Offseason Discussion Thread

I think they ranked Andre Johnson a little too high if you ask me. He's a talented receiver no doubt, but has he really performed better than any of the receivers ranked #5-10 lately? I don't think so, but other than that I like the list.

^ Colston at 15. Who knew just 2 years in he'd be up that far?geaux321

WR's ranked from #1 to #64

I AM NOT GOING TO PUT ALL 64 I WILL JUST PUT THE TOP 10 AND AN HONERABLE MENTION:D:

1. Randy Moss

New England Patriots
Moss proved last season that his two-year lull in Oakland was an aberration, catching an NFL-record 23 TDs. On the Raiders, Moss lacked a quarterback who could consistently get him the ball, Obviously, that's no longer the case. Moss is no longer a sub-4.3 guy, but he can run sub-4.5. What separates him from almost every other wide receiver on this list is his ability to outjump any defensive back in the NFL. When you're 6-4, that's a huge advantage.

2. Terrell Owens

Dallas Cowboys
Like Moss, Owens does not seem to be slowed by age. The 34-year-old has never been a speed guy, but he remains one of the more physical receivers in the game. Owens has improved his route-running skills, which is the main reason his game has not fallen off. A negative: He had 10 drops last season, according to Stats LLC, tied for third in the NFL. In 2006, he led the NFL in drops with 17, according to Stats.

3. Steve Smith

Carolina Panthers
Even though his numbers dipped slightly in 2007 (87 catches, 1,002 yards, 7 TDs), you could make a case for Smith being the best receiver in the NFL. Smith, who suffered from poor quarterback play last season, is still the most explosive playmaker in the game. He has great speed and excellent run-after-catch ability.

4. Andre Johnson

Houston Texans
Johnson is big (6-3, 219), physical, runs solid routes and makes plays. In terms of physical tools, he is every bit as good as the three guys in front of him. He may have been overlooked in the past because of poor quarterback play (see David Carr 2003-06) but should improve as he works more with Matt Schaub. Johnson's numbers last season (60 catches, 851 yards) would have been more impressive if he had not missed seven games with an injury.

5. Reggie Wayne

Indianapolis Colts
The only real knock on Wayne is that he has always been 1B to Marvin Harrison, who was 1A. That's no longer the case as he is Peyton Manning's top option now. Wayne has sneaky speed, which can catch a corner off guard. He has a great feel for Indianapolis' system and the ability to find holes in a defense.

6. Larry Fitzgerald

Arizona Cardinals
There are always debates over who is the Cardinals' No. 1 receiver. We feel that player is Fitzgerald in large part because his counterpart, Anquan Boldin, has been unable to consistently get open. Fitzgerald does not have big-time speed, but he has great hands and knows how to use his size (6-3, 226) to separate from a defender.

7. Braylon Edwards

Cleveland Browns
After some early growing pains, Edwards has been as good as advertised. Edwards, who had nine touchdown catches in his first two seasons, had 16 in 2007. He has matured on and off the field, a big reason he has become one of the premier receivers in the game. One negative: He tied for the league lead (with Colts TE Dallas Clark) with drops with 12, according to Stats LLC.

8. Chad Johnson

Cincinnati Bengals
Johnson can rub people the wrong way with his antics, but teammate TJ Houshmandazedah would not be nearly as productive without Ocho Cinco commanding the attention he does. He is a major deep threat and terrific route runner. While he is not great after the catch and doesn't play an especially physical brand of football, Johnson is still an elite wideout. Although he seemed to have a quiet 2007, he had his best season for receiving yards (1,440) and caught 93 passes, the third-highest total of his career.

9. Plaxico Burress

New York Giants
The talent has never been a question. The work ethic and inconsistency have. That changed in 2007 when, despite missing many practices with ankle and knee injuries, Burress was able to step up on game day and deliver for the Super Bowl champs. His size (6-5) is special. Even slowed by the ankle last season, he was regularly able to outjump defenders.

10. Torry Holt

St. Louis Rams
His speed and quickness are not what they once were, but like the other receivers above him who are getting older, he just knows how to play the game. What we love about Holt is his ability to consistently find the open area in a zone. He is still a good enough route runner to turn a defensive back inside out. He is on the downside of his career, but that won't stop him from giving us a little more magic.

HONORABLE MENTION:

24. Joey Galloway

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Even at 36, Galloway continues to play at a high level. He is an explosive downfield threat who places a lot of pressure on the back end in deep zones. He is a quick, solid route runner with soft hands. He still has elite speed and has shown no signs of slowing down.

Ryder004

Steelers sign DT Anthony McFarland

Anthony "Booger" McFarland, released last month by the Indianapolis Colts when he failed their physical, came to a contract agreement with the Steelers last night after meeting with team officials and taking a physical earlier in the day. He is a defensive lineman who is 6 feet, 300 pounds. He spent all last season on injured reserve with a knee injury. The Colts acquired McFarland in a trade with Tampa Bay in October 2006 for a second-round draft choice.

He was the Buccaneers' first-round draft choice in 1999 from LSU and played for Tampa Bay when Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was the secondary coach there. --Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cardinals sign LB Clark Haggans to 1-year deal

Free-agent LB Clark Haggans reached agreement with the Arizona Cardinals on a one-year deal, NFL Network's Adam Schefter is reporting.

Haggans, 31, will be reunited with former Steelers coaches Ken Whisenhunt and Russ Grimm. After being taken in the second round by Pittsburgh in 2000, he spent eight seasons with the team, playing in 107 games with 61 starts.

Panthers sign guard Fonoti

The Carolina Panthers have signed free-agent guard Toniu Fonoti, a former second-round draft choice who has been in and out of the league in recent seasons because of weight problems.

The Panthers hope Fonoti (6-foot-4, 350 pounds) can compete for playing time at guard.

San Diego selected him in the 2002 draft. He started 14 games for the Chargers as a rookie, then spent the next season on injured reserve. In 2004, he started 16 games. Sports Illustrated named him first-team All-Pro.

After another injury and with his weight reportedly up to about 390 pounds, the Chargers traded him to Minnesota in 2005. He didn't last with the Vikings. Atlanta signed him last March, but released him during training camp. --Charlotte Observer

[QUOTE="Ryder004"]

WR's ranked from #1 to #64

I AM NOT GOING TO PUT ALL 64 I WILL JUST PUT THE TOP 10 AND AN HONERABLE MENTION:D:

1. Randy Moss

New England Patriots
Moss proved last season that his two-year lull in Oakland was an aberration, catching an NFL-record 23 TDs. On the Raiders, Moss lacked a quarterback who could consistently get him the ball, Obviously, that's no longer the case. Moss is no longer a sub-4.3 guy, but he can run sub-4.5. What separates him from almost every other wide receiver on this list is his ability to outjump any defensive back in the NFL. When you're 6-4, that's a huge advantage.

2. Terrell Owens

Dallas Cowboys
Like Moss, Owens does not seem to be slowed by age. The 34-year-old has never been a speed guy, but he remains one of the more physical receivers in the game. Owens has improved his route-running skills, which is the main reason his game has not fallen off. A negative: He had 10 drops last season, according to Stats LLC, tied for third in the NFL. In 2006, he led the NFL in drops with 17, according to Stats.

3. Steve Smith

Carolina Panthers
Even though his numbers dipped slightly in 2007 (87 catches, 1,002 yards, 7 TDs), you could make a case for Smith being the best receiver in the NFL. Smith, who suffered from poor quarterback play last season, is still the most explosive playmaker in the game. He has great speed and excellent run-after-catch ability.

4. Andre Johnson

Houston Texans
Johnson is big (6-3, 219), physical, runs solid routes and makes plays. In terms of physical tools, he is every bit as good as the three guys in front of him. He may have been overlooked in the past because of poor quarterback play (see David Carr 2003-06) but should improve as he works more with Matt Schaub. Johnson's numbers last season (60 catches, 851 yards) would have been more impressive if he had not missed seven games with an injury.

5. Reggie Wayne

Indianapolis Colts
The only real knock on Wayne is that he has always been 1B to Marvin Harrison, who was 1A. That's no longer the case as he is Peyton Manning's top option now. Wayne has sneaky speed, which can catch a corner off guard. He has a great feel for Indianapolis' system and the ability to find holes in a defense.

6. Larry Fitzgerald

Arizona Cardinals
There are always debates over who is the Cardinals' No. 1 receiver. We feel that player is Fitzgerald in large part because his counterpart, Anquan Boldin, has been unable to consistently get open. Fitzgerald does not have big-time speed, but he has great hands and knows how to use his size (6-3, 226) to separate from a defender.

7. Braylon Edwards

Cleveland Browns
After some early growing pains, Edwards has been as good as advertised. Edwards, who had nine touchdown catches in his first two seasons, had 16 in 2007. He has matured on and off the field, a big reason he has become one of the premier receivers in the game. One negative: He tied for the league lead (with Colts TE Dallas Clark) with drops with 12, according to Stats LLC.

8. Chad Johnson

Cincinnati Bengals
Johnson can rub people the wrong way with his antics, but teammate TJ Houshmandazedah would not be nearly as productive without Ocho Cinco commanding the attention he does. He is a major deep threat and terrific route runner. While he is not great after the catch and doesn't play an especially physical brand of football, Johnson is still an elite wideout. Although he seemed to have a quiet 2007, he had his best season for receiving yards (1,440) and caught 93 passes, the third-highest total of his career.

9. Plaxico Burress

New York Giants
The talent has never been a question. The work ethic and inconsistency have. That changed in 2007 when, despite missing many practices with ankle and knee injuries, Burress was able to step up on game day and deliver for the Super Bowl champs. His size (6-5) is special. Even slowed by the ankle last season, he was regularly able to outjump defenders.

10. Torry Holt

St. Louis Rams
His speed and quickness are not what they once were, but like the other receivers above him who are getting older, he just knows how to play the game. What we love about Holt is his ability to consistently find the open area in a zone. He is still a good enough route runner to turn a defensive back inside out. He is on the downside of his career, but that won't stop him from giving us a little more magic.

HONORABLE MENTION:

24. Joey Galloway

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Even at 36, Galloway continues to play at a high level. He is an explosive downfield threat who places a lot of pressure on the back end in deep zones. He is a quick, solid route runner with soft hands. He still has elite speed and has shown no signs of slowing down.

kalabo10688

Kind of puts into prospective how good Corey Webster played in the play-offs shutting down #1,#2 and #24 (Driver is probably ranked somewhere between 10 and 24).

Kind of puts into prospective how good Corey Webster played in the play-offs shutting down #1,#2 and #24 (Driver is probably ranked somewhere between 10 and 24).

No it doesn't, everyone knows it was the Giants pass rush that helped out their secondary.

[QUOTE="Apocalypse30"

Kind of puts into prospective how good Corey Webster played in the play-offs shutting down #1,#2 and #24 (Driver is probably ranked somewhere between 10 and 24).

geaux321

No it doesn't, everyone knows it was the Giants pass rush that helped out their secondary.

that gibril success was a product of the front four applying pessure not gibril skillz

Redskins vs Giants will start the season

Continuing with a tradition that dates all the way back to 2004, the defending Super Bowl champions will host the Thursday night regular-season opener. For the first time, however, the champs will play a division rival.

According to Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post, the Redskins will visit the New York Giants to start the season.

The game typically begins at 8:30 p.m. EDT, but likely will be moved to 7:00 p.m. EDT to avoid a conflict with the final night of the Republican National Convention, which will feature the formal nomination acceptance speech from Senator John McCain.

It's the second time that the 'Skins and the Giants will be involved in the Thursday night opener. New York hosted the first such game in 2002, against the 49ers. The next year, the Redskins played the Jets.

Beginning in 2004, the Super Bowl champs got the home game to start the season. That year the Colts visited the Pats. The next season, the Raiders traveled to New England. In 2006, the Steelers hosted the Dolphins. Last year, the Saints visited Indianapolis.

[QUOTE="geaux321"][QUOTE="Apocalypse30"

Kind of puts into prospective how good Corey Webster played in the play-offs shutting down #1,#2 and #24 (Driver is probably ranked somewhere between 10 and 24).

kalabo10688

No it doesn't, everyone knows it was the Giants pass rush that helped out their secondary.

that gibril success was a product of the front four applying pessure not gibril skillz

The way you guys make it seem is like the QB's were getting pressured every single play.

Bucs game : http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=280106027

'Boys game : http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=280113006

Packers game : http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=280120009

Pats game : http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=280203017

You can see who applied pressure by the () next to the incompletions.

no you got to give wilson credit the guy is a pretty solid safteyKFrandsen2

Redskins vs Giants will start the season

Continuing with a tradition that dates all the way back to 2004, the defending Super Bowl champions will host the Thursday night regular-season opener. For the first time, however, the champs will play a division rival.

According to Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post, the Redskins will visit the New York Giants to start the season.

The game typically begins at 8:30 p.m. EDT, but likely will be moved to 7:00 p.m. EDT to avoid a conflict with the final night of the Republican National Convention, which will feature the formal nomination acceptance speech from Senator John McCain.

It's the second time that the 'Skins and the Giants will be involved in the Thursday night opener. New York hosted the first such game in 2002, against the 49ers. The next year, the Redskins played the Jets.

Beginning in 2004, the Super Bowl champs got the home game to start the season. That year the Colts visited the Pats. The next season, the Raiders traveled to New England. In 2006, the Steelers hosted the Dolphins. Last year, the Saints visited Indianapolis.

Ryder004

Heath Benedict, a two-time Little All-American offensive lineman from Newberry College in South Carolina, was found dead on a couch in his home. Link

That is some sad news. I first heard of him when he was invited to the Senior Bowl, and thought he'd be a decent prospect in the middle rounds.

Heath Benedict, a two-time Little All-American offensive lineman from Newberry College in South Carolina, was found dead on a couch in his home. Link

That is some sad news. I first heard of him when he was invited to the Senior Bowl, and thought he'd be a decent prospect in the middle rounds.

geaux321

Heath Benedict, a two-time Little All-American offensive lineman from Newberry College in South Carolina, was found dead on a couch in his home. Link

That is some sad news. I first heard of him when he was invited to the Senior Bowl, and thought he'd be a decent prospect in the middle rounds.

geaux321

If Oakland can't pay Asomugha, Giants are interested

The Newark Star-Ledger reported cap issues may make it difficult for the Oakland Raiders to pay cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, a player the New York Giants covet.

According to the report, Oakland is only $500,000 under the cap. That figure is the top 51 on their current roster and they'll be able to shave some of that (perhaps by cutting RB LaMont Jordan), but it doesn't include the money they'll have to pay their rookies (Darren McFadden maybe?). Plus, you need more than $500k to operate during the season.

Does this mean the Giants will trade for Asomugha? But it's definitely a situation that bears watching.

HAHAHAHAHA GOOD JOB AL DAVIS!!!!!!!!:D

Texans sign safety Nick Ferguson

The Houston Texans have announced the acquisition of safety Nick Ferguson.

Ferguson spent the last five seasons with the Broncos, appearing in twelve games and starting seven of them in 2007. In 2005, he started all 16 games.

Prior to joining the Broncos, Ferguson spent three years with the Jets. Before that, he spent four seasons bouncing around the CFL.

He is the sixth new player that the Texans have signed via veteran free agency.

Seahawks sign Mare to two-year deal

Free-agent kicker Olindo Mare signed a two-year, $3.5M deal with the Seattle Seahawks, reports NFL Network's Adam Schefter.

The 12-year NFL veteran spent his first 10 seasons with the Miami Dolphins before spending the 2007 season in New Orleans. Mare, 34, replaces Josh Brown, who signed a $14.2 million, five-year contract as a free agent with the St. Louis Rams.

Through his career, Mare has connected on 79.7 percent of his field goal attempts and has a career long of 54 yards. His best season was 1999, when he connected on 84.8 percent of his field goal attempts -- including five of 50-plus yards -- for a career-best 144 points.

REPORT: PACMAN TO COWBOYS "IMMINENT"

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that a trade that would send suspended Tennessee Titans cornerback Pacman Jones to the Dallas Cowboys is imminent.

According to Schefter, the Cowboys and Titans spent Thursday discussing the trade and should be able to work out a deal soon. Although Schefter reports that the teams are still a few rounds apart in discussing compensation - the Titans have asked for a third-round pick and the Cowboys have offered a sixth-round pick - the deal could get done within the next couple of days.

In fact, Jones could be in Dallas this weekend to announce a deal at team headquarters before Cowboys officials leave for the league meetings in Florida.

There's still the matter of Jones needing to be reinstated. Although suspended players can be traded, merely acquiring the rights to Jones doesn't do the Cowboys any good unless NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell allws him to play. It is unclear when or whether that will happen.

But it's increasingly looking like if Jones plays in the NFL again, it will be with a star on his helmet.

REPORT: PACMAN TO COWBOYS "IMMINENT"

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that a trade that would send suspended Tennessee Titans cornerback Pacman Jones to the Dallas Cowboys is imminent.

According to Schefter, the Cowboys and Titans spent Thursday discussing the trade and should be able to work out a deal soon. Although Schefter reports that the teams are still a few rounds apart in discussing compensation - the Titans have asked for a third-round pick and the Cowboys have offered a sixth-round pick - the deal could get done within the next couple of days.

In fact, Jones could be in Dallas this weekend to announce a deal at team headquarters before Cowboys officials leave for the league meetings in Florida.

There's still the matter of Jones needing to be reinstated. Although suspended players can be traded, merely acquiring the rights to Jones doesn't do the Cowboys any good unless NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell allws him to play. It is unclear when or whether that will happen.

But it's increasingly looking like if Jones plays in the NFL again, it will be with a star on his helmet.

Ryder004

Uh oh. Jerry Jones is a freaking lunatic. he's going to be Al Davis one day, I know it.

You guys are really brutal on poor old Davis. He was one of my 'anti-hero' heroes waaay back-in-the-day :(JackBurton

I really do admire what he's done for football, but it's just so fun to make of him. :P

[QUOTE="JackBurton"]You guys are really brutal on poor old Davis. He was one of my 'anti-hero' heroes waaay back-in-the-day :(wallymartin

I really do admire what he's done for football, but it's just so fun to make of him. :P

If Jones really feels he must sell his soul to improve this team, and that's what we're talking here (imo), then I will lawl when Pacman gets his ass thrown out of league again or blows up the locker room.
Pacman is off-the-charts ignorant. He won't learn any life lessons until he's outfitted in an orange jumpsuit. JackBurton

Rather than giving Coles extension, Jets guarantee rest of contract

The Oakland Raiders have continued their effort to upgrade the talent on the roster by signing free-agent defensive end Kalimba Edwards.

The deal, per Adam Schefter of NFL Network, is for two years and pays $5 million.

Edwards was released on March 13 by the Detroit Lions. He visited the Titans a few days later, but otherwise generated not much interest.

A second-round draft pick in 2002, Edwards spent six seasons with the Lions, appearing in 87 games and starting 22. He has 26 career sacks.

[QUOTE="JackBurton"]If Jones really feels he must sell his soul to improve this team, and that's what we're talking here (imo), then I will lawl when Pacman gets his ass thrown out of league again or blows up the locker room.
Pacman is off-the-charts ignorant. He won't learn any life lessons until he's outfitted in an orange jumpsuit. kalabo10688

Could this be one of the reasons why Pacman wants to be in Dallas???...

Dallas club where girl, 12, stripped will keep license

The mere fact that a 12-year-old girl danced nude at a northwest Dallas strip club isn't enough to close its doors.

That's because the city ordinance that regulates sexually oriented businesses does not allow authorities to revoke the license of such a business for employing someone under the age of 18.

The sixth-grader danced at Diamonds Cabaret over a two-week period late last year, authorities say. They also say they found a 17-year-old girl working in the club in January.

Police officials are continuing to investigate whether the club's management knew she was underage.

The 23-page city ordinance does allow revocation of a club's license if, for example, the club knowingly allows prostitution, the sale or use of drugs at the club, or if there are two convictions for sex-related crimes at the club within a 12-month period.

The department also can suspend, but not revoke, the license of an escort agency for up to 30 days if it has employed anyone under 18.

But the ordinance does not give the department similar power over adult cabarets.

"There's a laundry list of things we can use to deny or revoke a license, but having a 12-year-old dancing in their establishment is not one of the things that automatically enables us to revoke their license," said Lt. Christina Smith, a vice unit commander who oversees licensing of such establishments. LINK

[QUOTE="kalabo10688"] [QUOTE="JackBurton"]If Jones really feels he must sell his soul to improve this team, and that's what we're talking here (imo), then I will lawl when Pacman gets his ass thrown out of league again or blows up the locker room.
Pacman is off-the-charts ignorant. He won't learn any life lessons until he's outfitted in an orange jumpsuit. JackBurton

Could this be one of the reasons why Pacman wants to be in Dallas???...

Dallas club where girl, 12, stripped will keep license

The mere fact that a 12-year-old girl danced nude at a northwest Dallas strip club isn't enough to close its doors.

That's because the city ordinance that regulates sexually oriented businesses does not allow authorities to revoke the license of such a business for employing someone under the age of 18.

The sixth-grader danced at Diamonds Cabaret over a two-week period late last year, authorities say. They also say they found a 17-year-old girl working in the club in January.

Police officials are continuing to investigate whether the club's management knew she was underage.

The 23-page city ordinance does allow revocation of a club's license if, for example, the club knowingly allows prostitution, the sale or use of drugs at the club, or if there are two convictions for sex-related crimes at the club within a 12-month period.

The department also can suspend, but not revoke, the license of an escort agency for up to 30 days if it has employed anyone under 18.

But the ordinance does not give the department similar power over adult cabarets.

"There's a laundry list of things we can use to deny or revoke a license, but having a 12-year-old dancing in their establishment is not one of the things that automatically enables us to revoke their license," said Lt. Christina Smith, a vice unit commander who oversees licensing of such establishments. LINK

no I total agree with you pacman is trouble in waiting...but their no way the titans are taking anything less than 2 or 3rd round pick for him...I mean the guy was taking 6 i belive overall when he was drafted
kalabo10688

The Panthers signed G Milford Brown.Or so I have read on XBox live (2k sports) !!!Apocalypse30

who is that lol

[QUOTE="Apocalypse30"]The Panthers signed G Milford Brown.Or so I have read on XBox live (2k sports) !!!KFrandsen2

who is that lol

I think he was with the Cards or the Bears one of the two teams.

Browns re-sign McKinney to one-year deal

The Browns re-signed offensive guard Seth McKinney to a one-year contract today, further bolstering its offensive line into a position of strength.

The 315-pound McKinney has played on both sides of the ball as well as at center during a six-year NFL career

McKinney was originally drafted by Miami in the third round in 2002. He played in all 16 games in each of his first three seasons with the Dolphins. He missed the entire '06 season with a neck injury before he signed with the Browns as a free agent before the 2007 season.

Titans sign Raiders' Chris Carr to offer sheet

The Tennessee Titans have signed Raiders restricted free agent CB/KR Chris Carr to an offer sheet.

Should Oakland decline to match the offer, Tennessee will not have to provide a draft pick as compensation because he was tendered at a level that only guaranteed the Raiders a "right of first refusal."

In three NFL seasons, Carr (5-10, 180) has played in 48 games with four starts. His career totals include 39 tackles, 4 fumble recoveries and 5 passes defensed, including a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown in 2006. He ranks as the Raiders' all-time leader in career kickoff returns (201) and kickoff return yards (4,841).

In 2007, Carr appeared in all 16 games for the third consecutive campaign and saw his most extensive action at cornerback, registering a career-best 24 tackles. In 2006, he set career-highs with 1,762 kickoff return yards and a 25.5-yard kickoff return average.

Im still shock bout the season opener

Pacman says days as Titan over

At a charity basketball game on Saturday night, during which he appeared and participated as a member of the Titans, Jones declared that his time with the team, in his view, has ended. FULL STORY

(Wow, ya think? He's just now figuring this out??)

Philadelphia to trade cornerback
Sheppard deal expected to happen before draft

The meat between the start of free agency and next month's NFL draft remains the same for the Eagles.

They're still planning to serve a Lito Sheppard sandwich to whichever team is willing to pay the highest price for the two-time Pro Bowl cornerback. Despite some sentiment that the Eagles would be better served by keeping Sheppard and moving Sheldon Brown to safety, the trade scenario remains far more likely.

Trade talks concerning Sheppard figure to pick up this week at the owners' meetings, which take place today through Wednesday in West Palm Beach, Fla.

A team source said the Eagles already have received some significant offers for the cornerback and will continue to listen. A deal is likely to get done before the start of the April 26 draft.

The Eagles have been told by several teams that they will make offers after they finalize their draft boards. With the draft less than a month away, those offers should be coming soon. --Charlotte Observer

Vikings still in pursuit of Texans' QB Rosenfels

The Vikings offered Houston a third-round draft pick in the hopes of acquiring Sage Rosenfels just before the free-agency period began. Talks stalled when the Texans asked for a second-round pick, but there is a general feeling among NFL people that the teams could re-enter those discussions as early as this week, when all 32 teams gather here for the league's annual meetings.

Publicly, not enough attention has been spent on the significance in the difference of entering 2008 with Rosenfels and without him. If they snag him, the Vikings will have finally accomplished a project three years in the making: finding a veteran backup who knows the West Coast offense and has demonstrated an ability to win games as a short-term starter. --Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Pacman Jones? Charity basketball game? Good lord, I think he's doing some good in this world!!!

Also, I wouldn't be surprised if the Pats ended up trading for Sheppard.

Pacman Jones? Charity basketball game? Good lord, I think he's doing some good in this world!!!

Also, I wouldn't be surprised if the Pats ended up trading for Sheppard.

detroitpistons0

Have you heard what the Eagles are asking in return?

[QUOTE="detroitpistons0"]

Pacman Jones? Charity basketball game? Good lord, I think he's doing some good in this world!!!

Also, I wouldn't be surprised if the Pats ended up trading for Sheppard.

Ngamer05

Have you heard what the Eagles are asking in return?

No. What, are they asking for 2 first rounders and another corner?

[QUOTE="Ngamer05"][QUOTE="detroitpistons0"]

Pacman Jones? Charity basketball game? Good lord, I think he's doing some good in this world!!!

Also, I wouldn't be surprised if the Pats ended up trading for Sheppard.

detroitpistons0

Have you heard what the Eagles are asking in return?

No. What, are they asking for 2 first rounders and another corner?

I guarantee the Eagles won't get that much out of Lito.

Packers vs Vikings to open season on ESPN's MNF

The NFL will announce this afternoon that the Vikings will play the Green Bay Packers in the Monday night opener at 6 p.m. Sept. 8 on ESPN, according to an industry source. As has become the custom, it will be the first game of a Monday night doubleheader on the network. The game is expected to be played at Lambeau Field and will be the first for the Packers in the post-Brett Favre era. (Do you think there will be a little talk about Favre that night?)

The Vikings also played on the opening Monday night of the 2006 season when they beat Washington in Brad Childress' first game as head coach.

Last season, the Vikings made only one Monday night appearance. That came Dec. 17 at the Metrodome. Of course, the 2007 schedule was done long before Adrian Peterson proved himself to be one of the NFL's top running backs and marquee attractions. Overall, the Vikings finished with two prime-time games last season. The Dec. 23 matchup against Washington was moved to Sunday night on NBC under the league's flexible scheduling system. --Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Vikings still in pursuit of Texans' QB Rosenfels

The Vikings offered Houston a third-round draft pick in the hopes of acquiring Sage Rosenfelsjust before the free-agency period began. Talks stalled when the Texans asked for a second-round pick, but there is a general feeling among NFL people that the teams could re-enter those discussions as early as this week, when all 32 teams gather here for the league's annual meetings.

Publicly, not enough attention has been spent on the significance in the difference of entering 2008 with Rosenfels and without him. If they snag him, the Vikings will have finally accomplished a project three years in the making: finding a veteran backup who knows the West Coast offense and has demonstrated an ability to win games as a short-term starter. --Minneapolis Star-Tribune

JackBurton

Wow. I'm in favor of keeping Rosenfels based on how he handled the team last season, which was quite impressive, but trading him for a 3rd Round pick is intriguing. Potentially a 2nd Round pick? If that's the case, sell while the value is high. I like Rosenfels, but the Texans need picks.

Packers vs Vikings to open season on ESPN's MNF

The NFL will announce this afternoon that the Vikings will play the Green Bay Packers in the Monday night opener at 6 p.m. Sept. 8 on ESPN, according to an industry source. As has become the custom, it will be the first game of a Monday night doubleheader on the network. The game is expected to be played at Lambeau Field and will be the first for the Packers in the post-Brett Favre era. (Do you think there will be a little talk about Favre that night?)

The Vikings also played on the opening Monday night of the 2006 season when they beat Washington in Brad Childress' first game as head coach.

Last season, the Vikings made only one Monday night appearance. That came Dec. 17 at the Metrodome. Of course, the 2007 schedule was done long before Adrian Peterson proved himself to be one of the NFL's top running backs and marquee attractions. Overall, the Vikings finished with two prime-time games last season. The Dec. 23 matchup against Washington was moved to Sunday night on NBC under the league's flexible scheduling system. --Minneapolis Star-Tribune

JackBurton

A worthy opener for ESPN, I think.

Prime-time games highlight '08 Kickoff Weekend

The NFL announced the 2008 Kickoff Weekend schedule, which features four national games.

The New York Giants will host the Washington Redskins in the season opener Sept. 4, continuing the tradition of the Super Bowl champion hosting the Thursday night season opener.
Kickoff will be 90 minutes earlier than usual because of the Republican National Convention.

The Indianapolis Colts will host the Chicago Bears in Sunday night's prime-time game, the first regular-season contest at Lucas Oil Stadium.

ESPN will feature a Monday night doubleheader -- the Packers will host the Vikings in the early matchup, while the Oakland Raiders will host the Denver Broncos in the late contest.

The rest of the 2008 regular-season schedule will be completed and announced in April, the NFL said.

Ravens, Bengals get four compensatory draft picks

The Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals, were awarded the most compensatory picks in this year's draft.

The Ravens (5-11) and Bengals (7-9) each received four picks, beginning in the third round of the April 26-27 draft. Those picks are slotted at the end of each of the last five rounds.

Baltimore lost four compensatory free agents in 2007, including star linebacker Adalius Thomas to New England, and didn't sign any. Cincinnati lost five such free agents, the best of which was guard Eric Steinbach, who signed with Cleveland.

Only Washington, which was given the top compensatory selection, 96th overall (33rd in the third rnd), Cincinnati (97th), Atlanta (98th) and Baltimore (99th) got extra choices in the third round.

Fourth-round compensatory picks went to the Eagles, Bills, Ravens, Titans and Packers.

Only one team, the Chargers, got a fifth-round compensatory pick.

Sixth-round compensatory picks were awarded, in order, to the Giants, Eagles, Colts, Colts, Eagles, Dolphins, Colts, Ravens and Bengals. The rest of the compensatory picks are seventh-rounders.

In all, 15 teams were awarded compensatory picks. Washington, Chicago, Indianapolis and Philadelphia each got three selections. Receiving two were Buffalo, Carolina and Miami. Getting one apiece were Atlanta, Green Bay, St. Louis, San Diego, Tennessee and the New York Giants.

Derek Anderson deal influenced by Dal-to-Mia 3-way trade rumor

Palm Beach, Fla.- General Manager Phil Savage upped the Browns' contract offer to Derek Anderson because he feared Dallas would sign the quarterback and trade him to Miami.

"It didn't matter if I was pretty convinced or just slightly," Savage said Tuesday at NFL league meetings. "The threat of that being there [influenced him to raise the Browns' offer]."

Here's what Savage envisioned if he failed to re-sign Anderson to a multiyear deal and had to give him the one-year contract tender as a restricted free agent:

Dallas would have signed Anderson to a big contract and included a "poison pill," which would have made it impossible for the Browns to match the offer.

Dallas would have compensated the Browns with first- and third-round picks. They would be the Cowboys' original selections, No. 28 overall in both rounds.

Dallas would have traded Anderson and their other first-round pick - No. 22 overall, obtained from the Browns last year - to Miami for the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. The Cowboys then would select Arkansas running back Darren McFadden with that pick.

Savage said he became suspicious because he thought the new big fish in Miami, Bill Parcells, really liked Anderson and the Dolphins declined to answer phone calls prior to the tender deadline of midnight on Feb. 29.

He thought a working relationship between the Cowboys and Parcells would facilitate the complex deal. He also thought the Cowboys would lend Parcells a hand in the transaction partly to tweak the Browns for looking good in the Brady Quinn trade of a year ago, which resulted in a much lower pick for the Cowboys than anticipated.

"What better way to get back at us for having a good year?" Savage said.

As a result of Savage's concern, he raised the Browns' three-year offer from a maximum of $22 million to $24 million. --The Cleveland Plain Dealer

Saints' DE Will Smith skips off-season workouts, wants new deal

Saints defensive end Will Smith, apparently unhappy that the team has yet to restructure his soon-to-expire contract by giving him an extension and raise, is not participating in the team's off-season conditioning program, Coach Sean Payton said Wednedsay.

Smith, who watched last year as fellow lineman Charles Grant signed a seven-year contract that could eventually be worth $63M, played for a base salary of $695,000 in 2007.

The club's first-round draft choice in 2004, Smith's original contract earned him $20 million in bonuses, and by reaching certain incentives, Smith is scheduled to earn just more than a $1M this season in the last year of his contract.

Payton said he understands Smith's position and feels certain the team will come to a new contractual understanding with the former Pro Bowl player.

"He's one of the guys who has become a leader in that locker room," Payton said. "I think for him it's wanting to get a new deal and hey, all parties want that. It's just a matter of sorting through and arriving at the right number."

Smith's agent, Joel Segal, could not immediately be reached for comment.

Eagles' TE L.J. Smith signs franchise tender

L.J. Smith eased the minds of everyone in the organization about possibly missing any time this offseason by signing his one-year franchise tender Wednesday.

Often, players get upset about the franchise tag because it doesn't give them the chance of hitting the unrestricted free agent market. Smith, the first player named as a franchise player this offseason, apparently didn't have any problem. He signed the deal for $4.522 million.

Smith, 27, started 63 games in his five seasons with the Eagles, and has 194 receptions. His best season was in 2005, when he caught 61 passes.

Jaguars reward coach Del Rio with extension

(AP) -- Jacksonville Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio has signed a contract extension, a reward for winning his first playoff game.

Del Rio's raise was undisclosed Thursday, but it was expected to be a significant jump from the original five-year, $6.5 million contract he signed when he joined the club in 2003.

Del Rio already had received one pay bump, getting a one-year extension following the 2005 season. That one followed a 12-4 season and the franchise's first playoff berth since 1999.

Jacksonville is 45-35 in five years under Del Rio.

Associated Press

HOUSTON -- Dunta Robinson probably won't return to the Houston Texans lineup until the middle of this season, but the cornerback is encouraged with the progress he's made in recovering from the serious knee injury he suffered in November.

The beginning of the Texans offseason conditioning program this week gave Robinson a chance to share a field with his teammates for the first time since surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament and injured hamstring. He wasn't able to join the team for drills though, and was off to the side with a trainer and other injured players continuing his rehabilitation.

"I feel like an outcast, like I'm on the outside looking in," he said Thursday. "I just want to be out here so bad. I want to run around with the guys. Those are the things that push me a little bit harder to get back."

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press

Bill Belichek was on Troy's campus today, wonder who he could be looking at?geaux321