| Vikings interested in Favre | Friday 7/11, 7:28 PM CT |
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Green and Gold insider Mike Clemens is reporting the Minnesota Vikings have already inquired about signing quarterback Brett Favre, pending his release from the Green Bay Packers, according to Green Bay 1250 WSSP.
Our View: There are rumors that Favre wanted to return to the Packers in March, but was told that he would be Aaron Rodgers' backup. As a result, he now wants out of Green Bay. |
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| Favre to Miami? | Friday 7/11, 5:13 PM CT |
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The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that sources near the situation have said that the Favre and his agent, James "Bus" Cook, may already have a team picked out with Miami and Carolina the rumored targets.
Our View: Sources close to the situation say that under no circumstances will the Packers release Favre from his contract. Trade him, possibly, but release him, never. This could set up a Jason Taylor for Favre trade in the near future. |
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| Packers release statement on Favre | Friday 7/11, 4:16 PM CT |
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The following statement has been released on Packers.com: The Green Bay Packers are aware of the latest developments regarding Brett Favre, who earned and exercised the right to retire on his terms. We wanted him to return and welcomed him back on more than one occasion. Brett's press conference and subsequent conversations in the following weeks illustrated his commitment to retirement. The finality of his decision to retire was accepted by the organization. At that point, the Green Bay Packers made the commitment to move forward with our football team. As a retired player, Brett has the option to apply for reinstatement with Commissioner Goodell. If that were to occur, he would become an active member of the Green Bay Packers. As always, the Packers will do what's right and in the best interest of the team.
Our View: The Packers front office has to be very careful with how they handle this situation, because it’s a public relations nightmare waiting to happen. They are saying the right things in this statement. It will be very interesting to see how all this plays out in the next couple of weeks before training camp. For the record, the Packers veterans report to training camp on July 27. Stay tuned. |
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| Thurman facing felony assault charges | Friday 7/11, 3:56 PM CT |
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Former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman was indicted this week by Erie County grand jurors on a felonious assault charge, according to the Sandusky Register. On May 27, Thurman was involved in an altercation at a resort where he punched another man in the face, breaking his jaw, per the Erie County police department.
Our View: Just last month Thurman, a second round pick in 2005 out of Georgia, was suspended for the 2008 season after violating the league’s substance abuse policy. |
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| Favre update | Friday 7/11, 3:05 PM CT |
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Three days after a conference call with Green Bay team officials in which quarterback Brett Favre emphatically expressed his desire to play in 2008, Favre has formally asked for his contractual release from the Packers, according to ESPN.
Our View: The letter was sent by Favre's agent, James "Bus" Cook, via overnight mail on Thursday and arrived at the Packers facility Friday morning. Cook, on behalf of Favre, expressed a desire to have an amicable parting, as the Packers have been reluctant to embrace his return. Stay tuned, this situation is about to get juicy. |
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| Favre requests release from Green Bay | Friday 7/11, 2:34 PM CT |
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Chris Mortensen is reporting on ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” that quarterback Brett Favre has sent the Green Bay Packers a letter requesting his unconditional release.
Our View: We will be updating this story as more information becomes available, but it appears that Favre is serious about playing football in 2008. |
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| Kennison waiting on training camp invite | Friday 7/11, 2:30 PM CT |
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Former Kansas City wide receiver Eddie Kennison is still waiting on a return call from Tampa Bay. Kennison, who was hindered by a torn hamstring last year, worked out for the Buccaneers last month, but has yet to receive a training camp invite, according to the Tampa Tribune.
Our View: Kennison’s reception, yardage and touchdown totals have taken a nosedive in each of the past three seasons. At this stage, even if he latches on in Tampa Bay, his fantasy value is extremely diminished. |
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| Jones waiting to hear from Tampa Bay | Friday 7/11, 2:22 PM CT |
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Former Detroit running back Kevin Jones is still interested in playing for Tampa Bay, but is patiently waiting to hear back from the Buccaneers, according to Tampa Tribune.
Our View: Tony Fleming, Jones’ agent, said the Buccaneers are one of five teams interesting in his client. However, Fleming said despite published reports stating Jones will visit Tampa Bay next week, they have not scheduled anything yet. |
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| Colbert favorite for No. 2 role | Friday 7/11, 2:11 PM CT |
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As we near training camp, word out of Denver is that wide receiver Keary Colbert has a slight edge over Darrell Jackson to become the team’s No. 2 wide receiver, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: We expect a spirited battle between Colbert and Darrell Jackson in training camp, and rookie Eddie Royal is also in the mix for the No. 2 role. |
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| Henry tested positive prior to release | Friday 7/11, 2:03 PM CT |
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Updating a previous report, former Denver Broncos running back Travis Henry tested positive for marijuana use just prior to being released by the team last month, according to MyFoxColorado.com. The Broncos declined to comment on whether Henry’s release was related to the drug test.
Our View: Henry, 29, was released by the Broncos on June 2 just one year into a five-year, $22.5 million deal. At the time, head coach Mike Shanahan cited a lack of commitment. |
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| Tennessee signs Keglar | Friday 7/11, 1:58 PM CT |
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The Tennessee Titans have agreed to a four-year contract with rookie linebacker Stanford Keglar, according to ESPN. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Our View: The fourth-round pick from Purdue University started 13 games and finished with 70 tackles last season. Keglar is penciled in as the backup to Keith Bulluck on the weak side. |
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| 49ers ink Grant | Friday 7/11, 12:37 PM CT |
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The San Francisco 49ers signed rookie linebacker Larry Grant to a four-year contract, according to the Santa Rosa Press Democrat. Terms of the deal were undisclosed.
Our View: Grant, a seventh-round draft choice (214th overall), will compete against Jeff Ulbrich, Dontarrious Thomas and Brandon Moore for a roster spot during training camp. |
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| Jones appears before grand jury | Friday 7/11, 11:36 AM CT |
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Suspended Dallas Cowboys’ cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones appeared Thursday before a grand jury investigating a February 2007 strip club shooting, according to USA Today.
Our View: Jones pleaded no contest in December to a disorderly conduct charge and agreed to cooperate in the shooting investigation. He was accused of inciting a melee inside the club that led to the shooting outside during the weekend of the 2007 NBA All-Star game. The Las Vegas Sun reported Jones spent about 90 minutes inside a grand jury hearing room and made no comment as he left the courthouse with his lawyer, Robert Langford, and a bodyguard. |
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| Henry tests positive for marijuana | Friday 7/11, 11:09 AM CT |
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A highly placed NFL source says former Denver Broncos running back Travis Henry has tested positive again for marijuana, according to MyFoxColorado.com. FOX 31 Sports reporter Josina Anderson learned about the positive test late Thursday night.
Our View: This information reportedly came from the same source that broke news of failed drug tests by both Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams and Henry to FOX 31 in the past. Henry faces a possible one-year suspension, if this report is true. |
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| Panthers sign Bernadeau | Friday 7/11, 10:45 AM CT |
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The Carolina Panthers have agreed to a four-year deal with rookie offensive lineman Mackenzy Bernadeau, according to the Rock Hill Herald.
Our View: Bernadeau, a seventh round draft pick out of Division II Bentley College in Massachusetts, is a developmental prospect. The contract includes a $37,000 signing bonus, along with base salaries of $295,000, $385,000, $470,000 and $555,000. |
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| Williams expected to make impact | Friday 7/11, 10:24 AM CT |
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Having seen him perform in organized team activities this spring and summer, the Minnesota Vikings feel even more confident that the addition of safety Madieu Williams will have a big impact on their secondary, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: The Vikings were a top-5 fantasy defense last year, and the additions of Williams and defensive end Jared Allen should make them even more lethal in 2008. We have them ranked as the No. 1 team defense in our latest staff rankings. |
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| Burgess expected to report to camp | Friday 7/11, 10:17 AM CT |
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Although Oakland Raiders defensive end Derrick Burgess is seeking a new contract, there are no indications he will hold out and miss any part of training camp, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: The eighth-year veteran has either led the team or tied for the lead in sacks in each of the past three seasons. Burgess has been seeking a new deal for more than a year but was left out of Oakland’s offseason spending spree. |
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| Johnson looked explosive in workouts | Friday 7/11, 10:13 AM CT |
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One of the positive signs from Cincinnati Bengals’ offseason workouts, per a source close to the club, was that running back Rudi Johnson was back to hitting the hole quickly, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: Keep an eye on Johnson in training camp, as he’s a solid buy low candidate in 2008. Currently, in 12-team leagues, Johnson can be had in the middle of the fifth round, and he possesses the upside potential to perform well above his ADP. |
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| Huard likely to stick in KC | Friday 7/11, 10:06 AM CT |
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Despite rumors that the Kansas City Chiefs might release quarterback Damon Huard prior to the season, Pro Football Weekly believes he’s a virtual lock to make the final roster.
Our View: The team’s other two quarterbacks, Brodie Croyle and Tyler Thigpen, come with very little experience, so Kansas City will likely be forced to retain Huard as a safety net. |
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| Ravens sign Cousins | Friday 7/11, 9:42 AM CT |
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The Ravens have signed third-round pick Oniel Cousins (UTEP) to a three-year deal, according to ProFootballTalk.com. He receives salaries of $295,000 in 2008, $385,000 in 2009 and $470,000 in 2010, with a signing bonus of $443,500.
Our View: Cousins is a good athlete but lacks experience. He still has a shot to compete for a role at right tackle or at guard as a rookie. |
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| Cardinals sign Harrigton | Friday 7/11, 8:42 AM CT |
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Sixth-round pick Chris Harrington (Texas A&M) has signed a three-year contract with the Cardinals, according to AZcentral.com. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Our View: He is talented enough to make the Cardinals' rotation at defensive end as a rookie, but will hold no fantasy value. |
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| Panthers ink Hayden | Friday 7/11, 8:35 AM CT |
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The Panthers have inked a four-year deal with sixth-round pick Nick Hayden (Wisconsin), according to the HeraldOnline.com. He receives a base salary of $295,000, $385,000, $470,000 and $555,000, and will get a signing bonus of just over $100,000.
Our View: The defensive tackle is a tough kid who could develop into a solid pro down the road, but will serve as a backup at the bottom of the depth chart as a rookie. |
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| Favre likely to return? | Friday 7/11, 8:27 AM CT |
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Pat Kirwan of NFL.com states that he feels there is about an 80% chance Brett Favre returns to the league this season. Kirwan noted that he talked to a few sources close to Favre, and added, "He’s throwing footballs, working out and it’s more than an itch to play."
Our View: So it appears there is a good chance he will return to the league, but now the big question is where. |
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| Shanahan defends Marshall | Friday 7/11, 8:22 AM CT |
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Broncos' coach Mike Shanahan defended Brandon Marshall and believes he can avoid trouble in the future, according to the Denver Post. Shanahan commented, "I can’t go into great detail, for obvious reasons, but Brandon has a good upside and he is a really good kid. I feel very good where Brandon’s at. I think he’ll be fine."
Our View: Marshall will remain on the radar of commissioner Roger Goodell, but it is still encouraging that he hasn't lost the support of coach Shanahan. |
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| Jones arrested, charged with drug possession | Friday 7/11, 1:18 AM CT |
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Updating an earlier story, providing more details and insight, Jacksonville receiver Matt Jones has been arrested in Arkansas and is facing felony charges of possession of a controlled substance with an additional charge of an intent to distribute, according to the Associated Press. The 25-year-old Jones and two others were arrested early Thursday. A police report said officers approached the car and an officer drew his handgun after Jones did not immediately show his hands. Police said they searched the vehicle and found a plastic bag filled with a white substance that tested positive for cocaine and a jar with possible marijuana residue. Jones was released from the Washington County jail on $2,500 bond. His arraignment on a charge of felony possession of a controlled substance was set for Aug. 11, two days after Jacksonville's preseason opener against Atlanta. Police said 6 grams of cocaine was found. The threshold for potential charges of possession with intent to deliver is 1 gram. However, prosecutor John Threet said there is no evidence that Jones intended to deal the drug.
Our View: Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver said he was waiting to learn details of the case. We suggest all the details you need are right there in the AP report. Jones was on the verge of being released without this legal debacle, and now he is facing a horrific court case and, if the charges stick, a lengthy ban from the NFL. We are laying witness to a tragic fall from lofty expectation as the Jags had paid a substantial cost to get in position to draft Jones, dedicating more efforts to converting him from a run-and-shoot quarterback to a slot receiver. All of those efforts failed, and we now have substantial insight into the reason why. |
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