Author: Anthony Stalter (Page 1427 of 1503)

ESPN.com is reporting that the Colts have franchised defensive end Dwight Freeney, guarantying him $8.64 million for 2007. Obviously, the champs weren’t going to let Freeney escape March 2nd when free agency kicks off. The Colts will try to sign him to a long-term deal, effectively reducing the ’07 cap hit they’re expected to take.

Another soon to be free agent DE is Atlanta’s Patrick Kerney. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Monday that Kerney will void the remainder of his contract, which was expected at the conclusion of the ’07 season. Kerney would like to remain a Falcon and Atlanta wants him back, but it’s not that simple. The Falcons are cap-strapped and don’t want to shell out major bucks to retain an aging DE with declining stats. Atlanta could franchise him, but that would be a major blow to any future offseason moves it plans to make, including signing draft picks. Another hiccup is the Denver Broncos, or more specifically, Bill Johnson. Johnson is the former defensive line coach for the Falcons, who recently signed with Denver for the same posistion. Johnson and Kerney forged a great relationship while in Atlanta, so if the Falcons can’t meet Kerney’s needs, expect the Broncos to make a heavy push for the former Pro Bowler.

In rather shocking news, FoxSports.com is reporting the Chicago Bears have decided not to renew defensive coordinator Ron Rivera’s contract, instead opting to promote linebackers coach Bob Babich. According to Fox’s Jay Glazer, nobody should be surprised seeing as how Lovie Smith has coveted Babich for years now. Apparently, many teams have inquired about Babich’s services over the past two years, therefore Smith was keen to make the promotion happen now.

On the surface, this news surprised me too. However, Rivera was viewed as a potential head coach this past offseason and might be one as soon as next year. Smith and the Bears obviously know this, so if Chicago feels like they have a qualified suitor in Babich right now, the move isn’t as shocking. With that said, it’s still quite a move considering all the head coaching vacancies are filled and the Bears could have had Rivera as their defensive coordinator for at least another year.

Jay Glazer of FOX Sports.com is reporting that Norv Turner will be the next head coach of the San Diego Chargers.

I find the NFL coaching process weak. How many chances has Turner had to be a head coach and has never done anything? He’s a fine offensive coordinator, but he’s not a long-term solution. Given the success newbies Sean Payton and Eric Mangini had last year, why not take a shot on a guy like Rex Ryan? He has been a big part of Baltimore’s nasty defense since ’99, has experience in running the 3-4 and potentially could be a long-term answer. San Diego is built to win now, so I understand Turner is the safest choice, but the way these NFL coaches get recycled perplexes me.

The official website of the Chicago Bears is reporting that the team has designated outside linebacker Lance Briggs their franchise player. Briggs is guaranteed to earn $7.2 million next season, which is the average of the highest paid outside linebackers in the NFL.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that Briggs is a lock to play in Chicago next season. He can still sign an offer sheet from another team, but the Bears have first rights to match.

Briggs has emerged as a dominant outside linebacker, so Chicago couldn’t allow him to escape without a fight. The biggest concern going forward is whether or not the Bears lock him up long term. Don’t forget that in general, players hate to be franchised because it offers no long-term financial security. NFL contracts are not guaranteed, so if a player were to get hurt the season following a franchise tag, hopes of commanding top dollar on their next contract are slim. Briggs could essentially hold out, which obviously doesn’t do him or the team any good.