HEAV
04-06-2005, 05:59 AM
Ty Law, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, is still recovering from a season-ending mid-foot fracture, suffered in Pittsburgh on Oct. 31. He also had surgery to repair ligament damage in early January. Law is not yet healthy enough to sign with another team but the Steelers believe he will recover in time to play in 2005 and he remains on their radar.
The Chiefs' meeting with Kevin Johnson, postponed from last month, was scheduled to begin with the free-agent wide receiver's arrival in Kansas City today. Johnson represents the Chiefs' best chance to improve at wide receiver through free agency. They may also select a receiver in an early round of the draft later this month. The Chiefs have long been interested in Johnson. They tried to trade for him when he was with Cleveland three years ago.
After a few days of negotiations, the Broncos and Trevor Pryce's agent, Peter Schaffer, finalized a new contract that will keep Pryce with the Broncos and give the team more than $3 million in salary cap room. The deal is official, but terms were not disclosed. Denver general manager Ted Sundquist said Tuesday that last week's meeting between Pryce and Broncos coach Mike Shanahan was the difference- maker in the agreement.
Seven weeks after declaring he could and would buy the Minnesota Vikings for $625 million, Reggie Fowler hasn't shown his money to the NFL, nor has he shown sufficient paperwork for approval by the league's owners. The NFL confirmed this week for the first time that the Vikings' deal hinges on the Arizona businessman's sale of one of his companies, a flight simulator and training firm called SATCO. The obscure Atlanta-based UBG Financial Corp. would buy or broker SATCO for as much as $300 million.
Terrell Owens has switched agents, according to a report yesterday in Sports Business Daily. The Eagles wide receiver, who provided a much-needed jolt to the team's passing game, has left David Joseph and joined about 90 NFL players managed by Drew Rosenhaus. Owens caught 77 passes for 1,200 yards (15.6 yards per catch) last season for the NFC champions. He signed a seven-year contract with the Eagles worth between $46 and $48 million last March. The deal included a $10 million signing bonus. The first year of that contract is complete. According to reports Rosenhaus was planning to meet with the Eagles, maybe even as early as today, to discuss that contract.
Jamie Sharper, the former Houston Texans linebacker whose services are being sought by at least eight teams, is scheduled to visit with the Seahawks in Kirkland tomorrow. Sharper, released by Houston last week for salary-cap purposes, is still believed a longshot to sign with the Seahawks. That is in large part because of his unfamiliarity with the Seattle front office and coaching staff, but Sharper will meet many of those people tomorrow. The Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars and Cincinnati Bengals are among the other interested teams. The Seahawks would likely have to free up salary-cap space by restructuring contracts in order to sign Sharper.
One player with first-pick ability is Michigan wide receiver Braylon Edwards, who worked out last month for the 49ers and other teams, and is scheduled to visit the Santa Clara facility next week. Edwards could be an immediate offensive threat.
The Cowboys might trade the 11th pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday. The Cowboys have eight picks in the draft, set for April 23-24, including No. 11 and No. 20 in the first round. The Cowboys began intensified draft meetings Monday and are in the process of formulating their strategy. However, Jones said that, if the Cowboys made a trade, it would be down, not up. His hope would be to turn the two first-round picks into at least three cornerstone players.
Brian Russell believes he's still a starting NFL safety. The Cleveland Browns obviously agree. That's why they signed the Vikings' restricted free agent to a two-year, $3 million offer sheet last Friday. The Vikings have until Friday to decide whether to match the offer, but they are not likely to do so. After two seasons as the team's starting free safety, Russell was slated for backup duty this fall following last month's signing of longtime Green Bay starter Darren Sharper.
Running back Fred Taylor has been absent from the Jaguars' offseason program this week, and neither Taylor nor the team is offering much in the way of an explanation. Taylor, who has been the Jaguars' rushing leader in five of his seven NFL seasons, is coming off knee surgery in January and did not attend Monday's opening session at Alltel Stadium or participate in Tuesday's on-field running and agility work.
Commissioner Paul Tagliabue and other top NFL executives were in Pittsburgh yesterday. Tagliabue, players association head Gene Upshaw and a dozen others met for most of the day in a boardroom to continue negotiations for an extension to the NFL's collective bargaining agreement that has two years left before the league's salary cap expires. Both sides reported some progress. "I think we had a good meeting," Tagliabue said before he and Roger Goodell, the league's No. 2 man as chief operating officer, left in one of the black limos. "I think it's too early to draw conclusions. It was a constructive meeting ... time well spent. "I think we have a much better understanding of our points of view and perspectives." The meeting was held here, Upshaw said, as a measure of respect for Dan Rooney, who has encountered some back problems that limit his travel. Although the CBA does not expire until after the 2008 season, NFL owners do not want to get any closer to the uncapped season. Both sides would like to strike a deal soon for long-range planning purposes, including the signing of players to long-term contracts.
RB Ricky Williams let a deadline pass for appealing a federal ruling allowing an $8.6 million judgment against him by the Dolphins. The Dolphins now can pursue the money, although Williams can still apply for bankruptcy protection. ''Ricky isn't completely without leverage in this situation,'' a source close to Williams said last week. ``It's going to be interesting to see how the Dolphins proceed in this one. If they really want him to come back, whether to play for them or trade him, some kind of deal is probably going to have to be worked out.'' It is believed that if the Dolphins pursue the money and Williams files for bankruptcy, he could become an unrestricted free agent. The NFL argues he can't; court interpretation might decide the matter.
49ers head coach Mike Nolan plans to meet with Ravens free-agent defensive end Maurice Douglas today. "We're talking about the contract. Obviously, I want to get to visit first and see how that goes," Nolan said. The 49ers haven't nabbed a free agent since signing left tackle Jonas Jennings on March 3 to a seven-year deal with a $12 million signing bonus.
The top two quarterbacks in the upcoming NFL Draft have visited the Browns in the past week and a third highly ranked passer will stop by today. Utah's Alex Smith and California's Aaron Rodgers have visited the Browns in recent days and Auburn's Jason Campbell arrives next week. In addition, the Browns have hosted the top-rated cornerback and kick returner in Adam "Pac-Man" Jones of West Virginia.
Word is, the Browns are quietly preparing defensive end Kenard Lang to play outside linebacker, and don't be surprised if Lang is one of the team's starting linebackers by training camp. Lang had seven sacks last season.
Bengals WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh was a hot commodity who could've bolted in free agency. But he chose to stay, signing a four-year, $12 million deal. Playing with Chad and Rudi Johnson, and quarterback Carson Palmer, were just as important as the dollar signs. "That's what excites me — the fact that me, Chad, Carson and Rudi are back," Houshmandzadeh said. "When it came down to it, I didn't want to leave. I didn't feel comfortable going to a new city and meeting new guys — me getting used to them and them getting used to me. I didn't want that."
Some people believe NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, during his visit to Blaine today, will promise Minnesota another Super Bowl if the state approves a new stadium for the Vikings. It also wouldn't be a surprise if Tagliabue offers a low-interest loan to help fund a new stadium.
Free-agent quarterback Brock Huard recently tried out with the Bucs. He spent two seasons with the Colts before returning to the Seahawks last year but a back injury prevented him from playing.
DE Simeon Rice participated Tuesday and said he had no idea why agent Tom Condon went public with recent remarks questioning whether the Bucs can afford Rice's lucrative contract.
The Chiefs' search for training camp competition for punter Nick Murphy led them Tuesday to veteran Chris Mohr, who worked out at Arrowhead Stadium. Mohr, 38, is a 15-year veteran with Tampa Bay, Buffalo and Atlanta. Mohr is known for his towering punts that are easy to cover. The Falcons last year allowed the fewest punt return yards in the NFL.
Kansas City finally succeeded Tuesday in acquiring a couple of Titans. The Chiefs signed defensive end Carlos Hall and wide receiver Darrell Hill. Hall joins the Chiefs at the urging of defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham, who coached Hall for two seasons with the Titans. He had a big rookie season in 2002 with eight sacks. He slipped to three sacks in 2003 and 2 1/2 last year. But the Chiefs believe that Hall, who probably will be the first backup off the bench at defensive end behind Eric Hicks and Jared Allen, can again be productive. Hall will essentially fill the role vacated when the Chiefs released veteran Vonnie Holliday.
Broncos DE Trevor Pryce even suggested that he had heard some rumors that he might end up in Kansas City, but he said he preferred to stay with the Broncos. “I don't want to be one of those guys that bounces around,” he said. “I don't want to be Eddie Kennison, with every team he's played for tattooed on his arm. That is so disgusting. You've been passed around like trash.”
The Lions are bringing in Kyle Kosier, a restricted free agent offensive lineman, today for a visit and a physical, the San Francisco Chronicle is reporting. Kosier, a three-year veteran for the 49ers, played under coach Steve Mariucci at San Francisco in 2002. Kosier, 27, started nine games at left tackle and seven at right guard for the 49ers last season. He can also play right tackle. Because he is a restricted free agent, the 49ers have a right to match any offer.
Donovin Darius' teammates don't plan to hold his hard feelings toward the Jaguars against him. Darius is boycotting the team's voluntary offseason program after being given the franchise tag for a third consecutive year. The veteran strong safety recently criticized the Jaguars and owner Wayne Weaver and even contacted reporters in Minneapolis and Miami in hopes of facilitating a trade to one of those cities. Now that it appears likely Darius will be back with the Jaguars for at least one more season, his teammates say they plan to welcome him.
Eagles president Joe Banner will meet today with Drew Rosenhaus, new agent for wide receiver Terrell Owens, and - according to Rosenhaus - offensive tackle Tra Thomas, though Thomas' listed agent, Peter Schaffer, said last night that was news to him. Beyond the fact of the scheduled meeting, very little is clear, but there is an unmistakable hint of trouble brewing between the Eagles and the superstar widely credited with helping them finally return to the Super Bowl this past season. Banner said last night he isn't sure what to think about Owens' sudden ditching of agent David Joseph in favor of Rosenhaus, who has been acquiring high-profile clients left and right lately, and now represents about 90 NFL players, believed to be the largest contingent in the league. Rosenhaus, based in Miami Beach, apparently has nearly doubled his client base in the past year, and just recently has added Edgerrin James, Chad Johnson, Plaxico Burress and Javon Walker to his stable.
The Jets resigned veteran DT Josh Evans. Evans, a 10th-year pro, may help ease the loss of veteran DT Jason Ferguson. Evans, who missed the final 15 games of the regular season and both playoff games, is among the emotional leaders of the defense and appeared poised for a big year last season before injuring his back in the preseason and undergoing season-ending surgey. He has battled drug problems for much of his career but appears to have cleaned up his act.
The owners of Madison Square Garden sued the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Jets yesterday, five days after the authority gave the Jets the right to build a stadium on the West Side railyards. The suit claims that the authority violated its duty to commuters by rejecting the company's far higher bid and asks State Supreme Court in Manhattan to issue a preliminary injunction blocking the $210 million sale of the rights to the Jets, who want to build a stadium that could also be used for conventions and the Olympics.
The New York Giants, angry that construction began last month on the $1.3 billion Meadowlands Xanadu project without their approval, went to court yesterday to halt the work and to enforce a clause in their lease that requires the state to renovate Giants Stadium into a modern, state-of-the-art facility. "We needed to take action to protect our home," said John Mara, the football team's executive vice president, whose family owns 50 percent of the Giants. The Tisch family owns the other half.
Former Texas Tech running back Ricky Williams will have a free-agent workout for the Cowboys today. Williams did not play football last season. He played for the Indianapolis Colts in 2003.
The Chiefs' meeting with Kevin Johnson, postponed from last month, was scheduled to begin with the free-agent wide receiver's arrival in Kansas City today. Johnson represents the Chiefs' best chance to improve at wide receiver through free agency. They may also select a receiver in an early round of the draft later this month. The Chiefs have long been interested in Johnson. They tried to trade for him when he was with Cleveland three years ago.
After a few days of negotiations, the Broncos and Trevor Pryce's agent, Peter Schaffer, finalized a new contract that will keep Pryce with the Broncos and give the team more than $3 million in salary cap room. The deal is official, but terms were not disclosed. Denver general manager Ted Sundquist said Tuesday that last week's meeting between Pryce and Broncos coach Mike Shanahan was the difference- maker in the agreement.
Seven weeks after declaring he could and would buy the Minnesota Vikings for $625 million, Reggie Fowler hasn't shown his money to the NFL, nor has he shown sufficient paperwork for approval by the league's owners. The NFL confirmed this week for the first time that the Vikings' deal hinges on the Arizona businessman's sale of one of his companies, a flight simulator and training firm called SATCO. The obscure Atlanta-based UBG Financial Corp. would buy or broker SATCO for as much as $300 million.
Terrell Owens has switched agents, according to a report yesterday in Sports Business Daily. The Eagles wide receiver, who provided a much-needed jolt to the team's passing game, has left David Joseph and joined about 90 NFL players managed by Drew Rosenhaus. Owens caught 77 passes for 1,200 yards (15.6 yards per catch) last season for the NFC champions. He signed a seven-year contract with the Eagles worth between $46 and $48 million last March. The deal included a $10 million signing bonus. The first year of that contract is complete. According to reports Rosenhaus was planning to meet with the Eagles, maybe even as early as today, to discuss that contract.
Jamie Sharper, the former Houston Texans linebacker whose services are being sought by at least eight teams, is scheduled to visit with the Seahawks in Kirkland tomorrow. Sharper, released by Houston last week for salary-cap purposes, is still believed a longshot to sign with the Seahawks. That is in large part because of his unfamiliarity with the Seattle front office and coaching staff, but Sharper will meet many of those people tomorrow. The Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars and Cincinnati Bengals are among the other interested teams. The Seahawks would likely have to free up salary-cap space by restructuring contracts in order to sign Sharper.
One player with first-pick ability is Michigan wide receiver Braylon Edwards, who worked out last month for the 49ers and other teams, and is scheduled to visit the Santa Clara facility next week. Edwards could be an immediate offensive threat.
The Cowboys might trade the 11th pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday. The Cowboys have eight picks in the draft, set for April 23-24, including No. 11 and No. 20 in the first round. The Cowboys began intensified draft meetings Monday and are in the process of formulating their strategy. However, Jones said that, if the Cowboys made a trade, it would be down, not up. His hope would be to turn the two first-round picks into at least three cornerstone players.
Brian Russell believes he's still a starting NFL safety. The Cleveland Browns obviously agree. That's why they signed the Vikings' restricted free agent to a two-year, $3 million offer sheet last Friday. The Vikings have until Friday to decide whether to match the offer, but they are not likely to do so. After two seasons as the team's starting free safety, Russell was slated for backup duty this fall following last month's signing of longtime Green Bay starter Darren Sharper.
Running back Fred Taylor has been absent from the Jaguars' offseason program this week, and neither Taylor nor the team is offering much in the way of an explanation. Taylor, who has been the Jaguars' rushing leader in five of his seven NFL seasons, is coming off knee surgery in January and did not attend Monday's opening session at Alltel Stadium or participate in Tuesday's on-field running and agility work.
Commissioner Paul Tagliabue and other top NFL executives were in Pittsburgh yesterday. Tagliabue, players association head Gene Upshaw and a dozen others met for most of the day in a boardroom to continue negotiations for an extension to the NFL's collective bargaining agreement that has two years left before the league's salary cap expires. Both sides reported some progress. "I think we had a good meeting," Tagliabue said before he and Roger Goodell, the league's No. 2 man as chief operating officer, left in one of the black limos. "I think it's too early to draw conclusions. It was a constructive meeting ... time well spent. "I think we have a much better understanding of our points of view and perspectives." The meeting was held here, Upshaw said, as a measure of respect for Dan Rooney, who has encountered some back problems that limit his travel. Although the CBA does not expire until after the 2008 season, NFL owners do not want to get any closer to the uncapped season. Both sides would like to strike a deal soon for long-range planning purposes, including the signing of players to long-term contracts.
RB Ricky Williams let a deadline pass for appealing a federal ruling allowing an $8.6 million judgment against him by the Dolphins. The Dolphins now can pursue the money, although Williams can still apply for bankruptcy protection. ''Ricky isn't completely without leverage in this situation,'' a source close to Williams said last week. ``It's going to be interesting to see how the Dolphins proceed in this one. If they really want him to come back, whether to play for them or trade him, some kind of deal is probably going to have to be worked out.'' It is believed that if the Dolphins pursue the money and Williams files for bankruptcy, he could become an unrestricted free agent. The NFL argues he can't; court interpretation might decide the matter.
49ers head coach Mike Nolan plans to meet with Ravens free-agent defensive end Maurice Douglas today. "We're talking about the contract. Obviously, I want to get to visit first and see how that goes," Nolan said. The 49ers haven't nabbed a free agent since signing left tackle Jonas Jennings on March 3 to a seven-year deal with a $12 million signing bonus.
The top two quarterbacks in the upcoming NFL Draft have visited the Browns in the past week and a third highly ranked passer will stop by today. Utah's Alex Smith and California's Aaron Rodgers have visited the Browns in recent days and Auburn's Jason Campbell arrives next week. In addition, the Browns have hosted the top-rated cornerback and kick returner in Adam "Pac-Man" Jones of West Virginia.
Word is, the Browns are quietly preparing defensive end Kenard Lang to play outside linebacker, and don't be surprised if Lang is one of the team's starting linebackers by training camp. Lang had seven sacks last season.
Bengals WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh was a hot commodity who could've bolted in free agency. But he chose to stay, signing a four-year, $12 million deal. Playing with Chad and Rudi Johnson, and quarterback Carson Palmer, were just as important as the dollar signs. "That's what excites me — the fact that me, Chad, Carson and Rudi are back," Houshmandzadeh said. "When it came down to it, I didn't want to leave. I didn't feel comfortable going to a new city and meeting new guys — me getting used to them and them getting used to me. I didn't want that."
Some people believe NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, during his visit to Blaine today, will promise Minnesota another Super Bowl if the state approves a new stadium for the Vikings. It also wouldn't be a surprise if Tagliabue offers a low-interest loan to help fund a new stadium.
Free-agent quarterback Brock Huard recently tried out with the Bucs. He spent two seasons with the Colts before returning to the Seahawks last year but a back injury prevented him from playing.
DE Simeon Rice participated Tuesday and said he had no idea why agent Tom Condon went public with recent remarks questioning whether the Bucs can afford Rice's lucrative contract.
The Chiefs' search for training camp competition for punter Nick Murphy led them Tuesday to veteran Chris Mohr, who worked out at Arrowhead Stadium. Mohr, 38, is a 15-year veteran with Tampa Bay, Buffalo and Atlanta. Mohr is known for his towering punts that are easy to cover. The Falcons last year allowed the fewest punt return yards in the NFL.
Kansas City finally succeeded Tuesday in acquiring a couple of Titans. The Chiefs signed defensive end Carlos Hall and wide receiver Darrell Hill. Hall joins the Chiefs at the urging of defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham, who coached Hall for two seasons with the Titans. He had a big rookie season in 2002 with eight sacks. He slipped to three sacks in 2003 and 2 1/2 last year. But the Chiefs believe that Hall, who probably will be the first backup off the bench at defensive end behind Eric Hicks and Jared Allen, can again be productive. Hall will essentially fill the role vacated when the Chiefs released veteran Vonnie Holliday.
Broncos DE Trevor Pryce even suggested that he had heard some rumors that he might end up in Kansas City, but he said he preferred to stay with the Broncos. “I don't want to be one of those guys that bounces around,” he said. “I don't want to be Eddie Kennison, with every team he's played for tattooed on his arm. That is so disgusting. You've been passed around like trash.”
The Lions are bringing in Kyle Kosier, a restricted free agent offensive lineman, today for a visit and a physical, the San Francisco Chronicle is reporting. Kosier, a three-year veteran for the 49ers, played under coach Steve Mariucci at San Francisco in 2002. Kosier, 27, started nine games at left tackle and seven at right guard for the 49ers last season. He can also play right tackle. Because he is a restricted free agent, the 49ers have a right to match any offer.
Donovin Darius' teammates don't plan to hold his hard feelings toward the Jaguars against him. Darius is boycotting the team's voluntary offseason program after being given the franchise tag for a third consecutive year. The veteran strong safety recently criticized the Jaguars and owner Wayne Weaver and even contacted reporters in Minneapolis and Miami in hopes of facilitating a trade to one of those cities. Now that it appears likely Darius will be back with the Jaguars for at least one more season, his teammates say they plan to welcome him.
Eagles president Joe Banner will meet today with Drew Rosenhaus, new agent for wide receiver Terrell Owens, and - according to Rosenhaus - offensive tackle Tra Thomas, though Thomas' listed agent, Peter Schaffer, said last night that was news to him. Beyond the fact of the scheduled meeting, very little is clear, but there is an unmistakable hint of trouble brewing between the Eagles and the superstar widely credited with helping them finally return to the Super Bowl this past season. Banner said last night he isn't sure what to think about Owens' sudden ditching of agent David Joseph in favor of Rosenhaus, who has been acquiring high-profile clients left and right lately, and now represents about 90 NFL players, believed to be the largest contingent in the league. Rosenhaus, based in Miami Beach, apparently has nearly doubled his client base in the past year, and just recently has added Edgerrin James, Chad Johnson, Plaxico Burress and Javon Walker to his stable.
The Jets resigned veteran DT Josh Evans. Evans, a 10th-year pro, may help ease the loss of veteran DT Jason Ferguson. Evans, who missed the final 15 games of the regular season and both playoff games, is among the emotional leaders of the defense and appeared poised for a big year last season before injuring his back in the preseason and undergoing season-ending surgey. He has battled drug problems for much of his career but appears to have cleaned up his act.
The owners of Madison Square Garden sued the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Jets yesterday, five days after the authority gave the Jets the right to build a stadium on the West Side railyards. The suit claims that the authority violated its duty to commuters by rejecting the company's far higher bid and asks State Supreme Court in Manhattan to issue a preliminary injunction blocking the $210 million sale of the rights to the Jets, who want to build a stadium that could also be used for conventions and the Olympics.
The New York Giants, angry that construction began last month on the $1.3 billion Meadowlands Xanadu project without their approval, went to court yesterday to halt the work and to enforce a clause in their lease that requires the state to renovate Giants Stadium into a modern, state-of-the-art facility. "We needed to take action to protect our home," said John Mara, the football team's executive vice president, whose family owns 50 percent of the Giants. The Tisch family owns the other half.
Former Texas Tech running back Ricky Williams will have a free-agent workout for the Cowboys today. Williams did not play football last season. He played for the Indianapolis Colts in 2003.