Hi Folks,
Welcome to the weekend. When we start scraping up Jim Miller stories,
you know it's been a slow day, but we've still managed to round up the
stories you need to know. Thanks to our Chris Smith for putting these
together. Let's jump right to it.
J
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. HOU - OT Riley Signs With The Texans
2. OAK - Tackle Gallery Is On The Rise
3. BUF - RB Lee Signs With The Bills
4. MIA - New Offensive Line Coach, Houck Gets Praise From Chargers' QB Brees
5. CHI - PK Edinger Wants No Part Of Kicking Derby
6. CLE - No Penalties At This Time For TE Winslow
7. IND - QB Peyton Manning Believes Former Collegiate Teammate Price Is A Super 
Talent
8. BUF - K Lindell Could Be On Thin Ice With The Bills
9. NYG/FA - QB Miller Given Injury Settlement
10. IDP: NE - LB Brown Yet Another Great Move By The Patriots
11. IDP: SEA - Seahawks Interested In LB Boulware
12. IDP: Chi - Free Agent LB Simmons Has Good Workout For The Bears
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1. HOU - OT Riley Signs With The Texans
Clipped from: Houston Chronicle article by Carlton Thompson
The Texans bolstered their offensive line depth and possibly gave left
tackle Seth Wand reason to look over his shoulder by signing veteran
tackle Victor Riley to a one-year deal with a base salary of $655,000
and a $50,000 signing bonus Thursday. The deal includes a $100,000
bonus if Riley makes the season-opening roster and plays in at least
one game.
Riley, a 6-5 and 328-pound seven-year veteran, spent the past three
seasons with New Orleans, including the past two as starting right
tackle. Because the Texans have made a long-term commitment to right
tackle Todd Wade, the left tackle position gives Riley the best
opportunity to start with the Texans. At the very least, the former
first-round pick upgrades the Texans' depth at a thin position. Riley,
30, could earn an additional $185,000 in playing-time incentives.
Upon agreeing to a deal, Riley was given no guarantee he will be
inserted into the starting lineup, but all indications are Wand is
working with a shorter leash than in 2004, his first season as a
starter. The Texans allowed more sacks (49) than just six teams last
season, and David Carr has been dumped more than any quarterback in
the NFL over the past three years. Upgrading the pass protection was
on the Texans' offseason wish list, but the franchise didn't find a
good fit in the early free-agent market or in the NFL draft, and
failed in its aggressive attempt to make a trade for seven-time Pro
Bowl left tackle Orlando Pace of the St. Louis Rams.
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
Victor Riley isn't a great offensive tackle but he will provide
valuable depth to the Texans and may be able to compete for a starting
job against Seth Wand and at the very least will push Wand and make
him a better player. A nice little signing for the Texans.
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2. OAK - Tackle Gallery Is On The Rise
Clipped from: Raiders.com article
Being honored as the nation's best interior lineman, and also being
considered the best prospect for the 2004 NFL Draft might have given
some players quite an ego, but for self-proclaimed "farm kid" Robert
Gallery, the accolades just came from doing what he loves to do.
Gallery, a 6'7", 325-pound formidable presence on the gridiron, was
the second pick overall in the 2004 NFL Draft when The Oakland Raiders
tabbed him as one of the future cornerstones of their offensive line.
He developed his immense frame and strategy for punishing opponents at
the University of Iowa as a left tackle, where he led his team on and
off the field as team captain.
Once Gallery was able to demonstrate his talent in his first NFL game,
he quickly moved into the starting lineup and remained there through
the season. Raiders Head Coach Norv Turner knew that putting Gallery
at right tackle was something new for him, but he pointed out, "He's a
very, very natural player." He came prepared for the challenge from
the practice he received at left tackle, right tackle and right guard
during the Raiders training camp. His versatility is a valuable asset
to the team, along with his aggressive mindset.
"I felt comfortable and confident that I could [play right tackle] and
the coaches were too," Gallery stated. "I just wanted to play." 
It is
that confidence and tremendous talent that helped him live up to the
expectations thrust upon him when he was drafted.
Yet behind the façade of a tough, hard-hitting and aggressive player
lies a different side of Robert Gallery. Born and raised in Iowa in a
close-knit family, playing in Oakland has taken him away from them for
the first time in his life. He mentioned how much he misses the farm
and his relatives. His family has had a major influence in his
development of talent, humility and dedication. "The way my parents
raised me really helped me to be successful by instilling all the
values that they did," he noted.
The Raiders are looking to capitalize on the dedication put forth by
Gallery in his first NFL season. His remarkable skill is only gaining
strength with the advice offered by the seasoned veterans on the
offensive line like Barry Sims and Adam Treu. "It's always good to
have veterans because they've seen a lot and if I have a question,
they're there to help me. They're good leaders," Gallery said of his
teammates.
But the veterans aren't the only ones lending a hand to the success
that Gallery will achieve in the future. His training camp roommate
and Raiders right guard Jake Grove provided support on the offensive
line while establishing a bond that will last through the years. "We
get along well and when we started playing next to each other last
year, it was fun," Gallery asserted. "We both made mistakes but we
helped each other out. We're going through the same thing so it's easy
to talk to him." As the years pass, Raiders fans will get the
opportunity to see Gallery and Grove work together to become a
powerful force in the league.
Even though Gallery impressed coaches and fans alike during his rookie
season, he is also aware of the fact that he can always improve. "I
just want to be better," he declared. For the upcoming season, he
wants to focus on remaining consistent and improving his talent to
become the premier offensive lineman in the league. "I want to be the
best tackle out there and that's what I'm going to shoot for," Gallery
asserted. "It'll take time, but hopefully someday I'll get there."
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
What else could you ask for in an offensive lineman? Great
athleticism being a former tight end, a wonderful work ethic and a
tenacious slant to the game makes him almost a lock to be a perennial
Pro Bowler as early as this season if everything falls into place. He
will be the cornerstone to a very solid Raiders offensive line over
the next several years as he and the other youngsters continue to grow
as football players.
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3. BUF - RB Lee Signs With The Bills
Clipped from: AP
Running back ReShard Lee agreed to a two-year deal with the Buffalo
Bills on Friday. Lee's agent, Harold Lewis, said his client is
traveling to Orchard Park to sign the deal Sunday. He didn't disclose
terms of the deal. The team declined comment. Lee, who was released by
the Dallas Cowboys last week, is expected to compete for the backup
job behind Willis McGahee.
Lee played in 14 games last season, running for 128 yards on 27
carries. He sought his release after the Cowboys signed Anthony
Thomas. In March, disgruntled Buffalo running back Travis Henry vowed
he wouldn't practice or play for the Bills again. He was disciplined
in April after missing the start of a mandatory minicamp. The
four-year veteran has one year left on his contract but has demanded a
trade after losing his starting job last season to McGahee.
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
The Cowboys thought so highly of Lee that they drafted rookie RB
Marion Barber and signed free agent RB Anthony Thomas this offseason
and let Lee walk away. The real news to this article is the ongoing
saga of RB Travis Henry. This signing could be to put pressure on
Henry to report to camp down the road, it could be simply a depth
chart move or it may be simply the Bills have decided to put the Henry
problem behind them and move forward. Henry may be stuck in a
terrible situation this year and his fantasy worth could be minimal.
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4. MIA - New Offensive Line Coach, Houck Gets Praise From Chargers' QB Brees
Clipped from: Sun-Sentinel article by Harvey Fialkov
San Diego Chargers quarterback Drew Brees spoke highly Thursday of
Hudson Houck, his team's former offensive line coach now in charge of
the Dolphins' beleaguered unit.
"He was awesome," Brees said after practicing for the EA Sports NFL
Quarterback Challenge on a makeshift field behind the Bahia Mar Beach
Resort & Yachting Center. "I think it's amazing that you take five
guys who have never played with each other ... and he puts them
together and says, `You have four months to become one of the best
offensive lines in this league.'
That's a huge challenge, and Coach Houck was a huge part of that."
Brees, 26, went from almost losing his job to rookie Philip Rivers to
earning Pro Bowl honors while playing behind Houck's revamped
offensive line, which included two rookies.
"When you know what you're doing, you're going to be more confident,
and those guys knew what they were doing because Coach Houck made
sure," Brees said.
The Chargers' offensive line allowed 20 sacks, fourth-fewest in the
league. Miami allowed 52.
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
It is news blurbs like this that can make the difference between an
informed, successful owner and an also-ran. Many fantasy owners out
there equate the Dolphins offensive line with garbage but the fact is
there is a good amount of young talent along this group including 1st
round pick last season Vernon Carey, a new tackle brought in from
Detroit in Stockar McDougle and finally an offensive line coach who
knows how to get the most out of his players in Hudson Houck. The
Dolphins offensive line will be much better that it was at the start
of last season and uninformed owners will be surprised when the
quarterbacks get time to throw (side note: I am still not convinced
that A.J. Feeley can hit an open receiver even if the pass rush
consists of pylons but at least he and Gus Frerotte won't be running
for their lives this season) and the running game has lanes to run
through. If Houck can duplicate his efforts from San Diego, expect a
much stronger performance from the Dolphins OL in 2005.
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5. CHI - PK Edinger Wants No Part Of Kicking Derby
Clipped from: Chicago Sun-Times article by Brad Biggs
Doug Brien joined the Bears' kicking derby Thursday, prompting Paul
Edinger to ask out.
Edinger, a six-year veteran, was called in during the morning and told
the Bears were signing Brien to join what the team has said will be an
intense competition this summer. It's one Edinger no longer wants to
be a part of as his agent officially sought his release before the day
was out, saying Edinger and the Bears would be best served by fresh
starts.
"I know the team has told me they just wanted competition,'' said Ken
Harris, Edinger's agent. "But I don't particularly believe Doug Brien
opted for Chicago over other possibilities for a competition.''
Brien was released by the New York Jets on April 28, five days after
they used a second-round pick to select Ohio State's Mike Nugent, also
represented by Harris. At about that same time, Harris petitioned the
Bears for permission to seek a trade for Edinger, who has three years
remaining on a five-year, $7 million contract. He's set to earn $1.1
million this season and was originally paid $1.6 million in bonus
money.
The Bears, however, decided it would be best to choose between two
veterans. Now, Edinger's camp questions how level the kicking field
will be.
"Look at a class organization like the New York Jets,'' Harris said.
"They did not even hesitate to let Brien go make a living somewhere
else. That's something Brien, his family and his representation, I am
sure, appreciate.
"When you're on the other side of the coin there, you appreciate what
they did for Doug. [The Bears] have their competition, so when they
tell you [Edinger is there] for competition, they're crazy. I do not
think they would be adversely affected by giving him a chance to make
a living somewhere else than waiting until September when it might
shut him out.''
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
The Bears haven't been pleased with the consistency of incumbent
kicker Paul Edinger and I am not surprised they brought in a field
goal kicker to compete with him this season. Doug Brien is a proven
kicker who has had much success at the NFL level. Many kickers have
their ups and downs at the NFL level. Brien has had them and now
Edinger is experiencing the same difficulties. Edinger tweaked his
unique kicking style this season looking for more dependable kicks and
even if he does get his wish and is released, he'll likely land a spot
kicking for somebody in the NFL. For now though, I wouldn't consider
him as a starter in your fantasy league. Just keep an eye on where he
ends up if he does get his release.
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6. CLE - No Penalties At This Time For TE Winslow
Clipped from: Plain-Dealer article by Tony Grossi
The Browns plan no punitive measures against Kellen Winslow Jr. for
violating his contract by motorcycling -- at least not until his
playing status for 2005 is known. In the team's first public comments
about Winslow since he suffered multiple injuries in a motorcycle
accident on May 1, club officials expressed support, disappointment
and hope the tight end will make a complete recovery. Winslow visited
the club facility on Wednesday and did some rehabilitation work on his
severely injured right knee one day after being released from the
Cleveland Clinic. Club officials confirmed Winslow will have an
exploratory procedure done on the knee within seven to 10 days to
ascertain the extent of ligament damage. Deferring to the Winslow
family wishes, the Browns continued to decline to specify all of
Winslow's injuries. They said there is no timetable for his return as
an active player.
"I don't think there's any indication this is a career-ending injury,"
President John Collins said.
Fans who want Winslow dismissed from the team will not get their wish.
"Absolutely not," General Manager Phil Savage said. "This is 
one of
the blue-chip players on the club. When I interviewed [for the GM
job], I said the problem with the team is you don't have enough good
players. This is one of our better players. We need him and we want
him."
But that does not mean the Browns will not take advantage of contract
language that allows them to recoup close to $6 million in scheduled
bonus and salary payments if Winslow cannot play in 2005 as a result
of the non-football-related injuries.
"The contract's pretty clear," Collins said. "We're protected. 
We know
what our rights are. Once we know more about the player, we'll deal
with the determination together as a team as to what his impact can be
going forward and where we go from there."
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
Well it doesn't appear that the motorcycle crash will cause Kellen
Winslow's career to be over, and the team will be holding off on
taking punitive action against him for now. But this is a serious setback
for Winslow. He has a world of talent and natural ability but needs
to play in order to improve and missing yet another season would be a
disaster for the young tight end. We will keep this situation
monitored for you but it doesn't look good for him to play during the
upcoming season. It's interesting to see the Browns' fans are already
jaded by the whole Winslow experience to this point. Unless the
injury turns out to be more serious than believed right now, you have
to keep a player with his skill set on the roster. He could still
become a vital cog for this team down the road.
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7. IND - QB Peyton Manning Believes Former Collegiate Teammate Price Is A Super 
Talent
Clipped from: Atlanta Journal Constitution article by Ken Sugiura
Colts quarterback Peyton Manning defended former Tennessee teammate
and Falcons wide receiver Peerless Price, who has come under scrutiny
for falling short of expectations in two seasons with the team.
"Peerless is going to be fine," Manning said. "When you sign 
for a big
contract, a lot of pressure and expectations come with that. . . .
Peerless is a super talent. For a No. 1 receiver and a top-echelon
quarterback like Michael Vick, it still takes time to get on the same
page."
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
With all the negative talk in regards to WR Peerless Price, it is
refreshing to see something different. While fantasy owners are jaded
in regards to Price, it does need to be said that it was as much the
fault of talented, yet green quarterback Michael Vick as it was
Price's fault. He can probably put up solid numbers if the quarterback
can get him the ball but it all depends on how much progress Vick can
make when it comes to the passing game in 2005.
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8. BUF - K Lindell Could Be On Thin Ice With The Bills
Clipped from: the Bills Daily article
The Bills' brass continue to say they have confidence in their kicker,
Rian Lindell. Their actions may show otherwise though. They signed Joe
Rheem as an undrafted free agent shortly after the draft giving them
three kickers on the depth chart. Owen Pochman is in NFL Europe
although currently injured. The team also was reportedly interested in
former Jets kicker Doug Brien before he signed with the Bears. It has
also been reported that the team may sign undrafted free agent kicker
Matt Payne from BYU in the next few weeks. Why would they be
stockpiling kickers if they know Lindell is their man? It did appear
that Coach Mularkey had no confidence in his kicker from outside the
40 and it may not be a lock that he is the kicker this year.
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
There is a plethora of place kickers available for you to draft this
season that are a sure bet. Don't waste a pick on a kicker who isn't
considered a lock to make the team. The Bills weren't happy with
Lindell and it wouldn't come as a surprise to see him lose a battle
for the job and be on the outside looking in. Look elsewhere for your
kicker.
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9. NYG/FA - QB Miller Given Injury Settlement
Clipped from: ESPN article by Len Pasquarelli
The New York Giants have reached an injury settlement with Jim Miller,
severing ties with the veteran quarterback who was supposed to serve
as the primary backup to Eli Manning.
The move had been anticipated since Miller underwent hip surgery last
month, and the decision came only days after the Giants were awarded
three-year veteran and former Washington Redskins backup Tim
Hasselbeck through a waiver claim.
The addition of Hasselbeck left New York with five quarterbacks on the
roster and, given Miller's current physical status, it was not
surprising that he was the odd man out.
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
You know it is a slow news day when you see a news blurb about the
washed up Jim Miller. He would have served as a good mentor for the
2nd-year quarterback Eli Manning but it looks like former Redskin, Tim
Hasselbeck will now be pressed into that role.
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10. IDP: NE - LB Brown Yet Another Great Move By The Patriots
Clipped from: Seahawks.net article by Doug Farrar
As reported by Mike Sando of the Tacoma News Tribune (and confirmed by
New England reporter Mike Reiss of the Metro West Daily News), the New
England Patriots have once again shown their mastery of the NFL's
financial constraints and complexities. The latest player to fall
under the spell of Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli is former Seahawks
OLB Chad Brown.
Brown reportedly refused an offer from the Seahawks to restructure his
contract - an offer that would have paid him approximately $1 million
plus incentives for the 2005 season. But as these reports show,
Brown's deal with New England is for two years and $2.35 million, with
a $485,000 signing bonus. Brown's base salaries are $765,000 in 2005
and $800,000 in 2006, In addition, the Patriots will pay Brown a
$100,000 roster bonus in 2005 and a $200,000 roster bonus in 2006.
According to Reiss, Brown's salary cap hit for 2005 is $1.1 million.
There are also unspecified incentives, which could conceivably spike
the total deal to the $4 million total that had been previously
reported by Seahawks.NET and several other news sources.
When asked why he accepted the Patriots' offer amidst so much interest
(he was being courted by Pittsburgh, Denver and New Orleans as well),
Brown cited Belichick's creativity. He also said that he is up to the
challenge of learning the complex schemes the Patriots use to confuse
the rest of the NFL into submission. "I've played in a 3-4, I've
played in a 4-3 and I've played end in the nickel and linebacker in
the nickel," Brown told Reiss. "In my conversation with Coach
Belichick, I was definitely under the impression that I would get to
play a few different spots and that's a role I'm very comfortable in."
"I know the Patriots are inventive, but I can't imagine a role, or a
coverage or style of play that I haven't played before," he said.
"Some of the terminology might be different, but other than bridging
the language difference, I don't see much of a problem."
Seattle's defense, ranked 26th in the NFL last season and mired in a
sea of sameness from a playbook perspective, may have been
unacceptable to a man who former Seattle Post-Intelligencer reporter
Les Carpenter once called "one of the smartest players I've ever met."
The Patriot Way, lined with Lombardi trophies as it is, now has
another talented player in its ranks - another player who accepted
less money to play in New England than he may have received elsewhere.
If he can stay healthy, Chad Brown will provide a stellar pass rush
presence to a team that already has terrorized its share of
quarterbacks. Brown acknowledged the concerns regarding his injury
history, but he also mentioned that he's ready to let it fly in his
new home. "Obviously, I missed some time last season with a broken
leg, but I think a broken leg is different than say a damaged knee or
a disc in the back that is going to slow you down over time. The bone
is healed and I missed (nine games), so I actually feel fresher,
stronger and in better shape than I did at this point last offseason.
I feel fantastic. I'm truly ready to go."
If this is the case, the New England Patriots' ubergenius Belichick
and twice-consecutive NFL Executive of the Year Pioli - may have
outdone even themselves. And Chad Brown may be well on his way to the
Super Bowl ring that has eluded him throughout his 12-year NFL career.
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
There are no guarantees that Chad Brown can regain his place as a
great defensive player but the Patriots continue to bring in talented
veterans who can have a legitimate impact on the team. Players appear
to be flocking to the Patriots to play for guru, Bill Belichick and I
wouldn't be surprised to see Brown play at a level he hasn't
approached in years. Belichick and the Patriots continue to find
awesome value via the free agency route which has led to their
dominance over the past couple of seasons.
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11. IDP: SEA - Seahawks Interested In LB Boulware
Clipped from: Seattle Times article by Jose Miguel Romero
The Seahawks are still looking to shore up their pass rush, and Peter
Boulware is on their radar. Boulware, older brother of Seahawks safety
Michael Boulware, is on the market after being released by the
Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday, and the Seahawks are believed to be one
of several teams interested. Peter Boulware, 30, is expected to visit
team headquarters in Kirkland. The four-time Pro Bowler and former
first-round draft choice is an eight-year veteran and Baltimore's
all-time sacks leader, with 67 ½. But he didn't play last season
because of a knee injury suffered late in 2003 and a toe injury
suffered midway through last season during practice the week in which
he was to make his return.
Before the injuries, Boulware had played in 111 straight
regular-season games. Though he took and passed a physical in
Baltimore on Wednesday and proclaimed his knee and toe to be fully
healed - according to the Baltimore Sun - Boulware would have to take
a physical as part of his visit with the Seahawks. An outside
linebacker in the Ravens' 3-4 defense, the 6-foot-4, 255-pound
Boulware could be a defensive end for the Seahawks. Seattle added
Bryce Fisher at defensive end in free agency and drafted similarly
sized Jeb Huckeba in the fifth round, both to help the pass rush. But
Boulware would bring his Pro Bowl credentials and proven sack ability
from a quality defense if signed.
The Seahawks would have to create room under their salary cap to sign
Boulware, who was released because he was due a high salary next
season. That would likely involve releasing current players, because
Boulware would probably command at least $2 million for a one-year
contract.
The Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns are also interested in Boulware.
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
As expected, LB Peter Boulware is a hot commodity after being released
by the Baltimore Ravens. He has had a solid NFL career and will offer
a fantasy team in IDP leagues good depth as a fourth or fifth
linebacker on a fantasy squad. He would be a nice fit for the
Seahawks and would likely see the field as a starter if he is signed
and is indeed healthy.
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12. IDP: Chi - Free Agent LB Simmons Has Good Workout For The Bears
Clipped from: Chicago Sports article by Terry Bannon
Ex-Seattle starter Anthony Simmons had a good workout for the Bears at
Halas Hall and could be signed, although the Bears still have concerns
about the broken wrist that ended his 2004 season.
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
Definitely something to watch when it comes to IDP leagues this
season. Simmons is a solid fantasy performer when healthy and would
be a great compliment to LB Brian Urlacher. He would be a nice fit in
the Bears defensive scheme.
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That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great Saturday and we'll see
you tomorrow with the update.
J