Archive for March 2013

The Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders are deep in trade talks involving quarterback Matt Flynn, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

#Seahawks are deep in talks with #Raiders for a trade involving QB Matt Flynn, per sources. Raiders making a final run at Carson Palmer 1st
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 29, 2013

The Jacksonville Jaguars have been one of the teams tied to Seattle Seahawks backup quarterback Matt Flynn, but they have “ultimately decided not to pursue a trade” for the reserve, according to Ryan O’Halloran of The Florida Times-Union.

Ahmad Bradshaw left #Steelers with no deal. This was a visit to check him out physically. They remain very interested & will keep in touch.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 29, 2013

The Miami Dolphins have been busy this free agency period, but they are not done making moves yet. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported yesterday that Miami is “very much in” on Atlanta Falcons free agent cornerback Brent Grimes.

Dolphins still not done in free agency - very much in on CB Brent Grimes, who played on franchise tag in '12. could land there soon
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 28, 2013

The Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills and Oakland Raiders have all expressed interest in Seattle Seahawks backup quarterback Matt Flynn, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.

With quarterback Carson Palmer “highly unlikely” to accept a pay cut from the Oakland Raiders – according to Adam Schefter of ESPN – it looks more likely that the team will elect to part ways with the veteran. If that happens, the Arizona Cardinals could be one of the teams to express interest in Palmer, according to Pro Football Talk.

Interesting: now "highly unlikely" Carson Palmer will be willing to restructure his contract meaning OAK pays him $13 million or cuts him.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 25, 2013

If the New Orleans Saints miss out of free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com wouldn’t be surprised to see the team target defensive end/outside linebacker Dwight Freeney.

Don't be surprised when #Saints emerge as a player for Dwight Freeney, especially if they miss on Nnamdi. Still trying to upgrade pass-rush
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 25, 2013

Free agent James Harrison’s agent, Bill Parise, told Adam Schefter of ESPN that his client hasn’t closed the door on returning to the Steelers.

James Harrison's agent, Bill Parise, said he has not closed the door on his client returning to PITT and would welcome a call from Steelers.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 25, 2013

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett has been diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Seahaws DE Michael Bennett, who left Tampa for Seattle, was diagnosed with torn rotator cuff. Injury why Bennett got a 1-yr deal in SEA.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 24, 2013

Following Elvis Dumervil’s five-year agreement with the Baltimore Ravens, the Denver Broncos are turning their attention to defensive ends Dwight Freeney and John Abraham.

Defensive end Elvis Dumervil spurned the Denver Broncos and accepted a five-year offer to join the Baltimore Ravens, the team has announced.

The #Ravens have agreed in principle to a five-year deal with Elvis Dumervil.
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) March 24, 2013

The Dallas Cowboys have been quiet during this free agency period, but that has not stopped the team welcoming talent to their facilities attempting to entice them.




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Free-agent outside linebacker Bryan Thomas was the longest-tenured New York Jets player last season, having appeared in 157 games over 11 seasons.

Yet, Thomas now 33 is contemplating retirement after doctors found a torn tendon in his shoulder when they operated on a pectoral muscle injury six weeks ago.  As Thomas explained to the New York Daily News:



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New York Jets coach Rex Ryan said Friday that there's no "clear-cut favorite" to start at quarterback next season, promising only that Mark Sanchez will see "competition from day one."

Yet this has not stopped the Jets hosting potential first round draft picks quarterbacks for workouts, as they did on Sunday with West Virginia's Geno Smith, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN New York:



The New York Jets have the 9th overall pick in the draft this year, but will Geno Smith still be on the board by then is anyone's guess.  The Buffalo Bills are 8th and in need of a quarterback having cut supposed saviour Ryan Fitzpatrick, and the Arizona Cardinals may go knee-jerk with the 7th pick.

Although why any team would want to go high on a quarterback who is low on most draft expert boards is surprising, however, this is the New York Jets.

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There are contrasting and contradicting thoughts across the NFL about new safety rules.  Some players have come out and said the NFL will not exist in the future if safety is not addressed.  However, there are players who think the safety rules are going too far, and perhaps the league won't exists because people just won't watch the games anymore.

According to the Dallas Morning News, Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant is in the latter category.  With the potential for the NFL to implement a new offensive penalty for ball-carriers lowering their helmets, Bryant spoke out on what he thinks will happen to the league if these rules continue.

The NFL is moving toward the read option across the board.  Teams that do not have a quarterback who can run are falling behind (sans those with established, Super Bowl winning QBs).  So it's no surprise the Tennessee Titans would like to see Jake Locker run more.  However, they are concerned about him getting hurt.

According to Jim Wyatt of the Tennesseean, the team is looking at the possibility of having Locker run the read option more.  They are running through scenarios, but the biggest concerns is the heightened potential for injury.

The Atlanta Falcons are “making a strong push to sign” New York Giants free agent defensive end Osi Umenyiora, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Falcons making strong push to sign Giants free-agent DE Osi Umenyiora and are trying to wrap up a deal with him before end of the weekend.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 22, 2013

Free agent offensive lineman Bryant McKinnie told reporters – including J. Michael of CSN Baltimore – that Baltimore Ravens head coach Jim Harbaugh called him recently to say that the team is hoping to retain his services.

Elvis Dumervil is clearly the cream of the free agent pass rushing crop, but there are other veteran options available – including former Indianapolis Colts defensive end/outside linebacker Dwight Freeney. According to Pro Football Talk, the Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers remain in play for both free agents.

Ahmad Bradshaw is the most appealing running back still on the free agency market, in a generally bad time for running backs with not one running back projected to be picked in the first round of the upcoming NFL draft.

As he recovers from the serious foot injury that curtailed his season, and forced the New York Giants to cut him from their roster.  Bradshaw is of the opinion that he is worth some value to a team, but he will not visit or train for any team until the troublesome foot fully heals

Speaking to the New Jersey Star-Ledger, Bradshaw said:


All three stated sides are impressive, yet I feel there may be a twist in the tail and a return to the G-Men cannot be ruled out fully.

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It seems a lot of defensive players are visiting New Orleans, although Mardi Gras finished over a month ago.
Another one to visit is Victor Butler, the free agent linebacker according to the Times-Picayune:



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"Romo, of course, is someone that I expect our staff, our offensive staff, to deploy Romo according to his pay scale," Jones said. "Stay tuned, but he’s going to have high expectations, I promise you that. He is not going to be paid to be a bus driver."

Elvis Dumervil became one of the most-coveted free agents available late last week, and his market is continuing to develop. NFL.com took a look at five potential landing spots for Dumervil, including his former team, the Denver Broncos, as well as the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins.

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Ryan Fitzpatrick got cut from Buffalo Bills, but he is in need of a landing spot to re-build his career.  One place could be the team he left to join the Bills in 2009 - the Cincinnati Bengals own website reports that Fitzpatrick met up with head coach Marvin Lewis at the NFL Annual meeting in Phoenix, Arizona.

Fitzpatrick is one of the few top quarterbacks available on the free agency market, yet there are few places he can expect to start at and so the possibility of a back-up position to a younger quarterback might be more realistic.

The Bengals require a back-up for starter Andy Dalton as last year's reserve Bruce Gradkowski left in the off-season to join the Pittsburgh Steelers.




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Free agent and former Cleveland Brown Josh Cribbs is close to signing an agreement with the Arizona Cardinals and a move to the desert, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Plain Dealer.




Whilst the Cardinals already have Patrick Peterson on kick-offs and punt returns, Cribbs role may be diminished in that respect yet new Head Coach Bruce Arians will welcome an impact player on his weak offence who can motivate young players.

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Following on from the departure of Greg Jennings from Wisconsin to Minnesota, there is some good news for the Packers fans on the offensive front.  With news of his future uncertain, Jermichael Finley added clarity to his destination this off-season with the Packers confirming he will remain a Packer, writes the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:



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The Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers are among the teams that have expressed interest in former New York Giants running back and current free agent Ahmad Bradshaw, according to Adam Shefter of ESPN.

Packers and Steelers have expressed interest in former Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2013

The Indianapolis Colts have been tied to wide receivers this offseason, and one of their expected targets was New York Giants restricted free agent Victor Cruz. However, team owner Jim Isray told reporters, including Mike Chappell of The Indianapolis Star, that Cruz is not on the Colts’ list.

#colts owner Jim Irsay to media at owners' meetings:‏"it's not (Victor) Cruz, no". So that's one name to cross off the list.
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) March 17, 2013

Greg Jennings may have left Green Bay for an in-division rival in the Minnesota Vikings and yes for the team that offered him the most money - five years, $47.5 million, $18 million guaranteed - but he went to the team that made him feel wanted the most.

And yet on paper you can see why some people feel this is a selfish act to go for the money, as it is being reported he rejected a $8 million dollar offer from the Packers to return to Green Bay and even a $6 million offer from the New England Patriots reports Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel




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The pieces all fall into place now, as the New York Giants decision to let tight end Marcellus Bennett leave after one season, becomes clearer as they agreed terms with Oakland Raider Brandon Myers on Saturday, as reported by Mike Garafolo of USA Today.



The numbers above make clear that whomever is the tight end can expect some receptions, but perhaps Eli Manning has the first recognisable tight end since Jeremy Shockey he can rely upon.

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The Philadelphia Eagles cut the cornerback after two lackluster seasons last week. He signed a five-year, $60 million free agent contract before the 2011 season as part of the "Dream Team" moves. Asomugha was considered on par with Darrelle Revis before the failed experiment with the Eagles. He's due to visit the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, according to Matt Maiocco of Comcast SportsNet Bay Area.




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Atlanta Falcons free agent Brent Grimes visited the Cleveland Browns Saturday, according to Alex Marvez of FOX Sports.

UFA #Falcons CB Brent Grimes visits Cleveland,@foxsports.com has learned (sorry if someone else reported this)
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) March 16, 2013

Free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha is scheduled to visit with the New Orleans Saints today, according to Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area.

Matt Cassel is no longer a starting quarterback in the NFL.  Since his departure from the Kansas City Chiefs, Cassel has landed with the Minnesota Vikings.  Christian Ponder is the Vikings' starter.  That much has been made clear to Cassel.

Cassel was once celebrated as a diamond in the rough.  When Tom Brady went down with a knee injury and Cassel replaced him, Cassel was impressive.  However, he struggled when he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.  Now, he will serve a back-up role with the Vikings.

The Denver Broncos and Elvis Dumervil had agreed to a reduced salary that would have allowed the team to avoid cutting him.  However, Dumervil's agent didn't get the paperwork in to the Broncos in time and the team had no choice but to cut the defensive end. 

According to ESPN league sources, Dumervil's agent faxed in the paperwork at 4:06 PM EST.  Had the Broncos not cut Dumervil by then, his $12 million salary would have been guaranteed.  The team could not afford to allow that to happen, so they were forced to cut Dumervil.  

This is what team president John Elway had to say:

Just ask the man.  He's not old.  Greg Jennings, who has bounced from the Green Bay Packers to the Minnesota Vikings, has had an injury-plagued recent history.  He's getting up there in age, too.  But don't tell him that.  The Minnesota Vikings don't seem to mind either.

The Vikings signed Jennings to a five-year, $47.5 million deal says Kareem Copeland of NFL.com.  While the Vikings obviously think Jennings can help, there have been those who doubt his ability to contribute long-term.  To those people, Jennings insists he is not old.

“It’s mutual,” Reed said about his interest in the Texans. “Both of us are contenders and want to get a championship, but we still have some things to work out. Conversations have been great, amazing. We’re on the same page as far as what we need to get done.”

Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings visited with the Minnesota Vikings yesterday, and the team is heavily pursuing the veteran, according to Ben Goessling of The St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Jared Allen, Rick Spielman, George Paton and Leslie Frazier among those having dinner with Greg Jennings in Minneapolis. #Vikings
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoesslingPP) March 15, 2013

The New England Patriots are hosting a pair of defensive veterans today, former Arizona Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson and former Atlanta Falcons defensive end John Abraham, according to Albert Breer of NFL.com.

In addition to Adrian Wilson, Patriots will host ex-Falcons DE John Abraham on a visit tomorrow.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 15, 2013

Baltimore Ravens free agent safety Ed Reed will visit with the Houston Texans today, according to Albert Breer of NFL.com.

Just got a text from Ed Reed confirming what @mcclain_on_nfl said -- The All-Pro safety will visit the Texans tomorrow.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 13, 2013

Former Chicago Bears tight end Kellen Davis will visit with the Pittsburgh Steelers today, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

Former #Bears TE Kellen Davis visiting the #Steelers tomorrow...
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2013

The New England Patriots' wide receiver debacle has began and ended all within a matter of hours but, the fallout from the deal has yet to be fully determined. New England quarterback Tom Brady restructured his contract late last month to apparently make salary-cap room for the Patriots to offer star wide receiver Wes Welker a solid, new contract but, that didn't happen. Welker departed from New England on Wednesday to sign with Denver for what some people believe was a complete bargain. Denver signed a two-year deal with Welker for $12 million after a source from the Broncos revealed that he declined a two-year, $10 million contract with incentives from the Patriots, reported NFL.com's Albert Breer. In an interview with the Associated Press John Elway, Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the Denver Broncos said:

"Anytime you can take a player from a team you have to compete against, it helps, especially the caliber of Wes Welker," ... "New England is there year in and year out, and that's a team we have to beat to get where we want to get."

Agreed to terms on a 2-yr deal with Wes Welker. Excited to have Wes join the Broncos. His production & toughness will be a great asset!
— John Elway (@johnelway) March 13, 2013

Recovering quickly from the Welker fiasco, New England went on to sign fifth year wideout Danny Amendola, formerly of the St. Louis Rams, to a five-year contract worth $31 million, $10 million of which is guaranteed, reported Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. A side by side comparison of Amendola's and Welker's contract undeniably shows that there was an ulterior motive in the Pats contract negotiations with Welker and provides us with enough evidence to say that the receiver's time in New England was just up. Amid all the uproar that these two deals have caused Amendola tweeted a simple, concise statement that could very well shield him from the barrage of questions from reporters and fury of the fans.

Blessed. Thankful. Excited to get to work. Go Pats.
— Danny Amendola (@DannyAmendola) March 14, 2013

This will definitely not be the last we here of the chaos that these deals have brought to the sports realm. It is clear that succeeding the legacy of Welker in New England will be tough stuff for Amendola. Welker had over 1,000 yards receiving in five of the last six seasons, Amendola had only reached 689 yards receiving back in 2010, his second year in the league, and has a history of injuries. Danny Amendola has only scored seven receiving touchdowns since the start of his NFL career, Wes Welker caught six passes for touchdowns last season. The stats speak for themselves.


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Five players , one team, one dream ... The Super Bowl. Wes Welker, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Terrance Knighton, Kevin Vickerson, Stewart Bradley,  and the Denver Broncos franchise are all looking forward to serious Super Bowl contention in the 2013 NFL season.

To recap, today the #Broncos signed or agreed to terms with: D. Rodgers-Cromartie, T. Knighton, W. Welker, S. Bradley & K. Vickerson.
— Denver Broncos (@DenverBroncos) March 14, 2013

The franchise sent a powerful, 'look out' message to the league on Wednesday with their groundbreaking signings of wide receiver Welker from the Patriots to a two-year deal and cornerback Rodgers-Cromartie from the Eagles to a one-year deal to add to quarterback Peyton Manning's arsenal.

Wes Welker lands a two-year, $12 million deal from the Broncos. Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, Wes Welker. Have fun, Peyton.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2013

Welker joins the already formidable duo of Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker in Denver after they all eclipsed the 1,000 yards receiving mark in the 2012 season, with Welker gaining his fifth 1,000 yards plus catching year in the past six seasons. The precise arm of Peyton Manning will only increase the threat that the Broncos pose to any defense with the already intimidating presence of Denver's receiving corps. Manning threw for his second best overall passing yards total of his career this past regular season with 4,659 yards. To accompany his passing yards total Peyton also accounted for 37 passing touchdowns last season, also his second best career total, reports NFL.com.

Cornerback Rodgers-Cromartie, defensive tackles Knighton and Vickerson, and linebacker Bradley pose a new threat to opposing offenses with their addition to a Denver defense that was ranked 12th in the league in 2012. Rodgers-Cromartie's brief history with the Eagles was bittersweet with the defensive back only experiencing short bursts of success, although he did lead Philly's defense in passes defended, writes NFL.com's Dan Hanzus. Knighton is said to be a good fit for Denver defense because of his past success with the Jaguars under coach Jack Del Rio, now the Bronco's defensive coordinator. His right hand man will be Kevin Vickerson, the eight year veteran entering his fourth season with the Broncos, who had 28 tackles last year. Stewart Bradley, the former Cardinal, comes in it at the middle linebacker position but, started just once in two seasons in Arizona and underperformed his stellar contract that could have earned him $25 million, according to Andrew Mason of the DenverBroncos.com.

Denver's signings and new terms agreements leaves many wondering if they can realize their dream of winning a Super Bowl and turn it into reality. The Bronco's last Super Bowl appearance came 15 years ago when Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway led them to back-to-back Super Bowl victories in '97 and '98.


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