jerseys
The Arizona Cardinals re-signed tight ends Anthony Becht and Stephen Spach to one-year contracts Wednesday and announced that defensive end Jeremy Clark signed an exclusive-rights deal with the team.
Financial terms of the deals weren't disclosed.
Becht had seven catches for 61 yards and one touchdown last season, his first with Arizona. The 11-year NFL veteran has played in 152 consecutive games, the third-longest streak among offensive players behind Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre.
Spach, signed by the Cardinals as a free agent in October 2008, had four catches for 38 yards last season.
The Cardinals signed Clark on Jan. 5. He was inactive for both playoff games.

Williamses testify not knowing supplement had banned substance

2010-03-12T01:26:00.000-08:00

Post by Green Bay Packers jerseys
Minnesota Vikings defensive tackles Pat Williams echoed teammate Kevin Williams in telling a judge Wednesday that he didn't know an over-the-counter weight-loss supplement contained a substance banned by the NFL.
Pat Williams, a 13-year veteran, testified that he first took StarCaps when he was with the Buffalo Bills, where a trainer told him it was a legal supplement. Williams also said he checked out StarCaps online and "everything looked legal."
The NFL is trying to suspend the Williamses for four games each after a 2008 positive test for the banned substance bumetanide, a diuretic that can mask steroids. Neither player is accused of taking steroids.
Both the Williamses are suing the NFL, alleging it violated state labor laws in applying its anti-doping policy.
Wearing his right arm in a sling following elbow surgery, the 37-year-old Pat Williams testified that he has high-blood pressure and gout, a painful joint inflammation. He said some of his medications are diuretics, which promote fluid loss, and that he took StarCaps for his gout.
Before the 2008 season, Pat Williams said he was "stressing out" over his mother's sickness and had stopped training. His ankles and knees were swollen, he said.
"It was real bad," said Pat Williams, who arrived overweight at training camp. But unlike Kevin Williams, who testified that one of the reasons he took StarCaps before a training-camp weigh-in was to make his weight target and earn a $400,000 bonus, Pat Williams said he took StarCaps to get excess fluid off his joints.
At the start of the Vikings' 2006 training camp, Pat Williams -- whose weight is listed at 317 pounds -- was placed on the physically unable to perform list.
Pat Williams testified that no one told him not to take StarCaps and that he wouldn't have taken it had he known it contained bumetanide. The NFL contends that players ultimately are responsible for what they put into their bodies.
Both Kevin Williams and Pat Williams acknowledged under cross-examination that their contracts barred last-ditch efforts to lose weight, including diuretics, a steam room or fasting.
"Your focus was making sure you made the weigh-in, correct?" NFL attorney Joe Schmitt asked Kevin Williams. The All-Pro responded yes and later said the Vikings had withheld $60,000 of his bonus as a result of the case, an amount that Pat Williams also said the Vikings had withheld from him.
Attorneys for the Williamses contend that NFL officials knew StarCaps contained bumetanide -- even though it wasn't listed as an ingredient on the label -- and didn't specifically notify players or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Williamses' attorneys also argue that the NFL inconsistently applied its anti-doping policy and that some players who earlier tested positive for diuretics weren't punished. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league properly administered its anti-drug policy.
The Williamses, who aren't related, sued the NFL for unspecified damages and attorneys' fees. Among the issues to be settled at trial is whether the NFL must follow Minnesota labor law when it comes to drug testing.
Kevin Williams testified that he probably is missing out on marketing opportunities such as football camps because of publicity over the positive doping test. But under Schmitt's questioning, Williams had trouble putting a dollar figure with his complaint; he couldn't say if he was making more or less than $50,000 for those events in the offseason before he tested positive.
Pat Williams testified that he canceled his charitable events last year but later acknowledged he had to keep his schedule open because of the ongoing court case.
Asked by Schmitt if he had suffered any emotional distress, Kevin Williams said: "Not anything I need to take medication for."
Kevin Williams also testified that he told his wife, his agent, Vikings coach Brad Childress and perhaps an attorney that he had tested positive. Pat Williams said he talked to his wife, his agent, Childress and Kevin Williams. Both Williamses said they didn't tell the media.
"I haven't told anyone other than on a need-to-know basis," Kevin Williams said.
Just who leaked the test results for the Williamses is an issue at trial. The players say the league did it in violation of Minnesota law -- a claim that the NFL denies.
Agents for the Williamses are expected to testify Thursday.

Free-agent OL Smith chooses Texans over Bills, Cardinals

2010-03-12T01:24:00.000-08:00

Post by Detroit Lions jerseys
Offensive lineman Wade Smith, an unrestricted free agent courted for his versatility, has agreed to terms with the Houston Texans, his Nashville-based agent, Brian Parker, confirmed Wednesday.
Smith's four-year deal includes $6.25 million in guaranteed money in the first year and averages about $3 million per season.
An eight-year veteran who started 16 games over the last two seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, Smith is expected to challenge for a starting job at guard or center with the Texans. He also was courted by the Buffalo Bills and Arizona Cardinals.

Faulk agrees to terms with Patriots for 12th NFL season

2010-03-12T01:22:00.000-08:00

Post by Denver Broncos jerseys

The New England Patriots agreed to undisclosed terms with running back Kevin Faulk, an 11-year veteran who has spent his entire NFL career with the team.

The three-time Super Bowl winner was an unrestricted free agent, but the Patriots announced Wednesday night on their Twitter page that he would return next season.
Faulk, 33, ran for 335 yards last season and also caught 37 passes for 301 yards and scored three touchdowns. He has 3,505 rushing yards and 418 receptions for 3,605 yards in his career, and he has been a steady contributor on kickoff and punt returns.
Faulk is the fifth Patriots player to return to the team this offseason, following its successful negotiations with defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, cornerback Leigh Bodden, guard Stephen Neal and linebacker Tully Banta-Cain, who all re-signed after free agency began March 5.

Jets re-sign TE Hartsock to two-year deal

2010-03-12T01:21:00.000-08:00

Post by Dallas Cowboys jerseys
The Jets announced Wednesday that they had re-signed tight end Ben Hartsock, a major part of the NFL's top-ranked rushing offense last season, to a two-year deal worth $3.2 million.
Hartsock, signed as a free agent last August, had one catch -- a 2-yard touchdown in Week 3 -- but he mostly was used as a blocking complement to Dustin Keller.
Hartsock helped pave the way for a Jets offense that averaged a league-leading 172.2 rushing yards per game behind Thomas Jones, Shonn Greene and Leon Washington.
Hartsock, 29, played his first two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and spent two seasons with the Tennessee Titans and one with the Atlanta Falcons. He has 28 catches for 275 yards in six seasons.

Even with Jones signing, Charles still a No. 1 fantasy running back

2010-03-12T01:18:00.000-08:00

Post by Cleveland Browns jerseys
I'm in a 12-team standard-scoring keeper league where we retain three players. We start one quarterback, one running back, one wide receiver and three flex players. My first two keepers will be Chris Johnson and Jamaal Charles, but I can't decide on the third one. Should I retain Matt Schaub or Ronnie Brown? Also, do you think Charles is still a good keeper with Thomas Jones stealing carries? - A. Gideonsson, Sweden
Michael Fabiano: Johnson is a no-brainer, and I still think Charles is a great keeper despite the presence of Jones. In fact, I think people are overreacting to the veteran's presence as it relates to Charles' fantasy value. Jones will steal some short-yardage and goal-line work, which will have a negative impact. But Charles is still the main man in the Chiefs backfield. I'd go so far as to say he's still the centerpiece of the entire offense. This kid is an explosive playmaker with a skill set similar to that of Johnson. He also has a great FPA rating based on a schedule that includes games against the Bills, Browns, Chargers, Raiders (2), Rams, Seahawks and Titans. All of those teams were in the top 15 in most fantasy points allowed to running backs in 2009. I still see Charles as someone who can catch 40-50 passes, post 1,500 scrimmage yards and score around 10 touchdowns. With Johnson and Charles in your backfield, I would keep Schaub. As much as I liked Brown heading into last season, I'm now a little concerned about him after suffering significant injuries in two of the last three years.
At this point, what are the best running-back-by-committee situations to target in fantasy drafts? - K. Filoon, Pennsylvania
M.F.: Almost every team in the league uses more than one running back in this day and age, so it's easier to list the teams that have a true featured running back. As it stands, that list includes the 49ers, Bengals, Falcons, Jaguars, Packers, Rams, Redskins, Steelers, Titans and Vikings. The Ravens don't have one back that carries the entire load, but Ray Rice is close. While Willis McGahee did turn into quite the touchdown vulture, Rice still saw 54 percent of the team's total carries.
Shonn Greene will lose work to Leon Washington, but I think he's also a borderline featured back for the Jets. It's also possible to get production from Carolina's duo of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. The same holds true in Arizona (Beanie Wells, Tim Hightower), Indianapolis (Joseph Addai, Donald Brown), Miami (Brown and Ricky Williams) and New Orleans (Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush, Mike Bell). Backfield committees that I would avoid include Chicago (Matt Forte, Chester Taylor), Dallas (Marion Barber, Felix Jones, Tashard Choice), Houston (Steve Slaton, Arian Foster, Ryan Moats) and New England (Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, Fred Taylor).
Considering the explosiveness of Felix Jones last season, what kind of keeper value will he have in 2010? I can retain five keepers in my league, and I plan to keep Adrian Peterson, Steven Jackson, Anquan Boldin and Roddy White. Should I retain Jones ahead of LeSean McCoy as my fifth keeper? - Ryan K.
M.F.: Honestly, the backfield situation in Dallas scares me from a fantasy perspective. Reports have Jones climbing the depth chart and possibly replacing Barber atop the depth chart, but that doesn't mean he'll be a featured back. Barber is still going to see his share of the short-yardage and goal-line work, and Choice will be a factor. I much prefer McCoy, who has no competition for the starting job in Philadelphia. While I do think the Eagles will add another back into the mix as insurance, McCoy is still a much safer bet both in the short and long term for fantasy owners. I'd go ahead and retain him and put Jones back on the free-agent market.
Someone in our fantasy league has offered me Andre Johnson and Owen Daniels for Tom Brady and Antonio Gates. What do you think? - F. Black, Richmond, Va.
M.F.: It's hard to evaluate a trade unless I know several other factors. This is obviously a keeper league, so were you planning to retain both Brady and Gates? How many players are you allowed to keep? On the surface, I don't think the trade makes much sense. Johnson is a superstar and would be a likely upgrade at wide receiver, but the fact that you're losing two potential keepers is cause for some concern. There's also at least some risk with Daniels, who's coming off reconstructive knee surgery.
Thanks to some crafty keeper selections and re-draft choices, I have Maurice Jones-Drew, Chris Johnson and Rice. Our league's scoring system rewards two points per reception and one point per rushing attempt, so those guys were three of the top five running backs in the league. Which two should I keep? - J. Bollinger, York, Pa.
M.F.: I think you have to release Rice back into the pool of available players. As good as he was last season, he lost a lot of goal-line work to McGahee. While I do expect Johnson's workload to decrease a bit next season, he's still a featured back in the Titans offense. Jones-Drew is the offensive centerpiece in Jacksonville, and no one is a threat to take away important goal-line carries from him. Johnson and Jones-Drew are also still very young players, so they'll be staples on your fantasy team for years to come.
I'm in a 10-team keeper league with a standard scoring system, and we are allowed to keep two players for next season. I have to choose from Matt Ryan, Cedric Benson, Steven Jackson, Chris Johnson, McCoy, Chester Taylor, Miles Austin, DeSean Jackson, Chad Ochocinco and Wes Welker. Johnson is a lock, but I don't know who else I should keep. What do you think? - P. Hauptmann, Austria
M.F.: While I do have some reservations about him, I think you have to retain Steven Jackson. Despite the fact that he had no legitimate offensive complements around him, he still rushed for better than 1,400 yards in 2009. However, he scored a mere four touchdowns and missed time due to injuries. If the Rams don't make notable improvements on offense, Jackson could be in for another punishing season. On a positive note, he does have a favorable FPA rating and is one of the few featured backs left in the league.
I'm in a 10-team league with standard scoring and a flex position, and can keep up to two players. The first player you keep costs you a first-round pick, and the second keeper costs a second rounder. My best options are Schaub, Ronnie Brown, Frank Gore, Shonn Greene, McCoy, Knowshon Moreno and Randy Moss, Should I try to package Greene and Moss for someone like Jones-Drew or Peterson, or should I just be happy with Gore and Greene? - J. Field, Tucson, Ariz.
M.F.: It's always a good idea to explore potential trades, but I think you're in good shape if a deal can't be consummated. Gore is one of the better running backs in fantasy football, and I see Greene as the single-most attractive breakout candidate for the 2010 season. With Thomas Jones now in Kansas City, Greene is now the top option in the Jets' run-based offense. In fact, I can easily see him putting up 1,400-plus rushing yards and double-digit touchdowns with that big offensive line in front of him.
I'm in a 12-team keeper league with a standard scoring system, and we start one quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, one tight end, one flex player, one kicker and one defense. We keep six players with no penalties. I'm planning to retain Aaron Rodgers, Benson, Gore, Peterson and Larry Fitzgerald, but I need to choose one more from Matt Forte, Mike Sims-Walker, Welker and Dallas Clark. Thoughts? - N. Frye
M.F.: You're in very good shape at the quarterback and running back positions, and Fitzgerald is one of the elite wide receivers in fantasy football. Because this is a standard format, I would keep Clark ahead of Welker. The top tight end in most leagues, Clark is coming off the first 1,000-yard season of his career and has scored a combined 27 touchdowns over the last three seasons. Welker is also coming back from reconstructive knee surgery that puts his availability for the start of 2010 in serious doubt.
I'm in a competitive PPR league and need to keep two players from Charles, McCoy, DeAngelo Williams and Darren Sproles. I know I am going to keep Charles (despite the Jones signing), but I'm not sure who else to retain. Help! - T. Duval, Oshkosh, Wis.
M.F.: This is a closer call because of the PPR format, but I'd keep Williams. While he will lose his share of carries to Stewart, keep in mind that he's still the starter in a run-based Panthers offense. He'll also see more of the workload than his talented backfield mate. Before going down for the season with an ankle injury, Williams averaged around 17 carries per game. In those same contests, Stewart averaged just nine rushing attempts. Coach John Fox is loyal to his veterans, so I don't expect a major differenc in those numbers in 2010. While McCoy is talented and has major upside, I don't think he's going to turn into the next Brian Westbrook anytime soon.
I'm in a league where we keep two players, but only for one season. As a result, my choices are all about who will be the most effective in the short term. My options are Jay Cutler, Greene, McCoy, Calvin Johnson and Vincent Jackson. I think Greene's a no brainer, but who else should I retain? - M. Bareham, United Kingdom
M.F.: I would agree with you on Greene, who I have ranked fifth among running backs on my board. The second keeper is a little tougher to decipher. How many teams are in your league? What sort of scoring system is utilized? If running backs will be a premium position in the re-draft, I'd keep McCoy. However, I'd keep Johnson if wide receivers are valued higher. I realize he's coming off a bad year, but Megatron is one of the league's most talented wideouts and should rebound in 2010. I will also say this -- Cutler is going to be the highest-scoring fantasy player of the ones you've list.

Anderson apologizes for saying Browns fans 'don't deserve a winner'

2010-03-12T01:17:00.000-08:00

Post by Cincinnati Bengals jerseys
Like an errant pass, quarterback Derek Anderson sent Cleveland Browns fans a rocket that he wishes he could take back.
Anderson apologized to Cleveland fans Wednesday after calling them "ruthless" and adding that they "don't deserve a winner" following his release by the team.
Anderson was let go by the Browns on Tuesday, ending an uneven five-year stint. In an e-mail to The News-Herald in suburban Willoughby, Ohio, a frustrated Anderson criticized Browns fans and said he will never forget that some of them cheered when he was injured.
"The fans are ruthless and don't deserve a winner," Anderson wrote. "I will never forget getting cheered when I was injured. I know at times I wasn't great. I hope and pray I'm playing when my team comes to town and (we) roll them."
When Anderson sustained a knee injury during a 2008 game against the Indianapolis Colts, some Browns fans cheered as the quarterback laid on the field in pain. Despite making the Pro Bowl in 2007, the majority of Cleveland fans wanted the team to start Brady Quinn, a first-round draft pick in 2007.
On Wednesday, Anderson sent an e-mail to Cleveland media members saying he regrets some of his comments.
"Those of you who got to know me personally from covering the Browns over the past five years, know this was out of character for me," Anderson said. "I wasn't taken out of context, but I was speaking out of frustration after my career with the Browns came to a close. I had some great times playing in Cleveland, especially during the 2007 season, and I met some great people and made many lifelong friends along the way. I'm looking forward to starting a new chapter in my life."
Anderson's release came one day after the Browns acquired backup Seneca Wallace in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks.
Anderson threw 29 touchdown passes in 2007 and led the Browns to a 10-6 record. However, his promising career has been in a tailspin ever since. He lost his starting job to Quinn at the start of last season, got it back, lost it again, and then returned to the starting lineup when Quinn was injured and helped win Cleveland's last two games.
Anderson, 26, spent five seasons with the Browns, who claimed him off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens in 2005. Anderson was due a $2 million roster bonus March 19, and his salary was set for $7.45 million in 2010 -- financial burdens that heavily factored into the Browns' decision to dump him.
"I want to thank Derek for everything that he gave to the Cleveland Browns organization over the last five years," coach Eric Mangini said in a statement released by the team Tuesday. "He did everything we asked of him, and it was a pleasure to coach such a competitive person. I want to wish him all the best in the future."
Anderson threw for 3,787 yards in 2007, and 17 of his 29 TD passes went to wide receiver Braylon Edwards, whom the Browns traded to the New York Jets last season. Blessed with one of the NFL's strongest arms, Anderson was never able to duplicate the success that he attained in '07.
In seven starts last season, Anderson completed just 81 of 182 passes (45 percent) for 888 yards and three TDs with 10 interceptions. On a windy Oct. 11 afternoon in Buffalo, Anderson went just 2-of-17 passing for 23 yards, but the Browns managed to eek out a 6-3 victory over the Bills.
Anderson's passer rating was an abysmal 42.1 last season, and the Browns went 3-4 with him in the starting lineup. But despite his struggles and constant criticism from Cleveland fans who preferred Quinn, Anderson never complained and remained one of the team's leaders.
After Quinn sustained a season-ending foot injury on Dec. 20, Anderson started and helped Cleveland win its final two games. The team finished the season with a four-game winning streak -- a spurt that likely saved Mangini's job.
It's still unclear what direction the Browns will go at quarterback. Quinn hasn't lived up to expectations, and Wallace, who worked with new Browns president Mike Holmgren with the Seahawks, might not be ready to start. Holmgren said last week that the team was actively looking for a quarterback, but he didn't specify if that meant in free agency or via trade.
The Browns also have 11 picks in April's draft, and it's possible they could use one to groom a starter.

Welcome to the jungle: T.O. visiting with Bengals on Wednesday

2010-03-12T01:16:00.000-08:00

Post by Chicago Bears jerseys
Terrell Owens landed in Cincinnati on Tuesday to see if the Bengals are interested in adding him to their stalled-out passing game.
Owens had dinner with members of the Bengals' coaching staff Tuesday night and was scheduled to visit the team's offices Wednesday, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported.
The 36-year-old wide receiver tweeted Tuesday that he was to meet with Bengals officials.
"En route (at) Natti land!!" Owens tweeted. "i'll let u guys know how the mtg went! Cn't go 2 bad considering the pursuit of tht Lombardi shiny thing!!"
Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco has been lobbying for the team to sign Owens since the end of last season, when Cincinnati's passing game lacked a deep threat.
The Bengals went 10-6 and won the AFC North last season by relying on their defense and their running game. They lost to the New York Jets in their first playoff game since 2005, struggling to move the ball.
Cincinnati needs at least one proven receiver after releasing Laveranues Coles, who lasted only one season with the Bengals. Matt Jones, who was out of the NFL last season after the Jacksonville Jaguars released him for off-the-field problems, has signed a one-year deal with the Bengals.
"The Bengals and Terrell make a lot of sense," Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who started 12 games for Cincinnati in 2008 and played with Owens last season, told the Bengals' official Web site. "Carson is at his best when he's throwing the long ball, and they've had trouble lately getting Chad freed up because he's always double covered. They don't have a deep threat on the other side, and Terrell can bring that because he can still run and make big plays.
"Just knowing Carson, I think they would work well together. I saw Carson's quotes that he's pretty much handled it all and seen it all when it comes to wide receivers, and I think he's right. Terrell wants to win. A great competitor, and I think he and Chad would feed off each other. The guy was a good teammate."
It's unclear whether the Bengals have much interest in Owens, whose production declined in each of his last two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and Bills. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Bryant was in Cincinnati on Tuesday, too, and reportedly received a four-year contract to join the Bengals.
Owens, a six-time Pro Bowl pick, had 69 catches for 1,052 yards and 10 touchdowns with the Cowboys in 2008, and he dropped off to 55 catches for 829 yards with five touchdowns for the Bills last season.
Owens and Ochocinco are represented by agent Drew Rosenhaus, who didn't return a phone message Tuesday. Rosenhaus told SIRIUS NFL Radio on Friday night that he had talked to the Bengals about Owens, but he wasn't sure where the team was headed.
Bryant had career highs with 83 catches for 1,248 yards and seven touchdowns in 2008 with Tampa Bay. He needed surgery for torn cartilage in his left knee during training camp last year, and he was bothered by pain in the knee all season. He finished with 39 catches for 600 yards and four touchdowns.
Cincinnati's passing offense finished 26th in the NFL last season, even though Carson Palmer was back from an elbow injury. The Bengals didn't have a reliable third-down receiver -- T.J. Houshmandzadeh left as a free agent for the Seattle Seahawks before last season -- and Coles failed to blend into the offense.
The Bengals also lacked a deep threat after Chris Henry was hurt. Henry later died in a fall from a truck during a domestic dispute.
Finding a receiver and a tight end are among the Bengals' top priorities in free agency and the draft.

What may happen as a result of free agency's monumental moves

2010-03-12T01:13:00.000-08:00

Post by Carolina Panthers jerseys

Although the free-agent market is limited, the action involving player movement has still been fast-paced and intense. Part of that is because the free agents who were available -- Chester Taylor, Leigh Bodden, Kyle Vanden Bosch, for instance -- are the types of players who would have drawn attention, regardless of circumstances, because they are complements to what's already in place. That is what most team managers will tell you free agency is about.

They might have come at a cheaper ticket had guys such as Owen Daniels, Ray Edwards, Shawne Merriman, Vincent Jackson and others been available, but the sticky labor situation and uncapped 2010 season caused those players to be restricted free agents, giving their current teams the right to match any outside offer.
Even a big-name signing such as Julius Peppers can't be viewed as Chicago's franchise-salvaging acquisition. Peppers is a great, recognizable player. But as a defensive end he can't routinely impact the game in the same manner as a quarterback or even a running back. The Bears have a lot of other parts that need to be better -- especially on offense -- and if that happens, the Peppers addition will look even better than it does now.
Let's examine some of the potential landscape-altering/shaping player moves (including trades and player releases) that have happened since March 5, as well as look at some other things that could be happening.
Chicago Bears: Desperate times call for desperate measures. General manager Jerry Angelo and coach Lovie Smith are on the hot seat, and signing Peppers and Taylor were solid moves. The Bears have to get after the quarterbacks in their division, and Peppers can do it from either side. He is going to be motivated to prove himself in the move from Carolina, where he didn't want to be.
Despite those signings, the Bears will go as quarterback Jay Cutler goes. Taylor will give him an additional option along with Matt Forte, but the offensive line and receiving corps better improve or everything Chicago invested to get Cutler (two first-round picks -- one this season) and Peppers ($40 million guaranteed) will cause heads to roll.
Carolina Panthers: The Panthers expected to lose Peppers, so guess what position they're targeting in the draft? I spoke with someone in the organization at the NFL Scouting Combine, and they're not sure what they have in his replacement, Everett Brown, who was serviceable in spot duty as a pass-rushing rookie. The surprise of the initial days of free agency was the release of QB Jake Delhomme. Delhomme was done as the starter -- he had to be -- but to burn $12.5 million when they could have at least kept him as a backup was surprising.
If history is a teacher, the Panthers won't sign anyone to really challenge new starter Matt Moore, just like they never really brought anyone in to challenge Delhomme. This is a team to watch. Very few people, especially coaches, are on the hook beyond this season. The Panthers could be on the verge of being totally reconstructed for 2011.
Atlanta Falcons: Here's a little nugget about the free-agent signing of Dunta Robinson to a six-year, $57 million deal($22.5 guaranteed). The Falcons seriously considered drafting him in 2004 when they had the eighth overall pick. Instead, they took DeAngelo Hall, who has since played for Oakland and now Washington. They are hoping to recoup on passing on Robinson, who was selected 10th overall by Houston six years ago. I spoke to some scouts who say Robinson doesn't run nearly as well as he did before wrecking his knee in 2007. Even so, he is better than anything Atlanta has on its roster.
Minnesota Vikings: Losing Taylor could prove a lot more painful than it seems right now. Taylor was popular in the locker room and was a huge part of the Vikings' third-down success. Minnesota could give young backups Albert Young and Ian Johnson, who they like, a chance. I've been told they are looking hard at running backs with their first-round pick. Think Cal's Jahvid Best wouldn't be a nice addition to "All Day" Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin as weapons?
Jacksonville Jaguars: The signing of defensive end Aaron Kampman so soon into free agency was surprising since he tore his ACL just a few months ago. Kampman is a very good player who had the misfortune of being miscast as an outside linebacker in Green Bay's revamped 3-4 defense last season. He should be better in Jacksonville's 4-3 front, but the question is, how soon? The team is saying he'll be ready for training camp, but when will he return to his true form? The answer might not come until later into the season -- and that's if he doesn't get nicked or have a setback. Kampman got $11 million guaranteed, but I have been told he has to hit certain triggers for some of those guarantees to kick in and that the team has protected itself financially in case Kampman gets hurt or is limited.
Seattle Seahawks: I like the flirtation with restricted free-agent wide receiver Brandon Marshall. It could cost the Seahawks the No. 6 overall pick if they sign Marshall to an offer sheet and the Broncos don't match, but they have another first-round pick at No. 14. Sure, Marshall could be a problem, but he also could add a ton to an offense you know coach Pete Carroll is eventually going to make explosive and diverse. It's an expensive gamble, but NFC West kingpins Arizona are vulnerable and adding Marshall could elevate Seattle.
Denver Broncos: If the Broncos lose Marshall, they'll have gained compensation. Whatever that is, it better work. The potential of losing Cutler and Marshall in back-to-back offseasons has some players wondering what the outcome will be. Nobody is second-guessing anything right now, I've been told, but losing that type of talent and not parlaying it into wins could lead to some major head-scratching.
Miami Dolphins: Karlos Dansby isn't a great player, but he's the type of player the Dolphins need at inside linebacker. He's a fast, three-down linebacker and can cover a lot of ground. That's a perfect combination in a division where two of the three opposing quarterbacks are young (Trent Edwards and Mark Sanchez) and like to check down passes to tight ends and running backs.
Baltimore Ravens: The trade for receiver Anquan Boldin is the best move this offseason. Though he's not a game breaker on the outside, he is a reliable yards-after-catch receiver who will elevate other players' games. He is now Baltimore's offensive version of Ray Lewis with his style of play, and he will be motivated to be even better playing outside of Larry Fitzgerald's shadow. Boldin won't be the next Alvin Harper.
Arizona Cardinals: Losing Boldin, Dansby and safety Antrel Rolle (to the Giants) is tough on top of the retirement of Kurt Warner. That's a whole lot of leadership and experience out the door. It will be determined if safety Kerry Rhodes, acquired from the Jets, adds to the secondary. The defense can't be much worse than it was in the postseason. The Cards are undergoing a pretty serious personality change, and drafting well is going to be hugely important.
Kansas City Chiefs: Plain and simple: Thomas Jones should be a nice pickup. Yes, he'll be 32 at the start of the regular season, but paired with fellow running back Jamaal Charles, the Chiefs landed a player who should really help a young offense in need of a productive veteran.
L.T., T.O., Brian Westbrook, Darren Sharper: Either Sharper or Terrell Owens will be the first of this seasoned group to sign. I can definitely foresee Owens in Cincinnati, and I think he would be productive there. Yes, he and Chad Ochocinco will be outrageous, but these are guys who haven't gotten in trouble and, with a solid running game, can make life much more difficult for other teams to defend.

Former Browns QB Anderson apologizes for remarks

2010-03-12T01:12:00.000-08:00

Post by Buffalo Bills jerseys
Former Browns quarterback Derek Anderson has apologized after saying Cleveland fans "don't deserve a winner" following his release.
Anderson was let go by the club Tuesday, ending an uneven five-year stint with the Browns. In an e-mail to The (Willoughby) News-Herald after his release, Anderson wrote he will never forget that Browns fans cheered when he was injured on the field. He called them "ruthless" and said he hopes when he comes back to Cleveland with another team that "we roll them."
On Wednesday, Anderson says he regrets some of the things he said. He adds his remarks are out of character and that he had some great times playing in Cleveland, "especially during the 2007 season."
Anderson made the Pro Bowl in '07, but had two sub-par seasons after that.

Lawyers ask for respect of Roethlisberger accuser's privacy

2010-03-12T01:10:00.000-08:00

Post by Baltimore Ravens jerseys
Attorneys for the woman who accused Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger of sexual assault said she did the right thing by going to police and asked for privacy in a statement Tuesday.
Atlanta-based attorneys Lee Parks and David Walbert said in the statement released to several media outlets that the woman is assisting police. They said they were hired to advise the woman and her family while police investigate the allegations.
The 20-year-old told police that two-time Super Bowl-winning Roethlisberger, who had been out barhopping with friends, assaulted her early Friday at a nightclub in Milledgeville, Ga. Roethlisberger hasn't been charged.
"Their daughter has done the right thing and reported this matter to the police," reads the statement released by the attorneys' Atlanta law firm, Parks, Chesin & Walbert. "She has been, and will be, available to the authorities to assist them in the criminal investigation. While the matter is under investigation, we ask you to respect her privacy, keep her name out of the press and allow the family space and time to heal."
Parks and Walbert didn't return calls and e-mails from The Associated Press.
Ed Garland, an attorney for Roethlisberger, has said the quarterback is innocent of any crime.
"The facts show that there was no criminal activity. No sexual assault occurred," Garland said in a statement Monday.
Milledgeville police have said they expect to interview Roethlisberger in the next several days and are planning to take a DNA sample from him.
Roethlisberger, who owns a home about 30 miles north of Milledgeville on Lake Oconee, also is being sued by a woman who claims he raped her in 2008 at a hotel-casino in Lake Tahoe -- an allegation he strongly denies.

Eight-game ban doesn't discourage Miami from re-signing Ferguson

2010-03-12T01:09:00.000-08:00

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Nose tackle Jason Ferguson has been re-signed by the Dolphins, even though he faces a suspension for the first eight games of the 2010 season.
The Dolphins announced the signing Tuesday in a news release that made no reference to Ferguson's suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances.
At 35, Ferguson improves the Dolphins' roster depth, but they remain in the market for a starter at the position.
Ferguson, acquired by the Dolphins in a 2008 trade with the Dallas Cowboys, has 128 career starts. He was sidelined in November by a season-ending quadriceps injury that required surgery and has contemplated retirement.

Former Jets RB Jones strikes two-year deal with Chiefs

2010-03-12T01:07:00.000-08:00

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The Kansas City Chiefs' running game just received a big boost.
The Chiefs signed free-agent running back Thomas Jones, who helped the New York Jets reach the AFC Championship Game last season and was the NFL's third-leading rusher.
The team announced the deal Tuesday, but declined to disclose the terms. NFL.com's Steve Wyche learned Tuesday, from a source with knowledge of the situation, that Jones' deal is for two years.
Jones had career highs of 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, one year after he was selected for the Pro Bowl following a season in which he ran for 1,312 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Jones, 31, is expected to complement third-year running back Jamaal Charles, who was Kansas City's MVP last season with 1,120 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
Despite Jones rushing for 1,000 or more yards for the fifth consecutive season, the Jets cut ties with him when free agency began last Friday. Jones was due a $3.3 million roster bonus on top of a $2.8 million base salary this season, and the sides failed to reach a compromise on restructuring the running back's contract. The team wanted Jones to take a pay cut, and he declined.
Jones sat out voluntary activities last offseason while unsuccessfully trying to renegotiate his deal, which was front-loaded over the first two seasons. He made just $900,000 in base salary last season but didn't allow it to affect his play.
Jones was a major reason the Jets ranked first in the NFL with 172.2 rushing yards per game, and he helped the team come within one game of the Super Bowl. He appeared to tire down the stretch as rookie Shonn Greene took the bulk of the carries, but Jones has said he believes he can play another four or five seasons because of the terrific shape in which he keeps himself.
Jones was drafted seventh overall in 2000 by the Arizona Cardinals. He was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2003, went to the Chicago Bears the following year as a free agent and was traded to the Jets in 2007.
Jones ranks second only to LaDainian Tomlinson, also a free agent, in rushing yards since 2005. Jones ranks 28th on the NFL's career list with 9,217 yards, 190 behind Hall of Famer Earl Campbell.

Broncos bring aboard veteran defensive linemen Green, Williams

2010-03-12T01:06:00.003-08:00

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The Denver Broncos beefed up their defensive line Tuesday by signing end Jarvis Green and agreeing to terms with tackle Jamal Williams.
Terms of the deals with the unrestricted free agents weren't disclosed.
Green, who spent his first eight NFL seasons in New England, packs 285 pounds on his 6-foot-3 frame and is well versed in the 3-4 alignment that coach Josh McDaniels implemented in Denver last season after leaving Bill Belichick's Patriots staff.
Last season, Green had 47 tackles in 13 games, including 12 starts. He has tallied 232 tackles and 28 sacks in 121 games since the Patriots drafted him in the fourth round out of LSU in 2002. He also has 36 tackles and five sacks in 15 playoff games.
"He has always been a very high-grade special guy," Patriots owner Bob Kraft said of Green on WEEI. "It's unfortunate in this business, you can't keep everyone you want to keep. You have to make decisions. There are a lot of things you have to balance."
Williams, who was released by the San Diego Chargers last week after 12 seasons, also had been scheduled to meet with the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday, a league source told NFL Network's Jason La Canfora. Williams made three Pro Bowls during his time in San Diego.
"Jamal is a leader and a proven high-end player at his position," Broncos general manager Brian Xanders said in a statement released by the team. "He has anchored some of the NFL's best run defenses during his career, and we are fortunate to add him to our roster."

Broncos bring aboard veteran defensive linemen Green, Williams

2010-03-12T01:06:00.001-08:00

NFL INFORMATION

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Voting runs through April 18 on NFL.comTop 10 all-time draft picks announced during 2010 NFL Draft

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Draft Posted 2 days ago 83 Comments 6 Recommendations E-mail 5 burning questions: Cal's Best has most potential to be next CJ2K

1. Closest Chris Johnson clone?

2. Who should Rams take at No. 1?

3. Did Haden's 40 time hurt him?

4. Is Mays' stock on the rise?

5. Why is Pierre-Paul dropping?

Report: Roethlisberger told police he didn't have sex with accuser

Winners and losers from the first week of free agency

Winners

Losers

Observation points

Mock draft 2.0: Berry's versatility has safety moving up the boards

1. Saint Louis RamsSam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

2. Detroit LionsNdamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

3. Tampa Bay BuccaneersGerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

4. Washington RedskinsRussell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

5. Kansas City ChiefsBryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

6. Seattle SeahawksJimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

7. Cleveland BrownsEric Berry, S, Tennessee

8. Oakland RaidersAnthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

9. Buffalo BillsDan Williams, DT, Tennessee

10. Jacksonville JaguarsEarl Thomas, S/CB, Texas

11. Denver BroncosRolando McClain, ILB, Alabama

12. Miami DolphinsJared Odrick, DT, Penn State

13. San Francisco 49ersTrent Williams, OT, Oklahoma State

14. Seattle SeahawksC.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson

15. New York GiantsSergio Kindle, LB, Texas

16. Tennessee TitansDerrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

17. San Francisco 49ersTaylor Mays, S, USC

18. Pittsburgh SteelersJoe Haden, CB, Florida

19. Atlanta FalconsGolden Tate, WR, Notre Dame

20. Houston TexansKyle Wilson, CB, Boise State

21. Cincinnati BengalsDemaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech

22. New England PatriotsBrandon Graham, OLB, Michigan

23. Green Bay PackersCharles Brown, OT, USC

24. Philadelphia EaglesJason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida

25. Baltimore RavensPatrick Robinson, CB, Florida State

26. Arizona CardinalsSean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri

27. Dallas CowboysDez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

28. San Diego ChargersRyan Mathews, RB, Fresno State

29. New York JetsEverson Griffen, DE, USC

30. Minnesota VikingsBrian Price, DT, UCLA

31. Indianapolis ColtsMaurkice Pouncey, C, Florida

32. New Orleans SaintsCarlos Dunlap, DE, Florida

Greene's fantasy value will rise to new heights next season

Johnson, Peterson headline our latest one-man mock draft

Round 1

1. Chris Johnson, RB, Titans

2. Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings

3. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars

4. Ray Rice, RB, Ravens

5. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers

6. Michael Turner, RB, Falcons

7. Drew Brees, QB, Saints

Voting runs through April 18 on NFL.com

Top 10 all-time draft picks announced during 2010 NFL Draft

1. Saint Louis Rams
Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

2. Detroit Lions
Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

4. Washington Redskins
Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

5. Kansas City Chiefs
Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

6. Seattle Seahawks
Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

7. Cleveland Browns
Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

8. Oakland Raiders
Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

9. Buffalo Bills
Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee

10. Jacksonville Jaguars
Earl Thomas, S/CB, Texas

11. Denver Broncos
Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama

12. Miami Dolphins
Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State

13. San Francisco 49ers
Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma State

14. Seattle Seahawks
C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson

15. New York Giants
Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas

16. Tennessee Titans
Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

17. San Francisco 49ers
Taylor Mays, S, USC

18. Pittsburgh Steelers
Joe Haden, CB, Florida

19. Atlanta Falcons
Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame

20. Houston Texans
Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State

21. Cincinnati Bengals
Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech

22. New England Patriots
Brandon Graham, OLB, Michigan

23. Green Bay Packers
Charles Brown, OT, USC

24. Philadelphia Eagles
Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida

25. Baltimore Ravens
Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State

26. Arizona Cardinals
Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri

27. Dallas Cowboys
Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

28. San Diego Chargers
Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State

29. New York Jets
Everson Griffen, DE, USC

30. Minnesota Vikings
Brian Price, DT, UCLA

31. Indianapolis Colts
Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida

32. New Orleans Saints
Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida