With speculation mounting that the Detroit Lions are interested in signing New Orleans Saints restricted free agent defensive tackle Anthony Hargrove to an offer sheet, WWL-TV in New Orleans is reporting that Hargrove will sign his tender from the Saints on Monday.
Tendered at the original round level, the Saints would have had the right to match any offer for Hargrove, or receive a third round pick as compensation.
The former St. Louis Rams draft pick has had numerous off-field problems during his career, including being suspended for the entire 2008 season due to substance abuse. Hargrove experienced a renaissance with the Saints however, recording 42 tackles and five sacks last season.
As shown on NFL Network's Super Bowl Journey, Hargrove became a leader for the Saints defense last season, and his life and career are now on the right track.
Hargrove will make $1.226 million in 2010.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Report: Lynch wants a new home
Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch may be interested in finding a new home next season, according to a report from Mark Gaughan of The Buffalo News.
Though Gaughan has no hard evidence, he says that the locker room chatter is that Lynch "would not be disappointed at all if he were shipped elsewhere."
Considering Fred Jackson took over the starting tailback role last season, this is hardly surprising news. Since his rookie campaign in which he wowed everyone who saw him, Lynch has started to fall out of favor in Buffalo. His run-ins with the law have not helped the situation, and his four game suspension at the beginning of last season made Jackson the starter, and Jackson took advantage of it. As the backup to Jackson, Lynch rushed for 450 yards and two touchdowns in 2009.
With three years left on his rookie contract, Lynch likely isn't going anywhere this offseason.
Though Gaughan has no hard evidence, he says that the locker room chatter is that Lynch "would not be disappointed at all if he were shipped elsewhere."
Considering Fred Jackson took over the starting tailback role last season, this is hardly surprising news. Since his rookie campaign in which he wowed everyone who saw him, Lynch has started to fall out of favor in Buffalo. His run-ins with the law have not helped the situation, and his four game suspension at the beginning of last season made Jackson the starter, and Jackson took advantage of it. As the backup to Jackson, Lynch rushed for 450 yards and two touchdowns in 2009.
With three years left on his rookie contract, Lynch likely isn't going anywhere this offseason.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Cardinals sign Feeley
The Arizona Cardinals have lost a number of star players this offseason, including Kurt Warner and Anquan Boldin. But can they deal with the loss of Neil Rackers?
Cardinals fans may have to deal with that question. In a move first reported by the Newark Star-Ledger, Jay Feeley has agreed to a two-year deal with the NFC West club, ending Rackers' stay in Arizona.
Feeley was solid for the New York Jets last season, connecting on 30-of-36 attempts, including a streak of 24 made field goals. Rackers conversely made 16-of-17 field goal attempts last year.
The Cardinals and Rackers were reportedly working on a new contract, but that seems to be irrelevant now that Feeley is a member of the team.
Cardinals fans may have to deal with that question. In a move first reported by the Newark Star-Ledger, Jay Feeley has agreed to a two-year deal with the NFC West club, ending Rackers' stay in Arizona.
Feeley was solid for the New York Jets last season, connecting on 30-of-36 attempts, including a streak of 24 made field goals. Rackers conversely made 16-of-17 field goal attempts last year.
The Cardinals and Rackers were reportedly working on a new contract, but that seems to be irrelevant now that Feeley is a member of the team.
Parkers joins Redskins
Apparently, you can never have enough over-the-hill running backs. At least that's what Mike Shanahan believes, as evidenced by the Washington Redskins signing of former Pittsburgh Steelers star Willie Parker.
Parker, 29, signed a one-year deal with the team today, joining a backfield that already includes Clinton Portis and Larry Johnson.
Much like Johnson's three-year deal, Parker signed a deal that, with incentives, could be worth up to $3.1 million. Parker rushed for just 389 yards last season as Rashard Mendhenhall took over the work load in Pittsburgh.
How Parker will fits into the Redskins plan is anyone's guess, but conventional wisdom says the Redskins don't plan on keeping all three running backs. Since Shanahan has indicated that Portis will be the team's starter, it could mean that Parker will be battling Johnson for a roster spot. If it comes down to that, it could be one of the most intriguing training camp stories to follow this offseason.
Much like Johnson's three-year deal, Parker signed a deal that, with incentives, could be worth up to $3.1 million. Parker rushed for just 389 yards last season as Rashard Mendhenhall took over the work load in Pittsburgh.
How Parker will fits into the Redskins plan is anyone's guess, but conventional wisdom says the Redskins don't plan on keeping all three running backs. Since Shanahan has indicated that Portis will be the team's starter, it could mean that Parker will be battling Johnson for a roster spot. If it comes down to that, it could be one of the most intriguing training camp stories to follow this offseason.
Rodgers "remorseful" after arrest
Shaun Rodgers was released from jail today after posting $1,000 bail.
The Cleveland Browns nose tackle was arrested Thursday night for allegedly carrying a loaded gun into an airport. Rodgers is facing a fourth-degree felony charge, and intends on pleading not guilty. After being released, Rodgers made a statement to reporters, saying: "By no means did I intend or willingly or knowingly take a firearm into the airport," he said. "That's not something I would do."
"I'm truly remorseful, and I really can't put into words how unfortunate the incident is," Rogers said. "Again, I'm completely sorry."
What this does to Rodgers' status with the team is not known, and team president Mike Holmgren said that he would not comment "until the legal process has taken its course."
Though Rodgers claims that he did not know his gun was in his luggage, it's a mistake that should not be taken lightly. Commissioner Rodger Goodell has come down hard on all incidents involving the law, and this is not a minor one. Goodell always mentions the "integrity" of the league, and this does nothing to help it. As a result, a suspension is not out of the question.
As the AP report mentions, Rodgers is arguably the Browns' best player, though Josh Cribbs' likely would have something to say to that.
The Cleveland Browns nose tackle was arrested Thursday night for allegedly carrying a loaded gun into an airport. Rodgers is facing a fourth-degree felony charge, and intends on pleading not guilty. After being released, Rodgers made a statement to reporters, saying: "By no means did I intend or willingly or knowingly take a firearm into the airport," he said. "That's not something I would do."
"I'm truly remorseful, and I really can't put into words how unfortunate the incident is," Rogers said. "Again, I'm completely sorry."
What this does to Rodgers' status with the team is not known, and team president Mike Holmgren said that he would not comment "until the legal process has taken its course."
Though Rodgers claims that he did not know his gun was in his luggage, it's a mistake that should not be taken lightly. Commissioner Rodger Goodell has come down hard on all incidents involving the law, and this is not a minor one. Goodell always mentions the "integrity" of the league, and this does nothing to help it. As a result, a suspension is not out of the question.
As the AP report mentions, Rodgers is arguably the Browns' best player, though Josh Cribbs' likely would have something to say to that.
Adams, Hamlin released by Cowboys
Two members of the Dallas Cowboys have hit the free agent market. The team announced today that left tackle Flozell Adams and safety Ken Hamlin have been released.
Adams, a five-time pro bowler, was a stalwart at the position for 12 years. He signed a $43 million deal in 2008, and his productivity has been in decline ever since. Adams has recently found himself near of the top of the list in most penalties, and his age (34) seems to be catching up with him. Still, he gave the Cowboys great protection for a number of years.
“We will always be grateful for his outstanding durability, dependability and contributions to this team,” said owner Jerry Jones in a statement released by the team. “I don’t know that you could ask for any more than what Flozell Adams gave to the Dallas Cowboys for 12 seasons.”
Adams was due to receive a base salary of $5.0 million this season, something that not even Jones was willing to pay. Reserve tackle Doug Free is expected to take over for Adams, if the Cowboys do not address the position through the draft.
As for Hamlin, he failed to live up to the big money contract that was given to him after his breakout season in 2007 in which he registered 102 tackles, five interceptions and a Pro Bowl appearance. The Cowboys could not justify paying him the $5.5 million he was set to earn in 2010.
Adams, a five-time pro bowler, was a stalwart at the position for 12 years. He signed a $43 million deal in 2008, and his productivity has been in decline ever since. Adams has recently found himself near of the top of the list in most penalties, and his age (34) seems to be catching up with him. Still, he gave the Cowboys great protection for a number of years.
“We will always be grateful for his outstanding durability, dependability and contributions to this team,” said owner Jerry Jones in a statement released by the team. “I don’t know that you could ask for any more than what Flozell Adams gave to the Dallas Cowboys for 12 seasons.”
Adams was due to receive a base salary of $5.0 million this season, something that not even Jones was willing to pay. Reserve tackle Doug Free is expected to take over for Adams, if the Cowboys do not address the position through the draft.
As for Hamlin, he failed to live up to the big money contract that was given to him after his breakout season in 2007 in which he registered 102 tackles, five interceptions and a Pro Bowl appearance. The Cowboys could not justify paying him the $5.5 million he was set to earn in 2010.
Sproles signs tender
Coming into this offseason, San Diego Chargers running back Darren Sproles presumably had one goal in mind: sign a long-term deal. Thanks to the lack of a collective bargaining agreement and the Chargers placing the highest possible tender on him, that won't happen.
According to ESPN's John Clayton, Sproles today signed his one-year tender, which will keep him in San Diego at a base salary of $7.2813 million.
As a backup to LaDainian Tomlinson last season, Sproles rushed for 343 yards and 3 touchdowns. Sproles is also an excellent receiver, and last season he had 45 receptions for 497 yards. The Chargers will likely turn to this month's draft to add depth to the position. Sproles is not considered to be an every-down back, and adding too many carries to his workload could hamper his ability as a punt and kickoff returner.
As a backup to LaDainian Tomlinson last season, Sproles rushed for 343 yards and 3 touchdowns. Sproles is also an excellent receiver, and last season he had 45 receptions for 497 yards. The Chargers will likely turn to this month's draft to add depth to the position. Sproles is not considered to be an every-down back, and adding too many carries to his workload could hamper his ability as a punt and kickoff returner.
Rams must take Bradford for the right reasons
The St. Louis Rams have a tough decision on their hands. Holding the No.1 overall pick in this month's draft, the Rams must decide who they want to become their future face of the franchise. It's obviously a big decision -- one that can get a general manager and head coach fired. Three weeks from today, the Rams must send in the their pick.
Just one month ago, experts and draftniks generally agreed that former Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh should be the Rams' pick. Not since Reggie White has a defensive player this dominant come out of college, they said. And dominant he was. Suh registered 12 sacks in 2009, good enough to be tied for the fourth most in the country.
Personally, I have a huge problem with taking a defensive tackle with the first overall pick. Quarterbacks win games in the NFL, which is why they are paid the most money. Never have I come away from a Super Bowl believing that a defensive tackle was the reason a team won it all. Obviously, a large number of quarterbacks have made their marks in Super Bowl games. Moreover, with all of the money that the No.1 overall pick is commanding these days, it doesn't seem to make financial sense to pay a defensive tackle $40 million in guaranteed money. The Rams need a quarterback to turn around the franchise. While defensive tackle is a position that the Rams must address, it is not as important as finding a quarterback.
And this leads me to Bradford. Recently, all the talk regarding the Rams pick has centered around Bradford, who is now fully recovered from the shoulder injury he suffered during his last season at Oklahoma. Bradford received raving reviews from his pro day, where he threw just one incompletion. Many personnel gurus came away extremely impressed, including NFL.com's Gil Brandt, who said it was "one of the best individual workouts I've seen in a long time." Now, a pro day is a pro day, and I'm not someone who is going to overreact to a performance from a quarterback who has wearing a t-shirt and shorts. But what the workout did do was debunk any concerns regarding the shoulder, and that will make it easier for the Rams to take Bradford should they go that route.
If the Rams do decide to select Bradford, they need to make sure they are doing it for the right reasons. Some fans believe that the Rams must take Bradford because they passed up on Matt Ryan and Mark Sanchez over the last two drafts. Wrong. If that's how the Rams are going to operate, they might as well stop being a franchise. The Rams need to select Bradford because they believe he is the best player in this year's draft. If he's not, then they need to go in a different direction.
As I mentioned earlier, this pick will help shape the Steve Spagnuolo/Billy Devaney regime. The organization must be absolutely sure that Bradford is the player that they want to spend over $40 million on.
It's not an easy decision, especially if the building is split between Suh and Bradford. But when the Rams send in their pick on the 22nd, they better be damn confident in their choice.
Just one month ago, experts and draftniks generally agreed that former Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh should be the Rams' pick. Not since Reggie White has a defensive player this dominant come out of college, they said. And dominant he was. Suh registered 12 sacks in 2009, good enough to be tied for the fourth most in the country.
Personally, I have a huge problem with taking a defensive tackle with the first overall pick. Quarterbacks win games in the NFL, which is why they are paid the most money. Never have I come away from a Super Bowl believing that a defensive tackle was the reason a team won it all. Obviously, a large number of quarterbacks have made their marks in Super Bowl games. Moreover, with all of the money that the No.1 overall pick is commanding these days, it doesn't seem to make financial sense to pay a defensive tackle $40 million in guaranteed money. The Rams need a quarterback to turn around the franchise. While defensive tackle is a position that the Rams must address, it is not as important as finding a quarterback.
And this leads me to Bradford. Recently, all the talk regarding the Rams pick has centered around Bradford, who is now fully recovered from the shoulder injury he suffered during his last season at Oklahoma. Bradford received raving reviews from his pro day, where he threw just one incompletion. Many personnel gurus came away extremely impressed, including NFL.com's Gil Brandt, who said it was "one of the best individual workouts I've seen in a long time." Now, a pro day is a pro day, and I'm not someone who is going to overreact to a performance from a quarterback who has wearing a t-shirt and shorts. But what the workout did do was debunk any concerns regarding the shoulder, and that will make it easier for the Rams to take Bradford should they go that route.
If the Rams do decide to select Bradford, they need to make sure they are doing it for the right reasons. Some fans believe that the Rams must take Bradford because they passed up on Matt Ryan and Mark Sanchez over the last two drafts. Wrong. If that's how the Rams are going to operate, they might as well stop being a franchise. The Rams need to select Bradford because they believe he is the best player in this year's draft. If he's not, then they need to go in a different direction.
As I mentioned earlier, this pick will help shape the Steve Spagnuolo/Billy Devaney regime. The organization must be absolutely sure that Bradford is the player that they want to spend over $40 million on.
It's not an easy decision, especially if the building is split between Suh and Bradford. But when the Rams send in their pick on the 22nd, they better be damn confident in their choice.
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