| Talib is named as Rookie Combatant #1 | Wednesday 7/2, 11:19 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier story, we have now learned that the two rookies that got into a fight in the middle of the NFL's Rookie Symposium were Tampa Bay cornerback Aqib Talib and 7th-round draft pick Cory Boyd, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Our View: Talib and Boyd were reportedly "jawing at each other for awhile," then came to fisticuffs during a Budget and Finances meeting. Both players were tabbed for questionable character and potential off-the-field issues coming into the draft, and now they both have their first official incident as NFL employees. We'll see if commissioner Roger Goodell takes action against both players in the days ahead. |
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| Unnamed rookies fight it out at Rookie Symposium | Wednesday 7/2, 9:05 PM CT |
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In an intriguing story from the NFL, reports from this year's Rookie Symposium have two unnamed players getting into a fight during the league-mandated conference, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Our View: Talk notes the source indicates the league had hoped to keep the story quiet, but that has not happened. The names of the players have not been released, but Talk knows one of those players was a 1st-round draft pick. When we learn more, we'll pass it along (and we'll see if commissioner Roger Goodell hands out any fines or suspensions as a result). |
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| Droughns on the bubble | Wednesday 7/2, 8:57 PM CT |
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Reports out of New York indicate veteran running back Reuben Droughns may be fighting to keep a spot on the Giants roster, according to the Sporting News.
Our View: With Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, and Ahmad Bradshaw gracing the roster, local reporters are questioning why the team granted Droughns a bonus on March 1st of $250K, for now there seems to be little room for him on the depth chart. The word is that the Giants may push him to special teams and they may seek trade offers should another franchise find a need for a running back in training camp. |
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| Gore getting focus in new offense | Wednesday 7/2, 8:36 PM CT |
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The Niners are reportedly focusing on improving the full capabilities of their running backs, starting with plans to insure rusher Frank Gore gets 25 touches per game, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Our View: Coach Mike Nolan says the team would like to get Gore 20 carries and at least five receptions per game. Based on those assertions, that would equate to 320 carries and 80 receptions for Gore. The receiving work would be a bit disappointing for fantasy owners, but there is great potential in those catches. New offensive coordinator Mike Martz is well known for the love of the pass and insuring Gore is not lost in the shuffle would be a relief, both for the Niners and fantasy owners. |
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| Vikings release rookie QB Wright | Wednesday 7/2, 7:37 PM CT |
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The Minnesota Vikings have released rookie quarterback Kyle Wright, according to Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
Our View: The news is not shocking at all as Wright struggled to make good at the University of Miami, but it is pertinant to those looking at fellow rookie John David Booty. Booty is viewed as a "darkhorse" in one of the more intriguing quarterback scenarios in the league. Now the team will move forward with Booty, veteran Gus Frerotte, and Brooks Bollinger as the combatants for a spot on the roster. Getting Wright out of the picture brings the group into focus and give Booty a full shot at making the cut. |
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| Sanders, Freeney to hit PUP in training camp | Wednesday 7/2, 7:13 PM CT |
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The Colts are reporting two of their crucial defensive commodities, safety Bob Sanders and defensive end Dwight Freeney, are likely to start training camp on the PUP list, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Our View: The Colts note they believe both will be ready for the regular season as Sanders recovers from shoulder surgery and Freeney recovers from a Lisfranc fracture. However, we suggest you keep a close eye on the situation. Both have been plagued with injury concerns over recent seasons and both carry strong fantasy value when healthy. |
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| Benson not on the Houston radar | Wednesday 7/2, 7:09 PM CT |
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Despite rumors stating the opposite, rusher Cedric Benson is not in line for a meeting with the Houston Texans, according to the NFL Network.
Our View: Adam Schefter reports the team has no interest in the embattled free agent and has full faith that the rushers on hand. Schefter also notes Benson is not getting much attention from other teams as well, noting a training-camp injury may be needed to get Benson a shot with another NFL franchise. |
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| Norwood may see action on punt returns | Wednesday 7/2, 7:05 PM CT |
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The Falcons are giving rusher Jerious Norwood a look as a potential target of choice on punt returns, according to AtlantaFalcons.com.
Our View: Adam Jennings is the man listed at the top of the special teams depth chart for this job but he has little value in other capacities and seems to be resting on the bubble for a roster spot. Getting Norwood in that role would allow them to make such a move without missing a beat. |
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| Favre texts Mort, says | Wednesday 7/2, 7:01 PM CT |
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No sooner do we speculate on when Brett Favre's potential comments about the news of today, stating he was seeking a team to join for a return to the NFL, then ESPN reports Favre has contacted them and is stating he has no interest in returning to the game.
Our View: ESPN is filing the report on television as we speak, and we anticipate more of the story is still to come. Simply stated, Chris Mortenson is reporting he has received a text message from Favre that states, "I'm not coming back." We'll keep you posted. |
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| Favre requested, and was denied, release from GB | Wednesday 7/2, 6:57 PM CT |
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In a string of reports we have brought forth concerning a potential return for veteran passer Brett Favre , we are now hearing reports that Favre has in fact requested his release from the Green Bay Packers, according to the Wisconsin State Journal.
Our View: The Journal states Favre made this request within the last few weeks, noting either Favre or his agent, Bus Cook, reportedly contacted the Packers to inform them of his intent to play again. When the Packers said they've moved on, Favre demanded to be released. The Packers said no. The folks on NFL Network are dedicating discussions to potential landing spots for the future Hall of Famer, including the Jets, Chiefs, and Baltimore. The flurry of speculation appears to have legs for it has become the hot topic of the day and it would seem just a matter of time before Favre and/or Cook comment on the subject to reporters. We'll keep you posted. |
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| Favre says un-retiring reports are | Wednesday 7/2, 6:42 PM CT |
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ESPN is reporting that Brett Favre said the talk of him coming out of retirement is "all rumor". Chris Mortenson reported earlier today that Favre has the "itch" to return to the gridiron.
Our View: Who knows what Brett is really thinking right now. He probably doesn't even know. We'll continue to update his situation. |
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| Dansby, Cards working on new deal | Wednesday 7/2, 6:33 PM CT |
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Reports out of Arizona indicate Cardinals GM Rod Graves and linebacker Karlos Dansby are nearing a new long-term contract agreement, according to AZCentral.com.
Our View: Both sides have stated that they would like to get a
new deal in place before the July 15th deadline in order to not only free up cap space but also keep Dansby in Arizona for the foreseeable future. If a deal can't be reached, Dansby would play out this season (with $8 million guaranteed) and then be a free agent. Reports have surfaced recently that Dansby and his agent purposed a contract that would pay him about $9 million a season, but the Cardinals obviously didn't agree with that amount. |
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| Ex-Charger Foley settles lawsuit | Wednesday 7/2, 5:56 PM CT |
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San Diego linebacker Steve Foley has agreed to settle his lawsuit against a police officer who shot him while working in an off-duty capacity two years ago, an event that essentially ended Foley's professional football career, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Foley attorney Harvey Levine says the settlement was reached with Officer Aaron Mansker and his employer, the city of Coronado, on Wednesday before testimony resumed in the week-old civil trial, though the financial terms are confidential. The player was shot in his leg, hip and hand in September 2006 after Mansker followed his car home on suspicion the driver was drunk. Foley pleaded guilty in 2007 to misdemeanor drunken driving. |
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| Forte signs with Bears | Wednesday 7/2, 5:12 PM CT |
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NFL.com reports the Chicago Bears have agreed to terms on a four-year contract with second-round pick Matt Forte. Terms of the deal have not been released.
Our View: This is great news for the Bears as they need Forte to be ready on day one of training camp. Since the release of Benson, the Bears remain hopeful that Forte can fill the void at RB. |
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| Favre itching to return? | Wednesday 7/2, 3:53 PM CT |
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ESPN is reporting that Brett Favre has an "itch" to report to Packers training camp and play one more season.
The report notes that Favre spoke with head coach Mike McCarthy but talks are in the preliminary stages.
According to an unnamed source the team is hesitant to bring the veteran back into the fold because "Brett retired for the right reasons, even though I know his family is tugging on him [to play]." James Cook, Favre's agent said "As far as I know, right now, Brett Favre is retired."
Our View: Chris Mortensen reported that a second source conceded Favre was "getting the itch" to play football this year, as well. Any continued rumor or speculation about Favre's return will result in plenty of fantasy owners using a late round pick on the future Hall of Fame quarterback. It will also result in Greg Jennings and Donald Driver having added value, on speculation alone.
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| Keeping the boss happy | Wednesday 7/2, 3:17 PM CT |
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According to Star-Telegram.com, Jerry Jones is not only pleased with Adam's conduct so far, but also impressed with his competitiveness. Jerry Jones said, "He is very committed. He is very committed physically and mentally. He is smart. He recognizes his challenge and he is really doing well."
Our View: Keeping the boss happy is a small step in the long quest back for Adam Jones. Although, he is atleast moving in the right direction, toward being reinstated by the NFL before the 2008 season. And so the saga continues... |
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| Chargers sign Clark | Wednesday 7/2, 1:33 PM CT |
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According to Chargers.com, tackle Corey Clark the Chargers seveth round pick from the 2008 draft has been signed to a four-year contract.
Our View: Clark was a two-year starter at Texas A&M. He was the Chargers seveth round selection with the 234th pick of the 2008 draft. |
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| Grant close to mult-year pack | Wednesday 7/2, 1:13 PM CT |
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Ryan Grant is expected to reach an agreement on a multi-year contract, this according to the Pierce County Herald. The Packers want to get the deal done before training camp begins.
Our View: It difficult to project what Grant can get in a multi-year deal, until he was traded from New York during training camp last year he had no leverage to demand any such contract. |
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| Forte could sign today | Wednesday 7/2, 1:08 PM CT |
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Matt Forte is reportedly closing in on a contract agreement with the Bears, this according to the Chicago Tribune.
Our View: The note reports that the Bears now have 10 of their 12 draft picks signed and Chris Williams (14th overall) is expected to sign soon while second-rounder Matt Forte could be inked as early as Wednesday. Forte, expected to start, needs to sign and be ready for training camp if he plans to be fully prepared by Week 1. |
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| Brown receiving rehab advice | Wednesday 7/2, 12:59 PM CT |
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Ronnie Brown is getting a lot of advice from players around the league concerning his current rehab program, this according to the Miami Herald. Brown, who is optimistic he will be ready for the start of the season, is still working hard to return from an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury.
''Don't rush,'' said Edgerrin James. Ex-Broncos' running back Terrell Davis, an NFL Network analyst, said to take it slow.
Our View: The report notes that Ricky Williams should begin the season as the Dolphins' starter. |
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| Davenport interested in Det and Ari | Wednesday 7/2, 12:53 PM CT |
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Najeh Davenport is interested in playing for the Lions and Arizona Cardinals, according to the Detroit Free Press. Pittsburgh released the veteran backup after not being able to find a trade partner for the running back this offseason.
Our View: After rushing for a career high 499 yards in 2007, Davenport replaced the injured Willie Parker (leg) in the final two regular season games. |
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| Zabransky let go | Wednesday 7/2, 11:38 AM CT |
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| Former Boise State standout Jared Zabransky has been released by the Steelers to clear room to add wide reciever Marvin Allen to their roster, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. |
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