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| Gerald Sensabaugh will return to Jacksonville as the team's starting strong safety in 2008, according to Jaguars.com.
The team is expected to let veteran safety Sammy Knight go before the league's end of year, much like the Chiefs did last season. |
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| The Arizona Cardinals official team website reported Thursday that the team has placed the "non-exclusive" franchise tag on stalwart linebacker Karlos Dansby. The Cardinals top backer led the team in tackles (117), had 3.5 sacks, three interceptions and four forced fumbles, despite missing two games to injury. |
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| Channing Crowder, who led the Dolphins defense with 78 tackles in an injury riddled season, is expected to replace starting MLB Zack Thomas, who was released today. The Sun-Sentinel reports that unless the Dolphins address the vacancy at middle backer when free agency begins March 1, then the team is likely to target a linebacker in the amateur draft. Crowder's fantasy value would jump with the starting role as the Dolphins middle linebacker. |
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| Al Wilson, LB, Denver Broncos | Thursday 2/14, 8:12 PM CT |
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| Al Wilson's agent, Peter Schaffer, told the Detroit Free Press his client had a “good visit” in Detroit this week.
“All went well,” Schaffer wrote in an e-mail Thursday. Wilson is on a league wide tour and will explore all of his options before deciding on any offers he might receive.
Wilson, albeit on the downside of his career, could upgrade several organizational linebacking units, including Detroit's. |
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| Philip Rivers, who underwent offseason surgery to replace hi right Anterior Cruciate Ligament, is progressing in his rehab, according to the team's official website. Rivers is expected to be ready for the beginning of training camp in late July. What he does between now and then will depend on his rehab progress. Rivers was radically inconsistent this past season, but has a plethora of weapons (RB LaDainian Tomlinson, TE Antonio Gates, WR Chris Chambers, WR Vincent Jackson and young WR Craig Davis) at his disposal and should be considered a "Keeper League" candidate despite his 2007 numbers. |
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| Chris Crocker's contract is about to expire, according to AJC.com, and the Falcons don't plan to re-sign the veteran safety. The Falcons are in rebuilding mode and keeping high-priced safeties is not a formula for success in this league. The safety position has its playmakers, but it's also the one NFL position that can be filled with aging corners and undersized linebackers. The Falcons, contrary to the Atlanta Constitution Journal's report that the team is releasing leadership (Lawyer Milloy and Crocker), have far more pressing priorities than defensive safety. |
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| Lawyer Milloy is one of several Falcon veterans not expected to be retained this winter. According to AJC.com, cutting Milloy would remove the team's most respected leader and strip the talent level on defense. Free safety Chris Crocker's contract is about to end, and the Falcons don't plan to re-sign him either. The Falcons are in rebuilding mode and keeping high-priced safeties is not a formula for success in this league. Not while a team is rebuilding at least. |
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| Mike Wahle, G, Seattle Seahawks | Thursday 2/14, 6:19 PM CT |
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| Mike Wahle was signed to a multi-year contract by the Seahawks on Thursday, according to The News Tribune. Wahle, who most recently was with Carolina, is a two-time Pro Bowl pick and started all 16 games this year for the Panthers. |
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| Steve McNair, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, is progressing on schedule according to the Baltimore Sun. The Ravens quarterback is rehabilitating his shoulder and expects to be ready for the team's offseason programs. Mike Preston reports that McNair has heard talk about his demise and the speculation that the team is interested in trading for Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb. However, McNair told Preston he didn't concern himself with such matters. "Being a competitor, I understand that people are always going to put something, some name out there," said McNair, in his first public statements since the end of last season. "I'm not into speculation, I'm into reality. If it happens, then I'll deal with it."
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| James Finn, RB, New York Giants | Thursday 2/14, 5:46 PM CT |
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| The World Champion New York Giants officially terminated the contract of veteran fullback James Finn on Wednesday, according to The Blue Screen.
The reason for the terminated contract was due to a “failed physical.” Finn was placed on injured reserve during last summer's training camp with a shoulder injury. |
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| Herana-Da Jones signed a one-year contract with the Bengals on Wednesday. He was an exclusive-rights free agent and a key special teams player for coach Marvin Lewis, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Jones missed seven games and ended the season on the injured reserve to a knee injury. The special teamer led the kicking game with 18 tackles even though he missed almost half of the team's games. |
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| Justin Smith, DE, San Francisco 49ers | Thursday 2/14, 4:34 PM CT |
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| Justin Smith was the Bengals' franchise player last season and according to the Cincinnati Enquirer, could be again. The Bengals have until Feb. 21 to appropriate the tag. "We have been in discussion with most of our free-agent players, regarding contracts, the possibility of the ones that would be in our best interest to try to re-sign," Lewis said. "Hopefully, we don't have to (use the tag). We will use it if we need to." The report mentioned that OL Stacy Andrews and FS Madieu Williams are candidates for the tag. |
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| Dallas Clark, TE, Indianapolis Colts | Thursday 2/14, 4:20 PM CT |
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| Dallas Clark is expected to be a Colt in 2008 regardless of his upcoming free agent status. According to Colts.com and GM Bill Polian, the team will come to an agreement on an extension with their starting tight end, or he will receive the franchise tag.
Clark, the team’s first-round selection in 2003, is scheduled to become a free agent on March 1. Expect Clark's agent and the Colts front office to come to some agreement on a new contract soon. Indianapolis has a history of bargaining in good faith with the players they covet. |
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| The Bills released LB Kevin Harrison on Wednesday according to the team's official website. Harrison, WR Peerless Price and DB E.J. Underwood were the three players Buffalo let go. |
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| The Bills released Peerless Price Thursday. Price caught just seven passes last year before having surgery to repair a disc in his neck. He's unlikely to garner much attention on the free agent market. |
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| Dwight Freeney is unlikely to be ready at the start of training camp next year. The defensive end is recovering from surgery on his left foot that he had last November. "With Freeney, that (training camp) would be pushing it," president Bill Polian said in the AP. "It's my thought, with Dwight, he'll be ready opening day." |
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| Bob Sanders, S, Indianapolis Colts | Thursday 2/14, 3:37 PM CT |
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| Bob Sanders could be on the PUP list at the beginning of training camp. The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year is recovering from right shoulder surgery, according to the AP. He had a procedure on his left shoulder last offseason, and he didn't begin practicing until Aug. 22. |
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| Colts team president Bill Polian said that he doesn't expect Marvin Harrison to be ready at the start of training camp. Harrison had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee last month and has been rehabbing the inflamed capsule in his left knee, according to the AP. Polian said he expects Marv to be ready by the season opener. |
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| Pacman Jones has pled no contest to obstructing a police officer two years ago. It is the last pending criminal charge against the troubled defensive back. Jones' attorney and agent, Manny Arora, said the player was sentenced to three years of probation, according to the AP. Pacman is hoping to be reinstated by the NFL from his suspension, though league officials have reportedly told him it isn't happening anytime soon. The Titans will try to trade him once he is reinstated. |
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| Chris Cooley, TE, Washington Redskins | Thursday 2/14, 2:20 PM CT |
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| The Redskins have re-worked Chris Cooley's contract to save cap space, according to FOX Sports.com. Washington has converted an $11 million roster bonus Cooley was scheduled to receive into guaranteed money, lowering the tight end's 2008 cap number from $12.2 million to $4.4 million. The 'Skins are still currently $7 million over the cap, and that figure doesn't include contract clauses from 2007 like incentives that are still being finalized. |
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| The Panthers signed Travelle Wharton to a six-year deal Thursday, according to the Rock Hill Herald. He'll most likely stay at left tackle, but it's possible he could move inside to guard. |
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| Zach Thomas, LB, Dallas Cowboys | Thursday 2/14, 12:03 PM CT |
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| FOXSports.com reports that the Miami front office has informed Pro Bowl linebacker Zach Thomas he will be released.
Thomas, who suffered through and injury filled season that included a car accident and concussion, will likely consider retiring. |
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| Marcus Spears is not on the trading block in Dallas per his agents, according to the Dallas Morning News. There were rumors at the Senior Bowl that Spears could possibly be moved during the offseason, but those have been squelched for now. Spears, who is a defensive end in the Cowboys 3-4 scheme, posted 19 tackles and two sacks last season, and has extremely limited value in IDP leagues. |
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| Arkansas junior RB Darren McFadden won't run at the scouting combine in March. The Dallas Morning News reports that the expected top running back in the NFL draft hasn't decided whether he will do anything physical. Rumors continue that the Cowboys are interested in trading up to add the Arkansas All American to the team's backfield. The addition of a first-round running back this winter, would seriously diminish what is expected to be a big fantasy campaign for new starter, Marion Barber.
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| Roger Mcintosh, who earlier reports suggested had surgery to repair his damaged ACL and MCL, only underwent surgery for a torn ACL and is now expected to be ready for the season opener, according to the Washington Times. Director of sports medicine Bubba Tyler, stated McIntosh is now expected to return in July, making it less likely that Washington will pursue Chicago LB Lance Briggs during free-agency. This update contradicts the original reports on McIntosh, so we will continue to monitor this developing story. |
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| Carlos Rogers, who has made great strides since undergoing surgery in November ’07 to repair his torn ACL and MCL, likely won’t be healthy for the start of the 2008 season, according to the Washington Times. Director of sports medicine Bubba Tyler said Rogers wouldn’t return to action until either September or October. Rogers’ prolonged absence means CB Shawn Springs has increased odds of remaining gainfully employed by the organization. |
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| Chris Redman played well enough in 2007 to generate the interest of other teams around the league, but Atlanta is expected to attempt to retain his services, according to ajc.com. During Weeks 13-17, Redman averaged 214 passing yards-per-game with 10 touchdowns against five interceptions. Atlanta might have to pay a little more jack than originally expected to keep Redman in the fold, especially considering the status of Joey Harrington and Byron Leftwich, who could both be purged from the roster. |
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| LaMont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes are unlikely to return to the Oakland Raiders in 2008 due to the recent signing of RB Justin Fargas to a long-term deal, according to ContraCostaTimes.com. Nothing is set in concrete, but it appears that Oakland will cut ties with Jordan and Rhodes. Jordan has been an often-injured malcontent during his three seasons with the Raiders, and Rhodes never got his sea legs under him after serving a four-game suspension last season. |
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| Odell Thurman continues to work out and has daily contact with Cincinnati Bengals HC Marvin Lewis, according to cincinnati.com. "I see Odell daily," Lewis said Wednesday. "I think he is doing well, he's working extremely hard. He still has some hurdles to cross in terms of his league requirements. It gives him something to hang his hat on and look forward to.” Thurman, 25, has served a two-year suspension for repeated violations of the NFL’s substance abuse policy. The league permitted him to begin working out with his teammates last month, which is a positive indicator that Thurman will likely be reinstated by the league if he can stay sober. Cincinnati had a rash of injuries at the linebacker position last season, so they could certainly utilize his services. |
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| Ken Hamlin, S, Dallas Cowboys | Thursday 2/14, 9:44 AM CT |
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| Ken Hamlin will likely remain in Dallas either by the franchise tag or a long-term deal, according to the Dallas Morning News. Hamlin, who intercepted five passes last season, isn’t likely to give Dallas a hometown discount after playing under a cheap one-year contract in 2007. If the Cowboys fail to franchise tag or sign him to a long-term deal, then the Miami Dolphins are expected to get involved, as Hamlin reportedly has an outstanding relationship with Todd Bowles, who is the Dolphins new assistant head coach. |
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| Todd Heap, TE, Baltimore Ravens | Thursday 2/14, 9:29 AM CT |
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| Todd Heap has restructured his contract in an effort to create additional salary-cap space so the Baltimore Ravens can position themselves to place the franchise tag on linebacker Terrell Suggs if necessary, according to the Carroll County Times. The business transaction frees up approximately $1.7 million in cap space, which will be converted to a pro-rated signing bonus for Heap. The two-time Pro Bowl selection battled a hamstring injury last season, eventually being placed on injured reserve. He was limited to 23 receptions for 239 yards and one touchdown. |
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| Jordan Gross is expected to receive the franchise tag from the Carolina Panthers if the club is unable to work out a long-term deal with the five-year veteran before Feb. 21, according to the Carolina Growl. Under the franchise tag scenario Gross would be compensated $7.455 million in 2008, which is the average of the top five players at his position. Gross has held down the right tackle spot where he is equally respected as a run and pass blocker. He has not missed a start in five NFL seasons, and could be moved to left tackle if the Panthers are unable to come to a contract agreement with current left tackle Travelle Wharton. |
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| Anthony Alabi was claimed off waivers Wednesday by the Kansas City Chiefs, according to the KC Star.
Alabi played 16 games during a three-year tenure in Miami, including 10 games under Cam Cameron last year.
In the 2005 NFL draft, Alabi was Miami’s fifth-round selection, the 162nd overall, out of Texas Christian. Alabi will compete against an aging and under-performing unit with a chance to earn a backup role in 2008. |
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| Manny Lawson, LB, San Francisco 49ers | Thursday 2/14, 8:36 AM CT |
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| Manny Lawson, who underwent surgery for torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee after Week 1 of the NFL regular season, is running and progressing in his rehab. Lawson is expected to take part in the team's minicamp and OTAs, according to The Press Democrat. Typical recovery time for an ACL tear such as Lawson's is one year. The team believes the linebacker will return at some point early in the 2008 season. Lawson's rehab is on schedule so the club expects him to make an impact this season. |
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| Richie Ross, WR, Tennessee Titans | Thursday 2/14, 1:23 AM CT |
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| The Tennessean reports that the Titans waived receiver Richie Ross on Wednesday. |
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| Kris Jenkins has reportedly put his Carolina home on the market. According to catscratchreader.com, the Panthers All Pro defensive tackle put his 4,000 square foot estate on the market at a record low price -- sending a message without saying anything. It's safe to say Jenkins isn’t waiting on the Panthers to release or trade him. He is taking the cat-by-the-tail as he wants and expects to leave Carolina. The Panthers front office will be looking for a first or second-round draft choice in exchange for Jenkins' services. |
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