Category: NFL (Page 1159 of 1282)

      Patriots tag Samuel

      February 16, 2007 /

      Following the lead of teams like Cincinnati (Justin Smith) and Chicago (Lance Briggs), the New England Patriots have decided to franchise Asante Samuel, guarantying the cornerback $7.79 million for 2007. New England now has first rights to Samuel if he signs an offer sheet from another team this offseason.

      According to Adam Schefter of the NFL Network, Samuel and his agent, Alonzo Shavers, don’t necessarily look at the move as a bad thing. As I noted in the blog about Briggs, most players don’t like the tag because it gives a team balking power on getting a long-term deal done. But as Schefter noted, Shavers looks at this move as a step towards getting Samuel a multi-year deal.

      The Patriots are actually going to pay somebody not named Brady or Seymour? I’ll believe it when I see it.

      Bullz-Eye Sports Channel, NFL

      Bears franchise Briggs

      February 16, 2007 /

      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.

      NFL

      NFL Mock Draft

      February 16, 2007 /

      Bullz-Eye.com has posted its first look at April’s NFL Draft with a mock of the first round. You can post questions and opinions leading up to the draft right here at The Scores Report, and don’t forget to check out BE’s NFL Draft Resource Center. There you’ll find links to more mock drafts, prospect profiles and web guides to news and rumors.

      Below is a taste of BE’s first mock draft. To view the entire first round, click here.

      1. Oakland Raiders: JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
      This is the sexy pick that Al Davis loves. Russell is a physical marvel, standing 6-6 and 260 pounds. The issue with Russell is his limited experience. He probably won’t start right away because his learning curve will be extremely high and his decision-making is still raw. Plus, Oakland’s line is abysmal, so putting a rookie behind center without seasoning is a death wish. Don’t be shocked if the Raiders look at Georgia Tech wideout Calvin Johnson, depending on what they do with Randy Moss and Jerry Porter in the offseason.

      2. Detroit Lions: Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
      Many think the Lions will go with Brady Quinn, but there are several reasons why they won’t. Detroit has many holes and, believe it or not, quarterback isn’t one of them right now. Secondly, offensive “guru” Mike Martz is an egomaniac who loves to take nobodies and fit them into his system. Plus, rumor has it that Martz is quite fond of current starter Jon Kitna. Lastly, Matt Millen seems so humbled by the Joey Harrington gaff that he’s opting to listen more to his coaching staff. Thomas fills an immediate need on the Lions’ line and can start right away.

      3/4. Cleveland Browns: Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
      With Brady Quinn still on the board, the Browns may take a look at their quarterback situation. However, head coach Romeo Crennel’s job is on the line and he needs to win now. Peterson is the big back Cleveland covets and he could make an immediate impact. Hopefully new O-coordinator Rob Chudzinski will know how to use Peterson in ways Maurice Carthon could never imagine.

      NFL, NFL Draft

      NFL Offseason: Turner, Ryan front-runners in San Diego

      February 16, 2007 /

      Several NFL sources are reporting that San Francisco offensive coordinator Norv Turner and Baltimore defensive coordinator Rex Ryan are the leading candidates to fill San Diego’s head coaching vacancy.

      Given that this is GM Alex Smith’s first head coaching hire, Turner would be a logical fit because he has the most NFL experience and would be the safe move. Ironically, however, when Turner was the head coach in Oakland in 2004 and ’05, he managed only one win against AFC West opponents. At least he’s familiar with the organization – he was San Diego’s OC in ’01 – and unlike the recently departed Marty Schottenheimer, will be on speaking terms with Smith.

      Ryan would be a great fit. He’s used to running the 3-4 in Baltimore and the Chargers’ front office is rumored to have the ‘defense wins championships’ mindset. Two more defensive coordinators scheduled for an interview are Ron Rivera (Chicago) and Mike Zimmer (formerly of Dallas, now with Atlanta). Two names to cross off: USC head coach Pete Carroll and Seahawks’ secondary/assistant head coach Jim Mora.

      NFL

      Garcia out of Vikings plans

      February 16, 2007 /

      In his recent ESPN INSIDER blog, John Clayton is reporting that Jeff Garcia is not in the Vikings’ offseason plans. Garcia’s likely destination at this point is either Tampa or back in Philly.

      It appears that Brad Childress is happy with his quarterback duo of Tarvaris Jackson and Brad Johnson. I know the team likes Jackson’s potential, but I’m a bit surprised that Minnesota won’t be going after a quarterback this offseason to compete with him. The Vikings made a pitch last offseason for Atlanta’s Matt Schaub, but apparently he’s out of their plans too.

      NFL

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