HEAV
04-15-2005, 09:15 AM
Bucs GM Bruce Allen said he contacted the Bills on Wednesday about the
possibility of acquiring running back Travis Henry, who has one year left on his
contract but wants out of Buffalo. "I spoke to the Bills," Allen said
Thursday, careful not to elaborate. Although the Bucs likely will speak to a
number of teams over the next seven days, the possibility of acquiring Henry, a
5-foot-9, 215-pounder who has two 1,000-yard campaigns in four seasons, could
seriously alter their approach on draft day April 23.
CB Patrick Surtain said he would prefer to remain in Miami but wasn't optimistic
about getting a deal worked out. The Dolphins are waiting for the Chiefs to
sweeten their offer before trading the two-time Pro Bowl defensive back, who has
agreed in principle to a multimillion dollar contract extension with Kansas
City.
The Marcus Stroud contract likely also opens the door for John Henderson to get
a similar deal next year. That could enable the Jaguars to lock up both
defensive tackles, who are expected to be the heart of their defense for the
rest of this decade.
Not even the big-spending Cowboys, the most logical suitor, seem to be
interested in John Abraham. No doubt, Abraham's asking price - he's seeking
about $18 million in guarantees - is a factor. So, too, is the fact that he has
missed 23 games in five seasons.
The agents for both of the Patriots' remaining restricted free agents, David
Givens and Jarvis Green, said last night they plan on signing their one-year,
$1.43 million tender offers today as the signing period draws to a close. The
deadline for offer sheets is at 4 p.m., and while both Givens and Green have
drawn some feelers around the league, no team has indicated any interest in
signing them to an offer sheet and giving up a first-round pick in compensation
if the Pats failed to match. Baring any last-minute, surprise offer sheets,
Green and Givens will officially be back in the fold today, playing out the 2005
season with a chance to go to unrestricted free agency after the season. Of
course, the Pats could ink Givens and/or Green to a long-term extension prior to
the end of the season. To date, however, the Pats have not come forward with a
competitive multi-year offer for either player.
Michael Vick's standing in the corporate world does not seem to have diminished
over a lawsuit alleging the Falcons star quarterback knowingly gave a woman a
sexually transmitted disease. According to the lawsuit, Vick used the alias
"Ron Mexico" when being tested or treated. Nike and AirTran Airways,
two of Vick's biggest endorsements, have maintained their relationship with him.
"He has lived up to his end of the bargain and hopefully we have done the
same," said Dan Hutcheson, director of marketing for AirTran. "He's
still under contract with us."
Today is the deadline for restricted free agents, such as the Eagles' Brian
Westbrook, to sign offer sheets from other teams. Westbrook, who has been
offered a $1.43-million free-agent tender by the Birds, would like to reach
agreement on a long-term deal to stay here.
It is a combination that has some NFL teams wondering if former USC wide
receiver Mike Williams might be better suited to playing tight end. "He's
another one of those big guys that can get real big, and I'm sure at some point
in time if he gets real big he'll end up changing positions," said
Tennessee Titans general manager Floyd Reese, going on the record with an
assessment others will offer only in a whisper and behind a cupped hand. Mike
Williams a tight end? Is that why this kid (he turned 21 in January) waited an
entire year to finally gain entrance to the draft, so he could become a tight
end? The look on Williams' face when the subject is broached says -- no, screams
-- don't go there. "I am," he said, "a wide receiver."
Kyle Turley is unhappy (with coach Mike Martz), unhealthy (bad back), and
underweight. For all of those reasons, he is expected to be salary-cap casualty
on June 2. And that leaves the Rams seeking answers at right tackle on the
offensive line.
One of the biggest questions facing the Lions this offseason -- the health and
prognosis for twice-injured wide receiver Charles Rogers -- has been answered in
a positive way for president Matt Millen. Rogers is working out regularly in the
Lions' conditioning program and shows no ill effects from a broken right
collarbone that ended his first two seasons, Millen said Thursday. "Charles
hasn't even crossed my mind," Millen said Thursday. "He is training
better than he's trained. He's running better than he's run. He's doing
everything. "It's not even a second thought. I don't have much of a concern
for Charles. He'll get out there and do what he has to do."
Jets coach Herman Edwards didn't rule out the Jets being interested in signing
free agent CB Ty Law. When asked if he's spoken to the former Patriot Pro Bowler
who's recovering from a foot injury, Edwards said with a wry smile, "Have I
talked to him? Maybe. "We'll explore anything," Edwards said.
"He'll play. He'll be in the league playing this season for
somebody."
Restricted free agent defensive lineman Demetric Evans said he signed his
contract tender from the Washington Redskins yesterday, and exclusive-rights
free agent Ron Warner did the same, leaving just restricted quarterback Tim
Hasselbeck and defensive back Andre Lott unsigned. They have until today to sign
offer sheets with other clubs, which is not expected.
The Dolphins are focused on drafting Utah quarterback Alex Smith with the second
overall pick, but Miami also is in discussions with at least one team about
trading that selection. One source said Thursday that coach Nick Saban has
decided Smith -- not any of the likely available running backs such as Auburn's
Ronnie Brown -- would be the best pick for Miami at No. 2, assuming California
quarterback Aaron Rodgers is drafted by San Francisco. But two league sources
also confirmed the Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have discussed a possible
trade involving both teams' first-round selections and other considerations.
Tommy Hendricks wants to publicly set the record straight. Released by the
Jaguars last month shortly after he was arrested on a misdemeanor charge for
violating a restraining order taken out by his estranged wife, Hendricks has
been advised not to discuss the situation by his agent and his lawyer because of
the pending litigation. Hendricks, though, feels it's time for him to tell his
side. He said he plans to file a non-injury grievance against the Jaguars.
According to Hendricks, the way the Jaguars cut him and talked about his
"unspecified medical condition'' has made it more difficult for him to sign
with another team. "I'm standing up for every player who was wrongfully
fired,'' he said.
After spending six weeks on the NFL's veteran free agent market, Nick Harper
decided there was no place like home. The Indianapolis Colts' veteran
cornerback, free to test his value on the open market since March 1, agreed to a
two-year contract with the team. Hadley Engelhard, Harper's agent, confirmed the
deal Thursday but declined to address financial details.
An NFL source confirmed a Foxsports.com report that said CB Donnie Abraham, 31,
is mulling retirement. The Jets have allowed Abraham to skip the offseason
program while he makes his decision. This could have a big impact on the Jets'
draft strategy. His retirement would leave 32-year-old Ray Mickens, coming off
knee surgery, as a starter.
If the Vikings want a wide receiver in the April 23 NFL draft, they might have
to settle for Mark Clayton of Oklahoma with their No. 7 overall pick.
A source within Arizonan Reggie Fowler's investment group seeking to buy the
Vikings is convinced Fowler will be able to close the deal by May 24.
On Monday at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN2, Art Modell is the subject of ESPN's new series
Top 5 Reasons You Can't Blame ... . The program presents alternatives to laying
all the blame on Modell for moving the Browns from Cleveland to Baltimore. Guess
who gets to share the responsibility? New England Patriots genius Bill
Belichick, somewhat less brilliant when he coached the Browns. And the top
surprising talking head? Comedian/actor Martin Mull, Ohio-raised and forever
beloved as the star of Fernwood 2Night.
The Tennessean reported that the Redskins have talked to Tennessee State
basketball player Rod Flowers about becoming the next Antonio Gates, who zoomed
from All-Mid American Conference forward in 2002 to Pro Bowl tight end with San
Diego in 2004 without playing college football.
The D.C. Sports & Entertainment Commission failed to complete a sponsorship deal
to change the name of RFK Stadium yesterday, and it now hopes to complete the
pact next week. The commission wanted to finish the agreement, a three-year,
$6.62 million deal with the National Guard, before the Washington Nationals'
home opener last night. The structure of the completed deal will be different
from the original version that called for the creation of National Guard Field
at RFK Stadium, as well as a second incarnation that called for the baseball
facility to be called Armed Forces Field at RFK Stadium.
The Steelers checked out college football's top tight end Thursday, and it could
be a precursor as to how they'll proceed in the NFL Draft on April 23. Heath
Miller of Virginia spent the day getting acquainted with coaches and management
on the South Side, as the team continues to entertain potential draftees.
Miller, 6-foot-5, 256 pounds, is listed on some mock draft boards as the
Steelers' first-round pick, though it is difficult to project for a team that
has the 30th overall selection.
West Virginia wrestler Greg Jones, will be working out for Steelers scouts next
week in Morgantown, W.Va. Jones, a three-time NCAA champion and Greensburg Salem
High School graduate, was an all-conference defensive back and receiver in high
school, but he hasn't played football since his senior season. "It's a
great opportunity," Jones said. "I've always liked football. It was
something I was always interested in. "Football was always a sport I liked
to play. Wrestling was more like a job. I thought about playing football
here."
The New York Giants will replace their aging stadium with an expanded $750
million complex in the New Jersey Meadowlands under an agreement that Acting
Gov. Richard J. Codey said Thursday was "the best deal for the taxpayers of
any stadium deal in the N.F.L." The new stadium will have 200 luxury suites
- the current stadium now has 118 - a major expansion in club seating, new
stores, restaurants and practice facilities, which altogether will nearly triple
the size of the Giants' site at the Meadowlands Sports Complex, to 75 acres.
Jets coach Herman Edwards said that quarterback Chad Pennington is on schedule
to resume throwing in June after surgery in February on his torn right rotator
cuff.
GM Terry Bradway said he expected John Abraham to play for the Jets in the
coming season but would not rule out trading him if the sides cannot work out a
deal. "How can you say anything in this league isn't a possibility?"
Bradway said at a news conference Thursday when asked about the likelihood of
trading Abraham. Bradway said that the Jets have not received any inquiries
concerning Abraham. Because Abraham is a franchise player, the Jets could demand
two first-round draft picks as compensation in a trade. Regardless of Abraham's
status, the Jets might still use their first round pick to bolster a line that
already has three other first rounders.
The South Carolina State Board of Medical Examiners yesterday suspended Dr.
James M. Shortt, who has been accused of writing steroid prescriptions for three
players on the Carolina Panthers. The board said that Shortt had been suspended
for prescribing anabolic steroids to patients who did not need them, for
regularly giving patients intravenous hydrogen peroxide before the board told
him to stop it, and for "seriously threatening" patients with other
substances and faulty administrative procedures.
possibility of acquiring running back Travis Henry, who has one year left on his
contract but wants out of Buffalo. "I spoke to the Bills," Allen said
Thursday, careful not to elaborate. Although the Bucs likely will speak to a
number of teams over the next seven days, the possibility of acquiring Henry, a
5-foot-9, 215-pounder who has two 1,000-yard campaigns in four seasons, could
seriously alter their approach on draft day April 23.
CB Patrick Surtain said he would prefer to remain in Miami but wasn't optimistic
about getting a deal worked out. The Dolphins are waiting for the Chiefs to
sweeten their offer before trading the two-time Pro Bowl defensive back, who has
agreed in principle to a multimillion dollar contract extension with Kansas
City.
The Marcus Stroud contract likely also opens the door for John Henderson to get
a similar deal next year. That could enable the Jaguars to lock up both
defensive tackles, who are expected to be the heart of their defense for the
rest of this decade.
Not even the big-spending Cowboys, the most logical suitor, seem to be
interested in John Abraham. No doubt, Abraham's asking price - he's seeking
about $18 million in guarantees - is a factor. So, too, is the fact that he has
missed 23 games in five seasons.
The agents for both of the Patriots' remaining restricted free agents, David
Givens and Jarvis Green, said last night they plan on signing their one-year,
$1.43 million tender offers today as the signing period draws to a close. The
deadline for offer sheets is at 4 p.m., and while both Givens and Green have
drawn some feelers around the league, no team has indicated any interest in
signing them to an offer sheet and giving up a first-round pick in compensation
if the Pats failed to match. Baring any last-minute, surprise offer sheets,
Green and Givens will officially be back in the fold today, playing out the 2005
season with a chance to go to unrestricted free agency after the season. Of
course, the Pats could ink Givens and/or Green to a long-term extension prior to
the end of the season. To date, however, the Pats have not come forward with a
competitive multi-year offer for either player.
Michael Vick's standing in the corporate world does not seem to have diminished
over a lawsuit alleging the Falcons star quarterback knowingly gave a woman a
sexually transmitted disease. According to the lawsuit, Vick used the alias
"Ron Mexico" when being tested or treated. Nike and AirTran Airways,
two of Vick's biggest endorsements, have maintained their relationship with him.
"He has lived up to his end of the bargain and hopefully we have done the
same," said Dan Hutcheson, director of marketing for AirTran. "He's
still under contract with us."
Today is the deadline for restricted free agents, such as the Eagles' Brian
Westbrook, to sign offer sheets from other teams. Westbrook, who has been
offered a $1.43-million free-agent tender by the Birds, would like to reach
agreement on a long-term deal to stay here.
It is a combination that has some NFL teams wondering if former USC wide
receiver Mike Williams might be better suited to playing tight end. "He's
another one of those big guys that can get real big, and I'm sure at some point
in time if he gets real big he'll end up changing positions," said
Tennessee Titans general manager Floyd Reese, going on the record with an
assessment others will offer only in a whisper and behind a cupped hand. Mike
Williams a tight end? Is that why this kid (he turned 21 in January) waited an
entire year to finally gain entrance to the draft, so he could become a tight
end? The look on Williams' face when the subject is broached says -- no, screams
-- don't go there. "I am," he said, "a wide receiver."
Kyle Turley is unhappy (with coach Mike Martz), unhealthy (bad back), and
underweight. For all of those reasons, he is expected to be salary-cap casualty
on June 2. And that leaves the Rams seeking answers at right tackle on the
offensive line.
One of the biggest questions facing the Lions this offseason -- the health and
prognosis for twice-injured wide receiver Charles Rogers -- has been answered in
a positive way for president Matt Millen. Rogers is working out regularly in the
Lions' conditioning program and shows no ill effects from a broken right
collarbone that ended his first two seasons, Millen said Thursday. "Charles
hasn't even crossed my mind," Millen said Thursday. "He is training
better than he's trained. He's running better than he's run. He's doing
everything. "It's not even a second thought. I don't have much of a concern
for Charles. He'll get out there and do what he has to do."
Jets coach Herman Edwards didn't rule out the Jets being interested in signing
free agent CB Ty Law. When asked if he's spoken to the former Patriot Pro Bowler
who's recovering from a foot injury, Edwards said with a wry smile, "Have I
talked to him? Maybe. "We'll explore anything," Edwards said.
"He'll play. He'll be in the league playing this season for
somebody."
Restricted free agent defensive lineman Demetric Evans said he signed his
contract tender from the Washington Redskins yesterday, and exclusive-rights
free agent Ron Warner did the same, leaving just restricted quarterback Tim
Hasselbeck and defensive back Andre Lott unsigned. They have until today to sign
offer sheets with other clubs, which is not expected.
The Dolphins are focused on drafting Utah quarterback Alex Smith with the second
overall pick, but Miami also is in discussions with at least one team about
trading that selection. One source said Thursday that coach Nick Saban has
decided Smith -- not any of the likely available running backs such as Auburn's
Ronnie Brown -- would be the best pick for Miami at No. 2, assuming California
quarterback Aaron Rodgers is drafted by San Francisco. But two league sources
also confirmed the Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have discussed a possible
trade involving both teams' first-round selections and other considerations.
Tommy Hendricks wants to publicly set the record straight. Released by the
Jaguars last month shortly after he was arrested on a misdemeanor charge for
violating a restraining order taken out by his estranged wife, Hendricks has
been advised not to discuss the situation by his agent and his lawyer because of
the pending litigation. Hendricks, though, feels it's time for him to tell his
side. He said he plans to file a non-injury grievance against the Jaguars.
According to Hendricks, the way the Jaguars cut him and talked about his
"unspecified medical condition'' has made it more difficult for him to sign
with another team. "I'm standing up for every player who was wrongfully
fired,'' he said.
After spending six weeks on the NFL's veteran free agent market, Nick Harper
decided there was no place like home. The Indianapolis Colts' veteran
cornerback, free to test his value on the open market since March 1, agreed to a
two-year contract with the team. Hadley Engelhard, Harper's agent, confirmed the
deal Thursday but declined to address financial details.
An NFL source confirmed a Foxsports.com report that said CB Donnie Abraham, 31,
is mulling retirement. The Jets have allowed Abraham to skip the offseason
program while he makes his decision. This could have a big impact on the Jets'
draft strategy. His retirement would leave 32-year-old Ray Mickens, coming off
knee surgery, as a starter.
If the Vikings want a wide receiver in the April 23 NFL draft, they might have
to settle for Mark Clayton of Oklahoma with their No. 7 overall pick.
A source within Arizonan Reggie Fowler's investment group seeking to buy the
Vikings is convinced Fowler will be able to close the deal by May 24.
On Monday at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN2, Art Modell is the subject of ESPN's new series
Top 5 Reasons You Can't Blame ... . The program presents alternatives to laying
all the blame on Modell for moving the Browns from Cleveland to Baltimore. Guess
who gets to share the responsibility? New England Patriots genius Bill
Belichick, somewhat less brilliant when he coached the Browns. And the top
surprising talking head? Comedian/actor Martin Mull, Ohio-raised and forever
beloved as the star of Fernwood 2Night.
The Tennessean reported that the Redskins have talked to Tennessee State
basketball player Rod Flowers about becoming the next Antonio Gates, who zoomed
from All-Mid American Conference forward in 2002 to Pro Bowl tight end with San
Diego in 2004 without playing college football.
The D.C. Sports & Entertainment Commission failed to complete a sponsorship deal
to change the name of RFK Stadium yesterday, and it now hopes to complete the
pact next week. The commission wanted to finish the agreement, a three-year,
$6.62 million deal with the National Guard, before the Washington Nationals'
home opener last night. The structure of the completed deal will be different
from the original version that called for the creation of National Guard Field
at RFK Stadium, as well as a second incarnation that called for the baseball
facility to be called Armed Forces Field at RFK Stadium.
The Steelers checked out college football's top tight end Thursday, and it could
be a precursor as to how they'll proceed in the NFL Draft on April 23. Heath
Miller of Virginia spent the day getting acquainted with coaches and management
on the South Side, as the team continues to entertain potential draftees.
Miller, 6-foot-5, 256 pounds, is listed on some mock draft boards as the
Steelers' first-round pick, though it is difficult to project for a team that
has the 30th overall selection.
West Virginia wrestler Greg Jones, will be working out for Steelers scouts next
week in Morgantown, W.Va. Jones, a three-time NCAA champion and Greensburg Salem
High School graduate, was an all-conference defensive back and receiver in high
school, but he hasn't played football since his senior season. "It's a
great opportunity," Jones said. "I've always liked football. It was
something I was always interested in. "Football was always a sport I liked
to play. Wrestling was more like a job. I thought about playing football
here."
The New York Giants will replace their aging stadium with an expanded $750
million complex in the New Jersey Meadowlands under an agreement that Acting
Gov. Richard J. Codey said Thursday was "the best deal for the taxpayers of
any stadium deal in the N.F.L." The new stadium will have 200 luxury suites
- the current stadium now has 118 - a major expansion in club seating, new
stores, restaurants and practice facilities, which altogether will nearly triple
the size of the Giants' site at the Meadowlands Sports Complex, to 75 acres.
Jets coach Herman Edwards said that quarterback Chad Pennington is on schedule
to resume throwing in June after surgery in February on his torn right rotator
cuff.
GM Terry Bradway said he expected John Abraham to play for the Jets in the
coming season but would not rule out trading him if the sides cannot work out a
deal. "How can you say anything in this league isn't a possibility?"
Bradway said at a news conference Thursday when asked about the likelihood of
trading Abraham. Bradway said that the Jets have not received any inquiries
concerning Abraham. Because Abraham is a franchise player, the Jets could demand
two first-round draft picks as compensation in a trade. Regardless of Abraham's
status, the Jets might still use their first round pick to bolster a line that
already has three other first rounders.
The South Carolina State Board of Medical Examiners yesterday suspended Dr.
James M. Shortt, who has been accused of writing steroid prescriptions for three
players on the Carolina Panthers. The board said that Shortt had been suspended
for prescribing anabolic steroids to patients who did not need them, for
regularly giving patients intravenous hydrogen peroxide before the board told
him to stop it, and for "seriously threatening" patients with other
substances and faulty administrative procedures.