Author Topic: Official NFL Thread (Read 522569 times)

RatBastich · « **Reply #1100 on:** February 20, 2009, 06:43:36 PM »

NFL teams wary of undergrad QBs

By John Clayton
ESPN.com

INDIANAPOLIS -- The fascinating part of the 2009 NFL draft isn't just that the four top-rated quarterbacks are underclassmen. The fascinating part will be how quickly the NFL can accept four quarterbacks who skipped their senior seasons.

Judging college quarterbacks is harder than ever. The spread offense totally has changed the college game. Thanks to the spread, quarterbacks operate out of shotgun formation. They complete higher percentage passes to a more diverse group of receivers. Completion percentage is as much a byproduct of the scheme as it is the quarterback, because there aren't enough good corners to line up on the pass-catchers.

RatBastich · « **Reply #1101 on:** February 21, 2009, 06:32:21 PM »

Vikings, Niners may pursue Vick

INDIANAPOLIS -- Two teams with unsettled quarterback situations -- the San Francisco 49ers and the Minnesota Vikings -- might be interested in acquiring suspended Atlanta Falcons star Michael Vick.

Vick is in federal prison on felony charges related to dogfighting and is scheduled to be released in July. The Falcons have said they will try to trade him, though they could cut him and make him a free agent.

cool_kickin_dude · « **Reply #1102 on:** February 21, 2009, 07:36:38 PM »

looks like Warner's coming back to the Cardinals...

question is: will the Cardinals be able to play just like last year or go under the curse like so many runner-up teams in the Super Bowl? I doubt they'll be like the Raiders though.

Speaking of which, what were the Raiders thinking paying that DB that much money, knowing full well that they are gonna suck again this year

RatBastich · « **Reply #1103 on:** February 23, 2009, 04:46:07 AM »

Source: Cards offer Warner $10-12M

By John Clayton
ESPN.com

Arizona and quarterback Kurt Warner have not agree to a contract extension, but the Cardinals have crossed an important barrier. Arizone is now offering more than $10 million a year to keep him, according to a source.

Warner, whose accurate arm and flair for the passing game helped carry the Cardinals to their first Super Bowl appearance, is hoping to land a contract offer that would reflect that he is a top five quarterback. Top five quarterbacks make between $14 million and $16 million a year. The Cardinals, according to a source, are believed to be offering between $10 million and $12 million a year.

Warner threw for 4,583 yards and 30 touchdowns last season, completing 401 of 598 passes (67.1 percent).

Both sides have until Thursday night to reach a deal or he will be an unrestricted free agent starting Friday.

RatBastich · « **Reply #1104 on:** February 24, 2009, 07:30:43 PM »

Report: Texans, Vikings talk trade

ESPN.com news services

The Texans and Vikings are close to a trade that would send quarterback Sage Rosenfels to Minnesota, possibly for a fourth-round draft pick, the Houston Chronicle reported Monday.

This is the second consecutive year in which the Vikings have been interested in acquiring Rosenfels, who is near the end of his contract, to be their starting quarterback.

Rosenfels wanted to be traded to the Vikings last season in hopes of starting for a team that has Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor at running back and has led the NFL in run defense for two straight years. At the time, the Vikings reportedly offered a third-round draft choice, but the Texans wanted a second-round pick. Both teams denied an offer was made.

Minnesota already has quarterbacks Gus Frerotte and Tarvaris Jackson on its roster and will want to extend Rosenfels' contract if the trade is completed.

The Texans had no comment Monday on the report.

RatBastich · « **Reply #1105 on:** February 25, 2009, 02:19:12 AM »

Source: McNabb wants roster upgrades

By Michael Smith
ESPN.com

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb and Eagles brass held a lengthy meeting last week, where last season's Week 12 benching and the subject of a contract extension were discussed, a source told ESPN.

Independent of the meeting, the source said that McNabb may hold off on further extension talks until he sees how the Eagles improve themselves in the offseason via free agency and/or trades.

RatBastich · « **Reply #1106 on:** February 25, 2009, 06:59:06 PM »

Trial date set for Kevin, Pat Williams

ESPN.com news services

A trial date has been set in the case of Minnesota Vikings defensive tackles Kevin and Pat Williams, who are fighting a proposed four-game suspension by the NFL for use of a banned substance.

The two Pro Bowl tackles went to federal court and were granted an injunction halting the suspensions in December, allowing them to finish the regular season and participate in the playoffs. They are seeking to have the suspensions overturned, and are asking for $10 million in damages.

U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson set a June 15 trial date in the case on Tuesday. According to Peter Ginsberg, a New York-based lawyer representing the pair, Magnuson also also denied the NFL's motion to delay discovery proceedings pending an appeal and will hear motions in the case on May 14.

Kevin and Pat Williams, who are not related, along with three New Orleans Saints players, were suspended after testing positive for bumetanide, a diuretic contained in the weight-loss supplement StarCaps. Bumetanide is banned because it can be used as a masking agent for steroids.

Bumetanide was not listed as an ingredient on the StarCaps label, and the players' union claims that the NFL did not properly inform players that the banned substance was contained in the supplement.

The NFL has maintained that it rightfully suspended the players under the league's collective bargaining agreement, claiming that StarCaps was listed among products that players were banned from endorsing.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reported that NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said in an e-mail the league would proceed with discovery yet remained "confident that we will prevail in this case based on the merits of our positions."

In a letter included in the court filings, Kevin and Pat Williams admitted they used StarCaps to help them make a prescribed weight, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported. Both have a contract clause that pays a $400,000 bonus if they make a certain weight at several points during the season -- but the clause stipulates that the players not undertake any "last-minute weight reduction techniques," which included "use of diuretics."

RatBastich · « **Reply #1107 on:** February 25, 2009, 11:09:56 PM »

Brooks, Dunn done in Tampa Bay

By John Clayton
ESPN.com

Linebacker Derrick Brooks, one of the greatest players in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history, was released Wednesday along with four other veterans.

Brooks is an 11-time Pro Bowler and a potential Hall of Famer. Wide receivers Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard, halfback Warrick Dunn and linebacker Cato June were also released.

"Our family and the entire Tampa Bay community owe Derrick an indescribable measure of gratitude for all that he has meant over the last 14 years," Bucs co-chairman Bryan Glazer said in a statement. "His play on the field and leadership in the locker room helped resurrect our franchise and we look forward to celebrating his certain enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame."

With Raheem Morris taking over for Jon Gruden, the Bucs are apparently starting a youth movement and a major change in philosophies. They are also getting away from the Cover 2 defensive scheme that had been employed by former Bucs defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin.

Jim Bates has taken over the defense and is changing the style. In the Cover 2, Brooks was considered the perfect weakside linebacker. He was quick enough to cover the field and make most of the tackles.

He was a first-round pick of the Bucs in 1995 and never missed a game. He had 25 interceptions during his 14-year career in Tampa Bay.

RatBastich · « **Reply #1108 on:** February 26, 2009, 02:48:47 AM »

Tailback Jacobs to remain a Giant

ESPN.com news services

The New York Giants maintained their smashmouth image on Wednesday.

Running back Brandon Jacobs, their 264-pound workhorse, signed a four-year, $25 million extension.

"I was confident all along that this was going to get done I didn't panic one bit," Jacobs said in a statement released by the team. "I know the reason we did it the way we did; I knew I was going to be here. I was super-confident and I am here. I'm happy about it."

The deal includes $13 million in guarantees. Jacobs will earn $15 over the first two years.

RatBastich · « **Reply #1109 on:** February 26, 2009, 06:45:05 PM »

Dolphins, Wilson agree to deal

By John Clayton
ESPN.com

The Miami Dolphins reached an agreement with former New York Giants and Oakland Raiders safety Gibril Wilson on Thursday. Terms weren't available, but according to a source, he agreed to a five-year deal.

In his first season with the Dolphins, football operations vice president Bill Parcells aggressively hit the market, signing guard Justin Smiley and others right after the free-agency period began. This year, Parcells is doing some of his best work before the start of free agency.

The signing of Wilson, along with the re-signings of tackle Vernon Carey and inside linebacker Channing Crowder, resolved three starting lineup issues as the Dolphins prepare for free agency.

Wilson signed a six-year, $39 million contract with the Raiders last season but was cut within the past week to clear cap room.

RatBastich · « **Reply #1110 on:** February 26, 2009, 08:39:41 PM »

Report: Vick OK'd for home confinement

Associated Press

RICHMOND, Va. -- Imprisoned NFL star Michael Vick will be allowed to finish his sentence under home confinement because there is no room at a halfway house for him, a government official told The Associated Press Thursday.

Vick is serving a 23-month sentence at the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan., after pleading guilty to bankrolling a dogfighting operation at a home he owned in eastern Virginia's Surry County. He also admitted to participating in the killing of several underperforming dogs.

RatBastich · « **Reply #1111 on:** February 28, 2009, 12:23:33 AM »

Haynesworth's choice: Redskins

By John Clayton
ESPN.com

Albert Haynesworth hit the free-agent jackpot Friday morning by reaching agreement on a seven-year, $100 million deal with the Washington Redskins that could end up maxing out at $115 million based on his performance, according to sources.

The deal, which was reached early Friday morning, includes an NFL-record $41 million in guarantees. During the first 13 months of the contract, Haynesworth will earn approximately $32 million.

A news conference is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET at Redskins Park.

RatBastich · « **Reply #1112 on:** February 28, 2009, 02:16:09 AM »

QB Collins to re-sign with Titans

ESPN.com news services

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans started free agency with a thud. They rebounded quickly by holding onto their starting quarterback.

Kerry Collins agreed to a new contract with the Titans on Friday after leading Tennessee to an NFL-best 13-3 record. The move was announced only hours after the Titans lost two-time All Pro Albert Haynesworth to Washington for a seven-year, $100 million deal.

"This is where I wanted to be, and my family loves Nashville," Collins said. "It is just part of the process. Free agency comes about, and there are lots of talks and rumors. At the end of the day, this is where I want to be, and I am happy it worked out."

RatBastich · « **Reply #1113 on:** February 28, 2009, 11:57:51 PM »

Sheppard likely to start for Jets

ESPN.com news services

The Philadelphia Eagles completed their expected trade of cornerback Lito Sheppard on Satuday, sending him to the New York Jets for two undisclosed draft picks.

Sources told ESPN.com Friday night that the Eagles are believed to be receiving a middle-round choice in the 2010 draft and conditional 2011 draft choice. The level of the 2011 choice will be determined by a number of factors, including Sheppard's 2009 playing time

"I am excited to be joining the Jets organization," Sheppard said in a statement. "It is a fresh new start, a new coach and a new system. I am looking forward to getting back to playing top notch football and bringing a winning attitude with me."

Sheppard, a first-round draft choice in 2002 draft, appeared in 93 games and started 53 of them. He has 253 tackles, two sacks, 18 interceptions, and 54 passes defensed. The recent re-signing of cornerback Joselio Hanson to a multiyear deal made Sheppard expendable for the Eagles.

In addition, Sheppard, 27, was supplanted last season by Asante Samuel, who had signed with the Eagles as a free agent.

Sheppard is expected to step right into the Jets' starting lineup at the cornerback spot opposite the one occupied by Darrelle Revis.

A seven-year veteran and two-time Pro Bowler, Sheppard played mostly in nickel and dime situations for the Eagles last year. He started three games, the fewest number of starts since his second season.

"We acquired a veteran corner with Pro Bowl ability," first-year Jets coach Rex Ryan said in a statement. "This young man has already gone to two Pro Bowls. He is a great athlete with the top end speed that we look for to play that position. We think he can match up with some of the best receivers in the game."

RatBastich · « **Reply #1114 on:** March 01, 2009, 08:07:52 PM »

Cassel sent to Chiefs

Associated Press

The New England Patriots sent Matt Cassel to the Kansas City Chiefs and a message to their own fans: Don't worry about Tom Brady's knee.

One question, though, remained.

How could the Patriots obtain only a second-round draft choice for a solid, young quarterback and a 12-year veteran leader, linebacker Mike Vrabel?

That mystery persisted Saturday after the Patriots announced the trade for the 34th pick in this year's draft, which the Chiefs earned with a franchise-worst 2-14 record.

RatBastich · « **Reply #1115 on:** March 02, 2009, 01:32:21 AM »

Lions' Smith, Raiders' Cooper missing

ESPN.com news services

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- The Coast Guard was searching off Florida's Gulf Coast on Sunday for a fishing boat carrying NFL players Corey Smith and Marquis Cooper and two other men missing nearly a day in choppy seas.

Smith and Cooper were on a 21-foot vessel that left Clearwater Pass for a fishing trip Saturday morning and did not return as expected, the Coast Guard said Sunday. Crews used a helicopter and a 47-foot boat to search a 750-square mile area west of Clearwater Pass, but poor weather made the search difficult. Officials did not receive a distress signal from the missing craft.

ESPN's Sal Paolantonio reports that the Coast Guard has added two Air Force helicopters, a C-130 transport plane, and an 87-foot Coast Guard cutter to the search.

RatBastich · « **Reply #1116 on:** March 03, 2009, 07:29:47 PM »

Search goes on; Schuyler doing well

ESPN.com news services

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- The father of an NFL player among three men lost at sea said the Coast Guard's hopes are waning of finding survivors off the Florida Gulf Coast.

Bruce Cooper said Tuesday he still has hope, but the Coast Guard told families privately that officials weren't optimistic because of the time frame and possibility of hypothermia.

Cooper's son is Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper. The search for him, free-agent lineman Corey Smith and former college player William Bleakley entered its third day Tuesday.

The Coast Guard wouldn't publicly say whether they thought the men were still alive.

RatBastich · « **Reply #1117 on:** March 04, 2009, 04:48:23 AM »

Giants GM: Burress could return

Associated Press

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Plaxico Burress could be welcomed back by the New York Giants -- if the Super Bowl star can straighten out his legal problems stemming from a weapons charge and get his life back in order.

"Right now he is still a Giant and if things work out and he's on board with what we want coming back, we'd love to have him back," general manager Jerry Reese said Tuesday.

Burress' future is cloudy because he faces an illegal weapons possession charge relating to a gunshot wound he accidentally inflicted on himself at a New York City nightclub in late November. He faces a mandatory 3½ years in prison if convicted.

RatBastich · « **Reply #1118 on:** March 04, 2009, 09:51:07 PM »

Source: James wants release

By John Clayton
ESPN.com

Arizona Cardinals halfback Edgerrin James contacted Cardinals general manager Rod Graves on Tuesday and pleaded with him to be released, according to a source.

James, who was benched in the middle of last season, is entering the final year of his contract and is scheduled to make $5 million. He had lost his job to Tim Hightower, so he figured he would be released by the first of March.

James' concern, the source said, is that he's entering the free-agent market too late, with a number of potential options already closed. Derrick Ward took away a chance to go to Tampa Bay when he signed a four-year, $17 million contract. Cedric Benson re-signed in Cincinnati on Tuesday with a two-year, $7 million deal. Fred Taylor took away an option in New England when he signed a two-year, $5 million deal.

James assumes he's not going to be with the team this season because he figures Hightower will be the starter and the Cardinals wouldn't want a $5 million backup. But as of Tuesday night, James remains part of the Cardinals.

James has rushed for 12,121 yards during his NFL career, including 1,159 and 1,222 yards during his first two seasons with the Cardinals. Last year, he had only 514 yards on 133 carries.

He is 30 years old and is entering his 11th season.

RatBastich · « **Reply #1119 on:** March 05, 2009, 08:27:17 PM »

Sources: Cowboys cut T.O.

ESPN.com news services

The Dallas Cowboys have released controversial wide receiver Terrell Owens, sources told ESPN's Michael Smith late Wednesday.

Cowboys receiver Sam Hurd said Owens sent him a text message late Wednesday, saying he had been cut by the team.

"He didn't give me an explanation. He just said, 'Wow," Hurd said Thursday. "I really didn't believe that he seen that coming."

Hurd said Owens' reaction was "more shock than anger."

"He said it's tough, but it's a business," Hurd said.