February 01, 2004Football Blog Archives |
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Owens Misses Deadline to File for Free AgencyAccording to the NFL Management Council, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Terrell Owens failed to file the necessary paperwork soon enough this week to become an unrestricted free agent. By missing the deadline, Owens remains under contract to the 49ers through 2006. His agent, David Joseph, is expected to file a grievance.Also missing a key deadline was Cleveland Browns wide receiver Dennis Northcutt. The Browns announced Thursday that Northcutt's agent failed to void the final three years of his contract by the February 19th deadline, keeping him under contract until 2006 as well. 12:56 AM # Jamal Lewis Facing Drug ChargesBaltimore Ravens running back Jamal Lewis, who led the NFL with 2,066 yards rushing last season, was indicted Wednesday on federal charges that he conspired to possess five kilograms of cocaine with the intent to distribute and used a cell phone in the commission of the first offense.Lewis is accused of trying to help a boyhood friend buy cocaine in the summer of 2000, U.S. Attorney William S. Duffey told reporters. According to an affidavit, no drugs were ever purchased. Ed Garland, Lewis' lawyer, told the Associated Press, "Mr. Lewis wants everybody to know that he did nothing wrong. He was not part of any drug deal and any contention that he was is false." 12:32 AM # 2004 Franchise and Transition PlayersNFL clubs had until 4:00 PM ET Tuesday to designate their franchise and transition players. If you're like a lot of people that don't fully understand the NFL's system of franchise and transition designations, check out this brief explanation. Following is the official list of players that have been tagged.Franchise Champ Bailey, CB Washington Chad Clifton, T Green Bay Donovin Darius, S Jacksonville Darren Howard, DE New Orleans Walter Jones, T Seattle Peyton Manning, QB Indianapolis (Exclusive) Chris McAlister, CB Baltimore Orlando Pace, T St. Louis Julian Peterson, LB San Francisco (Exclusive) Charles Woodson, CB Oakland (Exclusive) Transition John Tait, T Kansas City 11:33 PM # Blockbuster Deal in the Works?Monday's Denver Post indicates a blockbuster trade is in the works between the Washington Redskins and the Denver Broncos. The Redskins have been looking to deal recently-franchised cornerback Champ Bailey for some time now, and it looks as if they may be able to do just that and fill their hole at running back with one move.According to the report, the Broncos would send Clinton Portis, one of the league's premier young backs, in exchange for Bailey. Apparently, the only hitch in the deal at this time involves a draft pick, believed to be a second-rounder, that Denver would like thrown into the trade. 10:58 AM # Year of the Receiver... Named WilliamsWe already had Roy and Reggie Williams figuring to be early-to-mid first-round selections in the 2004 NFL Draft, but now there's another wide receiver with the last name of Williams that appears to be one of the top collegiate talents available in this year's selection process.Numerous sources reported over the weekend that USC sophomore wide receiver Mike Williams intends to enter the 2004 NFL Draft. He has not filed the required paperwork yet with the NFL, but executives from two NFL teams told the Washington Post Friday they expect Williams to forgo his remaining college eligibility. And who can blame him? The sophomore phenom would be one of the top players taken in April, possibly top-five overall, which means he stands to see a very big payday in his near future. If he returns to college, he could virtually guarantee himself of a top-five, maybe even No. 1 overall, selection, but the risk of injury would be a huge gamble. 10:59 PM # Manning FranchisedRealizing they will not reach a contract agreement with quarterback Peyton Manning before the Tuesday deadline for designating "franchise" players, the Indianapolis Colts applied the tag to the league's co-most valuable player on Sunday. Unless a long-term deal can be worked out, he will cost the Colts $18.3 million against the cap in 2004.General Manager Bill Polian indicated to ESPN's Len Pasquarelli that even with the cap being stretched to $80.5 million this year, he might be forced to dump some veteran contracts to make room for Manning's cap hit. Manning joins Champ Bailey, Charles Woodson, and Orlando Pace as the only players in the league, thus far, to have the franchise tag affixed to their names. 09:40 PM # Wifork's Weight Down, Stock Up?While much of the buzz coming out of the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Thursday was focused on how out of shape controversial running back Maurice Clarett is right now. Lost a bit in the shuffle is the observation that Miami Hurricanes defensive tackle Vince Wilfork showed up looking very svelt. The dominating lineman is believed to be hovering somewhere around 315 pounds after spending most of the season near the 350 mark.Early in the 2003 season, Wilfork was considered a top-five prospect, but the extra weight made it difficult for him to go all out on every play. As a result, he looked a little soft at times and his value slipped to more of a mid first-round status. A good workout at the combine could push him back into the top 10. 12:01 PM # Clarett Decides to Skip Combine WorkoutsOhio State running back Maurice Clarett has done little to endear himself to the NFL, and he continued that trend Thursday when he announced he would skip Friday's workouts at the scouting combine because he wants more time to train. The controversial running back, who weighed in at a portly 237 pounds, said he would not participate in the Ohio State workout in early March either. Instead, he will hold his own personal workout in early April.According to Associated Press reports, more than one NFL personnel evaluator was upset by the decision. "That's a farce,'' Buffalo general manager Tom Donahoe told reporters. "That was expected but that's ridiculous.'' Detroit Lions president Matt Millen added, " I just want to see what he looks like. We've got to do our homework and he's got to do his.'' With this latest turn of events, Clarett's workout in April will be of supreme importance. He already carries a lot of baggage into this draft, and now teams are going to question his dedication after seeing the condition he is in right now. He appeared to have maneuvered into a solid second-round selection before the NFL Combine, but with a poor individual workout, he might still be on the board when the second day rolls around. 12:57 AM # Redskins Reach Deal with BrunellAccording to numerous reports, the Washington Redskins and Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell have agreed in principle on a seven-year, $43 million deal late Thursday, clearing the way for a trade next month. It is believed that Washington has offered the Jaguars a third-round pick in this year's NFL Draft. A formal deal cannot be announced until the NFL trading period begins March 3rd.11:50 PM # Free Agent Notes• John McVay, the San Francisco 49ers' director of football operations, told the San Jose Mercury News, "there's no way in the world" quarterback Jeff Garcia will be back with his current contract. Garcia is scheduled to make a minimum of $10 million this season, but negotiations to rework his current deal have stalled.• McVay also told the Mercury News that the 49ers will use their franchise tag on Pro Bowl linebacker Julian Peterson if they fail to sign him to a long-term contract by Tuesday. • As expected, the Washington Redskins slapped the franchise tag on pro bowl cornerback Champ Bailey Wednesday. 01:48 PM # Jets, Cards Join Chase for ChampThe Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions have already been named as possible suitors for Washington Redskins cornerback Champ Bailey, and now the New York Jets are showing signs of joining in on the bidding. According to the New York Times, the Jets have inquired about what it will take to get the four-time Pro Bowler as part of a sign-and-trade deal. Jets officials plan to meet with Bailey's agent, Jack Reale, at this week's NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.The Arizona Cardinals have also expressed an interest. Rod Graves, Cardinals vice president of football operations, told the Arizona Republic that he plans to talk with Washington's personell people this week at the combine. On a related note, the Washington Times indicated that the Redskins might place the franchise tag on Bailey in the coming days to push trade talks with other teams. Moving Bailey would free up $6.8 million in cap space allowing the Redskins to, once again, be aggressive in the free-agent market. Mentioned as being at the top of owner Dan Snyder's list are Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell, Titans defensive end Jevon Kearse, and Buccaneers defensive tackle Warren Sapp. 12:13 PM # Skins, Jags Close to Deal for BrunellNumerous sources are reporting that the Jacksonville Jaguars and Washington Redskins are just a few minor details away from agreeing to a contract that would send veteran quarterback Mark Brunell to Washington for a third-round pick in this year's draft. Both sides expect to have an agreement in place by the weekend, but a formal deal cannot be announced until the NFL trading period begins March 3rd.11:44 AM # Featured NFL Mock Draft No. 9This week, About Football features the 2004 NFL mock draft of forum member Goshorn83. This first-round mock draft offers a brief explanation for each pick, and overall, is very well done. Check out Goshorn's projection and post one of your own.Featured Mock No. 8 Featured Mock No. 7 Featured Mock No. 6 Featured Mock No. 5 Featured Mock No. 4 Featured Mock No. 3 Featured Mock No. 2 Featured Mock No. 1 08:33 PM # Clarett Close to Hiring AgentESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reported Tuesday that running back Maurice Clarett will hire an agent this week, ending any speculation that he might return to Ohio State next season. Pasquarelli says Clarett has met with a prominent agent, but has yet to actually hire him. However, a signing appears to be in the works at this week's NFL Combine in Indianapolis.11:16 AM # Champ a Chief?NFL rumors site Profootballtalk.com is reporting that the Kansas City Chiefs are working on striking a deal with the Washington Redskins for Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey and an agreement could be announced soon. Meanwhile, Colin Lindsay of the Great Blue North Draft Report says the Redskins have been shopping Bailey for weeks now and have engaged in serious discussions with the Detroit Lions.The Redskins gave the potential unrestricted free agent the okay to seek a trade on Thursday. In a related note, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may soon give estranged receiver Keyshawn Johnson permission to pursue a trade with another NFL team. Johnson has claimed that the Buccaneers are considering keeping him around, but general manager Bruce Allen pretty much ended any thoughts of a happy reconciliation when he told the St. Petersburg Times, "that is highly, highly, highly, highly, highly unlikely". Think he's trying to send Keyshawn a message? In other Bucs' business, it looks like the team might be looking at a real possibility of life without defensive tackle Warren Sapp. According to the Times, the seven-time Pro Bowl lineman is being recruited by former Miami Hurricanes teammate Ray Lewis. The Ravens are sitting $25 million under the salary cap for 2004 while the Buccaneers have one of the worst cap situations in the NFC. 11:19 AM # Skins Bailey Given Go-Ahead to Pursue TradeIn a somewhat surprising move, the Washington Redskins have given four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey permission to seek a trade with another NFL franchise. According to ESPN's Len Pasquarelli, Bailey's agent, Jack Reale, spoke to seven or eight teams after receiving a call Thursday night from owner Daniel Snyder.Bailey is eligible for unrestricted free agency, but the Redskins have the right to designate Bailey a "franchise" player. If Snyder decides to slap the tag on the five-year veteran, he will carry a $6.801 million hit against the salary cap, which will seriously limit the team's opportunities in the free agent market. 10:40 PM # Dolphins Offer Top Pick for RamseySeveral sources, including the Washington Post, are reporting that the Miami Dolphins have offered their first-round pick in the 2004 NFL Draft to the Washington Redskins for quarterback Patrick Ramsey. Apparently, Joe Gibbs' meeting with Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell has given other NFL teams the impression that Ramsey might be available in a trade.And Ramsey expressed his frustration Tuesday about the team's interest in Brunell, but Gibbs stated earlier in the day that Ramsey was staying put. "We think Ramsey has a great future," Gibbs told the Post. "He's not going anywhere. ... Listen, everybody on the team is going to have to compete for starting jobs." The Dolphins, in their search for an upgrade over Jay Fiedler, are also interested in Brunell, but they do not possess the second-round draft pick it is believed is needed to secure the veteran QB. The Dolphins have the 20th pick overall in this year's draft. 06:04 PM # NFL Scouting Combine Up NextWhat an unforgettable conclusion to the NFL season! We were treated to one of the more exciting title games in recent history, highlighted by a pregame streaker and a halftime boob-troversy. And then, the NFL's annual snooze-fest, also known as the Pro Bowl, actually erupted into an all-out football game... and an exciting game at that.1,022 total yards? 107 points? Who needs Arena Football? The dust has barely settled on another fantastic NFL season and already it's time to start looking to the future. The 2004 NFL Scouting Combine starts in just a matter of days, running from February 18-24 in Indianapolis, In., and About Football has put together a list of all the invitees. Take a look... 03:33 PM # Skins Closing in on Brunell?ESPN's Len Pasquarelli is reporting that the Washington Redskins are close to an agreement with the Jacksonville Jaguars to aquire veteran quarterback Mark Brunell. Terms of the deal, which can't be officially completed until March 4th, were not confirmed by Pasquarelli's sources with the team, but there is speculation that the Redskins are willing to sacrifice a second-round pick in this year's NFL Draft.Head coach Joe Gibbs will reportedly meet with the 33-year-old Brunell on Monday in Florida. The move would likely relegate incumbent starter Patrick Ramsey to the bench for at least the beginning of the 2004 season, leaving his future with the team in question. 03:40 PM # Updated 2004 Pro Bowl RostersHere at About Football we don't do a whole lot where the Pro Bowl is concerned, simply because there just isn't a whole lot of interest in the Pro Bowl itself. We do however provide the rosters for both the AFC and NFC, which have been updated to reflect the injured players and their replacements.12:20 AM # NFL Extends Deadline, Asks for Stay on Clarett DecisionAs a result of the ruling Thursday in the Maurice Clarett lawsuit, the NFL has extended the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the 2004 NFL Draft to March 1st for college football players in their first or second year and any high school players that harbor fantasies of making the jump to the pros. Underclassmen who were already eligible for this year's draft, but failed to file the necessary paperwork by the original January 15th deadline, will not be allowed to declare this time around.Any prospects who would like to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis must apply for an invitation by February 15th to receive consideration. The combine begins February 18th. The NFL has also indicated they will ask the federal court to issue a stay in the Clarett case until an appeal can be heard. The judge has set a hearing to review the case on Wednesday, and it's possible the request for the stay will be discussed at that time. 04:42 PM # As if They Had a Choice...Shortly after a federal judge threw out the NFL's draft eligibility guidelines because they violated antitrust laws, the NFL announced that Pittsburgh sophomore WR Larry Fitzgerald will also be eligible... as if they had a choice. According to numerous reports, the NFL was likely to allow Fitzgerald in the draft regardless of the outcome of the Clarett case, but Thursday's ruling effectively removed any doubt.Fitzgerald is projected as a top-five pick overall in the 2004 NFL Draft, and has a chance to be the No. 1 pick overall. 10:06 AM # Judge Rules Clarett NFL Draft EligibleU.S. District Judge Shira A. Scheindlin, Thursday, ruled in favor of suspended Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett in his lawsuit against the NFL, which contended that the controversial tailback was being unfairly kept out of the NFL. The ruling allows him the option of entering the 2004 NFL Draft if he chooses to do so. Under the NFL's rule, he would not have been eligible until 2005.According to Associated Press reports, the ruling concluded that the NFL rule prohibiting players from being drafted until they have been out of high school for three years violates antitrust laws because the policy excludes all players in Clarett's position from selling their services to the only viable buyer. Read more or discuss it in the About Football Forum 11:08 AM # Henson Set for Return to FootballDrew Henson appears set to return to football after he reportedly reached an agreement with the New York Yankees to end his baseball career. The former Michigan quarterback was a sixth-round draft pick by the Houston Texans in the 2003 NFL Draft, but they have yet to sign him, which means he could end up back in this year's draft pool. Read more or discuss it in the About Football Forum11:50 AM # Marino Resigns New Dolphins PostAfter just three weeks on the job, new Miami Dolphins senior vice president of football operations Dan Marino has decided he's not cut out for the job at this time and is resigning his duties. Rumors surfaced over the weekend that he was having second thoughts about taking the job, but he denied that was the case before taking the air for CBS' Super Bowl XXXVIII coverage. Tuesday, he made it official with a statement released on the Miami Dolphins website.In the statement Marino said, "When it became clear that Wayne was looking to bring in a high-level football executive, I approached him about the position. I knew it would involve a significant lifestyle change but after further reflection, it became clear that those adjustments were ones that my family and I are not prepared to make at this time. As a result, I have decided that it would not be in the best interests of either my family or the Dolphins to assume the role as the team’s Senior Vice President of Football Operations." 09:10 PM # CBS Embarrassed by Breast-Baring Halftime ShowCBS television apologized Sunday for a breast-baring incident that occurred during the halftime show of Super Bowl XXXVIII that has left the television network red-faced. At the end of a suggestive performance by singers Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson, the former 'N Sync member tore off part of Ms. Jackson's top, exposing her right breast. Read more...11:59 PM # Pats Vinatieri Comes Through AgainNew England Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri had missed just four field goal attempts indoors during his entire career, and ironically, they had all come at Houston’s Reliant Stadium… site of Super Bowl XXXVIII. But with just nine seconds remaining on the game clock and the game knotted at 29, the hero of Super Bowl XXXVI came through again with a game-winning 41-yard field goal as the Pats secured their second Super Bowl championship in three years by beating the Carolina Panthers, 32-29. Read more...11:43 PM # Elway, Sanders Canton BoundAs expected, on their first appearance on the ballot, NFL Legends John Elway and Barry Sanders have been selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.Sanders, who may have been the most elusive back in NFL history, racked up 15,269 yards over ten years with the Detroit Lions. He walked away from the game while still in his prime after the 1998 season. Elway was the king of the comeback, leading the Broncos on 47 fourth-quarter winning or tying drives. He passed for 300 touchdowns and over 50,000 yards during his 16 years in Denver. He also played in five Super Bowls, winning the last two in the final two years of his career. Also joining Elway and Sanders in the class of 2004 are tackle Bob Brown and defensive lineman Carl Eller. 01:08 AM # |
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