bubba9497
March-10th-2005, 05:37 PM
NFL Truth & Rumors: March 10, 2005
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/scorecard/03/10/truth.rumors.nfl/index.html
The likelihood of Edgerrin James returning to the Colts has diminished. The offshoot of a Wednesday conversation between Colts president Bill Polian and Drew Rosenhaus, James' agent, was that the team cannot handle a long-term contract with its career rushing leader and a trade might be in the offing. Rosenhaus said, "Bill and I both are actively working to find a trade. If it's out there, we'll find it between the two of us."
-- Indianapolis Star
It's been long speculated that James, a South Florida native, yearns to play for the Dolphins. But last week James said, "Everybody always ties me to (Miami) because I went to school here and I live here. But my main thing is playing football, making sure I've got a good deal in place and then going from there."
-- Indianapolis Star
Rosenhaus has talked recently to many teams, including the Dolphins, about acquiring James. But most teams, including the Dolphins, dismissed the notion because they believed the move would require giving up two first-round picks. That requirement has been lifted. "This is a major development, so I will be contacting teams again and expecting to get something done relatively soon," Rosenhaus said. "I will talk to the Dolphins again and, as I did before, I will pretty much talk to every team that needs a running back."
-- Miami Herald
The Colts, meanwhile, like Dolphins cornerback Patrick Surtain, who is on the trading block.
-- Miami Herald
A league source said Miami, which canceled the free-agent visit of Giants running back Ron Dayne, seems content to address the running back position in the draft. Top running backs Ronnie Brown, Carnell "Cadillac" Williams and Cedric Benson likely will be available to the Dolphins with the No. 2 pick. Since James might be acquired for something less than a first-round pick, Miami is sure to at least inquire.
-- Palm Beach Post
Getting a deal done for James would be difficult for the Bucs, who have almost no room under the $85.5-million salary cap. But the bigger problem is compensating the Colts. The Bucs own the No. 5 overall pick in the draft next month, where they could fill their need at running back. Even if Indy lowered its demand to a first-round pick and a player, the Bucs likely would have to give up at least one of their young defensive stars.
-- St. Petersburg Times
Nick Saban squashed speculation the Dolphins plan to shift positions for their Pro Bowl defensive end, saying in a statement, "We have no intention of moving or trading Jason Taylor."
-- Miami Herald
A week after the free-agent signing period opened and two days after his visit was initially scheduled, Plaxico Burress arrived at Giants Stadium early yesterday evening. And it still remained a possibility that, if the price was right, Burress could become a Giant today.
-- New York Daily News
The Giants have reportedly offered a six-year contract worth an estimated $20 million. Burress had hoped for about $5 million per season and a double-digit signing bonus.
-- Newark Star-Ledger
The Vikings' newest recruit met the press Wednesday, and Fred Smoot used the occasion to make an endorsement. One day after agreeing to terms on a six-year, $34 million contract, the former free-agent cornerback said he definitely would be in favor of a trade for Jacksonville safety Donovin Darius.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press
Rob Brzezinski, Vikings VP of football operations, is having ongoing discussions with the Jaguars about a trade for Darius, who has permission to seek a trade and has publicly expressed a desire to play for the Vikings or Dolphins.
-- Minneapolis Star Tribune
The Packers are expected to release safety Darren Sharper within the next 48 hours so that they don't have to pay him a scheduled $2.6 million roster bonus. One of the teams that could make a run at Sharper is the Vikings, who have been discussing the possibility of trading for Darius.
-- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The Vikings also have been talking to Washington about a trade for wide receiver Rod Gardner, and Smoot made a pitch to coach Mike Tice on behalf of his former Redskins teammate.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press
It wouldn't be surprising, to make up for the $10.8 million signing bonus the Vikings gave Smoot, if the team were to trade for players with the No. 7 overall draft pick it received from Oakland in exchange for wide receiver Randy Moss.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press
Quarterback Brad Johnson worked out for the Lions but left Detroit without a contract Wednesday, bound for Chicago and a meeting with the Bears.
-- Detroit Free Press
Former Dolphins QB Jay Fiedler is scheduled to meet today with Jets officials. He's expected to choose between the Jets and Bears and possibly the Giants.
-- New York Daily News
Jets free-agent tight end Anthony Becht was scheduled to arrive on Wednesday evening to dine with Bucs coaches and conclude his visit today.
-- St. Petersburg Times
The Dolphins linebacker Junior Seau agreed to restructure his contract and the team signed linebacker Donnie Spragan to a two-year contract worth $2 million with a $500,000 signing bonus.
-- Miami Herald
Aware that Denver will match their offer sheet for restricted free-agent TE Jeb Putzier, the Jets are trying to trade for him. They're willing to give up a higher pick than the sixth-rounder that would go as compensation.
-- Newsday
Unrestricted free agent S Trent Gamble completed his visit with the Jets yesterday but didn't sign. He's believed to be leaning toward Green Bay.
-- Newark Star-Ledger
Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack, an off-and-on starter at both tackle positions for Seattle the past four seasons, is scheduled to arrive in Green Bay tonight for an official visit Friday. The Packers' main competition appears to be the Seahawks and Bills, who had Womack in for a visit Wednesday. The Packers would target Womack for one of their two guard positions, which became vacant when Marco Rivera signed with Dallas and Mike Wahle signed with Carolina.
-- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Why wouldn't the Bears toss a little cash at Packers restricted free-agent running back Najeh Davenport? This guy can play when he stays healthy, he can return kicks, it would hurt the Packers, it wouldn't cost much in dollars, and the compensation to sign him would be only a fourth-round pick.
-- Arlington Heights Daily Herald
Pro Bowl special teams ace Ike Reese, a reserve linebacker for the Eagles the past seven seasons, signed with the Falcons. That move figures to increase the Eagles' sense of urgency about unrestricted free agent linebacker Keith Adams.
-- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The agent for Miami defensive end Bryan Robinson, who visited Denver on Monday, said he hopes to have a deal with the Broncos soon. Denver also may be interested in Philadelphia's Derrick Burgess and St. Louis' Bryce Fisher at end.
-- Denver Post
The Broncos had started some preliminary contract discussions with free-agent guard Matt Lehr, but Lehr now is finding more suitors. The veteran Wednesday left Atlanta -- he expects to have a contract offer from the Falcons today -- and is expected to visit the Vikings before the week is out.
-- Rocky Mountain News
If deals can't be worked out with the Texans in the next couple of days, linebackers Jamie Sharper and Jay Foreman want to be released, which would make them unrestricted free agents and theoretically give them a better opportunity to catch on elsewhere while teams still have space under the salary cap.
-- Houston Chronicle
The Ravens' top target for right guard, Rick DeMulling, left his visit with the Lions yesterday without signing a contract. He has no scheduled meeting with the Ravens.
-- Baltimore Sun
The Bengals have entertained some free agent visitors, including Bryan Robinson and Bears running back Anthony Thomas, and have made overtures to others such as Atlanta defensive end Ed Jasper but no signings are imminent.
-- Cincinnati Post
The Cardinals remain interested in Baltimore linebacker Ed Hartwell.
-- Arizona Republic
Former Ravens receiver Travis Taylor revealed that the Bucs have inquired about his services.
-- Tampa Tribune
Vikings free-agent kicker Jose Cortez is scheduled to visit Denver.
-- Minneapolis Star Tribune
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/scorecard/03/10/truth.rumors.nfl/index.html
The likelihood of Edgerrin James returning to the Colts has diminished. The offshoot of a Wednesday conversation between Colts president Bill Polian and Drew Rosenhaus, James' agent, was that the team cannot handle a long-term contract with its career rushing leader and a trade might be in the offing. Rosenhaus said, "Bill and I both are actively working to find a trade. If it's out there, we'll find it between the two of us."
-- Indianapolis Star
It's been long speculated that James, a South Florida native, yearns to play for the Dolphins. But last week James said, "Everybody always ties me to (Miami) because I went to school here and I live here. But my main thing is playing football, making sure I've got a good deal in place and then going from there."
-- Indianapolis Star
Rosenhaus has talked recently to many teams, including the Dolphins, about acquiring James. But most teams, including the Dolphins, dismissed the notion because they believed the move would require giving up two first-round picks. That requirement has been lifted. "This is a major development, so I will be contacting teams again and expecting to get something done relatively soon," Rosenhaus said. "I will talk to the Dolphins again and, as I did before, I will pretty much talk to every team that needs a running back."
-- Miami Herald
The Colts, meanwhile, like Dolphins cornerback Patrick Surtain, who is on the trading block.
-- Miami Herald
A league source said Miami, which canceled the free-agent visit of Giants running back Ron Dayne, seems content to address the running back position in the draft. Top running backs Ronnie Brown, Carnell "Cadillac" Williams and Cedric Benson likely will be available to the Dolphins with the No. 2 pick. Since James might be acquired for something less than a first-round pick, Miami is sure to at least inquire.
-- Palm Beach Post
Getting a deal done for James would be difficult for the Bucs, who have almost no room under the $85.5-million salary cap. But the bigger problem is compensating the Colts. The Bucs own the No. 5 overall pick in the draft next month, where they could fill their need at running back. Even if Indy lowered its demand to a first-round pick and a player, the Bucs likely would have to give up at least one of their young defensive stars.
-- St. Petersburg Times
Nick Saban squashed speculation the Dolphins plan to shift positions for their Pro Bowl defensive end, saying in a statement, "We have no intention of moving or trading Jason Taylor."
-- Miami Herald
A week after the free-agent signing period opened and two days after his visit was initially scheduled, Plaxico Burress arrived at Giants Stadium early yesterday evening. And it still remained a possibility that, if the price was right, Burress could become a Giant today.
-- New York Daily News
The Giants have reportedly offered a six-year contract worth an estimated $20 million. Burress had hoped for about $5 million per season and a double-digit signing bonus.
-- Newark Star-Ledger
The Vikings' newest recruit met the press Wednesday, and Fred Smoot used the occasion to make an endorsement. One day after agreeing to terms on a six-year, $34 million contract, the former free-agent cornerback said he definitely would be in favor of a trade for Jacksonville safety Donovin Darius.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press
Rob Brzezinski, Vikings VP of football operations, is having ongoing discussions with the Jaguars about a trade for Darius, who has permission to seek a trade and has publicly expressed a desire to play for the Vikings or Dolphins.
-- Minneapolis Star Tribune
The Packers are expected to release safety Darren Sharper within the next 48 hours so that they don't have to pay him a scheduled $2.6 million roster bonus. One of the teams that could make a run at Sharper is the Vikings, who have been discussing the possibility of trading for Darius.
-- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The Vikings also have been talking to Washington about a trade for wide receiver Rod Gardner, and Smoot made a pitch to coach Mike Tice on behalf of his former Redskins teammate.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press
It wouldn't be surprising, to make up for the $10.8 million signing bonus the Vikings gave Smoot, if the team were to trade for players with the No. 7 overall draft pick it received from Oakland in exchange for wide receiver Randy Moss.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press
Quarterback Brad Johnson worked out for the Lions but left Detroit without a contract Wednesday, bound for Chicago and a meeting with the Bears.
-- Detroit Free Press
Former Dolphins QB Jay Fiedler is scheduled to meet today with Jets officials. He's expected to choose between the Jets and Bears and possibly the Giants.
-- New York Daily News
Jets free-agent tight end Anthony Becht was scheduled to arrive on Wednesday evening to dine with Bucs coaches and conclude his visit today.
-- St. Petersburg Times
The Dolphins linebacker Junior Seau agreed to restructure his contract and the team signed linebacker Donnie Spragan to a two-year contract worth $2 million with a $500,000 signing bonus.
-- Miami Herald
Aware that Denver will match their offer sheet for restricted free-agent TE Jeb Putzier, the Jets are trying to trade for him. They're willing to give up a higher pick than the sixth-rounder that would go as compensation.
-- Newsday
Unrestricted free agent S Trent Gamble completed his visit with the Jets yesterday but didn't sign. He's believed to be leaning toward Green Bay.
-- Newark Star-Ledger
Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack, an off-and-on starter at both tackle positions for Seattle the past four seasons, is scheduled to arrive in Green Bay tonight for an official visit Friday. The Packers' main competition appears to be the Seahawks and Bills, who had Womack in for a visit Wednesday. The Packers would target Womack for one of their two guard positions, which became vacant when Marco Rivera signed with Dallas and Mike Wahle signed with Carolina.
-- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Why wouldn't the Bears toss a little cash at Packers restricted free-agent running back Najeh Davenport? This guy can play when he stays healthy, he can return kicks, it would hurt the Packers, it wouldn't cost much in dollars, and the compensation to sign him would be only a fourth-round pick.
-- Arlington Heights Daily Herald
Pro Bowl special teams ace Ike Reese, a reserve linebacker for the Eagles the past seven seasons, signed with the Falcons. That move figures to increase the Eagles' sense of urgency about unrestricted free agent linebacker Keith Adams.
-- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The agent for Miami defensive end Bryan Robinson, who visited Denver on Monday, said he hopes to have a deal with the Broncos soon. Denver also may be interested in Philadelphia's Derrick Burgess and St. Louis' Bryce Fisher at end.
-- Denver Post
The Broncos had started some preliminary contract discussions with free-agent guard Matt Lehr, but Lehr now is finding more suitors. The veteran Wednesday left Atlanta -- he expects to have a contract offer from the Falcons today -- and is expected to visit the Vikings before the week is out.
-- Rocky Mountain News
If deals can't be worked out with the Texans in the next couple of days, linebackers Jamie Sharper and Jay Foreman want to be released, which would make them unrestricted free agents and theoretically give them a better opportunity to catch on elsewhere while teams still have space under the salary cap.
-- Houston Chronicle
The Ravens' top target for right guard, Rick DeMulling, left his visit with the Lions yesterday without signing a contract. He has no scheduled meeting with the Ravens.
-- Baltimore Sun
The Bengals have entertained some free agent visitors, including Bryan Robinson and Bears running back Anthony Thomas, and have made overtures to others such as Atlanta defensive end Ed Jasper but no signings are imminent.
-- Cincinnati Post
The Cardinals remain interested in Baltimore linebacker Ed Hartwell.
-- Arizona Republic
Former Ravens receiver Travis Taylor revealed that the Bucs have inquired about his services.
-- Tampa Tribune
Vikings free-agent kicker Jose Cortez is scheduled to visit Denver.
-- Minneapolis Star Tribune