Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 57 (Monday, June 15th)
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NFL - Brett Favre talks about a possible return
Source: Joe Bryant
Brett Favre appeared on HBO's Joe Buck Live show Monday night and answered questions about his possible return. Buck asked him point blank, "Do you plan on playing in the NFL this year?"
Favre replied "Maybe."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Favre had been scheduled to appear on Buck's show since last March. Favre sounded like he was going to be a Viking as long as his arm was sound enough to play. He mentioned that the Vikings made "perfect sense" as he had 16 years of experience running the offense Minnesota runs. He said, "I could teach that offense."
In one of the more telling segments, Favre said that he'd even considered attending the Vikings OTAs but decided not to in order to avoid a media frenzy. Favre said the Vikings training staff had talked with him but only to the extent of suggesting some rehab exercises. According to Favre, there was no "deadline" given to him by the Vikings as had been reported last week. Bottom line is that Brett Favre will be a Minnesota Viking this year if his arm is ready to go.Source: Mike Chambers, The Denver Post
The Denver Broncos have announced they have signed unrestricted free-agent WR Brandon Lloyd (Bears). Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
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Lloyd gets to be reunited with new Broncos starting QB Kyle Orton. The duo teamed up last season for the Bears and Lloyd finished the season with 26 catches for 364 yards (14.0 average) and two touchdowns. With Brandon Marshall's status in doubt, Lloyd is definitely a guy to keep an eye on in Denver.
DEN - WR Brandon Marhsall requests trade
Source: ESPNews / 850 KOA
ESPNews reports Adam Schefter said during a radio interview with 850 KOA that Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall has requested a trade.
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Mike Klis from the Denver Post had an earlier report about how the Broncos had no intentions of trading Brandon Marshall. However, when Marshall left Dove Valley on Saturday he had some boxes that he packed into his car. Determining adequate trade value for Marshall would be difficult because of his off-field antics. This is going to turn into an ugly holdout at the very least, and we've seen the new regime in Denver get rid of guys that don't want to be there so a trade may be likely
DEN - Broncos not looking to trade WR Brandon Marshall
Source: Mike Klis, The Denver Post
Mike Klis, of The Denver Post, reports the Denver Broncos, for now, are not considering the possibility of trading WR Brandon Marshall.
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Receiving equal value for Marshall may be difficult given the uncertainty of his health and off-field issues. Marshall is rehabbing from the hip procedure he had April 1, and his case on misdemeanor battery charges in Atlanta has been continued until August. It looks like a lengthy holdout is on the horizon for Brandon Marshall, which will hurt this Broncos passing game as they go through the preseason.
CHI - Chemistry key on QB Jay Cutler's report card
Source: Mike Mulligan, The Chicago Sun-Times
Mike Mulligan, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports that the Bears are doing everything they can to build chemistry between new quarterback Jay Cutler and his receivers, including making sure that at least two of the top four wide receivers and one of the top two TEs are on the field any time Cutler is.
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Devin Hester has also only caught passes from Cutler. "Every snap [in the offseason] is about developing that chemistry," Turner said. "It's just a matter of those guys trying to establish their relationship on the field. It takes time to get on the same page. It's a process."
BAL - HC Harbaugh will use three-headed RB again
Source: Mike Preston, The Baltimore Sun
Mike Preston, of the Baltimore Sun, reports that it looks like John Harbaugh will use LeRon McClain, Ray Rice, and Willis McGahee as a "three-headed monster" again this year.
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"I prefer the best way for us to be successful," Harbaugh said. "If its one running back or three running backs, we just need to get the job done." With McClain playing more fullback, and McGahee recovering from ankle and knee surgery, Rice is the best pick of the trio.
DAL - QB Tony Romo still not in sync with WR Roy Williams
Source: Clarence E. Hill Jr., The Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Clarence E. Hill Jr., of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, reports Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo and WR Roy Williams are still dealing with miscommunication and visible signs of frustration when they are unable to connect during practice. Williams barked at Romo Monday, June 15, after a pass didn't come his way when he was open. Williams said, "I was frustrated and I let him know, but that's what we're supposed to do. This is our job. His job is to deliver the ball. My job is to catch it and get open. That's how you win, and that's all I want to do.
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Romo tried to downplay it, saying they were "close", but "there's still little things." Of course, one of those little things was route running. Williams also said he's willing to become Romo's "best friend", including telling him "his girlfriend looks good". His sense of humor about the situation tells us it's not too serious... yet.
NYJ - Jets losing interest in WR Plaxico Burress
Source: Rich Cimini, The New York Daily News
Rich Cimini, of the New York Daily News, reports the New York Jets' interest in unrestricted free-agent WR Plaxico Burress (Giants) is not as high as it once was, according to a source.
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The Jets have been on the list of suitors for Burress ever since they talked to Drew Rosenhaus back in April. Cimini says interest in the big WR has "cooled" but it is not dead. The Jets are desperate for help at WR, and would like to add Burress to start opposite Jerricho Cotchery.
Source: NewYorkJets.com
The New York Jets have announced they have signed third-round draft choice RB Shonn Greene. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
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Greene's dynasty value is huge because he should be the replacement for Thomas Jones in the near future. This season he will be used sparingly, but could see time when the Jets are trying to grind down the clock in the 4th quarter. Greene may also get a few goalline opportunities in 2009.
SF - RB Kory Sheets believes he can be every-down back
Source: Matt Maiocco, The Santa Rosa Press Democrat
Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers RB Kory Sheets has been labeled a third-down back but believes he can be an every-down back because he has not been injury prone.
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Kory Sheets is known for a hard charging running style and a devastating stiff arm. Sheets has the skill set to be a capable back in the NFL - but lacks the bulk to be a featured carrier. He has added value because of his experience as a kick returner, and he may have to shine on special teams if he wants to make the final roster. He will compete with Thomas Clayton for the 4th RB spot on the depth chart.
DAL - P Matt Fodge & WR Willie Reid signed
Source: Tim MacMahon, The Dallas Morning News
Tim MacMahon, of The Dallas Morning News, reports the Dallas Cowboys have signed undrafted free-agent P Matt Fodge (Oklahoma State) and unrestricted free-agent WR Willie Reid (Eagles). Terms of the contracts were not disclosed.
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Several Cowboys receivers are sitting out with injury so Dallas decided to sign Willie Reid who was out of football last year. A 3rd round pick by Pittsburgh in 2006, Reid never developed into the Roscoe Parrish-type player the Steelers thought he would. Reid will find it difficult to make the final roster when the other Cowboys receivers come back from injury.
NYG - Giants reach settlement with WR Plaxico Burress
Source: Ralph Vacchiano, The New York Daily News
Ralph Vacchiano, of the New York Daily News, reports the New York Giants and free-agent WR Plaxico Burress (Giants) reached a settlement over the grievance Burress filed against the team in December.
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The NFLPA had claimed the four-week suspension and $200,000-plus fine the Giants levied against Burress was 'excessive' and 'in violation of the CBA'. Terms of the settlement weren't immediately disclosed.
SF - WR Dominique Zeigler one of WR coach's favorites
Source: Matt Maiocco, The Santa Rosa Press Democrat
Matt Maiocco, of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports that renowned 49ers WR coach Jerry Sullivan used second-year wideout Dominique Zeigler's 15 yard out route as an example for the younger wide receivers.
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Zeigler was an undrafted free agent last year, but he still found the field by season's end, and he could be push Arnaz Battle off the roster if the team only chooses to carry five receivers.
CHI - WRs Earl Bennett and Johnny Knox impress in OTAs
Source: Mike Mulligan, The Chicago Sun-Times
Mike Mulligan, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports that second-year wideout Earl Bennett might be the most improved player on the team, and that rookie fifth-round pick Johnny Knox looks like he'll contribute immediately.
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There's a void in the Bears wide receiver corps as long as they don't sign Plaxico Burress, and these two players should team up to fill it. Devin Hester will be the big play receiver, tight end Greg Olsen will work the middle of the field, with Bennett and Knox finding the soft spots in the coverage from the outside and slot respectively. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner made sure to point out that Bennett's improvement and newfound maturity started before the team acquired his college teammate, Jay Cutler. Mulligan said Knox could have a much better rookie season than Juaquin Iglesias, even though Iglesias was drafted two rounds ahead of him.
CHI - TE Greg Olsen poised for big season
Source: Mike Mulligan, The Chicago Sun-Times
Mike Mulligan, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports that Greg Olsen has established himself as Jay Cutler's favorite target and a top secondary option.
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Offensive coordinator Ron Turner also complimented Olsen's evolution as a blocker and all-around tight end. Olsen could easily finish in the top five fantasy tight ends and he's consistently available after the top six TEs are off the board, so he's another reason you can be patient at TE in fantasy drafts this year.
CHI - Team will be monitoring WR Plaxico Burress situation
Source: Mike Mulligan, The Chicago Sun-Times
Mike Mulligan, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports that the Bears will be monitoring the Plaxico Burress legal situation.
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Mulligan advises Bears fans to not hold their breath for Burress's arrival, even though Jay Cutler wants it, because he might not be available until mid-season. If Burress is signed, he would instantly become the Bears #1 wideout.
BAL - WR Marcus Smith working hard in practice
Source: Mike Preston, The Baltimore Sun
Mike Preston, of the Baltimore Sun, reports that second year receiver Marcus Smith has been getting a lot of work with Mark Clayton, Derrick Mason, and Demetrius Williams all missing time, but that he hasn't distinguished himself except as a hard worker.
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Smith was a running back earlier in his collegiate career at New Mexico before becoming a wide receiver. He was a fourth round pick in 2008 and has a chance to make an impact because he's the biggest wide receiver who is likely to make the team.
HOU - QB Rex Grossman & Alex Brink would compete for No. 3 job
Source: The Associated Press
The Associated Press reports Houston Texans QB Rex Grossman and QB Alex Brink would compete for the No. 3 quarterback job if head coach Gary Kubiak decides to keep three quarterbacks on the roster.
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Grossman should be able to beat out Alex Brink, and then he should battle Dan Orlovsky for the backup spot behind Matt Schaub. Every season Schaub eventually breaks down so Grossman could see the field for a few weeks in 2009.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great Tuesday and thanks for reading.
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