Archive for February 2013

Cowboys’ DeMarcus Ware restructures contract

By | Published Thursday, February 28, 2013


Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware agreed to restructure his contract and save the team $4 million against the salary cap for 2013, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

While $4 million is a nice chunk of change, Rapoport notes that the Cowboys face the “daunting task” of clearing $20 million in cap space this offseason.

Beyond Ware, the team could also look to restructure other deals before it gets to the point of making major cuts. Other players that are candidates for a restructuring include Brandon Carr, Nate Livings, Kyle Orton, Orlando Scandrick, Miles Austin and Jason Witten.

It’s not clear yet who, if anyone, would be willing to take a pay cut. The process would have the team convert base salaries to bonuses, so there doesn’t necessarily have to be a cut involved.

Another move that could help the team’s cause would be reaching an agreement on a contract extension with quarterback Tony Romo. The veteran is currently slated to count $16.8 million against the team’s cap.



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Cardinals rumors: Matt Cassel to Arizona?

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The Arizona Cardinals were one of the teams that expressed interest in San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith before a trade agreement was reached with the Kansas City Chiefs. As a result of this deal, the Cardinals could still end up with a quarterback, but instead of Smith it could be Chiefs’ incumbent Matt Cassel.

Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting that the Cardinals are among the teams interested in Cassel.

At this point, Arizona has three quarterbacks that have been mostly unimpressive during their tenure with the team; Kevin Kolb, John Skelton and Ryan Lindley.

New Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians’ style of offense is pushing the ball down the field, and Cassel wouldn’t be a clear fit in this case. However, while not a perfect match, he would be viewed as an upgrade of the three options the team currently has. And there’s also the issue of a generally weak draft and free agent class this season. 


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Lions rumors: Detroit, Matthew Stafford discussing extension

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The New England Patriots recently extended quarterback Tom Brady to help their salary cap number, and the Detroit Lions are hoping to complete a similar move with Matthew Stafford. The Lions have begun talks with Stafford on a contract extension, according to Albert Breer of NFL.com.

Talks are still in the preliminary stage, as nothing is pressing at this point, according to Breer.

This is a largely expected move. Lions’ president Tom Lewand said earlier this month that the team wanted to reach an agreement on a new deal with the 25-year-old Stafford. While he told reporters that the team’s goal of extending Stafford was to ensure he’s their quarterback for a long time, it also offers a short-term fix for the salary cap.

Stafford is set to earn $12 million in 2013, but his cap hit is a whopping $20.3 million. This is the third-highest in the NFL, behind only the Manning brothers.



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49ers, Chiefs agree to Alex Smith trade

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The Kansas City Chiefs have been viewed as the frontrunners to land San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Alex Smith for some time. Yesterday it was announced that the sides had reached an agreement that would send Smith to Kansas City in exchange for draft picks.

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com is reporting that the 49ers will receive a second-round pick in 2013 and a conditional pick in the 2014 draft in exchange for Smith. The deal can’t become official until March 12.

Smith is entering the final year of his current contract, which will pay him $7.5 million in 2013. However, it’s expected that an extension will be coming in the near future, as the Chiefs wouldn’t surrender the picks they did for a one-year rental.

The Chiefs view Smith as their quarterback for the next several years. As a result of the acquisition, Kansas City is expected to release incumbent quarterback Matt Cassel in the next few days.



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Saints Rumors: More contract restructures

By | Published Wednesday, February 27, 2013


Following on from news in regards to Ben Grubbs restructured contract as reported by Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com, the New Orleans Saints are continuing to work toward getting under the salary cap, they made another move.

The Saints have cleared an additional $2.05 million in cap space by restructuring the contract of linebacker David Hawthorne.

Hawthorne had been scheduled to receive a $3 million roster bonus on the third day of the league year. But the Saints erased that by giving Hawthorne a $3 million signing bonus on Tuesday. Instead of having the scheduled roster bonus all count toward this year’s cap figure, the signing bonus allows the $3 million to be spread out over the life of Hawthorne’s contract.

Hawthorne’s cap figure has dropped from $4.76 million to $2.51 million.

Even more good news followed, where guard Jahri Evans has restructured his contract to free up $3.12 million in cap space. The Saints gave Evans a $4.16 signing bonus up front, but dropped his base salary from $7.2 million to $3.04 million.

Evans had been scheduled to have a $9.86 million cap figure. But the restructure drops that figure to $6.74 million.

 Short term this may entice defensive players to the Superdome during the free agency period which opens on Monday.



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49ers Rumors: Chasing Darrelle Revis

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Following the departure of Alex Smith to Kansas City, the 49ers have a heap of draft picks with which to test the free agency market once it opens in March.  The NFC champions could be looking to the bright lights of New York and Darelle Revis to sort out their need for a cornerback, according to Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports
The 49ers are among a handful of teams that have discussed making a run at Revis this offseason, according to two sources. In fact, the 49ers are poised to make a run at Revis even if it’s just for one season (although that could be problematic from Revis’ standpoint).

 The 49ers have 11 picks in the forthcoming draft as well as three more compensatory picks to follow.  Yet as a short-term solution, he is a steal with a salary of just $6m (after bonuses).

 The Jets though under new general manager, John Idzik, will be patient to hold out for the right deal for both themselves and Revis will only leave if he gets the money he feels his performance before his knee injury warranted.  

 The Niners may hold all the cards, but the Jets may hold out.


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Raiders Rumors: Picking Geno Smith?

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Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com, states that there are rumors that the Raiders are ready to swoop and take Geno Smith with the third overall pick in the draft having been impressed by his speed at the combine.

This is a surprising occurence considering the wealth of expert analysis who state that no quarterback is worthy of a Top 10 selection, owing to the amount of defensive talent on offer this year in contrast to the quarterback selections of last year.

Smith's pace makes him an obvious candidate for the Raiders.  If the Raiders do select Smith, Carson Palmer will be expected to be cut, and if they retain Terrelle Pryor they will have two mobile quarterbacks allowing them to run the same offence with either man under center.

However, this could be considered a smokescreen to create panic amongst teams further down the draft order to trade up for the pick, those in need are the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets.  This would make more sense as the Raiders still have a lot of money wrapped up in Palmer, whose experience is probably the way to go at this moment.


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Giants’ David Diehl undergoes knee surgery

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New York Giants offensive lineman David Diehl recently underwent arthroscopic knee surgery, according to Ralph Vacchiano of The New York Daily News.

Diehl had a minor procedure completed on his right knee shortly after the end of the regular season. The exact injury isn’t known, but the offensive lineman did sprain his right MCL early in the season. This injury caused him to miss three games.

Whatever the case, Diehl is expected to be recovered and ready for the start of offseason workouts on April 15. It’s another matter altogether if the 32-year-old will still be with the Giants when that date rolls around.

Diehl is due $4.825 million in 2013 and represents a $6.9 million hit against the salary cap. For this reason, New York could consider parting ways with the veteran, as cutting him would save the team approximately $4.9 million in cap space.



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Dolphins rumors: Miami unlikely to re-sign Reggie Bush

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The Miami Dolphins are unlikely to re-sign running back Reggie Bush, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported Saturday on "NFL Total Access" that Bush is unlikely to be re-signed by the Dolphins, who view him more as a luxury than an essential building block.

According to Rapoport, the Dolphins view Bush as more of a luxury than an essential piece. Miami has several other pending free agents, and it appears they would be willing to let Bush walk rather than sign him to a pricey contract.

Bush’s representatives have met with the Dolphins to get a feel for the negotiation process. The back hopes to re-sign with the Dolphins, but he is also seeking a competitive deal. As of yet, the two sides haven’t been able to match up.

Considering his talent both as a rusher and return man, Bush figures to garner significant attention on the open market. Several teams will likely pursue the running back, but it’s been recently reported that the Detroit Lions have specific interest in Bush.



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Steelers rumors: Ben Roethlisberger renegotiating contract

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The Pittsburgh Steelers have worked with the representatives of Ben Roethlisberger to renegotiate the quarterback’s current contract, according to Albert Breer of NFL.com.

Breer adds that an agreement between Roethlisberger and the Steelers could be reached by the end of the week.

Big Ben is scheduled to make $19.595 million in 2013, a number that eats up a large majority of the Steelers’ cap flexibility. The team is hoping to reach an agreement with Roethlisberger in order to lessen its current cap burden.

At this point, it’s expected the Roethlisberger’s deal will be renegotiated, not extended like New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

Even with the renegotiation, the Steelers are faced with several difficult roster decisions this offseason. Pittsburgh could potentially cut veterans, such as linebacker James Harrison, while dynamic wide receiver Mike Wallace is a free agent.



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Cardinals rumors: Doubt 49ers would trade Alex Smith to Arizona

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The Arizona Cardinals have interest in San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Alex Smith, but the team is extremely pessimistic that a deal will happen because they share a division with the Niners, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday on "NFL Total Access" that the Cardinals are interested in Smith, but they are extremely pessimistic a deal with the Niners will happen because they share the same division.

Arizona views the Kansas City Chiefs as the frontrunners to land Smith, but this won’t stop the Cardinals from inquiring on the quarterback’s availability. The team feels it has nothing to lose, but it’s not expecting a deal to be completed with their NFC West rivals.

Beyond the Chiefs, Rapoport notes that the Cleveland Browns are also “in the picture” for Smith. It’s been reported that the 49ers essentially have a deal in place for Smith, but things will likely evolve until they can actually complete a trade.



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Browns rumors: Expressing ‘some interest’ in 49ers’ Alex Smith

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While the Kansas City Chiefs are viewed as the frontrunners to ultimately land San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Alex Smith, the Cleveland Browns have some interest in the former No. 1 overall pick, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

Based on the reports of their interest in quarterbacks outside the organization, it appears that the Browns are not comfortable with Brandon Weeden as their starter. Cleveland is less than one year removed from investing a first-round pick in the quarterback.

But this hasn’t stopped them from at least checking in on Smith. The 49ers were said to have a deal in place for the backup, but it’s likely that they’ll continue holding negotiations until a trade can officially be completed.

Beyond the Browns, the Arizona Cardinals have also been tied to Smith, though they don’t believe the 49ers would trade the quarterback within the division. The Jacksonville Jaguars are another team that’s been connected to Smith, but they’ve recently said they are not interested in the veteran.


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Falcons rumors: Atlanta likely to land Steven Jackson

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St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson will void his current contract, making him a free agent, and the Atlanta Falcons are his most likely landing spot, according to Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports.

Atlanta is expected to release veteran running back Michael Turner this offseason, and they’ll need a replacement. It’s starting to look like tight end Tony Gonzalez might push off retirement for at least one more season, and the Falcons could elect to sign fellow veteran Jackson to make a push in 2013.

Jackson has said that he doesn’t simply want to compete, but instead he’s looking to sign with a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Only the New England Patriots have won more regular season games than the Falcons over the past five seasons. Atlanta has a solid core, especially on offense, built around Gonzalez, Matt Ryan, Roddy White and Julio Jones.



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Dolphins rumors: Miami unlikely to pursue Greg Jennings

By | Published Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Free agent wide receiver Greg Jennings played under Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin when they were both members of the Green Bay Packers. Despite this connection, Philbin reportedly “isn’t a huge fan” of Jennings as a player, according to Bob McGinn of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and the Dolphins aren’t expected to pursue the wide receiver.


Rather than pursue Jennings, the Dolphins are viewed as more likely to target Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace. Philbin was also tied to former Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn last offseason, who ultimately ended up signing with the Seattle Seahawks.

Jennings is believed to be seeking an unrealistic $13 to $14 million annually in his next contract. Without the Dolphins in the running, the veteran may have to settle for something more in the range of $7 to $9 million per season, according to Chris Wesseling of NFL.com.

There is also a chance the Packers use their franchise tag on Jennings, though some are skeptical of the reality of this possibility.


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Patriots rumors: Wes Welker could re-sign with New England

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Entering the offseason, it appeared all but a sure bet that wide receiver Wes Welker would be playing for a team other than the New England Patriots next year. However, following Tom Brady’s recent agreement with the team, it appears that the Patriots could sign Welker to a contract extension, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

It appeared tough decisions were on the horizon in New England, as Welker and fellow wide receiver Brandon Lloyd were both viewed as potential roster casualties in order for the club to meet its salary cap requirements.

However, Brady’s extension and restructuring provides the Patriots with roughly $20 million in salary cap space this season and $30 million over the next two years. This is money the team can now use on Welker and other free agents if it so chooses.

If he would hit the open market, Welker could be in line for a five-year contract with an average annual salary of $8 million. It’s unclear if the Patriots are willing to make this type of investment into an aging wide out, but Welker could decide to take Brady’s lead and take a lesser deal to keep the band together in New England.



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Patriots’ Rob Gronkowski has surgery on infected arm

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New England Patriots Rob Gronkowski recently faced a setback in the same arm he broke twice last season that required surgery to remove an infection he developed, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Gronkowski developed an infection in his elbow. In order to remove the infection, the tight end underwent his third surgery on the arm since November.

The initial surgery came after Gronkowski broke his forearm during a Nov. 18 contest against the Indianapolis Colts. He then re-broke it during the team’s divisional round playoff victory over the Houston Texans.

Earlier this month, Gronkowski had his cast removed and said he was looking forward to resuming workouts in the near future. This will now have to be delayed as he recovers from his most recent procedure.

There is some good news, as Schefter reported the infection was caught early enough that it isn’t expected to cause Gronkowski to miss an extended period of time. He should be available for camp.



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Rams rumors: Steven Jackson to void contract

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This weekend it was reported that things looked "good” concerning the St. Louis Rams’ negotiations with running back Steven Jackson. However, it’s now being reported that Jackson is planning on voiding his current contract and testing the free agent market, according to The St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

It was expected that Jackson would void his current contract, which will pay him $7 million in 2013. If he didn’t, St. Louis would have basically been forced to cut him.

Following this move, Jackson and the Rams were expected to discuss a new deal. Jackson would likely be looking for a guarantee beyond 2013 in exchange for taking a pay cut, while the Rams could be hesitant to provide such a deal to a running back that turns 30 before next season.

Now, it appears that Jackson will test the free agent market. St. Louis could still reach an agreement with the running back, as it sounds like there is mutual interest in a return. However, they will have to bid against other teams for the veteran.



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Patriots sign Tom Brady to three-year extension

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The New England Patriots and quarterback Tom Brady have reached an agreement on a three-year extension that will help the team’s salary cap and provide the All-Pro with a “contract for life,” as reported by Peter King of Sports Illustrated.

Brady will receive “significantly less money than the market will bear” in order to help the Patriots remain competitive for his tenure with the club. The following shows Brady’s cap numbers over the next five seasons:

2013: $13.8 million
2014: $14.8 million
2015: $13 million
2016: $14 million
2017: $15 million

The three-year extension is worth $27 million. King describes this as an eye-popping figure, as Brady was expected to command double this amount. The extension provides New England with roughly $20 million in cap space for the 2013 season, and $30 million in space over the next two years.

Brady’s string of impressive performances continued last season, as he finished the year completing 63 percent of his passes for 4,827 yards, 34 touchdowns and eight interceptions.



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NFL Combine Updates: Lotulelei, Dion Jordan, Tavon Austin

By | Published Monday, February 25, 2013

Utah's Star Lotulelei who was predicted to be a lock Top 10 pick in the NFL Draft this year, will not be able to compete at the Combine due to an electrocardiogram that showed up a previously undisclosed heart condition, as reported by Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com

Lotulelei was told to seek advice from a specialist, however will still hold interviews with would be employers, and being able to compete fully during Utah's Pro Day on March 20th.  Reportedly, the news was that his left ventricle was pumping at a 44% efficiency, lower than the average range of 55-70%.

Whilst this will see a marked dip in draft stock, it also raises questions of durability and sustainability.

Dion Jordan, is ranked as the best Defensive End in this draft, and after posting a 40 yard dash time of 4.53 seconds, he can anticipate a reunion with Chip Kelly, his former college coach at Oregon, in Philadelphia with Jordan now listed as the most likely number 4 pick.

"When I see [Dion Jordan] play, I see a raw Aldon Smith," said Mike Mayock of NFL.com. "He needs to gain 20 pounds [to fill out his 6-foot-7 frame].

In the battle of the speed kings at wide receiver, Marquise Goodwin of Tennessee beat out Tavon Austin of West Virginia for the best time with 4.27, although Austin looks like the dream wide receiver.

Goodwin is a track star for his university also, and he did not record a vertical jump or broad jump owing to tight hamstrings.  Austin however, looked sharp and smooth in his catching drills and with his combination of break out pace and footballing skills he may well have made himself a late first round pick.  Goodwin's selection depends upon his attitude to football, which is sometimes second to his track aspirations.

Day 5 of the Combine continues with the work of more Defensive Ends and Linebackers, watch out for updates on The NFL Injury Report.


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Chiefs rumors: KC laying groundwork for Alex Smith trade

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It’s been reported that the Kansas City Chiefs are the team expressing the most interest in San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback AlexSmith. The 49ers apparently have a trade in place involving Smith, and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com says Kansas City has been “trying to lay ground” for a trade involving the former No. 1 overall pick.
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport confirms the Chiefs have shown more interest than any other team in dealing for a quarterback who can step in as an immediate starter while rebuilding the rest of the roster. Per Rapoport, the 49ers spent the week "trying to lay ground" for a Smith trade and will do the same next week.
New Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is said to be high on Smith as a candidate to lead his West Coast offense in Kansas City. Reid could target other options, including his former quarterback with the Philadelphia Eagles Nick Foles as well as Seattle Seahawks backup Matt Flynn. However, Smith could be the best option when it comes to price tag and ability to make an instant impact in KC.



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Jets Rumors: Paycut for Santonio Holmes

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Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reports that the cash strapped New York Jets will attempt to restructure the contract of Santonio Holmes.

Having already cut experienced roster veterans in Bart Scott, Calvin Pace, Eric Smith and Jason Smith.  The Jets instead of cutting, are looking to ask another game-maker to restructure his contract to make available more cap room for the forthcoming free agency market.

Holmes missed 12 games of the 2012 season owing to a foot injury.  This year he is scheduled to obtain $11m base, $7.5m of which is guaranteed.  The $11m mark would make most teams blush, but also reason enough to not cut the noted playmaker and former Super Bowl MVP winner.

Of course, this may lead to a game of call my bluff, as Holmes may well sit out due to any renegotiation and dare the Jets to cut him.  Holmes knows if he is cut he will only be entitled to $7.5m, so this slight window of opportunity could lead to the restructured contract.

The Jets need cap room and cash to entice players, however, they still need options on offence.


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Jaguars Rumors: Blaine Gabbert to remain

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Following on from a piece by my colleague Blaine Blontz on the Jacksonville Jaguars reportedly not pursuing Alex Smith in free agency, there is cause for optimism in the camp in regards to the future of Blaine Gabbert, who is reportedly going to vie for the starting job, writes Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com.
Whether it's the coaching staff building Gabbert up or the front office expressing hope for improvement, Gabbert remains in the Jaguars' 2013 plans. But they also recognize his role has changed. Around the League asked Jaguars general manager David Caldwell if Gabbert is considered the incumbent starting quarterback or whether he'll have any edge in a quarterback competition.
"It's going to be a wide open competition," Caldwell said at the NFL Scouting Combine
Caldwell was also quick to point out that Chad Henne remains on the roster, and the Jaguars are looking to boost competition by way of free agency and through the 2013 draft in key positions throughout the organisation.
In some circles, such comments may well be gratifying, however it is not clear as to whether the Jaguars are still fully behind their quarterback, and who will snap the first ball under centre in the 2013 season.



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Cardinals rumors: Arizona ‘very interested’ in Matt Barkley

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The Arizona Cardinals are very interested in Matt Barkley after meeting with the former USC quarterback at the NFL scouting combine, according to Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com.

Jeremiah continued on to say that, according to one source, the Cardinals were “extremely impressed” by Barkley’s interview.

Barkley wasn’t able to throw at the combine due to his shoulder separation. However, he was still able to meet and conduct interviews with potential suitors.

The interviews must have gone well, as at least three teams are now impressed enough to consider Barkley as worthy of a first-round pick. There is now talk that rookie won’t get beyond the Cardinals, who hold the No. 7 overall pick. There are also those that don’t believe Arizona will reach for a quarterback with their first pick, so all rumors at this time have to be tempered.

Whatever the case, it appears that Barkley only helped, not hurt, his cause of being selected in the first round.



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Packers rumors: Greg Jennings could receive franchise tag

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Entering the offseason, it had been speculated that the Green Bay Packers were likely to part ways with wide receiver Greg Jennings. However, the Packers are still considering using their franchise tag on Jennings, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

Rapoport notes that he thought the “ship had sailed” on the Packers potentially tagging the free agent. However, Green Bay is still considering the option, which would keep Jennings with the team for another season.

While he would make $10.4 million under the franchise tag, Jennings has said he does not desire the move. If he is ultimately tagged, Jennings would have to wait at least one more season before signing a multi-year contract, something he’s extremely unlikely to get from the Packers.

Green Bay was expected to be OK with the idea of losing Jennings, who’s proven a dynamic receiver, largely in part to their depth at the position. Beyond Jennings, the Packers also have James Jones, Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson.


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Jaguars rumors: Jacksonville not pursuing 49ers’ Alex Smith

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There is a deal “effectively” in place for San Francisco 49ers’ backup quarterback Alex Smith, but the Jacksonville Jaguars are not pursuing the former No. 1 overall pick, according to Ryan O’Halloran of The Florida Times-Union.

O’Halloran received a text message from Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell saying that Jacksonville is not the team that has a deal in place for Smith. They do not seem to have an interest in jumping in and pursuing the quarterback.

While Jacksonville has the salary cap space and need in several areas, potentially including quarterback, they have said that they will not spend big this offseason on free agents. Rather than invest money up-front on free agent fixes, owner Shad Khan is allowing new GM Caldwell to attempt to build the Jaguars for long-term success.

The Jaguars currently have quarterbacks Chad Henne and Blaine Gabbert on their roster.


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49ers rumors: Trade in place for Alex Smith

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The San Francisco 49ers have said they won’t cut backup quarterback Alex Smith, but they are not opposed to trading him. In fact, the 49ers have now expressed to other teams that they “effectively” have a deal in place for Smith, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.

Canfora notes that a trade can’t officially be completed until March 12, when the league year begins.

The Kansas City Chiefs have been the club to reportedly express the most interest in Smith so far this offseason. The former No. 1 overall pick would appear to be a good fit as a potential stopgap or long-term option in new head coach Andy Reid’s West Coast system.

The 49ers have hinted at the fact that they are not opposed to retaining Smith into the 2013 season, as they aren’t going to cut him for the sake of making a roster move. However, San Francisco should receive enough interest to warrant trading backup quarterback that carries a significant salary.


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NFL Combine Updates: Manti T'eo, Marquise Goodwin, Matt Barkley

By | Published Sunday, February 24, 2013

With the NFL Combine underway, and with all the injured players either pulling out of the skills test or reducing their role, we thought today would be a good today to run through some of the stories coming out of the Combine.

Players from across the country have gathered over the weekend to show off their skills and try to improve their draft stock.  Some will succeed, and some will fall further than they could have ever expected.

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Chiefs rumors: KC leaders for 49ers Alex Smith?

By | Published Saturday, February 23, 2013


The San Francisco 49ers are expected to trade backup quarterback Alex Smith this offseason, and the Kansas City Chiefs are viewed as the team currently expressing the most interest in the former No. 1 overall pick, according to Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports.

That means that the better question is where Smith will end up. Although one source said it's far too early to guess, Kansas City appears to be the most interested team.

The Chiefs are in need of a quarterback, and Cole doesn’t get the feeling that they will use their No. 1 overall selection in the upcoming NFL Draft on one. The top QBs available, including Geno Smith and Matt Barkley, aren’t viewed as being worthy of the pick, and neither may even be selected in the first round, much less with the first-overall pick.

The 49ers have said it’s unlikely they will cut Smith this offseason, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to retain him as Colin Kaepernick’s backup. Due to his 2013 salary, San Francisco is expected to trade him.

Beyond the Chiefs, the Arizona Cardinals are also expected to express interest in Smith.



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49ers rumors: Alex Smith ‘unlikely’ to be cut

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Much of the speculation surrounding San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Alex Smith has him ultimately parting ways with the teamthis offseason. However, head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters at the NFLscouting combine that it’s “unlikely” the 49ers release Smith.

"He's an excellent football player,'' Harbaugh said at the NFL Combine. "He's really playing the best football of his career the last two years. We've think we have the best quarterback situation in the National Football League. (We) feel strongly about that. Again, that will be a process that plays out, I mean Alex Smith continuing to be a 49er, or if a trade occurs in the next weeks or months, those are the two most likely possibilities.''

This doesn’t guarantee that Smith will be retained by San Francisco for the 2013 season, and continue on as Colin Kaepernick’s backup. Harbaugh listed the two most-likely possibilities as a trade or the current reserve continuing on with the 49ers. Of the two, it seems more likely that Smith will be dealt to a team interested in his services as a potential starting quarterback.



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Rams rumors: Steven Jackson negotiations ‘look good’

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St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson can void his remaining contract and sign elsewhere in free agency, but head coach Jeff Fisher said “thus far things look good” when it comes to working out an agreement that will keep the veteran with the team, according to Jim Thomas of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

“We’ve had discussions with Eugene Parker (Jackson’s agent), and thus far things look good,” Fisher said. “I think it’s identifying what both sides want moving forward. ‘Jack’ knows how I feel about him and that we want him back. But we’ve got time. We’ve got a few more weeks and we’ll see where it goes.”

Jackson is entering the final year of his contract that will pay him $7 million. However, he can void this contract and hit the open market if he so chooses.

He could void his deal, and the Rams wouldn’t necessarily be unhappy with the decision. While they want to retain Jackson, they aren’t crazy about paying a running back that will be 30 years old entering the 2013 season $7 million.

What could happen is that Jackson voids his deal and renegotiates with St. Louis. In exchange for giving up his $7 million salary for next season, the veteran would likely want some sort of assurance beyond 2013. This could complicate matters, but all signs point to Jackson and the Rams reaching an agreement.


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Giants’ Hakeem Nicks, David Baas undergo surgery

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New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks and offensive lineman David Baas both underwent surgery recently, head coach Tom Coughlin told reporters at the NFL scouting combine.

Nicks underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, one of the injuries that hampered him throughout the 2012 season, as the wide receiver also dealt with a fractured foot. It was reported that Nicks sustained his knee injury in part due to compensating for his fractured foot.

These injuries forced Nicks to miss three games last season, as he finished the year with 53 receptions for 692 yards and three touchdowns.

Coughlin wouldn’t specify Baas’ procedure, only saying that he had work done “on his body.” While this seems extremely vague, Baas was a walking injury report last season, so the coach’s prognosis makes some sense. Baas frequented the team’s weekly reports with a multitude of injuries, including hand, elbow, ankle, hip and shoulder ailments.

Despite his laundry list of injuries, Baas started all 16 games for the Giants this season.



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Cowboys rumors: Dallas to keep Jay Ratliff

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Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett told the NFL Network that he “absolutely” expects nose tackle Jay Ratliff to be back with the team next season.

Ratliff is coming off an injury-plagued campaign during which he was limited to six games. When he was able to suit up for Dallas, the defensive lineman only amassed 16 tackles with no sacks.

Ratliff was healthy enough to be arrested for DUI this offseason, leading some to speculate that the veteran could be a potential roster casualty as the Cowboys look to decrease their salary cap burden.

However, NFL.com points out that Dallas wouldn’t actually save money by cutting Ratliff based on how his contract is structured. Garrett also noted that the team believes the seven-year pro is a scary good player when healthy. Ratliff is expected to fit in well with new defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin’s 4-3 scheme.



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Redskins’ Robert Griffin III ‘way ahead of schedule’

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Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III is “way ahead of schedule” in his recovery from surgery to repair a torn ACL and LCL, Dr. James Andrews, the surgeon that completed the procedure, told the NFL Network.

"We have him well on his way," Andrews told the NFL Network. "His recovery is way ahead of schedule so far. We don't have to do much but try to hold him back, if you want to know the truth. Our whole mode for him though is to do what is best for his career, not necessarily what is best for the first game next season. So all of that has to be put on hold and let him get well."

When Griffin was injured in the team’s opening round playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks, it wasn’t known how long he would be sidelined. Following surgery, there was speculation that the quarterback could be out for the start of the 2013 season.

However, Adam Shefter of ESPN reported earlier this month that Redskins’ officials are encouraged by Griffin’s recovery to the point where they believe he’ll be ready to go by next season’s opener. Andrews’ comments to the NFL Network would seem to reiterate the belief that Griffin’s recovery is going well. He said that trainers actually have to hold Griffin back, as they focus on what’s best for the quarterback’s career and not just the immediate future.



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Seahawks rumors: Seattle willing to listen on Matt Flynn

By | Published Friday, February 22, 2013


Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider said the team is will to listen to offers for backup quarterback Matt Flynn, according to Marc Sessler of NFL.com.

Schneider told reporters that he’s “going to listen to everything,” including potential deals for Flynn. Seattle signed the former Green Bay Packers reserve last offseason as a potential starter for the club. However, Flynn was passed on the depth chart by rookie Russell Wilson, who has cemented his position as the Seahawks’ quarterback of the future.

Flynn is set to make $5.25 million in 2013. While this is a reasonable figure for a potential starting quarterback, Flynn is guaranteed to be a backup unless Wilson gets hurt. For this reason, Seattle could look to recoup some of his value and get the salary off its books by trading him.

If a trade doesn’t take place, the Seahawks could also elect to cut ties with Flynn rather than pay him that sort of money as a backup. However, Schneider indicates that Seattle is currently content carrying both quarterbacks on its roster so as to have a capable No. 2 behind Wilson, who’s running-style increases his risk of injury.



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