Quick Hits from Around the League
By John White
Let’s count it down. There are only four days to the beginning of the free agency shopping period. Come this Friday night, teams will be free to begin serious negotiations with players and their agents to lure them to come play in their city.
It’s what happens between now and then that will determine who is available and exactly what needs each team has during that signing period. The news around the league just keeps coming in…
After being drafted by Green Bay last year, Brandon Jackson looked like he could be the answer at running back. However, he has stuggled as an every-down back and is beginning to look like a situational player. (Green Bay Press Gazette)
Detroit Lions coach Rod Marinelli told the Detroit News that Jon Kitna is the odds-on favorite to be the team’s starting quarterback in ’08. “Jon’s going to start for us,” said Marinelli. “I’m going to say that each and every day. He’s got leadership and intelligence, and he’s a good quarterback. We’ve got to make sure we’re bringing these guys (Drew Stanton and Dan Orlovsky) along, too. We’ve got to get young quarterbacks behind him.”
The Dallas Morning News ran a story Sunday quoting Cowboys owner Jerry Jones as saying that should Flozell Adams leave via free agency, the team would take a look at moving Leonard Davis to the vacant left tackle position. Also, Jones says Terry Glenn “is going to be a factor” in the ‘Pokes offense in ’08.
Lions cornerback Fernando Bryant is frustrated that the team has yet to release him. Coach Marinelli suggested that the decision on when to release Bryant was up to team president Matt Millen. (Detroit Free Press)
Three major Rams related items came from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. First, the team is considering extending the contract of running back Stephen Jackson a priority. Second, kicker Jeff Wilkins has yet to decide if he will return for another season. And finally, the Rams have expressed interest in re-signing offensive linemen Brett Romberg and Andy McCollum.
Drew Rosenhaus, the agent for defensive end Jevon Kearse, said he expects the Eagles to release his client according to the Philadelphia Enquirer and Daily News. “Jevon will be released, and I expect Jevon to be a free agent,” Rosenhaus said. “We tried to work out a restructure with the Eagles. We weren’t able to do it.”
The Bears are preparing a copy-cat contract for quarterback Kyle Orton – much the same as the one signed by Rex Grossman (one year, $3 million) with the same “new money.” (Chicago Tribune)
The Vikings continue to negotiate a new deal with soon-to-be free agent wide receiver Robert Ferguson. Ferguson has expressed a desire to remain in Minnesota and may likely be re-signed to come off the bench. (Minneapolis Star-Tribune)
Former Niners linebacker Derek Smith has signed on to play with the Chargers. According to Chargers.com the deal is thought to be for two years.
With Bryant Johnson a high profile free agent, Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt is planning to use Jerheme Urban, Ahmad Merritt, and Jamaica Rector as the team’s third receiver. The story, found in Arizona Republic, made no mention of using Steve Breaston.
The 49ers and Allen Rossum have agreed to a deal. Rossum is a former Steeler and is expected to contribute on special teams according to the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
A report in the Wisconsin State Journal suggests that Vikings defensive end Erasmus James might not make it back from his knee injury. Minnesota coach Brad Childress spoke candidly about James’ injury. “It’s been one bad turn after another for Erasmus,” said Childress. “He was a holdout as a rookie, and then got hurt immediately. Had a bad surgery, came back and had to have the knee repaired again. He’s got a long road to hoe here rehab-wise (to get) back on the football field.”