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[Patriots News] Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski Undergoes Ankle Surgery

Sportsguy'sLilBitch — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:40:44 GMT

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle this morning, Liz Mullen of SportsBusiness Journal reports. Gronkowski injured his ankle while being tackled by Baltimore Ravens safety Bernard Pollard in the AFC Championship Game. The second-year tight end returned to the game with his left ankle taped heavily and was able to play in Super Bowl XLVI, though surgery after the season has always been the likely scenario. According to Mullen, the recovery time is expected to take 10 weeks, which means Gronkowski will be ready to go well before training camp.

Source: Mac's Football Blog

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[NFL News] Free Agent CB Stanford Routt Drawing Interest From Vikings, Chiefs And Cowboys

Sportsguy'sLilBitch — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:21:08 GMT

Vann McElroy, Sanford Routt's Houston-based agent, said Friday morning outside of visits to Buffalo and Tennessee his client has no other visits scheduled according to Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.com. However, Minnesota, Kansas City and Dallas have reached out to him about Routt's services. Routt was released by the Raiders on Thursday.

Source: The Redzone

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[NFL News] Stanford QB Andrew Luck, Baylor QB Robert Griffin III To Hold Pro Day Workouts

Sportsguy'sLilBitch — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:25:26 GMT

Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck and Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III each will have his Pro Day workout for NFL teams Thursday, March 22 according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Unfortunately, scouts, GMs, and coaches who are interested in both players will have to split up and compare notes unless there is a change which is always possible.

Source: The Redzone

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[Bills News] Bills Plan To Extend RB Fred Jackson Before Start Of Season

Sportsguy'sLilBitch — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:07:31 GMT

Running back Fred Jackson still has a year remaining on a multi-year deal that he signed during the 2009 offseason, but Bills GM Buddy Nix has assured Jackson personally that he�ll be taken care of with a new agreement according to Chris Brown of Buffalobills.com. �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.� Nix said the plan is to get a new contract done before the 2012 season starts. That leaves both sides with about seven months before the regular season begins. Jackson told Buffalobills.com that talks have not been initiated at this point. �Not yet, but it�s expected that we�ll get started at some point,� said Jackson. �I know they�ve got a lot of stuff to get squared away this offseason.�

Source: The Redzone

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[Rams News] Rams Release OL Jovan Olafioye After Failing His Physical

Sportsguy'sLilBitch — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:49:06 GMT

After visiting 15 NFL teams before signing with the St. Louis Rams, offensive lineman Jovan Olafioye is returning to the B.C. Lions after failing his physical with the Rams, Allan Maki of The Globe and Mail reports. "The St. Louis Rams have notified Jovan Olafioye that they have released him from his contract due to their concerns about a medical issue," Dan Vertlieb, Olafioye's agent said. "Given the closing window to explore opportunities in the NFL in Jovan�s current CFL contract, he will return to the B.C. Lions for another season after thoroughly addressing his status." Undrafted out of North Carolina Central in 2010, Olafioye has spent the last two seasons with the B.C. Lions, earning All-Star honors in 2011. The 6-foot-6, 325-pound lineman worked out for and/or visited 15 teams over the last six weeks, including a January 5 workout for the Rams. Olafioye signed a contract with the Rams, which was disapproved by the NFL. Olafioye signed a re-worked contract, but was released by the Rams late on Thursday.

Source: Mac's Football Blog

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[Dolphins News] Ex-Dolphins QB Chad Pennington Likely To Retire

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 04:28:42 GMT

Since the start of the 2009-10 season, quarterback Chad Pennington has appeared in four NFL games for the Miami Dolphins, throwing 76 passes with 52 of them hitting for completions and just one for a touchdown. He missed last season after hurting his left knee in a pickup basketball game and is fully healthy now but may not give himself a chance to add to the stats he amassed over 11 seasons with the Fins and New York Jets. The Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel reports that the 35-year-old two-time NFL Comeback Player of the Year isn't going to try for a third such award and is leaning toward retirement. "It doesn't make sense for me to come back and try to play," Pennington told the Sun-Sentinel. "I know I can get healthy. I know I can be ready for training camp and do all those things. But can I take a hit? After four shoulder surgeries, that's a question that's hard to answer right now. That's something that's out of my control. I can control being strong enough, accurate enough, and smart enough. But I can't control not being able to take a hit in the wrong angle." Pennington hasn't turned in his retirement papers yet, the paper notes, but it appears to only be a matter of time.

Source: Yahoo! Sports

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[Bengals News] Bengals LB Rey Maualuga Allegedly Involved In Bar Fight; Police Investigating

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 04:24:18 GMT

The manager of a downtown bar says Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga was involved in a bar fight over the weekend where he injured the manager. According to the manager, Maualuga was at Luxe, a bar located at the corner of 6th St. and Main St. in downtown Cincinnati, where he allegedly punched the manager, causing him to be injured. Cincinnati Police are still investigating the incident, and Ray Maualuga has not been charged. FOX19 spoke to Maualuga's agent, Gary Uberstine, who called Maualuga, and then called FOX19 back saying that he can't really comment on the matter at this point.

Source: FOX19

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[Chargers News] Chargers Reportedly Will Try To Re-Sign WR Vincent Jackson

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:37:57 GMT

Vincent Jackson represents the biggest name on an impressive list of wide receivers who could become free agents in March if he actually reaches free agency. 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. �I�m told by people in San Diego they�re going to do everything in their power to sign him, but this is going to be expensive,� NFL Network�s Michael Lombardi told �NFL Total Access� on Thursday. �There are a lot of teams that need an outside, big-play receiver.� Looking at what it would take to land Jackson if he reaches free-agent status, Lombardi expects Jackson could exceed $10 million per season over five seasons. That�s nearly identical to the five-year, $50 million he asked the Chargers for in 2010.

Source: NFL.com

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[Rams News] Rams Narrow List Of GM Candidates

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:34:50 GMT

The St. Louis Rams have whittled their list of general manager candidates to the final "two or three", Steve Wyche of NFL.com reports. St. Louis has interviewed nine candidates for the position, which was created after the firing of head coach Steve Spagnuolo and general manager Billy Devaney following the 2011 season. The Rams have hired head coach Jeff Fisher as head coach, but have yet to fill Devaney's office. Wyche adds that those finalists will meet with Rams owner Stan Kroenke over the next few days.

Source: Mac's Football Blog

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[NFL News] Ex-Raiders CB Stanford Routt Expected To Meet With Bills, Titans

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:30:28 GMT

Hours after being released by the Oakland Raiders, free agent cornerback Stanford Routt has visits planned with the Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans, ESPN's Josina Anderson reports. As a vested veteran, Routt is not subject to waivers. Both the Titans and Bills have issues at the No. 1 cornerback spot. For the Bills, Terrence McGee is coming off a season-ending knee injury, and for the Titans, Cortland Finnegan is an unrestricted free agent.

Source: Mac's Football Blog

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[Colts News] Ex-Colts Exec Bill Polian Says QB Peyton Manning Will Return 'At A High Level'

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:26:34 GMT

Former Colts vice chairman Bill Polian, who was fired in early January, presumably was as close as anyone in the organization to much of Peyton Manning's recovery from three neck surgeries that sidelined the QB for the entire 2011 season. Amid reports that Manning is still unable to throw effectively, Polian offered a much different observation during an interview with ESPN's "Pardon the Interruption" on Thursday, recounting that 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. Taking aim at the bottom line, Polian believes the ultra-competitive Manning is out to prove he can play again and "cross another hurdle." Polian believes Manning will return to the NFL, and will return "at a high level."

Source: NFL.com

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[Giants News] Giants GM Jerry Reese Expects Some Changes This Offseason

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:22:07 GMT

The New York Giants already started preparing to defend their Super Bowl title, just days after winning their second NFL title in five seasons. General manager Jerry Reese said Thursday he expects a strong core of players to return next year, but cautioned �there will definitely be some changes.� That�s no surprise considering 20 players are set to become unrestricted free agents in March. �There�s a lot of planning, a lot of discussion on guys and on salaries and where we can go and where we can�t go,� Reese said in a conference call. �It�s a lot of discussion to be had. But we�ll be ready.� Only four of New York�s starters will be free agents: tackle Kareem McKenzie, linebacker Chase Blackburn, cornerback Aaron Ross and punter Steve Weatherford. Wide receiver Mario Manningham, defensive end Dave Tollefson, defensive tackle Rocky Bernard, cornerback Terrell Thomas and safety Deon Grant are among the key players that could test free agency.

Source: Associated Press

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[49ers News] 49ers WR Josh Morgan Finally Sprinting, Hopes To Stay In San Francisco

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:19:19 GMT

49ers wide receiver Joshua Morgan is running, and even sprinting, again on the surgically repaired right leg that limited him to only five games in 2011 for the NFC West champions. "I'm back!" Morgan said Thursday, sporting his typical smile as he left team headquarters. "I'm running again and have been for about two weeks - yes, sprinting." Morgan broke a bone in his lower leg Oct. 9 against Tampa Bay, had surgery to have screws inserted and was placed on season-ending injured reserve. It was tough watching as his team went 13-3 in coach Jim Harbaugh's first season to end an eight-year drought without a playoff berth or winning record. While Morgan is set to become a free agent, Harbaugh has said the team plans to bring him back for next season. Morgan insists he'll be ready to re-sign the moment the team reaches out.

Source: Sacramento Bee

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[Giants News] Giants TE's Jake Ballard, Travis Beckum Expected To Start 2012 On PUP List

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:11:23 GMT

New York Giant tight ends Travis Beckum and Jake Ballard both suffered torn ACLs against the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI. Giants general manager Jerry Reese anticipates both will be inactive for the start of the 2012 season according to Jorge Castillo of the Newark Star-Ledger. �I�m not a doctor, but from my perspective right now they�ll probably both be guys that�ll end up on PUP [physically unable to perform list] at the beginning of the season and see how healthy they are and how quickly they can recover from these injuries that they have,� Reese told reporters on a conference call today. If placed on PUP, they will both be inactive for at least the first six games of the season. After sitting out the six games, the team has three weeks to activate him. If he is not activated in that three-week window, he is placed on PUP for the remainder of the season.

Source: The Redzone

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[Colts News] Colts Sign CFL DE Justin Hickman, Free-Agent DB Mike Newton

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:07:09 GMT

The Indianapolis Colts announced the signing of defensive end Justin Hickman and safety Mike Newton to "Reserve/Futures" contract. Newton signed with the Colts as an undrafted free agent out of Buffalo, Newton had six tackles, including four on special teams, in 12 games. Waived/injured by the Colts in August, Newton spent the 2011 season as a street free agent and had workouts with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Philadelphia Eagles. Hickman, 26, has spent the last three seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. The former undrafted free agent out of UCLA has 144 tackles, 27 quarterback sacks and was a 2011 East Division All-Star, a CFL All-Star and a Most Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year candidate.

Source: Mac's Football Blog

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[Buccaneers News] Buccaneer Hire Butch Davis As Senior Defensive Assistant

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 01:57:02 GMT

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have hired former NFL head coach Butch Davis, who'll serve as a senior defensive assistant, Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com reports. According to Stephen Holder of the Tampa Bay Times, the deal is not complete, but talks continue. Davis, 60, coached at the University of North Carolina from 2007-10 before he was fired last July following an NCAA investigation into Tar Heels players receiving improper benefits from agents. Davis spent last season on the NFL Network's "NFL Playbook" program. Davis has coached at the NFL level with the Dallas Cowboys (1989-94) and was the head coach of the Cleveland Browns from 2001-04. In between, Davis worked as the head coach at the University of Miami, with Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano serving as his defensive coordinator for two seasons.

Source: Mac's Football Blog

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[Steelers News] Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger Has Heard Mixed Reviews On Todd Haley

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 01:52:37 GMT

While in Hawaii for the Pro Bowl, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said he wanted answers from team president Art Rooney II about why offensive coordinator Bruce Arians reportedly wasn't wanted back in Pittsburgh. Now that Arians' replacement, Todd Haley, officially has been introduced, it seems Roethlisberger has even more questions. Roethlisberger told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Thursday that he wants to know if Haley's offense will be his own or a merger of Haley's and the one the Steelers employed under Arians. "I haven't talked to him," Roethlisberger said prior to Haley's introductory news conference. "I've gotten a lot of calls and texts and emails from people around the league, both good and bad about him," Roethlisberger said. "Everybody has an opinion, as we all know, and they're letting me know what their interaction with him was -- good, bad and indifferent. I've heard a lot of things and I'm looking forward to meeting him and forming my own opinion." Because of the Steelers' youth on offense -- especially at receiver -- Roethlisberger said that he hoped they wouldn't be starting from scratch this offseason under a new system. "I don't know if it would be easy for us to learn it," Roethlisberger said. "We're so young on offense and the most talented room in this whole building is probably wide receiver, no disrespect to anyone else. And they're also really young. They're still the tip of the iceberg in this offense and they did as well as they did last year. And they're just getting to the point that 'OK, this makes sense to me.' "

Source: NFL.com

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[Panthers News] Packers To Raise Ticket Prices For Third Straight Year

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 01:49:36 GMT

The Green Bay Packers announce on Thursday announced a $3 to $5 per ticket price hike the coming season according to Richard Ryman of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. �Our goal each year is to be at the league average in terms of our tickets prices,� President and CEO Mark Murphy said in a press release. �This increase maintains our position near the league average.� This is the third consecutive year the Packers raised ticket prices. Between 2007 and 2010, there were no increases. In 2010, prices were increased $8 to $11, and in 2011, $2 to $4 higher.

Source: The Redzone

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[Raiders News] Raiders Dump Starting CB Stanford Routt One Year Into His 5-Year, $54M Deal

SteveRobWhatever — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 01:47:20 GMT

Less than one year ago, Al Davis made Stanford Routt one of the cornerstones of the Oakland Raiders defense with a lavish contract that prevented him from reaching free agency. Now, Routt is the first player casualty under the new regime with the Raiders. Routt was released on Thursday just one year into a five-year, $54.5 million contract, ending his seven-year tenure in Oakland as the team heads in a new direction. The move by new general manager Reggie McKenzie and coach Dennis Allen signifies a change of approach from when Davis ran the team and was fiercely loyal to players he drafted. After the news conference announcing Allen's hiring on Jan. 30, McKenzie said the Raiders had some contracts that were "out of whack."

Source: NFL.com

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[Redskins News] Redskins Looking For Training Camp Site

Sportsguy'sLilBitch — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:12:11 GMT

The Washington Redskins continue to explore options that would enable them to hold training camp away from Redskins Park for the first time since 2002 according to Mike Jones of the Washington Post. George Mason University Athletic Director Tom O�Connor said that Redskins General Manager Bruce Allen and members of his staff met with O�Connor shortly after the first of the year to discuss the possibility of holding camp at the university�s Fairfax campus. But a mutual determination was made, according to O�Connor, that George Mason wouldn�t be able to host Washington�s training camp. In the last two days, officials from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa., (where the Redskins held training camp from 1963-94 and 2001 and 2002) and Frostburg State University (where Washington had camp from 1995-99) said that they had not had any contact with the Redskins this year, neither had officials at William & Mary, where the team has previously explored the possibility of having camp, or Catholic University in the District. The Redskins have held training camp at Redskins Park since 2003, but coach Mike Shanahan � who is entering his third season with the team -- has said in the past that he prefers getting away for the four weeks of training camp.

Source: The Redzone

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[Browns News] Browns President Mike Holmgren Praises The Brad Childress Hiring

Sportsguy'sLilBitch — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:03:39 GMT

Mike Holmgren is confident that former Vikings head coach Brad Childress is the right man for the Browns' offensive coordinator position according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "Brad's an outstanding coach," the Browns' president said on the team's radio show Wednesday night on ESPN850. "I've known him a long time. When I first met him, I had just arrived in Green Bay and Brad was on the staff at the University of Wisconsin with Barry Alvarez and he had been friends with [Eagles coach] Andy Reid and so we knew some people and became pretty close. So that's about 20 years ago. [We had a] connection over the years because he worked for Andy in Philadelphia and Andy and I are very close. "I thought he did a really great job in Minnesota in an unusual set of circumstances at the end. He came close to going to the Super Bowl. He's an excellent football coach, a very bright guy, knows how to coach quarterbacks. He's a tough guy, he demands a lot and I think it was a great hire for Pat [Shurmur]."

Source: The Redzone

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[Steelers News] Did Steelers HC Mike Tomlin Or Art Rooney Hire Todd Haley?

Sportsguy'sLilBitch — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:00:29 GMT

According to Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, it is probably in everyone's best interest that Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin will not be available to answer questions when the team introduces Todd Haley as their new offensive coordinator at a news conference today. The media in Pittsburgh clearly believes that Tomlin wanted to retain OC Bruce Arians and the decision to replace Arians with Haley was made by personages higher on the food chain than Tomlin-likely team president Art Rooney II. No one at Steelers headquarters has disputed the report by the Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac that Tomlin told Arians right after the season that he wanted him back and told staff members that Arians would be back, no one, including team president Art Rooney II, has disputed Dulac's report that Rooney II trumped Tomlin and forced out Arians. There are questions as to how Todd Haley's fiery personality will co-exist with Tomlin and QB Ben Roethlisberger, the forcing out of Arians has made Tomlin look weak and no coach has had a better first five years than Tomlin and Tomlin's relationship with management has been great until this episode. It is doubtful that Tomlin will say anything negative in the press at this point but Cook is concerned that this episode could fundamentally change Tomlin's view of being a Steeler, he also speculates that the truth could come out when Tomlin's contract ends next season with an option for 2013.

Source: The Redzone

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[Packers News] Packers Raise Prices Between $3 And $5 Per Ticket

Sportsguy'sLilBitch — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:48:31 GMT

The Green Bay Packers are raising prices for the 2012 season, announcing an increase of between $3 and $5 per ticket. Tickets in Lambeau Field�s end-zone sections will increase $3 to $72 per game, tickets from the 20-yard line to the end zone will increase $4 to $80, and tickets between the 20s will increase $5 to $92. Suite tickets also will increase $5 to $92. Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy says ticket revenue is an important part of the team�s ability to remain competitive with the rest of the NFL. Murphy also said the Lambeau Field expansion project will be done in time for the 2013 season, it includes a new sound system, two new video boards and 6,700 additional seats.

Source: Associated Press

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[Chiefs News] Chiefs Sign TE Jake O'Connell To One-Year Extension

Sportsguy'sLilBitch — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:45:12 GMT

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed tight end Jake O'Connell to a one-year extension, a league source confirmed on Thursday. A 2009 seventh-round pick out of Miami (Ohio), the 6-foot-3, 250-pound O'Connell has caught 12 passes for 90 yards and recorded one special teams tackle in 27 games over the last three seasons. Despite being released and re-signed early in 2011, O'Connell set career-highs with four games started, seven receptions and 52 receiving yards. O'Connell was scheduled to be a restricted free agent this off-season. According to NFLPA records, O'Connell is scheduled to earn a $615,000 base salary and has a $25,000 workout bonus for 2012.

Source: Mac's Football Blog

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[Titans News] Titans Agree To Terms With OT Mike Otto

Sportsguy'sLilBitch — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:39:44 GMT

The Titans on Thursday agreed to terms on a two-year deal with back-up offensive tackle Mike Otto according to Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean. A seventh round draft pick by the Titans in 2007, Otto has played in 41 games during the past five seasons. He started one game in 2011 for an injured David Stewart at right tackle, against TampaBay.

Source: The Redzone

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[Jets News] Jets WR Plaxico Burress Wants To Be An Eagle

Sportsguy'sLilBitch — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:31:57 GMT

Plaxico Burress spent last season, his first since being released from prison, playing in New York, but instead of playing for his former team, the Giants, Burress signed on to play one season with the rival Jets. Burress told WCAU-TV while in Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI that he wants to play for the Philadelphia Eagles. It was thought the Eagles would take a hard look at Burress last offseason following the successful return of Michael Vick from a prison sentence. The Eagles reportedly had some interest, although it was tepid. This time around, the Eagles face an uncertain offseason when it comes to their wide receivers, DeSean Jackson is a free agent and is coming off a season in which he failed to eclipse 1,000 yards receiving for the first time since his 2008 rookie campaign and it's possible the Eagles could use the franchise tag on Jackson, although head coach Andy Reid hasn't given any indication of the team's plans.

Source: NFL.com

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[Giants News] Giants WR Victor Cruz Hopes New-Found Stardom Brings New Contract

Sportsguy'sLilBitch — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:19:31 GMT

Wide receiver Victor Cruz came out of nowhere to pile up a franchise-record 1,536 receiving yards last season, playing a big role in helping the New York Giants win Super Bowl XLVI. He hopes the encore is a new contract. Cruz entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2010, and as such made $405,000 in 2011 as part of a three-year rookie contract. Although the salsa-dancing Cruz has signed one contract -- a deal for marketing and endorsements with IMG -- it's a decent bet he's looking for another based on what he did on the field. "I can't control that stuff," Cruz told NFL Network about his contract situation. "I have to make sure I have the right people around me, right support staff, right agent ... to make those decisions. I'll take care of everything on the field." Cruz, who is scheduled to make $490,000 next season, hopes the contract situation is taken care of sooner rather than later. "I hope as soon as possible," he said. "I want to remain a Giant for a very long time."

Source: NFL.com

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[Steelers News] Steelers Restructure LB Lawrence Timmons' Contract; Clear $5.14M In Cap Space

Sportsguy'sLilBitch — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:10:21 GMT

The Pittsburgh Steelers have restructured the contract of linebacker Lawrence Timmons, freeing up $5.14 million in space on their 2012 salary cap. Signed to a five-year, $47.8 million contract extension in August, Timmons was scheduled to earn $2.625 million in base salary and a $4.5 million roster bonus, which was due on the fifth day of the 2012 league year, for a 2012 cap number of $9.125 million. According to a league source, earlier this week, Timmons signed a restructured contract that reduced his 2012 base salary to $700,000, with the Steelers combining the $1.925 million in base salary and $4.5 million roster bonus into a $6.425 million signing bonus that will be prorated from 2012 through the 2016 season at $1.285 million annually. The restructure reduces Timmons' 2012 cap number to $3.985 million, a a cap savings of $5.14 million.

Source: Mac's Football Blog

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[Patriots News] Patriots WR Chad Ochocinco To Return To Chad Johnson

Sportsguy'sLilBitch — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:07:13 GMT

After three-and-a-half years of Chad Ochocinco, get ready for a return of Chad Johnson. Come July 4, when he marries his girlfriend Evelyn Lozada, Ochocinco is planning on returning to his original last name. He tweeted the news on Wednesday evening. After being called Chad Johnson for 30 years, the Patriots receiver changed his name on Aug. 29, 2008, while he played for the Bengals. The name was picked to match his jersey No. 85, but according to Ochocinco, the name change was always set to be temporary.

Source: Profootball Weekly

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[Browns News] Browns Say QB Colt McCoy Over Concussion, Ready For 2012

Sportsguy'sLilBitch — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:47:13 GMT

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.

Source: CBSSports

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[Colts News] Colts QB Peyton Manning Struggling In Throwing Passes

Sportsguy'sLilBitch — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:43:58 GMT

NFL Network's Mike Lombardi told an ESPN podcast that Peyton Manning is having trouble throwing across his body. Lombardi has spoken to people who are working out with Manning and catching his passes. "He can't throw the ball," Lombardi said. " ... He can't throw the ball to his left! He can't throw the ball across his body because he doesn't feel it. People that catch the ball for him say he doesn't really have velocity on the ball yet." Manning is attempting to come back from three neck surgeries since last May; he's been cleared to play by his doctors but is still have trouble regenerating nerves in his right arm. Manning has been spotted working out at Duke University, suggesting that he's not willing to work out at the Colts facility. He is due to meet with owner Jim Irsay to discuss his future soon.

Source: CBSSports

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[Colts News] Colts Held Out Hope QB Peyton Manning Would Return In 2011

Sportsguy'sLilBitch — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:18:44 GMT

Former Indianapolis Colts offensive line coach Pete Metzelaars was hired by the Buffalo Bills as the team's tight ends coach Tuesday. Metzelaars, let go by the Colts last month, was asked about quarterback Peyton Manning during his introductory news conference per the Indianapolis Star. Metzelaars said, "The whole offensive structure was built upon what he could do and how he did it. The way his injury took place, there was always kind of the thought that 'Well, he could come back, he might come back, maybe the recovery time is going to be x.' "So we found ourselves kind of holding out hope, 'Well, let's not change everything because there's a chance he's going to come back and when he comes back, then we're going to run it this way.' Unfortunately, he never did come back. "So we got stuck with kind of trying to change in midstream and put some things together, and the people we had trying to do some of the things that Peyton did, even then we cut it down, but obviously they're not Peyton Manning."

Source: The Redzone

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[Redskins News] Redskins Have Real Interest In QB Kyle Orton

Sportsguy'sLilBitch — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:15:40 GMT

According to John Keim of the Washington Examiner, the Redskins were interested in Orton when he was on waivers, but did not claim him. CSNWashington reported it was because of potential locker-room friction with Grossman. One league source said it was as much salary related (Orton would have been owed $3 million for one month�s work). By signing Orton, clearly a cheaper alternative than Peyton Manning, it would enable the Redskins to focus elsewhere in the draft � and still have a good chunk of change to spend in free agency. They likely would still draft a quarterback, if they view Orton as a one or two year guy, then maybe it could work � especially if they upgraded the receiving corps to pair with a less error-prone QB.

Source: The Redzone

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[Patriots News] Patriots WR Wes Welker Expected To Get The Franchise Tag

Sportsguy'sLilBitch — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:11:22 GMT

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.

Source: CBSSports

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[NFL News] WR Terrell Owens Still Playing, Not Ready To Give Up On NFL Comeback

Sportsguy'sLilBitch — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:17:50 GMT

Terrell Owens said Wednesday that he has no plans to file retirement papers with the NFL, adding that he was surprised no team signed him last season after he had knee surgery on his torn anterior cruciate ligament, according to ESPN. The former 49ers, Eagles, Cowboys, Bills and Bengals receiver spoke Wednesday night, as he was introduced to hundreds of football fans at the Allen Events Center near Dallas, Texas, where Owens is scheduled to play for the Allen Wranglers of the Indoor Football League. "It was an opportunity for myself and my family," Owens said. "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. This right here will allow me to do that and assess where I am. I know I'm physically fit to play the game still." The 38-year-old Owens also expressed disappointment that he wasn't able to retire as a member of the Cowboys, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "I think everybody knows after the first three years, (that I wanted to retire with the Cowboys)," Owens said. "I had signed an extension and after that season I got that call or whatever, that meeting that said they wanted to part ways ... "I'm not bitter about it. At that time it was disappointing considering the stadium was about to be open and he (Cowboys owner Jerry Jones) had told me I was going to be a big part of that process and then it's like having the wind knocked out of you. But life goes on."

Source: NFL.com

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[Giants News] Giants RB Brandon Jacobs Sorry For Comments About Gisele Bundchen

Sportsguy'sLilBitch — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:07:56 GMT

New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs has apologized for comments he made Tuesday regarding Gisele Bundchen, Tom Brady�s wife, and her criticism of the Patriots' receivers. "Given the fact that it's a colleague of mine's wife, I do apologize for saying that, because I shouldn't have said that," Jacobs said Wednesday on "The Doug Gottlieb Show" on ESPN Radio. "It's his wife and I should respect that just as much as anyone else." Jacobs told reporters at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday that, �She just needs to continue to stay cute and shut up.� Jacobs did stand by his comments about Bundchen's appearance and again called her "cute." "No question, he should take that as a compliment," Jacobs said of Brady. "If he finds something wrong with that, then that's his problem."

Source: Sporting News

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[Giants News] Giants Sign Nine To 'Reserve/Futures' Contracts

Sportsguy'sLilBitch — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:05:21 GMT

On day after their parade to celebrate their win in Super Bowl XLVI, the New York Giants announced the signing of nine players to "Reserve/Futures" contracts, The Associated Press reports. Signing on Wednesday were quarterback Ryan Perrilloux, running back Andre Brown, wide receivers Dan DePalma and Isaiah Stanback, tight end Chris Hopkins, offensive tackle Selvish Capers, defensive linemen Dwayne Hendricks and Adrian Tracy, and defensive back Brandon Bing. All but Perrilloux finished the 2011 season on the team's practice squad, though Perrilloux and Capers were often shuffled between the eight-man squad throughout the regular season and their Super Bowl run.

Source: Mac's Football Blog

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[Bills News] Bills Release S Jon Corto

Sportsguy'sLilBitch — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:55:32 GMT

The Buffalo Bills have terminated the contract of veteran safety Jon Corto, Aaron Wilson of Scout.com reports. As a vested veteran, Corto is not subject to waivers. Signed by the Bills as an undrafted free agent out of Sacred Heart in 2007, the Orchard Park, New York native has 37 tackles has 43 games, including 27 on special teams. Corto signed a two-year, $1.295 million contract extension just before the lockout, but spent last season on injured reserve.

Source: Mac's Football Blog

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[Panthers News] Panthers Re-Sign LS J.J. Jansen, LB Jason Phillips

SteveRobWhatever — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:57:05 GMT

According to AP�s Football Twitter account, the Panthers have re-signed longsnapper J.J. Jansen to a 4 year contract extension and linebacker Jason Phillips to a 1 year contract. Jansen has played in every game for the last 3 years, and went to college at Notre Dame. Long term deals for longsnappers aren�t that uncommon, as they are usually low salary and low risk. Jason Phillips was a graduate of TCU and played in 9 games as a rookie for Baltimore, forcing a fumble. He had 2 tackles in 2011 for the Panthers, playing in 4 games.

Source: NFL Trade Rumors

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[Jets News] Jets Guarantee OT Wayne Hunter's 2012 Salary

SteveRobWhatever — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:51:35 GMT

Jets right tackle Wayne Hunter's$2.45 million base salary became guaranteed Wednesday according to Jenny Vrentas of the Newark Star-Ledger. The Jets had written a loophole in Hunter's 2011 contract which would have gotten them out of guaranteeing his salary if they released him on the Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday after the Superbowl. Since they took no action, Hunter gets the money. The 30-year-old Hunter was a media whipping boy in his first year as a starter. Nevertheless, given his salary it would appear the Jets plan to make him a starter again in 2012.

Source: The Redzone

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[Chargers News] Chargers OG Kris Dielman Leaning Toward Playing In 2012

SteveRobWhatever — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:47:17 GMT

According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, those close to Chargers left guard Kris Dielman and team sources indicate that he is leaning toward playing in 2012 after a scary concussion and seizure prompted him to consider retirement. Dielman as you may recall, suffered a concussion when he collided with New York Jets linebacker Calvin Pace in October. Immediately following the play, Dielman wobbled and appeared disoriented but remained in the game. On the team's cross-country flight home to San Diego, Dielman suffered a seizure near the end of the flight and was hospitalized.

Source: The Redzone

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[Rams News] Rams To Interview Omar Khan For GM Opening

SteveRobWhatever — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:45:07 GMT

The St. Louis Rams will interview Pittsburgh Steelers Director of Business Administration Omar Khan for their general manager position on Thursday, Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. While Khan handles the salary cap and contract negotiations for the Steelers, he's a well-respected personnel man who was a finalist for the Seattle Seahawks' general manager position in 2010. Khan has also been rumored to be the general manager as part of a package with former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher, who has opted to remain in broadcasting.

Source: Mac's Football Blog

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[49ers News] 49ers Coach Jim Harbaugh Says QB Alex Smith Is 'Our Guy'

SteveRobWhatever — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:41:33 GMT

49ers quarterback Alex Smith will be a free agent this offseason but it is highly unlikely he will be made available to any of the 31 other teams in the NFL. According to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com, the 49ers' braintrust is "unanimous" in their desire to bring Smith back as their starting quarterback. "We're all in lockstep as an organization that Alex Smith is our guy," said head coach Jim Harbaugh. "It's well-documented. You saw the way he played this year. (He is a) tremendous leader on our football team." Harbaugh will open the job up to competition between Smith and Colin Kaepernick after Smith is re-signed but Smith is firmly expected to win that battle. It is extremely unlikely that the 49ers will enter the Peyton Manning sweepstakes.

Source: The Redzone

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[Colts News] Colts QB Peyton Manning Working Out At Duke University

SteveRobWhatever — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:39:12 GMT

Peyton Manning is in Durham, N.C., working out at Duke University, according to one of the Blue Devil football players' Twitter feed. Matt Skura, an offensive lineman for Duke, tweeted that he got to stretch next to Peyton Manning in workouts today. That Manning would go to Duke to work out and recover from his neck surgery is not that big of a surprise since Blue Devils coach David Cutcliffe was his offensive coordinator at the University of Tennessee. Cutcliffe was also head coach at Ole Miss when Eli Manning quarterbacked the Rebels.

Source: National Football Post

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[Patriots News] Patriots QB Tom Brady Aggravated His Shoulder Sprain In Super Bowl

SteveRobWhatever — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:37:17 GMT

The Patriots got a scare in Super Bowl XLVI when Tom Brady was driven into the turf by Giants defensive end Justin Tuck midway through the third quarter. Brady�s left shoulder hit against Lucas Oil Field's artificial surface, raising concerns that the shoulder had been reinjured. He missed practice time before the AFC title game against the Ravens because of soreness. The hit, in fact, aggravated a sprain that Brady had suffered earlier in the season, SN correspondent Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald reports. The aggravation did not lead to a major injury, though, and it is not believed that Brady will need to deal with it much in the offseason, according to the Herald.

Source: Sporting News

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[Packers News] Packers Promote Ben McAdoo To Quarterbacks Coach

SteveRobWhatever — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:31:54 GMT

The Green Bay Packers have promoted tight ends coach Ben McAdoo to quarterbacks coach, Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network reports. Earlier this week, the Packers blocked a request from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to interview McAdoo for their offensive coordinator position. McAdoo has spent the last six seasons with the Packers after beginning his NFL coaching career with the New Orleans Saints in 2004. McAdoo spent the 2005 season as an assistant offensive line/quality control coach with the San Francisco 49ers. In all three stops, McAdoo has coached under Packers head coach Mike McCarthy.

Source: Mac's Football Blog

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[Colts News] Colts Name Tom Telesco VP Of Football Operations

SteveRobWhatever — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:28:34 GMT

The Indianapolis Colts have promoted Tom Telesco to vice president of football operations. Telesco, who spent 14 years in the personnel department, was promoted by new general manager Ryan Grigson. The announcement was made Wednesday. With the Colts since 1998, Telesco spent the last six years as the team's director of player personnel. Grigson called the promotion "well deserved" and said Telesco has a "bright football mind, conveys his points well and is highly respected in and around league circles." Telesco was formerly a scouting assistant for the Carolina Panthers for two years, then an area scout.

Source: Sports Network

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[Patriots News] Ex-Patriot Rodney Harrison Calls Out TE Rob Gronkowski

Sportsguy'sLilBitch — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:21:31 GMT

Former Patriot safety Rodney Harrison had some tough words for tight end Rob Gronkowski Wednesday, telling ESPNChicago Radio 1000 that Gronkowski "disrespected himself" by dancing and taking off his shirt at the team's postgame party following the Super Bowl XLVI loss to the Giants. "I guarantee you this, if Willie McGinest, Tedy Bruschi, Larry Izzo, Richard Seymour or myself had been at that party, (Gronkowski) probably would have got his head rung," said Harrison, who admitted he has not seen the video or photos of Gronkowski dancing at the party. "There's no reason for that to happen." "When we lost the Super Bowl, any of my Super Bowl losses, I was so devastated the last thing I ever wanted to do was party, let alone dance or take off your shirt," he added. "It's just immaturity. It's not right. He made a mistake and I'm sure he feels absolutely stupid about it at this point. There's a time and place for everything." When told that veteran Patriots offensive lineman Matt Light was also photographed with his shirt off, Harrison said he was "surprised." To Harrison, it's the veteran leadership on the team that should have ensured something like that didn't happen. "The leadership has to step up and someone has to pull (Gronkowski) to the side and say 'Look young man, this is inappropriate, this is not the time nor the place. You need to grow up,'" Harrison said. "And that's what it comes down to. I like this kid. I think he's a good kid, works hard, is unselfish. But he made a mistake ..."There's a certain way of representing yourself and your family and that's not the right way."

Source: The Redzone

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[Bears News] Bears Name Tim Holt Offensive Line Coach

Sportsguy'sLilBitch — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:07:42 GMT

The Chicago Bears announced the hiring of offensive line coach Tim Holt. Holt takes the place of Mike Tice, who was promoted to offensive coordinator following the dismissal of Mike Martz. A former offensive lineman at Southern Connecticut State, Holt had coaching stints at his alma mater, Cornell, Lehigh, American International and Stonehill before joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2009. Holt was promoted to assistant offensive line coach in 2011.

Source: Mac's Football Blog

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[Steelers News] Steelers Release CB Bryant McFadden, WR Arnaz Battle

Sportsguy'sLilBitch — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:00:06 GMT

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced the release of cornerback Bryant McFadden and wide receiver Arnaz Battle. A second-round pick out of Florida State by the Steelers in 2005, McFadden spent four seasons in Pittsburgh before signing with the Arizona Cardinals in 2009, traded back to Pittsburgh in 2010, McFadden had 74 tackles and two interceptions as a 16-game starter that season before playing in a reserve role in 2011. McFadden was set to earn $2.5 million in base salary in 2012, which will come off the team's salary cap. Battle joined the Steelers as a free agent in 2010. In 25 games over the last two seasons, Battle has 13 special teams tackles and zero receptions. Battle was due to earn $1.0375 million in base salary next season.

Source: Author, Source

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