According to numerous reports, wide receiver Terrell Owens has refused to take a physical for the Ravens after being traded to Baltimore shortly after a contract glitch prevented him from becoming a free agent... and the NFL Players Association is set to back the disgruntled superstar.
The NFL players' union plans to file paperwork this week in an attempt to overturn Terrell Owens' trade from the San Francisco 49ers to the Baltimore Ravens. Gene Upshaw, executive director of the union, informed the league of his intention over the weekend, and added that if the matter can't be resolved, the union will ask a special-master in charge of settling disputes regarding the NFL's collective bargaining agreement to have Owens' contract voided so he can be declared a free agent.
Owens, who has made no secret about the fact that he wants to play with the Philadelphia Eagles, is scheduled to report to the Ravens on Monday to take the physical.
March 5
On the heels of a very active opening day of the free agent signing period, one player that was expected to be one of the most sought after free agents in this year's market found a new home as a result of a trade instead. The San Francisco 49ers, who unexpectedly retained the rights to wide receiver Terrell Owens because of confusion regarding a deadline to void the final years of his contract, traded the disgruntled receiver to the Baltimore Ravens for Read more...
March 4
The free agent signing period got off to a blazing start Wednesday with a flurry of activity which started, surprisingly, with the Philadelphia Eagles' signing of defensive end Jevon Kearse. The former Tennessee Titan, who is expected to provide the pass rush that was lost when Hugh Douglas left for Jacksonville last off-season, signed an eight-year, $66 million contract that includes a $16 million signing bonus.
Not to be outdone, the Washington Redskins agreed to a six-year, $30 million deal with Seattle Seahawks cornerback Shawn Springs, which includes a $10 million signing bonus. They also reached an agreement with unrestricted free agent defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin on a six-year contract worth $25.5 million that includes an $8 million signing bonus.
Other notable moves Wednesday include:
• The Miami Dolphins acquired quarterback A.J. Feeley from the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2005 second-round draft pick.
• The Green Bay Packers re-signed tackle Chad Clifton to a multi-year contract.
• The Chicago Bears agreed to terms Read more...
March 2
On the eve of the NFL's free agent signing period, the Indianapolis Colts announced that they have signed quarterback Peyton Manning to a $99.2 million seven-year contract that includes a record $34.5 million bonus. And this signing should be just the beginning of what promises to be a fast and furious week of trades and free agent signings.
The Redskins, who just signed defensive end Phillip Daniels, are rumored to be set to make a heavy push for the Titans Jevon Kearse. They are also rumored to be interested in Bucs defensive tackle Warren Sapp, and as has been widely reported, they are set to announce deals for Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell and Broncos running back Clinton Portis shortly after the trading period begins on March 3rd.
The San Francisco 49ers gave the pink slip to quarterback Jeff Garcia (Bears, Bucs, Cowboys and Raiders seem interested) on the same day they gave free-agent-wannabe Terrell Owens permission to seek a trade with another team. And speaking of the Bucs, they could be nearing a Keyshawn Johnson-for-Joey Galloway swap with the Cowboys very soon. Look for Dallas to make a push for veteran running back Duce Staley as well.
There are also rumblings that the Cincinnati Bengals, who recently named second-year quarterback Carson Palmer the team's starter, are not likely to pay Jon Kitna $4 million to ride the bench. If a trade can't be worked out, Kitna could be released. The veteran QB has indicated that he would not mind playing for the San Diego Chargers.
Others that should draw early interest include Raiders running back Charlie Garner, Rams defensive end Grant Wistrom, Eagles cornerbacks Bobby Taylor and Troy Vincent, and Buccaneers running back Thomas Jones.
Feb 27
According 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.
