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NFL Tidbits & Rumors - 3/11/11

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:01:09 EDT

Sorry - not much to post these days. Will try to update more often once this CBA crap is worked out. Enjoy:

Carson Palmer is making a stink in Cincinnati. Clearly, he wants out. And I have no doubt the Titans would love to get him. The big problem: Bengals owner Mike Brown probably isn't going to trade the veteran quarterback. Those who know Brown say he's stubborn, and won't cave no matter what Palmer says. If that's the case then Palmer would have to retire, and the Titans wouldn't be able to make a play on the guy they should want most. Right now, the Titans are waiting, just like everyone else. A new Collective Bargaining Agreement would change everything. But for now the Titans are exploring their options in the draft and waiting to see what options they might have in free agency……..

NFL Tidbits & Rumors - 3/1/11

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 13:22:20 EST

Three players who are older than 30 received pink slips Monday from the New York Jets -- Kris Jenkins, Jason Taylor and Damien Woody. One player in that precarious age group who doesn't have to worry about his future is LaDainian Tomlinson. The Jets will retain the future Hall of Fame running back for the 2011 season, the final year of his contract, according to league sources. There had been mild speculation about Tomlinson, who turns 32 in June, but the team intends to go forward with a three-headed backfield -- Tomlinson, Shonn Greene and Joe McKnight.

The Patriots have signed free agent defensive lineman Marcus Stroud to a two-year deal, according to a report by ESPN's Adam Schefter. Stroud, a three-time Pro Bowler, has been in Buffalo the past two seasons but was recently released by the team. The 10-year veteran, who is 32, didn't fare well as the Bills switched to a 3-4 defense from a 4-3. In 15 games, playing defensive end, he had 49 tackles and 3 sacks.

NFL Tidbits & Rumors - 2/25/11

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 16:19:14 EST

All signs Thursday pointed toward Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith receiving a contract extension sooner rather than later. Now, it's official. Smith and the Bears agreed to a two-year contract extension, the financial terms of which were not immediately announced Friday. This will keep Smith with the Bears through the 2013 season, rewarding him for this year's unexpected appearance in the NFC title game. "Of course I feel great about the extension," Smith said from the NFL scouting combine. The new deal also runs the same length as that of general manager Jerry Angelo. "Jerry and I work together well," Smith said. "We feel like we're a good combination. "

Niners coach Jim Harbaugh continues to speak highly of Alex Smith, while general manager Trent Baalke remains mostly mum on the team's incumbent quarterback. Speaking at the NFL combine Thursday, Harbaugh said contract "talks are going on" between the 49ers and Smith's representatives. They have a week to finalize a deal to bring back the free-agent quarterback for a seventh year because the collective bargaining agreement will expire Thursday. "I very much like Alex," Harbaugh said. "I like being around Alex. I had an opportunity to evaluate the tape, and I think he's a very good football player. That being said, we're going to make the decision to bring in the best quarterbacks that we possibly can to compete for the starting quarterback job. "I'm hopeful that Alex, an unrestricted free agent, will choose that his next team he plays with, the fresh start, is with the San Francisco 49ers." Baalke was more guarded when he was asked about Smith. "Right now we're treating him as we do every other free-agent quarterback," he said. Smith might yet decide to test his value to other teams, but Baalke said that wouldn't influence the 49ers' draft plans. Not even with a lockout looming, and free agency possibly coming after the April draft. "You've got to be ready regardless," Baalke said. "You have to have a plan for free agency. You have to have a trade plan. You have to have a plan for the draft. The order of it, obviously, if it was a traditional order, it would make it easier for us to make decisions. But you got to be prepared. It's an obstacle and we're prepared for it."

NFL Tidbits & Rumors - 2/18/11

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:36:32 EST

Colts owner Jim Irsay posted on Twitter today that the team has released safety Bob Sanders. "We have released Bob Sanders today. We thank Bob 4 all his incredible contributions from his Sup Bowl pic 2 def player of year honors," Irsay said. Sanders has only played in 9 regular season games the past three seasons due to injuries. The Colts selected the safety in the 2nd round of the 2004 NFL Draft.

The New Orleans Saints wrapped up their visit with free agent defensive tackle Shaun Rogers. Rogers did not sign a contract, but Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis said the visit went well. "Good visit," said Loomis, who described it as "fact finding for both sides at this point." Rogers, a three-time Pro Bowler who turns 32 next month, has also visited the Washington Redskins and Kansas City Chiefs since he was released last week by the Cleveland Browns. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Rogers does not have any other visits scheduled for now. Rogers is free to sign with any team he wants up until March 4, since he was released before the end of the current league year.

NFL Tidbits & Rumors - 2/8/11

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 9:06:54 EST

Sorry I wasn't able to do these last week. Enjoy:

The Minnesota Court of Appeals has denied Kevin and Pat Williamses' quest for a permanent injunction to block the NFL from punishing them, clearing the way for the league to suspend the Minnesota Vikings defensive tackles for four games next season for failing 2008 drug tests. Minnesota's Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace Act does not regulate bumetanide, the prescription drug found in StarCaps, the tainted weight-loss supplement the Williamses used, which means the NFL did not violate state law by trying to discipline them, the Court of Appeals ruled today.

The Green Bay Packers defied the odds in a number of ways, among them by overcoming injuries and becoming the first NFC sixth seed to win the Super Bowl. But the Packers aren't expected to take any chances with their football operations, wasting no time to lock up coach Mike McCarthy and general manager Ted Thompson for the foreseeable future. McCarthy and Thompson are under contract through the 2012 season, but president Mark Murphy indicated the team will be proactive in working out extensions. "We want Ted and Mike to be with the Packers long term, and I'm confident that they will be," Murphy said. Murphy will work on Thompson's extension, then Thompson will deal with McCarthy's.

NFL Tidbits & Rumors - 1/28/10

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 12:56:22 EST

Have a great weekend everyone. Enjoy the read.

The Titans, as Coach Jeff Fisher always liked to say, had a plan. In the days after a disappointing 2010 season, Titans owner Bud Adams decided to let Fisher coach the final year of his contract. He would be given one more chance to prove his worth, to coach for his future with the franchise. Everything changed on Thursday, however, when the Titans and Fisher decided it would be best to part ways. A number of disagreements in recent days over issues unrelated to Fisher's record prompted the sudden decision, according to sources familiar with the situation. And so ended Fisher's run with the franchise after 16 seasons as its icon, its constant presence.

An ESPN report caused a stir Thursday night, but recently fired Titans coach Jeff Fisher is not going to become the Eagles' next defensive coordinator, according to multiple NFL sources. ESPN reported that Eagles coach Andy Reid had informed candidates that the vacancy at coordinator had been filled. "Do not be surprised if Jeff Fisher winds up as the defensive coordinator in Philadelphia," the network's John Clayton said. The league sources said those statements were not true. As of Thursday, the Eagles had interviewed only one candidate for the job: Saints assistant Dennis Allen, who ended up taking the coordinator's job in Denver.

NFL Tidbits & Rumors - 1/25/11

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 0:55:45 EST

For those who hoped for a quick reconciliation between the Bengals and quarterback Carson Palmer, those hopes have grown dim. Instead, this has all the makings of a standoff. Team president Mike Brown said Palmer met with him a little over a week ago and asked for a trade. Brown said that he told Palmer that the Bengals were not in a position to do so. "He is key to our plans. He's central to us," Brown said. "He was told that and that we count on him going forward."

Rex Ryan wants both Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards back next season but the Jets head coach doesn't know "how feasible it's going to be" to re-sign both wide receivers. If the Jets can't bring the pair back, Ryan apparently can have a new dynamic duo. Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco –- who like to call themselves Batman and Robin –- said they would love to play for Rex and be Jets on their reality show "The T. Ocho Show." It's probably an unlikely scenario but that didn't stop Ocho and T.O. from talking about it.

NFL Tidbits & Rumors - 1/21/11

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 13:37:47 EST

Enjoy the read, gang:

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could move swiftly to hire Vikings offensive line coach Pat Morris after firing Pete Mangurian Friday. Morris, who is a 14-year NFL coaching veteran, has a history with Bucs offensive coordinator Greg Olson. They both served on the Detroit Lions staff under Steve Mariucci in 2004-05. Morris was the Lions offensive line coach both seasons while Olson coached quarterbacks in '04 and was offensive coordinator in '05. Morris has directed the league's No. 1 rushing attack three times during his career (1998-99, '07) and ranked in the NFL's top 10 on eight occasions.

The Browns are expected to hire former Philadelphia Eagles secondary coach Dick Jauron, 60, as their defensive coordinator soon, a league source told The Plain Dealer. One of the other leading candidates for the Browns job, Dave Wannstedt, accepted a job today with the Buffalo Bills to be their assistant head coach/linebackers coach, according to reports. A source close to Jauron said he "seriously doubts" a deal will get done today, but they are close enough to perhaps agree to "a general principle." Jauron has received multiple inquiries, including from the Philadelphia Eagles.

NFL Tidbits & Rumors - 1/18/10

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 12:12:51 EST

Hue Jackson, who presided over one of the NFL's most improved offenses in 2010, was elevated from Raiders offensive coordinator to head coach Monday. Jackson, 45, replaces Tom Cable, who left the Raiders on Jan. 4 with a 17-27 record when the club declined to extend a two-year option on his contract after an 8-8 season. Jackson will be introduced at a news conference Tuesday at 1:15 p.m. at the club facility in Alameda. "The fire in Hue will set a flame that will burn for a long time in the hearts and minds of the Raider football team and the Raider Nation," Raiders managing general partner Al Davis said in a statement.

Broncos' head coach John Fox has nearly completed the hiring of his staff, with the likely addition of Jim Mora as defensive coordinator. Mora, a former Atlanta and Seattle head coach, traveled to Denver on Monday to meet with Fox. Mora, 49, was the defensive coordinator with San Francisco for five years before his two head coaching jobs, first Atlanta and then Seattle in 2009. He spent 2010 working as an analyst for the NFL Network.

NFL Tidbits & Rumors - 1/10/11

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 7:06:47 EST

Hey, gang. Since the offseason has started for most of us, here's a gander at the latest NFL dirt & gossip floating around the web. I will try to do an "NFL Tidbits & Rumors" blog twice per week this offseason. Enjoy the read.

Three-time Raiders Pro Bowl cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha has had the option year of his contract voided for failing to meet several incentives this past season, making him free to sign with any of the league's 32 teams. "The contract is voided, but we have to wait on all the ramifications of the CBA before we really move on from there," Raiders senior executive John Herrera said Sunday in reference to the uncertain status of the Collective Bargaining Agreement that has yet to be renewed. Asomugha, who turns 30 before training camp begins next season, could have been retained by the Raiders for 2011 had he reached any of several likely-to-be-earned incentives this past season.

Week 17 NFL Picks & Predictions

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 8:28:49 EST

Hey, Gang. Here are my picks and predictions for the FINAL week of the regular season. Can you believe it's gone by THAT fast already? In case I don't post between now and Saturday, a HAPPY AND SAFE NEW YEAR to everyone.

Dolphins @ Patriots-- I have a feeling that with the #1 seed locked up, the Patriots won't keep their starters out there too long. There's already talk by the team that back-up QB Brian Hoyer might play. Plus a lot of the starters are banged up, so resting the starters make sense. The Dolphins can't score and can't win at home, but they seem to be OK on the road. I'll take the Dolphins starters over the Patriots back-ups. PREDICTION: DOLPHINS

Bills @ Jets-- After a poor performance by the Jets defense last week, I think they bounce back against a Bills team that only managed 3 points last week. The Jets clinched a playoff berth already. But, I don't think Rex Ryan will let the team ease up. Jets big at home. PREDICTION: JETS

Week 16 NFL Picks & Predictions

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 20:21:55 EST

No point in beating around the bush. I sucked last week. With the Giants's historic, epic collapse and going 6-10 in the pick 'ems last week, I'm going to skip the commentary and just make my picks this week. Logic didn't seem to work for me last week, so let's see how just picking the winners goes.

Panthers @ Steelers-- STEELERS

Cowboys @ Cardinals-- COWBOYS

Lions @ Dolphins-- LIONS

Week 15 NFL Picks & Predictions

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 17:26:39 EST

I find it hilarious when someone comes onto my blog to tell other posters that I'm a moron; then accuses me of being unfair when I delete his post. My response to that poster is - NO - I don't delete posts everytime someone disagrees with me. Silly me for not tolerating being called a moron on my own blog. LOL.

People crack me up. Anyway, enjoy the read gang.

49ers @ Chargers -- I would like to pick the 49ers here. They showed some intensity last week on offense and defense. But, they face a Chargers team that get's Vincent Jackson back this week, which adds to an already-potent passing attack. The Chargers haven't been a great team. But, with the playoffs on the line and the return of Vincent Jackson, I don't see how they lose this one at home. PREDICTION: CHARGERS

Week 14 NFL Picks & Predictions

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 11:18:37 EST

Hey, How's everyone doing? 10-6 last week; not horrible, but not great either. Here are my picks & predictions for week 14. Enjoy.

Colts @ Titans-- It is no longer a given that the Colts will win games just because of Peyton Manning. They have glaring weaknesses on defense, and a QB who's suddenly making poor decisions on a consistent basis. The Titans are an equally desperate team, looking to end a five game losing streak. I think they turn to Chris Johnson more in this game against a Colts defense that's 29th in the league against the run. The Titans have the better run defense, the better running game, and they're at home. I like the chances for an upset. PREDICTION: TITANS

Browns @ Bills-- The Browns impressive run since their 1-5 start continues. Eric Mangini, who I have never liked, is my pick for coach of the year. They don't have many weapons, but their best weapon - Peyton Hillis - faces a Bills defense that's dead last in the NFL against the run. The Bills play hard, but haven't learned how to close the deal in the end and win, and will just be outmatched and out-manned in this one. PREDICTION: BROWNS

Week 13 NFL Picks & Predictions

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 20:17:15 EST

I took Thanksgiving week off and was not near a computer, so I apologize to those who look forward to this blog. I did manage to get my GB10 picks entered in for the pick ems contest before going and went 12-4 on the week. Hopefully, I can match that or better.

Enjoy the read, gang.

Thurs

Texans @ Eagles - Somehow, I don't see the Texans repeating that defensive performance they had against the rookie QB of the Titans. Until I see that defense perform well consistently, I'm still not a believer. Eagles BIG at home. PREDICTION: EAGLES

Week 11 NFL Picks & Predictions

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 23:09:47 EST

I wonder if the Steelers fan who insulted me last week for picking the Patriots to win will be back. LOL. People are funny. Anyway, hope everyone's having a good week. Enjoy the read:

Bears @ Dolphins-- Word is Chad Henne may be back for this game. Even if he isn't, Tyler Thigpen proved he could get the job done last week. Jake Long is probably a go for tonight's game. I hate the play-calling. It's too vanilla, and they are not using Ronnie Brown enough. The Bears, however, still have O-line woes and do not play as well on the road. Look for the Dolphins to win their 2nd home game of the season. Their contention for a playoff spot depends on it. PREDICTION: DOLPHINS

Bills @ Bengals-- The Bills beat a tough Detroit Lions team last week to secure their first win of the year. They've been competitive. But, I think the Bengals offense comes to life in this one in front of their home crowd. I'll take Carson Palmer and Cedric Benson over Ryan Fitzpatrick and Fred Jackson. PREDICTION: BENGALS

Week 10 NFL Picks & Predictions

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 13:02:03 EST

Happy Hump Day. How's everyone doing? Can you believe it's week 10 already? I still remember anxiously awaiting for the preseason to get here. Doesn't seem that long ago. Here are my picks & predictions. Enjoy the read:

Ravens @ Falcons-- The Falcons are a great team at home, but I don't like the way they let the Bucs back into the game last week. If not for a heroic goal-line stand, they lose that game. If they sit on a lead against the Ravens, they will be crushed. The Ravens have their running game going, and Willis McGahee has once again become a factor in this offense to compliment Ray Rice. I'll take the team that knows how to finish games. PREDICTION: RAVENS

Lions @ Bills-- If ever there was a chance to win a game, last week was it. Instead, it was yet another let down for Bills fans. I don't see this contest shaping up any differently. Lions BIG - even without Stafford. PREDICTION: LIONS

Week 9 NFL Picks & Predictions

Sun, 07 Nov 2010 12:35:56 EST

Good afternoon, everybody. Happy Friday. Everyone ready for another week of football? Well - I went 9-4 in these last week. Let's see if I can top that. My picks and predictions. Enjoy the read:

Jets @ Lions-- The Jets always bring a strong defense to the contest. They are 2nd in scoring defense. But, their offense CAN be shut down as evidenced by what happened against the Packers. They face a Lions team that's 6th in the NFL in scoring offense, and has a rookie of the year candidate on defense in DT Ndamukong Suh. Look for the Lions to follow the same formula as the Packers did and shut down the running game; forcing Mark Sanchez to try to beat them. The Lions are long overdue for a two-game win streak. My gut tells me it happens at home for them this Sunday. Upset special: PREDICTION: LIONS

Week 8 NFL Picks & Predictions

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 10:11:48 EDT

For my week 7 picks, I think I would have done better last week if I had put the teams on a dart board and thrown darts to make my picks. Here's hoping for a change of fortunes. Here's my picks and predictions. Enjoy the read:

Bills @ Chiefs-- The Bills seem to be fighting hard lately. Ryan Fitzpatrick seems like the temporary answer at QB. But, I don't think they will give the Chiefs as tough a time on defense at Arrowhead. The Bills will win some games this season, but not this Sunday. Chiefs continue to roll with a strong running game and solid D'. PREDICTION: CHIEFS

Packers @ Jets-- The Packers have lost to Chicago, Washington, and Miami, and barely beat Detroit and Minnesota. They just don't look like the dominiating team most thought they'd be. At this point, I just can't trust them to pull off an upset victory against a relaxed Jets team coming off a bye week. PREDICTION: JETS

Week 7 NFL Picks & Predictions

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 12:30:42 EDT

Good afternoon, everybody How's everyone doing? Well, another NFL week; time for more picks & predictions. Last week, a Ravens fan and a Chargers fan chimed in and insulted me for picking against their teams. Interestingly enough, I got both picks correct. I wonder if they'll be back to tell me what I should write in my own blog and insult me some more after going 10-4 last week. LOL. Try to do something nice for fellow NFL fans, and there's always some idiot or two that has to try to screw it up. Anywho, Enjoy the read, gang. Happy Almost Friday.

Bengals @ Falcons-- The Bengals have been an uninspiring team for weeks. They face a Falcons team that comes off an embarrasing loss to the Eagles. I think Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, & company get it going again at home. PREDICTION: FALCONS

Week 6 NFL Picks & Predictions

Sun, 17 Oct 2010 19:58:04 EDT

Good afternoon, all. How's everyone doing? Well, it's been a rough season for pick 'ems. Despite correctly predicting the Cardinals upset over the Saints last week, I still only went 7-7. An unpredictable season, to say the least. Here's my picks and predictions for this week:

Falcons @ Eagles-- The Falcons are the better team. Whether the Eagles go with Michael Vick or Kevin Kolb, I don't think it matters here. Look for the Falcons offense to bounce back after a rough outing at Cleveland. PREDICTION: FALCONS

Chiefs @ Texans-- The Chiefs defense is for real. They held Peyton Manning to zero TD passes in his own home stadium. But, this is their second straight road game against a Texans team that's looking to bounce back after an embarrassing loss to the Giants. I don't see the Texans losing a 2nd in a row at home. Look for the Texans offense to come alive, and for the defense to do just enough to slow down the Chiefs running game. Texans in a close one. PREDICTION: TEXANS

Week 5 NFL Picks & Predictions

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 14:35:08 EDT

An unpredictable season so far, no doubt. Here goes:

Jaguars @ Bills-- The Bills run defense is poor. Not good if you're going up against Maurice Jones-Drew. Between that and the confidence-boosting win over the Colts, I think we can expect the Jaguars to be the ones who come out swinging in this contest. PREDICTION: JAGUARS

Broncos @ Ravens-- Kyle Orton is the leading passer in the NFL. But, I think that's more a testament to the Broncos lack of a running game than anything else. Without balance on offense, I don't give the Broncos much of a chance in this one. I expect this Ravens defense will be well-prepared. PREDICTION: RAVENS

Chiefs @ Colts-- The Chiefs defensive coordinator - Romeo Crennel - knows Peyton Manning well from his days as the Patriots DC. Manning has less weapons now than he did then. But, as well as the Chiefs have been doing, I just don't see how they shut down Peyton Manning on his own home field. The Chiefs are better than expected, and it will be close, but I don't think they're ready to beat Peyton Manning on the road. PREDICTION: COLTS

Week 4 NFL picks & Predictions:

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 15:50:07 EDT

Good afternoon, everyone. I have been pathetic in the pick ems. Only 8-8 last week; a mere 26-22 on the season. Sadly, I'm still beating some of the "experts" on here, Inside the NFL, NFL today, etc...... Hope to get it turned around this week. And, yes - I deserve the told-you-so's from the Steelers fans who thought I was crazy for picking the Bucs last week. Here goes:

Jets @ Bills-- The Bills offense seemed to come alive. But, they are not playing a defense that they can expose like they did last week. The self-proclaimed future Superbowl Champions have the much better defense and should take this one easily. PREDICTION: JETS

Bengals @ Browns-- The Browns have been more competitive than I've given them credit for. What Peyton Hillis was able to do against the Ravens defense was impressive. But, a team can only do so much without legitimate QB's and WR's. The Bengals, struggles and all, should take this one by at least a TD. PREDICION: BENGALS

Week 3 NFL Picks & Predictions

Sat, 25 Sep 2010 19:48:56 EDT

Onto my week 3 picks & predictions:

Titans @ Giants-- I have no faith in the Giants whatsoever. They play without pride, passion, and leadership, and the coaching has been dreadful. Never before in my life did I ever see a coach draft a DT in the 2nd round; then not even dress him in a big game. This team is clueless and the coaches and staff are a joke. Of course, the way my luck is going, the Giants will win BECAUSE I picked against them. PREDICTION: TITANS

Bengals @ Panthers-- The Bengals played on defense the way I thought they would play last week. No surprise to me at all. Jimmy Clausen will prove to be an upgrade over Matt Moore in the long run, but not in this game. Bengals defense gets it done again. PREDICTION: BENGALS

Week 2 NFL Predictions

Sun, 19 Sep 2010 10:03:05 EDT

Hi, everybody. I need a good bounce back week after going a pedestrian 9-7 in week 1. I actually got a couple of my upset picks correct; yet still only finished 9-7. Here's hoping for a better week:

Ravens @ Bengals -- Nice performance by the Ravens D against the Jets, but they face a unit that can score points in the Bengals. I think the Bengals D bounces back in this one at home. The Ravens just aren't showing me enough in scoring offense right now. PREDICTION: BENGALS

Bears @ Cowboys -- I don't care what the official rule is. In my mind, the Lions should have won that game last week. He caught the ball and put it down. That's a catch - PERIOD. Anyway, the Cowboys offense has issues, but I believe the play of their defense will offset that. I don't see Matt Forte bailing out the Bears in this one nor do I see TD catches being nulified for a second week in a row. PREDICTION: COWBOYS

Week 1 NFL Picks & Predictions

Sun, 12 Sep 2010 13:41:50 EDT

As per my usual this time of year, here are my picks & predictions for week 1. Feel free to chime in with your thoughts and own predictions. 5's for all replies:

Vikings @ Saints-- Aside rom the fact that the Vikings have a ton of injuries at WR, Brett Favre's ankle injury is a pretty bad one. You don't just bounce back from a surgery like this; even when you're still young. Favre will be 41. Don Majkowski had the same type of ankle injury back in the day. He needed eight additional surgeries on that same ankle - AFTER he retired. Between his age and the ankle injury, I just don't see how Brett Favre repeats last season's performance. The Superbowl Champs win big. PREDICTION: SAINTS

Browns @ Buccaneers-- The Browns have the king of turnovers - Jake Delhomme - as their starting QB. That tells me all I need to know. PREDICTION: BUCCANEERS

NFL Tidbits & Rumors - 8/27/10

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:10:24 EDT

Sorry for missing last week. Enjoy:

There will be some new names among the Cardinals' starting units on Saturday in Chicago, but coach Ken Whisenhunt isn't saying how long the starters will play in the third preseason game. "We're mixing some new guys in," he said. "We're going to see how we play. Obviously, there are a lot of things we're still looking to find out about our team, from a personnel standpoint, from scheme. We'll see how the game unfolds." There will be at least three changes in the starting lineup. Derek Anderson will start instead of Matt Leinart at quarterback. Greg Toler will replace Trumaine McBride at left cornerback, and Daryl Washington will start at inside linebacker instead of Pago Togafau.

NFL Tidbits & Rumors - 8/13/10

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:05:14 EDT

After some back-and-forth sniping in recent days, the Jets and the agents for holdout cornerback Darrelle Revis agreed to take the negotiations behind closed doors. The Jets and Revis' agents, Neil Schwartz and Jonathan Feinsod, issued a joint statement Thursday, saying, "Both parties have had conversations to clear the air and will continue to negotiate with the hopes of reaching an agreement. From this point forward, all discussions regarding these negotiations will remain confidential." Revis' holdout entered its 12th day as he continues to seek an extension.

The hysteria of Darrelle Revis' protracted contract dispute, which reached Day 12 yesterday, has spread a dark cloud over the Jets' bold Super Bowl hopes, but there's actually a silver lining to the mess. There are beneficiaries to the Revis holdout -- other than the Patriots and Dolphins, that is. Jets rookie No. 1 draft pick, cornerback Kyle Wilson, is atop that list because he has been working with the first team -- something he otherwise wouldn't be doing if Revis were in camp. Wilson will start against the Giants in Monday night's preseason opener at the new Meadowlands Stadium.

NFL Tidbits & Rumors - 8/6/10

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 7:48:06 EDT

I'm purposely leaving out Brett Favre news. Sorry.

The Bills today reached an agreement in a five-year contract with first-round draft pick C.J. Spiller, a league source told The News. Spiller is expected to arrive at training camp about noon. The deal will be worth about $20.8 million in guaranteed money and $37.5 million maximum.

Owner Bob McNair admitted Thursday the Texans are interested in former Buffalo defensive end Aaron Schobel. Schobel, who was waived by the Bills on Wednesday, is a free agent who wants to sign with the Texans if he elects to play a 10th season. Other teams are interested in Schobel. "(General manager) Rick (Smith) is talking with our coaches, and they're evaluating things and trying to determine exactly what role a player like Aaron would fill," McNair said. "We all respect him."

NFL Tidbits & Rumors - 7/30/10

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 2:24:32 EDT

The Jets are poised to add another player in what has been a busy offseason. Free agent wide receiver Laveranues Coles will work out for his former team in Florham Park, N.J. Friday with the expectation of signing a one-year deal for the veteran minimum, according to a league source. Coles, of course, had two separate stints with the Jets in 2000-2002 and 2005-08 before signing a four-year, $28 million contract with the Bengals last season. The 32-year-old had only 43 catches for 514 yards and five touchdowns in 2009 before the Bengals cut him in the offseason. Although Coles, the Jets' third-round pick in 2000, has lost some of his explosiveness, he should provide some quality depth.

Wes Welker may not have been in pads yesterday, but the Patriots receiver was as active as he could be the first day of training camp. Welker motored through agility drills, showing quick, fluid movements months after undergoing reconstructive left knee surgery. Welker was in view of his teammates as he worked with Joe Van Allen, a member of the training staff. All eyes were on the 5-foot-9-inch receiver, who has been watched closely since he crumbled in the last regular-season game. Welker is the only player remaining on the physically unable to perform list.