HEAV
04-05-2005, 08:56 PM
Sorry it's late, real life had me busy today.
--------------------
Peter Warrick enters the final year of his original six-year contract
with more question marks than exclamation points. He has lingering
soreness in his right knee from arthroscopic surgery that repaired torn
cartilage in December 2003, and he's rehabbing from a small shin
fracture below his left knee that limited him to four games in 2004.
Until he gets cleared by team doctors to begin running and cutting,
nobody knows if Warrick's devastating quickness can return. His goal is
to reclaim his position as the slot receiver, where he presents matchup
problems for linebackers and safeties. But his injury status and $2.28
million base salary make him a candidate to be a cap casualty.
"Everybody's talking about them letting me go," Warrick said. "If
that's what they're going to do, you can't get mad about it. It's already in
the making. But you never know. It could be best for me somewhere else.
Change is always good."
For a while yesterday, Corey Simon seemed headed to Baltimore. But by
the time the story broke, the deal had already broken down, a league
source said last night. FoxSports.com reported yesterday afternoon that
the Eagles and the Ravens were talking about a trade that would exchange
the Eagles' franchise-tagged defensive tackle for a second- and a
third-round pick, over the next two drafts. Simon then confirmed to
Comcast SportsNet that "there's been some conversation," though later
in the evening, he told the Daily News: "There is nothing between the
Ravens and I at this point in time."
The Dolphins are willing to trade the second overall pick in the coming
NFL draft, a fact two league sources say is getting around because Miami
personnel people are saying as much in conversations with peers from
other teams. According to two NFC personnel sources, the Dolphins have
made it clear they would welcome trade overtures that would allow them
to drop down in the draft's first round in exchange for multiple picks.
As expected, strong safety Donovin Darius and defensive tackle Marcus
Stroud were no-shows on Monday for the start of the Jaguars' offseason
conditioning program at Alltel Stadium. Darius is unhappy about being
given the franchise tag for a third consecutive year. The Jaguars also
rebuffed Darius' recent efforts to facilitate a trade with Minnesota,
which means he likely will return for another season with Jacksonville
at a guaranteed salary of $4.97 million. Darius' agent, Tom Condon, said
effort wouldn't be a problem for the eighth-year pro once the season
starts, despite Darius' recent comments criticizing the Jaguars. "He's
ready to come in have another year like he did last year and play hard,"
Condon said. Stroud, meanwhile, remains in the middle of negotiations on
a long-term contract extension that the two-time Pro Bowl selection
hopes will make him the highest-paid tackle in the NFL. The Jaguars and
Stroud's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, have been in talks since last August.
Rosenhaus did not return calls seeking comment Monday.
The Ravens have handed out a combined $17 million in bonus money to
acquire receiver Derrick Mason and cornerback Samari Rolle this
offseason. The Ravens also have to work on extensions for running back
Jamal Lewis and tight end Todd Heap, whose contracts will expire at the
end of the 2005 season.
As Trevor Pryce worked out, work to determine his future progressed and
should be resolved in the next couple of days, his agent Peter Schaffer
said. Pryce said he is confident he will remain in Denver despite the
Broncos' efforts to trade him during the offseason. Schaffer has been in
contact with coach Mike Shanahan about keeping Pryce in Denver, and the
two sides talked again Monday afternoon. Pryce said he is open to
restructuring his contract. While restructuring is a possibility, so is
a trade or a release. Pryce said he highly doubts he'll be released.
Corey Simon acknowledged the Eagles have shown no interest in making a
long-term offer since Simon and Barnes turned down a deal during the
2003 season that the team said would have compensated Simon in the same
range as the 5-year, $34 million deal the Buccaneers gave DT Anthony
McFarland. During that season, the Panthers extended another top DT,
Kris Jenkins, for 5 years at a reported $31 million. The Eagles
franchised Simon, because pass-rushing defensive tackles are a fairly
scarce commodity, and they had an investment to protect, having used the
sixth selection of the 2000 draft to get him. But Simon's appraisal of
his worth still seems far greater than the team's assessment.
The Chiefs have agreed to Patrick Surtain's contract terms — including
an eight-figure signing bonus — but continue to face off with the
Dolphins over compensation. Dolphins coach Nick Saban said last week
that he will insist on at least a third-round draft choice — most likely
a second-rounder. But the Chiefs have not yet offered more than a
fourth-round pick. While the Chiefs may give in to the Dolphins'
demands, a compromise might be reached with Kansas City sending Miami
its fourth-round selection this year and a conditional second-round pick
next year. The second-round pick would be contingent on Surtain making
enough starts.
St. Louis Rams offensive tackle Kyle Turley is planning a switch to
defensive end this year – a position he hasn't played since high school
– as long he can pass a physical exam and resume working relations with
a head coach he won't forgive. Turley, a former standout at San Diego
State, wants to switch to defensive end to relieve pressure on his back,
a subject of controversy and much physical stress for Turley since
December. Turley suffered from a herniated disc in preseason training
camp and missed the entire 2004 season. "I need to play a position where
I have more freedom to move around and get out of problem situations,"
Turley said yesterday by phone. "My back was injured on pass plays (on
offense)."
Baltimore unrestricted free-agent defensive end Marques Douglas is due
to visit the 49ers tonight. Douglas started the last two seasons for the
Ravens and last year recorded 72 tackles and 51/2 sacks. The 6-foot-2,
290-pounder is said to be a huge fan of 49ers coach and former Ravens
defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, a major reason for Douglas' visit.
The Seahawks remain interested in Jamie Sharper and continue to talk
with the agent for the veteran linebacker, who was released Friday by
the Texans. But no visit has been scheduled.
Rob Brzezinski, Vikings vice president of football operations, said
Monday the team likely will use most of the seven days it is given to
decide whether it will match the two-year, $1.5 million offer sheet
Cleveland gave to restricted free-agent safety Brian Russell on Friday.
Former Ravens defensive end Marques Douglas will visit with the San
Francisco 49ers later this week. Douglas, who is not expected to re-sign
with the Ravens, also has met with the Cleveland Browns.
The Dolphins signed free agent cornerback Mario Edwards to a one-year
contract Monday. Edwards, 29, has played with Dallas and Tampa Bay.
Edwards' addition might be another sign the Dolphins expect to trade
cornerback Patrick Surtain, likely to Kansas City. The Chiefs have
offered the Dolphins a fourth-round pick for Surtain, but the Dolphins
want a second or third-round selection.
The Jaguars are considering free-agent linebacker Jamie Sharper but have
not yet scheduled a visit, vice president of personnel James Harris
said. Sharper, who led Houston in tackles two of the past three seasons
before being released last week for financial reasons, played under
Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio in Baltimore. Harris also was with the Ravens
when Sharper was drafted. "He's definitely a player with value,'' Harris
said.
Former Vikings assistant Monte Kiffin, defensive coordinator for the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, said Monday on signing former Vikings defensive
lineman Chris Hovan: "He came down here, had a real good workout, we
interviewed him at length and signed him. He's on the field right now
working out."
Bethel Johnson says it's about time. Time to be more of an offensive
weapon. Time to contribute more than the occasional spectacular grab.
Time to establish himself as an up-and-comer and become more than an
afterthought in the Patriots' game plan. The team's offseason
maneuvering -- the departures of veterans David Patten and Troy Brown,
and the free agent signings of Tim Dwight, who joined the fold last
month, and David Terrell, who agreed to terms over the weekend -- means
quarterback Tom Brady has some new targets for the 2005 season. Johnson,
who had only 10 receptions for 174 yards in 13 games last season, hopes
he doesn't lose his place in line.
The Ravens have inquired about free-agent linebacker Jamie Sharper,
according to his agent. Sharper played five years with the Ravens and
three with the Houston Texans before becoming a cap casualty last week.
He will visit the Seattle Seahawks and hopes to have a contract by the
end of the week. A reunion with the Ravens appears unlikely.
Guard Chris Gray will apparently re-sign with the Seahawks, according to
reports out of San Francisco. Gray, an unrestricted free agent and
12-year veteran, would have started for the 49ers had he signed. But on
Sunday, 49ers coach Mike Nolan told reporters the team was no longer
talking to Gray. Calls to Gray's agent, Rick Davis, were not returned
yesterday.
The Eagles discussed trading defensive tackle Corey Simon to the
Baltimore Ravens because the team could not come to an agreement with
its franchise player on a long-term contract. Since the Eagles and Simon
were "very far apart," according to a league source, the team talked
to
the Ravens, who were interested but did not want to part with two
first-round picks, which is the price for signing a franchise player.
Coach Mike Tice says the Vikings don't seem inclined to take a running
back with their No. 7 pick in the April 23 NFL draft — which is why they
might take a running back.
One of the draft prospects the Packers will interview at their facility
is Florida cornerback Reynaldo Hill. The 5-11, 185-pound senior was not
invited to the combine but impressed scouts with a 40-yard dash time in
the 4.3- to 4.4-second range, said his agent, Ian Greengross. According
to published reports, the Packers will also visit with
Louisiana-Lafayette safety Ceandris Brown and Auburn defensive end Jay
Ratliff.
The Buccaneers today signed cornerback Rod Babers, the team announced.
Terms were not disclosed. Babers spent the last two seasons with the
Detroit Lions, playing in seven games, primarily on special teams.
Much to his dismay, Matt Sinclair didn't get an invitation to the NFL
Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. "It upset me at first," said
Sinclair, the linebacker from the University of Illinois via St. Louis University
High School. "But the more and more you learn, the combine isn't what it
used to be. All that stuff is objective measurables, basically. Once you
get on the field, you still have to be able to play football." Sinclair
appears poised as a late-round pick or a rookie free agent. He paid a
pre-draft visit to Rams Park on Monday, working out in front of
defensive coordinator Larry Marmie, linebackers coach Joe Vitt and
general manager Charley Armey among others. Sinclair's day also included
a physical and lunch, on the Rams.
Tight end Ben Steele, the last of the Green Bay Packers'
exclusive-rights free agents, signed his one-year tender offer on
Monday. The offer, worth a standard $305,000 for players with one year
of National Football League experience, bound Steele to the Packers for
the 2005 season once it was made. The 6-foot-5, 250-pounder returns for
a second season after serving as the No. 3 and No. 2 tight end last season.
Unable to do what he does best, Mike Vanderjagt settled for doing what
he loves doing. On Saturday, the Indianapolis Colts' veteran placekicker
participated in an outdoor charity hockey event in Hamilton, Ontario.
Proceeds benefited the Tsunami Relief Fund of the Canadian Red Cross and
Camp Trillium for children with cancer. "You know I love playing hockey.
I do it all the time," said Vanderjagt, a hockey standout at White Oaks
High School in Oakville, Ontario. "I had two assists and hung with the
greatest hockey players in the world. It was a good time." At one point,
Vanderjagt found himself on a breakaway against Martin Brodeur, the
standout goalie for the New Jersey Devils. He failed to deliver. "I
psyched myself out," Vanderjagt said.
--------------------
Peter Warrick enters the final year of his original six-year contract
with more question marks than exclamation points. He has lingering
soreness in his right knee from arthroscopic surgery that repaired torn
cartilage in December 2003, and he's rehabbing from a small shin
fracture below his left knee that limited him to four games in 2004.
Until he gets cleared by team doctors to begin running and cutting,
nobody knows if Warrick's devastating quickness can return. His goal is
to reclaim his position as the slot receiver, where he presents matchup
problems for linebackers and safeties. But his injury status and $2.28
million base salary make him a candidate to be a cap casualty.
"Everybody's talking about them letting me go," Warrick said. "If
that's what they're going to do, you can't get mad about it. It's already in
the making. But you never know. It could be best for me somewhere else.
Change is always good."
For a while yesterday, Corey Simon seemed headed to Baltimore. But by
the time the story broke, the deal had already broken down, a league
source said last night. FoxSports.com reported yesterday afternoon that
the Eagles and the Ravens were talking about a trade that would exchange
the Eagles' franchise-tagged defensive tackle for a second- and a
third-round pick, over the next two drafts. Simon then confirmed to
Comcast SportsNet that "there's been some conversation," though later
in the evening, he told the Daily News: "There is nothing between the
Ravens and I at this point in time."
The Dolphins are willing to trade the second overall pick in the coming
NFL draft, a fact two league sources say is getting around because Miami
personnel people are saying as much in conversations with peers from
other teams. According to two NFC personnel sources, the Dolphins have
made it clear they would welcome trade overtures that would allow them
to drop down in the draft's first round in exchange for multiple picks.
As expected, strong safety Donovin Darius and defensive tackle Marcus
Stroud were no-shows on Monday for the start of the Jaguars' offseason
conditioning program at Alltel Stadium. Darius is unhappy about being
given the franchise tag for a third consecutive year. The Jaguars also
rebuffed Darius' recent efforts to facilitate a trade with Minnesota,
which means he likely will return for another season with Jacksonville
at a guaranteed salary of $4.97 million. Darius' agent, Tom Condon, said
effort wouldn't be a problem for the eighth-year pro once the season
starts, despite Darius' recent comments criticizing the Jaguars. "He's
ready to come in have another year like he did last year and play hard,"
Condon said. Stroud, meanwhile, remains in the middle of negotiations on
a long-term contract extension that the two-time Pro Bowl selection
hopes will make him the highest-paid tackle in the NFL. The Jaguars and
Stroud's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, have been in talks since last August.
Rosenhaus did not return calls seeking comment Monday.
The Ravens have handed out a combined $17 million in bonus money to
acquire receiver Derrick Mason and cornerback Samari Rolle this
offseason. The Ravens also have to work on extensions for running back
Jamal Lewis and tight end Todd Heap, whose contracts will expire at the
end of the 2005 season.
As Trevor Pryce worked out, work to determine his future progressed and
should be resolved in the next couple of days, his agent Peter Schaffer
said. Pryce said he is confident he will remain in Denver despite the
Broncos' efforts to trade him during the offseason. Schaffer has been in
contact with coach Mike Shanahan about keeping Pryce in Denver, and the
two sides talked again Monday afternoon. Pryce said he is open to
restructuring his contract. While restructuring is a possibility, so is
a trade or a release. Pryce said he highly doubts he'll be released.
Corey Simon acknowledged the Eagles have shown no interest in making a
long-term offer since Simon and Barnes turned down a deal during the
2003 season that the team said would have compensated Simon in the same
range as the 5-year, $34 million deal the Buccaneers gave DT Anthony
McFarland. During that season, the Panthers extended another top DT,
Kris Jenkins, for 5 years at a reported $31 million. The Eagles
franchised Simon, because pass-rushing defensive tackles are a fairly
scarce commodity, and they had an investment to protect, having used the
sixth selection of the 2000 draft to get him. But Simon's appraisal of
his worth still seems far greater than the team's assessment.
The Chiefs have agreed to Patrick Surtain's contract terms — including
an eight-figure signing bonus — but continue to face off with the
Dolphins over compensation. Dolphins coach Nick Saban said last week
that he will insist on at least a third-round draft choice — most likely
a second-rounder. But the Chiefs have not yet offered more than a
fourth-round pick. While the Chiefs may give in to the Dolphins'
demands, a compromise might be reached with Kansas City sending Miami
its fourth-round selection this year and a conditional second-round pick
next year. The second-round pick would be contingent on Surtain making
enough starts.
St. Louis Rams offensive tackle Kyle Turley is planning a switch to
defensive end this year – a position he hasn't played since high school
– as long he can pass a physical exam and resume working relations with
a head coach he won't forgive. Turley, a former standout at San Diego
State, wants to switch to defensive end to relieve pressure on his back,
a subject of controversy and much physical stress for Turley since
December. Turley suffered from a herniated disc in preseason training
camp and missed the entire 2004 season. "I need to play a position where
I have more freedom to move around and get out of problem situations,"
Turley said yesterday by phone. "My back was injured on pass plays (on
offense)."
Baltimore unrestricted free-agent defensive end Marques Douglas is due
to visit the 49ers tonight. Douglas started the last two seasons for the
Ravens and last year recorded 72 tackles and 51/2 sacks. The 6-foot-2,
290-pounder is said to be a huge fan of 49ers coach and former Ravens
defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, a major reason for Douglas' visit.
The Seahawks remain interested in Jamie Sharper and continue to talk
with the agent for the veteran linebacker, who was released Friday by
the Texans. But no visit has been scheduled.
Rob Brzezinski, Vikings vice president of football operations, said
Monday the team likely will use most of the seven days it is given to
decide whether it will match the two-year, $1.5 million offer sheet
Cleveland gave to restricted free-agent safety Brian Russell on Friday.
Former Ravens defensive end Marques Douglas will visit with the San
Francisco 49ers later this week. Douglas, who is not expected to re-sign
with the Ravens, also has met with the Cleveland Browns.
The Dolphins signed free agent cornerback Mario Edwards to a one-year
contract Monday. Edwards, 29, has played with Dallas and Tampa Bay.
Edwards' addition might be another sign the Dolphins expect to trade
cornerback Patrick Surtain, likely to Kansas City. The Chiefs have
offered the Dolphins a fourth-round pick for Surtain, but the Dolphins
want a second or third-round selection.
The Jaguars are considering free-agent linebacker Jamie Sharper but have
not yet scheduled a visit, vice president of personnel James Harris
said. Sharper, who led Houston in tackles two of the past three seasons
before being released last week for financial reasons, played under
Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio in Baltimore. Harris also was with the Ravens
when Sharper was drafted. "He's definitely a player with value,'' Harris
said.
Former Vikings assistant Monte Kiffin, defensive coordinator for the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, said Monday on signing former Vikings defensive
lineman Chris Hovan: "He came down here, had a real good workout, we
interviewed him at length and signed him. He's on the field right now
working out."
Bethel Johnson says it's about time. Time to be more of an offensive
weapon. Time to contribute more than the occasional spectacular grab.
Time to establish himself as an up-and-comer and become more than an
afterthought in the Patriots' game plan. The team's offseason
maneuvering -- the departures of veterans David Patten and Troy Brown,
and the free agent signings of Tim Dwight, who joined the fold last
month, and David Terrell, who agreed to terms over the weekend -- means
quarterback Tom Brady has some new targets for the 2005 season. Johnson,
who had only 10 receptions for 174 yards in 13 games last season, hopes
he doesn't lose his place in line.
The Ravens have inquired about free-agent linebacker Jamie Sharper,
according to his agent. Sharper played five years with the Ravens and
three with the Houston Texans before becoming a cap casualty last week.
He will visit the Seattle Seahawks and hopes to have a contract by the
end of the week. A reunion with the Ravens appears unlikely.
Guard Chris Gray will apparently re-sign with the Seahawks, according to
reports out of San Francisco. Gray, an unrestricted free agent and
12-year veteran, would have started for the 49ers had he signed. But on
Sunday, 49ers coach Mike Nolan told reporters the team was no longer
talking to Gray. Calls to Gray's agent, Rick Davis, were not returned
yesterday.
The Eagles discussed trading defensive tackle Corey Simon to the
Baltimore Ravens because the team could not come to an agreement with
its franchise player on a long-term contract. Since the Eagles and Simon
were "very far apart," according to a league source, the team talked
to
the Ravens, who were interested but did not want to part with two
first-round picks, which is the price for signing a franchise player.
Coach Mike Tice says the Vikings don't seem inclined to take a running
back with their No. 7 pick in the April 23 NFL draft — which is why they
might take a running back.
One of the draft prospects the Packers will interview at their facility
is Florida cornerback Reynaldo Hill. The 5-11, 185-pound senior was not
invited to the combine but impressed scouts with a 40-yard dash time in
the 4.3- to 4.4-second range, said his agent, Ian Greengross. According
to published reports, the Packers will also visit with
Louisiana-Lafayette safety Ceandris Brown and Auburn defensive end Jay
Ratliff.
The Buccaneers today signed cornerback Rod Babers, the team announced.
Terms were not disclosed. Babers spent the last two seasons with the
Detroit Lions, playing in seven games, primarily on special teams.
Much to his dismay, Matt Sinclair didn't get an invitation to the NFL
Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. "It upset me at first," said
Sinclair, the linebacker from the University of Illinois via St. Louis University
High School. "But the more and more you learn, the combine isn't what it
used to be. All that stuff is objective measurables, basically. Once you
get on the field, you still have to be able to play football." Sinclair
appears poised as a late-round pick or a rookie free agent. He paid a
pre-draft visit to Rams Park on Monday, working out in front of
defensive coordinator Larry Marmie, linebackers coach Joe Vitt and
general manager Charley Armey among others. Sinclair's day also included
a physical and lunch, on the Rams.
Tight end Ben Steele, the last of the Green Bay Packers'
exclusive-rights free agents, signed his one-year tender offer on
Monday. The offer, worth a standard $305,000 for players with one year
of National Football League experience, bound Steele to the Packers for
the 2005 season once it was made. The 6-foot-5, 250-pounder returns for
a second season after serving as the No. 3 and No. 2 tight end last season.
Unable to do what he does best, Mike Vanderjagt settled for doing what
he loves doing. On Saturday, the Indianapolis Colts' veteran placekicker
participated in an outdoor charity hockey event in Hamilton, Ontario.
Proceeds benefited the Tsunami Relief Fund of the Canadian Red Cross and
Camp Trillium for children with cancer. "You know I love playing hockey.
I do it all the time," said Vanderjagt, a hockey standout at White Oaks
High School in Oakville, Ontario. "I had two assists and hung with the
greatest hockey players in the world. It was a good time." At one point,
Vanderjagt found himself on a breakaway against Martin Brodeur, the
standout goalie for the New Jersey Devils. He failed to deliver. "I
psyched myself out," Vanderjagt said.