Although it seems unlikely for veteran quarterback Byron Leftwich to resume his career as professional football player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he is just still having the chance to wear back his Buccaneers jersey for the new season in a new role- a mentor to young starting quarterback Josh Freeman.
According to Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris, Byron is still considered to be a very productive leader although he did out work out as the team’s starter in 2009 season and he is experienced and skilled enough to help Freeman learn how to work as a starting quarterback. In one word, the coach reminded us to get ready for seeing Leftwich back on the Tampa Bay team in the new season.
Because of inadequate playing time, Leftwich is not due to be paid a costly roster bonus by the Buccaneers and thus it’s not expensive to keep him in the team. And the Buccaneers would be glad to have some more help in improving passing game during the training camp.
Showing posts with label NFL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NFL. Show all posts
Monday, April 12, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Giants DE Umenyiora worked out but still with unhappiness
Still with unhappiness, the New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora took part in the team’s offseason workout on Thursday. But his attitude on his role for the next season did not seem changed. It could be guessed from his refusal to comment on the matter.
With a lingering hip injury, Umenyiora has insisted that he wants the starting job, otherwise he would like to retire or put on another team’s NFL jersey through a trade. The seven-year veteran upset general manager Jerry Reese and coach Tom Coughlin by wondering aloud whether he had played his final game as a Giant and saying he wanted to be guaranteed a starting job, which Coughlin refused to do.
Starting 11 games last season, Umenyiora had 45 tackles and a team high seven sacks. However, he missed the entire 2008 season after suffering a major injury to his left knee in a preseason game against the New York Jets. Although he insisted all last season that the surgically repaired knee caused no more problems, it’s just reasonable for the team to concern with his physical condition.
With a lingering hip injury, Umenyiora has insisted that he wants the starting job, otherwise he would like to retire or put on another team’s NFL jersey through a trade. The seven-year veteran upset general manager Jerry Reese and coach Tom Coughlin by wondering aloud whether he had played his final game as a Giant and saying he wanted to be guaranteed a starting job, which Coughlin refused to do.
Starting 11 games last season, Umenyiora had 45 tackles and a team high seven sacks. However, he missed the entire 2008 season after suffering a major injury to his left knee in a preseason game against the New York Jets. Although he insisted all last season that the surgically repaired knee caused no more problems, it’s just reasonable for the team to concern with his physical condition.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Former Saints RB Bell joined Eagles on a one-year contract
Now running back Mike Bell officially has taken off his New Orleans Saints jersey and said goodbye to free agency. In the 2010 season, he will play for the Philadelphia Eagles, who offered the veteran running back a one-year deal worth $1.7 million with $500,000 guaranteed on March 16, and Bell has already signed the offer.
As a restricted free agent, Bell signing with another team allows the Saints to have seven days to match the offer, however, the Saints finally decided not to match it as the cost was too high to the team that has to pay one of their remaining running backs, Reggie Bush, $8 million for playing in the 2010 season. The other running back is Pierre Thomas.
With addition of Bell, the Eagles will get much help in the backfield. Bell’s role in the new team will be the similar to what he played in the Saints, a backup role to the starter, which is to be LeSean McCoy in the Eagles.
As a restricted free agent, Bell signing with another team allows the Saints to have seven days to match the offer, however, the Saints finally decided not to match it as the cost was too high to the team that has to pay one of their remaining running backs, Reggie Bush, $8 million for playing in the 2010 season. The other running back is Pierre Thomas.
With addition of Bell, the Eagles will get much help in the backfield. Bell’s role in the new team will be the similar to what he played in the Saints, a backup role to the starter, which is to be LeSean McCoy in the Eagles.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Ravens are expecting a lot of QB Flacco
To be a third-year pro in 2010 season, the Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has shown some talent in football through performance in the past two seasons, and the team indeed has much expectation out of him.
According to reports, Ravens offensive coordinator and new quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn had Flacco spend a week at the University of Southern California earlier this month where he trained with a pitching coach. The purpose of the baseball workout is to strengthen the smaller muscles surrounding his throwing shoulder to upgrade his arm strength, accuracy, durability and longevity, all the elements for being a great quarterback.
Besides, the Ravens have also signed three star wide receivers from the free agent market: Anquan Boldin, Derrick Mason and Donte’ Stallworth. Even the new quarterback coach Zorn was a special choice for Flacco as Zorn himself was used to be an NFL quarterback with the Seattle Seahawks. All the efforts made are for one goal: to make Joe a championship quarterback.
“There are terms like ‘elite quarterback’ and ‘franchise quarterback.’ All of those things are where we expect Joe to go. He does even more so than we do. You know how Joe is. He already thinks he’s the best quarterback in the NFL,” said Ravens coach John Harbaugh during the NFL owners meetings at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes. “But he knows that he’s always going to have a lot of work to do. I know physically he needs to get stronger. Mentally, he needs to get sharper. Technique-wise, he needs to get more pronounced. But the expectation is to be the winningest quarterback in the NFL.”
What Flacco needs to do is simply to prove he deserves the high expectation. Actually, he has proven to be capable of winning. The former first-round draft pick has helped the Ravens appear in playoff for two consecutive seasons since he put on the Ravens jersey in 2008. Despite several painful injuries like sprained ankle and badly bruised thigh and hip, he still managed to complete 63.1 percent of his throws for a career-high 3,613 yards and 21 touchdowns.
According to reports, Ravens offensive coordinator and new quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn had Flacco spend a week at the University of Southern California earlier this month where he trained with a pitching coach. The purpose of the baseball workout is to strengthen the smaller muscles surrounding his throwing shoulder to upgrade his arm strength, accuracy, durability and longevity, all the elements for being a great quarterback.
Besides, the Ravens have also signed three star wide receivers from the free agent market: Anquan Boldin, Derrick Mason and Donte’ Stallworth. Even the new quarterback coach Zorn was a special choice for Flacco as Zorn himself was used to be an NFL quarterback with the Seattle Seahawks. All the efforts made are for one goal: to make Joe a championship quarterback.
“There are terms like ‘elite quarterback’ and ‘franchise quarterback.’ All of those things are where we expect Joe to go. He does even more so than we do. You know how Joe is. He already thinks he’s the best quarterback in the NFL,” said Ravens coach John Harbaugh during the NFL owners meetings at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes. “But he knows that he’s always going to have a lot of work to do. I know physically he needs to get stronger. Mentally, he needs to get sharper. Technique-wise, he needs to get more pronounced. But the expectation is to be the winningest quarterback in the NFL.”
What Flacco needs to do is simply to prove he deserves the high expectation. Actually, he has proven to be capable of winning. The former first-round draft pick has helped the Ravens appear in playoff for two consecutive seasons since he put on the Ravens jersey in 2008. Despite several painful injuries like sprained ankle and badly bruised thigh and hip, he still managed to complete 63.1 percent of his throws for a career-high 3,613 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Bengals and Patriots became winner of compensatory picks
The NFL announced the compensatory draft picks for the 2010 NFL draft on Monday, and 32 compensatory picks have been rewarded respectively to 19 teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions.
The Bengals and the Patriots are the biggest winners in receiving the compensatory picks. The Bengals got two more picks in the third and fourth round, No. 96 and 131 overall, and the Patriots got as many as the rule allows, four picks, including three in the seventh round and one 205th overall pick, meaning the team could have more chance to find better young players to put on Patriots jerseys replacing some older and less effective veterans.
The Falcons and Titans joined Bengals with extra third-round picks along, receiving No. 98 and No. 97 overall picks respectively. The Steelers had two additional fifth-rounders, and the Panthers got two more sixth-rounders. The Lions will have the right to pick the 255th and final selection of the draft as an award for the coveted Lowsman Trophy.
The Bengals and the Patriots are the biggest winners in receiving the compensatory picks. The Bengals got two more picks in the third and fourth round, No. 96 and 131 overall, and the Patriots got as many as the rule allows, four picks, including three in the seventh round and one 205th overall pick, meaning the team could have more chance to find better young players to put on Patriots jerseys replacing some older and less effective veterans.
The Falcons and Titans joined Bengals with extra third-round picks along, receiving No. 98 and No. 97 overall picks respectively. The Steelers had two additional fifth-rounders, and the Panthers got two more sixth-rounders. The Lions will have the right to pick the 255th and final selection of the draft as an award for the coveted Lowsman Trophy.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Redskins know what DT Haynesworth wants to do in offseason
According to recent reports, the Washington Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth plans not to participate in the team’s offseason workouts. The suspect was mainly caused by Haynesworth’s absence since his appearance at the start of Redskins’ offseason program last Monday.
Per the reports, Haynesworth showed up for orientation but missed the remainder of the week, and it seems no one knows the reason for his absence or whether he was allowed to miss team’s activities. Well, actually, the team knows. According to people with knowledge of the situation, the Redskins were aware of the player’s plans and they just let it go because it’s no secret about how the two-time All-Pro tackle feels about the team’s switch from 4-3 defense to 3-4 scheme.
It has been said that the Redskins and defensive coordinator Jim Haslett would like to have Haynesworth play multiple roles at both nose tackle and defensive end, and Haynesworth has made it clear that he would protest his role in the new scheme and skipping the workouts is just one of the methods. When he would wear back the Redskins jersey will thus depend on how the discussion between the two sides would go on.
Per the reports, Haynesworth showed up for orientation but missed the remainder of the week, and it seems no one knows the reason for his absence or whether he was allowed to miss team’s activities. Well, actually, the team knows. According to people with knowledge of the situation, the Redskins were aware of the player’s plans and they just let it go because it’s no secret about how the two-time All-Pro tackle feels about the team’s switch from 4-3 defense to 3-4 scheme.
It has been said that the Redskins and defensive coordinator Jim Haslett would like to have Haynesworth play multiple roles at both nose tackle and defensive end, and Haynesworth has made it clear that he would protest his role in the new scheme and skipping the workouts is just one of the methods. When he would wear back the Redskins jersey will thus depend on how the discussion between the two sides would go on.
Friday, March 19, 2010
A one-year contract combined OL Incognito with Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins signed a one-year contract with free agent offensive lineman Richie Incognito on Wednesday, offering the veteran a chance to compete for the starting job at right guard, who started the final three games of last season in the Buffalo Bills jersey.
Incognito was a third-round draft pick by the St. Louis Rams in 2005 but he gradually wore out his welcome in St. Louis. He criticized the Rams’ dwindling fan base in 2008, made an obscene gesture to a TV cameraman during practice and encouraged hecklers by cupping his hands to his ears while leaving the field after a loss. He has conceded himself that he was “less than model citizen”. Starting totally 44 games for the Rams, he was benched in the two games last year and was eventually waived before joining the Bills.
Despite the reputation of being volatile, Incognito is still expected by the Dolphins to provide more depth and flexibility up front with his versatility. Before the new season begins, he will compete with Donald Thomas and Nate Garner for the starting right guard job.
Incognito was a third-round draft pick by the St. Louis Rams in 2005 but he gradually wore out his welcome in St. Louis. He criticized the Rams’ dwindling fan base in 2008, made an obscene gesture to a TV cameraman during practice and encouraged hecklers by cupping his hands to his ears while leaving the field after a loss. He has conceded himself that he was “less than model citizen”. Starting totally 44 games for the Rams, he was benched in the two games last year and was eventually waived before joining the Bills.
Despite the reputation of being volatile, Incognito is still expected by the Dolphins to provide more depth and flexibility up front with his versatility. Before the new season begins, he will compete with Donald Thomas and Nate Garner for the starting right guard job.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
A coin will decide Jets or Giants play first game in new stadium
The new Meadowlands Stadium is ready to hold the first regular-season game of the 2010 season, but the NFL has not decided which team of the two in the same New York City to play that game in that new stadium. They will have the idea after tossing a coin in a few days.
According to an announcement on the website of the New York Jets, they will flip a coin with the Giants to determine which team will host the first regular-season game at their new 82,500-seat, $1.6 billion stadium this season. Both teams have expressed to the NFL their desire to play the opening game there, so it’s a hard decision to make but there is a simple way to solve it: coin toss.
The competition for the first use of the new stadium will possibly the only competition between to the two New York teams as it’s scheduled that the teams do not play each other in the regular season this year, so New York NFL fans will not have to decide which team’s NFL jerseys to put on anytime when there is a game involving a New York team.
According to an announcement on the website of the New York Jets, they will flip a coin with the Giants to determine which team will host the first regular-season game at their new 82,500-seat, $1.6 billion stadium this season. Both teams have expressed to the NFL their desire to play the opening game there, so it’s a hard decision to make but there is a simple way to solve it: coin toss.
The competition for the first use of the new stadium will possibly the only competition between to the two New York teams as it’s scheduled that the teams do not play each other in the regular season this year, so New York NFL fans will not have to decide which team’s NFL jerseys to put on anytime when there is a game involving a New York team.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Raiders released another veteran DT Warren
With the determination to save money and clear room for young players, the Oakland Raiders continued dumping veteran players and this time it was nine-year veteran defensive tackle Gerard Warren who was released following running back Justin Fargas, defensive end Greg Ellis and wide receiver Javon Walker.
Putting on Raiders jersey before the start of the 2007 season in the first trade between the Raiders and the Denver Broncos since the trade of defensive back Willie Brown in 1967, Warren failed to help the Raiders end run of losing. During his tenure, the Raiders had the worst run defense in the NFL, allowing 153.7 yards rushing per game and a league-worst 71 touchdowns on the ground. Warren totally had 77 solo tackles and 10 sacks in 44 games with the Raiders.
Without Warren, the Raiders still have multiple choices in starting defensive tackle. Undrafted free agent Desmond Bryant has shown signs of potential as a rookie, Tommy Kelly is the only other DT under contract, but defensive end Richard Seymour just can be moved to the position at any time.
Putting on Raiders jersey before the start of the 2007 season in the first trade between the Raiders and the Denver Broncos since the trade of defensive back Willie Brown in 1967, Warren failed to help the Raiders end run of losing. During his tenure, the Raiders had the worst run defense in the NFL, allowing 153.7 yards rushing per game and a league-worst 71 touchdowns on the ground. Warren totally had 77 solo tackles and 10 sacks in 44 games with the Raiders.
Without Warren, the Raiders still have multiple choices in starting defensive tackle. Undrafted free agent Desmond Bryant has shown signs of potential as a rookie, Tommy Kelly is the only other DT under contract, but defensive end Richard Seymour just can be moved to the position at any time.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
A one-year contract retains QB Pennington with Dolphins
It’s officially announced that veteran quarterback Chad Pennington will be wearing the Miami Dolphins jerseys for at least one more season with a one-year contract being signed on Monday.
According to previous reports, Pennington is expected to be a backup for Chad Henne, who was used as replacement to Pennington when he injured his right shoulder in the third game last season. Henne proved his talent and was rewarded with the starting job.
The 33-year-old Pennington is recovering from the third operation of his career on his throwing shoulder, so a backup job could be good for him before retirement. He still has the ability to help the Dolphins as he did before, but younger and healthier Henne just has more advantages over him to do the starting job, and with Pennington’s backup, he could grow into a quarterback as great as Pennington, who led the Dolphins to their first playoff berth in seven years in 2008 season.
According to previous reports, Pennington is expected to be a backup for Chad Henne, who was used as replacement to Pennington when he injured his right shoulder in the third game last season. Henne proved his talent and was rewarded with the starting job.
The 33-year-old Pennington is recovering from the third operation of his career on his throwing shoulder, so a backup job could be good for him before retirement. He still has the ability to help the Dolphins as he did before, but younger and healthier Henne just has more advantages over him to do the starting job, and with Pennington’s backup, he could grow into a quarterback as great as Pennington, who led the Dolphins to their first playoff berth in seven years in 2008 season.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Free agent NT Ferguson received an eight-game suspension for using banned substances
According to the NFL spokesman Greg Aiello, free agent Jason Ferguson, who spent the last two seasons with the Miami Dolphins, will not be allowed to play in the first eight games of the 2010 season as he violated NFL policy by using performance-enhancing substances.
Aiello confirmed on Sunday that the discipline was handed down late this week but could offer no further details. And it is not the first time Ferguson was suspended for using banned substances. Back in 1999, he had a four-game suspension for violating NFL drug policy after an anabolic steroid showed up during a urine test.
Because of a quadriceps injury in last November, Ferguson finished the rest of last season on injured reserve. Having been a free agent for more than three days, Ferguson has not received any new contract, either from the Dolphins or another team. With the new suspension, it could be even harder for him to wear back NFL jerseys with a new deal done being worked out in near future.
Aiello confirmed on Sunday that the discipline was handed down late this week but could offer no further details. And it is not the first time Ferguson was suspended for using banned substances. Back in 1999, he had a four-game suspension for violating NFL drug policy after an anabolic steroid showed up during a urine test.
Because of a quadriceps injury in last November, Ferguson finished the rest of last season on injured reserve. Having been a free agent for more than three days, Ferguson has not received any new contract, either from the Dolphins or another team. With the new suspension, it could be even harder for him to wear back NFL jerseys with a new deal done being worked out in near future.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Ravens obtained WR Boldin from Cardinals via trade
The Baltimore Ravens now have another talented pass catcher on their roster after a trade with the Arizona Cardinals. Yeah, you may have guessed it out, wide receiver Anquan Boldin has had his wish of leaving Cardinals come true and will appear in Ravens jersey for the 2010 season.
Through the trade on Friday, the Ravens also got a fifth-round pick in addition a Boldin from the Cardinals and the price was a third- and fourth-round pick in the 2010 draft. What the Ravens offered to Boldin was a new four-year contract that is worth $28 million, including a $10 million guaranteed money. Frankly, it’s a much bigger deal that the four-year, $22.5 million contract the Cardinals offered to him after the 2005 season. What’s more, the Ravens value him more than the Cardinals do and are open-minded with plays’ off-field issues. Good example is that they signed former Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth after he was released by the former team after he served the sentence for an automobile accident which resulted in the death of a Miami, Florida pedestrian and a DUI manslaughter conviction.
“The Ravens just got better,” Coach John Harbaugh said. “Anquan is a significant addition for us. He fits the personality of our team with the hard-nosed, physical way he plays. We love the way he competes. Our fans will enjoy watching him compete and his teammates will be excited to have him with us.”
At age 29, Boldin has had at least 1,000 yards receiving in five of his seven seasons and his number in last season was 1,024 yards on 84 catches. He began asking for a trade since last year after failing to get a new contract from the franchise. No trade is done last year because the Cardinals did not find any offer to their satisfaction.
Through the trade on Friday, the Ravens also got a fifth-round pick in addition a Boldin from the Cardinals and the price was a third- and fourth-round pick in the 2010 draft. What the Ravens offered to Boldin was a new four-year contract that is worth $28 million, including a $10 million guaranteed money. Frankly, it’s a much bigger deal that the four-year, $22.5 million contract the Cardinals offered to him after the 2005 season. What’s more, the Ravens value him more than the Cardinals do and are open-minded with plays’ off-field issues. Good example is that they signed former Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth after he was released by the former team after he served the sentence for an automobile accident which resulted in the death of a Miami, Florida pedestrian and a DUI manslaughter conviction.
“The Ravens just got better,” Coach John Harbaugh said. “Anquan is a significant addition for us. He fits the personality of our team with the hard-nosed, physical way he plays. We love the way he competes. Our fans will enjoy watching him compete and his teammates will be excited to have him with us.”
At age 29, Boldin has had at least 1,000 yards receiving in five of his seven seasons and his number in last season was 1,024 yards on 84 catches. He began asking for a trade since last year after failing to get a new contract from the franchise. No trade is done last year because the Cardinals did not find any offer to their satisfaction.
Friday, March 5, 2010
WR Coles is free agent again after one season with Bengals
32-year-old wide receiver Laveranues Coles becomes free agent again after failing to play as a pillar role in the passing game of the Cincinnati Bengals, who released Coles on the eve of March 5 deadline for free agency, along with three tight ends.
Coles signed a four-year deal with the Bengals last year to replace T.J. Houshmandzadeh but did not satisfy the team with only 43 catches for 514 yards last season. Houshmandzadeh was the Bengals’ most reliable receiver and top third-down target, making catches in a crowd but he left for the Seattle Seahawks and the Bengals had to move quickly to get receiver as good as him. They picked Coles just one week after he took off the New York Jets jersey because the Jets refused to offer him a long-term contract extension. However, he turned out a big disappointment in the Bengals’ passing game and never blended into an offense that became reliant on the run. Having two or fewer catches in nine regular-season games, he was still expected by the Bengals to become a bigger part of the offense after Chris Henry got hurt and later died in a fall from a truck, but he just continued disappointing the team with only 16 pass catches combined in the last seven regular-season games.
After releasing Coles, the Bengals now have only Chad Ochocinco the only proven wide receiver. They have three other reserves including Andre Caldwell, Jerome Simpson and Matt Jones, but Caldwell also struggled in his second season, Simpson appeared in only two games last season and Jones did not play at all. The Bengals can remain hopeful that they would do better in 2010 season but they can also acquire better help from the free-agent market and the draft.
Coles signed a four-year deal with the Bengals last year to replace T.J. Houshmandzadeh but did not satisfy the team with only 43 catches for 514 yards last season. Houshmandzadeh was the Bengals’ most reliable receiver and top third-down target, making catches in a crowd but he left for the Seattle Seahawks and the Bengals had to move quickly to get receiver as good as him. They picked Coles just one week after he took off the New York Jets jersey because the Jets refused to offer him a long-term contract extension. However, he turned out a big disappointment in the Bengals’ passing game and never blended into an offense that became reliant on the run. Having two or fewer catches in nine regular-season games, he was still expected by the Bengals to become a bigger part of the offense after Chris Henry got hurt and later died in a fall from a truck, but he just continued disappointing the team with only 16 pass catches combined in the last seven regular-season games.
After releasing Coles, the Bengals now have only Chad Ochocinco the only proven wide receiver. They have three other reserves including Andre Caldwell, Jerome Simpson and Matt Jones, but Caldwell also struggled in his second season, Simpson appeared in only two games last season and Jones did not play at all. The Bengals can remain hopeful that they would do better in 2010 season but they can also acquire better help from the free-agent market and the draft.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Broncos offered high tender to WR Marshall
According to reports by ESPN, the Denver Broncos have assigned a first-round tender to Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who is turning to be a free agent on Friday. Such an offer opens up potential trade scenarios for teams in need of a big downfield target, such as the Baltimore Ravens.
With that tender placed on him, Marshall could still choose which team’s NFL jersey to wear for 2010 season, but the Broncos will have the right to match any offer or ask for a first-round draft pick as compensation. After Marshall sets his choice, the Broncos would have seven days to make their decision on which kind of compensation to take.
The Broncos could also field trade offers for Marshall to keep him with the team. But I guess to club would prefer to have a first-round draft pick of a package of picks.
Another two free agents also received first-round tenders from the Broncos: quarterback Kyle Orton and offensive guard Chris Kuper. Tight end Tony Scheffler received a second-round tender.
With that tender placed on him, Marshall could still choose which team’s NFL jersey to wear for 2010 season, but the Broncos will have the right to match any offer or ask for a first-round draft pick as compensation. After Marshall sets his choice, the Broncos would have seven days to make their decision on which kind of compensation to take.
The Broncos could also field trade offers for Marshall to keep him with the team. But I guess to club would prefer to have a first-round draft pick of a package of picks.
Another two free agents also received first-round tenders from the Broncos: quarterback Kyle Orton and offensive guard Chris Kuper. Tight end Tony Scheffler received a second-round tender.
Several free agents received tenders from Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are taking actions to keep some key players from being free agents. On Wednesday, they offered tenders to seven players who are going to be free agents and are still planning re-sing some others for 2010 season.
Quarterback Matt Moore received the highest possible tender of a one-year deal worth $3.043 million. Such a contract will have another team who want to sign Moore away surrender first- and third-round draft picks to the Panthers, who actually wants to keep Moore in Panthers jersey to compete for the starting job with Jake Delhomme.
The other free agent who received as high tender as Moore is starting outside linebacker Thomas Davis, who received the first- and third-round tender of $3.268 million. Following him are starting cornerback Richard Marshall (second-round tender of $1.759 million), tight end Jeff King (second-round tender of $1.759 million), defensive tackle Louis Leonard (second-round tender of $1.684 million), reserve linebacker James Anderson (third-round tender of $1.176 million) and defensive tackle Tank Tyler (third-round tender of $1.101 million).
There are several more restricted free agents who have not been offered deals, and it is reported that the Panthers may try to re-sign Lloyd for less than the $1.101 million tender, cornerback C.J. Wilson for seventh-rounder tender of $1.101 million and offer exclusive rights free agents Nick Hayden, Kenny Moore, Charly Martin and Jordan Senn respective deals.
Quarterback Matt Moore received the highest possible tender of a one-year deal worth $3.043 million. Such a contract will have another team who want to sign Moore away surrender first- and third-round draft picks to the Panthers, who actually wants to keep Moore in Panthers jersey to compete for the starting job with Jake Delhomme.
The other free agent who received as high tender as Moore is starting outside linebacker Thomas Davis, who received the first- and third-round tender of $3.268 million. Following him are starting cornerback Richard Marshall (second-round tender of $1.759 million), tight end Jeff King (second-round tender of $1.759 million), defensive tackle Louis Leonard (second-round tender of $1.684 million), reserve linebacker James Anderson (third-round tender of $1.176 million) and defensive tackle Tank Tyler (third-round tender of $1.101 million).
There are several more restricted free agents who have not been offered deals, and it is reported that the Panthers may try to re-sign Lloyd for less than the $1.101 million tender, cornerback C.J. Wilson for seventh-rounder tender of $1.101 million and offer exclusive rights free agents Nick Hayden, Kenny Moore, Charly Martin and Jordan Senn respective deals.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
49ers tendered offers to RFA Baas and Brooks
On Monday evening, the San Francisco 49ers tendered qualifying offers to restricted free agents David Baas and Ahmad Brooks, setting the prices other teams have to play if they want to sign the two players away.
Putting on 49ers jersey in 2005 as the first pick of second round draft, Baas has made 38 career starts mostly at a left guard, and he was given an original round tender, while Brooks was given an upgraded second-round tender. As a third round pick drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2006, Brooks joined the 49ers last season and made six sacks for the team as an outside linebacker. The 49ers have tried to sign him a multi-year extension but the negotiation did not seem to go well. Now that he is under the second-round tender, he will earn $1.759 million in 2010 season with any team that will set a deal with him.
Putting on 49ers jersey in 2005 as the first pick of second round draft, Baas has made 38 career starts mostly at a left guard, and he was given an original round tender, while Brooks was given an upgraded second-round tender. As a third round pick drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2006, Brooks joined the 49ers last season and made six sacks for the team as an outside linebacker. The 49ers have tried to sign him a multi-year extension but the negotiation did not seem to go well. Now that he is under the second-round tender, he will earn $1.759 million in 2010 season with any team that will set a deal with him.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Broncos are open to possible return of WR Marshall
According to the Denver Broncos Coach Josh McDaniels, who benched wide receiver Brandon Marshall and tight end Tony Scheffler at the end of 2009 season, the Broncos will not rule out both Marshall and Scheffler wearing back Broncos jerseys for 2010 season.
“They played an important role on our team this year,” McDaniels said. “I don’t see how that has to change. Obviously there are some things that will go into this going forward. There’s no question in my mind that it could happen.”
McDaniel said he had not had any discussion with Marshall about his career future, but the receiver has recently said that he was willing to return to Denver for 2010 season but also remains open to offers from other teams. McDaniels did say that there would be a conversation with agents and players in near future.
“They played an important role on our team this year,” McDaniels said. “I don’t see how that has to change. Obviously there are some things that will go into this going forward. There’s no question in my mind that it could happen.”
McDaniel said he had not had any discussion with Marshall about his career future, but the receiver has recently said that he was willing to return to Denver for 2010 season but also remains open to offers from other teams. McDaniels did say that there would be a conversation with agents and players in near future.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Giants may not promise DE Umenyiora starting job
According to head coach Tom Coughlin, the New York Giants are not planning to ensure two-time Pro Bowl defensive end Osi Umenyiora a starting job even though Umenyiora threatens to take off Giants jersey once and for all.
Speaking at the NFL combine on Friday, Coughlin said he has talked with Umenyiora since the season ended, but he was also a little disappointed the disgruntled veteran said he wanted to either be traded or retire if he does not start next season.
“He’s going to come in and work hard to establish that position,” Coughlin said “He’s a big part of our team, he certainly is a gifted, gifted football player.” But an ensured starting job? “I don’t know how you do that,” Coughlin said. “Our field is a field and competition is good; just like we tell to everybody, ‘Go earn it.”’
The six-year veteran has spent all of his first six seasons with the Giants but missed the entire 2008 season after a major knee injury in the preseason. Returning for the 2009 season, he lost the starting job to Mathias Kiwanuka in the middle of regular season and had little playing time in the final weeks.
Speaking at the NFL combine on Friday, Coughlin said he has talked with Umenyiora since the season ended, but he was also a little disappointed the disgruntled veteran said he wanted to either be traded or retire if he does not start next season.
“He’s going to come in and work hard to establish that position,” Coughlin said “He’s a big part of our team, he certainly is a gifted, gifted football player.” But an ensured starting job? “I don’t know how you do that,” Coughlin said. “Our field is a field and competition is good; just like we tell to everybody, ‘Go earn it.”’
The six-year veteran has spent all of his first six seasons with the Giants but missed the entire 2008 season after a major knee injury in the preseason. Returning for the 2009 season, he lost the starting job to Mathias Kiwanuka in the middle of regular season and had little playing time in the final weeks.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Vikings fans continue with their effort to retain Favre
Although the NFL scouting combine will begin this week in Indianapolis and a team may find a new star there, the Minnesota Vikings fan believe that quarterback Brett Favre should remain their star.
Vikings fans continue to take matters into their own hands in an attempt to persuade Favre to return to the team in 2010. Following the Vikings’ loss in the NFC Championship game, billboards were taken out in Hattiesburg urging the future Hall of Famer to make decision of wearing back Vikings jersey. This Monday, a full-page color ad was used on this day’s Hattiesburg Newspaper to continue persuading Favre to make decision.
According to 39-year-old Benjamin Nelms from Madison, Wisconsin, a Favre supporter, the ad is already paid for and cost him about twice as much as season tickets. But he surely consider it deserves- in the ad he thanks Favre for a great season and urges him to get healthy and return to the team in 2010.
Vikings fans continue to take matters into their own hands in an attempt to persuade Favre to return to the team in 2010. Following the Vikings’ loss in the NFC Championship game, billboards were taken out in Hattiesburg urging the future Hall of Famer to make decision of wearing back Vikings jersey. This Monday, a full-page color ad was used on this day’s Hattiesburg Newspaper to continue persuading Favre to make decision.
According to 39-year-old Benjamin Nelms from Madison, Wisconsin, a Favre supporter, the ad is already paid for and cost him about twice as much as season tickets. But he surely consider it deserves- in the ad he thanks Favre for a great season and urges him to get healthy and return to the team in 2010.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Packers officially approved speculation on NT Pickett: franchise tag was used
Shortly after the San Francisco 49ers used franchise tag on their nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin, speculation began to spread that the Green Bay Packers would be the next team using franchise tag to retain nose tackle Ryan Pickett. Well, they did the next day.
General Manager Ted Thompson says in a statement Wednesday that the 340-pound Pickett has been designated with the franchise tag as he has been a productive player and the team wants him to continue playing football in Packers jersey. With the tag on, Pickett will make just over $7 million next season if the sides don’t reach a long-term agreement first.
The nine-year veteran has spent the last four seasons in Green Bay and totaled 47 tackles and played a key role on one of the NFL’s best run defenses. The Packers has been negotiating on a long-term deal with Pickett to keep the hefty center of their 3-4 defense. Hope good news will come soon.
General Manager Ted Thompson says in a statement Wednesday that the 340-pound Pickett has been designated with the franchise tag as he has been a productive player and the team wants him to continue playing football in Packers jersey. With the tag on, Pickett will make just over $7 million next season if the sides don’t reach a long-term agreement first.
The nine-year veteran has spent the last four seasons in Green Bay and totaled 47 tackles and played a key role on one of the NFL’s best run defenses. The Packers has been negotiating on a long-term deal with Pickett to keep the hefty center of their 3-4 defense. Hope good news will come soon.
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