Quick Hits from Around the League
By John White
Free agency looms and possible trades abound. But there are deadlines too. NFL teams must place tender offers on their restricted free agents by the end of the day. There is business to be done and plenty of rumors about what is going on.
Pacman Jones has been given permission to seek a trade by the Titans. If he can find a team willing to make a deal he’ll be able to make it rain in another NFL city. What are the odds that someone is willing to give up anything to get a guy who is still under suspension? Is there a team out there stupid enough to give something away to get a guy who is an obvious cancer? Doubtful. (Nashville City Paper)
The hottest free agent running back, Michael Turner of San Diego, could probably ask for a blank check from a lot of clubs and get it. Rumor has it now, according to the San Diego U-T, that Turner could be on the radar for Bears, Lions and Saints.
Some other interesting notes from that same article out of San Diego include news regarding Billy Volek, the Chargers backup quarterback. Volek is going to test the waters and get back to the team. The team expected this move. They would like to retain him but only if the price is right.
After the death of Rams owner Georgia Frontiere, rampant rumors persist that her son and new team owner, Chip Rosenbloom, would move the team back to Los Angeles. However, he told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he isn’t interested in moving the team west. “We love St. Louis,” Rosenbloom told the Post-Dispatch this week in his first interview as Rams owner. “To me, St. Louis has been wonderful to my family, to my mother. I’m actually kind of surprised that there’s that much speculation.”
The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Bernard Berrian, the unrestricted free agent wide receiver, is seeking more than the team can offer. He appears to be looking for a payday in the neighborhood of $24.5 million for three years while the Bears are offering $25 million over five years with $8 million in bonus money. The story goes on to tell us that the Vikings could have a serious interest in obtaining Berrian.
Larry Fitzgerald and the Cardinals don’t appear to be any closer to reaching a restructured deal. Fitzgerald is due $14.6 this season and that could restrict the team’s movement in the free agency market. The team wants to sign him to a six-year deal while Fitzgerald’s agent wants a four-year deal. (Arizona Republic)
With a $2 million bonus due tomorrow, it’s possible the Rams could release Isaac Bruce. Currently, the veteran wide receiver is a restricted free agent. The team has discussed both a paycut and releasing him outright. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
Also, the Rams have restructured the contract for Leonard Little to keep him in town for the 2008 season.
The Chiefs have informed Ty Law that he will be released. The cornerback has shown an interest in going back to New England where his career began. Law wants to play for a contender so this would make sense. (Boston Herald)
"“Hey, you know what? My heart was always with the Patriots. I always have been. This is where it all started for me,” said Law, who was interviewed during a break on Comcast Sportsnet’s broadcast of the game. “So of course, it’s a final step for the Patriots. It’s football. I’m just looking forward to playing football wherever that might be, and just play for a contender. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.”“It’ll be interesting to see if they’re interested.”"
The Green Bay Post-Gazette reports that the Packers could go after former Patriots linebacker Roosevelt Colvin. The Patriots just released the veteran on Tuesday.
Winning the Super Bowl comes with a lot of perks and, often, a big payday. Tom Coughlin had been on the hot seat in New York prior to this past season. Now that he’s won the big one, his payday is imminent with a 4-year deal in the neighborhood of $21 million and will move him into the top tier of coaching salaries. (New York Daily News)
Lance Briggs, the Bears free agent linebacker, is seeking a deal that could net him around $7 million per season and $20 million in guaranteed money. The 49ers have been rumored to be interested despite the hefty price tag, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
The Jets seem to have a thing for the Steelers Alan Faneca and the Patriots Asante Samuel. Both will be asking for huge paydays and the Jets seem to be ready to pounce at the opening bell of free agency tonight. (New York Daily News)
Chargers cornerback Drayton Florence could sign with a new team this weekend. The Lions and the Redskins seem to be likely suitors. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
The Bergen Record reports that New York Giants safety Gibril Wilson could be on his way to either the Eagles, Jaguars or Broncos.
The Seahawks placed the franchise tag on Marcus Trufant last week and now the team would like to extend his contract. A new deal would be more cap friendly than the $9.465 million tender placed on him. (Seattle P-I)
Antwan Odom’s name is getting linked to several teams with interest but the Titans are tryin to retain him according to the Tennessean. “We have some parameters, but is it enough to get a deal done right now? Heck no,” said Tony Agnone, one of Odom’s agents. “But this is like an NBA game, nothing happens until the last few minutes. I think they want to keep him. But let’s be honest, the market is good for him.”
Justin McCareins, a wide receiver recently released by the Jets, could be headed to Chicago. (Chicago Tribune)
The Dallas Morning News reports that Marion Barber could be getting the highest possible tender from the Cowboys to restrict his movement which could mean as much as $2.562 million in salary or a first and third round selection in return should another team sign him.
The Bucs are in the market for a defensive end and could go after Justin Smith from Cincinnati. (St. Petersburg Times)
Alge Crumpler, former Falcons tight end, has visited with the Titans. The report from the Tennessean also says that he underwent a physical on Wednesday suggesting that the team could have serious interest.
The Bears are taking a hard look at Donte Stallworth, recently allowed to escape New England. (Chicago Tribune) The Bears could also be going after Alan Faneca of the Steelers.