NFL Report 3-9-06 - The Orange Mane

HEAV · 03-09-2006, 08:42 AM

Presumably, the Eagles' deadline for paying that roster bonus to Terrell Owens is now sometime early next week, but Owens' release could come sooner. Kansas City seems to be emerging as his most likely destination.

Forget the possibility of the Vikings signing free-agent quarterback Drew Brees of the San Diego Chargers. Word within NFL circles is that Brees' surgically repaired shoulder was more damaged than many people know. Quarterbacks who might intrigue the Vikings would seem to be Aaron Brooks of the New Orleans Saints and Brian Griese of the Tampa Bay Bucs.

Although Daunte Culpepper told the Minnesota Vikings to trade him or release him yesterday, it remains uncertain whether the Ravens will pursue the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback. It is believed the Ravens have concerns about Culpepper's health, which could limit him next season. The Ravens are hesitant about investing money in a free agent or a draft pick in a trade for a player who might not be ready for the season opener. Plus, some Ravens officials aren't convinced that the Vikings will let go of Culpepper. It appears the only way the Ravens would go after Culpepper is if it involved a low-risk deal, which meant an incentive-laden contract that included little guaranteed money.

The Patriots ended their 12-year agreement with all-time postseason sack leader Willie McGinest, according to one NFL personnel director last night. Although the Patriots reportedly remain hopeful of signing McGinest, league sources said last night that the Cleveland Browns, San Diego Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, and several other teams intend to explore signing McGinest.

At quarterback, the Bears once had interest in former Steeler Tommy Maddox, but no longer. Maddox could attract interest from Oakland. The Bears would bring back Jeff Blake rather than sign Jon Kitna.

There appears to be substantial interest around the league in former Rams WR Isaac Bruce. According to league sources, Carolina and Tampa Bay have expressed interest in Bruce, joining Detroit, Houston and Washington. Rams president of football operations Jay Zygmunt spoke with Bruce's agent Jimmy Sexton on Wednesday, but it is believed that no new offers were exchanged.

Coach Jack Del Rio has repeatedly declined comment on the team's plans. But in terms of first-tier free agents, the Jaguars are thought to be most interested in New Orleans center LeCharles Bentley and Carolina linebacker Will Witherspoon.

Rams safety Adam Archuleta will be courted by Chicago and Washington, according to league sources.

Pittsburgh's Antwaan Randle El remains a target, an explosive player who could plug No. 2 receiver and returner holes simultaneously as well as give the Bears a No. 3 quarterback on game days. The Bears will monitor what could be a bidding war between Dallas, Philadelphia and Washington, in addition to Randle El's own Steelers.

The Browns have expressed interest in former Washington linebacker LaVar Arrington, according to his agent. The question now is whether Arrington has interest in them. "Yes, they have called to ask if he's going to be available, and the kind of interest he'd have in Cleveland," agent Carl Poston said Wednesday. "I told them he wants to wait for the collective bargaining agreement to be done."

Safety has been targeted for a Falcons upgrade and free agent candidates include Lawyer Milloy, who was released by Buffalo, Seattle's Marquand Manuel and Tennessee's Tank Williams. The Falcons likely don't have enough room to pursue Pittsburgh safety Chris Hope.

The Jets have been eyeing Jon Kitna for a while and may strike quickly once the free agency period starts. Detroit is also said to be interested in Kitna, a proven veteran who served as a mentor to Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer. Baltimore is interested as well but is also looking at Kerry Collins.

The Jets, in the market for an offensive tackle, had former Titans left tackle Brad Hopkins in for a visit yesterday. They're also interested in Falcons left tackle Kevin Shaffer, who will become an unrestricted free agent.

The Redskins will be looking for veteran offensive linemen able to back up the starters, and they could land an established kicker and punter as well. Kickers Adam Vinatieri (New England), Mike Vanderjagt (Indianapolis) and Ryan Longwell (Green Bay) have impressive résumés, and a punter like Tom Rouen (Seattle) could be attractive to Washington, too.

It remains to be seen whether the Eagles will find a replacement for strongside linebacker Dhani Jones, who still has three years remaining on his contract. They would save $660,000 on the salary cap if they released Jones.

Colts RB Edgerrin James remains a long shot to return for an eighth season. First of all, team president Bill Polian doesn't know what it will take to re-sign the team's career rushing leader and keep him off the free agent market, which begins Saturday. After a speaking engagement Wednesday at Butler University, Polian said he has yet to discuss James' situation with Drew Rosenhaus, James' agent. "I have not done that because we have been so tied up with the cap issues,'' he said.

Titans GM Floyd Reese said he talked quarterback Steve McNair’s agent Bus Cook in general terms Wednesday, and that the two should talk more in the coming days to try to reach an agreement on an extension to lower his $23.463 million cap figure.

A source close to Drew Brees indicated Sunday that agent Tom Condon is expected to call the Dolphins on the first day of free agency to set up a visit. Brees has been splitting the offseason between San Diego and Birmingham, Ala., as he does rehabilitation work on his right (throwing shoulder). Brees sustained a torn labrum in the season finale and had surgery in January. If Minnesota competes for Brees, that could leave Culpepper available to the Dolphins. Culpepper, who is rehabbing his surgically repaired right knee in Orlando, caused another stir Wednesday when he told several media outlets he has asked the Vikings to trade or release him.

One available veteran receivers who the Lions might commit some money to is former St. Louis Rams receiver Isaac Bruce. In addition to being a productive player, Bruce has a strong work ethic and a lot of experience in the offense of new Detroit coordinator Mike Martz.

The Lions are expected to visit with Washington Redskins quarterback Patrick Ramsey, who is trying to work out a draft-day trade. Other teams, including the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets, are interested in Ramsey. If a deal is done, it would probably happen on the second day of the draft (April 30) when the compensation would be a fifth-round draft pick or lower. The Lions are not expected to be in the running for San Diego quarterback Drew Brees, partly because he's going to want to be a team's starting quarterback and partly because his asking price will be too high.

It has been more difficult to get a read on DT Ryan Pickett, but Buffalo and Cleveland are possibilities. Both teams are looking for run-stopping defensive tackles, and former Rams assistant Bill Kollar is the defensive line coach in Buffalo.

With a six-year extension of the collective bargaining agreement reached Wednesday night, teams are now in a better position to make a push for Daunte Culpepper. Among the teams in the market for a quarterback are the Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders, Detroit Lions and New York Jets. And given Culpepper's ties to former Vikings coach Dennis Green and former Vikings offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, the Arizona Cardinals and St. Louis Rams, respectively, also could be interested.

It will be interesting to see whether the Vikings make a deal for quarterback A.J. Feeley, who played for Brad Childress in Philadelphia and now is with the San Diego Chargers, for whom Vikings vice president for player personnel Fran Foley worked before coming to Minnesota.

Defensive end Trevor Pryce, released by the Broncos on March 1, wrapped up his visit with Cleveland and is in preliminary talks with the Browns. He is expected to visit a few more teams soon.

Gerard Warren is planning a meeting today with his agent. The defensive tackle's message will be much the same as the one he's been saying all along: Get a deal done with the Broncos. Yet NFL labor peace reached Wednesday night might finally assure that can occur - and quickly, too. "I'm trying to stay in Denver, Colorado," said Warren, who's scheduled to hit the open market at 10:01 p.m. MST Friday. "I'm not really trying to look into free agency. What we had was beautiful there, man."

Adam Vinatieri was paid a little more than $2.5 million last season, and it might take a ridiculous offer for the Patriots not to bring him back. Dallas, coached by Bill Parcells, who brought Vinatieri to the Patriots as an undrafted rookie in 1996, will be among several teams that would try to sign the game's top clutch kicker.

Though they have yet to go on their first date, free-agent linebacker LaVar Arrington continues to flirt with the Giants. In a radio interview with The Ticket (790 AM) in Miami yesterday, the former Redskin again alluded to the Giants as being among his top potential destinations. Midday show co-host Sid Rosenberg -- formerly of WFAN and still a Giants fan -- asked Arrington if he could convince him to play in East Rutherford next year. "It's the NFC East, so it's an option, I'll tell you that," Arrington said. "I'd just love to bless (the Redskins) with my presence twice a year."

Patrick Ramsey, a former first-round pick out of Tulane, visited the Jets for a workout yesterday in a move that could be the first step toward a trade for the Washington Redskins quarterback. Ramsey and the Bengals' Jon Kitna are at the top of the Jets' list in the search for a veteran quarterback to compete with Chad Pennington for the starting job in training camp in July.

After two days of intense negotiations in a Dallas suburb, NFL owners voted 30-2 to approve the NFL Players Association proposal on an extension of the collective bargaining agreement, ensuring labor peace for another six years. Only Cincinnati and Buffalo, both low-revenue teams, voted against the extension that increases the salary cap from $94.5 million to $102 million this year. Income from the network television contract and gate receipts is divided 50-50. Teams that bring in more local revenue from stadium naming rights, sponsorships, signage and radio and television deals will have to foot more of the bill.

The Chargers are believed to be interested in free-agent center LeCharles Bentley, who played for New Orleans last season and would likely move to guard here. Among the free-agent safeties the Chargers are expected to target is Marlon McCree, recently of Carolina, a playmaker who could supplant free safety Bhawoh Jue.

The Bears are optimistic of reaching a long-term extension for Lance Briggs and are working on a new contract for Hunter Hillenmeyer, which means linebacker depth will be addressed in the draft.

The Bears might consider an alternative like New Orleans receiver Az-Zahir Hakim, a proven punt returner and member of the Rams while Smith was an assistant there. Hakim caught no fewer than 31 passes each of the last seven seasons and has a career average of 10.7 yards on punt returns.

Adding a pass rusher has emerged as a free-agency surprise. The Bears have Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye, but coach Lovie Smith believes in adding speed to his front four and listed that priority last weekend at the team's annual fan convention. Detroit's Kalimba Edwards and Seattle tackle Rocky Bernard are the premier sack threats who will be in demand.

Quarterback Josh McCown would interest the Bears, but he will take a spin at securing a starter's job and paycheck first.

Ricardo Rodriguez swears he isn't pressing, but he knows he needs to "hurry up" and impress the Phillies during this spring training. Rodriguez allowed three hits and a walk but allowed no runs in two innings in yesterday's 4-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Bright House Networks Field. In four innings over two Grapefruit League appearances, Rodriguez has allowed six hits and one run, with two walks and two strikeouts. "My confidence is better," said Rodriguez, 27. "My control is coming along. I haven't faced hitters in a while, and it's hard to get back. I'm getting better."

Shawn Barber's addition is the first of several anticipated free-agent moves by the Eagles, who are expected to sign New Orleans Saints center LeCharles Bentley and Detroit Lions backup quarterback Jeff Garcia.

Peter Schaffer, the agent for linebacker Chad Brown, said he’s been in regular contact with the Patriots, but doesn’t know what the future holds for his client. Cutting Brown would save $770,000 against the salary cap. “I talk to Scott Pioli all the time. He’s an insightful human being,” Schaffer said. “Not until after the CBA can anybody really do anything.” Brown never quite meshed in the Patriots defense, where he was asked to play inside linebacker after a career spent on the outside.

It has been considered a foregone conclusion that the Patriots will cut injury-prone cornerback Tyrone Poole to save $1.8 million against the salary cap. But it hasn’t happened yet, so Poole waits. “As of Friday, when I last talked to (personnel chief) Scott Pioli, they didn’t know which direction they were going,” said Poole’s agent, Hadley Engelhard. “Who knows. Something could happen today.” Poole’s day of reckoning could be coming shortly. He’s due a $500,000 roster bonus within the first three days of the league year, and if the Patriots are going to cut him, it will be before paying him that money.

With the additional cap room, the Falcons have a better shot at retaining free agents wide receiver Brian Finneran, defensive tackle Antwan Lake and safeties Ronnie Heard, Kevin McCadam and Omare Lowe.

Former Wisconsin RB Brian Calhoun said his interview with the Packers in Indianapolis was "intense," but still has interest in playing for the Packers. "I would love to play in Green Bay. My family's two hours away," said Calhoun, who will watch the draft at his family's suburban Milwaukee home. "I know they just signed Ahman Green to a year extension, but it would be great to play behind him and learn from him and then hopefully step into (being) the guy in a few years."

One player who has already caught the Bucs eye and will visit with them within a week is former Titans tackle Brad Hopkins. Hopkins, 35, was recently released by Tennessee in a cost-cutting maneuver.

Among the moves the Bucs could make early in the free-agency period is the re-signing of fullback Mike Alstott. After contemplating retirement for several weeks, Alstott stated through his agent two weeks ago and then publicly Monday that he intends to play another season.

Brian Griese was expected to be one of the players cut in an effort to gain compliance with the salary cap, but the chance of losing Simms to another team after next season could force the Bucs to keep him. At the very least, the Bucs are expected to make an attempt to re-sign Griese if he is let go.

Count Bucs quarterback Chris Simms among those who won big Wednesday when the NFL finally reached an accord with the players union on a new collective bargaining agreement. Among the stipulations in the six-year extension is one that allows players to become unrestricted free agents after accruing four years of NFL experience. That means Simms, who last week signed a one-year deal to remain in Tampa through 2006, will be free to explore unabated free agency next March.

The Redskins could take another look at cornerback R.W. McQuarters (Detroit), who they tried to land last offseason, or a safety like Adam Archuleta (St. Louis).

The Redskins were close to terms with running back Rock Cartwright yesterday, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Washington also stands to add an additional $1.7 million in cap space with the trade of backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey -- who visited the New York Jets yesterday and has visits planned with Detroit and Miami, according to a source.

Isaac Bruce (St. Louis), Antwaan Randle El (Pittsburgh), Antonio Bryant (Cleveland), Joe Jurevicius (Seattle) or David Givens (New England) would fill that Redskins role, among others. Julian Peterson and Will Witherspoon are the top outside linebackers available -- a position of need following the release of former Pro Bowler LaVar Arrington this week -- while defensive end John Abraham (New York Jets) will be traded and Darren Howard (New Orleans) has a knack for pass rushing as well.

clint7 · 03-09-2006, 08:49 AM

I like how everyone has a different stance on TO:

-Dallas now his the likely landing spot.
-Denver is the frontrunner.
-Kansas City is the likely destination.

azbroncfan · 03-09-2006, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clint7

I like how everyone has a different stance on TO:

-Dallas now his the likely landing spot.
-Denver is the frontrunner.
-Kansas City is the likely destination.

Well he's only visited Denver so that has to have Den as likely destination. Plus Michael Irvin says he expects TO in Denver so we should find out soon.

freak6 · 03-09-2006, 09:06 AM

Warren will be back.

"What we had was beautiful there" - Warren

Good stuff from him and Courtney this week. Draft a DE, sign Abraham maybe, draft a TE, and draft a S and we are reloaded.

Boobs McGee · 03-09-2006, 09:29 AM

So is McGinest too old? Or do you think he could be a valuable pass rusher for the right price here in denver?

baja · 03-09-2006, 09:37 AM

If we could get Ricky Williams and Abraham in FA I would be quite happy

With our draft choices and the depth of this years draft we will get even younger. Could we have the beginnings of a dynasty.

fontaine · 03-09-2006, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baja fan

If we could get Ricky Williams and Abraham in FA I would be quite happy

With our draft choices and the depth of this years draft we will get even younger. Could we have the beginnings of a dynasty.

We don't have a franchise QB.

El Guapo · 03-09-2006, 09:43 AM

abraham is a beast. He MADE the jets defense last season.. he would be a great addition.

baja · 03-09-2006, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fontaine

We don't have a franchise QB.

Jake will get better and better for the next few years before he starts to fade plenty of thme to find a QB trouble is we will have to find him in the bottom half of the 1st round.

fontaine · 03-09-2006, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baja fan

Jake will get better and better for the next few years before he starts to fade plenty of thme to find a QB trouble is we will have to find him in the bottom half of the 1st round.

All it takes is Rod Smith to go down with injury or retire (which he will after 2006) and Jake's game will go down like a house of cards.

There's a big difference between a franchise QB that elevates the play of others around him due to his skills and abilities, and an average QB that is working in the right system with good/great players and it makes him look better than he actually is.

Billy Clyde Puckett · 03-09-2006, 10:36 AM

Forget all of the hype players. If I were the Broncs, my number one target right now would be LeCharles Bentley. He will be as good as Shields next years and is 7-8 years younger. Big, strong, durable and mean. Put him at RG and the Broncs don't need to run left all of the time.

Maddox to the Fade

? If so, Mikey, please bring us a couple of speedy pass rushers.

Orange_Beard · 03-09-2006, 10:39 AM

Maddox could attract interest from Oakland.
This would be fun.

baja · 03-09-2006, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fontaine

All it takes is Rod Smith to go down with injury or retire (which he will after 2006) and Jake's game will go down like a house of cards.

There's a big difference between a franchise QB that elevates the play of others around him due to his skills and abilities, and an average QB that is working in the right system with good/great players and it makes him look better than he actually is.

If any of the top teams lose a key player in todays NFL they are in trouble this is what made NE unique. We do have great depth and jake seems to escape injury pretty good but I admit dynasty is a stretch (but not impossible) for todays Broncos.

I guess I am saying we seem to be building the foundation for one.

Play2win · 03-09-2006, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fontaine

All it takes is Rod Smith to go down with injury or retire (which he will after 2006) and Jake's game will go down like a house of cards.

There's a big difference between a franchise QB that elevates the play of others around him due to his skills and abilities, and an average QB that is working in the right system with good/great players and it makes him look better than he actually is.

I completely agree, I am just not sure now is the time. Maybe we could grab a later round project, ie. Omar Jacobs, or even Brady Croyle, but other than that what are our choices?

Natedogg · 03-09-2006, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HEAV

Gerard Warren is planning a meeting today with his agent. The defensive tackle's message will be much the same as the one he's been saying all along: Get a deal done with the Broncos. Yet NFL labor peace reached Wednesday night might finally assure that can occur - and quickly, too. "I'm trying to stay in Denver, Colorado," said Warren, who's scheduled to hit the open market at 10:01 p.m. MST Friday. "I'm not really trying to look into free agency. What we had was beautiful there, man."

*jizzes pants*

I'd also like to see Abraham and even Mcginest if we have cap space to burn. He'd fit in great as a 3rd adn long (where the steelers burnt us) "Jumpy Geathers type" performer.

Crushaholic · 03-09-2006, 10:55 AM

Kansas City for TO? That's "impossible". I read a thread a couple of days ago where Carl Peterson insisted he was not going to be active in FA...

Billy Clyde Puckett · 03-09-2006, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Play2Win

I completely agree, I am just not sure now is the time. Maybe we could grab a later round project, ie. Omar Jacobs, or even Brady Croyle, but other than that what are our choices?

Paul Pinegar of Fresno is the QB in the draft I think is closest to being able to step on the field and be productive. He does not have nearly the upside of Leinhart or Young, but he is tough, smart and has played in a pro style offense.

Bob's your Information Minister · 03-09-2006, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverick_7

abraham is a beast. He MADE the jets defense last season.. he would be a great addition.

He made the 23rd ranked defense?

GreatBronco16 · 03-09-2006, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob's your Information Minister

He made the 23rd ranked defense?

You know if KC were interested in him, you would be claiming how he would make your defense top 10.

Quit being so damn stupid boob.

Bob's your Information Minister · 03-09-2006, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreatBronco16

You know if KC were interested in him, you would be claiming how he would make your defense top 10.

Quit being so damn stupid boob.

He has been mentioned with KC before and I want no part of him. We need a DT, OLB, CB

03-09-2006, 08:42 AM	#1
HEAV Ring of Famer It's about the Team Join Date: May 2003 Location: The Ville Posts: 12,077 Adopt-a-Bronco: Brian Dawkins	NFL Report 3-9-06 Presumably, the Eagles' deadline for paying that roster bonus to Terrell Owens is now sometime early next week, but Owens' release could come sooner. Kansas City seems to be emerging as his most likely destination. Forget the possibility of the Vikings signing free-agent quarterback Drew Brees of the San Diego Chargers. Word within NFL circles is that Brees' surgically repaired shoulder was more damaged than many people know. Quarterbacks who might intrigue the Vikings would seem to be Aaron Brooks of the New Orleans Saints and Brian Griese of the Tampa Bay Bucs. Although Daunte Culpepper told the Minnesota Vikings to trade him or release him yesterday, it remains uncertain whether the Ravens will pursue the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback. It is believed the Ravens have concerns about Culpepper's health, which could limit him next season. The Ravens are hesitant about investing money in a free agent or a draft pick in a trade for a player who might not be ready for the season opener. Plus, some Ravens officials aren't convinced that the Vikings will let go of Culpepper. It appears the only way the Ravens would go after Culpepper is if it involved a low-risk deal, which meant an incentive-laden contract that included little guaranteed money. The Patriots ended their 12-year agreement with all-time postseason sack leader Willie McGinest, according to one NFL personnel director last night. Although the Patriots reportedly remain hopeful of signing McGinest, league sources said last night that the Cleveland Browns, San Diego Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, and several other teams intend to explore signing McGinest. At quarterback, the Bears once had interest in former Steeler Tommy Maddox, but no longer. Maddox could attract interest from Oakland. The Bears would bring back Jeff Blake rather than sign Jon Kitna. There appears to be substantial interest around the league in former Rams WR Isaac Bruce. According to league sources, Carolina and Tampa Bay have expressed interest in Bruce, joining Detroit, Houston and Washington. Rams president of football operations Jay Zygmunt spoke with Bruce's agent Jimmy Sexton on Wednesday, but it is believed that no new offers were exchanged. Coach Jack Del Rio has repeatedly declined comment on the team's plans. But in terms of first-tier free agents, the Jaguars are thought to be most interested in New Orleans center LeCharles Bentley and Carolina linebacker Will Witherspoon. Rams safety Adam Archuleta will be courted by Chicago and Washington, according to league sources. Pittsburgh's Antwaan Randle El remains a target, an explosive player who could plug No. 2 receiver and returner holes simultaneously as well as give the Bears a No. 3 quarterback on game days. The Bears will monitor what could be a bidding war between Dallas, Philadelphia and Washington, in addition to Randle El's own Steelers. The Browns have expressed interest in former Washington linebacker LaVar Arrington, according to his agent. The question now is whether Arrington has interest in them. "Yes, they have called to ask if he's going to be available, and the kind of interest he'd have in Cleveland," agent Carl Poston said Wednesday. "I told them he wants to wait for the collective bargaining agreement to be done." Safety has been targeted for a Falcons upgrade and free agent candidates include Lawyer Milloy, who was released by Buffalo, Seattle's Marquand Manuel and Tennessee's Tank Williams. The Falcons likely don't have enough room to pursue Pittsburgh safety Chris Hope. The Jets have been eyeing Jon Kitna for a while and may strike quickly once the free agency period starts. Detroit is also said to be interested in Kitna, a proven veteran who served as a mentor to Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer. Baltimore is interested as well but is also looking at Kerry Collins. The Jets, in the market for an offensive tackle, had former Titans left tackle Brad Hopkins in for a visit yesterday. They're also interested in Falcons left tackle Kevin Shaffer, who will become an unrestricted free agent. The Redskins will be looking for veteran offensive linemen able to back up the starters, and they could land an established kicker and punter as well. Kickers Adam Vinatieri (New England), Mike Vanderjagt (Indianapolis) and Ryan Longwell (Green Bay) have impressive résumés, and a punter like Tom Rouen (Seattle) could be attractive to Washington, too. It remains to be seen whether the Eagles will find a replacement for strongside linebacker Dhani Jones, who still has three years remaining on his contract. They would save $660,000 on the salary cap if they released Jones. Colts RB Edgerrin James remains a long shot to return for an eighth season. First of all, team president Bill Polian doesn't know what it will take to re-sign the team's career rushing leader and keep him off the free agent market, which begins Saturday. After a speaking engagement Wednesday at Butler University, Polian said he has yet to discuss James' situation with Drew Rosenhaus, James' agent. "I have not done that because we have been so tied up with the cap issues,'' he said. Titans GM Floyd Reese said he talked quarterback Steve McNair’s agent Bus Cook in general terms Wednesday, and that the two should talk more in the coming days to try to reach an agreement on an extension to lower his $23.463 million cap figure. A source close to Drew Brees indicated Sunday that agent Tom Condon is expected to call the Dolphins on the first day of free agency to set up a visit. Brees has been splitting the offseason between San Diego and Birmingham, Ala., as he does rehabilitation work on his right (throwing shoulder). Brees sustained a torn labrum in the season finale and had surgery in January. If Minnesota competes for Brees, that could leave Culpepper available to the Dolphins. Culpepper, who is rehabbing his surgically repaired right knee in Orlando, caused another stir Wednesday when he told several media outlets he has asked the Vikings to trade or release him. One available veteran receivers who the Lions might commit some money to is former St. Louis Rams receiver Isaac Bruce. In addition to being a productive player, Bruce has a strong work ethic and a lot of experience in the offense of new Detroit coordinator Mike Martz. The Lions are expected to visit with Washington Redskins quarterback Patrick Ramsey, who is trying to work out a draft-day trade. Other teams, including the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets, are interested in Ramsey. If a deal is done, it would probably happen on the second day of the draft (April 30) when the compensation would be a fifth-round draft pick or lower. The Lions are not expected to be in the running for San Diego quarterback Drew Brees, partly because he's going to want to be a team's starting quarterback and partly because his asking price will be too high. It has been more difficult to get a read on DT Ryan Pickett, but Buffalo and Cleveland are possibilities. Both teams are looking for run-stopping defensive tackles, and former Rams assistant Bill Kollar is the defensive line coach in Buffalo. With a six-year extension of the collective bargaining agreement reached Wednesday night, teams are now in a better position to make a push for Daunte Culpepper. Among the teams in the market for a quarterback are the Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders, Detroit Lions and New York Jets. And given Culpepper's ties to former Vikings coach Dennis Green and former Vikings offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, the Arizona Cardinals and St. Louis Rams, respectively, also could be interested. It will be interesting to see whether the Vikings make a deal for quarterback A.J. Feeley, who played for Brad Childress in Philadelphia and now is with the San Diego Chargers, for whom Vikings vice president for player personnel Fran Foley worked before coming to Minnesota. Defensive end Trevor Pryce, released by the Broncos on March 1, wrapped up his visit with Cleveland and is in preliminary talks with the Browns. He is expected to visit a few more teams soon. Gerard Warren is planning a meeting today with his agent. The defensive tackle's message will be much the same as the one he's been saying all along: Get a deal done with the Broncos. Yet NFL labor peace reached Wednesday night might finally assure that can occur - and quickly, too. "I'm trying to stay in Denver, Colorado," said Warren, who's scheduled to hit the open market at 10:01 p.m. MST Friday. "I'm not really trying to look into free agency. What we had was beautiful there, man." Adam Vinatieri was paid a little more than $2.5 million last season, and it might take a ridiculous offer for the Patriots not to bring him back. Dallas, coached by Bill Parcells, who brought Vinatieri to the Patriots as an undrafted rookie in 1996, will be among several teams that would try to sign the game's top clutch kicker. Though they have yet to go on their first date, free-agent linebacker LaVar Arrington continues to flirt with the Giants. In a radio interview with The Ticket (790 AM) in Miami yesterday, the former Redskin again alluded to the Giants as being among his top potential destinations. Midday show co-host Sid Rosenberg -- formerly of WFAN and still a Giants fan -- asked Arrington if he could convince him to play in East Rutherford next year. "It's the NFC East, so it's an option, I'll tell you that," Arrington said. "I'd just love to bless (the Redskins) with my presence twice a year." Patrick Ramsey, a former first-round pick out of Tulane, visited the Jets for a workout yesterday in a move that could be the first step toward a trade for the Washington Redskins quarterback. Ramsey and the Bengals' Jon Kitna are at the top of the Jets' list in the search for a veteran quarterback to compete with Chad Pennington for the starting job in training camp in July. After two days of intense negotiations in a Dallas suburb, NFL owners voted 30-2 to approve the NFL Players Association proposal on an extension of the collective bargaining agreement, ensuring labor peace for another six years. Only Cincinnati and Buffalo, both low-revenue teams, voted against the extension that increases the salary cap from $94.5 million to $102 million this year. Income from the network television contract and gate receipts is divided 50-50. Teams that bring in more local revenue from stadium naming rights, sponsorships, signage and radio and television deals will have to foot more of the bill. The Chargers are believed to be interested in free-agent center LeCharles Bentley, who played for New Orleans last season and would likely move to guard here. Among the free-agent safeties the Chargers are expected to target is Marlon McCree, recently of Carolina, a playmaker who could supplant free safety Bhawoh Jue. The Bears are optimistic of reaching a long-term extension for Lance Briggs and are working on a new contract for Hunter Hillenmeyer, which means linebacker depth will be addressed in the draft. The Bears might consider an alternative like New Orleans receiver Az-Zahir Hakim, a proven punt returner and member of the Rams while Smith was an assistant there. Hakim caught no fewer than 31 passes each of the last seven seasons and has a career average of 10.7 yards on punt returns. Adding a pass rusher has emerged as a free-agency surprise. The Bears have Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye, but coach Lovie Smith believes in adding speed to his front four and listed that priority last weekend at the team's annual fan convention. Detroit's Kalimba Edwards and Seattle tackle Rocky Bernard are the premier sack threats who will be in demand. Quarterback Josh McCown would interest the Bears, but he will take a spin at securing a starter's job and paycheck first. Ricardo Rodriguez swears he isn't pressing, but he knows he needs to "hurry up" and impress the Phillies during this spring training. Rodriguez allowed three hits and a walk but allowed no runs in two innings in yesterday's 4-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Bright House Networks Field. In four innings over two Grapefruit League appearances, Rodriguez has allowed six hits and one run, with two walks and two strikeouts. "My confidence is better," said Rodriguez, 27. "My control is coming along. I haven't faced hitters in a while, and it's hard to get back. I'm getting better." Shawn Barber's addition is the first of several anticipated free-agent moves by the Eagles, who are expected to sign New Orleans Saints center LeCharles Bentley and Detroit Lions backup quarterback Jeff Garcia. Peter Schaffer, the agent for linebacker Chad Brown, said he’s been in regular contact with the Patriots, but doesn’t know what the future holds for his client. Cutting Brown would save $770,000 against the salary cap. “I talk to Scott Pioli all the time. He’s an insightful human being,” Schaffer said. “Not until after the CBA can anybody really do anything.” Brown never quite meshed in the Patriots defense, where he was asked to play inside linebacker after a career spent on the outside. It has been considered a foregone conclusion that the Patriots will cut injury-prone cornerback Tyrone Poole to save $1.8 million against the salary cap. But it hasn’t happened yet, so Poole waits. “As of Friday, when I last talked to (personnel chief) Scott Pioli, they didn’t know which direction they were going,” said Poole’s agent, Hadley Engelhard. “Who knows. Something could happen today.” Poole’s day of reckoning could be coming shortly. He’s due a $500,000 roster bonus within the first three days of the league year, and if the Patriots are going to cut him, it will be before paying him that money. With the additional cap room, the Falcons have a better shot at retaining free agents wide receiver Brian Finneran, defensive tackle Antwan Lake and safeties Ronnie Heard, Kevin McCadam and Omare Lowe. Former Wisconsin RB Brian Calhoun said his interview with the Packers in Indianapolis was "intense," but still has interest in playing for the Packers. "I would love to play in Green Bay. My family's two hours away," said Calhoun, who will watch the draft at his family's suburban Milwaukee home. "I know they just signed Ahman Green to a year extension, but it would be great to play behind him and learn from him and then hopefully step into (being) the guy in a few years." One player who has already caught the Bucs eye and will visit with them within a week is former Titans tackle Brad Hopkins. Hopkins, 35, was recently released by Tennessee in a cost-cutting maneuver. Among the moves the Bucs could make early in the free-agency period is the re-signing of fullback Mike Alstott. After contemplating retirement for several weeks, Alstott stated through his agent two weeks ago and then publicly Monday that he intends to play another season. Brian Griese was expected to be one of the players cut in an effort to gain compliance with the salary cap, but the chance of losing Simms to another team after next season could force the Bucs to keep him. At the very least, the Bucs are expected to make an attempt to re-sign Griese if he is let go. Count Bucs quarterback Chris Simms among those who won big Wednesday when the NFL finally reached an accord with the players union on a new collective bargaining agreement. Among the stipulations in the six-year extension is one that allows players to become unrestricted free agents after accruing four years of NFL experience. That means Simms, who last week signed a one-year deal to remain in Tampa through 2006, will be free to explore unabated free agency next March. The Redskins could take another look at cornerback R.W. McQuarters (Detroit), who they tried to land last offseason, or a safety like Adam Archuleta (St. Louis). The Redskins were close to terms with running back Rock Cartwright yesterday, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Washington also stands to add an additional $1.7 million in cap space with the trade of backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey -- who visited the New York Jets yesterday and has visits planned with Detroit and Miami, according to a source. Isaac Bruce (St. Louis), Antwaan Randle El (Pittsburgh), Antonio Bryant (Cleveland), Joe Jurevicius (Seattle) or David Givens (New England) would fill that Redskins role, among others. Julian Peterson and Will Witherspoon are the top outside linebackers available -- a position of need following the release of former Pro Bowler LaVar Arrington this week -- while defensive end John Abraham (New York Jets) will be traded and Darren Howard (New Orleans) has a knack for pass rushing as well.

03-09-2006, 10:36 AM	#11
Billy Clyde Puckett Billy=Semi Tough Big Guy Looking down on KC, SD and Oakland Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: between 5,000 and 10,000 feet elevation Posts: 12,665 Adopt-a-Bronco: John Elway	Forget all of the hype players. If I were the Broncs, my number one target right now would be LeCharles Bentley. He will be as good as Shields next years and is 7-8 years younger. Big, strong, durable and mean. Put him at RG and the Broncs don't need to run left all of the time. Maddox to the Fade? If so, Mikey, please bring us a couple of speedy pass rushers.

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03-09-2006, 08:49 AM	#2
clint7 Ring of Famer Join Date: May 2001 Location: Parts Unknown Posts: 3,046	I like how everyone has a different stance on TO: -Dallas now his the likely landing spot. -Denver is the frontrunner. -Kansas City is the likely destination.

03-09-2006, 09:06 AM	#4
freak6 3,631 - WAKE UP!!!! Impeach President Cheney and Puppet Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: San Diego Posts: 4,651 Adopt-a-Bronco: MJK	Warren will be back. "What we had was beautiful there" - Warren Good stuff from him and Courtney this week. Draft a DE, sign Abraham maybe, draft a TE, and draft a S and we are reloaded.

03-09-2006, 09:29 AM	#5
Boobs McGee I promise to stay alive till the day that I die Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Glendale Posts: 5,015 Adopt-a-Bronco: CassiusVAAAUGHN	So is McGinest too old? Or do you think he could be a valuable pass rusher for the right price here in denver?

03-09-2006, 09:37 AM	#6
baja It is what it Is. Pay attention. Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 53,862 Adopt-a-Bronco: Buy My Book	If we could get Ricky Williams and Abraham in FA I would be quite happy With our draft choices and the depth of this years draft we will get even younger. Could we have the beginnings of a dynasty.

03-09-2006, 09:43 AM	#8
El Guapo aka mav_7. who? Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: VA (heart is in TX) Posts: 3,444	abraham is a beast. He MADE the jets defense last season.. he would be a great addition.

03-09-2006, 10:39 AM	#12
Orange_Beard Over Jay Cutler Todd Snider Rules! Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Leucadia, CA Posts: 7,836 Adopt-a-Bronco: Tony Scheffler	Maddox could attract interest from Oakland. This would be fun.

03-09-2006, 10:55 AM	#16
Crushaholic Armchair Poster Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Topeka, KS Posts: 22,043	Kansas City for TO? That's "impossible". I read a thread a couple of days ago where Carl Peterson insisted he was not going to be active in FA...