Post by John on May 4, 2006 10:36:08 GMT -4
5/5 Updates
BAL - TEN - Deal for McNair to Baltimore In Place
Source: Adam Schefter, NFL.com
The Ravens and McNair have reached agreement on the parameters of a deal that will pay the veteran Pro Bowl quarterback a signing bonus of close to $11 million, and another $1 million in base salary this season. McNair's $12 million take from Baltimore this season exceeds the $9 million he was due to make this season in Tennessee. But last weekend, the Titans gave McNair's representative, Bus Cook, permission to negotiate with the Ravens. It didn't take them long to strike an agreement. Now it's just a matter of how and when the Titans want to end their relationship with McNair.
ARZ - HC Green Says Leinart To Develop Slowly
Source: Andrew Bagnato, Lowell Sun Online
Rookie quarterback Matt Leinart took place in his first professional practice on Friday with the Arizona Cardinals. He took the field as a backup to starter Kurt Warner. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous, but I felt comfortable," Leinart said. "It's definitely different sitting back, but it's a great situation to learn behind a guy like Kurt, just to kind of watch and see how he plays and look at coverages."
DAL - HC Parcells Supports Addition Of WR Owens
Source: ESPN.com (AP)
HC Bill Parcells says he's happy to have WR Terrell Owens on the Cowboys, it just took him a while to say it. Parcells loves keeping a low profile in the offseason, but he took it to an extreme this year, especially with all the scrutiny surrounding the signing of Owens and questions about whether owner Jerry Jones truly made the move with his coach's consent. "We work as a team here, we really do," he said. "We make decisions as an organization and we do it collectively, now more than ever. Whatever decision we make, we all support that. I support whatever decision we make as an organization. I was part of it, I continue to be part of it.
TEN - How Fast Will Young Be Brought Along?
Source: Paul Kuharsky, The Tennessean
Along with the rest of the Titans' new rookies, Vince Young was expected to arrive in Nashville last night. This morning they begin a two-day rookie orientation that includes two practice sessions. Young will be asked to start digesting and learning the Titans' playbook, though the team has no intention of rushing him into the lineup on opening day when the Titans face the Jets on Sept. 10. That's the same plan the team had for Steve McNair when he was drafted third in 1995. The Houston Oilers offensive coordinator at the time, Jerry Rhome, worked with Young as a private coach preparing him for the combine and his pro day leading up to the draft. ''I know back in '95 Coach Fisher had a plan for him; we wanted to bring Steve along,'' Rhome said. ''I think the way the Oilers handled him back in '95-96 was very smart. We brought him along slowly, gave him a little action."
SF - CLE - Browns Trade QB Dilfer To 49ers For QB Dorsey, 2007 Pick
Source: Yahoo!Sports
The Cleveland Browns have traded quarterback Trent Dilfer to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for quarterback Ken Dorsey and an undisclosed 2007 draft pick. 49ers head coach Mike Nolan commented on the deal, saying "Trent was a player we had interest in last season. We were looking for a veteran quarterback with experience that could help mentor (quarterback) Alex Smith. Trent fits the bill on both counts and we are excited to have him with the 49ers."
CLE - With QB Dilfer Gone, QB Frye The Clear Starter
Source: ESPN.com (AP)
QB Trent Dilfer's departure clears the way for QB Charlie Frye, who went 2-3 as a rookie starter, to take over as Cleveland's No. 1 QB next season. "Charlie might have a leg-up in the starting battle," HC Romeo Crennel joked. "Just to let you know." However, there's still a good possibility the Browns will sign a veteran backup quarterback to work with Frye.
STL - QB Frerotte Enjoys Mentor Role
Source: Nick Wagoner, StLouisRams.com
New HC Scott Linehan handpicked QB Gus Frerotte, who played for him in Miami last year and in Minnesota the two seasons before, to come to St. Louis to serve as a mentor for the team�s three other quarterbacks.
CAR - WR K. Johnson, Positive Impact In Panthers Locker Room
Source: Yahoo! Sports
WR Keyshawn Johnson comes to the Panthers hoping to fit in nicely alongside of receiver Steve Smith. Head coach John Fox has been pleased with the veteran receiver thus far. "Keyshawn has been great in the locker room. He's great with the young guys," Fox said. "Keyshawn brings veteran experience and leadership and that comes in handy."
MIA - Former T Turley Attempting Comeback as TE
Source: Alex Marvez, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
The Dolphins are giving 41 other players tryouts, including former Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick and NFL veterans Kyle Turley and Barrett Green. Turley, a starting tackle with New Orleans and St. Louis from 1998 to 2003, is trying to make a comeback as a tight end after missing the past two seasons with back problems.
CHI - Bears Sign RB Hollings To 2-Year Deal
Source: AP, Sun Sentinel
Former Houston Texans running back Tony Hollings who came to the NFL with lots of promise has signed a new two-year deal to play with the Chicago Bears. Hollings rushed for 149 yards on 49 carries and caught seven passes for 71 yards in three seasons with the Houston Texans. He did not carry the ball or catch a pass in two games last year.
DET - Lions Players File Grievance - Team Forfeits Two Days Of Offseason Program
Source: ESPN.com (AP)
The Detroit Lions will forfeit two days of their offseason training program after settling a complaint by the NFLPA. In a joint statement released Friday, Harold Henderson, NFL executive vice president for labor relations, and NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw said the team broke rules pertaining to the scheduling of offseason activities.
MIA - Rookie QB Marcus Vick Has First Pro Practice
Source: SportsIllustrated.com
QB Marcus Vick, undrafted in this year's draft, got his first taste of pro action on Friday with the Miami Dolphins. He looked quick and elusive but undersized under center. "The guy has obviously got a lot of ability," coach Nick Saban said. "We certainly thought he had the potential to contribute at some position in the NFL. The guy is a tremendous competitor. Maybe sometimes he hasn't channeled his emotions in the right direction as a competitor, and that's probably a maturity issue and obviously something he needs to work on."
OAK - QB Brooks Will Get Opportunity To Be The Starter
Source: ESPN.com (AP)
Owner Al Davis brought in QB Aaron Brooks last month to replace QB Kerry Collins, and Brooks will get the chance to win the top job come training camp in July. With that title comes the demanding chore of turning around an underachieving offense. If Brooks becomes the starter as expected, that first will mean finding a way to get more out of stars such as RB LaMont Jordan, WRs Randy Moss and Jerry Porter.
IND - Quiet RB Addai Lets Game Do The Talking
Source: Associated Press via ESPN.com
The temperaments of Edgerrin James and Colts RB Joseph Addai couldn't be more different. James was often loose and funny. Addai seems soft-spoken and thoughtful. When it comes to their performance on the field, Addai would like to be as important to the Colts as James was. Coach Tony Dungy says that he understands Addai's personality. "I think he's just going to be one of those guys that's going to let his actions speak a little louder than his words," Dungy said before practice. "I think he's going to be a good teammate and a guy that the community is going to like."
DET - HC Marinelli Denies Martz 'Fit' - Says Source Is Lying
Source: Rod Marinelli Interview
"I saw it. I guess a source close to the building said he saw him stomp out. That was a lie. Tuesday he went out a looked for a home with his wife. I knew where he was at. I don't know why someone would write something like that. I don't know who the source is, but I'm the source. "Just like we've had other coaches have to go out and look for homes during the afternoon sometimes, we've had two or three guys go out in the afternoon. Another guy did it in the morning. They left the building during the work time to maybe sign for a home, or whatever. That's all it was." Can you confirm or deny if he was angry? "It was nothing. He said 'Do you mind if I leave to go check on a home?' with his wife, or something like that. I said, 'Sure.' The whole thing is like... I don't know who the source is, so I wish the source would come and talk to me. That source is lying."
SEA - RB Alexander 'Floored' By Contract
Source: AP
"I was honored and floored by how much they offered me," Alexander said, without being asked. The NFL MVP was still glowing about his $62 million, eight-year contract -- with $15.1 million guaranteed in bonuses and 2006 base pay -- that kept him from fleeing into free agency. "It was even way more than I thought they would give me. It was more than I had told (them) that I would want," Alexander said. "I was just proud that they really stepped up and showed how much they wanted me to be a part of this organization -- forever."
MIA - HC Saban Comments On Culpepper's Recovery
Source: Nick Saban Press Conference
(On Daunte Culpepper�s progression) � �He has already participated in just about everything that we do in our offseason program. His straight-line running is fine. He�s throwing the ball. He�s dropping back. He runs the plays and does the handoffs. He wears a knee brace and he probably does it about � speed, but we�re very pleased with his progress. He went back to Birmingham. Dr. Andrews gave him a, A+ grade in terms of where he was in his rehab. We�re just going to continue to progress with him. We can make no predictions about when he�ll be 100 percent and we certainly won�t put him in a situation that he can�t continue to make progress in based on how much we ask him to do.� (On how much actual football work Culpepper is doing) � �Well we�re not the field with the players right now, but he is doing everything at his pace that ever other player is doing.�
MIA - HC Saban Won't Predict Workload for RB Brown
Source: Nick Saban Press Conference
(On how many carries he expects Ronnie Brown to have this year) "I can't make a prediction on that. We think Ronnie has good durability size and can certainly expand his role as a player, but we don't want to run him into the ground. I don't have a number right now. I think that is something that as we develop through camp and get into the season we�ll see what fits him best and how he can continue to perform well and what level of workload enhances that performance and I can't really make a prediction on that right now."
5/4 Updates
NO - QB Brees' Rehab Going 'Scary Good'
Source: Mike Triplett, Times-Picayune
Drew Brees insists that his rehab from shoulder surgery is going great -- "kind of scary good, actually" -- and he will be ready by the start of training camp. He has been throwing the football for about 3 weeks. On the real "hard-core days," Brees said he will throw the ball up to 80 times, and he has increased the distance up to 25 yards. But he is sticking to a very methodical regimen designed to prepare him for training camp and the regular season. "I stay exactly on the number. . . . Actually, I take that back. I always have to end on a good one, so sometimes I'll throw one or two more," said Brees, who said he has felt so good that he has to keep telling himself to stay patient. "From Day One until now, it's been night and day. The way it feels, the way it comes out of my hand, I'm getting that snap back." The Saints' next full-squad minicamp is June 2-4, but Brees doesn't expect to be too aggressive at that point. "I'm probably in a position now where I can be (heavily involved), but is it worth it? Probably not," Brees said. "Of course, it's hard. I mean, shoot. But I figure I've waited this long, it's been four months. I don't want to do anything to jeopardize that."
KC - RB Johnson Still Unhappy - And Hungry
Source: Doug Tucker, AP
"No, I'm never happy," the running back said Thursday. "When I feel like I'm successful in my own right, I will never be happy with anything, period. I haven't started one full season yet. I haven't gotten this team to a Super Bowl. As far as my career, it's still starting off late, I feel. So I can't overall be happy about where I'm at right now, 'cause like I said, I feel like I'm still playing catch-up."
NE - Indy's Manning Says Pats 'Stole' RB Maroney In Draft
Source: Mike Weiss, Globe West
Brady answered several other questions, touching on subjects that included his trip to Israel with owner Robert Kraft; his thoughts on the free-agent departures of players like kicker Adam Vinatieri, outside linebacker Willie McGinest and receiver David Givens; and his thoughts on backup quarterback Matt Cassel. He also said he spoke with Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who told him the Patriots "stole" the Colts' running back [Laurence Maroney] in the draft.
TEN - CB Injury May Hasten QB McNair's Release
Source: Jamison Hensley, Baltimore Sun
An accident could prompt the Tennessee Titans to part ways with quarterback Steve McNair sooner than they would like. The Titans' Michael Waddell will be sidelined four to six months after suffering a knee injury while playing with his 2-year-old son, leaving Tennessee short on depth and experience at cornerback. To make a free-agent signing, the Titans likely would have to release McNair, who counts $23 million against their salary cap. Tennessee is reportedly $112,000 under the cap.
ARZ - QB Warner Pleased With Addition Of QB Leinart
Source: Michael Sliver, Sports Illustrated
It's only a couple of years ago that quarterback Kurt Warner watched the New York Giants select Eli Manning in the draft and he ultimately lost his job. However he isn't worried about that happening in Arizona. "More than anything, I'm excited that Matt (Leinart) is coming," Warner insisted on Wednesday. "I think it's the best thing for our team. I'm not going to lie to you and say that the situation in New York isn't in the back of my mind, because it is. But all I've ever asked is that the coaches are honest with me and put the best player on the football field, and as long as I go out and play the way I expect to, it's my job."
MIN - Agentspeak - Vikings Wise Moving Up To Draft QB Jackson
Source: Sean Jensen, Pioneer Press
Newly drafted Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson's agent, Joel Segal said two NFL personnel executives told him that they intended to take Jackson early in the third round. "After the draft, there were two clubs that expressed disappointment and were mad they didn't get him," Segal said. "They were planning to take (Jackson) very high in the third round, and were lamenting the fact that the Vikings beat them..." The Vikings traded their two third-round picks to the Pittsburgh Steelers to get the final pick of the second round.
RB Humes Ready For Whatever
Teresa Varley, Steelers.com
Pittsburgh Steelers running backs coach Dick Hoak feels like rookie RB Cedric Humes has a shot at the "Bettis" role. "Whatever I go there to do, and whatever I do, I'm going to compete," said Humes, the power back from Virginia Tech. "If that's the job that I need to compete for, I definitely will. I definitely believe that I can be the short-yardage guy."
TE Gates Gets Defensive
Casey Pearce, Chargers.com
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates is getting defensive. Gates is spending an extensive amount time with Chargers secondary coach Brian Stewart in hopes of gaining a better understanding of defenses. Stewart is taking Gates through an in-depth study of defensive coverages and teaching him how to recognize how opponents are trying to cover him.
RB Vickers Being Groomed For Short-Yardage
Steve Doerschuk, CantonRep.com
It looks like the Cleveland Browns selected 230-pound fullback Lawrence Vickers in Round 6 to groom him as a short-yardage ball carrier more than a smash-mouth blocking role. Incumbent fullback Terrelle Smith has seldom touched the ball.
QB McNair May Be Released Soon
Jamison Hensley, Baltimore Sun
The Tennessee Titans may release QB QB Steve McNair soon. CB Michael Waddell will be sidelined four to six months after suffering a knee injury while playing with his 2-year-old son, leaving Tennessee short on depth and experience at cornerback. To make a free-agent signing, the Titans likely would have to release McNair.
49ers Interested In Dilfer
Mary Kay Cabot, Plain Dealer
The San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns are talking about a trade for QB Trent Dilfer. It could be done within the next day or two. The 49ers are interested in Dilfer as a backup to QB Alex Smith, the first pick of the 2005 draft.
RB Green Still #2
Steve Doerschuk, CantonRep.com
Cleveland Browns GM Phil Savage said RB William Green heads to minicamp as the top backup to 1,200-yard rusher RB Reuben Droughns. “I think William is the incumbent as the second-string tailback,” Savage said. “Someone’s going to have to beat him out. Head Coach Romeo Crennel seems intent on keeping Droughns fresher. Droughns carried a franchise-record 309 times in 2005.
QB Bollinger On The Outside
Randy Lange, NorthJersey.com
The New York Jets drafted QB Kellen Clemens in Round 2 and QB Brad Smith in Round 4. It's possible that QB Brooks Bollinger, who played inspirationally if imperfectly as the QB of last resort last season, has a future in the NFL but not with the Jets.
RB Green, LT Clifton Will Miss Mini-Camp
Rob Demovsky, PackersNews.com
LT Chad Clifton and RB Ahman Green will miss workouts when practice begins on Friday afternoon for the Green Bay Packers. Clifton won’t practice because he’s still recovering from offseason knee and ankle surgeries. Green still is several months away from returning from his torn quadriceps tendon
WR Smith Still There
Mike Klis, Denver Post
The Denver Broncos keep bringing in potential replacements for WR Rod Smith. Smith continues to outlast them. This time it's WR Javon Walker, a former Green Bay Packers star who was acquired last weekend for a second-round draft pick.
DE Smith Believes He's Gone
Geoff Hobson, Bengals.com
The Cincinnati Bengals are investing a lot of their money into their offense. Quality players like DE Justin Smith are going unsigned. Smith is in his last year of his contract and feels it's his last year with the Bengals. He believes a lot of it has to do with the Bengals switching to the 3-4.
RB Holmes To Miss Mini-camp
Elizabeth Merrill, Wichita Eagle
Kansas City Chiefs RB Priest Holmes will not be in Kansas City when offseason practice starts in two weeks because he hasn't been medically cleared. Holmes has been seeing a spinal specialist, Dr. Robert Watkins, after getting the worst of a helmet-to-helmet collision with LB Shawne Merriman at midseason in San Diego.
BAL - TEN - Deal for McNair to Baltimore In Place
Source: Adam Schefter, NFL.com
The Ravens and McNair have reached agreement on the parameters of a deal that will pay the veteran Pro Bowl quarterback a signing bonus of close to $11 million, and another $1 million in base salary this season. McNair's $12 million take from Baltimore this season exceeds the $9 million he was due to make this season in Tennessee. But last weekend, the Titans gave McNair's representative, Bus Cook, permission to negotiate with the Ravens. It didn't take them long to strike an agreement. Now it's just a matter of how and when the Titans want to end their relationship with McNair.
ARZ - HC Green Says Leinart To Develop Slowly
Source: Andrew Bagnato, Lowell Sun Online
Rookie quarterback Matt Leinart took place in his first professional practice on Friday with the Arizona Cardinals. He took the field as a backup to starter Kurt Warner. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous, but I felt comfortable," Leinart said. "It's definitely different sitting back, but it's a great situation to learn behind a guy like Kurt, just to kind of watch and see how he plays and look at coverages."
DAL - HC Parcells Supports Addition Of WR Owens
Source: ESPN.com (AP)
HC Bill Parcells says he's happy to have WR Terrell Owens on the Cowboys, it just took him a while to say it. Parcells loves keeping a low profile in the offseason, but he took it to an extreme this year, especially with all the scrutiny surrounding the signing of Owens and questions about whether owner Jerry Jones truly made the move with his coach's consent. "We work as a team here, we really do," he said. "We make decisions as an organization and we do it collectively, now more than ever. Whatever decision we make, we all support that. I support whatever decision we make as an organization. I was part of it, I continue to be part of it.
TEN - How Fast Will Young Be Brought Along?
Source: Paul Kuharsky, The Tennessean
Along with the rest of the Titans' new rookies, Vince Young was expected to arrive in Nashville last night. This morning they begin a two-day rookie orientation that includes two practice sessions. Young will be asked to start digesting and learning the Titans' playbook, though the team has no intention of rushing him into the lineup on opening day when the Titans face the Jets on Sept. 10. That's the same plan the team had for Steve McNair when he was drafted third in 1995. The Houston Oilers offensive coordinator at the time, Jerry Rhome, worked with Young as a private coach preparing him for the combine and his pro day leading up to the draft. ''I know back in '95 Coach Fisher had a plan for him; we wanted to bring Steve along,'' Rhome said. ''I think the way the Oilers handled him back in '95-96 was very smart. We brought him along slowly, gave him a little action."
SF - CLE - Browns Trade QB Dilfer To 49ers For QB Dorsey, 2007 Pick
Source: Yahoo!Sports
The Cleveland Browns have traded quarterback Trent Dilfer to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for quarterback Ken Dorsey and an undisclosed 2007 draft pick. 49ers head coach Mike Nolan commented on the deal, saying "Trent was a player we had interest in last season. We were looking for a veteran quarterback with experience that could help mentor (quarterback) Alex Smith. Trent fits the bill on both counts and we are excited to have him with the 49ers."
CLE - With QB Dilfer Gone, QB Frye The Clear Starter
Source: ESPN.com (AP)
QB Trent Dilfer's departure clears the way for QB Charlie Frye, who went 2-3 as a rookie starter, to take over as Cleveland's No. 1 QB next season. "Charlie might have a leg-up in the starting battle," HC Romeo Crennel joked. "Just to let you know." However, there's still a good possibility the Browns will sign a veteran backup quarterback to work with Frye.
STL - QB Frerotte Enjoys Mentor Role
Source: Nick Wagoner, StLouisRams.com
New HC Scott Linehan handpicked QB Gus Frerotte, who played for him in Miami last year and in Minnesota the two seasons before, to come to St. Louis to serve as a mentor for the team�s three other quarterbacks.
CAR - WR K. Johnson, Positive Impact In Panthers Locker Room
Source: Yahoo! Sports
WR Keyshawn Johnson comes to the Panthers hoping to fit in nicely alongside of receiver Steve Smith. Head coach John Fox has been pleased with the veteran receiver thus far. "Keyshawn has been great in the locker room. He's great with the young guys," Fox said. "Keyshawn brings veteran experience and leadership and that comes in handy."
MIA - Former T Turley Attempting Comeback as TE
Source: Alex Marvez, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
The Dolphins are giving 41 other players tryouts, including former Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick and NFL veterans Kyle Turley and Barrett Green. Turley, a starting tackle with New Orleans and St. Louis from 1998 to 2003, is trying to make a comeback as a tight end after missing the past two seasons with back problems.
CHI - Bears Sign RB Hollings To 2-Year Deal
Source: AP, Sun Sentinel
Former Houston Texans running back Tony Hollings who came to the NFL with lots of promise has signed a new two-year deal to play with the Chicago Bears. Hollings rushed for 149 yards on 49 carries and caught seven passes for 71 yards in three seasons with the Houston Texans. He did not carry the ball or catch a pass in two games last year.
DET - Lions Players File Grievance - Team Forfeits Two Days Of Offseason Program
Source: ESPN.com (AP)
The Detroit Lions will forfeit two days of their offseason training program after settling a complaint by the NFLPA. In a joint statement released Friday, Harold Henderson, NFL executive vice president for labor relations, and NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw said the team broke rules pertaining to the scheduling of offseason activities.
MIA - Rookie QB Marcus Vick Has First Pro Practice
Source: SportsIllustrated.com
QB Marcus Vick, undrafted in this year's draft, got his first taste of pro action on Friday with the Miami Dolphins. He looked quick and elusive but undersized under center. "The guy has obviously got a lot of ability," coach Nick Saban said. "We certainly thought he had the potential to contribute at some position in the NFL. The guy is a tremendous competitor. Maybe sometimes he hasn't channeled his emotions in the right direction as a competitor, and that's probably a maturity issue and obviously something he needs to work on."
OAK - QB Brooks Will Get Opportunity To Be The Starter
Source: ESPN.com (AP)
Owner Al Davis brought in QB Aaron Brooks last month to replace QB Kerry Collins, and Brooks will get the chance to win the top job come training camp in July. With that title comes the demanding chore of turning around an underachieving offense. If Brooks becomes the starter as expected, that first will mean finding a way to get more out of stars such as RB LaMont Jordan, WRs Randy Moss and Jerry Porter.
IND - Quiet RB Addai Lets Game Do The Talking
Source: Associated Press via ESPN.com
The temperaments of Edgerrin James and Colts RB Joseph Addai couldn't be more different. James was often loose and funny. Addai seems soft-spoken and thoughtful. When it comes to their performance on the field, Addai would like to be as important to the Colts as James was. Coach Tony Dungy says that he understands Addai's personality. "I think he's just going to be one of those guys that's going to let his actions speak a little louder than his words," Dungy said before practice. "I think he's going to be a good teammate and a guy that the community is going to like."
DET - HC Marinelli Denies Martz 'Fit' - Says Source Is Lying
Source: Rod Marinelli Interview
"I saw it. I guess a source close to the building said he saw him stomp out. That was a lie. Tuesday he went out a looked for a home with his wife. I knew where he was at. I don't know why someone would write something like that. I don't know who the source is, but I'm the source. "Just like we've had other coaches have to go out and look for homes during the afternoon sometimes, we've had two or three guys go out in the afternoon. Another guy did it in the morning. They left the building during the work time to maybe sign for a home, or whatever. That's all it was." Can you confirm or deny if he was angry? "It was nothing. He said 'Do you mind if I leave to go check on a home?' with his wife, or something like that. I said, 'Sure.' The whole thing is like... I don't know who the source is, so I wish the source would come and talk to me. That source is lying."
SEA - RB Alexander 'Floored' By Contract
Source: AP
"I was honored and floored by how much they offered me," Alexander said, without being asked. The NFL MVP was still glowing about his $62 million, eight-year contract -- with $15.1 million guaranteed in bonuses and 2006 base pay -- that kept him from fleeing into free agency. "It was even way more than I thought they would give me. It was more than I had told (them) that I would want," Alexander said. "I was just proud that they really stepped up and showed how much they wanted me to be a part of this organization -- forever."
MIA - HC Saban Comments On Culpepper's Recovery
Source: Nick Saban Press Conference
(On Daunte Culpepper�s progression) � �He has already participated in just about everything that we do in our offseason program. His straight-line running is fine. He�s throwing the ball. He�s dropping back. He runs the plays and does the handoffs. He wears a knee brace and he probably does it about � speed, but we�re very pleased with his progress. He went back to Birmingham. Dr. Andrews gave him a, A+ grade in terms of where he was in his rehab. We�re just going to continue to progress with him. We can make no predictions about when he�ll be 100 percent and we certainly won�t put him in a situation that he can�t continue to make progress in based on how much we ask him to do.� (On how much actual football work Culpepper is doing) � �Well we�re not the field with the players right now, but he is doing everything at his pace that ever other player is doing.�
MIA - HC Saban Won't Predict Workload for RB Brown
Source: Nick Saban Press Conference
(On how many carries he expects Ronnie Brown to have this year) "I can't make a prediction on that. We think Ronnie has good durability size and can certainly expand his role as a player, but we don't want to run him into the ground. I don't have a number right now. I think that is something that as we develop through camp and get into the season we�ll see what fits him best and how he can continue to perform well and what level of workload enhances that performance and I can't really make a prediction on that right now."
5/4 Updates
NO - QB Brees' Rehab Going 'Scary Good'
Source: Mike Triplett, Times-Picayune
Drew Brees insists that his rehab from shoulder surgery is going great -- "kind of scary good, actually" -- and he will be ready by the start of training camp. He has been throwing the football for about 3 weeks. On the real "hard-core days," Brees said he will throw the ball up to 80 times, and he has increased the distance up to 25 yards. But he is sticking to a very methodical regimen designed to prepare him for training camp and the regular season. "I stay exactly on the number. . . . Actually, I take that back. I always have to end on a good one, so sometimes I'll throw one or two more," said Brees, who said he has felt so good that he has to keep telling himself to stay patient. "From Day One until now, it's been night and day. The way it feels, the way it comes out of my hand, I'm getting that snap back." The Saints' next full-squad minicamp is June 2-4, but Brees doesn't expect to be too aggressive at that point. "I'm probably in a position now where I can be (heavily involved), but is it worth it? Probably not," Brees said. "Of course, it's hard. I mean, shoot. But I figure I've waited this long, it's been four months. I don't want to do anything to jeopardize that."
KC - RB Johnson Still Unhappy - And Hungry
Source: Doug Tucker, AP
"No, I'm never happy," the running back said Thursday. "When I feel like I'm successful in my own right, I will never be happy with anything, period. I haven't started one full season yet. I haven't gotten this team to a Super Bowl. As far as my career, it's still starting off late, I feel. So I can't overall be happy about where I'm at right now, 'cause like I said, I feel like I'm still playing catch-up."
NE - Indy's Manning Says Pats 'Stole' RB Maroney In Draft
Source: Mike Weiss, Globe West
Brady answered several other questions, touching on subjects that included his trip to Israel with owner Robert Kraft; his thoughts on the free-agent departures of players like kicker Adam Vinatieri, outside linebacker Willie McGinest and receiver David Givens; and his thoughts on backup quarterback Matt Cassel. He also said he spoke with Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who told him the Patriots "stole" the Colts' running back [Laurence Maroney] in the draft.
TEN - CB Injury May Hasten QB McNair's Release
Source: Jamison Hensley, Baltimore Sun
An accident could prompt the Tennessee Titans to part ways with quarterback Steve McNair sooner than they would like. The Titans' Michael Waddell will be sidelined four to six months after suffering a knee injury while playing with his 2-year-old son, leaving Tennessee short on depth and experience at cornerback. To make a free-agent signing, the Titans likely would have to release McNair, who counts $23 million against their salary cap. Tennessee is reportedly $112,000 under the cap.
ARZ - QB Warner Pleased With Addition Of QB Leinart
Source: Michael Sliver, Sports Illustrated
It's only a couple of years ago that quarterback Kurt Warner watched the New York Giants select Eli Manning in the draft and he ultimately lost his job. However he isn't worried about that happening in Arizona. "More than anything, I'm excited that Matt (Leinart) is coming," Warner insisted on Wednesday. "I think it's the best thing for our team. I'm not going to lie to you and say that the situation in New York isn't in the back of my mind, because it is. But all I've ever asked is that the coaches are honest with me and put the best player on the football field, and as long as I go out and play the way I expect to, it's my job."
MIN - Agentspeak - Vikings Wise Moving Up To Draft QB Jackson
Source: Sean Jensen, Pioneer Press
Newly drafted Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson's agent, Joel Segal said two NFL personnel executives told him that they intended to take Jackson early in the third round. "After the draft, there were two clubs that expressed disappointment and were mad they didn't get him," Segal said. "They were planning to take (Jackson) very high in the third round, and were lamenting the fact that the Vikings beat them..." The Vikings traded their two third-round picks to the Pittsburgh Steelers to get the final pick of the second round.
RB Humes Ready For Whatever
Teresa Varley, Steelers.com
Pittsburgh Steelers running backs coach Dick Hoak feels like rookie RB Cedric Humes has a shot at the "Bettis" role. "Whatever I go there to do, and whatever I do, I'm going to compete," said Humes, the power back from Virginia Tech. "If that's the job that I need to compete for, I definitely will. I definitely believe that I can be the short-yardage guy."
TE Gates Gets Defensive
Casey Pearce, Chargers.com
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates is getting defensive. Gates is spending an extensive amount time with Chargers secondary coach Brian Stewart in hopes of gaining a better understanding of defenses. Stewart is taking Gates through an in-depth study of defensive coverages and teaching him how to recognize how opponents are trying to cover him.
RB Vickers Being Groomed For Short-Yardage
Steve Doerschuk, CantonRep.com
It looks like the Cleveland Browns selected 230-pound fullback Lawrence Vickers in Round 6 to groom him as a short-yardage ball carrier more than a smash-mouth blocking role. Incumbent fullback Terrelle Smith has seldom touched the ball.
QB McNair May Be Released Soon
Jamison Hensley, Baltimore Sun
The Tennessee Titans may release QB QB Steve McNair soon. CB Michael Waddell will be sidelined four to six months after suffering a knee injury while playing with his 2-year-old son, leaving Tennessee short on depth and experience at cornerback. To make a free-agent signing, the Titans likely would have to release McNair.
49ers Interested In Dilfer
Mary Kay Cabot, Plain Dealer
The San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns are talking about a trade for QB Trent Dilfer. It could be done within the next day or two. The 49ers are interested in Dilfer as a backup to QB Alex Smith, the first pick of the 2005 draft.
RB Green Still #2
Steve Doerschuk, CantonRep.com
Cleveland Browns GM Phil Savage said RB William Green heads to minicamp as the top backup to 1,200-yard rusher RB Reuben Droughns. “I think William is the incumbent as the second-string tailback,” Savage said. “Someone’s going to have to beat him out. Head Coach Romeo Crennel seems intent on keeping Droughns fresher. Droughns carried a franchise-record 309 times in 2005.
QB Bollinger On The Outside
Randy Lange, NorthJersey.com
The New York Jets drafted QB Kellen Clemens in Round 2 and QB Brad Smith in Round 4. It's possible that QB Brooks Bollinger, who played inspirationally if imperfectly as the QB of last resort last season, has a future in the NFL but not with the Jets.
RB Green, LT Clifton Will Miss Mini-Camp
Rob Demovsky, PackersNews.com
LT Chad Clifton and RB Ahman Green will miss workouts when practice begins on Friday afternoon for the Green Bay Packers. Clifton won’t practice because he’s still recovering from offseason knee and ankle surgeries. Green still is several months away from returning from his torn quadriceps tendon
WR Smith Still There
Mike Klis, Denver Post
The Denver Broncos keep bringing in potential replacements for WR Rod Smith. Smith continues to outlast them. This time it's WR Javon Walker, a former Green Bay Packers star who was acquired last weekend for a second-round draft pick.
DE Smith Believes He's Gone
Geoff Hobson, Bengals.com
The Cincinnati Bengals are investing a lot of their money into their offense. Quality players like DE Justin Smith are going unsigned. Smith is in his last year of his contract and feels it's his last year with the Bengals. He believes a lot of it has to do with the Bengals switching to the 3-4.
RB Holmes To Miss Mini-camp
Elizabeth Merrill, Wichita Eagle
Kansas City Chiefs RB Priest Holmes will not be in Kansas City when offseason practice starts in two weeks because he hasn't been medically cleared. Holmes has been seeing a spinal specialist, Dr. Robert Watkins, after getting the worst of a helmet-to-helmet collision with LB Shawne Merriman at midseason in San Diego.