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| Clark Haggans has inked a one-year deal (terms unreleased) with the Cardinals, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune Review. He notched 58 tackles (37 solo) and four sacks while a member of the Steelers in 2007, and he is a solid addition following the departure of Calvin Pace. |
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| Alfred Fincher signed with the Lions, according to Detroit News. Terms of the contract are yet to be released. He has played in 27 games over three seasons with the Saints. |
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| Olindo Mare, K, Seattle Seahawks | Thursday 3/27, 7:26 PM CT |
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| Olindo Mare has inked a two-year deal worth $3.5 million with the Seahawks, according to NFL.com. As of now Mare will replace Josh Brown on the depth chart, but they are expected to add some competition for him as well. |
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| Tony Romo, QB, Dallas Cowboys | Thursday 3/27, 3:55 PM CT |
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| Jessica Simpson’s mother claims her daughter has secretly married, according to the Arizona Republic. As Simpson and her mother Tina were leaving Chili's restaurant in Los Angeles earlier this week, Tina revealed that her 27-year-old daughter has secretly wed. Asked if Simpson was planning to marry football star Tony Romo, whom she had been dating since last November, Tina laughed and responded to the inquiry, "Jessica is already married to Tony. What are you talking about?" Please say it ain’t so Tony! This sounds like a joke or a very bad publicity stunt to us. |
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| Charles Grant underwent surgery in January to repair a torn ligament in his left ankle, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Grant reportedly suffered the injury on Oct. 28 in a win over San Francisco. "Last year," Grant said. "I could have easily just hung my cleats up after I hurt myself in San Francisco. That's not my game. I played through the whole season, torn ligament in my ankle and couldn't really get the 'get off' that I wanted. The coach and the GM knew that. This organization knew that." After signing a seven-year contract that could ultimately be worth $63 million, Grant struggled through 2007 appearing heavy and out of shape, and from the sounds of things, the ankle injury contributed to his lackluster performance. |
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| General manager Jerry Reese, head coach Tom Coughlin and position coach Mike Pope are all in agreement that tight end Jeremy Shockey will be a member of the New York Giants in 2008, according to USA Today. Shockey, who missed the final three games of the 2007 season as well as the improbable four game run to victory in Super Bowl XLII, is said to have healed well from the fractured fibula and will be ready to work out soon. Whether he agrees to spend time with the team in New Jersey during the offseason-conditioning program or continue his practice of working out independently in South Florida remains to be seen. But the success the team experienced without him for the final seven games should serve to present him with a new outlook. |
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| Adrian Wilson, who missed the latter half of last season with an Achilles injury, is starting to run and anticipates being 100 percent by the start of training camp, according to USA Today. Wilson, who is one of the most feared enforcers in the league, recently underwent surgery to correct the foot problem, which had bothered him for years. |
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| D.J. Hackett, WR, Carolina Panthers | Thursday 3/27, 3:14 PM CT |
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| D.J. Hackett’s agent, Kevin Robinson, said his client received a phone call from superstar receiver Steve Smith during his free agent visit to Charlotte, according to USA Today. Hackett said he enjoyed talking with Smith, who helped convince him to sign with the Panthers. Hackett had never met Smith, but they have a mutual friend in current Seahawks wide receiver Deion Branch. "They talked about what the offense could be like and it got D.J. kind of pumped," Robinson said. Smith and Hackett could be one of the more lethal combinations in the league, if Hackett can stay healthy and quarterback Jake Delhomme can make a complete recovery from elbow surgery. |
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| Stephen Nicholas is the primary reason why linebacker Keith Brooking will man the middle this year, according to USA Today. The coaching staff would ideally like to play Brooking at his natural weak-side position, but he is the best option to plug the middle, and Nicholas is too good to remain on the bench. Nicholas, a fourth-round draft pick in 2007, was on the verge of unseating starter Demorrio Williams before a high ankle sprain sidetracked his ascension. Williams was not re-signed this offseason and Nicholas, who is far more physical, will take over and represents a solid sleeper type in IDP formats. |
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| Al Wilson, LB, Denver Broncos | Thursday 3/27, 2:45 PM CT |
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| The Detroit Lions lack two key pieces of their cover-2 defense – an elite pass rusher and a middle linebacker who can cover a ton of territory, according to USA Today. The Lions aren't expected to make any more major moves in free agency since room is tight under the salary cap, but they have visited with linebacker Al Wilson, and he remains a possibility to plug the gap at middle linebacker. This would allow the team to move Paris Lenon to the strong side to replace the recently departed Boss Bailey. |
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| Kevin Jones, RB, Chicago Bears | Thursday 3/27, 2:37 PM CT |
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| Detroit Lions president Matt Millen said he has total faith in Rod Marinelli and he must since the head coach has parted ways with so many of his high-profile draft picks and free agents, according to USA Today. Before Millen hired Marinelli in 2006, he drafted 12 players in the top two rounds. Those players should be the core of the team now, but Marinelli has parted with eight of them — including five this offseason. Defensive tackle Shaun Rogers (trade), running back Kevin Jones (release), defensive end Kalimba Edwards (release) and linebackers Boss Bailey (free agency) and Teddy Lehman (free agency) have all departed Detroit in recent weeks. They joined quarterback Joey Harrington (trade) and wide receivers Charles Rogers (release) and Mike Williams (trade), who departed previously under Marinelli. Marinelli often says that you become what you tolerate, and he will not tolerate players who don't live up to his standards. He told Millen what he wanted before he was hired, and he has "not wavered one inch." One of these days these toothless kitties might get their act together, if Marinelli can save his job long enough to totally reshape the roster. |
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| The Chicago Bears have journeyman John St. Clair as their first string right tackle, and the left guard position is up for grabs between perennial disappointment Terrence Metcalf and Josh Beekman, who didn't show enough last year as a rookie to get one snap, according to USA Today. The Bears have yet to make a move toward rebuilding an offense line that was subpar last season and has since lost the services of two veteran starters, right tackle Fred Miller (released) and left guard Ruben Brown (not re-signed). The game is won, and more importantly lost in the trenches, so keep this in mind when considering Bears’ skill position players in ’08. |
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| The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed defensive end Nick Eason to a two-year contract, according to Steelers.com. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Eason will be entering his sixth year in NFL and second season with the Steelers after originally signing with the team as an unrestricted free agent prior to the 2007 season. Eason has played in 46 career games, including all 16 games in 2007 for the Steelers - making one start at left end in place of the injured Aaron Smith. |
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| Benji Olson, G, Tennessee Titans | Thursday 3/27, 2:09 PM CT |
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| Veteran Tennessee Titans’ guard Benji Olson will announce his retirement at a 1 p.m. press conference at Baptist Sports Park, according to the Nashville City Paper. Olson, a fifth-round draft choice for the Titans in 1998, missed just two games in his first nine years with the Titans, despite battling recurring back problems. The Titans recently signed guard Jake Scott away from Indianapolis, and also have Eugene Amano and Leroy Harris available as possible replacements. |
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| Early Doucet, WR, Arizona Cardinals | Thursday 3/27, 2:00 PM CT |
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| Wide receiver Early Doucet showed the quick feet and sure hands to earn raves from scouts during positional drills, but his lack of top-flight athleticism showed up in his 40-yard dash during LSU’s Pro Day, according to USA Today. Doucet struggled in Baton Rouge, turning in times ranging from 4.59-4.69 in the 40-year dash in three attempts. Doucet has excellent hands and runs solid routes, both necessary traits to excel at the professional level. His lack of top end speed is a concern, but he remains one of the top-5 receivers in the 2008 class. |
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| Glenn Dorsey, DT, Kansas City Chiefs | Thursday 3/27, 1:46 PM CT |
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| It wasn't the dominant workout some anticipated, but LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey remains in consideration for the No. 1 overall pick after the Tigers' pro day, according to USA Today. Dorsey participated in the full workout, and LSU team doctors tried to quell concerns regarding an old injury and a reported recent surgery. The Tigers' team doctors assured the estimated 120 representatives from all 32 teams that the report on an NFL team website of Dorsey undergoing a secret knee surgery in recent weeks was false, and that Dorsey has never undergone surgery. They also said Dorsey is fully recovered from the stress fracture in his right tibia first suffered in 2006 that still hindered him throughout last season. Most teams are still waiting for the results of a medical review on Dorsey’s tibia scheduled in Indianapolis on April 4-5, when about a dozen players will be re-checked. The review will be attended by at least 30 NFL teams. |
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| Michael Strahan is currently vacationing in Africa, but the lines of communication between the New York Giants and his agent are officially open after more than a month of silence, according to the Newark Star-Ledger. Strahan, who is scheduled to make $4 million next season, is supposed to decide if he will return for another season, or more, in April. There's no deadline here from the team, so it's unclear how long it'll be before a decision is made or a contract is reached. |
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| The San Diego Chargers have re-signed exclusive rights free agent defensive end Brandon McKinney to an undisclosed contract, according to NFL.com. McKinney, who played in 14 games last season, starting two, compiled 21 tackles (14 solos). |
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| The San Diego Chargers have re-signed exclusive rights free agent cornerback Steve Gregory to an undisclosed contract, according to NFL.com. Gregory, who has played in 30 games for San Diego over the past two seasons, will provide depth in the defensive backfield. |
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| James Wyche, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars | Thursday 3/27, 1:00 PM CT |
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| The Jacksonville Jaguars have re-signed defensive end James Wyche to an undisclosed contract, according to NFL.com. Wyche is mired deep on the depth chart at defensive end behind Reggie Hayward, Brent Hawkins, Paul Spicer and Brian Smith. |
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| Jamaal Fudge, S, Jacksonville Jaguars | Thursday 3/27, 12:55 PM CT |
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| The Jacksonville Jaguars have re-signed safety Jamaal Fudge to an undisclosed contract, according to NFL.com. Fudge, who is currently listed as the top backup safety on the Jaguars’ depth chart, played in 14 games (no starts) last season – posting nine tackles and one interception. |
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| Greg Estandia, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars | Thursday 3/27, 12:51 PM CT |
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| The Jacksonville Jaguars have re-signed tight end Greg Estandia to an undisclosed contract, according to NFL.com. Estandia, who is currently listed third on the Jaguars’ tight end depth chart behind Marcedes Lewis and George Wrighster, played in 10 games (no starts) last season – posting nine receptions for 136 yards. |
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| D.D. Terry, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars | Thursday 3/27, 12:39 PM CT |
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| The Jacksonville Jaguars are high on running back D.D. Terry, according to Jaguars.com. Per senior editor Vic Ketchman, Terry made great progress on the practice squad last season and the coaching staff thinks he can be an outstanding special team’s player for them this year. The organization also believes Terry can develop into a top third-down back down the road. Terry, 6-1 and 190 pounds, is listed as the fourth running back on the Jags depth chart, but with Fred Taylor not getting any younger, he should at least be on your dynasty radar for the future. |
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| Brian Brohm, QB, Green Bay Packers | Thursday 3/27, 12:23 PM CT |
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| The Atlanta Falcons, who own the third overall pick in the upcoming draft, are eyeing nothing but high-character prospects and will meet Louisville star QB Brian Brohm as early as next week, according to the Dayton Daily News. Members of the Falcons organization attended Brohm’s Pro Day on Monday where he gave a phenomenal performance before NFL coaches and scouts. The 6-3, 232-pound quarterback ran a 4.6 in the 40-yard dash and lit it up during passing drills. The Falcons aren’t wasting any time getting reacquainted with Brohm. The team is scheduled to visit the quarterback for a private session next week. Brohm has worked out for the New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, and Tampa Bay will work him out on Friday. He also has meetings scheduled with Baltimore and Minnesota, two teams in dire need of a franchise quarterback. |
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| Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay took some time this week to discuss various topics including the health of wide receiver Marvin Harrison, according to the Indianapolis Star. "I'm not a doctor. It really comes down to their expertise,” said Irsay. “But the type of problems he's had, there's just no reason (for him not to fully recover). There's no reason both knees can't be sound. The one knee (left) that had the cartilage problem, that's pretty much sound and ready to go. The other knee is coming along and there's no reason he can't be ready (for '08).'' Harrison, who will be 36 years of age at the beginning of the 2008 season, missed 11 games due to a knee injury last year, and has tumbled down the ’08 wide receiver rankings as a result. |
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| Robert Davis, DT, Green Bay Packers | Thursday 3/27, 11:53 AM CT |
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| The Green Bay Packers have announced the retirement of long snapper Rob Davis, according to SI.com. Davis took over as the Packers' long snapper in 1997 and played 167 games in a Green Bay uniform - the third-longest streak in team history. Only Brett Favre (255) and Forrest Gregg (187) played in more consecutive games than Davis, who will join Green Bay's front office as director of player development. |
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| Heath Benedict, a two time Little All-American offensive lineman from Newberry College in South Carolina, was found dead on a couch in his home, according to NFL.com. Jacksonville police said no foul play is suspected in the death of the 24-year-old Benedict, a 6-foot-6, 320-pound tackle, who was considered one of the top line prospects available in next month's NFL draft. Jacksonville police spokesman Ken Jefferson said Benedict's body was taken to the medical examiner's office to determine the cause of his death. |
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| Jon Kitna, QB, Detroit Lions | Thursday 3/27, 11:32 AM CT |
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| New offensive coordinator Jim Colleto plans to do things much differently than Mike Martz did the past two seasons, including a more balanced offense, with additional running plays and some control for the quarterback at the line of scrimmage, according to the Detroit Free Press. Martz's offense was complex and unbalanced, which caused the team to finish last in rushing in 2006 and 31st last year. Martz did not allow the quarterback to audible, as all the adjustments were built into the plays. The players were supposed to read the defense and react accordingly. However, Colletto is giving the quarterback some control at the line of scrimmage. "For me, it's exciting on the one hand because I know that I'm going to have a little more control, and that's fun because I've been in this league long enough I think that suits me pretty well," quarterback Jon Kitna said. "But on the other hand, that puts more pressure on me, too, because that means I'm going to have to study even more than I did before... and have an input with the game plan." Colleto will also eliminate the seven-step drop favored by Martz, in an effort to reduce the number of quarterback sacks. |
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| The Arizona Cardinals are expected to complete a deal today that would bring linebacker Clark Haggans into the fold, according to the Arizona Republic. Haggans, who passed his physical yesterday, will reportedly receive a one-year deal worth $1.5 million, plus some incentive clauses. He is a good pickup for Arizona, who needs some help at linebacker following the defections of Calvin Pace and Darryl Blackstock. |
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| The Arizona Cardinals are interested in former Pittsburgh quarterback Brian St. Pierre, according to the Arizona Republic. St. Pierre has been in the NFL for five seasons but has thrown just one pass. He spent four of those seasons with Pittsburgh, so he obviously knows Ken Whisenhunt's offense. Rumors suggest St. Pierre could sign as early as next week, which is not good news for Tim Hasselbeck or Tim Rattay. |
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| Marc Bulger, QB, St. Louis Rams | Thursday 3/27, 11:04 AM CT |
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| Wild-card teams could be seeded as high as No. 3 in their conference and thus have a home playoff opener if an NFL competition committee proposal is approved by league owners next week in West Palm Beach, Fla., according to the St. Louis Post- Dispatch. Under the proposal, the two division winners with the best won-lost records still would be seeded Nos. 1-2 in each conference and receive first-round playoff byes. But the four other playoff qualifiers in each conference - the two remaining division champions and the two wild-card teams — will then be seeded according to won-lost records. |
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| Scott Mayle, WR, Buffalo Bills | Thursday 3/27, 10:58 AM CT |
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| The Buffalo Bills have re-signed wide receiver Scott Mayle, according to the Buffalo News. Mayle, an exclusive rights free agent, was a practice squad player last season. |
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| The New York Jets are negotiating a new contract for wide receiver Laveranues Coles, and barring complications, it should be finalized by Friday, according to the Daily News. Coles has two years, $11 million remaining on his current deal, and he's looking for a long-term extension. He was prepared to miss the entire offseason program, not showing up until training camp, unless he received a new contract. Coles' decision to report to the off-season conditioning program Monday, after skipping the first week to protest his current contract, was a strong indication that the two sides were moving toward an agreement. Stay tuned. |
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| Kris Wilson, TE, Philadelphia Eagles | Thursday 3/27, 10:47 AM CT |
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| Kris Wilson signed with the Philadelphia Eagles under the premise that he will be utilized mainly at the tight end position, according to the Delaware News Journal. Incumbent L.J. Smith will start in Philadelphia, so Wilson will presumably battle with second-year pro Brent Celek and veteran Matt Schobel for the two remaining slots on the roster, since the Eagles usually keep three tight ends. With Smith all but guaranteed to hit free agency after the 2008 season, Wilson could vie for a starting position in 2009 - an enticing prospect for the Lancaster, Pa., native and childhood Eagles fan. |
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| Drayton Florence was surprised to receive a call from the Jacksonville Jaguars when the free-agency signing period opened last month because he didn’t think they were in the market for a cornerback, according to UltimateJaguars.com. The Jaguars gave Florence a six-year, $36 million deal that included a $3 million signing bonus, a $5 million roster bonus this year and a $2.5 million roster bonus in 2009. That’s starter money, and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has “indicated” to Florence that he'll start at corner alongside Rashean Mathis, with Brian Williams moving to strong safety. |
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| When it comes to the Tennessee Titans’ running backs, head coach Jeff Fisher is upbeat about the players he's got and about the players that might be added, according to the Tennessean. The Titans need a third back after parting ways with veteran Chris Brown, and would like to find an explosive player in the draft to complement the power running attack. "We've got a guy going into his second year, a guy going into his third year… then if you had a rookie you'd have a good mix" said Fisher. The Titans would like the added back to bring speed, and are likely to find quality candidates when they go on the clock including Jamaal Charles, Felix Jones, Chris Johnson and Jonathan Stewart, who would all bring speed and explosiveness to the mix. |
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| Olindo Mare, K, Seattle Seahawks | Thursday 3/27, 10:09 AM CT |
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| Olindo Mare completed a two-day visit with the Denver Broncos yesterday, but the meeting wasn't enough to prevent him from getting on a plane to visit the Seattle Seahawks, according to the Denver Post. "I wouldn't say that there wasn't enough to make me sign here because I had a great time. I loved it and all that. But obviously when you have options, it's good to explore them all," Mare said. "I'm lucky that the teams who are interested are pretty much winning programs and on their way to the playoffs. That's a big part of what I want to be a part of right now." The Broncos attempted to get Mare to sign on the dotted line during his stay but couldn't sway him - at least for now. |
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| Hamza Abdullah is not intimidated by the personnel the Denver Broncos have brought in to upgrade their safety depth chart, according to the Denver Post. During the offseason, Denver signed veteran safeties Marlon McCree and Marquand Manuel. "There's not really a reaction," said Abdullah, who started eight games at strong safety last season after taking over for Nick Ferguson. "I think it's good for us. I think we needed a change. Bring in some new guys, some fresh blood and get this thing started off right." Abdullah, who played in 11 games last year, compiled 48 tackles and broke up four passes. He is a promising young talent, who will complete with McCree and Manuel for the starting strong safety job in training camp. |
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| The Oakland Raiders have shelled out contracts worth $178 million among four major acquisitions during free agency, according to the Sacramento Bee. Defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, wide receiver Javon Walker, safety Gibril Wilson and cornerback DeAngelo Hall have all broke the bank in offseason deals with the Raiders. The reason for the spending is simple: Owner Al Davis is tired of losing. But as Daniel Snyder learned after buying the Washington Redskins, quick turnarounds are not bought. Rather, they're cultivated through good drafting, talent development and the occasional free-agency splash. Bottom line… Oakland is improved on paper, but as we all know that doesn’t always translate to success on the field. |
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| Chris Simms, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Thursday 3/27, 9:32 AM CT |
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| Chris Simms has decided not to participate in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offseason workouts, an indication he no longer fits into next season's plans and could be traded, according to the St. Petersburg Times. Although the workouts are voluntary, Simms also skipped last week's quarterback orientation for the first time in his career. "I just think … it's in my best interest to continue my own workouts and to just wait and see what happens with the team," Simms said. "I don't really know what's going to happen. As far as the Bucs and the quarterback position goes, it's always an adventure." Simms, who has not taken a regular-season snap since rupturing his spleen in September 2006, said he is completely recovered from the surgery, which forced him to sit out all of last season. The Bucs have six quarterbacks under contract: Jeff Garcia, Brian Griese, Simms, Luke McCown, Bruce Gradkowski and the retired Jake Plummer. |
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| After their initial offer of a seventh-round draft pick to the Tennessee Titans for suspended cornerback Pacman Jones was rejected, the Dallas Cowboys have upped their proposal to include an unnamed player along with the late-round selection, according to SI.com. The Titans are warming to the offer, but a few financial ramifications need to be addressed before the deal can be consummated. Jones has two years remaining on his original five-year, $30 million deal, and the Cowboys want to redo that contract, likely to a one-year deal to protect their interests. Jones is on record stating his willingness to renegotiate the contract and his agent, Manny Arora, reportedly met with Cowboys' officials earlier in the week to address the situation. There was also a report last night on the NFL Network by Adam Schefter, that the Titans want a third-round pick, and the Cowboys had offered a fifth-round pick. Either way, it appears the two sides are getting closer to making this deal happen. |
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| Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots | Thursday 3/27, 9:19 AM CT |
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| The NFL ownership group will focus on ethics at their annual spring meetings scheduled to begin next week in Palm Beach, Fla., according to FOX Sports. The owners want to institute a five-to-seven day period before the start of free agency during which agents could contact teams about prospective free agents. No signings or contact with players would be allowed, but it would avoid what most league officials concede is widespread illegal negotiation before free agency starts. Earlier this week, San Francisco forfeited its fifth-round draft choice this year for "tampering" with Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs. |
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| The Pittsburgh Steelers appeared set to sign free-agent defensive lineman Anthony McFarland, but withdrew their offer after working him out yesterday, according to the Beaver County Times. A Steelers spokesman said late Wednesday afternoon that no deal has been struck with McFarland, because he had flunked his physical. McFarland, a veteran with 85 career starts, missed last season due to a knee injury. |
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| Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants | Thursday 3/27, 9:01 AM CT |
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| The New York Giants will host the Washington Redskins in the NFL 2008 season opener on Thursday, Sept. 4 at Giants Stadium, according to the Washington Post. The official announcement is expected to come Monday at the annual owners' meetings in Florida. The fact that this is a division game adds some intrigue and additional importance to the match-up. |
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