4.11.2007

Hot Breaking NFL Rumors

Quarles, Kelly are no-Shows at workout April 11 St. Petersburg Times: "Linebacker Shelton Quarles and cornerback Brian Kelly did not attend the Bucs' first organized team activity, fueling more speculation that both might be gone when the season starts."

Kiffin still debating over who's No. 1 April 11 Contra Costa Times: "Wide receiver Calvin Johnson already has met with Raiders officials. Quarterback JaMarcus Russell is scheduled to do likewise in the coming days. Yet, neither one is a sure thing to be selected by the Raiders with the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft April 28. New coach Lane Kiffin confirmed the Raiders already have fielded several trade offers and will continue to do so... For the record, Walter said he considers himself the starter regardless if the Raiders trade for Josh McCown, whom they reportedly have approached the Detroit Lions about, draft Russell or whoever else signs before the season."

Williams, McCown: Good-bye? April 11 Detroit Free Press: "Wide receiver Mike Williams and quarterback Josh McCown were conspicuously absent from the Lions' first off-season practice Tuesday... Though McCown has been supportive in his backup role, he wants to move on now. The Raiders are interested in trading for him, adding intrigue to the upcoming NFL draft."

Pacman Gone for year, may not return April 11 Nashville Tennessean: "NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell came down hard on Pacman Jones on Tuesday, sacking him like a blitzing linebacker might take down an unsuspecting quarterback. It's a staggering blow for the Titans cornerback — a suspension for the 2007 season that may take as much as $3.1 million out of his bank account... Titans owner Bud Adams, however, said there's no guarantee Jones has a future with the team."

Sauerbrun's return still possible April 11 Denver Post: "The NFL Players Association is fighting a technicality in the original contract Sauerbrun signed with the New England Patriots in December. If he wins the grievance, Sauerbrun will become a free agent and can sign with any NFL team. Sauerbrun has made it known his preference is to play for the Broncos."

Future plans? April 11 Boston Globe: "Cornerback Randall Gay came away from his visit with the Jets yesterday without a contract offer. The deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets is April 20."

Giants in the market for veteran backup QB April 11 Newark Star-Ledger: "Former Cowboys quarterback Anthony Wright is scheduled to meet with the Giants, the NFL Network has reported. The network did not say when the visit will occur... The Giants have also shown an interest in former Jets and Dolphins QB Jay Fiedler, so it's clear they're looking for a more experienced veteran to fill one of their two backup quarterback spots."

Packers talking to cornerback James April 11 PackersNews.com: "The Green Bay Packers have engaged in preliminary contract talks with free-agent cornerback Tory James... The other three teams that remain interested in James are the New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints and Oakland Raiders, according to Bartelstein."

Edwards could be Dolphins' pick April 11 Miami Herald: "Stanford QB Trent Edwards has emerged as a potential second-round Dolphins option. Cam Cameron and Randy Mueller went to Calif., to give him a private workout last week. . . . Notre Dame's Brady Quinn looked very sharp in his Dolphins workout in South Bend, Ind., on Tuesday, someone in attendance relayed. Quinn stayed after for a while to talk with Cameron and Mueller."

Panthers have plenty of options at 14 April 11 Gaston Gazette: "Most draft experts believe LSU’s Laron Landry has solidified himself as a top 10 pick following a strong Pro Day, which means the Panthers might need to trade up if they’re interested in him. However, it appears Florida ballhawker Reggie Nelson will be there at 14, so he could be an option."

4.06.2007

Hot Breaking NFL Rumors

Browns gearing to lure Green April 6 Cleveland Plain Dealer: " The Browns are apparently ready to step up their pursuit of Chiefs quarterback Trent Green. Browns General Manager Phil Savage told WTAM AM/1100 on Thursday morning that the next step is to negotiate a 'ballpark contract' for Green that would prompt him to want to come to Cleveland for a visit... So far, Green, 36, has said he only wants to be traded to the Dolphins, who are also in the hunt. "

Quinn spotted in Berea April 6 Akron Beacon Journal: "Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn dressed in a light orange shirt for his visit to the Browns. If he gets his wish, he'll soon have a matching orange helmet."

Redskins may pursue Samuel April 6 Washington Times: "Although they appear set at cornerback, the Redskins are expected to call New England about Asante Samuel, who expressed disappointment Wednesday about not getting a long-term contract and would be open to a trade. Samuel shared a tie for first in the NFL last year with 10 interceptions and was designated as the Patriots' franchise player. "

Turner Visits Bills April 6 Nashville City Paper: "Running back Michael Turner, a restricted free agent from the San Diego Chargers, visited the Buffalo Bills on Thursday... The Titans are also interested in former New England Patriots running back Corey Dillon and their own free agent running back Chris Brown."

Stunned Carney says he's not set to retire, yet April 6 New Orleans Times-Picayune: "John Carney said he was shocked and disappointed by the Saints' decision to replace him after six years as their kicker. But he was not upset with the team, and he is leaving New Orleans on good terms. Carney, who turns 43 in two weeks, denied reports that he plans to retire. He said he was excited about returning to New Orleans in 2007, and he still hopes to kick for another team this season."

Vikings pick up pre-Draft pace April 6 St. Paul Pioneer Press: "Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams and Tennessee wide receiver Robert Meachem reportedly are among the players who will be attending the Vikings' mass pre-draft visit and dinner Wednesday, but Spielman said the team won't be confirming any names."

Bills finishing up draft homework April 6 Buffalo News: "After hours of watching workouts, conducting interviews and studying game film of prospects, the Buffalo Bills are winding down their preparations for the April draft... The Bills have to replace London Fletcher in the middle and Takeo Spikes on the strong side. Mississippi’s Patrick Willis is a strong possibility in the first round."

4.05.2007

Hot Breaking NFL Rumors

Samuel talks trade: Negotiations upset CB April 5 Boston Herald: "Fed up with a lack of movement on his contract negotiations, Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel told the NFL Network last night that he’s prepared to seek a trade. "

Plans go forward on back April 5 Nashville Tennessean: "The Titans met with Chargers running back Michael Turner and will soon meet with former Patriots running back Corey Dillon. Then it's decision time."

Chargers' RB Turner postpones visit to Bills April 5 Buffalo News: " The Buffalo Bills were scheduled to entertain free-agent running back Michael Turner of the San Diego Chargers today at One Bills Drive. However, Turner encountered airline travel problems and was forced to postpone his visit to Buffalo. Turner, the backup to All Pro LaDainian Tomlinson, is a restricted free agent, and the Chargers are entertaining trade offers for him."

Harrington chats with Panthers April 5 Gaston Gazette: "The Carolina Panthers met with free agent quarterback Joey Harrington on Wednesday night following his arrival in Charlotte."

Free-Agent CB Fletcher makes Texans his first choice April 5 Houston Chronicle: "After completing his third visit as a free agent, cornerback Jamar Fletcher found the team he wants to join. Now, he sits back and waits to see if a deal can be reached with the Texans."

4.04.2007

Hot Breaking NFL News

Mr. Briggs goes to Washington? Nope April 4 Chicago Tribune: "Disgruntled linebacker Lance Briggs will not be moving from the Bears to the Washington Redskins, at least not in the immediate future, because the Bears rejected the Redskins' offer to send their No. 6 overall pick of the NFL draft to the Bears in exchange for Briggs and the 31st pick, a team official said Tuesday."

Rex gets in gear for salary drive April 4 Chicago Sun-Times: "It appears the wait-and-see approach the Bears took with coach Lovie Smith also will apply to quarterback Rex Grossman. President Ted Phillips wanted to see more from Smith last season before rewarding him with a rich contract extension, and it figures that the club will let Grossman head into his contract year looking for some of the same."

Culpepper: Wait and see April 4 South Florida Sun-Sentinel: "Mueller told WQAM radio that the Dolphins are taking a "wait-and-see approach" toward the future of quarterback Daunte Culpepper, who the franchise says is still recovering from knee problems. Mueller said the Dolphins want to select a quarterback in the draft and have spoken with the agent for David Carr about a potential free-agent visit... 'I think David is going to look for a starting job,' said Mueller, who also has spoken with Kansas City about a potential trade for Trent Green."

Titans enter talks with Chargers RB Turner April 4 Nashville City Paper: "The Tennessee Titans have entered preliminary negotiations with restricted free agent running back Michael Turner and have discussed compensation with the San Diego Chargers."

Free agent Doss, ex-Colts safety, set to visit Birds April 4 Philadelphia Inquirer: "Strong safety Mike Doss, a second-round draft pick by the Colts in 2003, is scheduled to visit the Eagles today after spending yesterday with the Minnesota Vikings."

Dolphins taking close look at Quinn April 4 Miami Herald: "Continuing to monitor Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn, Dolphins general manager Randy Mueller and coach Cam Cameron will get yet another look in a private workout April 10 with Quinn and Irish receiver Rhema McKnight... A friend of Ricky Williams said Williams expects to be reinstated by the NFL and kept by the Dolphins, and will return to Miami within a month."

No. 7 pick offers many scenarios for Vikings April 4 St. Paul Pioneer Press: "Despite a glaring need at wide receiver, the Vikings could end up waiting until the second or third round of the April 28-29 NFL draft to select a pass catcher, and they might be willing to trade down in the first round from the No. 7 spot, depending on who's available. "

4.03.2007

Hot Breaking NFL Rumors

Bears' proposal expected today April 3 Washington Times: "Chicago Bears general manager Jerry Angelo will make his counter proposal today to the Washington Redskins regarding linebacker Lance Briggs, an NFL source said yesterday. "

Chiefs may see Green early April 3 Kansas City Star: "Either way, their first two opponents are teams that are the strongest candidates to trade for quarterback Trent Green. The Chiefs begin their preseason Aug. 11 against the Browns in Cleveland. They then play against Miami on Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. at Arrowhead Stadium in a game that will be shown on ESPN."

Hawk talk April 3 Seattle Post-Intelligencer: "Quarterback David Carr, the first pick overall in the 2002 draft, might meet with the Seahawks on Wednesday. Carr, who was released last week by the Houston Texans, was in Carolina to meet with the Panthers today."

Chargers' Turner visits Titans April 3 Nashville Tennessean: "The Titans know what Chargers running back Michael Turner can do. Last season, he torched Tennessee for 138 yards in a 40-7 San Diego victory. On Monday, the restricted free agent was welcomed to Baptist Sports Park. Indications are the Titans are interested in acquiring Turner, considered one of the NFL's most valuable backups."

Packers are interested observers in race for Turner April 3 PackersNews.com: "The Packers haven't entered the Michael Turner sweepstakes, but where San Diego's backup running back lands could determine whether another veteran ends up in Green Bay. Turner, a restricted free agent, was in Tennessee on Monday to visit one of several teams that have inquired about signing him or trading for him. "

Vikings to meet with Moorehead, Doss April 3 Minneapolis Star Tribune: "Free-agent receiver Aaron Moorehead was scheduled to arrive Monday night in the Twin Cities for a visit that will conclude today. The Vikings also will play host today to free-agent safety Mike Doss, the NFL announced. Doss also is scheduled to visit Philadelphia this week."

Patten visits April 3 New Orleans Times-Picayune: "Free-agent receiver David Patten came to New Orleans for a visit Monday. The 5-10, 190-pounder was released by the Washington Redskins last month after two disappointing seasons."

4.02.2007

Hot Breaking NFL Rumors

Bears to Come With Briggs Counteroffer April 2 Washington Post: "The Washington Redskins' proposed trade for Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs will reach a secondary stage today when the Bears are expected to counter the Redskins' offer of the team's sixth overall pick in next month's draft in return for Chicago's 31st pick and Briggs."

Dillon, Titans set to talk April 2 Nashville Tennessean: "Earlier this offseason, veteran running back Corey Dillon said he was planning to retire from the NFL. His agent said on Sunday, however, the 'right situation' could change his mind, and on Wednesday Dillon is scheduled to meet with the Titans to see if there might be a match."

Cards likely to stick with No. 5 pick April 2 Arizona Republic: "As usual, the Cardinals hold special intrigue, because, barring a trade, they will enter the draft with a top-10 pick (No. 5) for the 10th time in the past 11 years. So until the draft is held April 28-29, we'll hear endless commentary about the Cardinals trading up, trading down and staying put."

Carr a worthy investment? April 1 Tacoma News Tribune: "For the Seattle Seahawks, the focus this week could be an intriguing prospect who was made rich by another club without commensurate productivity. Former No. 1 overall draft pick (2002) David Carr was set free by the Houston Texans after the team gave the starting quarterback job to Matt Schaub, a career backup with Atlanta."

Falcons could add Bledsoe April 1 Trenton Times: " Atlanta -- After trading Matt Schaub to Houston, the Falcons need a legitimate No. 2 behind Michael Vick. There are rumors that Drew Bledsoe could land here. Chris Redmond re-joins his old Louisville head coach as No. 3."

Thomas Trade? April 1 Denver Post: "There has been speculation Denver will trade for Miami middle linebacker Zach Thomas. While anything is possible, especially with the ultra-aggressive Broncos, don't expect it."

Raiders high on JaMarcus April 1 New York Daily News: "In the last three years, the Raiders have passed up QBs Philip Rivers, Ben Roethlisberger, Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler to take OT Robert Gallery and S Michael Huff. That's why they will take LSU QB JaMarcus Russell with the No. 1 pick this time around... Millen will take Wisconsin OT Joe Thomas or trade down. The Bucs, at No. 4, are the team most likely to try to move up to get Johnson. There's a small chance Millen could take Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn."