| Burress to show up at camp | Monday 7/21, 10:33 PM CT |
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Plaxico Burress plans to show up a training camp on Thursday, even if he doesn't have a new contract. "Plaxico will be at camp regardless of the status of the negotiations. We’ve been able to separate the negotiations from what Plax has to do for the team," agent Drew Rosenhaus informs the New York Daily News.
Our View: It sounds like the two parties remain close on a contract extension. Burress will remain a high-end fantasy receiver, although he may feel a bit more defensive heat now that Jeremy Shockey is gone. |
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| Gates tests toe | Monday 7/21, 9:16 PM CT |
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Antonio Gates tested his left big toe on Monday and tells the AP that the digit is 65-to-70 percent healed. "Obviously, it's a process," Gates says. "I'm a lot better than I felt a month ago. I can say that. I have no determinant on when and how fast I'll be coming back. But right now, I feel good. It's a little sore, but it's tolerable." The tight end underwent surgery in late February to repair a tear in the plantar plate. He worked out for 45 minutes by running and cutting on Monday.
Our View: Gates' status for Week 1 remains uncertain, and he could even open the season on the PUP list. His fantasy value won't be solidified until later in the preseason. |
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| Laws agrees to four-year deal | Monday 7/21, 8:41 PM CT |
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The Eagles and defensive tackle Trevor Laws agreed to a four-year deal on Monday, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Laws will miss the first few days of camp due to a foot injury.
Our View: The Eagles now have all of their rookies signed before the start of camp, which is good news. Laws will be part of the backup tackle rotation. |
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| Favre ditching return plans? | Monday 7/21, 8:34 PM CT |
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Brett Favre has abandoned his attempt to return to the NFL, an unconfirmed source informs Pro Football Talk. The Packers reportedly offered three potential teams they'd be willing to trade Favre to, and the quarterback turned down all three options.
Our View: One, it sounds like PFT isn't very secure on their source. Two, Favre could change his mind three times by the time we're done with this sentence. |
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| Hardwick not close to field work | Monday 7/21, 8:22 PM CT |
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Nick Hardwick is not close to returning to the field, the team's official web site reports. "I couldn’t speculate to you when he would be ready, but I know from a standpoint of where they hoped he would be, he’s there," head coach Norv Turner says. "He feels very good about where he is physically." The Pro Bowl center is coming off right foot surgery and may need to start the season on the PUP.
Our View: The Chargers signed veteran Jeremy Newberry this offseason just in case Hardwick wouldn't be ready, and it sounds like Newberry will need to step up. We like this line a lot better when Hardwick is snapping the ball. |
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| Waters undergoes minor knee surgery | Monday 7/21, 8:19 PM CT |
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Linebacker Anthony Waters underwent knee surgery on Friday and will miss two-to-three weeks. "He had just a little bit of a twinge," head coach Norv Turner tells the team's official web site. "They looked at it and felt it needed to be done. We’d rather do it now than hope he can get through and then do it in three weeks and have him miss (time). If we’re lucky, he’ll get a week of practice before the first preseason game and be ready for that."
Our View: We don't know if this is the same knee that caused Waters to miss his entire rookie season (2007), but any setback is not good right now. The Chargers like his potential, but it's tough to help a team when you're always in the trainer's room. |
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| Rivers looking good | Monday 7/21, 8:16 PM CT |
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Philip Rivers ran the offense with the rookies on Monday and continues to show no issues with his knees. The quarterback is coming off surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee. "I’ve been going full go now for over a month," Rivers tells the team's official web site. "There’s nothing I can’t do. To be honest with you, there are times throughout the day when I can’t tell which knee I hurt. It’s still got to go a long way. It needs to continue to get stronger throughout the season, but I really feel better health-wise than I could ever hope for at this point."
Our View: We feel a little better about Rivers' status with each passing day. If we could say the same about Antonio Gates and Nick Hardwick, this quarterback's fantasy stock would be on the rise. |
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| Hayes signed | Monday 7/21, 8:13 PM CT |
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The Titans signed defensive end William Hayes to a multi-year deal on Monday, PFW reports. Hayes was a third-round pick out out Winston-Salem State.
Our View: The Titans have some questions along the defensive line and have room for a rookie like Hayes to emerge. We're not expecting a quick jump from Division-II, though. |
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| Schobel released | Monday 7/21, 6:30 PM CT |
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The Cardinals released defensive end Bo Schobel on Monday, the Arizona Republic confirms.
Our View: We're hoping the Bills pick him up and give him a shot to play alongside his brother, Aaron. That defensive line could feature a Schobel sandwich. |
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| Campbell signs four-year deal | Monday 7/21, 6:27 PM CT |
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The Cardinals signed defensive end Calais Campbell to a four-year deal on Monday, the Arizona Republic reports. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Our View: Campbell is a big dude (6-8) with good athleticism, and we like his upside. We don't see much first-year IDP value, though. |
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| Oldenburg hits the injury list | Monday 7/21, 5:51 PM CT |
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The Jets have placed tackle Clint Oldenburg on the active/non-football injury list, according to the Miami Herald.
Our View: Oldenburg, appeared in the final two regular-season games for New York last year.
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| Lichtensteiger signs deal | Monday 7/21, 5:30 PM CT |
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The Broncos have agreed to terms with fourth-round center Kory Lichtensteiger on a multi-year deal, according to the Rocky Mountain News. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Our View: The former Bowling Green star, Lechtensteiger, will now have a chance to battle for a spot on Denver's roster. |
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| Allen might return | Monday 7/21, 5:20 PM CT |
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San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Nolan said there is a chance guard Larry Allen might return for his 15th NFL season, according to the AP. Nolan addressed the situation saying,“He called a week or two ago to express his interest, but I haven’t heard from him since.”
Our View: A return by the 11-time Pro Bowler would be an excellent surprise for the 49ers. |
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| Broncos waive Bell | Monday 7/21, 5:05 PM CT |
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Backup full back, and former 600-yard rusher Mike Bell has been waived by the Denver Broncos, according to the Rocky Mountain News.
Our View: Many expected this move after the Broncos, moved Bell to full back last season and then drafted Ryan Torain in this years draft. |
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| Unhappy Baker hits the PUP list | Monday 7/21, 4:44 PM CT |
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Chris Baker's back has landed him on the Jets phisically unable to perform list, according to KFFL.com.
Our View: Unhappy with the Jets, Baker has made it clear he wants out. If a trade doesn't happen soon, Baker's unhappiness could cause camp distractions. |
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| Urlacher agrees to new deal | Monday 7/21, 4:37 PM CT |
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Linebacker Brian Urlacher and the Bears have agreed to terms on a revised contract, sources inform ESPN.com. Urlacher had four years and roughly $25.5 million left on his deal. The new agreement includes a $6 million signing bonus, adds $1 million to each of the four years, and tacks on a $7.5 million salary in 2012.
Our View: Whew! We were worried about Urlacher's bank account running a little dry. The stud is now signed through the age of 35, and his IDP value carries no red flags for 2008. |
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| Palmer signs with champs | Monday 7/21, 4:37 PM CT |
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Jonathan Palmer and the New York Giants have agreed upon a contract, reports KFFL.com. Terms have not been released.
Our View: Palmer should be thrilled leaving Oakland for New York. |
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| Thomas gets signed | Monday 7/21, 4:33 PM CT |
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The New York Giants and second-round draft pick Terrell Thomas have agreed on a contract, according to KFFL.com. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Our View: Look for Thomas to compete for a starting secondary spot. |
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| Daniels suffered ACL tear | Monday 7/21, 4:26 PM CT |
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Updating prior reports, defensive end Phillip Daniels tore the ACL in his left knee on June 20. The 35-year-old Daniels is now contemplating his future. "Whether it be playing or coaching, I don't know, we'll see," Daniels tells the Washington Post. "Hopefully I get another opportunity to come back and finish my career on a high note and not end it this way... I'm going to try hard to come back."
Our View: Daniels is know for being a hard worker, and we have little doubt he can come back after rehab, even at 36. That being said, he wasn't a good IDP talent before this latest injury and won't be once he returns. |
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| Torrey waived | Monday 7/21, 4:24 PM CT |
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Giants have waived guard Brandon Torrey, according to KFFL.com.
Our View: Torrey received a ring as part of the Giants practice squad last year. |
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| Thomas shifted to Mike | Monday 7/21, 4:21 PM CT |
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Dontarrious Thomas has been moved from the "Ted" to the "Mike" spot amongst the inside linebackers, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat notes. He will be behind Patrick Willis on the depth chart.
Our View: Thomas was thought to be in the mix for a starting job at the less-glorious Ted spot, but apparently that is no longer the case. He will have no IDP value. However, Thomas would step into a very productive spot if Willis suffered an injury. |
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| Ulbrich head of the Ted pack | Monday 7/21, 4:18 PM CT |
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Jeff Ulbrich is the leading contender for the starting "Ted" linebacker spot, head coach Mike Nolan informs the Santa Rosa Press Democrat. Brandon Moore and Larry Grant will battle him for time.
Our View: This news isn't surprising, as Ulbrich played the spot when Derek Smith suffered injuries in 2007. Ulbrich could have decent tackle numbers, but the Ted's main role is to help clear out blockers for Patrick Willis. |
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| Upshaw gets released | Monday 7/21, 4:18 PM CT |
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The Panthers have cut tight end Chad Upshaw, reports the Rock Hill Herald.
Our View: The Panthers have to release two more players to get down to the first practice roster limit. |
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| Panthers sign Schwartz | Monday 7/21, 4:15 PM CT |
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The Panthers have signed seventh-round offensive tackle Geoff Schwartz to a multi-year deal, reports the Rock Hill Herald.
Our View: Schwartz is a right tackle prospect out of Oregon. |
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| Cleveland waives West | Monday 7/21, 4:07 PM CT |
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Defensive end Zach West has been waived by the Cleveland Browns, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Our View: West is clearly not part of Cleveland's 2008 plans. |
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| Sandy waived | Monday 7/21, 4:03 PM CT |
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The Cleveland Browns have waived safety Justin Sandy, according to the the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Our View: Sandy is not part of any future plans with the Browns. |
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| Grant a possible holdout | Monday 7/21, 3:59 PM CT |
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Ryan Grant appeared Monday morning on ESPN's First Take. In the interview Grant said that discussions between his agent and the team are "moving forward" and that he is "very optimistic" a deal will get done. However, he did not deny that he will hold out if necessary.
Our View: He won't be able to attend traning camp unless he at least signs a one-year, $370,000 tender offer as an exclusive-rights free agent, so it sounds like a multi-year deal needs to get done or Grant will not report to training camp. |
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| Baker is unhappy | Monday 7/21, 3:54 PM CT |
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Chris Baker is currently unhappy with the Jets and has made it clear he wants out. According to John Clayton of ESPN.com, if a trade doesn't happen soon, Baker's unhappiness could cause camp distractions if he isn't traded.
Our View: Eric Mangini doesn't need any more distractions than he already has. Stay tuned to see how the Baker saga plays out. |
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| Urlacher still waiting on new deal | Monday 7/21, 3:41 PM CT |
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The Chicago Bears still haven't come to any sort of agreement with the unhappy Brian Urlacher, according to John Clayton of ESPN.com. If a deal doesn't happen soon, Urlacher could end up holding out, or even if he does show up to training camp, he won't be happy.
Our View: The Bears need to pay their defensive leader and the sooner they do that the better off the whole organization will be. |
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| Dockett to report on time | Monday 7/21, 3:17 PM CT |
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Despite being unhappy with his current contract, defensive lineman Darnell Dockett plans to report to training camp on time, reports the Arizona Republic.
Our View: Although Dockett is reporting, he is still not happy with his current deal. He lead the Cardinals with 9.5 sacks last season, and expects to be compensated accordingly. |
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| Laws could sign soon | Monday 7/21, 2:58 PM CT |
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Second-round pick defensive tackle Trevor Laws , the Eagles top pick, remains the team's only unsigned draft pick. Although, sources out of Philly suggest a deal could come in the next 12-24 hours, according to profootballweekly.com.
Our View: If a deal can get done within this time frame, Laws will be able to report to training camp on time. |
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| Chad Johnson will report on time | Monday 7/21, 2:18 PM CT |
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The AP reports that Chad Johnson will report to training camp on time and "wants to move on from the fallout of his lobbying for a trade."
Our View: Ocho Cinco did mention that he may be limited at the start due to soreness in his surgically repaired ankle. Still, it looks like he has turned the corner and is ready to contribute again for the Bengals. |
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| Slaton signs with Texans | Monday 7/21, 2:10 PM CT |
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Third-round pick Steve Slaton (West Virginia) has signed a deal with the Texans, according to the Houston Chronicle. Specific terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Our View: Slaton is undersized, and has better quickness than pure speed. He will be stuck in a crowded RB stable in Houston as a rookie, and seems best suited for a third down role in the NFL. |
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| Texans ink Molden | Monday 7/21, 2:06 PM CT |
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The Texans have inked third-round pick Antwaun Molden (Eastern Kentucky) to a four-year deal, according to the Houston Chronicle. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Our View: He is a great athlete, but not a great football player, as he was inconsistent on the collegiate level and displayed poor instincts at times. The Texans are not strong at cornerback, but Molden is not expected to push for a starting role as a rookie. |
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| Boldin will report on time | Monday 7/21, 1:48 PM CT |
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AZcentral.com reports that Anquan Boldin will report on time to training camp despite disappointment with his current contract.
Our View: This could go one of two ways. A disgruntled Boldin gives poor effort and fails to build chemistry with the rest of the offense or a motivated Boldin gives 110% in hopes of getting a bigger deal following the season. Of course, an extension could still be worked out before the season. We'll keep you posted. |
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| Shockey traded to New Orleans | Monday 7/21, 1:28 PM CT |
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The New York Giants have agreed to trade their disgruntled tight end to the New Orleans Saints for a second- and fifth-round pick, according to FOXSports.com. The deal is pending league approval, and Shockey must also pass a physical.
Our View: If this trade gets finalized, it would have a major effect in the ADP of several players. Shockey would receive a bump in his ranking, Kevin Boss would receive a major upgrade, and Eric Johnson takes a negative hit to his draft value. Stay tuned. |
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| Grant intends to report | Monday 7/21, 1:21 PM CT |
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Ryan Grant intends to report to training camp on time, according to Pro Football Weekly. He is still looking for a new contract, but said, "I plan on being there. Everything is progressing well, and I'm ready to go."
Our View: He won't be able to attend traning camp unless he at least signs a one-year, $370,000 tender offer as an exclusive-rights free agent, so it sounds like a multi-year deal could get done prior to the start of camp. |
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| Panthers ink Godfrey | Monday 7/21, 1:16 PM CT |
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The Panthers have inked third-round pick Charles Godfrey (Iowa), according to the Rock Hill Herald. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Our View: Godfrey needs to work on his technique, but could challenge for the starting spot at free safety with Terrence Holt and Nate Salley. |
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| Lions not interested in Jordan | Monday 7/21, 12:37 PM CT |
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The Lions are not interested in trading for Raiders' running back LaMont Jordan, according to MLive.com.
Our View: The Lions said they are not interested in dealing for Jordan, but it would be a different matter if he was released by the Raiders, which is what the Lions could be waiting for. |
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| Nicholson arrested | Monday 7/21, 12:32 PM CT |
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Donte Nicholson was tasered twice and arrested during a scuffle with police early Sunday morning at a St. Petersburg nightclub, according to the St. Petersburg Times. Nicholson was charged with misdemeanor battery and resisting arrest without violence. He was booked into Pinellas County jail at 3:35 a.m. Sunday and released at 6:50 a.m. after posting $300 bail.
Our View: Nicholson was "iffy" to make the Buccaneers this season as a safety, and this incident pushed him one step closer to getting cut. |
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| Simms to report to Buccaneers | Monday 7/21, 12:11 PM CT |
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The Tampa Tribune indicates that Chris Simms will report to the Buccaneers when training camp begins Friday. He is still disgruntled but lacks a better option than to report, and he said, "I will be at camp. I have no clue what is gonna happen once I get there, we’ll see."
Our View: He will work as their number five quarterback at the beginning of camp. They have had a chance to trade him, but it looks like they would like to evaluate him, as he states he is healthy. |
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| Cottam joins the Chiefs | Monday 7/21, 11:59 AM CT |
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Third-round pick tight end Brad Cottam and the Chiefs have agreed on a three-year contract, according to KCchiefs.com. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Our View: Cottam will compete for playing time behind veteran Tony Gonzalez. |
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| Charles signed on | Monday 7/21, 11:56 AM CT |
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The Chiefs and third-round pick running back Jamaal Charles have agreed on a three-year contract, according to KCchiefs.com. Terms of the agreement were not made available.
Our View: Charles will now compete for a spot as Larry Johnson's primary backup. |
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| Chamberlain gets deal | Monday 7/21, 11:50 AM CT |
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The Rams have agreed to terms with seventh-round draft pick linebacker Chris Chamberlain on a three-year contract, according to the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Our View: Chamberlain was an All-Conference USA selection last year whose 352 tackles are No. 5 in Tulsa history. |
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| Nakamura gets deal | Monday 7/21, 11:36 AM CT |
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The Ravens and sixth-round pick safety Haruki Nakamura have agreed on a three-year contract, according to footballguys.com.
Our View: This former University of Cincinnati safety will now get a chance to compete for a starting gig. |
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| Ravens ink Gooden | Monday 7/21, 11:25 AM CT |
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The Ravens and third-round pick Tavares Gooden have agreed to a three-year, $1.76 million contract, according to Carroll County Times.
Our View: In college, Gooden recorded 216 career tackles, one sack and one interception for the Hurricanes. He will now most likely compete for a spot on special teams. |
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| More records for Hester | Monday 7/21, 10:50 AM CT |
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The Chicago Bears special teams coach Dave Toub thinks Devin Hester can break more records this year, according to ChicagoBears.com. Toub said, "Sure he can... Every time he gets the ball in his hands, he’s a danger and a threat. There was no secret going into last year about how good he was after his rookie year, and he did it for a second straight year. Being able to do it two years in a row, I don’t see any reason why he couldn’t do it a third year."
Our View: Hester is the best return option in the game. However, most teams have started kicking away from him. If the Bears can get the ball back in his hands, more records will be on the way. |
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| Crable signs with Patriots | Monday 7/21, 9:55 AM CT |
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Third-round pick Shawn Crable (Michigan) signed a deal with the Patriots, according to the Boston Globe. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Our View: Crable will be limited in the NFL as he is a "tweener" at 6-5 243 pounds, and lacks the athleticism to play linebacker and the explosiveness to pressure the quarterback as an outside rusher. |
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| Patriots ink O'Connell | Monday 7/21, 9:51 AM CT |
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The Patriots inked third-round pick Kevin O'Connell (San Diego State), according to the Boston Globe. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Our View: O'Connell possesses a strong arm and a quick release, but will hold no value as a fantasy keeper in New England while working behind Tom Brady. |
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| Gates' Week 1 status unknown | Monday 7/21, 9:46 AM CT |
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Antonio Gates' status for Week 1 is yet to be determined by the Chargers, according to the North County Times. He is recovering from off-season toe surgery.
Our View: It is too early to begin worrying about Gates. He could come at a value in earlier fantasy drafts if his uncertain Week 1 status scares away other owners. |
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| Watson to have limited role | Monday 7/21, 9:40 AM CT |
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The Bengals plan on giving Kenny Watson a limited role this season, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Our View: Chris Perry looks to be healthy again, and the team seemingly expects him to serve as the primary backup to starter Rudi Johnson this season, although Watson will be given a fair chance to beat him out in training camp. |
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| Watson to begin camp on PUP list | Monday 7/21, 8:30 AM CT |
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Ben Watson is recovering from ankle surgery and will begin training camp on the PUP list, according to the Providence Journal.
Our View: Since it is training camp, he can be activated from the PUP list at any time. He is their top tight end and the club will be cautious with him, meaning Dave Thomas will have a chance to shine and prove his worth through the preseason. |
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| Pope may not be ready | Monday 7/21, 8:18 AM CT |
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Cardinals' GM Rod Graves mentioned that tight end Leonard Pope may not be ready for the start of training camp due to an ankle ailment, according to Cardinals.com.
Our View: Pope is a number two fantasy tight end, at best, and will not be worth taking a chance on during your draft if he doesn't appear to be healthy. |
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| Wilson expected to be 100 percent | Monday 7/21, 8:14 AM CT |
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Cardinals' GM Rod Graves expects Adrian Wilson to be 100 percent when the team opens training camp, according to the Cardinals.com. He missed the latter half of last season due to an Achilles injury, and underwent surgery to repair the problem.
Our View: This is good news, as Wilson is an elite fantasy IDP when healthy. He should be among the first defensive backs selected for 2008. |
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