Quick Hits from Around the League
By John White
Write this down. There are now only two days before the beginning of the free agency shopping period. The flurry of activity that is expected could be enough to keep us busy for quite a while. In the meantime, the whispers and rumors continue to rum rampant.
Here are today’s quick hits from around the NFL.
Browns quarterback, Derek Anderson may be looking to grab for the brass ring as he wants the same kind of coin given to Tony Romo, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Antonio Cromartie, the Chargers cornerback, could become the first at the position to really draw the big bucks. It’s possible he could receive a contract in the $100 million range. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
The deadline for the Cowboys to get a deal done with Flozell Adams is quickly approaching. If they can’t get him signed before 11pm tomorrow night, they will give up their exclusive negotiating rights. (Dallas Morning News)
Ocho Cinco could be a target for the Redskins. The Washington Post tells us that the team would make a serious push to acquire the Bengals’ receiver should he be made available in a trade.
Broncos wide receiver Rod Smith is seriously considering retirement. However, he might remain with the club as a consultant. (Denver Post)
Ben Roethlisberger, the Steeler’s quarterback, spent some time over the weekend in Vegas. While he was there, he was playing the high rollers tables where the bets went as high as $8000 per hand. Big Ben must have felt a little uneasy so he had two bodyguards in tow. I guess what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas especially considering that a Vegas newspaper, the Las Vegas Review-Journal, reported the story.
Another player, linebacker Victor Hobson of the Jets, may be testing the free agent market. (Newark Star-Ledger) Also, the team might be interested in using their first round pick to take Vernon Gholston of Ohio State.
Changes will be coming to your TV set during the ’08 football season according to the USA Today. Sean Salisbury has been fired by ESPN and replaced with Cris Carter who had just recently lost his gig when HBO cancelled “Inside the NFL.” Also, if Michael Strahan decides to retire, he may end up with Fox Sports.
David Tyree of the Giants says that the amazing catch he made during the team’s winning drive of the Super Bowl needs a name and a t-shirt. Tyree appeared on Bloomberg’s “On the Ball” program and said, “I’ve been in the dumps a long time in the special-teams business. It’s about time I get a few bucks thrown my way.”
The Jets are expected to make a move to sign Alan Faneca, a free agent guard from the Steelers. (Newsday)
According to the Miami Herald, the Dolphins could be interested in looking seriously at a group of free agent wide receivers including Jerry Porter. The story also links Miami’s interests to Eugene Wilson, the Patriots’ safety.
Is it possible that Chargers’ tight end Antonio Gates is underpaid? (San Diego Union-Tribune)
The Tennessean reports that the Titans might have a hard time keeping defensive ends Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy.
The Broncos have expressed some interest in Dewayne Robertson, a defensive tackle being shopped by the Jets. (Denver Post)