| Otah signs contract | Friday 7/25, 11:52 PM CT |
|
Offensive tackle Jeff Otah has signed a contract with the Carolina Panthers, according to the Associated Press. Otah was one of two first-round picks for team.
Our View: Otah is expected to be a key component to the Carolina offensive line this season, so he needed to get into camp as soon as possible. |
|
| Rams will not negotiate with Jackson until he reports | Friday 7/25, 11:48 PM CT |
|
The St. Louis Rams will not negotiate a new contract with running back Steven Jackson until he reports to training camp, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "I said that as soon as he got into camp and he does show up, we'd like to continue the negotiations. But we will not be negotiating while he is out of camp," said Rams executive Jay Zygmunt.
Our View: Jackson will get his money at some point, and with new offensive coordinator Al Saunders now running the show, he could be in store for a monster year, so the sooner he gets to camp, the better. |
|
| Powell will miss year | Friday 7/25, 11:39 PM CT |
|
Broncos fifth-round selection Carlton Powell will miss the season with a right Achilles tendon injury, according to the Denver Post. "His Achilles popped. Obviously he's out for the year," said Denver coach Mike Shanahan.
Our View: Powell was likely only going to play a backup role, but with the never-ending search for defensive tackles in Denver, he would gotten a few chances to earn playing time. |
|
| Holland too fat to play | Friday 7/25, 11:34 PM CT |
|
Offensive guard Montrae Holland will not be allowed to practice with the team until he loses some weight, according to the Denver Post.
Our View: The Broncos offensive line is traditionally smaller than other lines, and Holland was listed at 322 pounds. What Holland weiged in at was not given, but he spent the day doing conditioning drills in order to get in better shape, so whatever the number was, it was too much. |
|
| Jenkins signs deal with Cowboys | Friday 7/25, 11:28 PM CT |
|
Cornerback Mike Jenkins, one of the Cowboys two first-round selections, has signed a five-year contract with the team, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View: Jenkins will likely be the nickel or dime back on the squad, as Dallas has a number of talented corners, including the yet to be reinstated Adam "Dont Call Me Pacman" Jones. |
|
| Jones inks deal | Friday 7/25, 11:25 PM CT |
|
Running back Felix Jones has signed a five-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View: Jones is going to be the lightning to Marion Barber's thunder, but his fantasy value will be limited because Barber will clearly be the one to get the goal-line carries. |
|
| Taylor restructures contract | Friday 7/25, 11:23 PM CT |
|
Pittsburgh cornerback Ike Taylor has agreed to restructure his contract so the team had cap room to sign Rashard Mendenhall, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View: Taylor will still get the $4.1 million due to him this year, but instead of it coming in base salary, $3 million has been transferred to a signing bonus that allows the team to spread it out over three seasons. |
|
| Gates starts year on PUP list | Friday 7/25, 11:00 PM CT |
|
All Pro tight end Antonio Gates has started the season on the Active-Physically-Unable-to-Perform list as he recovers from a toe injury suffered last season, according to Chargers.com.
Our View: This should not be a surprise to anybody, and Gates should be back in a matter of weeks. He is still a top option at tight end in fantasy leagues. |
|
| Baker signs deal | Friday 7/25, 10:25 PM CT |
|
Offensive tackle Sam Baker has signed a contract with the Atlanta Falcons, according to NFL.com.
Our View: Baker was one of the team's first-round draft picks along with Matt Ryan, and he should have every opportunity to see early playing time as Atlanta retools their roster. |
|
| Glenn released by Cowboys | Friday 7/25, 8:17 PM CT |
|
Terry Glenn was released by the Dallas Cowboys today, but it is still possible he could re-sign with the team, according to DallasCowboys.com.
Our View: Glenn has had knee problems and the team wanted protection should his problems in that area remain. He did not initially want to sign a contract that would have given him $500,000 instead of his full salary if he re-injured the knee, leading to his release. |
|
| Jordan released by Raiders | Friday 7/25, 7:57 PM CT |
|
LaMont Jordan has been given his release by the Oakland Raiders, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Our View: Jordan was once a promising back, but that didn't last long. He is now a free agent and can sign with any team, and his value in fantasy football will be determined by where he winds up. |
|
| Robinson put on PUP list | Friday 7/25, 7:53 PM CT |
|
Dunta Robinson has been placed on the active/physically-unable-to-perform list, and he will miss a minimum of the first six weeks of the season, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Our View: Robinson is the team's best cover corner, and they have a glaring hole in the secondary without him. The Texans could be a surprisingly good defense this season, but likely not until Robinson returns. |
|
| Jones apologizes for drug bust | Friday 7/25, 7:13 PM CT |
|
Jaguars wide out Matt Jones has apologized for his recent arrest in which he was found in a car cutting up cocaine with a credit card, according to the AP. "I'm embarrassed for Mr. and Mrs. Weaver, coach Del Rio and my teammates, and even the fans of Jacksonville," Jones said.
Our View: Jones may have a chance to make the roster simply because of all the injuries the Jaguars are going through at receiver. The days of him tantalizing fantasy owners with potential are long over, though. |
|
| Jackson officially a holdout | Friday 7/25, 6:22 PM CT |
|
St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson, entering the final year of his contract, was a no-show for the opening day of training camp on Friday, according to ESPN. Jackson was considered a holdout after missing a team meeting Friday morning.
Our View: Jackson is in the final season of a five-year contract he signed after the Rams drafted him in the first round in 2004. He has had three straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons. Head coach Scott Linehan has called this situation a priority, and the two sides are already in negotiations. We don't expect a protracted holdout for Jackson, who is a key component of the offense. |
|
| Williams could start season on PUP list | Friday 7/25, 6:03 PM CT |
|
Jacksonville wide receiver Reggie Williams "tweaked" his knee and may wind up on the Physically-Unable-to-Perform list if he does not heal in a few days, according to Pete Prisco of Sportsline.com.
Our View: Williams was going to be one of the Jaguars top two wide receivers, so this is a blow to the team. There is no official word on what the injury is, so keep this in mind if you have a fantasy draft this weekend and are intrigued by Williams' 10 touchdowns. |
|
| Gholston officially signs | Friday 7/25, 5:59 PM CT |
|
After missing one day of training camp, Vernon Gholston has signed a five-year, $50 million deal with the New York Jets, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Gholston is guaranteed $21 million, and he will provide an immediate pass rushing threat off the edge in the team's 3-4 defense. |
|
| Rodgers-Cromartie inks deal | Friday 7/25, 5:55 PM CT |
|
Cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, the Arizona Cardinals first-round pick, has come to terms with the team, according to the Arizona Republic.
Our View: Rodgers-Cromartie fills a rather large hole in the Arizona secondary, and will likely start the year as the nickel back. |
|
| Jackson signs contract | Friday 7/25, 4:59 PM CT |
|
Wide receiver Dexter Jackson, the Bucs second-round selection, has signed a deal with the team, according to PewterReport.com.
Our View: Jackson's athleticism and speed give him great potential, but fantasy owners know by now to be weary of all rookie wide receivers. |
|
| Talib signs deal | Friday 7/25, 4:27 PM CT |
|
Cornerback Aqib Talib, the Buccaneers first-round selection, has signed a five-year, $14 million contract, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Our View: Talib should fit in well in Tampa Bay's Cover 2 scheme and will push for immediate playing time, and may wind up starting. |
|
| Johnson released by Saints | Friday 7/25, 3:58 PM CT |
|
As expected, Eric Johnson has been released by the Saints, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Our View: Johnson has been slow to recover from ankle surgery, and the signing of Jeremy Shockey pushed him out in New Orleans. |
|
| Buccaneers sign Johnson | Friday 7/25, 3:46 PM CT |
|
Fifth-round pick Josh Johnson signed a four-year deal with the Buccaneers, according to the St. Petersburg Times.
Our View: Johnson fired 43 touchdown passes and only one interception at San Diego University last season, and is one of five quarterbacks with the Buccaneers in training camp, joining Jeff Garcia, Brian Griese, Luke McCown, and Chris Simms. Johnson possesses solid arm strength and a quick release but needs a lot of work on his mechanics and accuracy to succeed on the next level. He will be fighting to make the roster as the number three quarterback. |
|
| Saints sign Porter | Friday 7/25, 3:33 PM CT |
|
Second-round pick Tracy Porter (Indiana) has agreed to terms on a four-year contract with the Saints, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Financial terms are unknown.
Our View: Porter was viewed as a reach as the 40th overall pick, but could play right away and contribute as a potential nickel back. |
|
| Dolphins ink Merling | Friday 7/25, 3:07 PM CT |
|
The Dolphins have signed second-round pick Phillip Merling (Clemson) to a four-year deal, according to the Palm Beach Post. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Our View: Merling will compete for playing time in the Dolphins' rotation along the defensive line as a rookie, and projects to be a future starter with the team. |
|
| Carlson remains unsigned | Friday 7/25, 2:57 PM CT |
|
Rookie John Carlson is absent from training camp with the Seahawks as he remains unsigned, according to the Seattle Times.
Our View: Carlson had a shot to start at tight end this season, but his odds will decrease with each day that he misses valuable practice time in camp. |
|
| Branch participating | Friday 7/25, 2:50 PM CT |
|
Deion Branch, who is recovering from ACL surgery, was on the field Friday for individual workouts, according to the Seattle Times. He did agility drills and caught some passes.
Our View: Coach Mike Holmgren stated that he is hopeful Branch will be ready for Week 1 of the regular season. This is encouraging news, as it was previously believed that he might start training camp on the PUP list. |
|
| Buccaneers negotiating with White | Friday 7/25, 2:30 PM CT |
|
The Buccaneers are reportedly making progress in contract negotiations with Greg White, according to the Tampa Tribune. White is looking for something more favorable than the one year, $370,000 tender the Bucs have offered him. He and the club have talked about a long-term deal and a shorter term deal.
Our View: White only registered 26 tackles (20 solo) in 2007, but carried his weight with eight sacks and seven forced fumbles. If the team can satisfy him with a new deal, White will serve as a top backup to projected starters Gaines Adams and Marques Douglas this season. |
|
| Simms reports to camp | Friday 7/25, 2:26 PM CT |
|
Chris Simms has reported to training camp with the Buccaneers, according to the Tampa Tribune.
Our View: Simms is not in camp just to bide his time, as the team fully expects him to compete for the starting job at quarterback currently held by Jeff Garcia. |
|
| Sweed signs with Pittsburgh | Friday 7/25, 2:19 PM CT |
|
Second-round pick Limas Sweed (Texas) has signed a four-year deal with the Steelers, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Our View: Sweed should challenge Nate Washington for the slot role as a rookie, and could be the future replacement for Hines Ward. |
|
| Moss wants ball early and often | Friday 7/25, 2:11 PM CT |
|
Santana Moss stated that he wants the Redskins to throw him the ball as much as possible this season, according to the AP. "Early and often" is the way he put it, and believes he can once again be a game-changer under the new regime in Washington, namely head coach Jim Zorn.
Our View: Moss has looked great at the start of training camp and is excited about Jim Zorn's new offense and has high expectations for 2008. Moss only racked up 1,598 receiving yards over his last two seasons, after breaking out with 1,483 in 2005, and noted that his numbers were compromised by a lack of plays directed his way. |
|
| Dizon signs with Detroit | Friday 7/25, 1:49 PM CT |
|
The Lions have inked second-round pick Jordon Dizon (Colorado), according to MLive.com. The deal is believed to be for four years.
Our View: Dizon missed the first three practices of training camp while the details of his contract were being sorted out, but he signed in plenty of time to challenge for the starting spot at middle linebacker. |
|
| Mendenhall signs | Friday 7/25, 1:15 PM CT |
|
Rashard Mendenhall has signed a five-year contract with the Steelers worth $12.555 million, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Our View: Coach Mike Tomlin anticipated Mendenhall signing on time before the start of training camp. He is expected to provide a strong 1-2 punch in the Steelers' backfield with Willie Parker right away as a rookie. |
|
| Jackson making strides | Friday 7/25, 12:55 PM CT |
|
Coach Bill Belichick commented that Chad Jackson is a terrific athlete who had a great off-season, according to the Boston Globe. Belichick added that Jackson's receiving skills have improved, as has his understanding of the Patriots' offense.
Our View: Jackson is making strides and should be the favorite to claim the number three receiver role alongside starters Randy Moss and Wes Welker. Jackson has the look of a solid late-round sleeper for 2008. |
|
| Falcons meet with Jackson | Friday 7/25, 12:49 PM CT |
|
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution indicates that Falcons' officials met with free agent Grady Jackson Friday morning.
Our View: They are trying to work out a deal to bring him back to the team. He would help shore up the Falcons' defensive line, which is a main area of need heading into the new season. |
|
| Jets to talk to Favre? | Friday 7/25, 12:44 PM CT |
|
ESPN reports that the Jets have been granted permission by the Packers to speak to Brett Favre.
Our View: Favre would have no problem beating out Kellen Clemens or Chad Pennington for the starting quarterback job with the Jets. If he ultimately lands with the AFC East club, the fantasy value of Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery would rise. Coles will see more deep passes (effectively) directed his way, and Cotchery could potentially challenge 100 receptions, as the Jets' aerial attack would be more consistent. |
|
| Green released | Friday 7/25, 12:37 PM CT |
|
Michael Green has been released by the Seahawks, according to the News Tribune.
Our View: Green was fighting for a backup role with the Seahawks, and wouldn't have held much fantasy value if he made the roster. |
|
| Titans sign Haynesworth | Friday 7/25, 12:28 PM CT |
|
The Titans have signed Albert Haynesworth, according to the Tennessean. He agreed to a one-year deal worth $7.25 million that will allow him to become an unrestricted free agent in 2009 if he meets certain incentives in the coming year.
Our View: The Titans hold their first practice of training camp today, but Haynesworth will not participate until he passes his conditioning test and the contract is finalized. He should be headed for another strong campaign, especially while playing for a lucrative long-term deal. |
|
| Gilmore joins Seattle | Friday 7/25, 12:16 PM CT |
|
Bryan Gilmore has signed a deal with the Seahawks, according to the Tacoma Tribune. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Our View: He could make the Seahawks roster, but won't likely see enough action to merit fantasy attention. |
|
| Seahawks ink Jackson | Friday 7/25, 12:13 PM CT |
|
The Seahawks inked first-round pick Lawrence Jackson (USC) to a five-year deal worth $11.25 million, according to the Tacoma Tribune.
Our View: He is signed on time so he has a good shot to start alongside Patrick Kerney at defensive end immediately. He is solid against the run, but also has the athleticism to consistently pressure the quarterback on the pass rush. He could rank as an IDP sleeper as a rookie in 2008. |
|
| Nordin cut | Friday 7/25, 11:26 AM CT |
|
The Ravens cut Jake Nordin, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View: Nordin can play fullback or tight end, but unforunately for him the Ravens are in good shape at both positions. |
|
| Favre plans to show up for camp | Friday 7/25, 11:20 AM CT |
|
Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that Brett Favre plans to show up for training camp, as posted on ProFootballTalk.com. Schefter noted that all indications are that Favre is returning with the intention of spending the season with Green Bay.
Our View: In order to participate, he would need to apply for reinstatement, via a letter that could be sent to Commissioner Roger Goodell as soon as today.
|
|
| Bengals waive Irons | Friday 7/25, 10:39 AM CT |
|
Kenny Irons has been waived by the Bengals, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. The team made the move after he failed a team physical.
Our View: Irons once had potential to serve as a solid backup to Rudi Johnson, but an ACL injury spoiled his chances. |
|
| Glenn's future to be decided today | Friday 7/25, 10:34 AM CT |
|
The Dallas Morning News indicates that a decision regarding Terry Glenn's future with the Cowboys is expected to be made today.
Our View: He did not join the team for the start of training camp, but is being counted on the roster. Glenn has refused to agree to a split salary that would give him $500,000 in the event that he re-injures his right knee and costs him the rest of the season. The Cowboys have told Glenn he will be released if he doesn't sign the deal.
|
|
| Harrison practicing with Colts | Friday 7/25, 10:29 AM CT |
|
Marvin Harrison is practicing with the Colts at the start of training camp Friday, according to the AP. Fans chanted Harrison’s name and cheered his catches during practice.
Our View: This is great news, as Harrison was previously expected to miss camp due to off-season surgery in January. His fantasy stock is back on the rise. |
|
| Peters is a no-show for start of camp | Friday 7/25, 10:07 AM CT |
|
Jason Peters was absent from the Bills' first practice session of training camp, according to the AP.
Our View: He could be fined up to $15,000 a day. He is looking for a new deal, and the team has had little contact with him over the past few months during his contract dispute. |
|
| Broncos ink Clady | Friday 7/25, 10:02 AM CT |
|
The Broncos have inked first-round pick Ryan Clady (Boise State), according to the AP. Specific terms were not dislosed, but the deal is believed to be worth $17.5 million.
Our View: He is signed on time, and is projected to start at left tackle as a rookie, which should bode well for the Broncos' running game. |
|
| Smith has edge for strong safety job? | Friday 7/25, 9:52 AM CT |
|
The Star-Ledger states that Eric Smith appears to have the edge over Abram Elam for the starting gig at strong safety.
Our View: The third-year pro has looked good so far in the off-season and is a personal favorite of head coach Eric Mangini. If Smith holds off Elam for the starting job, he could rank as a solid IDP sleeper. |
|
| Texans ink Brown | Friday 7/25, 9:34 AM CT |
|
The Texans have inked first-round pick Duane Brown (Virginia Tech) to a five-year deal worth $11.5 million, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Our View: His strong athleticism will make him a good fit in the Texans' blocking scheme. He lacks polish however, and will need time before he can establish himself as a solid starter with the club. |
|
| Fuller in battle for nickel role | Friday 7/25, 9:01 AM CT |
|
Vincent Fuller is going to be challenged by Eric King for the nickel role in the secondary, according to the Tennesean.
Our View: King performed well in off-season workouts, but Fuller remains the favorite for the job. |
|
| Freeney to begin camp on PUP list | Friday 7/25, 8:56 AM CT |
|
Dwight Freeney is going to begin camp on the PUP list, and is expected to remain there for about three weeks, according to ESPN.
Our View: His foot is structurally fine after sustaining a Lisfranc fracture last season, and he hopes to play in the Colts' fourth preseason game. He remains on pace to be ready to go for Week 1 of the regular season. |
|
| Sanders' return uncertain | Friday 7/25, 8:51 AM CT |
|
Bob Sanders, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, is not sure of his timetable to return to the Colts, according to ESPN. Sanders said, "Within the next week or so I'll be able to move around and do a lot more and hopefully participate out here before we end it. But I'm not exactly sure, it's something we still have to cover."
Our View: Sanders is an elite IDP, but his fantasy stock could drop if he fails to bounce back healthy heading up to Week 1. |
|
| Gage and McCareins starting | Friday 7/25, 8:46 AM CT |
|
Justin Gage and Justin McCareins are set to work as the starting receivers at the beginning of training camp, according to the Tennessean.
Our View: Gage is a lock to start, and McCareins seemingly has a firm grip on the other spot, namely as he is a favorite of offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger. That leaves the slot role up for grabs, with the early frontrunner being Biren Ealy. |
|
| Hester reports to camp | Friday 7/25, 8:40 AM CT |
|
Devin Hester reported to training camp and his holdout lasted just two days, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Our View: He owes around $30,000 in fines. The team continues to state that re-signing him to a new deal is a top priority. He reported in plenty of time to remain on the good side of the coaching staff, and to compete for a starting job at receiver. |
|
| Groves inks with Jags | Friday 7/25, 8:32 AM CT |
|
The Jags have inked second-round pick Quentin Groves (Auburn) to a four-year deal worth $3.5 million, according to News4Jax.com.
Our View: Groves is an explosive athlete and excels at pressuring quarterbacks, and should contribute to the Jaguars pass rush as a rookie, giving him some fantasy value. |
|
| Edwards out indefinitely | Friday 7/25, 7:58 AM CT |
|
Ray Edwards will be out of action indefinitely due to his lower back ailment, according to the Star Tribune. He will begin camp on the PUP list.
Our View: Coach Brad Childress previously noted that he had optimism Edwards would be ready for the start of camp, but believes he overworked himself and just had a twinge. He will work on the side, and the team does not have a timetable as to when he may be ready to practice in camp. |
|
| Kaczur on PUP list | Friday 7/25, 7:45 AM CT |
|
Nick Kaczur, who was in court Monday stemming from his arrest in April for illegal possession of the prescription painkiller OxyContin, opened training camp on the PUP list, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: He will have a misdemeanor drug charge dropped if he can stay out of trouble for six months. The team did not specify if he was placed on the PUP list due to a physical ailment or just to give him time to settle his legal matter. |
|
| Carriker in camp | Friday 7/25, 7:29 AM CT |
|
Adam Carriker, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, expects to be cleared soon for full contact in training camp, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View: The team will monitor him to see how he feels and reacts, but he believes he should be fine. |
|
| Pace in camp | Friday 7/25, 7:25 AM CT |
|
Orlando Pace is still recovering from the shoulder injury he sustained at the beginning of last season, but he is in camp with the Rams, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He will be limited for the first part of camp.
Our View: This is encouraging news, as it was previously mentioned that he may be placed on the PUP list at the beginning of camp. |
|
| Avery unsigned | Friday 7/25, 7:23 AM CT |
|
Second-round pick Donnie Avery (Houston) remains unsigned by the Rams, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View: He would be officially called a holdout if he does not sign today before the first mandatory meeting of training camp. The Rams do anticipate him joining them soon. |
|
| Rams started contract talk with S-Jax | Friday 7/25, 7:19 AM CT |
|
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch indicates that the Rams have started contract talks regarding Steven Jackson, who could become a free agent after this season.
Our View: He did not accompany the Rams on their charter flight, but was granted permission to travel to training camp on his own. He is not upset with the team and will not be a holdout. Signing him to a new deal is a top priority for the Rams. |
|
|
|
