NFL Player News: CBSSports.com

High expectations ahead for Pitta

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:04:46 EST

The Ravens official team website reports that Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta more than filled the shoes of departed longtime TE Todd Heap. In their first season splitting the workload, they combined to catch 94 passes for 933 yards and eight touchdowns. Those are better numbers than any of Heap’s 10 seasons in Baltimore in all three categories. Now Ravens Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron only sees more production ahead out of his two young tight ends. “Those two are right on track in their development and we expect big years out of both of them next year,” Cameron said.

Cameron counting on Dickson

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:04:44 EST

Chargers will bid on Jackson

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:58:57 EST

According to NFL.com, the Chargers will make a big push to sign impending free agent WR Vincent Jackson. Jackson has maintained his preference is to stay in San Diego despite a relationship with the front office that has been acrimonious in the past. The Chargers aren’t expected to use the franchise tag on Jackson and sound open to trying to work out a long-term deal. But the Chargers likely won't be the highest bidder for Jackson, and he could land with a new team. Jackson earned $11.4 million during the 2011 season under the franchise tag, a figure that is expected to increase to $13.7 million this offseason. The report said Jackson could exceed $10 million per season over five seasons.

Differing views on Peyton

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:53:39 EST

There are two differing reports on Colts QB Peyton Manning as the saga continues early this offseason in his recovery from missing this past season from neck surgery. CBSSports.com NFL Insider Mike Freeman reports that there remain a handful of team personnel men who have serious doubts he will ever play again or at the very least will miss most of next season. But, according to NFL.com, former Colts vice chairman Bill Polian, who was fired in early January, said he believes Manning will be fine in 2012 after he last saw Manning throw in late December. "It's marked (improvement) from where he was back in September," Polian said. "He threw it accurately, he threw it with a good, tight spiral, and he threw it with velocity. Generally, he looked like a pretty confident quarterback out there." Polian also indicated that Manning was able to make a variety of throws and throw across his body, which differs from a report on NFL Network earlier this week. Polian said that Manning's recovery is "coming, but coming slowly. But, nonetheless, its making progress."

Raiders send Routt out

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:29:19 EST

Less than one year ago, Al Davis made Stanford Routt one of the cornerstones of the Oakland Raiders defense with a lavish contract that kept him from free agency. Routt became the first player casualty under the new regime with the Raiders, released on Thursday just one year into a $54.5 million, five-year contract, ending his seven-year tenure in Oakland as the team heads in a new direction.

Jackson cleared, contract coming

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:26:56 EST

Fred Jackson has been cleared to return to football activities for a couple of weeks following a broken fibula, but the good news for him doesn't stop there. The official team website reports that Jackson has been promised by team GM Buddy Nix that he will receive a contract extension, with the timeline set for before the 2012 season. Jackson is slated to be in a contract year as it stands now, but a new deal would change that. "Fred and I have talked," said Nix. "We want to extend Fred. I'd like for Fred to finish his career as a Bill. He's meant a lot to us. I've got great respect for him. We do want Fred back and we do intend to try to work out a deal with him. I've told him that. What we said is what we're going to do."

Cruz wants raise

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 16:06:05 EST

The Sports Xchange reports that WR Victor Cruz became a star this season for the Giants, and now he wants to be paid like a star. Cruz, who made $405,000 in 2011 after signing with the Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2010, won the Vizio Top Value Performer Award this season as the NFL player who did the most for the least money. He's ready to say goodbye to the "least money" part of that sentence. "I feel like after my performance this year, I deserve to be paid more money at this point," Cruz said. "But that's something I'll let my agents and people take care of and I'll just go out there and play the game." Cruz led the Giants with 82 catches for a franchise-record 1,536 yards during the regular season, then added 21 more catches for 269 yards and a touchdown in the playoffs. That touchdown came in the first quarter of Super Bowl XLVI against the Patriots, as he caught a 2-yard pass from Eli Manning to make it 9-0 New York. "I want to remain a Giant for a very long time," he said.

Ochocinco going back to Johnson

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 15:57:08 EST

The Sports Xchange reports that Patriots WR Chad Ochocinco has decided to eighty-six his name change after less than four years. Ochocinco announced via his Twitter account that he will change his name July 4, responding to a fan who claimed to have five of the star's jerseys on his wall. "Take them down," Ochocino tweeted. "I'll be Johnson on July 4th." Ochocinco caught 15 passes for 276 yards during the 2011 season, his first with New England after 10 seasons with the Bengals. He caught one pass during the postseason, a 21-yard reception during Super Bowl XLVI.

McCoy over concussion

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 12:09:53 EST

The Sports Xchange reports that Browns QB Colt McCoy will be ready to play in the 2012 season. Team president Mike Holmgren said in a radio interview that McCoy has recovered from the helmet-to-helmet hit he received from Steelers LB James Harrison in December. "He passed all his tests and he's feeling fine," Holmgren said, "and he has no residual effects from the play." The Browns, who finished fourth in the AFC North at 4-12, have two first-round picks in this April's NFL Draft, including the fourth pick overall. The team is expected to bring in competition for McCoy at quarterback this offseason, possibly a top draft pick like Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III of Baylor. Whatever the situation, Holmgren expects McCoy to be ready to compete. "I know that no one will work harder this offseason than Colt McCoy," Holmgren said.

Redskins checking out QB Orton?

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 10:14:47 EST

Kyle Orton might be next on the Redskins' radar if they cannot sign Peyton Manning, Comcast SportsNet reports. Orton was considered by the Redskins when he was waived by the Broncos but the team thought there could be friction between him and Rex Grossman, so they didn't claim him. Orton would be a cost-effective alternative to Manning, though he's not as good as Manning.

Welker set to get franchise tag

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 09:20:00 EST

Wes Welker is expected to get the franchise tag from the Patriots before the start of free agency, according to the Boston Globe. The report adds that things could turn ugly between Welker and the team including a holdout potentially going as long as possible. Welker played big in his contract year, catching 122 passes for a career-best 1,569 yards and career-high nine touchdowns in 2011.

T.O. isn't going away

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 08:53:37 EST

Terrell Owens has officially signed on to be a player and co-owner of the Allen Wranglers of the Indoor Football League. Owens, 38, did not play in the NFL in 2011 after having surgery for a torn ACL in April. "It was an opportunity for myself and my family." Owens said of signing with the IFL. "It's a way for myself to keep in shape. I haven't retired from the NFL. I want to play a couple more years. I know I'm physically fit to play the game still."

Report: Plax wants to play for Philly

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 08:46:45 EST

Plaxico Burress told Howard Eskin of 94 WIP SportsRadio in Philadelphia that he "wants to play for Eagles. Badly!" Eskin posted the news on his Twitter account, saying he spoke to him at the Super Bowl, and later posted that he thinks that the "Eagles will think about" signing him. Burress recently commented on his year with the Jets to the New York Post, failing to elaborate on any comments and seeming uninterested in staying with them.

Pats ink players to new deals

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 08:40:02 EST

The Patriots signed LB Markell Carter, WR Britt Davis, DE Aaron Lavarias, LB Mike Rivera, WR Tiquan Underwood and DB Ross Ventrone to future contracts.

Pats re-sign Underwood

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 08:37:54 EST

Days after losing Super Bowl XLVI, the Patriots re-signed WR Tiquan Underwood to a futures contract. Underwood was released by the Patriots on the day before the Super Bowl. He played in five games, catching three passes for 30 yards in the regular season for New England.

Steelers begin roster tinkering

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 08:36:01 EST

In preparation for the new league year, the Steelers terminated the contracts of CB Bryant McFadden and WR Arnaz Battle and waived TE Miguel Chavis and LB Erik Clanton. The team did sign CB Myron Rolle, WR Juamorris Stewart and LB Brandon Hicks.

49ers want to keep Smith

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 16:03:44 EST

According to CSN Bay Area, 49ers QB Alex Smith is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but it appears highly unlikely he will leave San Francisco. 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh has made it clear he wants Smith re-signed. "We're all in lockstep as an organization that Alex Smith is our guy. It's well-documented. You saw the way he played this year," Harbaugh said on a local TV show in the Bay Area. "(He is a) tremendous leader on our football team. There's Alex and there are other guys, too, that are high priorities. We want our guys. There are guys who play like 49ers, and what they do is they play their hearts out for our team. So Alex and others, (it's) going to be a high-priority to get those guys signed."

Knox's recovery going slow

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 15:41:41 EST

According to ESPN.com, Bears WR Johnny Knox's recovery from back surgery could take longer than expected. Knox underwent a vertebral fusion procedure and will have to wear a back brace until mid-March. The timeline for recovery could extend beyond six months, according to multiple sources.

Kaepernick says he'll get 'fair shot'

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 13:48:50 EST

49ers QB Colin Kaepernick looked back on his rookie season with the Reno Gazette-Journal and suggested that he'll have an opportunity to start in 2012. "Someone told me Coach Harbaugh said it's an open job. It will be earned. I think they'll give me a fair shot," Kaepernick said.

Cutler happy with new QB coach

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 11:15:38 EST

Jay Cutler has a familiar face joining him on the sidelines in Chicago, and it's one he's had some big stats with. The Bears hired Jeremy Bates to be their quarterbacks coach, just two years after offering him their offensive coordinator position. The two spent three seasons together in Denver with Bates as his quarterbacks coach.

Jets hang on to Holmes

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 10:38:00 EST

According to multiple reports, the Jets are now obligated to pay WR Santonio Holmes $15.25 million over the next two seasons, all but guaranteeing him a spot on the roster this year and potentially next year. His 2012 salary of $7.75M was already guaranteed, but by being on the roster on Feb. 8, 2012, his 2013 salary of $7.5M is also locked in. There was some discussion that Holmes wouldn't be retained after finishing the season on the bench and causing a rift with QB Mark Sanchez.

Jets keep WR Turner

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 10:26:47 EST

Citing NFLPA records, the Jets have signed WR Patrick Turner to a one-year deal according to the Newark Star-Ledger.

Report: Eagles to franchise DeSean

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 10:23:22 EST

NFL Network reports that the Eagles intend to franchise WR DeSean Jackson, but not necessarily keep him. By franchising Jackson, he can sign a one-year tender for a set salary for 2012, but the team could move him in a deal for what they deem fair compensation. If no one wants to trade for Jackson, the Eagles would then keep him and consider his one-year deal as a "prove it" type contract.

Davis could get franchise tag

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 10:22:19 EST

According to the NFL Network, the Redskins will likely use the franchise tag on TE Fred Davis, who is an impending free agent. Davis, who missed the final four games this season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, will likely be paid a little more than $5 million if he does receive the franchise tag.

Ballard tore ACL in Super Bowl

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 10:09:07 EST

Days after it was reported that Giants TE Jake Ballard tore his left meniscus in Super Bowl XLVI, the team announced that he also tore his ACL. Ballard walked off the field under his own power after apparently suffering the injury while running during a play. He attempted to test the injury along the Giants sideline, but collapsed and was taken to the locker room on a cart.

Daboll likes Cassel

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 15:17:01 EST

New Chiefs offensive coordinator Brian Daboll said Tuesday he is looking forward to working with QB Matt Cassel. "I have a lot of confidence in Matt Cassel," Daboll said. "I've watched him on tape and I know the player." Cassel is expected to start for the Chiefs in 2012, although he could face some competition for the job.

Ricky officially retires

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 15:05:08 EST

RB Ricky Williams announced Tuesday that he is retiring from the NFL. Williams, 34, recently completed his 11th NFL season and first with the Ravens. He appeared in 147 career games (83 starts), posting 2,431 carries for 10,009 rushing yards and 66 touchdowns. The 5-10, 230-pounder added 342 receptions for 2,606 receiving yards and eight touchdowns during his career. Williams amassed five 1,000-yard rushing seasons. “The NFL has been an amazing page in this chapter of my life,” Williams said. “I pray that all successive adventures offer me the same potential for growth, success and most importantly, fun. I want to thank all my fans, teammates, coaches and supporters for the strength they've given me to overcome so much."

Lindell stays with the Bills

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 14:22:43 EST

The Buffalo Bills have re-signed kicker Rian Lindell, who was eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next month. He returns for a 10th season in Buffalo, where he is the team's second leading scorer with 878 career points. Lindell had played in 180 straight games before being sidelined by a season-ending shoulder injury in November.

Big Ben's new playcaller: Todd Haley

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 14:12:17 EST

The Steelers signed ex-Chiefs head coach Todd Haley to serve as their offensive coordinator, replacing Bruce Arians. Haley was fired as the Chiefs' coach last season after going 5-8 and falling out of serious contention for the playoffs. Not only did Haley help direct the Chiefs to the AFC West title in 2010, but he was also the offensive playcaller for the Cardinals when they went to the Super Bowl against the Steelers in the 2008 season. Haley is the son of former Steelers director of player personnel Dick Haley and a former ball boy for the Steelers.

Moeaki on target for return

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 14:09:12 EST

According to ESPN.com, Chiefs TE Tony Moeaki is expected to participate in offseason workouts after sustaining a knee injury during a preseason game this season. Moeaki was out all year with a torn ACL.

Britt's rehab going well

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 14:05:17 EST

The Tennessean reports that Titans GM Ruston Webster said Tuesday that WR Kenny Britt's rehab from his torn ACL is going a little faster than anticipated. The Titans expect him to be ready for training camp. Britt was injured in Week 3 against Denver.

Charles' recovery going well

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 12:31:09 EST

According to ESPN.com, Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles is expected to participate in offseason workouts after missing all but the first two weeks of this past season with a knee injury. Charles suffered a torn ACL in Week 2 against the Lions when his cleat got caught in the turf. He is expected to make a full recovery for the start of the 2012 season.