Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 4 (Thursday, April 2nd)
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Hi Folks,
Hope you're having as good a day as Bears fans are this morning as they revel in their new quarterback and offensive tackle. March Madness is wrapping up but we've been busy garnering all the NFL News and Notes for you so you can continue to be the most informed guy in your league. Plus we've got a brand new feature brought to you by our newest Staff Guy, Matt Waldman. Matt's a huge addition to Footballguys and you are going to love this. Let's get to it. JSITE NEWS
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. DEN - CHI - QB Cutler Traded To Denver2. WAS - QB Campbell Wants to Stay with Redskins
3. CLE - WR Stallworth Is Charged with DUI Manslaughter
4. DEN - WR Marshall Undergoes Hip Surgery, Out Until at Least July
5. NYG - WR Burress' Court Date Moved to June 15th
6. SF - WR Bruce Returning for 2010
7. DET - QB Stafford Does Well in Detroit Workout
8. STL - QB Frerotte Signs with Rams
9. TB - TE Winslow Does Not Participate in Wednesday Practices
10. KC - RB Johnson Now Wants to Stay With the Chiefs
11. CIN - WR Ocho Cinco Absent from Workouts on Monday
12. KC - RB Johnson Receives 2 Years of Probation for Disturbing the Peace
13. TB - RB Williams Optimistic He'll Return from Knee Injury
14. TEN - FA WR Holt Visits, Weighs Options
15. NYJ - RB Jones Continues To Miss Workouts
16. SD - WR Davis Healthy Now, Hopes Injury Woes are Behind Him
17. CHI - Bears Sign OT Pace
18. STL - TE Bajema Signs with Rams
19. DAL - TE Witten Comments on Departed TO, Focus on the Future
20. NO - QB Harrington Re-Signed by the Saints
21. NFL - QB Vick to Pay Falcons $6.5 Million to Secure His Release
22. DEF - SD DT Williams Not to be Charged in DUI Case
23. DEF - SD LB Merriman Feels Great, Plans to Attend Chargers' Opening Conditioning Session
DEN - CHI - QB Cutler Traded To Denver
Source: ESPN.com / John Clayton & Ed Werder
The Chicago Bears pulled the big upset Thursday afternoon by acquiring Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler.
To acquire Cutler, the Bears had to give up quarterback Kyle Orton and first-round picks in 2009 (18th overall) and 2010, along with a third-round pick (84th overall) in 2009. To complete the trade, the Broncos had to give back a fifth-round pick (140th overall) in 2009. That pick was acquired by the Broncos from the Seattle Seahawks in a trade for wide receiver Keary Colbert. The Bears beat out the Redskins, Buccaneers, Lions, Titans and other teams to land the 25-year-old Pro Bowl quarterback. The Broncos had made it clear they were asking for at least two first-round choices.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Lots of fantasy implications for this one and we'll be sorting this out over the next few months.
Some early impressions. Kyle Orton is not as bad as most people think. The guy has shown that he can play at this level. But he's no Jay Cutler. Not even close. So in my opinion, this means a significant downgrade for all the Denver receivers. Brandon Marshall most notably takes a hit. On the other side, the Chicago offense sees an upgrade. WR Devin Hester has to be licking his chops as thinks about using his speed to stretch the field with Cutler's arm. Earl Bennett is a guy you'll want to watch very closely as well. Bennett played with Cutler at Vanderbilt and had a very nice rapport together. Bennett didn't do a thing last season but has an early line for the starting WR job in 2009. TE Greg Olsen has the potential to improve with Cutler and I like RB Matt Forte even more with Cutler under center. There are lots of sides to the Cutler story in Denver and how we got to this point. I tend to put blame on coach McDaniels for the Matt Cassel thing but many feel Cutler and his agent, Bus Cook, have blame to share as well. That's really water under the bridge at this point as all we're really concerned about is what these guys are going to do going forward. Bottom line for me is that the Bears gave up a lot, but landed a franchise QB. And those are pretty hard to come by. I like what Chicago did here.WAS - QB Campbell Wants to Stay with Redskins
Source: Jason Reid and Jason La Canfora, Washington Post
Jason Campbell's name was mentioned in a possible trade involving Denver QB Jay Cutler. "I want to be here. I feel like there's a lot I want to accomplish and that's what I've been working to do, but you know it's not in your control," Campbell said. "All I can do is just keep doing what I'm doing, working hard and waiting to see what happens."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Campbell is saying the right things - for now. Cutler wound up going to Chicago, but it has to be a blow to Campbell's confidence that the team was reportedly pursuing Jay Cutler so vigorously. It's interesting that the same issue that apparently caused Cutler to want out of Denver may be cropping up in Washington. The difference would seem to be that there are lots of teams out there that wanted Cutler. Campbell seems to be in much less demand.
CLE - WR Stallworth Is Charged with DUI Manslaughter
Source: NFL.com, AP report
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte' Stallworth was charged Wednesday with killing a pedestrian last month while driving drunk.
An arrest warrant charging Stallworth, 28, with DUI manslaughter was filed in Miami in the March 14 accident that killed 59-year-old Mario Reyes. If convicted, Stallworth would face a maximum 15-year prison sentence. Stallworth's blood-alcohol level after the crash was .126, well above Florida's legal limit of .08, according to results of a blood test. Stallworth also will be charged with DUI, which carries a possible six-month sentence plus fines and community service for first offenders. "Whenever a deadly accident occurs and a driver is impaired, families suffer," Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said in a statement. "I can only repeat this message over and over: If you are going to drink, don't drive." Stallworth, who is expected to surrender in court Thursday, released a statement last month saying he was "grief-stricken" over the accident. Prosecutors said they will ask that Stallworth be released on $200,000 bail.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The results of the blood test reportedly show that Stallworth was indeed impaired when he ran down Mario Reyes. Obviously, Stallworth will have more serious things than football on his mind - 15 years in prison is a long time. On Thursday he surrendered to authorities and appeared in court, then was led away in handcuffs. He is expected to make bail later in the day ($200,000 bail).
The Cleveland Browns released the following statement: "The charges levied against Donte' Stallworth are very serious, and we are disappointed he has put himself in this position. We are saddened by the circumstances that have taken place, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Mario Reyes. We have been in communication with the commissioner, who is reviewing the situation under league policies, and we will withhold further comment at this time."DEN - WR Marshall Undergoes Hip Surgery, Out Until at Least July
Source: Mike Klis, The Denver Post
The Broncos will lose Brandon Marshall for the rest of the offseason after the star receiver underwent hip surgery Tuesday. Marshall is expected back by training camp in late-July.
The surgery was performed by Dr. Marc Philippon, who has been dubbed "the hip doctor to the stars." Philippon, who works out of the renowned Steadman Hawkins Clinic in Vail, also performed hip surgeries in recent weeks on beleaguered baseball star Alex Rodriguez and Arizona Cardinals' quarterback Kurt Warner. Marshall's surgery came eight days after his 25th birthday. The hip started bothering him last season to the point he noticeably struggled to separate from defenders late in the season, relying instead on his 6-foot-4, 230-pound frame to ward off cornerbacks. He still earned his first Pro Bowl appearance by finishing with 104 catches for 1,265 yards — his second consecutive season of at least 100 catches and 1,200 yards. Marshall may have trouble reaching those milestones for a third consecutive season as he could be facing a season-opening suspension and he most likely won't have Jay Cutler as his quarterback. Cutler is on the trading block and it's possible Marshall could be found in violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy after his arrest in March on a disorderly conduct charge. Although charges were quickly dropped, Marshall has several prior off-field incidents that drew a one-game suspension last season.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
First Brandon Marshall's hip surgery, and now Jay Cutler to Chicago. This hasn't been the best week for Denver fans. The hope of course is that the hip surgery is a success, and that Marshall could return to the "almost uncoverable" form that we saw early in the season last year. However, he has had trouble staying in good standing with the league and commissioner Goodell, which makes him a riskier proposition than other fantasy players - and it remains to be seen how well he'll recover from the surgery. Hips are tricky things for a WR. Kurt Warner with a less than 100% hip is a very different situation than Brandon Marshall with a bum hip. We'll keep a close eye on his progress.
NYG - WR Burress' Court Date Moved to June 15th
Source: ESPN.com News Services
A gun possession case against New York Giants star Plaxico Burress was adjourned Tuesday until June.
Burress accidentally shot himself in the thigh with an unlicensed gun he'd stuffed into his waistband at a Manhattan nightclub last year. The star receiver, wearing a gray suit and a light blue shirt, arrived at Manhattan Criminal Court in the company of his wife and his attorney, Benjamin Brafman. Both sides agreed to adjourn the case to June 15 following a brief hearing before Judge Michael Yavinsky. Burress' bail was continued. Prosecutor John Wolfstaetter told the judge that the prosecution was continuing its investigation. Brafman told reporters after the hearing that he had reached no plea agreement with prosecutors and said discussions were continuing. If the two sides reach an agreement, they will not necessarily wait for the scheduled court date, he said. "If the case needs to be advanced to an earlier date it will be. ... We are continuing to work our respective investigations, stay tuned," he said. Asked whether Burress would play for the Giants this season, Brafman said: "It's not my decision. It's the Giants' decision and Plaxico's decision. It's not a legal decision, it's a sports decision. "I assume a lot will depend on how, when and if this case is resolved and June 15th is the next day we are back unless there is a reason to come back earlier."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The negotiations between Burress' attorneys and the prosecution haven't produced a plea deal so far - his status for 2009 won't be determined by the Giants/the NFL until after the legal issues are resolved. Stay tuned...
SF - WR Bruce Returning for 2010
Source: Matt Maiocco, PressDemocrat.com
Bruce told Singletary that he plans to play for the 49ers this season, a team spokesman said. Bruce led the 49ers in receiving in his first season with the 49ers. The 49ers wanted him back, and he is returning.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Following up on last week's story, it appears that Bruce will be with the 49ers during 2009. This is good news for whoever ends up playing QB for the team, and it is also good news for the younger WRs on the team as Bruce is a consummate pro who is a steadying influence in the locker room.
DET - QB Stafford Does Well in Detroit Workout
Source: NFL.com, Gil Brandt
The Detroit Lions held a private workout with QB Matthew Stafford this morning in Georgia. Stafford told Brandt the workout went really well. The Lions contingent arrived in Georgia on Monday night, and coach Jim Schwartz had dinner with Stafford. At 8 this morning, Stafford met with the team for about an hour and a half to diagram plays on the blackboard and throw passes outside. When the Lions met with Stafford three weeks ago, they gave him a playbook to study, and they quizzed him on it this morning. Stafford told Brandt he thought he aced the quiz and was comfortable with how he performed on the blackboard and in throwing drills. Stafford, out of the University of Georgia, is trying to become the first overall pick in the draft. He left school after his junior year and has stated that he wants to go to Detroit and try to help the 0-16 Lions reverse their fortunes.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Stafford has been rumored to be the Lions' coveted player for some time now - if the workout went as well as Stafford is claiming, then he's a step closer to becoming the Lion's pick. Time will tell...
STL - QB Frerotte Signs with Rams
Source: Jim Thomas, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
It has taken a while, much longer than expected, but the Rams were closing in on a free-agent deal Wednesday night that would bring Gus Frerotte back to St. Louis as the backup quarterback behind Marc Bulger.
League sources told the Post-Dispatch that Frerotte was expected to be on the practice field Thursday when the Rams begin a three-day minicamp _ their first under new head coach Steve Spagnuolo. Frerotte spent the 2006 and ‘07 seasons backing up Bulger in St. Louis, but was cut in favor of Trent Green last offseason and signed with Minnesota. He started 11 games for the Vikings.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Frerotte is a wily veteran who gives the Rams a viable "Plan B" - Marc Bulger hasn't been the most durable QB (partly due to sheltering behind the leaky Rams' OL) so the Rams need to have a solid backup in place. Frerotte gives them needed depth at the position (178/301 for 2157 pass yards, 12 TDs and 15 interceptions in 11 games for the Vikings last year).
TB - TE Winslow Does Not Participate in Wednesday Practices
Source: Anwar Richardson, The Tampa Tribune
Newly acquired tight end Kellen Winslow did not participate in Wednesday's workouts.
Winslow was at practice and in uniform, but did not have a helmet and stood by the other tight ends who are practicing. Winslow fully participated in practice Tuesday.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Winslow has to absorb a new system down in Tampa, but we're not going to panic over one missed practice. Put this item on the back-burner - it could be nothing, or it could be a red flag. We'll see how healthy Winslow is as mini-camps progress.
KC - RB Johnson Now Wants to Stay With the Chiefs
Source: Bill Williamson, ESPN.com
The agent for Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson said his client is open to staying with the Chiefs and all sides have an "open mind" about the oft-embattled player playing in Kansas City in 2009.
Johnson had previously said he wanted to be traded. However, agent Peter Schaffer pointed out that Johnson is now interested in playing for the new Chiefs regime. Schaffer said, as an act of good faith, Johnson attended the Chiefs' offseason workout program that began Monday. New Chiefs coach Todd Haley told reporters Monday everyone on the team "has a clean slate." Johnson's grievance against the team is set to be heard Wednesday. It is over unpaid bonus money from last season. Still, Schaffer said that Johnson's issue was with the former Kansas City brass and that he and new Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli are communicating. "Everyone has an open mind about this and we continue to communicate," Schaffer said. "I think the Chiefs know that Larry is a very talented young man. I think everyone is looking to moving forward." Johnson was suspended for a total of four games by the team and the NFL last year for off-field issues. Last week, he received probation for two separate nightclub incidents. Johnson, 29, has had a rocky career in Kansas City and last year's incidents prompted speculation that he could be on his way out of town.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Johnson hasn't been a model citizen in K.C., but he has been a fantasy force at RB in the past. We'll see how the cookie crumbles soon enough - the Chiefs have to decide if Johnson's talent outweighs the negatives he brings to the table.
CIN - WR Ocho Cinco Absent from Workouts on Monday
Source: James Walker, ESPN.com
Bengals receiver Chad Ocho Cinco was absent from the start of the team's offseason program Monday, quarterback Carson Palmer said.
After a down year in 2008, Palmer and the Bengals hoped Ocho Cinco would be present. "I'm not worried about him; I'm worried about the guys we have here," Palmer said at a news conference Monday. "The guys that want to be here and want to work now are the guys who are in the locker room right now and are here today." Despite Palmer's confirmation, Bengals coach Marvin Lewis would not say what players were present. Palmer did sound more upbeat when asked about other receivers such as Laveranues Coles, who was present.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Ocho Cinco's attitude issues have been well documented in years past - we'll see if he is going to renew his campaign to get traded during 2009 or not. As the article points out, the Bengals would take a ~$5 million cap hit to trade Ocho Cinco (down from ~$8 million last year).
KC - RB Johnson Receives 2 Years of Probation for Disturbing the Peace
Source: Tony Rizzo, Kansas City Star
Chiefs running back Larry Johnson pleaded guilty this afternoon to two counts of disturbing the peace in connection with separate incidents involving women at Kansas City night clubs last year.
A Kansas City Municipal Court judge sentenced Johnson to two years of probation but suspended imposition of the sentence. If Johnson completes probation without further incidents, the guilty plea will be removed from his public record. Authorities originally charged him with two counts of assault but reduced both charges today to disturbing the peace. In entering his plea, Johnson admitted the city had enough evidence to convict him. Therefore, city prosecutors did not have to call witnesses or present other evidence. The charges stemmed from two incidents last year. In the first on Feb. 24, 2008, a 26-year-old woman alleged that Johnson shoved her on the side of the head inside a club in the 3800 block of Main Street. The woman told police that she and a friend were walking through the club when Johnson came toward them and said "don't touch me" as he shoved her. The second incident allegedly occurred in October at Club Blonde in the 100 block of Ward Parkway. A 24-year-old woman alleged that Johnson intentionally spit a drink in her face and made a threat against her boyfriend. City Prosecutor Beth Murano said that while on probation Johnson cannot consume alcohol or be present in any Kansas City bars or nightclubs after 9 p.m. He must also complete anger control counseling, not disturb the peace of the victims in the two cases and perform 40 hours of community service with the Police Athletic League.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Hopefully, if Johnson stays out of the clubs and keeps his act together, we won't have further incidents to report. However, he has a track record of questionable decision making/behavior - off-field issues make Johnson a higher risk proposition than other NFL backs. We'll see where he lands now that the legal issues are resolved, and what actions (if any) the commissioner's office decides to take based on his guilty pleas. Stay tuned. The Chiefs and Johnson are currently involved in a dispute over $3.75 million of guaranteed money that the team says they no longer owe Johnson due to the one game suspension Johnson served last year related to his incidents in the nightclubs. To see the story, click here.
TB - RB Williams Optimistic He'll Return from Knee Injury
Source: Stephen Holder, St. Petersburg Times
RB Cadillac Williams has reason to feel good about his recovery from a torn patellar tendon injury.
Offering the first detailed report on his rehab, Williams said today his pace is coming along extremely well compared to his last time going through this process. Three months after suffering the injury in the Dec. 28 season finale, Williams said he is well enough to sprint and to do some limited cutting. Asked how long it took to reach this stage after sustaining a similar injury in his opposite knee in September 2007, Williams said, "Hmmm. . . seven, eight months." "No doubt. It's a lot different," he added. "(Last) time, at three months, I was basically still on crutches. Here am I am walking and I've started some straight-ahead running. This is a lot different." The primary difference is in the severity of the damage. This time, Williams' left patellar tendon detached from the bone. Such an injury is easier for doctors to repair. In 2007, the right tendon actually ruptured.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Obviously, Williams has had a very hard time staying healthy and on the field. When he was at 100%, he was a force to be reckoned with, but we're skeptical that he'll ever get back to 100% healthy. Time will tell.
TEN - FA WR Holt Visits, Weighs Options
Source: Jim Wyatt, The Tennessean
Veteran receiver Torry Holt is looking for a place to finish his career.
He thinks the Titans have exactly what he's looking for. During his free agent visit to Baptist Sports Park today, he'll find out if it's the right fit. "Wherever I land, I would like for it to be my last stop," Holt said Wednesday night. "My first priority is to go somewhere that wants me, obviously, and wants to win. "Tennessee has illustrated those two things and now it's about seeing what this place is about and what their plans would be for me to come here. We'll see how things match up." Holt, released from the Rams last month after 10 seasons, already has been to Jacksonville. He called the visit with the Jaguars "outstanding" but said the Titans are intriguing.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Holt has had a great career, but his knees are showing the mileage from 10 NFL seasons. He may have one more strong fantasy campaign in the tank, but he's at the stage of a NFL career when pain management techniques/drainage of the knees are part of the daily regimen - he's not a spring chicken any more.
NYJ - RB Jones Continues To Miss Workouts
Source: Jenny Vrentas, The Star-Ledger
Jets RB Thomas Jones is again absent this week from the team's offseason workouts, according to a team spokesman. Jones, who is expected to be unhappy with his contract, has not reported yet this spring. There hasn't been any indication if or when the 30-year-old, who had a career season of 1,312 yards and 13 touchdowns last year, will be at the facility. Offseason workouts are optional, but there is a mandatory minicamp in June.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Jones wants an extension after his strong season last year, but new head coach Rex Ryan is on record as having a policy against renegotiating contracts for veterans. Right now, the sides are at an impasse and it doesn't look like either one is budging from their stance (yet). We'll see what happens when mandatory minicamp rolls around in June.
SD - WR Davis Healthy Now, Hopes Injury Woes are Behind Him
Source: Kevin Acee, Union-Tribune
Buster Davis doesn't want to talk about injuries any more.
"I'm feeling healthy," Davis said. "(Surgery) was the best for me. That's behind me. What I have is in front of me." The Chargers would love for that to be true. About to enter his third season, Davis has thus far, except in flashes, been unable to provide the kind of contribution expected of a first-round draft pick. Before going on injured reserve in November and undergoing surgery to repair his abdomen and groin, Davis had four catches for 59 yards in 2008. Bothered by the groin and other maladies throughout his rookie season, Davis caught 20 passes for 188 yards. He has appeared in 18 career games. The 2009 season is essentially seen as make-or-break for Davis in terms of his future with the Chargers. The future, for him, has started. "This is a big year for him," coach Norv Turner said recently. "He needs to have a great offseason."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We hope that Davis is indeed 100% healthy - he could be one of those guys who "comes out of nowhere" if he impresses during mini- and training camps. We'll keep an eye on the former first round pick as the team starts to gear up for off-season workouts/mini- camps.
Source: Brad Biggs, Chicago Sun-Times
A little more than an hour after trading for Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler, the Bears agreed to terms with Orlando Pace, the veteran left tackle who is a seven-time Pro Bowl performer, on Thursday in a move that not only reshapes the line but likely changes the plans of general manager Jerry Angelo 23 days before the NFL draft.
Pace will sign a two- or three-year contract and will be inserted as the starting left tackle meaning that 2008 first-round draft pick Chris Williams will have to stave off newly signed veteran Kevin Shaffer to claim a starting job at right tackle. Pace, 33, missed 25 games over the last three seasons but started 14 last season and cleared a physical when he visited the team on Monday. Agent Kennard McGuire praised the visit and it led to quick negotiations. "He had a tremendous relationship with Lovie," McGuire said. "That was an element."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Pretty good day to be a Bears fan. The Ravens were in the mix for Pace but Chicago won out. Pace is clearly on the downhill side of his career but Chicago is banking that he has a little gas left in the tank.
STL - TE Bajema Signs with Rams
Source: Jim Thomas, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
The St. Louis Rams have a new blocking specialist at tight end. Free agent Billy Bajema, who had spent his four previous seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, has agreed to terms with the Rams. Contract details weren't immediately available. Bajema, 26, replaces Anthony Becht, who was released by the Rams earlier this month and subsequently signed with the Arizona Cardinals.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Rams' OL was shaky last year, so they need help opening holes for Steven Jackson. Hopefully, Bajema can help spring Jackson often during 2009.
DAL - TE Witten Comments on Departed TO, Focus on the Future
Source: ESPN.com, AP Report
"It was a reality check for us to finish the way we did. It was disappointing," Witten said. "We just have to get back to work and not worry about expectations and take it one day at a time, one week at a time. We just have to keep stockpiling good days and don't worry about the big-picture things."
Such as life without Owens, who caught more touchdown passes (38) than any NFL receiver over the last three years and was a big part of Romo's emergence from unknown backup to Pro Bowl quarterback with a $67 million contract. When Owens was cut, it was clearly not a move based on on-field performance. Jones talked about needed change throughout, and said then that the decision to release Owens was based on what would benefit the entire team. Witten, whose team-high 81 catches last season were 12 more than Owens, said he "benefited tremendously" from having Owens outside. But the Pro Bowl tight end said the focus is now on the Cowboys being better in the future. "Decisions were made and we have to move on. We wish him the best of luck. No hard feelings there," Witten said, adding he didn't know why Owens was cut and didn't like some perceptions that he and Romo pushed for the move. "To get perceived to be in the middle of that, that bothers you," Witten said. "For people to think we're caught up in that, absolutely not. For anybody, you can't win in this league doing that kind of stuff."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Witten figures to be even more central to what the Cowboy's passing attack does during 2009 with Owens out the door. Witten may be the top fantasy TE prospect on a lot of draft boards this year but don't discount what he's saying here - he clearly benefited from the threat of Owens and now teams will be able key on him more.
NO - QB Harrington Re-Signed by the Saints
Source: Pat Yasinskas, ESPN.com
The New Orleans Saints re-signed backup quarterback Joey Harrington on Monday afternoon.
Harrington had been an unrestricted free agent after serving as New Orleans' third quarterback for 12 games last season. But the Saints had said all along they wanted Harrington back and were just waiting until there was room under the salary cap. The Saints are set with Drew Brees, who threw for more than 5,000 yards last season, as the starter. But top backup Mark Brunell will turn 39 in September.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Harrington was a starter in Atlanta after the Michael Vick debacle, but he didn't impress fantasy owners with his numbers. However, as the article points out, Brunell is 39 and if the worst happens (an injury to Brees), Harrington might see action for the Saints. This is an item to keep on the back burner unless the situation changes significantly down in the Big Easy.
NFL - QB Vick to Pay Falcons $6.5 Million to Secure His Release
Source: Matt King, WUSA9.com
Michael Vick has agreed to pay the Atlanta Falcons $6.5 million as part of his bankruptcy case, clearing the way for the team to release him before training camp, a person familiar with the settlement said Tuesday.
The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the settlement was not being announced publicly, said the payment would go toward settling a bankruptcy claim by the team for salary paid to Vick while he was missing the last two seasons. Vick pleaded guilty to federal dogfighting charges and is in the final months of a nearly two-year sentence. He was once the NFL's highest-paid player, signing a $130 million, 10-year deal with the Falcons in December 2004. The settlement was reached ahead of Vick's bankruptcy hearing in Virginia on Thursday. It does not affect the Falcons' claim involving bonuses already paid to the quarterback. An arbitrator ruled the team was owed $20 million, a federal judge reduced the award to $3.75 million and the team has appealed to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. A ruling is expected in June. Once that issue is resolved, Vick is likely to be released by the Falcons.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
With Matt Ryan firmly in the driver's seat for the Falcons, the team has little to gain with dragging out their relationship with the disgraced Vick. It remains to be seen where he'll land (if commissioner Goodell reinstates Vick), but Atlanta is not likely to be his final destination.
DEF - SD DT Williams Not to be Charged in DUI Case
Source: Casey Pearce, Chargers.com
With bad news always grabbing the headlines, good news is too often overlooked. That's the case with Jamal Williams.
Back in February, the 32-year-old team leader and captain was thrust into the spotlight when he was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence. Now Chargers.com has learned that no charges are being filed against Williams based on the fact that his blood alcohol level at the time was below the legal limit of .08%.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Good news for Williams and good news for the Chargers. Hopefully Williams will learn from his brush with the law and take a cab next time he's out on the town. The city DA's office contradicted the above report on Thursday stating that charges are still possible, however. It looks like Williams isn't out of the woods on this arrest just yet. To see the story, click here.
DEF - SD LB Merriman Feels Great, Plans to Attend Chargers' Opening Conditioning Session
Source: Kevin Acee, Union-Tribune
Monday begins the team's organized conditioning drills, which almost every player on the roster is expected to attend.
Shawne Merriman has been working at the facility (and away from it) most days. He is out of town and will not attend the opening conditioning session but will be there later in the week. After a season off following major knee surgery, Merriman is by many accounts back to full strength already. "I feel great, and I look amazing," Merriman said last week.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Chargers' team D and IDP owners of Merriman figure to get a boost from the return of Merriman - his absence was sorely felt by the Chargers last year.
That'll do it for this week. Hope the basketball games all go your way this weekend and we'll see you next Friday with another update. Thanks for reading and have a great one.
J