Post by John on Apr 29, 2006 11:58:25 GMT -4
5/1 Updates
Despite Draft, Run Is Still Emphasis
Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted several speedy offensive players. But coach Bill Cowher assured everyone that the Steelers will still be a running football team.
RB McAllister Applauds Selection Of RB Bush
Mike Triplett, Times-Picayune
RB Deuce McAllister didn't second-guess the Saints' decision to draft fellow RB Reggie Bush. "I mean, the kid's that good. You've got to take him, regardless of your situation," said McAllister, who signed an eight-year, $50 million deal last summer. "I know it will take a couple touches away from me. But in the long run, it will help my career.
RB James Already Making His Presence Felt
ESPN.com(AP)
RB Edgerrin James has already made a good impression with Cardinals' management by showing up for the team's involuntary workouts this week, which he sometimes skipped as a Colt, preferring to workout on his own. James is hoping to turn the Cardinals fortunes around by creating a fun and winning attitude off the field.
QB/RB Robinson Might Fill "Slash" Role
Kevin Lynch, SF Chronicle
The 49ers selected Penn St. QB Michael Robinson in the fourth round of the NFL Draft with hopes of converting him to RB. Robinson, who's unlikely to unseat RBs Kevan Barlow or Frank Gore, could be ticketed for third-down duty.
WR Holmes Can't Attend Early Season Workouts
ESPN.com(AP)
Because of an NFL-NCAA agreement, rookie WR Santonio Holms cannot take part in Steelers' spring workouts until his college has had its graduation. Because many schools hold graduation in early May, most NFL draft picks are not affected. Holmes can't begin practicing until after the university's mid-June graduation. By then, the Steelers will have finished the 14 days of coaching sessions that follow their May 13-15 minicamp, which Holmes is permitted to attend.
Team Likely To Use RB Addai And RB Rhodes
Associated Press
The loss of Edgerrin James and the lack of a premiere running back as his replacement could alter the Colts offensive scheme, with two runners sharing the bulk of carries. Backup Dominic Rhodes heads into camp as the No. 1 back for the Colts, but first-round draft pick Joseph Addai will be brought into the offense quickly, beginning with three-day minicamp starting Friday. "He and Dominic will probably share time. At least, that's the way we see it now," said team president Bill Polian, "You wouldn't expect a rookie to step into a team like this ... a team that has been winning big."
Contemplating Signing CB Law
Adam Teicher, Kansas City Star
"The team you see practicing today, or (in three weeks) when we go to minicamp, that won’t be the same team that lines up in September,” coach Herm Edwards said Sunday. “A lot of things can happen between now and September.” One of those things could be the signing of CB Ty Law. The Chiefs drafted only one cornerback, Miami’s Marcus Maxey, in the fifth round. Discounting Maxey’s ability to play immediately probably wouldn’t be wise given Edwards’ record in rapidly developing defensive backs. Chiefs GM Carl Peterson indicated he probably would be speaking today with Law and his agent.
RB Pinner, CB Fletcher Sign, LB Wayne Released
DetroitLions.com
The Lions announced today that they have re-signed exclusive rights free agent RB Artose Pinner and unrestricted free agent CB Jamar Fletcher to one-year deals. Additional contract terms were not disclosed. The team also released LB Nate Wayne.
Team Takes Another Player With Off-Field Troubles
Associated Press
The Bengals picked LB A.J. Nicholson in the fifth round Sunday, committing themselves to a player with a lot of talent and several incidents that made him drop to the second day of the draft. Nicholson was suspended for the Orange Bowl after he took a woman to the team hotel - a violation of team policy - and she accused him of sexual assault. Last year, the Bengals took a chance on WR Chris Henry in the third round. Henry was ejected and benched at West Virginia for on-field outbursts and disagreements with his coaches. His troubles never left him. Henry was arrested for marijuana possession in December 2005 and for a gun charge in January.
Dolphins Illegally Pursuing QB Harrington?
Alex Marvex, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
The Joey Harrington saga took another twist Sunday when the Lions shopped the QB to Cleveland after being unable to strike a trade with the Dolphins. '[The Browns] had a real strong interest in getting a deal done,' Lions president Matt Millen said Sunday. 'Apparently, they couldn't get it worked out.' Millen said the Dolphins violated NFL rules by negotiating the framework of a new two-year contract with Harrington. Millen said he had only given permission for the Dolphins to meet with Harrington to pursue a trade. 'I think that's a [salary] cap violation,' Millen said of the pending agreement.
QB Flutie Considering Retirement
Associated Press, via ESPN.com
With the draft over, 43-year-old Doug Flutie is expected to announce this week if he will end a career that included a Heisman Trophy and took him through three pro football leagues. "I'm just going to take my time to make my decision," Flutie said Monday, and indicated he would not want to play for a team other than the New England Patriots. "I love being home." Flutie's agent, Kristen Kuliga, said the former Boston College star is expected to decide later this week.
Team Hopes To Build Around QB Young, RB L. White
Teresa M. Walker, AP
The Houston Oilers needed first-round picks in consecutive drafts to find a QB and a RB to build a team around. With Steve McNair and Eddie George leading the way, the Oilers eventually tied for the NFL's best record over a five-year span. Now the rebuilding Tennessee Titans hope they've done it again by drafting Vince Young and LenDale White. "Over the last couple years ... the identity's been questioned because we've been in transition," coach Jeff Fisher said. "I think now we can say we're back on that track once again."
Rookie RB Williams On his Short Stature
Steve Reed, Gaston Gazette Sports
Rookie running back DeAngelo Williams is just 5'8 inches tall but like Steve Smith has the knack for the big play. He had this to say when asked about his size, "I’ll be honest with you, I didn’t know I was short until I got to college,” Williams joked. “I always thought I was the right size. You don’t realize you’re short until you get to college and you look around and say, ‘Gawd, what’s in the water around here?’... But now I’m used to it.”
Rookie TE Davis Enjoys Being A Marked Man
Eric Gilmore, Contra Costa Times
Rookie Vernon Davis wants to 'revolutionize' the tight end position at the NFL level and dominate like nobody has done before. His talk about being the best has already placed a target on his back but he isn't worried about that. "That's cool," Davis said Sunday. "I'm ready for that. I'm a very confident guy. That's what I like. I like somebody to come and be competitive with me. That's how it was at the University of Maryland (when I went up against LB Shawne Merriman every practice)."
Rookie DE Williams Vows To Live Up To Expectations
Jim Corbett, USA Today
The Texans rocked the football world on the weekend by selecting defensive end Mario Williams from NC State instead of running back Reggie Bush of USC. The Texans fans are upset over the pick but Williams vows to win them over "I'm going to win them over regardless," he said. "They don't have to worry about me coming in and being a bust."
Titans Won't Tweak Rookie QB Young's Delivery
USA Today
Much has been made of rookie quarterback Vince Young's unorthodox delivery but the Tennessee Titans are not worried about it whatsoever. "I don't see a problem with the delivery at all. You always want to work with footwork and his footwork is pretty good right now," Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow said. "We would look for the little things to try and fix, but his delivery is fine and the ball comes out quickly and he is very accurate."
RB Bush Mania Sweeping New Orleans
AP, Fox Sports
NFL Stardom and running back Reggie Bush got acquainted as soon as he arrived in New Orleans. "As soon as I got in there, there was a bunch of fans screaming and yelling. I thought it was staged," Bush said Sunday of his visit to one of celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse's restaurants. "There's always excitement about a No. 1 pick, but this is a little different," said Saints general manager Mickey Loomis, who dined out with Bush Saturday night. "People chanting spontaneously ... it was a little overwhelming how excited people were."
Browns Trade C Faine To Saints
CBS Sportsline Wire
The Cleveland Browns traded former 1st round pick Jeff Faine to the New Orleans Saints along with their 43rd pick during the draft in exchange for the 34th pick in the draft. The trade ultimately became rookie LB D'Qwell Jackson in exchange for center Jeff Faine and safety Roman Harper. The Browns picked up former Saints center LeCharles Bentley this off-season thus enabling them to trade Faine to the Saints.
DT Sapp And WR Curry Progressing
Stever Corkran, Contra-Costa Times
Oakland Raiders coach Art Shell said DT Warren Sapp and WR Ronald Curry are on schedule with their rehabilitation from a torn rotator cuff and a ruptured Achilles tendon, respectively. Both are expected to be at full speed for training camp.
No Holdout For WR Driver
CBSSportsline.com
Green Bay Packers WR Donald Driver will be at the team's minicamp next week and is not planning any contract holdout. In his first public comments since an ESPN report Thursday that he was unhappy with his current contract, Driver said he had never made those statements and intended to fully honor his contract.
WR Boston Not Done Yet
Alex Marvez, Sun-Sentinel
Former Miami Dolphins WR David Boston has undergone surgeries on both knees to "clean out" debris. Boston plans to be ready to begin working out for NFL teams later this month. Knee injuries sidelined Boston for most of his two seasons with the Dolphins.
DE Taylor Stabbed
Alex Marvez, Sun-Sentinal
Miami Dolphins DE Jason Taylor was stabbed Sunday night in a road-rage incident. "My wife and I were the victims of an unfortunate incident last night but we are both fine," Taylor said in a statement released by his charity foundation. "I truly appreciate everyone's concern." The injury Taylor sustained to his arm was minor enough that he was able to participate this morning in a charity golf tournament for Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB Derrick Brooks in Tampa.
WR Lelie Unhappy
Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News
Lelie, who is sitting out the team's off-season conditioning program because of his desire to be traded to a team that would allow him to compete as the No. 1 receiver, has much different plans. They include him possibly staying away until deep into the regular season.
RB McAllister Happy To Have RB Bush
Mike Triplett, Times-Picayune
RB Deuce McAllister is fine with the New Orleans Saints' decision to draft fellow RB Reggie Bush. "I mean, the kid's that good. You've got to take him, regardless of your situation," said McAllister, who signed an eight-year, $50 million deal last summer. McAllister said it was similar to when he was drafted in the first round in 2001. RB Ricky Williams was their featured back then. But this time, everyone expects the Saints to use Bush as a complementary offensive weapon rather than groom him as an eventual replacement.
S Bing Moved To Linebacker
Steve Corkran, Mercury News
Newly drafted DB Darnell Bing has the build and mentality of a strong safety, yet the Oakland Raiders want to convert him into a linebacker. "The key for us is, can he add the weight and not lose the speed?'' Shell said of a player who will be asked to add at least 10 pounds to his 228-pound build. That gives the Raiders three options to fill the outside-linebacker spot opposite LB Kirk Morrison: Bing, second-round draftee LB Thomas Howard and fourth-year LB Sam Williams.
RB Dillon Looking For Redemption
Ron Borges, Boston Globe
New England Patriots RB Corey Dillon has been working out in Thousand Oaks, California. Dillon has been running sand dunes, doing hill work that reminds some of the legendary workouts of RB Walter Payton. He is also working on drills to improve and quicken his footwork, and doing whatever else he's being told to do in an effort to redeem himself from the worst season of his nine-year professional career. Dillon is working with a personal trainer for the first time.
DE Rice's Deal Longer Than Expected
Stephen F. Holder, St. Petersburg Times
Tampa Bay Buccaneers DE Simeon Rice 's contract was supposed to expire after the 2006 season, but the NFL Players Association indicates he is under contract through 2007. It is not known what change was made to Rice's contract, but union information shows he will earn $6-million in base salary this season and $7.25-million in 2007. General manager Bruce Allen would not confirm or deny Sunday that Rice's deal had been redone.
QB Pennington Stepping Up Rehab
Dave Hutchinson, Star-Ledger - [Full Article]
New York Jets QB Chad Pennington will intensify his throwing during a voluntary passing camp that begins May 30, coach Eric Mangini said yesterday. It's unknown how much Pennington, who is coming off his second rotator cuff surgery in as many seasons, will throw.
QB McNair Traded/Released Says Agent
ESPN.com
QB Steve McNair's time with the Tennessee Titans could be over soon, according to his agent. Team officials don't agree, even though they gave permission for McNair's agent to talk with the Baltimore Ravens. Agent Bus Cook said the team was considering trading McNair to the Ravens, with something possibly worked out by Monday. If not, then Cook said McNair would be released.
4/30 Updates
Browns GM Contacts Lions Regarding QB Harrington
NFL.com
The Cleveland Browns made several interesting phone calls regarding potential trades during the 2006 NFL Draft, including a handful of phone calls to the Detroit Lions to check on the asking prices for disgruntled quarterback Joey Harrington. "I wanted to check in and just see what they were looking for, and also the potential of him being a fallback option here as a quarterback," Browns general manager Phil Savage said. "I thought it was at least worth making a call."
4/29 Updates
Saints Select RB Bush, Still Weighing Offers?
WWL AM BIG 870 Radio
Director of Player Personnel Rick Mueller live on WWL AM BIG 870 radio said the Saints will select RB Reggie Bush. However GM Mickey Loomis says they are still weighing offers.
Report, Packers Dealing For #2 Pick?
News Radio 620 WTMJ
News Radio 620 WTMJ is reporting the Packers have worked out a preliminary deal with the Saints to trade WR Javon Walker, their #5, and a 3rd round pick, in an effort to land RB Reggie Bush. There are also reportedly five teams now negotiating with New Orleans for the #2 pick. Stay tuned.
Redskins In For Quiet Day
Howard Bryant, Washington Post
A day before an NFL draft in which the Redskins have just one of the first 152 picks, team owner Daniel Snyder sat down with HC Joe Gibbs and VP of personnel Vinny Cerrato, and they concluded that, barring a draft-day transaction, the Redskins will do far more watching than participating. The Redskins own the 53rd overall pick in the draft -- the 21st pick in the second round -- and consistent with his thoughts earlier in the week, Gibbs does not see the Redskins trading up, mostly because they were so aggressive in free agency.
Packers Could Trade WR J.Walker Today
Tom Silverstein, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
At some point today, Packers GM Ted Thompson will have a decision to make. Take the best offer and trade WR Javon Walker or dig in and prepare for a long, drawn-out battle. Walker was in Denver Friday to undergo an exam on the anterior cruciate ligament he tore in his right knee last September and, according to a source close to him, was expected to make other visits before the draft starts today. The NFL Network reported the additional visits were the Patriots and Eagles, who met with Walker in the Boston area late Friday, raising the number of teams that have examined Walker to four.
Packers Reject Broncos, WR Lelie Offer
Tom Silverstein, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
The Packers have had extensive discussions with the Broncos, who have a high second-round pick, but the Packers have been firm about wanting a first. The Broncos might be the team most interested in WR Javon Walker, but they appear willing to give up only one of their second-round picks and WR Ashley Lelie. The Packers are not interested in Lelie and are apparently waiting for a better offer.
Saints Balk At Including WR Stallworth In Deal
Tom Silverstein, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
The Packers have had extensive discussions with the Broncos and Saints, who both have high second-round picks, but the Packers have been firm about wanting a first for WR Javon Walker. When the Packers tried to push for the Saints to include WR Donte' Stallworth in the compensation package, the Saints balked, an NFL source said.
Trade Chart Essential For This Draft
Chris Landry, ChicagoSports.com
As the popularity of the NFL Draft grows, fans of the league are becoming increasingly aware of the value of draft picks. It is now common practice for NFL teams to follow a "draft chart," which assigns numeric values to every draft pick from No. 1 to the final pick. The idea of the chart is to create some kind of standard for assessing fair value for trades. Think of it like a blue book value for NFL draft picks. The chart only works with trades involving draft picks traded for picks. When players are involved, it changes everything. It's also important to note that the chart is just a guide.
OT Jansen Has Second Surgery To Thumb
Howard Bryant, Washington Post
Redskins head athletic trainer Bubba Tyer said right OT Jon Jansen underwent his second arthroplasty and stabilization surgery on his right thumb and will be in a splint for six weeks. Tyer said Jansen will continue his workout schedule, except the portion of his regimen that creates stress. After the six weeks, Tyer said Jansen will require about a month of limited work and likely would need to play with a brace or splint.
RB L.White Failed Drug Test
Scott Wolf, Billy Witz, Los Angeles Times
Former USC RB LenDale White tested positive during an NFL drug test, according to multiple sources, which could affect his stock for today's pro draft. White spoke briefly to a reporter Friday but sounded unconcerned about the situation. "The NFL ain't worried about it," he said. "The issue's been addressed." Word of the drug test spread through NFL circles Friday and several sources said the test took place at the Indianapolis predraft combine in late February.
Despite Draft, Run Is Still Emphasis
Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted several speedy offensive players. But coach Bill Cowher assured everyone that the Steelers will still be a running football team.
RB McAllister Applauds Selection Of RB Bush
Mike Triplett, Times-Picayune
RB Deuce McAllister didn't second-guess the Saints' decision to draft fellow RB Reggie Bush. "I mean, the kid's that good. You've got to take him, regardless of your situation," said McAllister, who signed an eight-year, $50 million deal last summer. "I know it will take a couple touches away from me. But in the long run, it will help my career.
RB James Already Making His Presence Felt
ESPN.com(AP)
RB Edgerrin James has already made a good impression with Cardinals' management by showing up for the team's involuntary workouts this week, which he sometimes skipped as a Colt, preferring to workout on his own. James is hoping to turn the Cardinals fortunes around by creating a fun and winning attitude off the field.
QB/RB Robinson Might Fill "Slash" Role
Kevin Lynch, SF Chronicle
The 49ers selected Penn St. QB Michael Robinson in the fourth round of the NFL Draft with hopes of converting him to RB. Robinson, who's unlikely to unseat RBs Kevan Barlow or Frank Gore, could be ticketed for third-down duty.
WR Holmes Can't Attend Early Season Workouts
ESPN.com(AP)
Because of an NFL-NCAA agreement, rookie WR Santonio Holms cannot take part in Steelers' spring workouts until his college has had its graduation. Because many schools hold graduation in early May, most NFL draft picks are not affected. Holmes can't begin practicing until after the university's mid-June graduation. By then, the Steelers will have finished the 14 days of coaching sessions that follow their May 13-15 minicamp, which Holmes is permitted to attend.
Team Likely To Use RB Addai And RB Rhodes
Associated Press
The loss of Edgerrin James and the lack of a premiere running back as his replacement could alter the Colts offensive scheme, with two runners sharing the bulk of carries. Backup Dominic Rhodes heads into camp as the No. 1 back for the Colts, but first-round draft pick Joseph Addai will be brought into the offense quickly, beginning with three-day minicamp starting Friday. "He and Dominic will probably share time. At least, that's the way we see it now," said team president Bill Polian, "You wouldn't expect a rookie to step into a team like this ... a team that has been winning big."
Contemplating Signing CB Law
Adam Teicher, Kansas City Star
"The team you see practicing today, or (in three weeks) when we go to minicamp, that won’t be the same team that lines up in September,” coach Herm Edwards said Sunday. “A lot of things can happen between now and September.” One of those things could be the signing of CB Ty Law. The Chiefs drafted only one cornerback, Miami’s Marcus Maxey, in the fifth round. Discounting Maxey’s ability to play immediately probably wouldn’t be wise given Edwards’ record in rapidly developing defensive backs. Chiefs GM Carl Peterson indicated he probably would be speaking today with Law and his agent.
RB Pinner, CB Fletcher Sign, LB Wayne Released
DetroitLions.com
The Lions announced today that they have re-signed exclusive rights free agent RB Artose Pinner and unrestricted free agent CB Jamar Fletcher to one-year deals. Additional contract terms were not disclosed. The team also released LB Nate Wayne.
Team Takes Another Player With Off-Field Troubles
Associated Press
The Bengals picked LB A.J. Nicholson in the fifth round Sunday, committing themselves to a player with a lot of talent and several incidents that made him drop to the second day of the draft. Nicholson was suspended for the Orange Bowl after he took a woman to the team hotel - a violation of team policy - and she accused him of sexual assault. Last year, the Bengals took a chance on WR Chris Henry in the third round. Henry was ejected and benched at West Virginia for on-field outbursts and disagreements with his coaches. His troubles never left him. Henry was arrested for marijuana possession in December 2005 and for a gun charge in January.
Dolphins Illegally Pursuing QB Harrington?
Alex Marvex, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
The Joey Harrington saga took another twist Sunday when the Lions shopped the QB to Cleveland after being unable to strike a trade with the Dolphins. '[The Browns] had a real strong interest in getting a deal done,' Lions president Matt Millen said Sunday. 'Apparently, they couldn't get it worked out.' Millen said the Dolphins violated NFL rules by negotiating the framework of a new two-year contract with Harrington. Millen said he had only given permission for the Dolphins to meet with Harrington to pursue a trade. 'I think that's a [salary] cap violation,' Millen said of the pending agreement.
QB Flutie Considering Retirement
Associated Press, via ESPN.com
With the draft over, 43-year-old Doug Flutie is expected to announce this week if he will end a career that included a Heisman Trophy and took him through three pro football leagues. "I'm just going to take my time to make my decision," Flutie said Monday, and indicated he would not want to play for a team other than the New England Patriots. "I love being home." Flutie's agent, Kristen Kuliga, said the former Boston College star is expected to decide later this week.
Team Hopes To Build Around QB Young, RB L. White
Teresa M. Walker, AP
The Houston Oilers needed first-round picks in consecutive drafts to find a QB and a RB to build a team around. With Steve McNair and Eddie George leading the way, the Oilers eventually tied for the NFL's best record over a five-year span. Now the rebuilding Tennessee Titans hope they've done it again by drafting Vince Young and LenDale White. "Over the last couple years ... the identity's been questioned because we've been in transition," coach Jeff Fisher said. "I think now we can say we're back on that track once again."
Rookie RB Williams On his Short Stature
Steve Reed, Gaston Gazette Sports
Rookie running back DeAngelo Williams is just 5'8 inches tall but like Steve Smith has the knack for the big play. He had this to say when asked about his size, "I’ll be honest with you, I didn’t know I was short until I got to college,” Williams joked. “I always thought I was the right size. You don’t realize you’re short until you get to college and you look around and say, ‘Gawd, what’s in the water around here?’... But now I’m used to it.”
Rookie TE Davis Enjoys Being A Marked Man
Eric Gilmore, Contra Costa Times
Rookie Vernon Davis wants to 'revolutionize' the tight end position at the NFL level and dominate like nobody has done before. His talk about being the best has already placed a target on his back but he isn't worried about that. "That's cool," Davis said Sunday. "I'm ready for that. I'm a very confident guy. That's what I like. I like somebody to come and be competitive with me. That's how it was at the University of Maryland (when I went up against LB Shawne Merriman every practice)."
Rookie DE Williams Vows To Live Up To Expectations
Jim Corbett, USA Today
The Texans rocked the football world on the weekend by selecting defensive end Mario Williams from NC State instead of running back Reggie Bush of USC. The Texans fans are upset over the pick but Williams vows to win them over "I'm going to win them over regardless," he said. "They don't have to worry about me coming in and being a bust."
Titans Won't Tweak Rookie QB Young's Delivery
USA Today
Much has been made of rookie quarterback Vince Young's unorthodox delivery but the Tennessee Titans are not worried about it whatsoever. "I don't see a problem with the delivery at all. You always want to work with footwork and his footwork is pretty good right now," Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow said. "We would look for the little things to try and fix, but his delivery is fine and the ball comes out quickly and he is very accurate."
RB Bush Mania Sweeping New Orleans
AP, Fox Sports
NFL Stardom and running back Reggie Bush got acquainted as soon as he arrived in New Orleans. "As soon as I got in there, there was a bunch of fans screaming and yelling. I thought it was staged," Bush said Sunday of his visit to one of celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse's restaurants. "There's always excitement about a No. 1 pick, but this is a little different," said Saints general manager Mickey Loomis, who dined out with Bush Saturday night. "People chanting spontaneously ... it was a little overwhelming how excited people were."
Browns Trade C Faine To Saints
CBS Sportsline Wire
The Cleveland Browns traded former 1st round pick Jeff Faine to the New Orleans Saints along with their 43rd pick during the draft in exchange for the 34th pick in the draft. The trade ultimately became rookie LB D'Qwell Jackson in exchange for center Jeff Faine and safety Roman Harper. The Browns picked up former Saints center LeCharles Bentley this off-season thus enabling them to trade Faine to the Saints.
DT Sapp And WR Curry Progressing
Stever Corkran, Contra-Costa Times
Oakland Raiders coach Art Shell said DT Warren Sapp and WR Ronald Curry are on schedule with their rehabilitation from a torn rotator cuff and a ruptured Achilles tendon, respectively. Both are expected to be at full speed for training camp.
No Holdout For WR Driver
CBSSportsline.com
Green Bay Packers WR Donald Driver will be at the team's minicamp next week and is not planning any contract holdout. In his first public comments since an ESPN report Thursday that he was unhappy with his current contract, Driver said he had never made those statements and intended to fully honor his contract.
WR Boston Not Done Yet
Alex Marvez, Sun-Sentinel
Former Miami Dolphins WR David Boston has undergone surgeries on both knees to "clean out" debris. Boston plans to be ready to begin working out for NFL teams later this month. Knee injuries sidelined Boston for most of his two seasons with the Dolphins.
DE Taylor Stabbed
Alex Marvez, Sun-Sentinal
Miami Dolphins DE Jason Taylor was stabbed Sunday night in a road-rage incident. "My wife and I were the victims of an unfortunate incident last night but we are both fine," Taylor said in a statement released by his charity foundation. "I truly appreciate everyone's concern." The injury Taylor sustained to his arm was minor enough that he was able to participate this morning in a charity golf tournament for Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB Derrick Brooks in Tampa.
WR Lelie Unhappy
Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News
Lelie, who is sitting out the team's off-season conditioning program because of his desire to be traded to a team that would allow him to compete as the No. 1 receiver, has much different plans. They include him possibly staying away until deep into the regular season.
RB McAllister Happy To Have RB Bush
Mike Triplett, Times-Picayune
RB Deuce McAllister is fine with the New Orleans Saints' decision to draft fellow RB Reggie Bush. "I mean, the kid's that good. You've got to take him, regardless of your situation," said McAllister, who signed an eight-year, $50 million deal last summer. McAllister said it was similar to when he was drafted in the first round in 2001. RB Ricky Williams was their featured back then. But this time, everyone expects the Saints to use Bush as a complementary offensive weapon rather than groom him as an eventual replacement.
S Bing Moved To Linebacker
Steve Corkran, Mercury News
Newly drafted DB Darnell Bing has the build and mentality of a strong safety, yet the Oakland Raiders want to convert him into a linebacker. "The key for us is, can he add the weight and not lose the speed?'' Shell said of a player who will be asked to add at least 10 pounds to his 228-pound build. That gives the Raiders three options to fill the outside-linebacker spot opposite LB Kirk Morrison: Bing, second-round draftee LB Thomas Howard and fourth-year LB Sam Williams.
RB Dillon Looking For Redemption
Ron Borges, Boston Globe
New England Patriots RB Corey Dillon has been working out in Thousand Oaks, California. Dillon has been running sand dunes, doing hill work that reminds some of the legendary workouts of RB Walter Payton. He is also working on drills to improve and quicken his footwork, and doing whatever else he's being told to do in an effort to redeem himself from the worst season of his nine-year professional career. Dillon is working with a personal trainer for the first time.
DE Rice's Deal Longer Than Expected
Stephen F. Holder, St. Petersburg Times
Tampa Bay Buccaneers DE Simeon Rice 's contract was supposed to expire after the 2006 season, but the NFL Players Association indicates he is under contract through 2007. It is not known what change was made to Rice's contract, but union information shows he will earn $6-million in base salary this season and $7.25-million in 2007. General manager Bruce Allen would not confirm or deny Sunday that Rice's deal had been redone.
QB Pennington Stepping Up Rehab
Dave Hutchinson, Star-Ledger - [Full Article]
New York Jets QB Chad Pennington will intensify his throwing during a voluntary passing camp that begins May 30, coach Eric Mangini said yesterday. It's unknown how much Pennington, who is coming off his second rotator cuff surgery in as many seasons, will throw.
QB McNair Traded/Released Says Agent
ESPN.com
QB Steve McNair's time with the Tennessee Titans could be over soon, according to his agent. Team officials don't agree, even though they gave permission for McNair's agent to talk with the Baltimore Ravens. Agent Bus Cook said the team was considering trading McNair to the Ravens, with something possibly worked out by Monday. If not, then Cook said McNair would be released.
4/30 Updates
Browns GM Contacts Lions Regarding QB Harrington
NFL.com
The Cleveland Browns made several interesting phone calls regarding potential trades during the 2006 NFL Draft, including a handful of phone calls to the Detroit Lions to check on the asking prices for disgruntled quarterback Joey Harrington. "I wanted to check in and just see what they were looking for, and also the potential of him being a fallback option here as a quarterback," Browns general manager Phil Savage said. "I thought it was at least worth making a call."
4/29 Updates
Saints Select RB Bush, Still Weighing Offers?
WWL AM BIG 870 Radio
Director of Player Personnel Rick Mueller live on WWL AM BIG 870 radio said the Saints will select RB Reggie Bush. However GM Mickey Loomis says they are still weighing offers.
Report, Packers Dealing For #2 Pick?
News Radio 620 WTMJ
News Radio 620 WTMJ is reporting the Packers have worked out a preliminary deal with the Saints to trade WR Javon Walker, their #5, and a 3rd round pick, in an effort to land RB Reggie Bush. There are also reportedly five teams now negotiating with New Orleans for the #2 pick. Stay tuned.
Redskins In For Quiet Day
Howard Bryant, Washington Post
A day before an NFL draft in which the Redskins have just one of the first 152 picks, team owner Daniel Snyder sat down with HC Joe Gibbs and VP of personnel Vinny Cerrato, and they concluded that, barring a draft-day transaction, the Redskins will do far more watching than participating. The Redskins own the 53rd overall pick in the draft -- the 21st pick in the second round -- and consistent with his thoughts earlier in the week, Gibbs does not see the Redskins trading up, mostly because they were so aggressive in free agency.
Packers Could Trade WR J.Walker Today
Tom Silverstein, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
At some point today, Packers GM Ted Thompson will have a decision to make. Take the best offer and trade WR Javon Walker or dig in and prepare for a long, drawn-out battle. Walker was in Denver Friday to undergo an exam on the anterior cruciate ligament he tore in his right knee last September and, according to a source close to him, was expected to make other visits before the draft starts today. The NFL Network reported the additional visits were the Patriots and Eagles, who met with Walker in the Boston area late Friday, raising the number of teams that have examined Walker to four.
Packers Reject Broncos, WR Lelie Offer
Tom Silverstein, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
The Packers have had extensive discussions with the Broncos, who have a high second-round pick, but the Packers have been firm about wanting a first. The Broncos might be the team most interested in WR Javon Walker, but they appear willing to give up only one of their second-round picks and WR Ashley Lelie. The Packers are not interested in Lelie and are apparently waiting for a better offer.
Saints Balk At Including WR Stallworth In Deal
Tom Silverstein, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
The Packers have had extensive discussions with the Broncos and Saints, who both have high second-round picks, but the Packers have been firm about wanting a first for WR Javon Walker. When the Packers tried to push for the Saints to include WR Donte' Stallworth in the compensation package, the Saints balked, an NFL source said.
Trade Chart Essential For This Draft
Chris Landry, ChicagoSports.com
As the popularity of the NFL Draft grows, fans of the league are becoming increasingly aware of the value of draft picks. It is now common practice for NFL teams to follow a "draft chart," which assigns numeric values to every draft pick from No. 1 to the final pick. The idea of the chart is to create some kind of standard for assessing fair value for trades. Think of it like a blue book value for NFL draft picks. The chart only works with trades involving draft picks traded for picks. When players are involved, it changes everything. It's also important to note that the chart is just a guide.
OT Jansen Has Second Surgery To Thumb
Howard Bryant, Washington Post
Redskins head athletic trainer Bubba Tyer said right OT Jon Jansen underwent his second arthroplasty and stabilization surgery on his right thumb and will be in a splint for six weeks. Tyer said Jansen will continue his workout schedule, except the portion of his regimen that creates stress. After the six weeks, Tyer said Jansen will require about a month of limited work and likely would need to play with a brace or splint.
RB L.White Failed Drug Test
Scott Wolf, Billy Witz, Los Angeles Times
Former USC RB LenDale White tested positive during an NFL drug test, according to multiple sources, which could affect his stock for today's pro draft. White spoke briefly to a reporter Friday but sounded unconcerned about the situation. "The NFL ain't worried about it," he said. "The issue's been addressed." Word of the drug test spread through NFL circles Friday and several sources said the test took place at the Indianapolis predraft combine in late February.