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."

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."

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. "

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."

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."

Cleveland now in bidding for Chiefs' Green
March 30
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: " A new team has reportedly surfaced in the bidding for Kansas City quarterback Trent Green, whose agent has previously expressed his strong desire to play for the Dolphins. Chiefs President/General Manager Carl Peterson told The Kansas City Star on Wednesday that he was approached by Cleveland General Manager Phil Savage about potentially acquiring Green, who is on the trading block."

Who fits best for Panthers QB?
March 30
Charlotte Observer (registration required): "David Carr or Joey Harrington? The Panthers are talking with representatives of both quarterbacks as they attempt to find a backup to starter Jake Delhomme for next season."

Is Moss On Board the Kiffin Express?
March 30
Contra Costa Times (scroll down) (registration required): "Moss' name has surfaced in countless trade rumors. The Raiders haven't confirmed or denied whether they have dangled Moss as trade bait. Kiffin's phone call to Moss didn't shed any light on whether Moss has jumped aboard the Kiffin Express, as has fellow wide receiver Jerry Porter."

Teams show plenty of interest in Bolts' Turner
March 30
North County Times: "Smith declined to discuss specifics in terms of interested teams or what offers he has fielded. But it's known that the Green Bay Packers are highly interested in Turner. The Buffalo Bills also have interest."

Harbaugh says Carroll is gone after 2007
March 30
Los Angeles Times (registration required): "USC does not play Stanford until October, but new Cardinal Coach Jim Harbaugh has already stoked flames with Pete Carroll, albeit inadvertently. Earlier this week, Dennis Dodd of CBS SportsLine.com quoted Harbaugh as saying Carroll would be gone after next season."

Redskins meeting Russell, others
March 30
Washington Times: "Vinny Cerrato, Washington Redskins vice president of football operations, confirmed an ESPN.com report yesterday that LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell will meet with the team's coaches and front office April 10... An NFL source said the Bears coaches and front office are scheduled to meet this weekend to decide whether to trade Briggs and the No. 31 pick overall to the Redskins for the sixth pick. "

Hot Breaking NFL Rumors

Skins make offer for Briggs March 28 Chicago Sun-Times: "Lance Briggs is close to getting everything he wants. The only question is whether the Bears can afford to let him fulfill his dreams. Multiple sources confirmed Tuesday that the Washington Redskins have made a formal trade offer to the Bears for the Pro Bowl linebacker, offering a swap of first-round picks that would put the Bears near the top of the first round at No. 6 overall for Briggs and the No. 31 selection. "

Kiffin says going to Moss is right route for Raiders March 28 Sacramento Bee: "Moss' downcast demeanor is a reason he has been the subject of trade rumors following his worst season as a pro. Moss even suggested he would welcome a trade if the Raiders believed it was best for the franchise during an in-season radio interview. Nevertheless, Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said at the NFL owners meetings he expects Moss to be a Raider this season, adding: 'I've never had a conversation with Randy at all about trading him.'"

Packers GM in no rush to make a deal March 28 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "It's basically down to this for the Green Bay Packers: Work out a trade for Randy Moss, Michael Turner or Darrell Jackson or forget about adding a veteran on offense who can make a major impact next season."

He's a real head-Turner March 28 Wisconsin State Journal: "While the Green Bay Packers' fan base has expended plenty of sports-radio airtime and Internet bandwidth debating whether the team should trade for controversial wide receiver Randy Moss, another player that fans probably should be buzzing about is San Diego Chargers restricted free agent running back Michael Turner."

Chiefs want to deal March 28 South Florida Sun-Sentinel: " Kansas City coach Herman Edwards said his franchise is trying to trade quarterback Trent Green because it wants to give second-year player Brodie Croyle more opportunities. Although it isn't believed much progress was made at the owners' meetings in trade talks between the Chiefs and Dolphins involving Green, the latter remains the front-runner for his services."

It's wait-And-See approach on Plummer, pick from Tampa Bay March 28 Rocky Mountain News: "Jake Plummer is retired. Or not. Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said he will take his former quarterback 'at his word,' but added he will just wait and see if the Broncos eventually get a draft pick they are scheduled to receive in their trade with Tampa Bay."

More Hot NFL Rumors and News

Vikings won't bring back Moss March 19 Minneapolis Star Tribune: "The Vikings have no interest in bringing Randy Moss back, and the odds are good that the Packers won't be able to make a deal with the Raiders, who want quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a former No. 1 pick, in the deal. "

Falcons staff gets to look players over March 19 Atlanta Journal-Constitution: "Backup quarterback Matt Schaub and outside linebacker Demorrio Williams are both restricted free agents whose place on the opening-day roster isn't guaranteed. Atlanta doesn't want to lose either player and has tendered each a lucrative, one-year qualifying offer with hefty compensation attachments to dissuade opposing teams from trying to sign them."

Titans waiting for word on Barber March 19 Nashville City Paper: "The Titans had veteran free agent linebacker Shawn Barber in for a visit on Friday. According to Barber’s agent, Brian Mackler, the visit to Tennessee went well, and Barber could make a decision on his future as early as today."

Deal Close for Bockwoldt March 19 Sacramento Bee: "The 49ers re-signed Hannibal Navies on Friday and cut Renauld Williams. They also were close to a deal with free agent Colby Bockwoldt, a special-teams standout who played with New Orleans and Tennessee."

Hot NFL Rumors

Draft may be next big move for Dolphins March 18 Palm Beach Post: "The Dolphins' interest in Kansas City quarterback Trent Green, 36 and coming off an injury-marred season, seems to have cooled, leaving the feeling that Miami's next significant moves could come during the April 28-29 draft."

No deal near for No. 2 pick March 18 Denver Post: "Knowing several NFL teams are drooling over the talents of wide receiver Calvin Johnson, the Detroit Lions have let it be known their No. 2 overall draft pick is up for trade. Yes, the Lions have held preliminary discussions with the Broncos regarding the No. 2 pick during the past month, NFL sources confirmed."

A few jokes told in 'silly season' March 18 Cleveland Plain Dealer: "The latest speculation on the national level has the Browns falling out of love with Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson and in love with the idea of selecting a quarterback, with LSU's JaMarcus Russell being their top choice and Notre Dame's Brady Quinn second."

On the horizon March 18 St. Petersburg Times: "Plummer says he has played his last down, but the Bucs aren't buying it. They're willing to send a fourth-round pick to Denver in 2008 if he plays next season, or a seventh-rounder if he does not."

Vikings Still Could Land Green March 18 St. Paul Pioneer Press: "There's still a chance the Vikings could trade with the Kansas City Chiefs for veteran quarterback Trent Green in exchange for a low-round draft pick."

Thompson says trading Rodgers 'never' discussed March 18 PackersNews.com: "Rumors persist that Packers backup quarterback Aaron Rodgers is on the trading block in a possible deal for Oakland Raiders receiver Randy Moss. General Manager Ted Thompson, who should know better than anyone, doesn't put a lot of stock in such speculation."

Hot NFL Rumors

Moss rumors continue March 17: "The Boston Herald reported Thursday that a deal sending wide receiver Randy Moss and tight end Courtney Anderson to Green Bay for quarterback Aaron Rodgers and a seventh-round draft choice was close to being completed, according to an unnamed source."

Lions trying to strike up deal March 17 Denver Post: "Yes, the Lions have held preliminary discussions with the Broncos regarding the No. 2 pick the past month, NFL sources confirmed. But no, Broncos fans shouldn't get their hopes up... According to a Broncos source, Bly will not be traded and will play for the team in 2007."

Archuleta's Status Is Still Up in the Air March 17 Washington Post: "The Washington Redskins must work out a new contract or a deal for safety Adam Archuleta by Wednesday, when he will be owed a $5 million guaranteed bonus... Trading him will not be easy given the $5 million he is still due, and the team and Archuleta's agent, Gary Wichard, are exploring ways to either release him without taking a big salary cap hit or trade him, sources said."

QB Canada Bound? March 17 Miami Herald: "First, it was running back Ricky Williams. Now, it might be quarterback Joey Harrington. A year after retaining the rights of the suspended running back to play in the Canadian Football League, the Toronto Argonauts have now shown similar interest in the team's ousted quarterback."

NFL Mock Draft - Top 10

Everybody has their opinion on the draft...here is the humble prognostication of Doc Sports:

1. Oakland Raiders - JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSUThe Raiders aren't as far away as you think. I know that seems ridiculous, but with healthy skill players and that defense the Raiders can at least compete and are about two years away from being a playoff threat. Remember, the team that picked No. 2 last year made the NFC Championship this year, so it is possible. They need linemen and would be best served by trading this pick. But the allure of Russell's Rocket Arm is too appealing. I just hope they don't put him behind that offensive line, which may be the worst I've ever seen.
2. Detroit Lions - Joe Thomas, OT, WisconsinThe irony here is beautiful - they need receivers or else having Mike Martz is like having Ron Howard guest direct an episode of "The OC". But Matt Millen knows better than to take Calvin Johnson. At least I think he does. None of Millen's offensive line free agents have panned out so it's time to start building through the draft.
3. Cleveland Browns - Jamaal Anderson, DE, ArkansasEveryone's thinking Brady Quinn here. And there's a good chance the Romeo-Weis connection will lead to a Quinn pick. But that would be a mistake. Romeo is a defensive guy at heart and will try to bolster a very below-average defensive line. The Brownies have managed just 51 sacks over the past two years, worst in the NFL, and I'll give you a malnourished donkey if you can name me their starting DEs. I say they take this Beast of a Man and give Charlie Frye one more year.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia TechMichael Clayton has been slightly more effective at wideout than John Clayton over the past two seasons. Chucky had Rice and Brown in Oakland, and I'm sure he's salivating at the thought of picking up the physical specimen that is Johnson.
5. Arizona Cardinals - Alan Branch, DT, MichiganI think the Cardinals would pimp out Matt Leinhart to fat chicks and executives for the Lions, Browns and Bucs for the two months leading up to draft day if it meant they had a shot at Joe Thomas. They don't. But Branch is an outstanding consolation prize. The Cards won't get out of the Joke Box until they toughen up in the front seven. Injuries have limited a rather limited front four, so they should opt for the guy with unlimited potential.
6. Washington Redskins - Leon Hall, CB, MichiganThe offensive line isn't getting any younger, but last year the Redskins fell apart because they looked like the Over-The-Hill Gang from the 70's. I don't mean that as a compliment. In fact, I think one of the starters from Washington's 1974 defense started last year at safety. Oh, wait. That was just Troy Vincent. My bad.
7. Minnesota Vikings - Brady Quinn, QB, Notre DameYou want to talk about being at the right place at the right time? This is like catching that queen on the river to crack aces with a set. And I say 'queen' because Quinn hasn't shown me much against top-flight competition. Tell me he isn't a New Age Rick Mirer and I don't know if I'll believe you. But the Vikes need a quarterback for the future, Quinn gets Mel Kiper Jr. wet, and Brad Johnson gets someone to lecture about the virtues of mediocrity to.
8. Houston Texans - LaRon Landry, S, LSUThe smart money says that they try to correct last year's mistake by taking Adrian Peterson. I say Gary Kubiak tells you to take the smart money and shove it up your ass. If he didn't take Bush he's not taking Peterson. I think a defensive playmaker in the secondary or along the D-line has to be No. 1 on the wish list.
9. Miami Dolphins - Amobi Okoye, DT, LouisvilleIt's tough to project who the Dolphins are going after because they have a lot of holes on defense and that offensive line. But I heard that Okoye impressed a lot of people down in Miami during Super Bowl week. The geriatric crew of Vonnie Holiday, Keith Traylor and Jeff Zgonina are all unrestricted free agents so the Fins need to get some fresh meat up front.
10. Atlanta Falcons - Gaines Adams, DE, ClemsonThe Falcons need secondary help worse than Mike Vick needs herpes ointment. But with Patrick Kearney starting to break down and Falcons brass coming to the stunning realization that John Abraham can never be counted on - ever - the Gaines pick makes sense. He's from a Southern school, and the natives always see that as a plus.