Post by Boyd on Apr 21, 2006 12:34:27 GMT -4
4/24 Updates
Panthers Opt To Not Match Offer Sheet On CB Manning Jr.
Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com
The Carolina Panthers wasted no time in deciding that they would not match the offer sheet that cornerback Ricky Manning Jr. signed with the Chicago Bears, one day after Manning was arrested in Los Angeles and charged with suspicion of assault. Manning joins the Chicago Bears with a five-year contract that could be worth up to $21 million.
Rookie RB Bush Believes He's Every-Down Back
Stan Olson, Charlotte Observer
RB Reggie Bush is proclaimed by many scouts to be the best talent available at the position in many years. However, Bush's size (he's 5-foot-11 and 201 pounds) prompts many NFL observers to believe that he is better served touching the ball less than 20 times per game to avoid the pounding of the NFL 16-game season. Bush begs to differ. "I like to think of myself as an every-down back," he said. "That's something that I feel like I want to, I guess, emphasize to whatever team that takes me, that I can be an every-down back, even though I'm not the biggest guy."
QB Frerotte Is Both Quarterback And Coach
Steve Korte, Belleville News-Democrat
New Rams quarterback Gus Frerotte knows the system of new head coach Scott Linehan quite well and has been like a coach to the other signal-callers. In his unofficial role as player-coach, the 34-year-old Frerotte has been helping the team's three other quarterbacks understand the offensive system being installed under Linehan. "I'm sure he feel like he is one of the assistant coaches out there," Rams coach Scott Linehan said. "He knows what I am going to want. He knows what I am going to watch, he knows what I am going to say about something."
New Coach Linehan Pleased With His Quarterbacks
Steve Korte, Belleville News-Democrat
Scott Linehan came away from his first minicamp as coach of the St. Louis Rams with a favorable first impression of his squad and is pleased with his foursome at quarterback. "I was very happy with all four of them," Linehan said. "I am real pleased and real excited about QB Marc Bulger. The thing you don't notice on film is how cool the guy is. I'm not talking about acting cool. He is just a cool customer. He really has a calm personality, and that is one of the best, if not the best, traits you can have in a quarterback. There is no anxiety out there when Marc is the huddle, and that's a big thing. He is everything we thought he was, and quite a bit more when it comes to the intangible things."
49ers Looking To Draft Playmakers
Dennis Georgatos, Contra Costa Times
Last year, the 49ers took Alex Smith with the first overall pick. They will go into this weekend's NFL draft looking to build around him on both sides of the ball. "I don't know if you can really name a position, outside of quarterback -- where we've really established ourselves -- that that's going to be the guy," coach Mike Nolan said. "We have needs at just about every spot (but) we're a football team that needs to add starters before we really concentrate on depth," Nolan said."
TE E.Johnson Healthy, Poised To Contribute
Dennis Georgatos, San Jose Mercury News, Sporting News
TE Eric Johnson, who has missed two of the past three seasons with injuries, is an active participant in the 49ers' offseason workout program for the first time in his career. Johnson had a team-record 82 catches in 2004 but missed last season with a foot injury. Johnson is healthy and seems poised to re-establish himself as a credible offensive threat once again. Because of his injury history however, the 49ers are looking seriously at drafting a tight end.
WR N.Washington Has Shot As No.3 Receiver
Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Sporting News
WR Nate Washington, an undrafted free agent last season, has impressed the coaches with his route running and athletic ability and has a good chance to be the team's No. 3 receiver this year. He has shown good hands and an ability to gain separation coming out of his breaks.
TE Ra.Williams Could Play Larger Role?
Steve Corkran, Contra Costa Times, Sporting News
TE Randal Williams joined the Raiders last year as a receiver. A logjam at that position prompted a switch to tight end. He played well enough to help make TE Teyo Johnson expendable and for the Raiders to not re-sign TE Zeron Flemister. Now, Williams finds himself in a position to challenge incumbent starter TE Courtney Anderson for the starting spot. Williams is faster than most tight ends, has above-average hands and can take a hit over the middle. He's a player who can draw coverage away from the receivers. Look for him to play a much larger role in the offense this season.
Texans Impressed With TE Joppru
Megan Manfull, Houston Chronicle, Sporting News
TE Bennie Joppru is arguably the most motivated of those in the Texans offseason program. The fourth-year tight end has impressed the organization with his determination and work ethic as he tries to recover from three season ending surgeries to make his NFL debut this season. Joppru was a second-round selection in the 2002 draft and was expected to be the receiving/blocking tight end the Texans have been missing since their inaugural season. He has great hands and a great attitude.
Role Increase For TE Pollard?
Tom Kowalski, MLive, Sporting News
TE Marcus Pollard will have an increased role in the OC Mike Martz-led offense and will be asked to learn a lot of different positions in terms of playing off the line. Pollard said he's going to be running so many routes that, despite the fact he's in good shape, he'll have to get in even better condition if he hopes to remain a target for the entire game.
49ers Sign Three Players
NFL.com
The San Francisco 49ers announced on Monday that they have re-signed QB Ken Dorsey and S Mike Adams to one-year contracts. Terms of the agreements were not disclosed. The team also signed free agent K Andrew Jacas to a contract. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
CB R.Manning Arrested For Assault
Associated Press, ESPN
CB Ricky Manning Jr. was arrested on suspicion of assault Sunday after a fight at a restaurant near the UCLA campus. Manning, who signed an offer sheet with the Bears on Friday after three seasons with Carolina, was arrested at about 3 a.m. after he allegedly hit a man in the face along with four or five companions at a Denny's restaurant. Police said Manning was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon despite not being armed because he was aided by companions, and because great bodily force was used.
WR T.Perry May See Expanded Role?
Chick Ludwig, Dayton Daily News, Sporting News
WR/KR Tab Perry is a big, fast, physical receiver whose role will expand because he's improved his speed, route-running and overall knowledge of the offense. UCLA's June graduation accounted for his late arrival to the offseason as a 2005 rookie. Expectations are higher this season for Perry, whose goal is to become the third or fourth wideout in the spread offense. A staple in the offseason program, Perry is developing a reputation for being one of the hardest-working players on the team. His future looks bright.
High Expectations For Bills' TE Everett
Allen Wilson, Buffalo News, Sporting News
Second-year TE Kevin Everett's career has gotten off to a frustrating start. The former third-round pick, who tore his ACL in his first mini-camp last spring, missed the team's first 2006 voluntary camp with a pulled groin. The team has high expectations for the athletic Everett, who has exceptional receiving skills. He has bulked up to 260 pounds to help him improve as a blocker. Everett could be a key contributor in the passing game, if he can stay healthy.
WR R.White Bulked Up, Working Hard
George Henry, SportingNews
WR Roddy White has noticeably added muscle and bulk to his upper body. A first-round draft pick last year, White never had a chance to work exclusively with the quarterbacks because he missed the start of camp in a contract holdout and then suffered a high ankle sprain that sidelined him during the preseason. Now that White is running routes every week with QB Michael Vick and QB Matt Schaub, he believes the team underestimated his speed and sometimes missed chances to send him deep as a first or second option.
Former Rams OT Turley Working On Comeback
Dan Pompei, SportingNews.com
Former Rams OT Kyle Turley is on the comeback trail. He hasn't played since the 2003 season. Back problems and a falling-out with former Rams HC Mike Martz led to his release. Doctors recently cleared Turley, 30, to play again. He considered coming back as a defensive end, in part because he had lost a significant amount of weight during the time off. But now the Saints first-round pick in 1998 is bulking up and intends to come back as an offensive tackle.
TE Winslow Running Routes, Working With QB Frye
Dan Pompei, SportingNews.com
There is a feel-good mood in the Browns building about TE Kellen Winslow's comeback. Winslow has played only two games because of injuries, but he has been running routes in the privacy of the team practice facility and looking good doing it. He has been spending a lot of time working with QB Charlie Frye as they familiarize themselves with the offense. Winslow is about 85 percent recovered from his knee injury, and the Browns hope he will be 100 percent by May or June.
No Urgency To Extend LB Briggs?
K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune
Neither the Bears nor agent Drew Rosenhaus claim there is urgency to extend LB Lance Briggs' contract before the draft. If no agreement is reached, though, linebacker becomes a very real possibility for the first-round pick. "Nothing unusual has happened," Rosenhaus said. "I'll continue to work with them on this. It's important to Lance. He'd like to sign before July training camp. I'm cautiously optimistic."
All Bears' Starters Returning?
K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune
Outside LB Hunter Hillenmeyer will sign his one-year tender offer of $712,000 sometime this week, meaning, unless RB Thomas Jones gets traded, all 22 starters will return from a playoff team. "I don't know if I've ever been in that situation before," a smiling HC Lovie Smith said. "The coaching staff is intact too." If Jones gets dealt, second-year RB Cedric Benson would step into a starting role. With RB Adrian Peterson also on the depth chart, the Bears don't consider running back a priority at this weekend's draft no matter what happens with Jones.
Jets' RB Houston Has Broken Wrist
Dave Hutchinson, Newark Star-Ledger
Jets RB Cedric Houston suffered a broken wrist and several cuts and bruises on his face and hands in a one-car accident late Friday night in Tennessee, one of his agents said yesterday. Houston, a second-year pro, is expected to be sidelined two to four weeks and will miss a minicamp for rookies and first-year players which begins May 12. He should be fine for the veterans' minicamp in (mid)-June. Last season, the 6-foot, 220-pounder started four games for an injured RB Curtis Martin and finished with 302 yards and two touchdowns on 81 carries.
4/23 Updates
Bucs QB L. McCown Secures #2 Role?
Rick Stroud, St. Petersburg Times
According to reports, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are apparently satisfied with quarterback Luke McCown in their #2 quarterback role, which is fueling speculation that quarterback Tim Rattay will either be traded or released in the coming weeks.
Browns Considering Trading Three Veterans?
Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com
According to reports, the Cleveland Browns would consider offers from other teams for veterans RB Lee Suggs, C Jeff Faine and CB Daylon McCutcheon.
Saints Looking To Trade Several Veteran Players?
Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com
According to reports, the New Orleans Saints have made it known that they are willing to trade several veteran players this off-season, including WR Donte Stallworth, S Dwight Smith and LB Courtney Watson.
- Draft Week Deals Still Possibility
Bill Williamson, Denver Post
Denver has become one of the most trade-happy teams the past two years. With the draft six days away, the Broncos might not be done trading. Expect more deals. GM Ted Sundquist said the Broncos could go in any direction. The team has been in preliminary trade talks with several teams t he past couple of weeks. The Broncos have been in talks with Green Bay about WR Javon Walker and with Detroit about QB Joey Harrington. If either player is traded, it likely will happen this week. To get Walker, Denver likely would have to offer a second-round pick or perhaps package WR Ashley Lelie and a midround pick.
- WR Hakim Interested In Playing For Miami
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald
The Dolphins inquired about speedy free agent WR Az-Zahir Hakim, but will reassess after the draft. "Az would love to be in Miami," his agent Chuck Price tells us.
- Packers GM Thompson Ignoring WR J.Walker?
Railbird Central
According to John Clayton on ESPN Radio, Packers GM Ted Thompson has refused to return phone calls to Javon Walker's agent and Walker himself. Clayton also thinks that there will be no trades involving Javon Walker in part due to Thompson's ignoring Walker. Thompson has taken a hard line stance regarding Walker and expects him to honor his contract.
- QB Boller Bulks Up, Ready For Competition
Jamison Hensley, Baltimore Sun
QB Kyle Boller understands that the landscape at quarterback with the Ravens soon could change from an unsettled situation to a heated one. The Ravens might have a chance at signing QB Steve McNair. Or they might get lucky and have a shot at drafting QB Vince Young. Or they might end up doing what many had predicted for months and bring in QB Kerry Collins. The focus of Boller's offseason has been protecting a job that he believes is still his. He has spent hours picking apart video and throwing to WR Derrick Mason and WR Mark Clayton. He has put on 20 pounds as a result of work in the weight room.
- Colts Drop Pursuit Of RB T.Jones
K.C. Johnson, John Mullin, Chicago Tribune
The Indianapolis Colts showed trade interest in Bears' RB Thomas Jones. But when word of Jones skipping the off-season program reached Colts President Bill Polian, the Colts dropped pursuit.
- RB T.Jones Unhappy With RB Benson's Salary
K.C. Johnson, John Mullin, Chicago Tribune
The Bears have received trade proposals for RB Thomas Jones, but GM Jerry Angelo insisted he hasn't initiated them and that he and the coaching staff agree two featured backs are a necessity for the team's run-first philosophy. Ever since the Bears selected RB Cedric Benson with the fourth overall pick in the 2005 draft, Jones has treated his presence as a bother. A source close to Jones said the veteran is tiring of looking over his shoulder at a player making more money than he does. Jones is looking to improve on his $2 million base salary for this season.
- Packers Likely To Trade Down, Accumulate Picks?
Bob McGinn, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
In five drafts for Seattle and one for the Packers, GM Ted Thompson has traded down eight times and never traded up. He entered the '05 draft with seven picks and finished with 11. Given the laundry list of voids on the roster, look for the Packers to turn their seven picks into a double-digit total once again. "They need a corner, they need a safety, they need two linebackers, they need a defensive end, they need two inside offensive linemen, they need a running back, a No.1 wideout and, the jury's out at quarterback," a personnel director said Friday. Good luck. How many picks do they got?"
- Bills Looking For Big Body In Draft
BillsDaily.com
GM Marv Levy and Asst. GM Tom Modrak held the Bills annual draft luncheon yesterday with the media. Levy said any player they pick will be by consensus. He expects to come out of the draft with at least one big body for the offensive or defensive line. One of the players the Bills may take at number 8 is Brodrick Bunkley. He also said it would be hard to pass up TE Vernon Davis if he's available at that spot. As far as adressing the offensive line in the first round, Modrak says there is a big drop off after OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson comes off the board.
4/22 Updates
-LB Arrington Signs Seven-Year Deal With Giants
AP, SportsIllustrated.com
Linebacker Lavar Arrington has signed a seven-year, $49 million dollar deal to join the New York Giants. "We needed a big, power player to add to our defense and LaVar Arrington is that," general manager Ernie Accorsi said. "He has a presence about him and he makes us a better football team. The agreement is a fair deal for the player and a fair deal for the organization."
- WR Reggie Brown Driven To Be No. 1 WR
Geoff Mosher, The (Wilmington, Del.) News Journal
While many don't believe Reggie Brown is ready to be a number one receiver, he uses that negative energy to fuel him to greatness. "Every time I get criticized," the second-year wideout deadpanned, "it just makes me motivated. I just want to prove everybody wrong." Brown likes to invent unique ways to put his body through the grinder. He has biked more than 50 miles in an afternoon, jump-roped from one neighborhood to another (with ankle weights on), practiced route-running for hours in 100-plus-degree temperatures all to make himself better on the field.
- Vikings Personnel Director Foley Admits Errors In Bio
Kevin Seifert, Star Tribune
Minnesota Vikings personnel director Fran Foley admitted this week that the biography used during his administrative positions with the San Diego Chargers and Vikings contained a handful of errors and/or over-statements regarding his collegiate playing career and early coaching career.
- Pennington To Not Be At Full-Strength Until Mid-June?
Rich Cimini, New York Daily News
New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum was recently asked to comment on the status of quarterback Chad Pennington, and hinted that the team's starting quarterback might not be at full-strength until mid-June. "I'm not sure how much he'll do right now," Tannenbaum said. "Ultimately, that will be something that will have to be worked out between the training staff and Eric (Mangini), with reps and things like that."
- 49ers Say No To Broncos In Proposed Trade For WR Lelie
Matt Maiocco, The Press Democrat
The San Francisco 49ers were reportedly offered wide receiver Ashley Lelie is a trade proposal with the Denver Broncos earlier in the week. However, the 49ers turned the offer down after the Broncos insisted upon receiving a second round draft pick in return.
- Colts Sign LB C.June
Mike Chappell, Indianapolis Star
The Indianapolis Colts came to terms with LB Cato June on a one-year, $1.573 million contract Friday. June earned his first Pro Bowl berth in 2005, just his second season as a starter. He finished with 109 tackles and led the Colts with five interceptions, returning two for touchdowns.
- Jets Entertain Offers For #4 Pick?
Mark Cannizzaro, New York Post
Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum would not reveal the Jets' plans with their No. 4 overall pick in next Saturday's first round, or any other rounds for that matter. He did, however, confirm he has had talks with other teams about trading up or down from No. 4. Should the Jets stay at No. 4 and Virginia OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson is available, the Jets likely will draft him and address the QB position either later in the first round at No. 29 or in the second round at No. 35.
- Bears' RB T.Jones Receptive To Trade?
Brad Biggs, Chicago Sun-Times
HC Lovie Smith reacted adamantly against the idea RB Thomas Jones could be traded, but GM Jerry Angelo did not deny an ESPN Internet report that has linked the veteran running back to the Colts, who are still working to replace RB Edgerrin James. Complicating the matter is that Jones fired agent Tom Condon and signed on with Drew Rosenhaus in the last week, and has stopped reporting for the voluntary offseason program at Halas Hall.
- HC Linehan Expects RB M.Faulk To Play?
Associated Press, ESPN
New HC Scott Linehan expects RB Marshall Faulk to play this season. Faulk is missing the Rams' minicamp this weekend while recovering from offseason surgery on both knees. Linehan said yesterday that Faulk probably won't be ready until June. He said Faulk told him he'd definitely return as the backup RB behind Steven Jackson. "He said he was more hungry now than he has been in a couple of years," Linehan said. "He was adamant about his commitment to next year."
4/21 Updates
- Texans Offer Contracts To RB R. Bush, DE M. Williams
Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com
The Houston Texans exchanged contract proposals on Friday with the agents for former University of Southern California running back Reggie Bush and former North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams. The team is apparently trying to hoping to have a contractual agreement in place prior to announcing their #1 overall selection at the 2006 NFL Draft on April 29.
- Redskins Sign WR Lloyd To Multi-Year Extension
Gary Fitzgerald, Redskins.com
The Washington Redskins announced on Friday that they have signed wide receiver Brandon Lloyd to a long-term contract extension. The specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Lloyd had been acquired by the Redskins from the San Francisco 49ers in a March 12 trade. Lloyd then signed his restricted free agent tender, then began negotiations with the team on a long-term contract extension.
- OL Justice Believes He's A Top-Ten Pick
Michael Smith, ESPN.com
Offensive tackle Winston Justice believes he is the top lineman available in this year's NFL Draft. After his sizzling Pro Day performance, his confidence is sky-high. "I think I'm the best tackle in the nation," Justice said matter-of-factly during a phone interview over the weekend. "If I don't prove it in the draft, I'll prove it in the NFL. I'm bigger, stronger, and faster than [D'Brickashaw Ferguson] is. I believe I'm a better prospect because I have more upside."
- QB McNair's Training Plans Not Set
Jim Wyatt, Nashville Tennessean
Instead of taking the team's advice on where to train, Titans QB Steve McNair is considering going back to his roots in Mississippi. McNair recently contacted the personal trainer he worked with last year in Hattiesburg, Miss., about the possibility of training with him again this offseason. Last week, the Titans pointed McNair in the direction of a local training facility. If the Titans and McNair are unable to agree on a restructured deal to lower his cap number this offseason, the veteran will be released.
Panthers Opt To Not Match Offer Sheet On CB Manning Jr.
Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com
The Carolina Panthers wasted no time in deciding that they would not match the offer sheet that cornerback Ricky Manning Jr. signed with the Chicago Bears, one day after Manning was arrested in Los Angeles and charged with suspicion of assault. Manning joins the Chicago Bears with a five-year contract that could be worth up to $21 million.
Rookie RB Bush Believes He's Every-Down Back
Stan Olson, Charlotte Observer
RB Reggie Bush is proclaimed by many scouts to be the best talent available at the position in many years. However, Bush's size (he's 5-foot-11 and 201 pounds) prompts many NFL observers to believe that he is better served touching the ball less than 20 times per game to avoid the pounding of the NFL 16-game season. Bush begs to differ. "I like to think of myself as an every-down back," he said. "That's something that I feel like I want to, I guess, emphasize to whatever team that takes me, that I can be an every-down back, even though I'm not the biggest guy."
QB Frerotte Is Both Quarterback And Coach
Steve Korte, Belleville News-Democrat
New Rams quarterback Gus Frerotte knows the system of new head coach Scott Linehan quite well and has been like a coach to the other signal-callers. In his unofficial role as player-coach, the 34-year-old Frerotte has been helping the team's three other quarterbacks understand the offensive system being installed under Linehan. "I'm sure he feel like he is one of the assistant coaches out there," Rams coach Scott Linehan said. "He knows what I am going to want. He knows what I am going to watch, he knows what I am going to say about something."
New Coach Linehan Pleased With His Quarterbacks
Steve Korte, Belleville News-Democrat
Scott Linehan came away from his first minicamp as coach of the St. Louis Rams with a favorable first impression of his squad and is pleased with his foursome at quarterback. "I was very happy with all four of them," Linehan said. "I am real pleased and real excited about QB Marc Bulger. The thing you don't notice on film is how cool the guy is. I'm not talking about acting cool. He is just a cool customer. He really has a calm personality, and that is one of the best, if not the best, traits you can have in a quarterback. There is no anxiety out there when Marc is the huddle, and that's a big thing. He is everything we thought he was, and quite a bit more when it comes to the intangible things."
49ers Looking To Draft Playmakers
Dennis Georgatos, Contra Costa Times
Last year, the 49ers took Alex Smith with the first overall pick. They will go into this weekend's NFL draft looking to build around him on both sides of the ball. "I don't know if you can really name a position, outside of quarterback -- where we've really established ourselves -- that that's going to be the guy," coach Mike Nolan said. "We have needs at just about every spot (but) we're a football team that needs to add starters before we really concentrate on depth," Nolan said."
TE E.Johnson Healthy, Poised To Contribute
Dennis Georgatos, San Jose Mercury News, Sporting News
TE Eric Johnson, who has missed two of the past three seasons with injuries, is an active participant in the 49ers' offseason workout program for the first time in his career. Johnson had a team-record 82 catches in 2004 but missed last season with a foot injury. Johnson is healthy and seems poised to re-establish himself as a credible offensive threat once again. Because of his injury history however, the 49ers are looking seriously at drafting a tight end.
WR N.Washington Has Shot As No.3 Receiver
Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Sporting News
WR Nate Washington, an undrafted free agent last season, has impressed the coaches with his route running and athletic ability and has a good chance to be the team's No. 3 receiver this year. He has shown good hands and an ability to gain separation coming out of his breaks.
TE Ra.Williams Could Play Larger Role?
Steve Corkran, Contra Costa Times, Sporting News
TE Randal Williams joined the Raiders last year as a receiver. A logjam at that position prompted a switch to tight end. He played well enough to help make TE Teyo Johnson expendable and for the Raiders to not re-sign TE Zeron Flemister. Now, Williams finds himself in a position to challenge incumbent starter TE Courtney Anderson for the starting spot. Williams is faster than most tight ends, has above-average hands and can take a hit over the middle. He's a player who can draw coverage away from the receivers. Look for him to play a much larger role in the offense this season.
Texans Impressed With TE Joppru
Megan Manfull, Houston Chronicle, Sporting News
TE Bennie Joppru is arguably the most motivated of those in the Texans offseason program. The fourth-year tight end has impressed the organization with his determination and work ethic as he tries to recover from three season ending surgeries to make his NFL debut this season. Joppru was a second-round selection in the 2002 draft and was expected to be the receiving/blocking tight end the Texans have been missing since their inaugural season. He has great hands and a great attitude.
Role Increase For TE Pollard?
Tom Kowalski, MLive, Sporting News
TE Marcus Pollard will have an increased role in the OC Mike Martz-led offense and will be asked to learn a lot of different positions in terms of playing off the line. Pollard said he's going to be running so many routes that, despite the fact he's in good shape, he'll have to get in even better condition if he hopes to remain a target for the entire game.
49ers Sign Three Players
NFL.com
The San Francisco 49ers announced on Monday that they have re-signed QB Ken Dorsey and S Mike Adams to one-year contracts. Terms of the agreements were not disclosed. The team also signed free agent K Andrew Jacas to a contract. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
CB R.Manning Arrested For Assault
Associated Press, ESPN
CB Ricky Manning Jr. was arrested on suspicion of assault Sunday after a fight at a restaurant near the UCLA campus. Manning, who signed an offer sheet with the Bears on Friday after three seasons with Carolina, was arrested at about 3 a.m. after he allegedly hit a man in the face along with four or five companions at a Denny's restaurant. Police said Manning was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon despite not being armed because he was aided by companions, and because great bodily force was used.
WR T.Perry May See Expanded Role?
Chick Ludwig, Dayton Daily News, Sporting News
WR/KR Tab Perry is a big, fast, physical receiver whose role will expand because he's improved his speed, route-running and overall knowledge of the offense. UCLA's June graduation accounted for his late arrival to the offseason as a 2005 rookie. Expectations are higher this season for Perry, whose goal is to become the third or fourth wideout in the spread offense. A staple in the offseason program, Perry is developing a reputation for being one of the hardest-working players on the team. His future looks bright.
High Expectations For Bills' TE Everett
Allen Wilson, Buffalo News, Sporting News
Second-year TE Kevin Everett's career has gotten off to a frustrating start. The former third-round pick, who tore his ACL in his first mini-camp last spring, missed the team's first 2006 voluntary camp with a pulled groin. The team has high expectations for the athletic Everett, who has exceptional receiving skills. He has bulked up to 260 pounds to help him improve as a blocker. Everett could be a key contributor in the passing game, if he can stay healthy.
WR R.White Bulked Up, Working Hard
George Henry, SportingNews
WR Roddy White has noticeably added muscle and bulk to his upper body. A first-round draft pick last year, White never had a chance to work exclusively with the quarterbacks because he missed the start of camp in a contract holdout and then suffered a high ankle sprain that sidelined him during the preseason. Now that White is running routes every week with QB Michael Vick and QB Matt Schaub, he believes the team underestimated his speed and sometimes missed chances to send him deep as a first or second option.
Former Rams OT Turley Working On Comeback
Dan Pompei, SportingNews.com
Former Rams OT Kyle Turley is on the comeback trail. He hasn't played since the 2003 season. Back problems and a falling-out with former Rams HC Mike Martz led to his release. Doctors recently cleared Turley, 30, to play again. He considered coming back as a defensive end, in part because he had lost a significant amount of weight during the time off. But now the Saints first-round pick in 1998 is bulking up and intends to come back as an offensive tackle.
TE Winslow Running Routes, Working With QB Frye
Dan Pompei, SportingNews.com
There is a feel-good mood in the Browns building about TE Kellen Winslow's comeback. Winslow has played only two games because of injuries, but he has been running routes in the privacy of the team practice facility and looking good doing it. He has been spending a lot of time working with QB Charlie Frye as they familiarize themselves with the offense. Winslow is about 85 percent recovered from his knee injury, and the Browns hope he will be 100 percent by May or June.
No Urgency To Extend LB Briggs?
K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune
Neither the Bears nor agent Drew Rosenhaus claim there is urgency to extend LB Lance Briggs' contract before the draft. If no agreement is reached, though, linebacker becomes a very real possibility for the first-round pick. "Nothing unusual has happened," Rosenhaus said. "I'll continue to work with them on this. It's important to Lance. He'd like to sign before July training camp. I'm cautiously optimistic."
All Bears' Starters Returning?
K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune
Outside LB Hunter Hillenmeyer will sign his one-year tender offer of $712,000 sometime this week, meaning, unless RB Thomas Jones gets traded, all 22 starters will return from a playoff team. "I don't know if I've ever been in that situation before," a smiling HC Lovie Smith said. "The coaching staff is intact too." If Jones gets dealt, second-year RB Cedric Benson would step into a starting role. With RB Adrian Peterson also on the depth chart, the Bears don't consider running back a priority at this weekend's draft no matter what happens with Jones.
Jets' RB Houston Has Broken Wrist
Dave Hutchinson, Newark Star-Ledger
Jets RB Cedric Houston suffered a broken wrist and several cuts and bruises on his face and hands in a one-car accident late Friday night in Tennessee, one of his agents said yesterday. Houston, a second-year pro, is expected to be sidelined two to four weeks and will miss a minicamp for rookies and first-year players which begins May 12. He should be fine for the veterans' minicamp in (mid)-June. Last season, the 6-foot, 220-pounder started four games for an injured RB Curtis Martin and finished with 302 yards and two touchdowns on 81 carries.
4/23 Updates
Bucs QB L. McCown Secures #2 Role?
Rick Stroud, St. Petersburg Times
According to reports, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are apparently satisfied with quarterback Luke McCown in their #2 quarterback role, which is fueling speculation that quarterback Tim Rattay will either be traded or released in the coming weeks.
Browns Considering Trading Three Veterans?
Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com
According to reports, the Cleveland Browns would consider offers from other teams for veterans RB Lee Suggs, C Jeff Faine and CB Daylon McCutcheon.
Saints Looking To Trade Several Veteran Players?
Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com
According to reports, the New Orleans Saints have made it known that they are willing to trade several veteran players this off-season, including WR Donte Stallworth, S Dwight Smith and LB Courtney Watson.
- Draft Week Deals Still Possibility
Bill Williamson, Denver Post
Denver has become one of the most trade-happy teams the past two years. With the draft six days away, the Broncos might not be done trading. Expect more deals. GM Ted Sundquist said the Broncos could go in any direction. The team has been in preliminary trade talks with several teams t he past couple of weeks. The Broncos have been in talks with Green Bay about WR Javon Walker and with Detroit about QB Joey Harrington. If either player is traded, it likely will happen this week. To get Walker, Denver likely would have to offer a second-round pick or perhaps package WR Ashley Lelie and a midround pick.
- WR Hakim Interested In Playing For Miami
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald
The Dolphins inquired about speedy free agent WR Az-Zahir Hakim, but will reassess after the draft. "Az would love to be in Miami," his agent Chuck Price tells us.
- Packers GM Thompson Ignoring WR J.Walker?
Railbird Central
According to John Clayton on ESPN Radio, Packers GM Ted Thompson has refused to return phone calls to Javon Walker's agent and Walker himself. Clayton also thinks that there will be no trades involving Javon Walker in part due to Thompson's ignoring Walker. Thompson has taken a hard line stance regarding Walker and expects him to honor his contract.
- QB Boller Bulks Up, Ready For Competition
Jamison Hensley, Baltimore Sun
QB Kyle Boller understands that the landscape at quarterback with the Ravens soon could change from an unsettled situation to a heated one. The Ravens might have a chance at signing QB Steve McNair. Or they might get lucky and have a shot at drafting QB Vince Young. Or they might end up doing what many had predicted for months and bring in QB Kerry Collins. The focus of Boller's offseason has been protecting a job that he believes is still his. He has spent hours picking apart video and throwing to WR Derrick Mason and WR Mark Clayton. He has put on 20 pounds as a result of work in the weight room.
- Colts Drop Pursuit Of RB T.Jones
K.C. Johnson, John Mullin, Chicago Tribune
The Indianapolis Colts showed trade interest in Bears' RB Thomas Jones. But when word of Jones skipping the off-season program reached Colts President Bill Polian, the Colts dropped pursuit.
- RB T.Jones Unhappy With RB Benson's Salary
K.C. Johnson, John Mullin, Chicago Tribune
The Bears have received trade proposals for RB Thomas Jones, but GM Jerry Angelo insisted he hasn't initiated them and that he and the coaching staff agree two featured backs are a necessity for the team's run-first philosophy. Ever since the Bears selected RB Cedric Benson with the fourth overall pick in the 2005 draft, Jones has treated his presence as a bother. A source close to Jones said the veteran is tiring of looking over his shoulder at a player making more money than he does. Jones is looking to improve on his $2 million base salary for this season.
- Packers Likely To Trade Down, Accumulate Picks?
Bob McGinn, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
In five drafts for Seattle and one for the Packers, GM Ted Thompson has traded down eight times and never traded up. He entered the '05 draft with seven picks and finished with 11. Given the laundry list of voids on the roster, look for the Packers to turn their seven picks into a double-digit total once again. "They need a corner, they need a safety, they need two linebackers, they need a defensive end, they need two inside offensive linemen, they need a running back, a No.1 wideout and, the jury's out at quarterback," a personnel director said Friday. Good luck. How many picks do they got?"
- Bills Looking For Big Body In Draft
BillsDaily.com
GM Marv Levy and Asst. GM Tom Modrak held the Bills annual draft luncheon yesterday with the media. Levy said any player they pick will be by consensus. He expects to come out of the draft with at least one big body for the offensive or defensive line. One of the players the Bills may take at number 8 is Brodrick Bunkley. He also said it would be hard to pass up TE Vernon Davis if he's available at that spot. As far as adressing the offensive line in the first round, Modrak says there is a big drop off after OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson comes off the board.
4/22 Updates
-LB Arrington Signs Seven-Year Deal With Giants
AP, SportsIllustrated.com
Linebacker Lavar Arrington has signed a seven-year, $49 million dollar deal to join the New York Giants. "We needed a big, power player to add to our defense and LaVar Arrington is that," general manager Ernie Accorsi said. "He has a presence about him and he makes us a better football team. The agreement is a fair deal for the player and a fair deal for the organization."
- WR Reggie Brown Driven To Be No. 1 WR
Geoff Mosher, The (Wilmington, Del.) News Journal
While many don't believe Reggie Brown is ready to be a number one receiver, he uses that negative energy to fuel him to greatness. "Every time I get criticized," the second-year wideout deadpanned, "it just makes me motivated. I just want to prove everybody wrong." Brown likes to invent unique ways to put his body through the grinder. He has biked more than 50 miles in an afternoon, jump-roped from one neighborhood to another (with ankle weights on), practiced route-running for hours in 100-plus-degree temperatures all to make himself better on the field.
- Vikings Personnel Director Foley Admits Errors In Bio
Kevin Seifert, Star Tribune
Minnesota Vikings personnel director Fran Foley admitted this week that the biography used during his administrative positions with the San Diego Chargers and Vikings contained a handful of errors and/or over-statements regarding his collegiate playing career and early coaching career.
- Pennington To Not Be At Full-Strength Until Mid-June?
Rich Cimini, New York Daily News
New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum was recently asked to comment on the status of quarterback Chad Pennington, and hinted that the team's starting quarterback might not be at full-strength until mid-June. "I'm not sure how much he'll do right now," Tannenbaum said. "Ultimately, that will be something that will have to be worked out between the training staff and Eric (Mangini), with reps and things like that."
- 49ers Say No To Broncos In Proposed Trade For WR Lelie
Matt Maiocco, The Press Democrat
The San Francisco 49ers were reportedly offered wide receiver Ashley Lelie is a trade proposal with the Denver Broncos earlier in the week. However, the 49ers turned the offer down after the Broncos insisted upon receiving a second round draft pick in return.
- Colts Sign LB C.June
Mike Chappell, Indianapolis Star
The Indianapolis Colts came to terms with LB Cato June on a one-year, $1.573 million contract Friday. June earned his first Pro Bowl berth in 2005, just his second season as a starter. He finished with 109 tackles and led the Colts with five interceptions, returning two for touchdowns.
- Jets Entertain Offers For #4 Pick?
Mark Cannizzaro, New York Post
Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum would not reveal the Jets' plans with their No. 4 overall pick in next Saturday's first round, or any other rounds for that matter. He did, however, confirm he has had talks with other teams about trading up or down from No. 4. Should the Jets stay at No. 4 and Virginia OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson is available, the Jets likely will draft him and address the QB position either later in the first round at No. 29 or in the second round at No. 35.
- Bears' RB T.Jones Receptive To Trade?
Brad Biggs, Chicago Sun-Times
HC Lovie Smith reacted adamantly against the idea RB Thomas Jones could be traded, but GM Jerry Angelo did not deny an ESPN Internet report that has linked the veteran running back to the Colts, who are still working to replace RB Edgerrin James. Complicating the matter is that Jones fired agent Tom Condon and signed on with Drew Rosenhaus in the last week, and has stopped reporting for the voluntary offseason program at Halas Hall.
- HC Linehan Expects RB M.Faulk To Play?
Associated Press, ESPN
New HC Scott Linehan expects RB Marshall Faulk to play this season. Faulk is missing the Rams' minicamp this weekend while recovering from offseason surgery on both knees. Linehan said yesterday that Faulk probably won't be ready until June. He said Faulk told him he'd definitely return as the backup RB behind Steven Jackson. "He said he was more hungry now than he has been in a couple of years," Linehan said. "He was adamant about his commitment to next year."
4/21 Updates
- Texans Offer Contracts To RB R. Bush, DE M. Williams
Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com
The Houston Texans exchanged contract proposals on Friday with the agents for former University of Southern California running back Reggie Bush and former North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams. The team is apparently trying to hoping to have a contractual agreement in place prior to announcing their #1 overall selection at the 2006 NFL Draft on April 29.
- Redskins Sign WR Lloyd To Multi-Year Extension
Gary Fitzgerald, Redskins.com
The Washington Redskins announced on Friday that they have signed wide receiver Brandon Lloyd to a long-term contract extension. The specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Lloyd had been acquired by the Redskins from the San Francisco 49ers in a March 12 trade. Lloyd then signed his restricted free agent tender, then began negotiations with the team on a long-term contract extension.
- OL Justice Believes He's A Top-Ten Pick
Michael Smith, ESPN.com
Offensive tackle Winston Justice believes he is the top lineman available in this year's NFL Draft. After his sizzling Pro Day performance, his confidence is sky-high. "I think I'm the best tackle in the nation," Justice said matter-of-factly during a phone interview over the weekend. "If I don't prove it in the draft, I'll prove it in the NFL. I'm bigger, stronger, and faster than [D'Brickashaw Ferguson] is. I believe I'm a better prospect because I have more upside."
- QB McNair's Training Plans Not Set
Jim Wyatt, Nashville Tennessean
Instead of taking the team's advice on where to train, Titans QB Steve McNair is considering going back to his roots in Mississippi. McNair recently contacted the personal trainer he worked with last year in Hattiesburg, Miss., about the possibility of training with him again this offseason. Last week, the Titans pointed McNair in the direction of a local training facility. If the Titans and McNair are unable to agree on a restructured deal to lower his cap number this offseason, the veteran will be released.