NFL 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. Read more...
As expected, USC sophomore wide receiver Mike Williams is passing up his final two seasons of college eligibility for a shot at the NFL.
Feb 22
Realizing 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. Read more...
We 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. Read more...
Feb 20
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.
Feb 19
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.
Feb 18
Numerous 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.
The 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.
Feb 17
ESPN.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.
