Benson Still The Starter -- Sat May 17 10:15 am --
...For Now |
Cedric Benson is still the Chicago Bears' starting running back, coach Lovie Smith said in a question and answer session on the team's Web site. Benson, who was arrested earlier this month in Texas and charged with boating while intoxicated and resisting arrest, has been criticized for a lack of production over three seasons in Chicago. But in fielding a question about rookie running back Matt Forte, whom the Bears took in the second round of April's NFL draft from Tulane, Smith made it clear that Benson is still the starter. "Matt Forte has never played a down for us here. He's like all other rookies, starting from the bottom and working his way up. Cedric was our starter last year, and he's our starter right now,'' Smith said. "For someone else to be the starter, they're going to have to beat him out. I'm going to put Adrian Peterson (RB, RB) and Garrett Wolfe in there also," Smith said.
(ESPN)
FF Today's Take: The dreaded vote of confidence, this time coming from the head coach. Benson started 11 games last year running for 678 yards on a 3.4 yds-per-carry and hasn't made friends with GM Jerry Angelo. Still the starter? We'll see come Week 1.
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 Winslow Notably Absent From Practice -- Fri May 16 11:19 am --
An Injury Or Contract Negotiations? |
Kellen Winslow wouldn't be practicing anyway, but the star tight end's absence from the Cleveland Browns' organized team activities this week is notable. Unlike mini-camps, the three weeks of OTAs are not mandatory. However, players usually report so they can take part in conditioning drills and team meetings or rehab injuries. Winslow, who underwent offseason knee surgery and his recovering in San Diego, has made it clear he wants the Browns to redo his contract. It's unclear if Winslow's absence is health related or foreshadowing a contract dispute. (AP)
FF Today's Take: Continue to monitor the situation, as Winslow has missed prolonged periods of time due to injury in the past. A fantasy stud at the TE position, he is coming off a career year with 82 receptions and 1106 yards.
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Titans' White To Be Healthy For '08 -- Wed May 14 4:51 pm --
100% For Start Of Regular Season |
Tennessee Titans running back LenDale White revealed Tuesday that he played the entire 2007 season on a torn meniscus. White, who had arthroscopic surgery on the knee in January, took part in organized team activities Tuesday after being limited to individual drills the previous week. Despite his success, White said the injury was plenty bothersome at times last year. He says the knee is now close to 100 percent. (NFL.com)
FF Today's Take: An even more dangerous, pain-free White looks to build on a breakout sophomore season. He'll have to, with speedy Chris Johnson (RB, DB, CB), Tennessee's first-rounder, breathing down his neck for carries.
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Rhodes Rejoins Colts -- Wed May 7 2:30 pm --
One-Year Deal |
Running back Dominic Rhodes has rejoined the Indianapolis Colts, signing a one-year deal with the team. Rhodes, a free agent after being recently released by the Oakland Raiders, will receive approximately $650,000. Rhodes, 29, left the Colts as a free agent after the 2006 season and signed with the Raiders. He saw little playing time in Oakland in a crowded backfield, finishing with 75 carries for 302 yards and one touchdown. (Indianapolis Star)
FF Today's Take: Rhodes adds depth to the Colts backfield which includes Addai, Kenton Keith, and rookie Mike Hart.
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Surgery For Randle El -- Tue May 6 7:00 pm --
Should Be Ready Camp |
Washington Redskins receiver Antwaan Randle El had arthroscopic knee surgery Tuesday and is expected to recover in time for training camp. Coach Jim Zorn said an MRI discovered a "floating body" that was causing an irritation in Randle El's knee.
"When they went in, whatever they found they will fix, and we will get him back going," Zorn said.
Zorn gave a preliminary estimate of a recovery time of three to four weeks, which means Randle El could be back on the field for offseason practices in June. Training camp begins in mid- to late-July.
(AP)
FF Today's Take: Randle El is coming off career highs in receptions (51) and yards (728) and is expected to start along side Santana Moss in '08.
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Benson Charged With BWI -- Mon May 5 2:00 am --
Boating While Intoxicated |
Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson was charged with failing a sobriety test while operating a 30-foot boat, then resisting arrest before being hit with pepper spray and dragged ashore by officers. Benson faces charges of boating while intoxicated and resisting arrest after the incident Saturday night on Lake Travis, Travis County Sheriff's Department spokesman Roger Wade said. Benson was released from jail early Sunday on a $14,500 bond. The charges are class B misdemeanors, each punishable by up to six months in jail and a $2,000 fine. A call to Benson's agent was not immediately returned.
"I was not intoxicated," Benson told the newspaper. "There was alcohol on the boat and others were enjoying themselves, but I wasn't drunk." (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Benson claims he's innocent. We'll have to let this play out and see if Benson has dug himself a deeper hole with the Bears front office.
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Rhodes Released By Oakland -- Mon Apr 28 5:00 pm --
Raiders Clear $1.75 million In Salary |
The Oakland Raiders notified halfback Dominic Rhodes that he is being released. The move wasn't much of a surprise. The Raiders invested the fourth pick in the first round of the NFL draft on halfback Darren McFadden. Rhodes, 29, signed a two-year contract with the Raiders last year. He was suspended for four games last season for violating the league's substance-abuse policy, and ended up rushing for only 302 yards on 75 carries. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: The Raiders still have a logjam at running back with Justin Fargas, LaMont Jordan, Michael Bush, and McFadden all in the mix. Rhodes will likely land with a team before training camp begins.
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Jared Allen Traded To Vikings -- Tue Apr 22 11:00 pm --
For First (17th) And Both Third-Round Picks (73 & 82) |
The Kansas Chiefs have agreed to trade Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen to the Minnseota Vikings, reports NFL Network's Adam Schefter.
The Chiefs will receive Minnesota's first (17th overall) and both of its third-round picks (73rd and 82nd) as compensation. Kansas City has been looking to acquire additional draft picks in an attempt to speed up coach Herm Edwards' rebuilding project for a team that lost its last nine games in 2007 and finished 4-12.
The Vikings also agreed on a new contract with Allen, which will be finalized Wednesday. Allen flew to Minnesota on Tuesday night in anticipation of Wednesday's events.
(NFL.com)
FF Today's Take: Not a big surprise here as this trade has been rumored for a few days now. The Chiefs now have 13 picks in this year's draft including five of the first 82 selections and the Vikings have filled a huge need at defensive end.
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Seahawks Release Alexander -- Tue Apr 22 5:40 pm --
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Two seasons after being the NFL's MVP, Shaun Alexander is looking for work. The Seattle Seahawks released the franchise's all-time leading rusher on Tuesday, reports NFL Network's Adam Schefter.
There has been talk of the Seahawks cutting ties with Alexander since the team signed running backs Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett in free agency last month. Alexander signed a $62 million, eight-year contract before the 2006 season. Alexander, 30, was scheduled to earn $4,475,000 in 2008.
(NFL.com)
FF Today's Take: Since signing his big contract, Alexander has been bothered by injuries and ineffective play. He ran for 716 yards in 13 games last season. Jones and Duckett are expected to share the running load in Seattle this season.
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Bengals Decline Offer For Johnson -- Tue Apr 22 3:30 pm --
First-Round Pick And A Conditional Third-Round In 2009 |
How serious are the Cincinnati Bengals about not giving in to Chad Johnson's trade demands? Bengals coach Marvin Lewis, who initially denied the team had received offers for Johnson during a Tuesday news conference, confirmed to ESPN that Cincinnati turned down Washington's offer of two picks.
"Once I actually read what was reported, I have to be truthful and say that the story is accurate," Lewis told ESPN. "Unfortunately, I didn't read it until after our press conference."
The Redskins offered its first-round pick, No. 21 overall, and a conditional third-rounder in 2009 that could escalate to a first rounder if Johnson and the Redskins hit certain performance levels, the sources said.
It was not the first time the Redskins approached the Bengals about a deal, but it was the first significant proposal.
(ESPN)
FF Today's Take: The Bengals remain firm in their stance of not trading Johnson and its highly unlikely they will receive a better offer than the Redskins just proposed.
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Miami/Long Reach Contract Agreement -- Tue Apr 22 1:30 pm --
Jake Long To Be The #1 Pick |
The Miami Dolphins have signed Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long to a multiyear contract and will select him with the No. 1 overall pick in Saturday's draft.
The contract is for five years, $57.75 million, with $30 million guaranteed. The Dolphins were interested in trading the top pick, but no suitors surfaced -- so they decided to sign Long and avoid a possible holdout.
(ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Now that the cat is out of the bag, hopefully Miami won't take the whole ten minutes to announce their first selection on Saturday.
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McNair Calls It A Career -- Thu Apr 17 11:00 am --
Boller, Smith...Ryan? |
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair has decided to retire from the NFL, announcing his decision to teammates at a packed meeting prior to the Ravens' workouts Thursday morning. A news conference is scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday at the Ravens' headquarters. McNair spent 13 seasons in the NFL, and was named the co-Most Valuable Player in 2003. He led the Titans to the Super Bowl XXXIV, where he led a comeback that fell one yard short of a game-tying touchdown as time expired in the St. Louis Rams' 23-16 win.
(ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Congratulations to McNair for a great career. He will be remembered for his toughness and leadership. This leaves the Ravens with QBs Kyle Boller and Troy Smith (QB, WR) on their roster. Many are projecting Baltimore to take Matt Ryan in the upcoming draft.
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Chad Johnson Wants To Be Traded -- Wed Apr 16 2:40 pm --
"Before The Draft" |
Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson left no room for doubt Wednesday: He wants out of Cincinnati as fast as possible and he doesn't plan on reporting for any future Bengal function -- mandatory or voluntary. Johnson made one of his strongest statements in saying he is not planning on reporting to any team functions because he wants to be traded. "I want to be traded before the draft, and if that doesn't happen, I want to be traded as soon as possible,'' Johnson said. "I don't intend on reporting to anything.'' The Bengals said they have no comment in response to Johnson's statements. A team spokesman pointed to coach Marvin Lewis' statement at the owners meeting that he has fully discussed the Johnson situation and didn't feel it was productive to talk about it again.
(ESPN)
FF Today's Take: The Bengals have been adamant that trading Johnson is not an option. Apparently "Ocho Cinco's" grandstanding isn't getting through to the team's management.
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Bengals Release Henry -- Thu Apr 3 12:30 pm --
Five Arrests Since December '05 |
The Cincinnati Bengals, deciding they have had enough of wide receiver Chris Henry (RB, WR)'s run-ins with the law, released him on Thursday, hours after he surrendered to police to face assault and criminal damaging charges. Henry, 24, was being held in the Hamilton County jail, pending a court appearance Thursday, after being charged with misdemeanor assault and criminal damaging. He is accused of punching an 18-year-old man in the face and breaking a window in the man's car. A warrant for Henry's arrest was issued Wednesday and he surrendered, a police spokesman said. "Chris Henry (RB, WR) has forfeited his opportunity to pursue a career with the Bengals. His conduct can no longer be tolerated," Bengals president Mike Brown said in a statement. Henry, arrested five times since December 2005, was suspended by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for the first half of last season for repeatedly violating the league's conduct policy.
(ESPN)
FF Today's Take: The Bengals have finally had enough of Henry's off-field antics and who can blame them. Pending the results of this latest incident, more discipline could be coming from the league.
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Marshall Injures Arm -- Tue Mar 25 8:30 am --
By Slipping On McDonald's Bag |
According to Marshall, the injuries to his right arm that required surgery and will sideline him for most of the offseason were the result of a freak weekend accident caused by horseplay with family members and a misplaced McDonald's bag. We got to horseplaying and I slipped on a McDonald's bag. I went hand-first into an entertainment system and, in trying to bridge myself, I went through the TV." Marshall severed an artery, a vein and a nerve in his right forearm, along with tendons to five muscles. The injury is expected to sideline him for several weeks, but Marshall said he expects to be ready for training camp in late July.
(Denver Post)
FF Today's Take: This injury shouldn't affect Marshall's status as a valued fantasy receiver. After catching 102 passes for 1,235 yards and 7 touchdowns last season, Marshall will be coveted pick in drafts this season.
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Unhappy Johnson Skips Workout -- Tue Mar 25 8:00 am --
Houshmandzadeh Skips Workout Too |
Chad Johnson skipped the start of the Bengals' offseason workouts Monday, the latest move to show he's unhappy with how he's perceived in Cincinnati.
Johnson said in interviews last week that he is skipping the voluntary workouts to reinforce his message that he'd like to play somewhere else. The Bengals have said repeatedly that they have no intention of trading him.
"I can't force them to trade me. … I'm just trying to let them know I'm not happy," Johnson told ESPN's Stuart Scott on Monday. "We're fooling ourselves not doing things we need to do to compete with the Indy's, the Jacksonville's, Dallas."
(ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Although he would love to be traded Johnson is basically untradeable due to the large salary cap hit the Bengals would take.
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Hackett Signs With Carolina -- Mon Mar 17 12:10 pm --
Two-Year, $3.5 Million Deal |
Free agent wideout D.J. Hackett agreed to two-year, $3.5 million deal with Carolina on Monday as the Panthers continued to upgrade their receiving corps. The former Seahawk chose Carolina over Seattle, Washington and Tampa Bay, according to his agent, Kevin Robinson.
(ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Carolina also signed Muhsin Muhammad so it remains to be seen who will get the starting spot opposite Steve Smith (WR, WR, CB). Hackett will likely be the front-runner heading into camp but a history of injuries decreases his fantasy value.
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Raiders Close To Getting Hall -- Sun Mar 16 2:00 pm --
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The Atlanta Falcons have reached an agreement in principle with the Oakland Raiders to trade cornerback DeAngelo Hall for the Raiders' second-round pick in the 2008 draft, pending the Raiders finalizing a contract with Hall, a source close to the Falcons told ESPN's Chris Mortensen. While a Raiders source said Hall and the team are nearing an agreement on a contract, the source close to Hall said there is "still a lot of work to get it done." (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Assuming Hall and the Raiders can get a contract worked out Oakland seems like the perfect fit. His talent is not questioned, but his attitude leaves little to be desired.
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Cardinals Agree With Fitzgerald -- Tue Mar 11 12:30 pm --
$15 Million Signing Bonus |
The Arizona Cardinals and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald reached agreement on a blockbuster four-year, $40 million contract that will free up much-needed salary cap room for the team. Fitzgerald announced the deal on his Web site, saying he will make $33 million over the first three years of the contract. The team was trying to find a way to convince Fitzgerald to sign a six-year deal. In the end, Fitzgerald got his way and signed a four-year deal.Fitzgerald will receive a $15 million signing bonus Tuesday. His base salary will be $2 million, giving him a $17 million payout this year. He has a $5 million option bonus in 2009. Over the four years of his contract, he will receive $30 million in guarantees. The new deal will save the team $8.842 million in cap room, dropping his salary cap number from $16,485,000 to $7,643,334.
(AP)
FF Today's Take: Fitzgerald was one of six players to catch over 100 passes last year and finished fifth among fantasy receivers averaging 13.4 Fpts per game.
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Dunn Returns To Tampa -- Tue Mar 11 8:00 am --
Two-Years, $6 million |
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are bringing back one of the most popular players in franchise history, signing free agent running back Warrick Dunn on Monday night. Dunn was drafted in the first round by Tampa Bay in 1997 and was the team's feature back until he left for Atlanta in 2002. Dunn was released by Atlanta last week after the Falcons brought in free agent Michael Turner from San Diego. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: At best Dunn will split time in the backfield with Earnest Graham as his days as a "featured back" are over.
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Seahawks Add Jones To Backfield -- Sat Mar 8 9:00 am --
Is Alexander Leaving? |
The Seahawks agreed to terms with free-agent running back Julius Jones on Friday night, according to a report on the NFL Web site. ESPN.com reported the deal is for four years and will average about $3 million per season. Jones' addition does not require Shaun Alexander's subtraction. There's room for both under the Seahawks' salary-cap configuration. Alexander is scheduled to make $4.5 million next season. If the team released him, it would not be responsible for his salary, but it would still have to account for three-fifths of his 2006 signing bonus ($6.9 million of the $11.5 million total) under the league's salary cap. Seattle could choose to spread that salary-cap hit over two seasons.
Coach Mike Holmgren and president Tim Ruskell previously said there were no plans to cut Alexander.
(Seattle Times)
FF Today's Take: Seattle also added T.J. Duckett last week making for a crowded backfield but given Alexander's injury history (nine games missed the last two seasons) it's not a bad move.
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Walker Heads To Division Rival -- Wed Mar 5 12:00 pm --
From Denver To Oakland |
Wide receiver Javon Walker, released by the Denver Broncos on Friday, agreed to a deal with the division-rival Oakland Raiders on Tuesday. A source told ESPN's Michael Smith that the terms of the deal call for Walker to receive a six-year, $55 million contract that includes more than $16 million in guarantees and pays him roughly $27 million over the first three years of the deal. Injuries limited Walker to eight games last season and he finished with 26 catches for 287 yards and no touchdowns. He started the season with two 100-yard games before missing two months following a third knee operation. Walker was supplanted by Brandon Marshall as the Broncos' top receiver and was released so Denver could avoid paying him a $5.4 million option bonus.
(ESPN)
FF Today's Take: The emergence of Brandon Marshall made Walker expendable. Rumors were rampant that Walker wasn't happy playing second fiddle to Marshall. Walker's attitude should be a perfect fit in Oakland were the franchise is full of misfits and ego-driven personalities.
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Favre Calls It A Career -- Tue Mar 4 9:00 am --
"Mentally Tired" |
Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre has decided to retire. "I know I can still play, but it's like I told my wife, I'm just tired mentally. I'm just tired," Favre, the three-time NFL MVP, told ESPN's Chris Mortensen in a voice mail message. "If I felt like coming back -- and Deanna [Favre, his wife] and I talked about this -- the only way for me to be successful would be to win a Super Bowl. To go to the Super Bowl and lose, would almost be worse than anything else. Anything less than a Super Bowl win would be unsuccessful," Favre said in the message. Mortensen reported that according to Favre's agent, Bus Cook, Favre informed Packers coach Mike McCarthy of his decision Monday night.
(ESPN)
FF Today's Take: One of the greats of the game has called it a career. Favre finishes his career with 253 consecutive regular season starts, 275 including playoff games and leads the NFL in TD Passes: 442; Passing Yards: 61,655; QB Wins By A Starter: 160; and Interceptions: 288.
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Moss Stays In New England -- Mon Mar 3 7:00 pm --
Three-Year Deal |
The Pats tonight announced they have agreed to a deal with Randy Moss that the wide receiver’s agent, Tim DiPiero, describes as a three-year, $27 million pact which includes a $12 million signing bonus and a total of $15 million in guaranteed money. According to sources in Philadelphia, Moss took less money to return, as he spurned an offer from the Eagles, who had negotiated with him over the weekend. The deal makes Moss one of the highest paid receivers in the league, following a record-breaking 2007 season in which he caught 23 touchdown passes.
(Boston Herald)
FF Today's Take: A critical signing for New England as Donte Stallworth (CLE) has already left via free agency. This move still leaves the Patriots room under the salary cap to add secondary help.
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Falcons Sign Turner, Release Dunn -- Mon Mar 3 10:00 am --
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Warrick Dunn was released by the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, one day after the club signed free agent running back Michael Turner to a six-year deal. The contract is worth $34.5 million with approximately $15 million guaranteed, sources told ESPN.com's Michael Smith. Dunn rushed for just 720 yards and averaged 3.2 yards per carry during a dismal 4-12 season. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Not only does this move mean the end of Dunn's career in Atlanta but it likely means that Jerious Norwood will continue to play in a backup role.
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Titans Add Crumpler -- Mon Mar 3 8:00 am --
Two-Year Deal |
Alge Crumpler agreed to a two-year deal that he plans to sign on Monday in Nashville, according to a source close to the situation. According to the Nashville Tennessean, the deal will be worth $5 million and includes a $1 million signing bonus. Crumpler was talking to the Titans and the Seattle Seahawks, but Crumpler liked two things about the Titans. He thought Young mirrored some of the positive things he saw from Falcons quarterback Michael Vick. For Vick, Crumpler was a big target who could get open when Vick scrambled, and the tight end could offer the same target for Young. Secondly, his wife liked what she saw of Nashville and how it would be a nice fit for their family.
(ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Crumpler was bothered by a knee injury last season but could be a nice fit in Tennessee giving Vince Young a respectable pass-catching tight end. Tennessee is expected to lose Ben Hartsock and Ben Troupe in free agency.
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49ers Acquire Bruce & Foster -- Fri Feb 29 8:00 pm --
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The 49ers reached agreement on a one-year deal with free-agent running back Deshaun Foster. Foster, a six-year veteran, gained 876 yards rushing and caught 25 passes in 16 games for the Panthers last season. However, he also fumbled seven times in 247 carries, losing five.
The 49ers made more news later in the day when they signed veteran WR Isaac Bruce, who was let go by the Rams on Thursday, to a two-year deal.
(Nfl.com)
FF Today's Take: Bruce's deal is reportedly worth $6 million over two years which is the same deal offered by St. Louis prior to free agency. Foster will be in a backup role behind Frank Gore to start the season.
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Eagles Land CB Asante Samuel -- Fri Feb 29 6:00 pm --
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Philadelphia got its first one of 2008, signing free-agent cornerback Asante Samuel to a six-year contract on Friday and ending Samuel's five-year stint in New England.
"I just want a chance to be able to win and get back to the Super Bowl," Samuel said. "That's why I picked the Philadelphia Eagles." "We regarded Asante as the No. 1 available free agent in the NFL," Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said.
The Eagles wasted little time making an offer, reportedly worth around $57 million with $20 million guaranteed, on the first day of the free agent period.
(AP)
FF Today's Take: This signing could mean the release or trade of Lito Sheppard who is unhappy with his contract situation. In any case, Samuel will be starting on the left side Week 1.
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Miami Active In Free Agency -- Fri Feb 29 3:00 pm --
WR Wilford, QB McCown |
The Dolphins have signed free-agent receiver Ernest Wilford to a four-year contract. He had a career-high 45 catches for 518 yards and three touchdowns last year with Jacksonville. They've also added quarterback Josh McCown who started nine games for the Raiders last year. McCown's contract is a two-year deal worth $6.25 million. On the defensive side, the Dolphins reached and agreement with former Tennessee defensive tackle Randy Starks on a five-year deal and also reached agreement on a trade with the Dallas Cowboys that would reunite DT Jason Ferguson with Parcells and give Miami a new starting defensive tackle tandem for the coming season.
(ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Given the lack of talent and inexperience at the QB and WR positions in Miami, both McCown and Wilford have a chance to crack the starting lineup.
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Jaguars Add Two Receivers -- Fri Feb 29 3:00 pm --
Jerry Porter/Troy Williamson |
The Jaguars dove into the opening day of free agency Friday, signing former Oakland Raiders wide receiver Jerry Porter and completed a trade with the Minnesota Vikings for wide receiver Troy Williamson. Porter's contract is for six years and $30 million, with $10 million guaranteed. The Jaguars sent a sixth-round pick in this year's NFL Draft to the Vikings for Williamson, a former first-round selection.Porter, who enters his ninth year in the NFL, had his best seasons in 2004 (64 catches, 998 yards, nine touchdowns) and 2005 (76 catches, 942 yards, five touchdowns). The following year, he caught only one pass and was suspended by the Raiders.
(Florida Times Union)
FF Today's Take: Porter will likely start for Jacksonville in '08 replacing Ernest Wilford who signed a deal with Miami.
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Anderson Stays In Cleveland -- Fri Feb 29 10:00 am --
Three-Year Contract |
Only a few hours after the quarterback hit the free-agent market, Derek Anderson agreed to terms on a three-year contract with the Browns, who were prepared to move on without the Pro Bowl alternate. The deal is reportedly worth $24 million and includes over $13 million in guaranteed money.
"This is where I want to be," Anderson said. "I told my agent, `Let's do the right things to get that taken care of.' In my heart, I knew I was going to get back."
(AP)
FF Today's Take: The Browns were prepared to take first and third round draft picks for Anderson, who was a restricted free agent, then hand the keys to Brady Quinn. This move will keep Quinn on the bench for the time being.
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Rams Release Bruce -- Thu Feb 28 5:00 pm --
QB Gus Frerotte Also Let Go |
Isaac Bruce was released by the club on Thursday, according to league sources.
With a $2 million roster bonus due on Friday, Bruce apparently declined to accept a pay cut proposed by the club, leading to his release. Bruce, 35, was due $5 million overall — $3 million in the form of base salary for ’08, plus the $2 million roster bonus. Bruce was a second-round draft choice the club in 1994. He has been with the team ever since, save for four days in March of 2006 when he was released and then re-signed by the Rams.
Rams officials also confirmed Thursday that backup quarterback Gus Frerotte has been released.
(St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
FF Today's Take: Bruce will test the market but may not find a better option than St. Louis. The Rams reportedly offered $3 million for 2008.
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Surgery Likely For Gates -- Sun Feb 24 6:00 pm --
Torn Plantar Plate |
Chargers tight end Antonio Gates' left big toe is not sufficiently recovering with rest alone, and he faces surgery this week that could limit him early in the season.
“It just doesn't feel right,” said Gates. “It doesn't bother me right now (walking), but it's still a tear. I need to play and perform the way I am supposed to.” Gates is leaning toward having the surgery and expects to make a final decision by Wednesday.
“I have to have enough time to rest,” he said.
He anticipates the surgery to be done midweek by toe specialist Dr. Robert Anderson in North Carolina.
“There's a higher chance I'm going to have surgery,” he said.
(Union-Tribune)
FF Today's Take: If Gates opts for surgery expect him to be limited in camp but he should be available once the season begins in September.
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Falcons Win Coin Toss, Pick Third -- Fri Feb 22 9:00 am --
Raiders Pick 4th, Chiefs 5th |
The Atlanta Falcons, who won only four games last season, won a coin toss Friday morning that will allow them to select third in the 2008 draft. Spots No. 3 through No.5 were uncertain until Friday morning because the Falcons, Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs each finished with 4-12 records and each played schedules with a cumulative .516 winning percentage in 2007. After the Friday morning coin toss, the Falcons received the No. 3 pick, the Raiders No. 4 and the Chiefs No. 5.
(ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Now that the complete draft order is in place, let the speculation begin!
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Browns Sign New Deal With Lewis -- Thu Feb 21 7:00 pm --
Three-Year Deal |
Browns running back Jamal Lewis wants to finish his career in Cleveland. Now he'll have a chance to do just that.
Lewis, 28, agreed Thursday to a three-year contract through 2010, the Browns announced. It is believed to be worth $17 million. Lewis made $5 million last season, including $1.5 million in incentives. "I am thankful to the Browns for the opportunity they gave me last year to come out and prove that I was still one of the top running backs in the NFL," said Lewis in a statement. "I feel the future is extremely bright for this team and I'm excited to be a part of it for another three years. I said all year long that I wanted to get a long-term deal done to stay in Cleveland and it looks like with this new contract I'll be able to finish my career as a Brown."
(Plain Dealer)
FF Today's Take: Lewis, who was set to become a free agent later this month, finished fifth in the NFL with 1,304 yards rushing last season, scoring 9 touchdowns.
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Foster Released By Carolina -- Thu Feb 21 6:20 pm --
Williams Likely Starter In '08 |
The Carolina Panthers released starting running back DeShaun Foster on Thursday, a move that clears salary-cap space and opens the door for DeAngelo Williams to become the team's featured back.
Foster was cut after a week of the Panthers trying to shop him in a trade. Foster was in the final year of a three-year, $14.5 million contract and his release saves the Panthers $4.75 million in salary-cap space. Injuries bothered him early in his career and at a young age, Foster underwent microfracture knee surgery because one of his knees was bone-on-bone.
(ESPN)
FF Today's Take: The 28-year-old Foster has had fumble and injury problems throughout his career but shouldn't have a problem finding a new team in a backup role.
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Atlanta Releases Leftwich & Crumpler -- Fri Feb 15 12:00 am --
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The Atlanta Falcons continued their franchise makeover in earnest on Friday, releasing tight end Alge Crumpler, quarterback Byron Leftwich, offensive tackle Wayne Gandy and four other players. "This is a difficult day for the entire organization," Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff said in a statement. "A number of these players have contributed to this organization on and off the field at a high level and we greatly appreciate their efforts." Crumpler, who just completed his seventh season, all with Atlanta, has 316 career catches for 4,212 yards and 35 touchdowns. He had been with the team since 2001 and was selected to five Pro Bowls.
(ESPN)
FF Today's Take: The Falcons will have new look on the field in 2008 as Warrick Dunn could be next on the chopping block.
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Raiders Re-sign Fargas -- Thu Feb 14 6:00 pm --
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Running back Justin Fargas agreed to a new contact with the Oakland Raiders on Wednesday instead of testing the market as a free agent.
Bringing back Fargas had been a priority this offseason for the Raiders. He is coming off his first career 1,000-yard rushing performance last season despite starting only seven games. He began the year as the backup to LaMont Jordan and missed the final two games of the season with a sprained MCL in his right knee. By keeping Fargas, the Raiders would be unlikely to draft running back Darren McFadden of Arkansas in the April draft.
(AP)
FF Today's Take: By keeping Fargas, the Raiders will likely release LaMont Jordan or Dominic Rhodes. Michael Bush, who missed his entire rookie season with a broken leg, is expected to be with the team in 2008.
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Dolphins Release Green & Booker -- Mon Feb 11 8:00 pm --
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Quarterback Trent Green was acquired by the Miami Dolphins last year as part of a plan to turn the franchise's fortunes around. In the Dolphins' first major player purge since Parcells took charge of Miami's football operations, the team parted ways with Green, wide receiver Marty Booker and seven other players Monday. There is a chance that Green -- who was due a $500,000 roster bonus if he wasn't cut and who would have cost the Dolphins more than $3.6 million against their 2008 salary cap -- could see his Miami tenure continue.
His agent, Jim Steiner, told The Palm Beach Post that Green and Parcells plan to meet soon to discuss options. Other notable cuts by the Dolphins included tackle L.J. Shelton and massive defensive tackle Keith Traylor, both of whom were starters.
(AP)
FF Today's Take: Coming off a one-win season the Dolphins have a massive amount or work to do in the player personnel department. This is just the beginning.
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Redskins Hire Zorn As Head Coach -- Fri Feb 8 8:00 pm --
Will Hire An Offensive Coordinator |
Jim Zorn signed a five-year contract Saturday, with club options for the fourth and fifth years, ending a monthlong coaching search. The Redskins hired him as an offensive coordinator two weeks ago, luring him away from the Seattle Seahawks, then decided late last week to interview him for the head coaching job after New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo withdrew from consideration. Snyder also interviewed Jim Mora, Jim Fassel, Steve Mariucci, Ron Meeks, Pete Carroll, Jim Schwartz, Redskins assistant Gregg Williams and others.
(ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Zorn is the sixth Redskins coach since Dan Snyder bought the team in 1999. Zorn will hire an offensive coordinator but didn't rule out calling plays himself.
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