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| Kenny Wright was arrested Thursday after police said he led them on a quarter-mile foot chase, according to the AP. Wright faces a misdemeanor charge of unlawful restraint, a misdemeanor charge of evading arrest and a misdemeanor charge of possession of marijuana. If found guilty on the unlawful restraint charge, Wright faces up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine. If found guilty on the other charges, Wright faces up to six months in jail and a $2,000 fine on each charge. Wright saw limited action with the Browns last year, recording six tackles in six games. |
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| The Packers signed Vernand Morency to a one-year, $927,000 deal, according to the NFL Network's Adam Schefter. Morency is nothing more than a third-down back and will have value only if injuries hit the rest of the Green Bay backfield. |
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| Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver expects to sign David Garrard to a long-term contract soon. "I think you can expect something on the quarterback. I think it'll be sooner than later," Weaver said on the team's official site. Garrard was terrific last year in the first year as a full-time starter, posting a 102.2 QB Rating. |
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| Jay Moore, DE, San Francisco 49ers | Thursday 4/3, 5:01 PM CT |
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| Jay Moore has gone from 272 pounds to 259 pounds and will be playing outside linebacker for the 49ers next season, according to the Sacramento Bee. He is also recovered from a high ankle sprain that cost him his entire rookie season. The Niners are hoping Moore can provide some pass rush in 2008 that they were missing last year. He'll most likely be a backup but could force his way into the starting lineup with a strong training camp. |
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| Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson looks good after being bothered by a back injury most of his rookie season, according to USA Today. "It's kind of funny watching him run the conditioning with everybody," quarterback Jon Kitna said, "because he's beating everybody by a pretty good margin and it doesn't even look like he's running very hard." Johnson, who underachieved during his rookie campaign, missed one game and was limited in several others by the back injury. However, he did post four or more receptions in four of the final six games of the 2007 season. |
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| Jarvis Moss, DE, Denver Broncos | Thursday 4/3, 3:34 PM CT |
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| Jarvis Moss, whose rookie season ended with a broken fibula, said he’s running and close to resuming full workouts with his teammates, according to USA Today. "I don't see anything holding me back at all come camp," Moss said. The Denver Broncos selected Moss with their first-round pick last year, and he played in six games (one start) - posting 12 tackles and one sack. |
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| Mike Walker, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars | Thursday 4/3, 3:23 PM CT |
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| Contrary to what Jacksonville Jaguars’ coach Jack Del Rio said a couple of weeks ago, wide receiver Mike Walker says he's doing just fine after missing his entire rookie season due to being placed on injured reserve because of a knee injury, according to USA Today. "I'm doing great, I'm feeling good," Walker told reporters on the Jaguars' first day of their offseason conditioning program. "I had a little cleanup, a little scope. It was nothing serious. We just wanted to make sure there wasn't anything different than what we thought was in there.” The offseason-conditioning program doesn’t include any on-field work, so we will monitor Walker’s progress as mini-camps approach. |
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| Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre, who announced his retirement last month after 17 seasons, could be weighing a comeback with another team, according to the Los Angeles Times. Favre, 38, has yet to give written notice of his retirement to the league or the players' union, although that's neither required nor irrevocable. It's also not uncommon for players to delay in doing so, particularly if they are not in immediate need of their pension money. Reached today, agent James "Bus" Cook said he was not aware of Favre's interest in resuming his career.
"That's news to me," Cook said. "I don't think that has anything to do with anything. He's retired, period, point blank." In other news, we saw Elvis at the neighborhood convenience store.
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| The Arizona Cardinals announced defensive end Antonio Smith has signed his one-year tender offer, worth $2.017 million, according to ESPN. Smith started 13 games at defensive end last season and played on 83 percent of the downs. |
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| Eric Green, CB, Arizona Cardinals | Thursday 4/3, 2:59 PM CT |
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| The Arizona Cardinals announced cornerback Eric Green has signed his one-year tender offer, worth $2.017 million, according to ESPN. Green, 25, has started 19 games at cornerback over the past two years, and is considered more valuable this season with Antrel Rolle moving to safety. |
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| Chris Henry, WR, Cincinnati Bengals | Thursday 4/3, 2:51 PM CT |
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| Cincinnati WLWT.com has released a report regarding an incident last week at BANG nightclub, involving three Cincinnati players, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. During closing time police escorted Chris Henry, Chris Perry and Domata Peko, out of the club. Charges have not been filed pending the settlement of punitive damages. No other information about the incident has been released, though we reported earlier that Henry had been released by the Bengals after being charged with misdemeanor assault and criminal damaging in an incident alleged to have happened earlier in the week. |
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| The Cincinnati Bengals today waived punter Danny Baugher, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Baugher was on the New England Patriots roster in 2006 and out of the league last year. |
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| Joseph Addai, RB, Indianapolis Colts | Thursday 4/3, 2:33 PM CT |
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| Joseph Addai has reportedly parted ways with agent Ian Greengross, according to USA Today. Often when a player dumps his agent he is looking for a new contract. In this case, it doesn’t make any sense, because the Indianapolis Colts only have enough money in the kitty to pay their draft picks. Addai, who has yet to sign with a new agent, is scheduled to make $1.475 million in 2008. |
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| Frank Walker has been penciled in as the Baltimore Ravens’ nickel cornerback, according to USA Today. This knocks Corey Ivy down one notch on the depth chart. |
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| Jason Taylor, DE, Washington Redskins | Thursday 4/3, 1:57 PM CT |
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| The Miami Dolphins made it clear to several rookies interviewed at the NFL Scouting Combine that they will be predominately a 3-4 defense, so expect any draft picks to have plenty of experience in that scheme, according to USA Today. That seems to rule out defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, who isn't considered to be strong enough to occupy two bodies at the nose spot and not quite fast enough to come off the edge. Virginia's defensive end Chris Long is believed to be the frontrunner for Miami's top choice, not only because he's used to Bill Parcells' methods via Cavaliers' coach Al Groh - a Parcells' disciple - but he also has the smarts and measurables to play in any system. The Miami coaching staff hasn’t tipped their hand yet, but this report and one we posted yesterday makes it sound like they will implement the 3-4 as their base scheme. Stay tuned. |
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| Based on conversations with two decision makers in the top 15 of the 2008 NFL Draft, concerns are mounting over cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie’s missing kidney, according to Pro Football Weekly. “You have to trust your doctors. It’s not a good feeling,” said one executive. “You can say anyone is only one hit away and you don’t want to think that way, but the reality is, it creates reservation.” Rodgers-Cromartie was born with two kidneys but had one removed when he was eight years old because it was not functioning. As a result, team doctors are trying to figure out how much of a risk it will pose to a club that invests a high first-round pick on him. Based on game tape, Cromartie graded out like an early second-round talent. However, his stock has climbed in the postseason after stepping up vs. better competition at the Senior Bowl and lighting up the Combine. He stands a chance to be drafted very early, with New England, Baltimore, New Orleans and Buffalo all in need of an elite cornerback. |
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| Fred Davis, TE, Washington Redskins | Thursday 4/3, 1:06 PM CT |
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| Mackey Award winner Fred Davis, who elected to only compete in the positional drills and bench press at the combine, secured his position among this year's top tight ends with a solid showing at USC’s Pro Day, according to FOX Sports. Davis recorded a 33-inch vertical jump and was twice timed in the high 4.6s in the 40-yard dash. Most importantly, Davis caught the ball very well during position drills, after uncharacteristically dropping several passes during drills at the combine. To show his versatility, Davis was lined up outside as a receiver, inside as the slot, in motion, and in the three-point stance as a typical tight end. In all cases, he caught the ball cleanly, suffering only one drop — and that was a poorly thrown pass. |
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| Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said the way things stand now the organization will keep the No. 3 overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "I have not been contacted about a trade," Dimitroff said at the NFL annual meetings. "I would be open to [a trade] but if we see the right player at No. 3, we'll take him and not look back." Dimitroff gave no indication on which player Atlanta would select with the third pick, but Michigan offensive tackle, LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey and Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan are candidates. The Falcons have 11 draft picks - seven in the first 103 selections, four in the top 48. |
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| Lovie Smith could move defensive end Israel Idonije inside to play more defensive tackle in 2008, according to the Chicago Tribune. "There are a few players on our roster who I feel haven't gotten a great opportunity to play," Smith said. "One of them is Israel Idonije. … We're thinking about letting him play more tackle. He can be a 275-pound guy or a 300-pound player with [low] body fat. So we need to get him involved a little bit more." Idonije is currently buried on the defensive end depth chart behind Adewale Ogunleye, Alex Brown and Mark Anderson. |
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| Lovie Smith called running back Cedric Benson a hard worker, but indicated he would like to see him lose weight in an effort to gain quickness, according to the Chicago Tribune. While being clear he was not laying all the blame on Benson, Smith said he does not want to see the same player he saw in 2007. "You look at some of those things and change your body up," Smith said. "You maybe play at a lighter weight. You do some things differently." Smith said he believes Benson is very motivated in part because of the way last season went for him, and that it's time for him to live up to expectations. "There comes a time when you need to produce," Smith said. "That's where he is. It's as simple as that." Benson continues to rehab from a broken leg and should be ready to participate in the off-season program at some point. Smith also made mention that there are a lot of good running backs coming out in this class, and the Bears have been rumored to be selecting one of them in the 2008 NFL Draft. |
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| Lovie Smith said the plan is to have receiver Devin Hester return fewer kicks; using him on special teams on a limited basis, according to the Chicago Tribune. "I think Devin Hester can pretty much be what he wants to be," Smith said. "Can he be a three-down receiver? Definitely." Smith indicated Danieal Manning could help the Bears on kick returns, and mentioned restricted free-agent receiver Rashied Davis as another possible return man. "We're in a game and we need a play and they're kicking the ball off to us, there is a good chance you are going to see him [Hester] back there," Smith said. "They're punting the ball to us and we need a big play, no matter what part of the game, there is a good chance you are going to see him back there." Utilizing Hester less on special teams would negatively impact the value of the Bears’ defense in fantasy leagues that start team defenses. |
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| An impassioned speech by Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson helped influence fellow owners and league officials to table a proposal to change the NFL's playoff seeding process, according to FanNation.com. The league competition committee had recommended, that wild-card teams with better records than division winners be awarded a home game. The measure was intended to make more late-season games meaningful, thus lessening the chance of teams resting starters in games that don't affect playoff seeding. Sources said Richardson emphasized how important it is for fans to know that a division title will result in at least one home playoff game. Based on interviews, that position was overwhelmingly supported by league coaches, including Carolina's John Fox. |
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| Ken Hamlin, S, Dallas Cowboys | Thursday 4/3, 12:05 PM CT |
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| Ken Hamlin will not take part in the Dallas Cowboys off-season conditioning program, which started earlier this week, according to the Dallas Morning News. Hamlin's agent, Kennard McGuire, spoke with the Dallas front office on Tuesday, but the sides are not close to an agreement on a long-term deal. By league rule, the Cowboys have until July 15 to reach a multiyear agreement with Hamlin, or he has to play for the one-year franchise tag offer of $4.396 million. And he would not be eligible to sign an extension until after the 2008 season. |
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| Donovan McNabb has spoken with Andy Reid about the rumors the team will trade him before this month's draft and the head coach assured him that wasn't the case, according to FanNation.com. McNabb is back in Philadelphia after spending much of the off-season at his home in Arizona. He said that he's been working on his conditioning and that his surgically reconstructed knee is feeling much better than it did during last season. McNabb remains a high risk, high reward type, who has missed 16 starts during the past four seasons due to various injuries. |
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| Antonio Smith is disputing a report that he wants to be traded, according to the Arizona Republic. Smith will reportedly sign his one-year tender offer of $2.017 million later today. "I'm not really disappointed," Smith said. "I understand what's going on in free agency, with Fitz's deal (Larry Fitzgerald) and all. I'm optimistic that this is probably going to be the best option for me anyway." Unless there is a new contract agreement during season, which remains a possibility, Smith will become an unrestricted free agent in 2009. |
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| The San Diego Chargers have re-signed cornerback Cletis Gordon to an undisclosed one-year contract, according to NFL.com. Gordon is expected to battle Paul Oliver for the Bolts’ nickel corner role in 2008. |
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| The San Diego Chargers have re-signed linebacker Marques Harris to a one-year contract, worth $1.417 million, according to NFL.com. Harris, who is a backup outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, has very little value in the IDP world. |
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| The Jacksonville Jaguars and head coach Jack Del Rio have agreed to an undisclosed contract extension, according to Scout.com. A press conference will be held at one o'clock this afternoon to discuss the contract. |
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| Chris Henry, WR, Cincinnati Bengals | Thursday 4/3, 10:55 AM CT |
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| The Cincinnati Bengals have released receiver Chris Henry, according to a report on ESPN. The Bengals released a statement that his off-the-field conduct can no longer be tolerated. This move leaves a gaping hole on the wide receiver depth chart in Cincinnati. Antonio Chatman, Glenn Holt and Marcus Maxwell are bumped up a spot and will compete for the No. 3 role. This deletion also makes it more likely that Cincinnati might select a wide receiver in the 2008 NFL Draft. |
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| Sedrick Ellis recorded times of 5.01 and 5.05 seconds in the 40-yard dash during USC’s Pro Day, according to FOX Sports. Ellis, who was quite proud of his performance, shaved nearly three-tenths of a second off of his combine times. "I think it has to mean something," Ellis said. "If the people ranked ahead of me put up one number and I put up a better or faster number, that has to mean something. I'm a competitor. For the coaches and scouts that came today, I think they saw that." After a senior campaign in which he was voted a unanimous All-American selection and the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year, Ellis' stock was never higher following a dominant showing at the Senior Bowl; however, poor times at the combine had his stock slipping. |
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| Keith Rivers, LB, Cincinnati Bengals | Thursday 4/3, 10:45 AM CT |
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| Keith Rivers quickly made sure the USC Pro Day was every bit the athletic spectacle scouts expected, according to FOX Sports. Rivers kicked off the morning wowing scouts with a 42-inch vertical jump — a full 8 inches better than any outside linebacker recorded at the combine in February — and a 10' 7" broad jump that also topped any other linebacker tested in Indianapolis. Rivers' efforts weren't limited to leaping, as he also impressed scouts with a 4.51 in the 40-yard dash. Rivers, who didn't work out at the combine due to an ankle injury, is viewed by many as the top linebacker of the 2008 class, and could make an impact in his rookie season, if he is drafted into the right situation. |
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| A league source has advised Pro Football Talk that defensive end Antonio Smith will be boycotting the Arizona Cardinals’ offseason workouts. Smith, who has started 29 games over the past three seasons, wants to be traded. Last season, Smith had the best season of his career with 43 tackles and 5.5 sacks. |
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| A league source has advised Pro Football Talk that defensive tackle Darnell Dockett will be boycotting the Arizona Cardinals’ offseason workouts. Dockett, who has started every game of his four-year career, desires a new contract. |
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| Bo Scaife, TE, Tennessee Titans | Thursday 4/3, 10:15 AM CT |
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| Bo Scaife will sign his one-year tender offer of $1.47 million today, according to the Tennessean. Scaife, a sixth-round pick by the Titans in 2005, had 46 receptions for 421 yards and one touchdown last season. This season he'll play behind veteran tight end Alge Crumpler, a free agent acquired last month. |
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| Marc Bulger, QB, St. Louis Rams | Thursday 4/3, 10:04 AM CT |
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| Marc Bulger gave himself a clean bill of health this week, according to the Belleville News-Democrat. "Nothing from the concussion, my ribs feel great," Bulger said. "Those are the only two issues I had." Bulger, who missed four starts last season because of broken ribs and a concussion, said that right now his body feels better than it did at the same time the previous two years. No debating the fact that Bulger is talented; however, from 2005-07 he has missed 12 starts due to various injuries. Coming off an injury-riddled campaign, Bulger should be a value pick in 2008, but make sure you draft a solid backup. |
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| The Washington Redskins might begin next season as a run-first team, but head coach Jim Zorn wants to make the offense balanced between running and passing as soon as he can, according to the Washington Post. Zorn has blended in his West Coast passing offense with the running offense of the previous regime. Zorn’s offense emphasizes the passing game, but with quarterback Jason Campbell learning a new scheme, the Redskins will likely feature running back Clinton Portis next season. Portis was a top-5 back in most scoring formats last year, and it appears his star is shining brightly for another solid campaign in 2008. |
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| B.J. Sams, RB, Kansas City Chiefs | Thursday 4/3, 9:45 AM CT |
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| B.J. Sams visited with the Kansas City Chiefs this week, according to the Carroll County Times. Sams, a kick return specialist, spent much of last season on injured reserve due to a knee injury. |
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| An assault charge was withdrawn today against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Harrison, 29, was charged March 8 with assaulting his girlfriend, Beth Tibbott, 30, during a domestic dispute. At a hearing today before District Judge Tara Smith of Bellevue, Mr. Harrison's attorney, Robert Del Greco said his client had completed anger management counseling and that Ms. Tibbott did not want to prosecute. |
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| Alex Brown, DE, Chicago Bears | Thursday 4/3, 9:30 AM CT |
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| There will be stiff competition between defensive ends Alex Brown and Mark Anderson at right defensive end, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Both players are expected to play a lot, which negatively impacts their value in IDP formats. Anderson has more upside potential, but Brown has proven to be a steady veteran during his career. |
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| Greg Olsen, TE, Chicago Bears | Thursday 4/3, 9:27 AM CT |
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| Tight ends Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen will have expanded roles in the Chicago Bears’ offense, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The Bears’ wide receiver corps includes Mark Bradley, Marty Booker and Brandon Lloyd, so featuring the tight position makes a lot of sense. Last year, Clark and Olsen combined for 83 receptions, 936 yards and six scores. |
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| Mike Brown, S, Chicago Bears | Thursday 4/3, 9:19 AM CT |
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| Mike Brown is penciled in as the starting free safety, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The competition at strong safety is expected to be fierce between Brandon McGowan, Kevin Payne, Danieal Manning and Adam Archuleta. As for Brown, from 2004-2007, he has missed 43 starts due to various injuries, so it’s probably a good thing that the organization is only “penciling” him in as a starter. |
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| Cedric Benson should return before training camp, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The organization didn't consider cutting Benson in the offseason, but head coach Lovie Smith admitted this is an important year for the former No. 4 pick. Benson is rehabbing from a broken left leg just above the ankle that required a metal plate and screws. |
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| Chris Henry, WR, Cincinnati Bengals | Thursday 4/3, 9:06 AM CT |
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| Per the web site of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry was taken into custody early Thursday morning on charges of assault and criminal damaging, according to Pro Football Talk. Gregory Meyer, 18, claims Henry threw a bottle, shattering his car window and punched him in the face outside his apartment complex. Chris Henry has reportedly told police this is a case of mistaken identity. Henry is currently on probation from his other off-the-field escapades. If he is convicted of these charges, then his NFL career is in serious jeopardy. |
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| Chad Johnson, WR, Cincinnati Bengals | Thursday 4/3, 8:34 AM CT |
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| Chad Johnson will attend the Cincinnati Bengals’ training camp, according to ESPN. Johnson was recently interviewed by ESPN, and when asked what his plans were going forward, Johnson stated he was training hard, and would show up for training camp and embarrass anyone who tries to cover him. Sounds like Johnson has received some sound advice from his agent, as getting back on the playing field is the best way to change his situation in the future. For now it appears as if Ocho Cinco will report to training camp. Stay tuned. |
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| With Joey Galloway turning 37 this fall, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear to have a pressing need for another big-play receiver, but head coach Jon Gruden believes the solution may come from within, according to the Tampa Tribune. "Michael Clayton has had four different injuries four years in a row," Gruden said. "I tell you this - he looks good right now. He's going to have one heck of an offseason. Maurice Stovall's coming back off a big elbow surgery, but when you see those two guys walking around, you feel good about your receivers. You see Bryant walking around the locker room, you feel a little better.” We heard these same things about Clayton and Stovall last offseason, and both of them turned out to be major busts. Bryant was out of the league in 2007, and has had off-the-field issues. This sounds like offseason “coach speak” to us. |
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| The Washington Redskins have re-signed fullback Nehemiah Broughton to an undisclosed contract, according to the Washington Post. Broughton was on injured reserve all last season due to a knee injury and spent all but the last two games of the 2006 season on the practice squad. |
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| Marc Bulger, QB, St. Louis Rams | Thursday 4/3, 7:59 AM CT |
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| Scott Linehan plans to run a tougher training camp this summer, and will play his regulars more during the exhibition season, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "I think camp is (always) tough," Linehan said. "But yeah, I want it to be challenging. I want it to test our limits, and I want it to be competitive. In my personal history, I've felt the tougher the camp … the better the team played early." With his job on the line this year, Linehan has made several offseason changes, from his coaching staff to his roster — and now to the way he'll prepare his team for the regular season. |
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