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ALSO INSIDE
FANTASY FOOTBALL
THE WAYWE HEAR IT
POWER RANKINGS
ALSO INSIDE
FANTASY FOOTBALL
THE WAYWE HEAR IT
POWER RANKINGS
The Jets new QB
has the talent and
star power to handle
the NFLs biggest market
On the
Mark
On the
Mark
WR Terrell Owens will have a big fantasy impact in Buffalo.
CREATORS & FOUNDERS
Arthur Arkush, Robert Drazkowski and Joel Buchsbaum
ADMINISTRATION
Publisher/Editor Hub Arkush
General manager Mike Waters
EDITORIAL
Editor-in-chief Keith Schleiden
Managing editor Mike Holbrook
Executive editors Dan Arkush
Neil Warner
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Eric Edholm
Mike Wilkening
Associate editors Matt Sohn
Dan Parr
Michael Blunda
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COLUMNISTS
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AFC REPORTERS
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Buffalo Bills Chuck Pollock
Cincinnati Bengals Joe Reedy
Cleveland Browns Tony Grossi
Denver Broncos Frank Schwab
Houston Texans Megan Manfull
Indianapolis Colts Tom James
Jacksonville Jaguars Vito Stellino
Kansas City Chiefs Kent Babb
Miami Dolphins Harvey Fialkov
New England Patriots John Tomase
New York Jets Mark Cannizzaro
Oakland Raiders Michael Wagaman
Pittsburgh Steelers Jim Wexell
San Diego Chargers Chris Jenkins
Tennessee Titans Jim Wyatt
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CONTENTS
2 Pro Football Weekly June 2009
COVER STORY 12
Mark Sanchez is the latest glamour quarterback from USC to enter the
NFL. We take a look at how Sanchez became the Jets QB of the future
and what his chances are of winning the starting job in 2009.
NO DOWNTIME 14
The NFLs unending wheel continued to spin this offseason. Which
teams accomplished the most? Which have the most work still to do?
Plus, we tell you which coaches are on the hot seat, which teams the
oddsmakers like most and which second-day draft picks could have
the biggest impact as rookies.
FANTASY FOOTBALL 26
PFWfantasy writer Michael Blunda takes a look at the top 10 veterans
who will be playing for new teams in 2009.
THE WAYWE SEE IT..................3
POWER RANKINGS ..................3
THE WAYWE HEAR IT ..............4
OPINION: Editorial, letters,
Publishers Pen..........................24
COLUMNISTS:
Mike Wilkening, Barry Jackson,
Dan Arkushs A-bombs ..........25
2010 NFL DRAFT NOTES..........28
FREE-AGENCY UPDATE..............29
NFL TRANSACTIONS..............30
AUDIBLES ................................31
ONLYAT PROFOOTBALLWEEKLY.COM
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BLOG CENTRAL Stay up-to-date on all the hottest pro football news
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PFWSPINS When NFL news is made, were here to offer our immedi-
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FEATURES
DEPARTMENTS
Despite firing Drew Rosenhaus as his agent, it appears as if Anquan Boldin is still looking to find a way out of Arizona.
POWER RANKINGS
How we view things as we inch closer to the
opening of NFL training camps this summer.
RANK THE SKINNY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
New England Patriots Healthy Brady
means Pats look the best on paper.
Pittsburgh Steelers Defending
champs not No. 1? Bulletin-board material.
New York Giants Young receiving corps
provides big test for Eli Manning.
Indianapolis Colts Coaching staff
shake-up adds intrigue.
Philadelphia Eagles Didnt get No. 1
receiver, but team still looks much improved.
Tennessee Titans Secret to Titans
success is hidden in Jeff Fishers moustache.
Carolina Panthers Delhomme has to
bounce back from disastrous playoff game.
San Diego Chargers Weapons on of-
fense should keep them atop AFC West.
Arizona Cardinals Playoff run has
one-year wonder written all over it.
Baltimore Ravens No upgrades at re-
ceiver, but D, Flacco, RBs are solid.
Dallas Cowboys Will hard knocks of
last season make them stronger in 09?
New Orleans Saints Still looking to
add big back for short-yardage situations.
Atlanta Falcons Addition of Tony Gon-
zalez could make already-good offense great.
Chicago Bears GM Jerry Angelo hasnt
stopped smiling since Cutler trade.
Minnesota Vikings Door not yet com-
pletely shut on signing Brett Favre.
Miami Dolphins Will have a hard time
replicating magical 08 campaign.
Green Bay Packers Defense has to
improve if they want bounce-back year.
Houston Texans Johnson, Schaub and
Slaton could form fantasy all-star team.
Washington Redskins Took less than
a year to put Jim Zorn on the hot seat.
Seattle Seahawks Could be the most
improved team in the league.
New York Jets Disgruntled RBs Jones,
Washington add interesting sideshow.
Buffalo Bills Will take more than T.O. to
make Bills a contender in tough division.
San Francisco 49ers Still not sold
theyve turned corner, even after 08 finish.
Jacksonville Jaguars Too many holes
should keep them at the bottom of division.
Denver Broncos Could take awhile be-
fore McDaniels changes pay dividends.
Cincinnati Bengals Returns of Palmer,
Rivers give Bengals a chance.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wins could
be hard to come by in rebuilding year.
Kansas City Chiefs Never a good sign
when Mark Bradley is your No. 2 receiver.
Cleveland Browns Expectations have
plummeted after disappointing 08.
St. Louis Rams Prime candidate to be-
come Falcons, Dolphins of 09.
Oakland Raiders They have enough
talent to surprise some people.
Detroit Lions Jim Schwartz facing un-
enviable task.
Vikings could survive
Williams suspensions
If the pending appeal of the sub-
stance-abuse case of Vikings DTs Kevin
and Pat Williams is upheld and they
miss the first four games, it would hurt
but it wouldnt be devastating. It was
a bit odd the team didnt add a single D-
tackle this offseason, but it likes re-
serves Fred Evans and Letroy Guion.
Also, Brian Robison and Jayme Mitchell
can kick inside. The Vikes first four op-
ponents the Browns (26th), Lions
(30th), 49ers (27th) and Packers (17th)
all ranked in the bottom half of the
league in rushing. Eric Edholm
Its not like Cardinals fans wont have Drew Rosenhaus around
to dump on anymore in the wake of disgruntled WR Anquan Boldins
decision to fire the tweet-happy agent.
A lot of people, including many of his teammates, went out of
their way to praise Boldin following a move they seemed to think
could increase the possibility of the three-time Pro Bowler and Car-
dinals GM Rod Graves perhaps somehow managing to reach a meet-
ing of the minds with help from a less-noisy agent.
But I firmly believe a new agent other than Rosenhaus, who con-
tinues to represent more Cardinals players than any other agent,
wont make any difference whatsoever in the Boldin stalemate
unless Boldin starts suddenly attending voluntary workouts and
begins showing a genuine interest in making amends.
The way I see it, ever since Boldin bolted out of a jubilant lock-
er room following the Cardinals NFC championship win over the
Eagles still hot under the collar over his lack of usage in that games
crucial final drive he has been much more interested in finding
a new team for which to play, the sooner the better.
If anything, I see his desire for a new agent as a further ploy to
hasten his departure and set up a workable trade that the Cardi-
nals who were 4-1 without Boldin last season, counting the play-
offs should go out of their way to consummate. Dan Arkush
New agent makes no difference in Boldin dispute
WISHFUL THINKING OFF THE MARK
CATCHING A BREAK
2013 Super Bowl belongs
in New Orleans
Although the plan to make much-
needed renovations to the Superdome
had yet to be finalized by the Louisiana
state legislature, the NFL owners voted
to bring Super Bowl XLVIII to New Or-
leans at the leagues spring meeting. It
was a refreshing move by the owners,
who chose New Orleans strong bid over
the bids of Miami and Phoenix. This
puts the recovering city back in the na-
tional spotlight, helping to remind us all
that the task of rebuilding from the dev-
astation of Hurricane Katrina is not yet
complete. Dan Parr
GOOD CALL
Logic says draft should be
held before FA period
Denvers offseason signing and subse-
quent release of RB J.J. Arrington proves
one thing: It makes little sense to hold
the free-agency period before the draft.
Had the Broncos already added versatile
RB Knowshon Moreno, their 09 first-
round pick, to the roster, they never
wouldve wasted their money or Arring-
tons time this spring. Wouldnt it be
more logical for teams to secure their
young, long-term talent before choosing
which veterans to target to fill in the
holes? As it stands now, the whole
process is backward. Michael Blunda
OUT OF ORDER
Our take on the hottest
topics from around the NFL.
THE WAY WE SEE IT
S
P
O
R
T
P
I
C
S
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
AFC EASTBy Matt Sohn
WHISPERS
As reclusive as he
was when he finally
reported to OTAs, say
this about disgrun-
tled Jets RB Thomas
Jones: The guy re-
mains in outstanding
shape. Aweight-room
fiend, he hasnt let his
bitterness regarding
his contract status
affect his dedication
to conditioning. Said
QB Mark Sanchez:
I asked the guys
about (recognizing)
him, they said, Youll
know its him when
you see him. Hes
just massive, rocked
up, chiseled.
While minor in-
juries have plagued
many in the Bills CB
corps, second-year
CB Reggie Corner is
continuing to make
the case for being a
vital member of the
most stacked posi-
tion on the team.
When you look at his
college tape, you do
wonder to some de-
gree if it will translate
to the NFL, coach
Dick Jauron admit-
ted. And when he got
to the NFL, hes the
same player that
plays all the time.
Hes a great effort
player, has high en-
ergy and a lot of
toughness. Early
word is that Corner
has the edge at nickel
back.
The Dolphins are
refusing to believe
they misfired as
badly as it appears
they did in signing
WR Ernest Wilford
to a four-year, $13
million deal last off-
season. In the after-
math of a disastrous
debut in Miami he
caught just three
balls in seven games
the club is experi-
menting with the 6-4,
225-pounder at tight
end. Because neither
No. 1 TE Anthony
Fasano nor No. 2 TE
David Martin offers
much in the way of
athleticism, the hope
is that Wilford finds a
niche as a vertical
seam stretcher.
Drafting mammoth
Patrick Turner
lessens the clubs
need for a big target
out wide.
Its going to take some time be-
fore everybody gets on the same
page along the offensive line.
Thats the word were hearing out
of Bills camp, where the more high-
profile story line of Terrell Owens
arrival has overshadowed what is
potentially the most critical issue
for the offense: the line will have
new starters at all five spots in
2009, including a possibility of
rookies manning both OG spots.
Nevertheless, early word is that
Brad Butlers transition from
right guard to right tackle is the
biggest concern, which isnt an in-
dictment of his ability. Rather, its
that the club merely believes the 6-
foot-7 Butler, who played tackle in
college, is the best of some unin-
spiring options to hold down the
fort opposite OLT Langston
Walker. Walker also is a question
mark after moving from the right
side to fill the big shoes of de-
parted OLT Jason Peters, a two-
time Pro Bowler.
Among the more notable sight-
ings at Patriots OTAs was RB Lau-
rence Maroney, who finished
2008 on injured reserve with what
recently was revealed as a broken
shoulder, returning kickoffs. The
way we hear it, its possibly more
than just an offseason experiment.
Maroney showed some nice pop in
that role as a rookie in 06, but he
has stayed off the special-teams
units since as the Pats have tried
to mold him as their featured back.
Yet Maroney has failed to deliver as
expected, and the addition of for-
mer Jaguars icon Fred Taylor fur-
ther diminishes the likelihood of
Maroney becoming a RB force. Fur-
thermore, Bill Belichick, a former
special-teams coach who places a
premium on that phase of the
game, is in need of an ace returner
after trading kick-returning star
Ellis Hobbs to Philadelphia. With
an enviable combination of speed
and power, Maroney has the tools
to flourish in such a capacity.
The young WR corps has spent
OTAs living up to doom-and-
gloomers prognostications that
the lack of proven experience on
the outside will keep the Jets of-
fense grounded. Even though its
expected that defenses be ahead
of offenses throughout the NFL at
this point in the offseason, Rex
Ryans D has thrown the offense
out of sync. The wideouts are find-
ing it difficult to read the coverages
thrown at them, and were hearing
there have been an inordinate
number of dropped passes during
the sessions. However, one of the
few inspiring nuggets in the WR
saga is the emerging play of third-
year vet Chansi Stuckey. Even
though he lacks David Clowneys
breakaway speed, Stuckey not only
has been the most consistent of
the youngsters but has also shown
the most big-play glimpses. He
stands as the early favorite to start
opposite No. 1 WR Jerricho
Cotchery.
Maybe Cam Cameron was
such a lousy head coach after all.
When the current Ravens offensive
coordinator led the Dolphins to a 1-
15 debacle as head coach in 2007,
there were more than a few who
said that only so much blame
could be placed on Camerons
shoulders because of how de-
pleted his roster was.
Of course, since Cameron was
given his walking papers, the re-
placement regime not only led the
team to an AFC East title, it did so
with many of same players that
dotted the 07 roster. The Dolphins
saw enough out of many of those
players to lock down holdovers
such as Vernon Carey, Chan-
ning Crowder, Yeremiah Bell
(who was limited to one game in
07 with a torn Achilles tendon)
and Greg Camarillo to long-term
deals. The latest survivor of the
Cameron shipwreck to be re-
warded by the new staff is scrappy
CB Will Allen, who signed a two-
year extension through 2011 that
will pay him $16.2 million the next
three seasons, $10 million of which
is guaranteed.
What does this mean? It means
that those who believed Bill Par-
cells, Jeff Ireland and Co. would
be gutting the operation and re-
building from scratch were way off
base. Rather than molding a long-
term winner solely through scores
of rookies and youngsters, they
have opted for a more diversified
method, bolstering their roster
with players young and old. The
one prerequisite? Toughness.
Word were getting from South
Florida is that the common link the
players share is grittiness, getting
down and dirty, and letting hard
work do the talking. Those are
many of the reasons Allen was re-
warded with such a lucrative con-
tract even though he turns 31 years
old on Aug. 5. Despite being dinged
up with a smattering of ailments,
he hasnt missed any time to injury
in recent seasons, and won over
coach Tony Sparano in 08 with
his demeanor.
Toughness is also much of the
reason why were told 2007 first-
round pick Ted Ginn Jr., who is
viewed by some as having more
style than substance, finds himself
on precarious ground. Thats not to
suggest that the teams most ex-
plosive receiver is in any danger of
losing his job, but he will be under
even more scrutiny after the draft
netted Miami two wideouts, three if
you include QB-WR Pat White.
Dolphins CB Will Allen recently received a contract extension that includes $10 million guaranteed.
A
P
BUFFALO
BILLS
NEWENGLAND
PATRIOTS
NEWYORK
JETS
MIAMI
DOLPHINS
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
AFC NORTHBy Mike Wilkening
WHISPERS
One of the more
curious develop-
ments at the Browns
voluntary minicamps
is Rex Hadnot and
Floyd Womack work-
ing at left guard, the
position that Eric
Steinbach has
played the past two
seasons. Both Had-
not and Womack are
bigger than Stein-
bach, leading to
speculation that head
coach Eric Mangini
might be looking for
more size inside.
Mangini has not ex-
plicitly confirmed
that, although he did
say, I dont think a
couple extra plates of
pasta would hurt
(Steinbach).Were
hearing the move has
made some wonder
about Steinbachs
long-term future with
the club. He is signed
through 2013, and his
salary-cap number
exceeds $6.5 million
in each season from
2010-13.
Asource close to
the Browns believes
ex-Cardinals CB Rod
Hood figures to be
one of the clubs top
three cornerbacks,
but whether he chal-
lenges for a starting
spot remains to be
seen. Starting CBs
Brandon McDonald
and Eric Wright both
had up-and-down
2008 campaigns.
The feeling in Pitts-
burgh is that ex-Lion
Shaun McDonald
could be quite tough
for second-year WR
Limas Sweed and
rookie Mike Wallace
to beat out for the
clubs No. 3 WR role.
Asource close to
the Ravens was
struck by the atten-
dance level at the
Ravens voluntary
workouts from May
18-21, practices at
which the vast major-
ity of the team was
present. This augurs
well for second-year
head coach John
Harbaugh, who
earned respect by
leading the club to
the AFC title game in
his first season in
Baltimore.
The Ravens depth and durability
at wide receiver is an issue to keep
an eye on as the season ap-
proaches. Asource close to the
club notes Derrick Mason is a
candidate to begin training camp
on the PUP list as he recovers from
left shoulder surgery. Mason, 35,
played through the injury for the
majority of last season, and he has
said he will be ready for Week One
opener vs. Kansas City on Sept. 13.
In addition, Demetrius Williams,
who is in the mix to be the No. 3
wideout, is dealing with an Achilles
injury. Williams and starter Mark
Clayton have shown an ability to
stretch the field a valuable skill
considering QB Joe Flaccos
strong arm and potential to have
an increased command of the of-
fense this season. Veteran Kelley
Washington and second-year pro
Marcus Smith could compete with
Williams to be the No. 3 receiver,
but the feeling is that Williams has
the edge for the job.
The way we hear it, one of the
pleasant surprises of the Bengals
offseason program is WR Chris
Henry, who has participated in
OTAs and has been publicly
praised by QB Carson Palmer for
his diligence. Henry, 26, has
flashed significant talent in his four
NFL seasons, and never more so
than in his first two campaigns,
when he caught a combined 15
touchdowns. However, several off-
the-field incidents have helped to
limit his progress; he missed 14
games because of three NFL sus-
pensions from 2006-2008. In
many respects, Henrys career
hangs in the balance, as he is en-
tering the final season of his con-
tract. With WR Chad Ochocinco
skipping the Bengals first two sets
of OTAs, Henry has moved into his
spot in the lineup. Asource close to
the club remarked that Henry has
played well in OTAs, a positive sign
for a club looking for more punch
from the passing game.
RB Rashard Mendenhall has
been impressive during Steelers
OTAs, the way we hear it, appear-
ing stronger than he did as a
rookie. Mendenhall, who does not
turn 22 until June 19, missed most
of last season with a broken shoul-
der blade, but he is poised to have
a regular role in the offense this
season. At 5-10 and 225 pounds,
Mendenhall may be the Steelers
back best-suited to handle the
short-yardage and goal-line car-
ries, especially with bruising fifth-
round Frank Summers perhaps
still a ways from contributing regu-
larly, but a source close to the club
cautions it is too early to get a
clear read on how those carries will
be parceled out. Nevertheless, a
healthy Mendenhall will signifi-
cantly strengthen the Steelers RB
depth and could go a long way in
keeping Willie Parker who has
averaged 20.7 carries a game the
last three seasons fresh
throughout the season.
The intrigue in the Browns May
minicamps centered on the clubs
QB competition between Brady
Quinn and Derek Anderson and
RS Joshua Cribbs contract
squabble with management. Much
can change by the start of training
camp, but here is what we know as
summer approaches:
In the Browns QB derby, Quinn
can safely be called the early fa-
vorite to win the starting job, the
way we hear it. It was notable that
Quinn took the first snaps with the
first team at the clubs first full-
squad voluntary workouts, with
head coach Eric Mangini explain-
ing that Quinn had done a really
outstanding job in the offseason
program and had a little bit of an
edge. However, Mangini has said
that he plans to split the first-team
reps between Quinn and Anderson.
That said, the feeling is Quinn,
who took the starting job from An-
derson last November and started
three games before suffering a
season-ending finger injury, has a
leg up.
There is little mystery about
what Cribbs primary role with the
club will be; a punt and kickoff re-
turn man of the highest order and
a force on the clubs coverage
teams, Cribbs will continue to an-
chor one of the NFLs best special-
teams units. But his role beyond
that has yet to come into focus,
and whether he successfully can
renegotiate his contract is a story
to watch closely. For the time
being, Mangini has said Cribbs will
focus on special teams and finding
his role on offense. In his previous
four NFL seasons, Cribbs occa-
sionally has lined up at wide re-
ceiver and quarterback. However,
Cribbs, a star quarterback at Kent
State, took more snaps from cen-
ter than he ever had in his pro ca-
reer last season, rushing 29 times
for 167 yards and attempting four
passes. There also has been spec-
ulation that Cribbs could get some
work in the secondary, but a
source close to the club believes
the prospect of Cribbs getting any
regular playing time in the defen-
sive backfield is a long shot.
There is also the issue of Cribbs
contract, which runs through
2012. Cribbs briefly skipped a
minicamp earlier in May, but he
was back with the club in the final
week in May. Agent J.R. Rickert
told The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer
that he and Cribbs were opti-
mistic that there will be a fair solu-
tion to Cribbs situation.
Bengals WR Chris Henry has a checkered past, but we hear hes having an outstanding offseason.
S
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T
P
I
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BALTIMORE
RAVENS
CINCINNATI
BENGALS
PITTSBURGH
STEELERS
CLEVELAND
BROWNS
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
AFC SOUTHBy Mike Wilkening and Matt Sohn
WHISPERS
As welcome a sight
as any at Colts OTAs
was the extent of CB
Marlin Jacksons
participation, as he
ran and cut with ease
during positional
drills. Jackson was
placed on injured re-
serve with torn knee
ligaments suffered in
October and is on
pace for a full recov-
ery by training camp.
Nevertheless, the
Colts are traditionally
conservative when it
comes to working
players back into the
mix when they are
coming off major in-
juries. Similar to
Dwight Freeney and
Bob Sanders a year
ago, Jackson could
be healthier than his
potentially limited
participation in camp
might indicate.
One Titans reserve
whos having a solid
offseason is third-
year WR Chris Davis,
the way we hear it.
Davis may be hard-
pressed to hold on to
a roster spot after
the Titans drafted
Kenny Britt and
Dominique Edison
and signed Nate
Washington and
Mark Jones, but he
has taken a step for-
ward leading up to
the 09 campaign.
Texans assistant
head coach/defensive
line Bill Kollar wants
third-year DT Amobi
Okoye to get to the
point where he trusts
his instincts a little
more and simply
plays. He looks like a
guy who maybe thinks
too much, Kollar said.
With the Jaguars in-
corporating 3-4 ele-
ments to their
defense, the ends and
outside linebackers
are working to adjust
their games accord-
ingly. With a quality
assortment of hybrid
candidates to choose
from, the outlook on
the outside is bright.
However, theres
concern regarding the
interior players in the
scheme, especially at
nose tackle. The 3-4
could be susceptible
to the run with the
current group.
DE Connor Barwin can safely be
called a work in progress, having
played only one season at defen-
sive end at the University of Cincin-
nati, but Texans assistant head
coach/defensive line Bill Kollar
told PFWthat the transition from
college to the NFL for any young
defensive lineman is challenging
and that playing freely without
overthinking is one of the first hur-
dles to overcome. It happens right
when you are a rookie, Kollar
noted, noting that a young lineman
has so much to process, especially
when it comes to terminology and
technique. Barwin cannot practice
with the Texans until his collegiate
class graduates on June 12-13, but
Kollar likes what he has seen from
the young lineman. For what he
did last year in college, he did a
pretty good job rushing the passer
just one year, Kollar said. He
(showed) a lot of ability that year.
But its going to take a lot of hard
work to improve his technique.
If team chemistry really does
make a difference on Sundays, then
the Jaguars are certainly heading in
the right direction. Word were get-
ting out of Jacksonville is that the
emphasis new GM Gene Smith
has placed on the Jaguars being a
high-character club has had a dis-
tinct trickle-down effect. With the
exception of DT Derek Landri
who was MIAfor personal reasons
every veteran and the majority of
rookies showed up for the start of
OTAs, and the fractured locker room
of 2008 has been replaced with soli-
darity. Aiding the jelling is head
coach Jack Del Rios concerted ef-
fort to be more active in drills, rather
than assuming the role of overseer
that he took in recent years. The
player response to a more hands-on
coach has been encouraging, partic-
ularly on the defensive side, where
Del Rio spends the bulk of his time.
The defense is shaping up as a
highly collaborative effort of Del Rio
and new coordinator Mel Tucker.
It looks like the Titans will keep
four tight ends this season. Bo
Scaife, who caught a team-high
58 passes in 2008 and was desig-
nated the clubs franchise free
agent in the offseason, will remain
one of the top threats in the pass-
ing game. Alge Crumpler, once
one of the top receivers at his po-
sition in the league but now more
of a complementary player, will
continue to have a role in the of-
fense. Crumpler started 15 games
last season and caught 24 passes.
The way we hear it, the Titans
would like to get second-year TE
Craig Stevens more involved;
hes regarded as a strong blocker.
The fastest of the Titans tight
ends, third-round pick Jared
Cook, also could push for playing
time, but with several established
veterans on the depth chart, and
with a new offense to learn, the
rookies biggest impact is likely to
come down the road, the way we
hear it.
So much for a smooth transi-
tion. When it was announced last
offseason that associate head
coach/quarterbacks Jim Cald-
well would be taking over for Tony
Dungy upon Dungys retirement,
the feeling was that Caldwells as-
cension would enable the Colts to
keep cohesion within the ranks of
a team that didnt need an over-
haul. Things went according to
plan initially, but the abrupt retire-
ments of offensive coordinator
Tom Moore and OL coach
Howard Mudd over pension con-
cerns set in motion a course of
events which have the organiza-
tion in a state of limbo at a time
when it had hoped to be carrying
over the inertia from the success
of Dungys tenure.
Its one thing for longtime vet-
eran coaches to retire, but what
makes this situation particularly
unsettling is owner Jim Irsays
plan to rehire Moore and Mudd in
consulting capacities provided
the coaches get confirmation that
their pension benefits are not jeop-
ardized by that status. The prob-
lem is that nobody, Moore and
Mudd included, has a firm under-
standing of just what the practical
implications of such a designation
would be.
We hear that theres more than a
reasonable chance of the two
coaching stalwarts reclaiming their
status as the leaders of their re-
spective units, even though their
official titles would be changed.
The problem with reverting to that
hierarchy is how it would under-
mine the authority of replacements
Clyde Christensen and Pete
Metzelaars, who have been with
the club since 2002 and have been
groomed to be the next offensive
coordinator and OL coach, respec-
tively. Caldwell has done nothing
but heap praise on Moore and
Mudd in public forums, and he
would have no choice but to give a
nod of approval to their rejoining
the team.
This much is obvious: the lack of
clarity weighed on the team
throughout OTAs. Nobody illumi-
nated that more than Peyton
Manning, who minced no words
when he vented his frustration
about the matter.
The communication has been
pretty poor, in my opinion, Man-
ning said after an OTAsession.
Somebody says one thing, then
somebody else says another thing.
Im not sure everybodys on the
same page in this building.
Colts QB Peyton Manning is frustrated over some of the changes that are taking place in Indianapolis.
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HOUSTON
TEXANS
JACKSONVILLE
JAGUARS
TENNESSEE
TITANS
INDIANAPOLIS
COLTS
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
AFC WESTBy Dan Parr and Michael Blunda
WHISPERS
Although LB Mike
Vrabel has been ab-
sent for all of the
Chiefs voluntary off-
season practices, it is
not believed that he is
upset about his trade
from a perennial con-
tender in the Patriots
to a rebuilding Kansas
City club, as had been
speculated. Instead,
Vrabel is working out
on his own as many
veterans do at this
time of year and is
expected to report
once mandatory ses-
sions begin.
Word out of Charg-
ers minicamp is that
RB LaDainian
Tomlinson looked as
fresh and lively as he
has in years. Hes
said to be completely
healthy after dealing
with injuries for much
of 2008 and doesnt
look at all like a guy
whos about to turn
30. Playing on basi-
cally a one-year deal
after the Bolts re-
structured his con-
tract this offseason,
Tomlinson is still ex-
pected to be a work-
horse back in 09,
even though San
Diego is paying RB
Darren Sproles like a
starting rusher.
Close observers of
the Broncos say
those who are ex-
pecting head coach
Josh McDaniels to
emphasize the pass-
ing game, as he did
as offensive coordi-
nator in New Eng-
land, could be
surprised by Denvers
offense this season,
which has the per-
sonnel makeup of a
power-running team.
Reports from the
teams recent OTA
were not flattering
when it came to QB
JaMarcus Russells
performance, but for-
tunately for him,
backup Jeff Garcia
apparently didnt
shine, either. Garcia
clearly would like a
crack at the starting
job, but the Raiders
are committed to
Russell as the top
signalcaller for now
and have not opened
up the starting spot
for competition.
With so many question marks
heading into 2009, the last thing the
Chiefs need is to lose a key cog in
their offensive unit this late in the
game. But thats exactly what could
happen with four-time Pro Bowl OLG
Brian Waters, whos clearly dis-
gruntled with the clubs new regime.
It was known that Waters and head
coach Todd Haley butted heads in
their initial meeting, but from what
we hear, things between the two got
heated, with the normally mild-man-
nered Waters snapping at one of
Haleys comments and shouting at
his new boss. Waters said then that
he had no desire to remain in K.C.,
and he has not reported for any of
the teams voluntary offseason ac-
tivities since. Considering that GM
Scott Pioli has already purged the
Chiefs of many of their veteran play-
ers, he might not have any reserva-
tions about doing the same with the
32-year-old Waters, even if it means
losing his most proven offensive
lineman.
The clock keeps ticking, and with
each passing moment it appears
less likely that Broncos WR Bran-
don Marshall will be receiving a
long-feared suspension. Marshall, a
repeat offender of the leagues per-
sonal-conduct policy, was arrested
for disorderly conduct in Atlanta in
March, but the charge was dis-
missed. It appeared the league
would take strong action against
Marshall, given his history of legal
issues, which resulted in him serv-
ing a one-game suspension at the
start of last season. While the
league is still considering what to
do about him, sources say it would
have given the Broncos notice
ahead of the draft if a significant
suspension was on the way, so that
the team could adjust its plans ac-
cordingly. In the mean time, reports
indicate Marshall, who is recovering
from hip surgery, has asked for a
raise and a restructured contract,
but the team has not shown inter-
est in granting his request.
When Ron Rivera took over as
the Chargers defensive coordinator
midway through last season, time
constraints forced him to continue
utilizing a set of plays that, frankly,
werent very effective. Now that hes
had a full offseason to work on the
defense, however, he has reworked
the scheme to fit the style of both
him and his personnel. In fact,
Rivera recently said that he and his
staff have written a whole new play-
book, taking certain aspects of the
old D and injecting a heavy dose of
the coordinators philosophies.
From what we hear, San Diegos new
defense will still be a 3-4, but it will
integrate many features of the 4-3,
the scheme that is Riveras expert-
ise. The final product is expected to
be somewhat of a hybrid, which the
players shouldnt have much trou-
ble adjusting to. Obviously, Rivera is
hoping his revamped playbook will
result in a significant improvement
by the Bolts D, which finished 25th
in 2008.
Heading into his contract year,
Raiders MLB Kirk Morrison is
keeping a close eye on the Collec-
tive Bargaining Agreement negoti-
ations between the players union
and league owners. If no new deal
is reached, the league moves to an
uncapped season in 2010 and Mor-
rison, a fifth-year veteran who has
built a reputation as one of the
best young middle backers in the
game, would revert to being a re-
stricted free agent rather than an
unrestricted one.
As a restricted free agent, Morri-
son would likely receive the highest
one-year tender from Oakland.
Teams would have the opportunity
to offer him a long-term deal but
would have to part with draft picks
to sign him away from Oakland. As
an unrestricted free agent, Morri-
son could sign with whichever
team he chooses with no cost of
draft choices.
I want an agreement to get
done, Morrison told PFW. I dont
want to see an uncapped year.
Morrison said hed like to stay
with the Raiders, his hometown
team, but appears willing to move
on if a better opportunity arises.
When youre going into the last
year of your contract, you want
some stability, so basically my
thing right now is I just want to go
out and play the game the right
way, he said. I love Oakland. Id
love to stay here. This is a busi-
ness. Sometimes business out-
weighs the way people think.
If something happens and Im
not able to be here after the sea-
son, thats just the business side of
it.
Morrison, a third-round pick in
05, has been a reliable force in the
center of the Raiders defense,
making at least 116 tackles each
season while starting all but one
game since entering the league.
Yet, there has been some talk
that the Raiders are already
preparing in case they need to re-
place him after this season. LB
Ricky Brown, who usually plays on
the strong side, has been taking
snaps at middle backer during
OTAs, which has led to speculation
that Oakland is grooming Brown as
Morrisons heir apparent.
However, it could just be that
head coach Tom Cable wants
Brown to be comfortable sliding
into the middle if Morrison were to
suffer an injury this season. The
team doesnt have quality depth at
linebacker and would be in trouble
if any of its starters went down.
Raiders MLB Kirk Morrison is entering the final year of his contract but would like to remain in Oakland.
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KANSAS CITY
CHIEFS
DENVER
BRONCOS
SAN DIEGO
CHARGERS
OAKLAND
RAIDERS
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
NFC EASTBy Eric Edholm
WHISPERS
Would the Redskins
take a chance on
Michael Vick? Dont
rule it out. Owner
Daniel Snyder loves
the big splash and
might be willing to
gamble on Vick, who
grew up in nearby
Newport News, Va.
Theres no question
that the Redskins
would like an upgrade
at quarterback with
Jason Campbell
entering the final year
of his deal, and they
likely would be willing
to gamble on players
with questionable
character, given the
$54 million deal they
gave to CB DeAngelo
Hall.
We hear the Eagles
players and coaches
have known about de-
fensive coordinator
Jim Johnson plan-
ning to take time off
for some time and
that the transition to
Sean McDermott, his
replacement for now,
has been under way
for some time. McDer-
mott started his work
as an understudy to
Johnson as much as
two years ago, with
the idea that he one
day would replace
Johnson. Andy Reid
used a similar strat-
egy with Brad Chil-
dress, who coached
QBs for three years
before replacing Rod
Dowhower as offen-
sive coordinator after
Dowhower retired.
The Giants are
loaded at defensive
end, but dont rule out
undrafted rookie Mau-
rice Evans making
the team. He was a
nice surprise at the
rookie minicamps.
Evans, who had 12
1
2
sacks as a sophomore
at Penn State, proba-
bly should have re-
turned to school, but
the Giants might have
a diamond in the
rough if they can find
a spot for him.
One Cowboys ob-
server noted that
rookie free-agent WR
Kevin Ogletree made
a strong first impres-
sion, but Ogletree still
is considered a long
shot to make the
team.
The Giants dont have a ton of
front-line jobs up for grabs with
their tremendous depth and re-
turning veterans, but the No. 3 QB
battle should be one to follow.
Fifth-rounder Rhett Bomar will
challenge 2008 sixth-rounder
Andre Woodson, who spent
most of last season on the prac-
tice squad. QB coach Chris
Palmer said recently that Bomar
settled down after a shaky start in
minicamps. Woodson also has re-
laxed and improved his mechanics
in the past year, Palmer said, and
the winner of the battle could be
the one who exits Albany as the
most mechanically sound thrower
with the most upside given that
there is little concern at the top
with Eli Manning and David
Carr. I thought (Bomar) im-
proved as the camp went along
and did a nice job, Palmer said. I
will say this to you, (the ball) goes
from Point Ato Point B very, very
quickly.
Quick: Name the Eagles top draft
pick in 2008. If you guessed De-
Sean Jackson, you are wrong. No,
it was Trevor Laws, who spent
most of his rookie season as the
third defensive tackle behind
starters, Brodrick Bunkley and
Mike Patterson. And because
those two most often came off the
field in third-down and passing situa-
tions, Laws was stuck getting a
handful of snaps here and there and
contributing mostly on special
teams. This season, the team ex-
pects Laws to take a step up in his
development. He wont start, but
Laws should be able to carve out an
additional 8-10 snaps per game if he
can show the quickness he did in col-
lege. And his strong motor should
help him get on the field late in
games when others are tiring. DEs
Darren Howard and Victor Abi-
amiri are still expected to kick inside
in passing situations, but if Abiamiri
earns a bigger role as the base end, it
could open the door for Laws.
Most of the attention paid to the
wide receivers this offseason has
gone to two men, Roy Williams
and Miles Austin, and for good
reason. Williams is attempting to
step up after doing next to nothing
in 10 games in Dallas last season
(19 receptions, one TD) following
his trade from Detroit, and the re-
lease of Terrell Owens ramps up
the pressure on Williams even
more. And Austin is attempting to
nail down a starting spot after
showing intriguing downfield
speed in his first few abbreviated
seasons. But there are a few other
faces worth paying attention to at
the position, as well. Sam Hurd re-
portedly has looked very good
catching the ball in minicamps. At
one point he was considered the
more polished wideout between he
and Austin, but Hurd has fallen be-
hind. Still, he should get a chance
to win the No. 4 job, assuming
Patrick Crayton is the primary
slot guy.
The Redskins top three draft
picks of 2008 often are lumped to-
gether, but not necessarily for
good reasons. The trio, WRs Devin
Thomas and Malcolm Kelly and
TE Fred Davis, contributed very lit-
tle as rookies and come into this
season facing a lot of pressure.
But there also are expectations
for them. Head coach Jim Zorn
said in May that hed like to find
one sure starter from the three of
them.
We play a lot of our stuff with
three receivers, Zorn said, and I
want to put Antwaan (Randle El)
in the slot. Youd like to see one guy
completely take over the position,
but all those guys are going to play.
Those (young) guys have to make
a statement. I need to see a lot of
changes.
That includes Davis, who is ex-
pected to be used a lot more in
two-TE formations along with
Chris Cooley.
But the belief is that it will come
down to Thomas and Kelly for the
starting spot Zorn was talking
about. Last season, Kelly appeared
to be ahead of Thomas in terms of
development but was hindered by
injuries. The club believes that
Thomas has the more gifted ability,
but dont be surprised if Kelly steps
up first.
Malcolm has come on, Zorn
said in May. I think each day he's
done a little bit more. So hes
showed that hes bursting off the
line of scrimmage now.
Were keeping him from doing
some of the extended routes and
things like that, but some of the
quicker things the quick cuts,
the little accelerations hes
doing, and hes catching a ton of
balls. So as he progresses, I think
hell be much more ready for those
(June) OTAs like were hoping.
QB Jason Campbell, who has
been through the ringer himself
this offseason, said the potential of
the young players is good but that
everyone must be healthy and
ready to take another step.
Right now I know Devin is look-
ing really (good) running routes,
Campbell said. He has really ma-
tured a lot. Malcolm is doing the
best he can right now to get back
for June OTAs.
The one thing about Malcolm is
when he is on the field the guy has
great hands; everything he catches
he catches with his hands. He can
reach out and catch the ball and
snatch it, so his abilities are there
also.
Philadelphias first draft pick from a year ago, Trevor Laws, is expected to see an increased role in 2009.
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NEWYORK
GIANTS
PHILADELPHIA
EAGLES
DALLAS
COWBOYS
WASHINGTON
REDSKINS
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
NFC NORTHBy Dan Arkush and Eric Edholm
WHISPERS
Another sign that
Vikings rookie Phil
Loadholt is the fa-
vorite to start at right
tackle: Ryan Cook,
last years starter,
has been moved in-
side in OTAs to right
guard, where he likely
would back up
Anthony Herrera.
Cooks short arms
plagued him at right
tackle but wouldnt
be as much of a hin-
drance inside. He
also played center in
college.
The early word is
that rookie FS Louis
Delmas has im-
pressed the Lions
brass immensely and
figures to start right
away if Gerald
Alexander is not
healthy following
neck surgery and
perhaps even if he is.
Delmas has done a
nice job of absorbing
the playbook and lin-
ing up fellow rookies
in the right spots and
alerting them to
trends in offseason
practices.
Despite the fact
that longtime Pack-
ers OT Mark
Tauschers name-
plate was still over his
locker in early May
and the team said it
was waiting to make
a decision on his fu-
ture until it was sure
that his torn ACL was
fully healed, our team
sources seem to
think Tauscher will
not be back regard-
less of his condition.
The Packers have
admitted Aaron
Kampman has
reservations about
his closely scrutinized
conversion to left
outside linebacker.
We hear the Bears
acquisition of OLB
Pisa Tinoisamoa
might not bode well for
seventh-year veteran
Hunter Hillenmeyer,
who remains out while
recovering from sports
hernia surgery. Even
before the Bears
added Tinoisamoa,
Hillenmeyers status
was looking a bit shaky
following an injury-
plagued 2008
campaign.
Perhaps the most impressive
thing Matthew Stafford has done
very early into his Lions career has
been his off-field work. As the
Lions veterans were going through
OTAs without the rookies, Stafford
spent time studying videos and
practice scripts that the Lions sent
him. Head coach Jim Schwartz
appreciated his new QBs pre-
paredness but also had to pull
back the reins a bit on the young-
ster. You know we had to sort of
hold him back a little bit because
he wanted too much, Schwartz
said. Its one thing retaining it in
the classroom, its another thing
doing it on the field. I think you saw
a couple passes he would rather
have had back, but then you saw a
couple that made the defense pay;
he can do those kinds of things.
The reports on Stafford have been
some good, some not so good, but
not any worse than expected. We
hear the team thinks hes exactly
where he needs to be right now.
Uncertainty at offensive tackle
remains a major concern in Packer-
land. Thats especially the case at
right tackle, where the competition
is wide open to replace longtime
starter and unrestricted free agent
Mark Tauscher, who isnt ex-
pected to be able to play until mid-
October at the earliest, after
tearing his left ACL Dec. 7. But
theres also more than a little angst
at left tackle, where longtime
starter Chad Clifton admitted
after the final game of the 08 sea-
son that he had never been so worn
down by injuries. Not only was
Clifton, who turns 33 in June and is
one year older than Tauscher, oper-
ating on knees that were scoped in
early January. He also had to battle
through nagging injuries to his
hamstring, shoulder and hand that
probably had a lot to do with the
career-high 7
1
2 sacks he allowed.
Could Clifton be on his last legs?
Team sources agree that its a
question at least worth pondering.
The move of Corey Graham
from cornerback to free safety ap-
pears to be permanent. But it re-
mains to be seen if Graham, who
started nine games in 2008 at right
corner in place of the injured Nate
Vasher, is on a fast track toward
becoming the starter at the FS posi-
tion. Right now, theyre just throw-
ing a bunch of bodies out there (at
both free and strong safety), one
daily team observer said. Theyve
admitted there were problems in
coverage at the position last year,
and Grahams range should help in
that regard. He also wont back
down physically, although he does-
nt have prototypical size (6-0,
193).The move of Graham to safety
also might be an indication the team
is growing more comfortable with
the status of Vasher, who has told
team insiders he is feeling better
after being limited by injuries in 08.
Hes been lining up with the ones,
the team observer said of Vasher,
but he still has a lot to prove.
Vikings head coach Brad Chil-
dress did his best Bus Cook im-
pression on May 21, deflecting
questions about QB Brett Favre
potentially joining the team. Cook
has said for weeks that Favre, his
client, has said nothing to him of a
comeback, but rampant rumors
have kept the subject in play.
When asked specifically if the
Vikings have received Favres med-
ical records, specifically MRIs of
the veteran signalcallers torn right
biceps, Childress sidestepped the
topic issuing a no comment on
the matter. Favres throwing arm
might be the critical element to his
comeback; if he believes he can
throw pain-free with or without
surgery there is evidence that he
would consider coming out of re-
tirement to join the Vikings.
Childress said he and the Vikings
have done their due diligence on
the retired quarterback, saying,
Youre always interested in investi-
gating. Ill stand by what I said last
time: that you discuss it, youre in-
terested in going through the
process. And are you interested in
a Hall of Fame-caliber quarter-
back? Youre always interested in
going through the process and dis-
cussing it and investigating it.
Vikings sources say the two
other quarterbacks who would be
in line to start should Favre stay re-
tired, Sage Rosenfels and
Tarvaris Jackson, are doing their
best to ignore the situation and get
their work in. They split the reps at
QB in the first few days of OTAs
and are said to be having solid off-
seasons despite the distractions.
But the Favre rumors wont go
away until either he or the Vikings
say they are not interested and
publicly. Given the chance to put
the issue to bed, Childress said he
has taken every situation as it
comes along and hasnt placed a
priority on the daily reports of his
would-be QB.
For me to stand here and say
something is going to happen, I dont
know, Childress said. I just dont
know. Its all hypothetical and I just
think weve got to the point where we
hypothetically ask a question that we
have to have an answer to.
So the question becomes the
story and you can write volumes on
it one side or the other. Again, its
not something that Im entertain-
ing, and Im more focused on the
guys that are part of this football
team old and young, in the build-
ing or out on the grass. Thats what
I put all my energy into right now.
Lions rookie QB Matthew Stafford has impressed his coaches with his enthusiasm and study habits.
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DETROIT
LIONS
GREEN BAY
PACKERS
CHICAGO
BEARS
MINNESOTA
VIKINGS
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
NFC SOUTHBy Dan Parr
WHISPERS
There may not be
many carries for Pan-
thers rookie RB Mike
Goodson as he plays
behind the teams
strong tandem of
DeAngelo Williams
and Jonathan
Stewart, but we hear
the team will be cre-
ative in how it uses
Goodson. Although
he will take the occa-
sional handoff as
Carolinas change-of-
pace back, sources
say the team is con-
sidering moving
Goodson to the slot
in certain situations.
He has elite speed
and gives a typically
conservative offense
a chance to broaden
its options.
Bucs OL coach
Pete Mangurian sur-
prised observers re-
cently when he
indicated the teams
starting OLG spot was
open for competition.
It had been assumed
that Arron Sears,
who has started at
left guard the past
two seasons, had a
firm grasp on the job,
but second-year vet-
eran Jeremy Zuttah
is apparently coming
on strong and could
push Sears. However,
it still is unlikely Sears
will be displaced.
Saints head coach
Sean Payton has
said throughout the
offseason that he
would like to add a
power running back
to complement
Pierre Thomas and
Reggie Bush, and
theres a good
chance New Orleans
will add a veteran
back in free agency.
Thomas, however, is
out to prove that he
can be the hammer
Payton is looking for.
He showed up at
OTAs carrying an
extra 10 pounds, ac-
cording to reports,
much of it in his lower
body, where he has
worked on building
leg strength. Thomas
will enter the season
as the Saints pri-
mary back, but he
has struggled in
third-down and goal-
line situations when
given the opportunity
in the past.
Many were surprised when the
Buccaneers gave $10.5 million
guaranteed to WR Michael Clay-
ton in the new deal he received at
the start of free agency. It has led
to high expectations for Clayton,
as he gets a fresh start under new
head coach Raheem Morris after
falling out of favor with Jon Gru-
den, but it also created immediate
scrutiny for GM Mark Dominik
early in his tenure. Clayton will be
expected to rise to the occasion
while defenses are preoccupied
with covering No. 1 WR Antonio
Bryant and TE Kellen Winslow,
which should leave Clayton in
plenty of one-on-one coverage.
Gruden lost confidence in Clayton
as he faltered in the seasons since
his rookie year, and Clayton ap-
peared to lose faith in himself. With
a more supportive staff and almost
no competition for the role as No. 2
receiver, Clayton has been handed
an opportunity to get his once-
promising career back on track.
The starting spot at right corner-
back is shaping up to be one of the
Falcons most heated position bat-
tles in training camp, we hear.
Brent Grimes, Chevis Jackson,
Von Hutchins and rookie Chris
Owens will be competing for the
job vacated by Domonique Fox-
worth, who signed with the Ravens
in free agency, although we hear
the team would rather keep Jack-
son at nickel back. Hutchins re-
portedly has been limited in
offseason workouts as he returns
from a Lisfranc fracture, which
sidelined him all of last season, and
Grimes struggled in a starting stint
early in 08 before Foxworth re-
placed him. Falcons head coach
Mike Smith has no problem with
playing rookies from Day One, and
sources say the team would be
pleased if Owens, a third-round
pick, stepped up and won the job.
Owens has great burst and quick-
ness, but he lacks ideal height at 5-
foot-10.
Malcolm Jenkins was billed as a
cornerback-safety hybrid prior to
the draft in part because he took
snaps at both positions at Ohio
State. His good size and less-than-
ideal speed, however, also were
factors in the way scouts classified
him. Jenkins has made it clear that
he wants to play corner and suc-
ceed at that position in the pros.
The problem is he might be able to
help the Saints most by playing
free safety this season. New Or-
leans appears to have a solid trio of
corners with Tracy Porter, Jabari
Greer and Randall Gay, who could
fill the two starting spots and the
nickel back slot. The Saints will
have Jenkins play corner in OTAs
and will give him an opportunity to
earn a starting job, but head coach
Sean Payton ultimately could de-
cide it would be more beneficial to
have Jenkins at free safety rather
than 13th-year veteran Darren
Sharper, who was signed as a one-
year stopgap.
Months of trade rumors have
given way to new questions about
Panthers DE Julius Peppers, in-
cluding what his next step will be
as his path away from Carolina
continues to narrow. There is al-
most zero chance he will be dealt
this year, and the most recent talk
centers around whether Peppers,
who has not signed his one-year
franchise tender of $16.683 million
after having requested a trade, will
hold out of training camp.
Peppers didnt surprise anyone
by staying away from the teams
minicamp and OTAs thus far this
offseason. After all, he still isnt
under contract and is under no ob-
ligation to attend those events.
Head coach John Fox has ap-
peared unbothered by Peppers ab-
sence, and while Peppers and his
agent, Carl Carey, have remained
quiet on the subject, sources say
the Panthers still expect the four-
time Pro Bowler to report for train-
ing camp on time. Other reports
have suggested that Peppers will
hold out for weeks and may not
show up until the end of camp.
Regardless, the story line has
shifted from a question of whether
Peppers will play for the Panthers
in 2009 to more of a question as to
when he will accept his fate and get
back to work.
The Panthers and Peppers have
managed to be respectful toward
each other throughout this ordeal,
as both likely figured out long ago
that theyd reach the conclusion it
appears they are headed for.
Sources say Peppers teammates
think hes professional and are un-
likely to have any qualms about ac-
cepting him back into the fold.
Theyre keenly aware that this situ-
ation is part of the business.
The teams fans, however, are
unlikely to be as understanding.
One source in Charlotte said the
teams followers felt betrayed
when Peppers, a North Carolina
native, released a statement in
January announcing he would like
to play for a different team in 09.
If Peppers comes to camp and
acts as though he doesnt want to
be there, then he could have some
problems with his teammates also.
Peppers has been a team captain
for the past two seasons, but that
leadership role will likely vanish
quickly if his behavior suggests
hes less than committed to help-
ing the team win. Peppers isnt a
big fan of the spotlight, but the
glare will be as strong as ever when
he re-joins the team.
It remains unknown if disgruntled Panthers DE Julius Peppers will show up for training camp or hold out.
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TAMPA BAY
BUCCANEERS
ATLANTA
FALCONS
NEW ORLEANS
SAINTS
CAROLINA
PANTHERS
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
NFC WESTBy Dan Arkush
WHISPERS
Because of the lack
of experience in their
WR corps, daily Rams
observers thought
veteran free-agent
WR Dane Looker
might have had a
good shot at return-
ing to the team. But
with fifth-round WR
Brooks Foster hav-
ing been assigned
Lookers No. 89 jer-
sey, it would appear
theres no place for
Looker in the teams
plans. Also on the WR
front, we hear that
ex-Falcon Laurent
Robinson has looked
pretty good in early
camp work.
Our sources in
Seattle tell us third-
year CB Kevin
Hobbs has been a
steady playmaking
force in early practice
sessions. But with
newly re-acquired
Ken Lucas, feisty
Josh Wilson, versa-
tile Jordan
Babineaux and for-
mer first-round draft
pick Kelly Jennings,
who remains side-
lined with a shoulder
injury, also in the mix,
Hobbs could be fac-
ing an uphill battle to
make the team.
We hear the Cardi-
nals would love to see
fourth-year NT Gabe
Watson, for whom
they have high hopes
this season, get his
weight down into the
320-pound range. At
one time weighing
just short of 375
pounds, Watson was
said to be tipping the
scales at 332 pounds
in mid-May.
The consensus
among our Niners
sources is that there
definitely appears to
be an overload in the
WR ranks that could
result in a decent re-
ceiver or two failing
to make the final ros-
ter. Two pass catch-
ers who we hear
might run into prob-
lems are serviceable
but increasingly brit-
tle seventh-year vet-
eran Arnaz Battle
and promising sec-
ond-year pro
Dominique Zeigler.
The odds appear to be extremely
slim that the Seahawks will have to
once again resort to asking local
resident Jeff Robinson to bail
them out at long-snapper. Such is
the case following the teams re-
cent signing of seventh-year vet-
eran Bryan Pittman a move
that didnt generate anything close
to the buzz created by the T.J.
Houshmandzadeh signing but, in
its own way, was just as significant,
considering the longstanding prob-
lems the Seahawks have had at
long-snapper dating back to the se-
rious hip injury suffered by J.P.
Darche in February 2007. The
party line is that Pittman will com-
pete with free agent Ryan Senser
for the LS job. But word is it will be
a major shock if Pittman who
played 92 consecutive games for
the Texans before being suspended
for four games last December after
testing positive for a diuretic on the
leagues list of banned substances
doesnt easily win the job.
After acknowledging the mistake
they made in signing injury-prone
Travis LaBoy before the 2008 sea-
son his release triggered a $6.1
million cap charge the Cardinals
seem satisfied enough with their LB
rotation moving forward, were told.
Last season, LaBoy shared the
teams DE-OLB Predator role with
veteran Bertrand Berry. This sea-
son, the favorite to start at the posi-
tion is Clark Haggans, with Berry,
who is considered the Cardinals
best pass rusher, expected to be
used almost exclusively in sub pack-
ages because of his deficiencies
dropping into coverage. Unlike last
year, the outside linebackers wont
flip around from the strong side to
the weak side, which increases the
need for the Predator to be more
versatile, one team insider said.
Haggans appears best-suited to fill
that bill. On the strong side, rookies
Cody Brown and Will Davis will
be gradually worked into the mix be-
hind starter Chike Okeafor.
We hear the team feels a lot bet-
ter about its situation at tight end,
where a fully healthy Randy
McMichael heads a deep, tal-
ented four-man ensemble.
McMichael had never missed a
game in his seven-year career be-
fore suffering a season-ending bro-
ken bone in his lower right leg in
Week Four last season. McMichael
is recovered and looking forward to
more frequent usage in the passing
game with veteran WRs Torry
Holt and Drew Bennett no longer
around. In addition, one of the few
pluses in a mostly dreadful 2008
campaign was the emergence of
sure-handed TE Daniel Fells, a
signee off Tampa Bays practice
squad who has picked up where he
left off last season as one of the
more impressive performers in the
Rams early OTAs. Word is fourth-
year pro Joe Klopfenstein has
also looked very good, and ex-
49ers blocking specialist Billy Ba-
jema rounds out the foursome.
It didnt come anywhere close to
rivaling the eye-popping blowups in
his first game as a head coach last
season that made him an instant
YouTube sensation.
But Mike Singletarys contin-
ued commanding aura was in full
bloom following the Niners first
day of 2009 organized team activi-
ties, when he sternly said, Practice
today was not what it needs to be.
What practice does need to be,
on Singletarys watch, is far differ-
ent from what our longtime team
sources have grown accustomed
to from the Niners over the years.
There has never been so much
emphasis on just conditioning,
said one team insider. He (Single-
tary) wants totally dedicated guys.
Its a big part of what hes trying to
do.
The tradition before was always
that the players were kind of on
their own (in the offseason). You
could come and go to the light
practices. Under Singletary, the
practices are a lot more arduous,
with a lot more hitting.
Four players DE Kentwan
Balmer, CB Walt Harris and WRs
Jason Hill and Dominique Zei-
gler went down in the first two
days of OTAs. Although three of the
injuries werent considered seri-
ous, Harris suffered a torn ACL in
his right knee that may sideline
him the entire season.
Well see how it goes, the in-
sider said of Singletarys no-non-
sense, pedal-to-the-metal
approach best exemplified by the
at least three stories high hill that
Niners players must run up and
down on a regular basis as part of
their conditioning regimen.
Will they still be practicing in
pads late in the season like they
were last year? the insider won-
dered aloud. Will the players tire
of this? That will be the challenge.
In the meantime, it would appear
Singletary continues to walk on
water in the eyes of his troops.
All the players really appear to
be on board with him. He seems to
have overwhelming support, the
insider said. You saw how they
could hardly wait, right after the
season, to have the team remove
his interim tag.
Theres another thing about Sin-
gletary that team sources find
themselves having to get more
used to.
He really is very unpredictable,
the insider said. You never really
know when he might go off, like he
did on the first day of the OTAs.
49ers coach Mike Singletary is placing an emphasis on conditioning and high-energy workouts this spring.
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SEATTLE
SEAHAWKS
ARIZONA
CARDINALS
ST. LOUIS
RAMS
SAN FRANCISCO
49ERS
By Mark Cannizzaro
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. Pressure? What
pressure?
All Mark Sanchez faces as the new face of the
New York Jets is the burden of leading the roller-
coaster franchise to its first Super Bowl since
Joe Namath led it to the NFL title 40 years ago.
Thats all. Not much to ask. Just be the next
Namath.
The Jets drafted Sanchez as much for his
moxie and charisma and it factor as they did
for his ability to throw the football.
Without as much as a preseason down hav-
ing been played, Sanchez has New York in the
proverbial palm of his hand.
It takes a person with a certain confidence
to play in New York, Jets head coach Rex Ryan
said. I dont think hes afraid of the big stage
at all.
Sanchez has already shown that hes not
afraid at all. See his steamy GQ Magazine pho-
to spread with bikini-clad Estee Lauder mod-
el Hilary Rhoda, whom hes now reportedly dat-
ing.
When the photo spread, which was shot be-
fore the NFL draft, hit the newsstands,
Sanchez was the subject of some unmerciful
razzing from his Jets teammates at practices.
The photos were plastered on walls all over
the Jets Florham Park, N.J., training facility
and they were even burned onto computer
screen savers in the meeting rooms. Teammates
have been calling him David Hasselhoff, of
Baywatch TV fame.
He probably wishes hed never done it, right
now, Ryan joked. Theyre having a good
time with him.
This team will get on you for anything, man,
OLB Calvin Pace said. You let your guard down
and they catch you in a compromising position
you ll be jumped constantly.
We let him know that that stuff might fly
on the West Coast, but OL Damien Woody
said.
Pace said Sanchez has been pretty good
about taking the razzing, adding, Hes got thick
skin and thats good for a quarterback.
Sanchez said he has no regrets.
That was almost like one of those bucket-
list kind of deals, Sanchez said. Youre going
to do a photo shoot with a supermodel. Im like,
Are you kidding me? Its one of those things
youve got to do.
The Sanchez photo shoot and the attention
it grabbed led some armchair critics to won-
der whether he was spreading himself too thin
with off-the-field activities. If you listen to
Sanchez, you realize how serious he is about
being an NFL success, and if you talk to those
around him, you get the idea that football is
first for him.
I think if you ask anybody in the building,
they know what Im all about, Sanchez said.
People are going to get their own perceptions
and think what they may, but this team draft-
ed me to play football and that is my mindset.
Im all about football now.
The next set of critics wonder whether
Sanchezs mere 16 starts in college were
enough to prepare him for the NFL.
We wouldnt have traded up for Mark if we
didnt think he had the ability to compete for
the starting position, Ryan said. Weve
looked at everything known to man. Eventu-
ally it comes down to the individual. I think
we saw that last year in Baltimore, a Division
I transfer, Joe Flacco. I dont have to look fur-
ther than him.
Sanchez offered his own example of a suc-
cessful NFL quarterback who wasnt a three-
year starter in big-time college football.
Id first bring up Matt Cassel (who had a
stellar season with the Patriots last season re-
placing the injured Tom Brady), who didnt
start at all at USC and didnt even start since
high school, and look what hes doing; hes do-
ing well for himself, Sanchez said.
All the guys that Ive competed against on
a daily basis (in college) have prepared me for
this next step, he went on. Los Angeles is in
a large media market, so I know how to han-
dle the interviews and conference calls, like this,
and television interviews. Thats what this po-
sition is all about, and it is expected at USC.
To be able to perform there under such
scrutiny and pressure, with Heisman Trophy
FACE OF A
FRANCHISE
With New York awash in Mark Sanchez mania,
Jets banking on tabloid fodder yielding to gridiron glory
Charismatic even under the glare of the New York media, Mark Sanchez has provided
the Jets with a marketing gem, in addition to a skilled pilot for their offense.
COVER STORY
A
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winners ahead of you and national champi-
onship implications in every game, its ob-
vious I was ready for that. Also, playing in
the Rose Bowl against Ohio State and
against the best competition has prepared
me for this next step, and the 16 games have
been a lifetime of situations in terms of foot-
ball. Im ready.
It took little time for Sanchez to show his
leadership. The night before rookie mini-
camp, he gathered the offensive players togeth-
er for a playbook study session so theyd be ex-
tra-prepared for the next days practice.
He, too, called the Jets veteran receivers
and asked them to get together with him for
a throwing session.
It goes to show you the leadership abil-
ity that he has, Jets top WR Jerricho
Cotchery said.
Sanchez, too, has immense marketabili-
ty surely something not lost on the mar-
keting-conscious Jets, who are about to move
into a new stadium in 2010 with personal
seat licenses to sell in a sagging economy.
The Jets insist, though, that theyre not
rushing Sanchez into off-field activities
not wanting to put the cart before the
horse.
His coming on board has created a lot
of energy and excitement and thats great
but when we take a step back, we dont
want to create any distractions for him,
Matt Higgins, the Jets vice president of
business operations, said. We want him to
learn his craft. Most of the conversations
weve had arent about opportunities we
need to explore, but how to manage the at-
tention.
Were not plotting anything. Its more
about giving him the space he needs. If its
going to happen, it will happen organical-
ly and naturally.
Sanchez is improving exponentially,
thanks to the crash course hes been getting
in OTA sessions against Ryans aggressive
and complex defense.
Were throwing it all at him, Ryan said.
Hes probably seeing defenses hes never
seen. Theyre throwing him right to the
wolves, and I like the way hes responding.
Sanchezs hunger to soak it all in is also
going to allow him to grow quickly.
Im here late every night, he said. Im get-
ting to know the clean-up crew. Thats
what I do. This is what I want to know. Its
a grind and I love it. Im getting there, and
I want to master it by tomorrow. I want to
master it 10 minutes ago. Im already late,
thats how I feel. I ll keep working and get-
ting better.
This kind of attitude, of course, is what has
the Jets so excited about their future.
Im an excitable young man and Im ready
for a challenge and Im always smiling,
Sanchez said. That kind of pressure, you ex-
pect that as a quarterback; its what you
signed up for; and, you know, I learned how
to compete and deal with pressure at USC.
Sanchez would, however, not offer any Na-
math-like guarantees.
I cant promise were going to win the di-
vision or win the Super Bowl, and that Im
going to be the MVP of the league, he said.
All I can promise is that Im going to work
hard.
Namath tried not to lay too many expec-
tations on Sanchez, emphasizing that it ll
take more than Sanchez to lead the Jets back
to the Promised Land.
As recent history shows, both Atlanta
(with Matt Ryan) and Baltimore (with Flac-
co), if you have a good team, a young man
can take control and steer it in the right di-
rection, Namath said. But it depends on the
team how well Mark is going to perform.
Were all going to judge him on how he prac-
tices and what he does on a daily basis.
All of us are pulling for him. Im a fan.
There are a lot of Jets fans that have been
backing the team struggling for a while, and
wed like to see a win. Id like to see us win
a championship this season.
Pressure? What pressure?
Mark Cannizzaro covers the Jets for the
New York Post.
In light of a splashy magazine photo spread, Mark Sanchez insists football is his sole focus.
By Matt Sohn
Associate editor
Ample evidence exists to support both sides of the argument on whether its better to
thrust rookie quarterbacks into a trial by fire or have them learn with a clipboard on the
sideline. But organizations with hotshot freshmen are hardly the only ones weighing their
QB options. As many as seven clubs tote multiple gunslingers jockeying for starting hon-
ors as the lull to training camp commences.
NEW YORK JETS
MARK SANCHEZ VS. KELLEN CLEMENS
In Sanchez, the Jets have found a marketing gem whos equally cool in the pocket and
in the limelight. In Clemens, the Jets have a career backup who has tossed 11 picks to just
five touchdowns in three pro seasons. Advantage, Sanchez but not as much as youd
think. Under the direction of new head coach Rex Ryan, the Jets are planning for the long
haul, and Sanchezs marginal results throwing to a (gang) green WR corps in OTAs cast
doubt as to how wise it is for him to immediately be given the keys to the offense. Week
One starting odds: Sanchez, 60-40.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
BRADY QUINN VS. DEREK ANDERSON
Quinn, the golden boy from the Golden Dome, earned more praise from the Browns
notoriously tight-lipped head coach Eric Mangini than Anderson during OTAs. Although
Andersons standout 2007 campaign gives him a more decorated rsum, he figures to
have ground to make up in training camp if he hopes to win the gig. Week One starting
odds: Quinn, 60-40.
DENVER BRONCOS
KYLE ORTON VS. CHRIS SIMMS
The winner gets the benefit of working with a coach in Josh McDaniels who helped mold
Tom Brady into an all-timer and Matt Cassel into the foundation of the Chiefs restora-
tion project. The Broncos mandated Orton be included in the Jay Cutler trade because
of the potential they see in the former Bear, yet preseason work of the two candidates will
ultimately decide the Mile High outcome. Week One starting odds: Orton, 65-35.
DETROIT LIONS
DAUNTE CULPEPPER VS. MATTHEW STAFFORD
The long-term success of the Lions will be dictated by how well Stafford lives up to the
expectations a No. 1 pick assumes. But theres little doubt that a team desperately need-
ing at least some immediate momentum has greater trust in the veteran hand of Culpep-
per to help restore order in Motown. Week One starting odds: Culpepper, 90-10.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
SAGE ROSENFELS VS. TARVARIS JACKSON
A disastrous performance in the playoff loss to the Eagles overshadows the unmistak-
able strides one-time whipping boy Jackson made in 2008. The trade with Houston for
the more even-handed Rosenfels was more about providing options than a definitive chang-
ing of the guard. Of course, if a certain Brett Favre enters the fray, the job is all but his.
Week One starting odds (without Favre): Rosenfels, 55-45.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
SHAUN HILL VS. ALEX SMITH
A club that witnessed third-round find Joe Montana becoming an NFL legend does-
nt care that Smith was the top pick in 2005. More important is that Hill led the Niners
to five wins in seven starts to close 08. Still, Mike Singletary is in no rush to bestow the
hot option with top honors. Week One starting odds: Hill, 65-35.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
LUKE MCCOWN VS. BYRON LEFTWICH VS. JOSH FREEMAN
The only legitimate three-headed battle in the league, the Bucs have much to process in
the coming months. McCowns familiarity with the personnel gives him the slightest of edges
over newcomer Leftwich. The X-factor is touted draftee Freeman, whose raw tools cant be
discounted. Week One starting odds: McCown-Leftwich-Freeman, 45-40-15.
Quarterback competitions from coast to
coast heat up as OTAs come to a close
BATTLES UNDER CENTER
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By Eric Edholm
Senior editor
O
nly a handful of players have switched
teams in the past two months, and shoul-
der pads and hitting have been careful-
ly tucked away in lieu of passing drills in shorts
and T-shirts.
But behind the scenes, the NFL has been
a very busy league.
At the recently concluded spring meetings
in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., commissioner Roger
Goodell presided over a league in flux, preg-
nant with crucial issues as the NFL heads into
a flashpoint season for many reasons.
Some of those issues have been hatched. The
NFL avoided a sticky situation with Comcast
and the leagues TV network by coming to a
deal that not only expanded the coverage of
the product but prevented its possible and very
real dissolution.
But even with the grand success that was
the Comcast-NFL yoke some consider it to
be Goodells finest hour since replacing Paul
Tagliabue, given the contentious nature of the
prior negotiations there are, even amid a
flourishing product in a wintry economy,
serious and factional issues that lie ahead.
Chief on that list is addressing the state of
the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which
has roughly 21 months remaining before its
expiration. Following the 2009 season, the
league is slated to do away with a salary cap,
and the players message has been static, even
following the death of union boss Gene Up-
shaw: Once we go cap-less, we wont go
back. Even the owners, privately, have agreed
that this is likely to be the case.
The new NFLPA executive director, 45-year-
old DeMaurice Smith, has only been on the
job since March, and already he has been
thrown into the battle between Goodell,
players and owners to get a new deal in place
as soon as possible.
Negotiations were set to begin in earnest in
June, but Smith has met with several teams
players and has discussed labor pa-
rameters informally with
some owners. There
DeMaurice Smith, the
new leader of the
players union, is getting
ready for the fight of his
life: the first, difficult steps
toward hammering out a
new Collective Bargaining
Agreement and the NFLs
not-too-distant future
hangsin the balance
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DeMaurice Smith (above)
is barely two months into
his job as head of the
players union, and already
he has been thrown into
a tricky situation.
Commissioner Roger
Goodell (right) could
define his early legacy
by helping see the
NFL through difficult
labor negotiations.
OFFSEASON UPDATE
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is heavy pressure not only to maintain labor
peace which has gone on since 1993, the
longest run of any of the major team sports
leagues but also not to kill the golden goose
that has thrived even as other sports are see-
ing major red splotches on their accounting
sheets.
Smith is expected to resist the continuation
of the cap, whether or not a new deal comes
before the 10 season. However, in return for
conceding to keep the cap in place, the play-
ers might instruct Smith to ask for addition-
al payment to players in some form, perhaps
a higher percentage (it stands now at 60) of
the overall pie.
But going cap-less is not a complete victo-
ry for the players, and Smith knows this. Hav-
ing no limit on spending would help top-tier
players earn record contracts, but it also could
hurt a majority of players by eliminating
league minimums on salaries.
Under the current CBA, NFL teams must
spend at least 86.4 percent of the salary cap.
And if a new deal is not struck, it will take
players six years, not four as it is now, to reach
unrestricted free agency. In addition, teams
that made the playoffs the year before will be
restricted in what they can do in free agency.
Hopes of a major windfall in a new system
might be a bit spurious.
Everybody focuses on the ceiling, but no-
body focuses on the floor, Smith told media
members in Chicago before meeting with
Bears players, one of his many spring stops
around the league.
What Smith wants is for the league to open
up its books from ceiling to floor, so to speak
and reveal profit margins and annual
revenues in order to form a foundation for the
negotiations. Smith says doing so would al-
low the NFLPA to come up with a better plan
of action as it tries to begin negotiations. As
it stands, the publicly owned Packers are the
only team with fully open financial records.
They know our revenues almost down to
the penny, a somewhat testy Goodell said in
his address to the media in Fort Lauderdale.
Smith has not said whether he would in-
voke a threat of challenging the leagues
federal antitrust exemption to force the NFL
to reveal its ledgers. To date, his message has
been largely positive, and he has said unilat-
erally that he believes the two sides can
come together to do whatever is needed to
avoid a work stoppage.
The word around the league, and something
that Smith has echoed, is that the relation-
ship between the commissioner and the
union head has gotten off to a very good start.
Considering that they likely will be the two
central figures in the hammering out of a new
extension, its a positive development.
But there are also the owners. And though
its not clear which handful of them will rise
up to be central figures in the negotiations,
its fair to say that Smiths rare gathering with
owners at the spring meetings (Upshaw was
believed to be the last union leader to do so,
in 1993) was viewed as an olive branch that
was accepted warmly by the 32 teams lead-
ers. Well-regarded owners such as the Patri-
ots Robert Kraft already have said positive
if guarded things about Smith and his
working toward an accord.
That said, Smith stands by his desire to bet-
ter understand why the owners unanimous-
ly opted out of the current labor agreement
last May. Opening up the books, he believes,
would help do that, even if the owners feel the
players already know plenty about the leagues
accounting details.
We all know that the players didnt opt
out of this deal, Smith said. We do know
that the NFL generated in excess of $8 bil-
lion (in 08). We know that the average team
(value) has grown by 400 percent in 10 years.
We know that the average team is worth in
excess of a billion dollars.
What we dont understand is what is
wrong with the current deal when we know
those facts exist. And if you want to start
negotiations, it seems to me that we need to
understand why they believe that the cur-
rent deal wasnt good.
Whether a lockout happens in 11 is a mat-
ter of conjecture, but one only needs to look
in a strange place the leagues new TV deals
with CBS and Fox to figure out that the
NFL is protecting itself in case labor nego-
tations fall apart. The TV contracts give the
league a 1-2 percent boost in revenue over
the previous deals, and it stands to make that
money (Foxs deal has averaged about $712
million previously; CBS has come in around
$622 million) even if no games are played
two seasons from now. Both networks would
receive credits for the payments in subse-
quent years, but the insurance policy shows
just how real and likely a lockout could be.
The new TV contracts also have an inter-
esting wrinkle, what Goodell called flexibil-
ity for an expanded regular season. The dis-
cussion of increasing the number of regular-
season games from 16 to either 17 or 18 is cer-
tain to be a central sticking point in the CBA
discussions. Boiled down, the owners see
more games as more revenue coupled with
the elimination of one or two meaningless
preseason contests. The players might be will-
ing to listen to ideas about a longer season,
but they fear the increased risk of sustain-
ing injuries and are very likely to ask for more
money and larger rosters as a result.
The NFL did not vote at the spring meet-
ings on a longer season, which probably
would push the Super Bowl to mid-Febru-
ary, with the leagues traditional post-Labor
Day kickoff likely to remain intact. Goodell
said the league has been gathering evidence
to support the virtues of an expanded
schedule, with special regard to injuries.
We have tried to look at this from every
different perspective because you want to
know the intended consequences and the un-
intended consequences, Goodell said.
Whenever youre dealing with the quality
of the game, thats a key factor.
Most owners (one notable exception be-
ing the Giants John Mara) favor a longer sea-
son. But youd be hard-pressed to find even
one who doesnt support the idea of a rook-
ie wage scale. With the ink still wet on No.
1 draft pick Matthew Staffords deal, which
will pay him a reported $72 million (and as
much as $78 million including escalators),
it offends some NFL people including vet-
eran players that the rookie will make
more money this year than Tom Brady,
among others. If theres an issue that play-
ers could be split on, its this and it might
be one that Smith concedes to the owners
in a repackaged CBA, especially if he feels
they can make some sort of financial redis-
tribution to more accomplished players.
Think this is a lot to digest? It is. There
are positive signs regarding the status of a
new CBA, and, as it stands now, the good
news is that its early and there remains time
to get an extension in place. But as the
stances get tougher and the sand lines get
deeper, the war between the owners and
players is sure to border on ugly once more,
just as it did before an 11th-hour deal was
reached on the prior arrangement.
Three months before the Steelers host the
Titans in the first game of the season, the
NFL is in full swing and the action
couldnt be hotter.
S
P
O
R
T
P
I
C
S
FOR BATTLE
Lions No. 1 draft pick Matthew Stafford is slated to make a minimum of $40 million
guaranteed before he ever takes an NFL snap a fact that has angered owners and some
veteran players and could play a big role in the upcoming CBA negotiations.
OFFSEASON UPDATES
BUFFALO BILLS
Mission accomplished: Terrell Owens
brings brash confidence, emotional bag-
gage and a VH1 camera crew to Buffalo.
He also brings hope. The splashiest free-
agent signing the Bills have made under
Dick Jauron could be the missing link that
turns a dormant offense into a force.
Even though No. 2 RB Fred Jackson was
initially tendered a one-year deal as an ex-
clusive-rights free agent, the club wisely
rewarded him with a four-year deal after
he showed real promise late last season.
The draft netted some sorely needed DE
talent, as Aaron Maybin very well might
be the best pass rusher in the class. An of-
fensive line in transition benefits from the
youthful energy and versatility of rookies
Eric Wood and Andy Levitre.
Unfinished business: As high as the
hopes are for the freshmen along the line,
theres no getting around the reality that
OLT Jason Peters departure to Philadel-
phia cripples a front line that had difficul-
ty opening up running lanes in 2008.
Ground-game production could contin-
ue to be a source of concern considering
the team will be without the services of Pro
Bowler Marshawn Lynch for the first
three games, courtesy of his growing rap
sheet. The clubs passive approach to
finding a legitimate tight end was odd, giv-
en the lack of one on an offense yearning
for a more creative passing attack. The
Bills didnt so much as sniff the few vet-
eran TE options in free agency, and they
waited until the fourth round to pick up
athletic but raw Southern Mississippi
product Shawn Nelson.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Mission accomplished: When the cur-
rent regime arrived in South Florida a year
ago, it laid out a blueprint of building the
club from within keeping the existing
key cogs in place and developing their
homegrown talent. By inking quality vet-
eran contributors Yeremiah Bell, Ver-
non Carey and Channing Crowder to
multiyear deals with just days hours,
even before the players were set to hit
the open market, Bill Parcells and crew
stood true to their plan. Perhaps no po-
sition has been as big a thorn for the Fins
the past couple of years as free safety, and
signing Gibril Wilson after he was released
by the Raiders instantly turns a downtrod-
den situation into a considerable strength.
Although its unrealistic to expect Miami
icon Jason Taylor to revert to his Defen-
sive Player of the Year form of 2006, its
a good bet he ll significantly upgrade the
pass rush on third down and in nickel
packages.
Unfinished business: Its never good to
rely on rookie contributions to salvage
problem areas, yet thats quite possibly the
reality facing Miami at wide receiver
and cornerback. Furthermore, the Dol-
phins multiple draftees at the two posi-
tions dont rank among the cant-miss va-
riety, particularly at wideout. Their most
consistent receiver, Greg Camarillo, is
spending the offseason rehabbing from
ACL surgery, and they can only hope that
a CB corps that gave up far too many big
plays in 08 will be better following the ar-
rival of veteran Eric Green and rookies
Vontae Davis and Sean Smith. The team
neglected to shore up issues at nose
tackle in Aprils draft, meaning that un-
dersized and overaged Jason Ferguson
again will need to hold his ground in the
trenches. Backup Randy Starks could face
league sanctions following a recent traf-
fic arrest.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Mission accomplished: A cast of corner-
backs mired in mediocrity since Asante
Samuel chased the big dollars to Philadel-
phia received a welcome boost with the ad-
ditions of Shawn Springs and Leigh Bod-
den. Given Bill Belichicks track record in
coaxing the best out of veteran newcom-
ers, its fair to assume that the pair will pay
immediate dividends on the back end.
Both are slated for starting duty. Deter-
mined to keep Tom Bradys offensive ar-
senal fully stocked, the team added proven
commodities at wide receiver (Joey Gal-
loway and Greg Lewis), running back
(Fred Taylor) and tight end (Alex Smith
and Chris Baker). All are legitimate can-
didates to contend for starting jobs.
Unfinished business: Losing out to
Miami in the Jason Taylor sweepstakes
and the decision not to pursue any oth-
er big-ticket outside linebacker leave ca-
reer reserve Pierre Woods as the top op-
tion to man the OLB post opposite Adal-
ius Thomas, who will be 32 by Week One.
Considering the Pats struggles pressur-
ing the quarterback last season, it may be
necessary to dip deep into the defensive
playbook for ways to collapse the pocket.
As sacrilegious as it may be to suggest,
theres at least some concern regarding
Brady. Not only has he directed all of two
drives since Super Bowl XLII, but his
AFC NORTHBy Mike Wilkening
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Mission accomplished: The Ravens
could not retain ILB Bart Scott, but they
did re-sign ILB Ray Lewis, the leader of
the defense and still an above-average
starter at age 34. The secondary depth has
been bolstered considerably by the sign-
ings of CBs Chris Carr and Domonique
Foxworth and the re-signing of Samari
Rolle. The Ravens lost promising C Jason
Brown in free agency but responded by
signing veteran Matt Birk, a longtime
standout. In the draft, the Ravens ad-
dressed a need at right tackle by trading
up for Michael Oher, who will replace
Willie Anderson. In May, the Ravens
added WR Kelley Washington, who has
a chance to make the club because of his
size and special-teams prowess.
Unfinished business: The Ravens have
yet to sign OLB Terrell Suggs to a long-
term contract, an agreement that would
help Baltimore from a salary-cap perspec-
tive while ensuring Suggs does not hit the
free-agent market in 2010. Also, the
teams WR play could be something of a
concern if Derrick Masons shoulder in-
jury proves to be a long-term issue. Ma-
son has said he will be ready for the start
of the regular season, but if the injury lim-
its his effectiveness, the passing game will
be compromised. Another story line to
watch is whether youngsters Steven
Hauschka or Graham Gano can make a
strong claim for the PK job. The Ravens
are looking for a kicker who can handle
field goals and kickoffs after having car-
ried two kickers last season due to Matt
Stovers lack of leg strength on kickoffs.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Mission accomplished: QB Carson
Palmer is back practicing with the club
after a right elbow injury ended his 08
campaign after only four games and
ended any flickering hopes of the Bengals
being competitive. Also, Palmer has been
the clubs vocal leader in the offseason and
made headlines when he called out WR
Chad Ochocinco for skipping voluntary
workouts. The Bengals were not active in
free agency, but they did sign ex-Jets WR
Laveranues Coles, a capable replace-
ment for the departed T.J. Housh-
mandzadeh. Also, the Bengals draft was
widely praised. First-round pick Andre
Smith is likely to start at right tackle, and
several other rookies are expected to
contribute in Year One.
Unfinished business: Ochocincos future
with the club remains a story to watch; it
is no secret he would like to play elsewhere,
but the Bengals have not been willing to
move him. If Ochocinco remains on the
roster, questions will linger about his ef-
fectiveness after he slumped last year, as
well as his role with the club, considering
the praise Chris Henry has garnered in the
offseason. Also, keep a close eye on the play
of the offensive line, which is slated to have
new starters at left and right tackle, left
guard and center. The O-line must pro-
tect Palmer and open more holes in the
running game for the Bengals to succeed.
Finally, the stage is set for what could be
some interesting contract negotiations be-
tween Smith and the Bengals. Smith has
fired and rehired agent Alvin Keels, and
the Bengals plans to play him at right
tackle could complicate matters.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Mission accomplished: Give new head
coach Eric Mangini and new GMGeorge
Kokinis credit. Placed in the untenable
position of having just four draft picks
when seeking to revamp the roster, the
Browns brain trust ended draft week-
end with eight picks and at least one first-
year starter in C Alex Mack. Along the
way, the Browns dealt TE Kellen
Winslow for multiple picks and traded
down three times in Round One of the
09 draft. Also, Mangini shook up the de-
fense, adding a half-dozen veterans,
most notably LB Eric Barton and S
Abram Elam, both of whom are expect-
ed to start. The QB competition between
Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson got
some much-needed definition when
Quinn took the first snaps with the
first-team offense in OTAs.
Unfinished business: While Quinn ap-
pears to have the early edge for the start-
ing job, he still has to hold off Anderson
(and perhaps even long shot Brett Ratliff).
WR Braylon Edwards has said he wants
to stay in Cleveland, but with only one year
left on his contract, and with his name
coming up in trade talks with the Giants
earlier in the offseason, his future with the
club remains a matter of speculation. Also,
WR Dont Stallworth has stayed away
from the club as he faces a DUI
manslaughter charge that clouds his NFL
future. RS Joshua Cribbs, signed through
2012 at a below-market rate, would like
a new contract, but will the Browns
oblige? Cribbs is one of the NFLs top re-
turners, and the Browns are expected to
AFC EASTBy Matt Sohn
By Dan Arkush
Executive editor
Ayear ago, did anybody really think
there was a snowballs chance in Hades
that Super Bowl winners Mike Shanahan
and Jon Gruden would be given their
walking papers? Turns out they were
among a whopping 11 head coaches who
got whacked during or in the aftermath of
the 2008 season, highlighting the insecu-
rity of NFL head-coaching gigs. Below are
seven coaches primed for the 09 hot
seat, ranked in order of sweatiness:
1. Wade Phillips / Cowboys After
he failed to make the postseason despite
13 Pro Bowlers, the pressure on Phillips to
deliver a playoff-caliber product in owner
Jerry Jones glittering new playpen is in-
tense. Direct responsibility for the de-
fense after he dumped coordinator
Brian Stewart adds to his burden.
2. Jim Zorn / Redskins After he
gave DTAlbert Haynesworth a kings ran-
som, owner Daniel Snyders skittish pa-
tience could wear even thinner than
usual. Zorn followed up an impressive 6-2
start to his head-coaching career in 08
with a very suspect 2-6 second half.
3. Brad Childress / Vikings Even
though the Vikings earned a home playoff
game last year, the teams inconsistency
under center has become an increasingly
annoying trend under Childress. With
Adrian Peterson and Jared Allen spear-
heading the offense and defense, respec-
tively, expectations are justifiably high.
4. Dick Jauron / Bills Afifth
straight sub-.500 season in Buffalo would
likely seal Jaurons fate. Counting on tal-
ented but turbulent Terrell Owens to liven
up arguably the leagues blandest offense
and help save his job could have Jauron
hanging his head at seasons end.
5. Jack Del Rio / Jaguars Aside from
the Cowboys, was there any team as disap-
pointing in 08 as the Jaguars and their
sorry 5-11 dud? Their stirring playoff vic-
tory over the Steelers the season before
seems like a distant memory.
6. Marvin Lewis / Bengals Losing
Carson Palmer in 08 was a convenient ex-
cuse for Lewis, who has two years left on
his contract and answers to an owner, Mike
Brown, not known for quickly pulling the
trigger. But the natives could grow restless
in a hurry if the Bengals stumble out of the
gate and Chad Ochocinco continues to
march to a different drummer.
7. Lovie Smith / Bears GM Jerry
Angelo turned up the furnace a few
notches by landing QB Jay Cutler. After a
mediocre 16-16 record the past two sea-
sons, the time has definitely come for
Smith to put up or bow out.
trademark passion and work ethic have
been questioned after he chose family over
football the past two offseasons.
NEW YORK JETS
Mission accomplished: Its not often a
club is purged of one of the more prolif-
ic quarterbacks in league history and is
able to breathe a sigh of relief because of
it. The 09 Jets are precisely that rarity. Al-
though theres genuine uncertainty regard-
ing the QB derby between Kellen Clemens
and hotshot rookie Mark Sanchez, the Jets
are better off without the Brett Favre hys-
teria overshadowing the entire operation.
New head coach Rex Ryan has done a
good job leading the team in a more unit-
ed direction after the divisive and passive-
aggressive tenure of Eric Mangini. Of
course, Kumbaya brotherhood doesnt
mean squat without talent and schemat-
ic strides. Wisely, those areas have been
addressed as well, at least defensively. The
free-agent addition of ILB Bart Scott
gives the defense a tough-minded center-
piece, and CB Lito Sheppard, a trade ac-
quisition, allows Ryan to call for more man
coverages. An attacking, instinctive defense
is being implemented after the defenders
had been chained to Manginis cerebral
and calculating system for three mostly
frustrating years.
Unfinished business: The offense is lag-
ging just as much as the defense is evolv-
ing. OTAs proved troublesome for both
Clemens and Sanchez, as its abundant-
ly clear that they both have a lot to learn.
Making matters tougher for the neo-
phyte slingers is the discord at running
back, where Pro Bowlers Thomas Jones
and Leon Washington both are clamor-
ing for more lucrative contracts. Fur-
thermore, the other skill-position players
are almost as green as the quarterbacks.
By granting Laveranues Coles his re-
lease, Jerricho Cotchery stands as the only
accomplished wideout, and second-year
TE Dustin Keller remains a work in
progress following a promising but uneven
rookie campaign.
The Patriots added offensive weapons to Tom Bradys arsenal, but there are still
concerns as to how Bradys surgically repaired knee will hold up in 2009.
A
P
give him a look on defense.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Mission accomplished: The Steelers
have long been adept at keeping their core
players, and signing OLB James Harrison
and WR Hines Ward to contract exten-
sions outweighs anything they could have
done in free agency, considering their lack
of salary-cap space (and traditional unwill-
ingness to make much of a splash in free
agency). The Steelers werent complete-
ly silent, adding WR Shaun McDonald and
CB Keiwan Ratliff; both will compete for
reserve roles at positions where the Steel-
ers needed to bolster their depth. In the
draft, the Steelers added some much-need-
ed youth to their defensive line with the
selection of DE Ziggy Hood. It will take
Hood time to learn the Steelers defense,
but he will have every chance to become
a future starter at an important but un-
appreciated position in the Steelers 3-4
scheme. Rookie Kraig Urbik will push to
start at right guard as a rookie. Also, deep-
threat WR Mike Wallace, short-yardage
RB Frank Summers and CBs Keenan
Lewis and Joe Burnett will be in the mix
for playing time.
Unfinished business: The defending Su-
per Bowl champions enter this season with
only two major position battles Darnell
Stapleton is trying to hold on to his start-
ing job at right guard, and William Gay
is likely to replace the departed Bryant Mc-
Fadden at cornerback. Other than that, the
focus will be on improving the clubs few
weaknesses. Urbik and fellow rookie
A.Q. Shipley, a center, are the only signif-
icant new additions to the offfensive line,
so it largely falls to the group previously
on hand to become more consistent.
Also, the Steelers will look to get more out
of the running game after struggling
somewhat last season. Second-year RB
Rashard Mendenhall, who missed most
of last season with a shoulder injury, is
likely to spell speedy starter Willie Park-
er, who has battled injuries the past two
campaigns.
The Browns have yet to address a new contract for special-teams star Joshua
Cribbs. Meanwhile, the Steelers rewarded OLB James Harrison with a new deal.
A
P
P
H
O
T
O
S
Phillips tops list
of head coaches
feeling the heat
HOT SEAT
OFFSEASON UPDATES
HOUSTON TEXANS
Mission accomplished: The Texans be-
lieve ex-Cardinal Antonio Smith is the an-
swer to their problems at left defensive
end. Smith is strong vs. the run and has
some upside as a pass rusher. If he notch-
es 6-8 sacks and makes life easier for DRE
Mario Williams, he will have done his job.
The Texans also made a change at back-
up quarterback, trading Sage Rosenfels,
who was in the last year of his contract,
to Minnesota and replacing him with ex-
Lion Dan Orlovsky, who could benefit
from working with head coach Gary Ku-
biak, a noted tutor of passers. In the draft,
the Texans added a big, tough strong-side
linebacker in USCs Brian Cushing, who
figures to start immediately. Cushing
also might be able to contribute as a pass
rusher. Second-round DE Connor Barwin
has upside and could be a starter down the
road, and TEs Anthony Hill and James
Casey are insurance in the event Owen
Daniels departs after the 09 season.
Unfinished business: Daniels, MLB
DeMeco Ryans and CB Dunta Robinson
(who received the franchise tag) would like
lucrative long-term contracts; whether the
Texans will be able to keep all of them in
the long term remains to be seen. Daniels
and Ryans can be safely counted among
the top players at their positions in the
AFC, and Robinson is the most important
player in a Texans secondary that needs
to cut down on mistakes and force more
turnovers. The play of the defensive line
is another story line to watch; new defen-
sive coordinator Frank Bushs biggest
challenge will be getting more pressure
from the front four. Williams is a blue-chip
performer, but he cannot do it alone if the
Texans are to finally make the playoffs for
the first time in franchise history.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Mission accomplished: A team as con-
sistent as the Colts doesnt need much
tweaking. Yet the leaguewide mantra of
trying to stay a step ahead of the pack keeps
every team from standing pat, Colts includ-
ed. A running game that finished worse
than every teams but the Cardinals in
2008 added a well-rounded complement
to Joseph Addai in first-round RB Don-
ald Brown, who will be given the oppor-
tunity to play a prominent role. Because
the Colts practice their stated belief of
building through the draft, all newcomers
expected to play significant roles are
rookies, including DT Fili Moala and
WR Austin Collie. Their ability to re-sign
LBs Tyjuan Hagler and Freddy Keiaho to
cap-friendly deals was big, considering
their dearth of bodies at the position.
Unfinished business: Generally, when
a team loses a player ranked second in
NFL history in receiving, his departure will
dominate the negative story lines of the
club. Yet the Colts release of stalwart WR
Marvin Harrison because of a bloated
salary takes a backseat to the retirement
of coaching luminaries Tony Dungy, Tom
Moore and Howard Mudd. Because the
Colts had a thorough succession plan in
place at head coach with Jim Caldwell, the
retirements of the longtime offensive co-
ordinator and OL coach could be bigger
losses than Dungy. Although Moore and
Mudd are expected to rejoin the team in
advisory roles, their absence on the side-
line could be felt as replacements Clyde
Christensen and Pete Metzelaars adjust
to their new positions. Thats not to dimin-
ish the departure of Harrison, as the
Colts now need one of their green young-
sters to step into the No. 3 WR job thats
vital for the spread offenses success.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Mission accomplished: Less is more.
Thats what the Jaguars are hoping after
they purged themselves of troublesome
WRs Matt Jones, Reggie Williams and
Jerry Porter. The trio had worn out their
welcomes not only on the field, but off the
field as well, allowing the Jaguars to
move forward with a fresh start at the po-
sition. Bringing aboard Canton candidate
Torry Holt after his release in St. Louis is
certainly a step in the right direction, even
if its unreasonable to expect him to re-
vert to his Pro Bowl ways. An offensive line
that has been almost as much a concern
as the moribund receiving corps at least
last season received a major face-lift in
the draft with touted prospects Eugene
Monroe and Eben Britton, as well as in
free agency with ex-Eagle Tra Thomas.
Unfinished business: Its generally
thought that teams whose offseason addi-
tions are expected to pay immediate but
not long-term dividends are Super Bowl
contenders. Thus, it could prove short-
sighted for the Jaguars who stumbled
to a 5-11 train wreck in 08 thats indica-
tive of how much further they have to go
to invest in the diminishing returns
theyre likely to see from Holt and Thomas.
Of course, while they signed those two, they
pulled the cord on arguably the greatest
AFC WESTBy Michael Blunda and Dan Parr
DENVER BRONCOS
Mission accomplished: If Josh Mc-
Daniels goal was to remodel the Broncos
drastically in short order, he certainly has
done that. Denver has a new starting
quarterback, new faces throughout its de-
fense and a new franchise running back, in
all likelihood. The Broncos started the
offseason by signing a slew of players
within the first few weeks of free agency,
adding three veteran running backs and a
defensive leader in S Brian Dawkins. Mc-
Daniels encountered his first crisis as a head
coach, one some would argue was of his
own making, when communication broke
down between the team and Jay Cutler af-
ter about a month of feuding between Cut-
ler and McDaniels. The first-time head
coach settled the feud by trading Cutler to
the Bears for Kyle Orton and three draft
picks, including first-rounders this year and
next. McDaniels found that franchise back
in Knowshon Moreno with his first pick in
the draft and a defensive building block in
DE-OLB Robert Ayers with the first-
round pick he acquired from Chicago.
Unfinished business: One of the more
pressing concerns still lingering in Den-
ver is whether or not WR Brandon Mar-
shall, a repeat violator of the leagues per-
sonal-conduct policy, will receive a suspen-
sion. It appeared that he was headed for
a lengthy suspension after he was arrest-
ed for disorderly conduct in March, but
the charge against him was dismissed and
there has been no word from the league
on any official punishment. Its conceiv-
able that he wont face any time off. The
Broncos have yet to name a starting
quarterback, allowing Orton and Chris
Simms to battle for the job, although Or-
ton is considered the front-runner. There
are also several personnel issues that
must be sorted out on defense as Denver
moves to a 3-4 scheme.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Mission accomplished: After the Chiefs
2-14 disaster of 2008, owner Clark Hunt
set out to refurbish his franchise by put-
ting new minds in charge of the decision
making. To oversee football operations as
general manager, Hunt aimed high and
landed his No. 1 choice in Scott Pioli, who
had helped engineer the Patriots to three
Super Bowl titles. Pioli then tabbed Car-
dinals offensive coordinator Todd Haley
as the head coach in charge of improving
the Chiefs on-field product. To help him
do that, Pioli acquired QB Matt Cassel and
LB Mike Vrabel from New England for a
second-round pick, giving the Chiefs
both a franchise quarterback and a vet-
eran defensive leader. A unit in desperate
need of talent, the D was bolstered
further when the Chiefs used their first two
picks in Aprils draft on anchor D-linemen
Tyson Jackson and Alex Magee.
Unfinished business: Although Kansas
City brought in a lot of defensive help this
offseason, the club failed to address prop-
erly one of its biggest weak spots: the of-
fensive line. Glaring holes continue to ex-
ist on the right side, and Pro Bowl OLG
Brian Waters hasnt exactly hit it off with
the new regime. Considering Cassels
penchant for taking sacks, he could find
himself on the turf frequently this season.
Cassel also lost probably his best would-
be target in future Hall of Fame TE Tony
Gonzalez, who was dealt to the Falcons for
a 2010 second-rounder. Other than WR
Dwayne Bowe, the Chiefs are left with a
lackluster group of pass catchers. Back-
field issues also could arise if Larry John-
son acts up and the Chiefs opt to part ways
with him; their RB stable is very thin.
OAKLAND RAIDERS
Mission accomplished: Oaklands pri-
ority after the key and extremely expen-
sive re-signings of P Shane Lechler and
CB Nnamdi Asomugha was to provide QB
JaMarcus Russell with a better support-
ing cast, specifically at offensive tackle and
in the receiving corps. The team made ad-
ditions at both spots, although not with-
out controversy. The Raiders signed OT
Khalif Barnes to compete for a starting
spot and drafted Maryland WR Darrius
Heyward-Bey with their top pick, seventh
overall. Many evaluators felt that taking
Heyward-Bey, who was the first receiver
to be plucked despite not being the top-
rated player at his position on many
boards, with the seventh pick was a
reach, but he instantly jumped to the top
of the teams depth chart, rising above an
unimpressive collection of targets. The
Raiders also got insurance in case Russell
regresses, signing veteran Jeff Garcia.
Unfinished business: The Raiders dan-
gled several players including DE Der-
rick Burgess, S Michael Huff and RBs
Justin Fargas and Michael Bush in
trade talks this offseason, and theres a
chance one or more of them could be dealt
before the season starts, although it
doesnt appear that any trade is imminent.
Javon Walker is recovering from sur-
AFC SOUTHBy Mike Wilkening and Matt Sohn
By Mike Wilkening
Senior editor
There is a clear-cut favorite to win the
AFC and it is not the defending Super
Bowl champions.
So says the MGM Mirage casinos, which
have installed the Patriots as 8-5 favorites
to snag the conference title. The Steelers,
who opened as 3-1 co-favorites to win the
AFC with New England, were 7-2 as of May
25. So were the Colts, who opened at 9-2.
In the NFC, three teams the Bears, Gi-
ants and Vikings are 7-2 favorites to
snag the conference title. The Bears
opened as 15-1 long shots to win the NFC,
but the acquisition of star QB Jay Cutler
makes them a sleeper no more. Likewise,
the Vikings, who were 11-1 in January, are
undoubtedly more fancied by bettors now
that former Packers and Jets QB Brett
Favre is considering a return to the NFL
with Minnesota. The Giants? They were in-
stalled at 4-1 in January and could be
stronger than they were last season after
an impressive draft haul.
Here, courtesy of MGM Mirage, are the
conference-title odds for all 32 NFL teams:
player to ever don their uniform, Fred Tay-
lor, because of salary-cap implications. By
doing so and not signing a promising re-
placement running back, they put newly
minted featured RB Maurice Jones-Drew
in the unenviable position of needing to
carry a bigger load than the 5-foot-7
sparkplug has ever had to do.
TENNESSEE TITANS
Mission accomplished: Yes, losing
Pro Bowl DT Albert Haynesworth stung,
but the Titans responded by bolstering
their interior depth with the signing of
ex-Buccaneer Jovan Haye and drafting
Auburns SenDerrick Marks in Round
Two. Haye played hurt last season but
notched six sacks in 2007, and Marks has
upside. Both will be parts of a deep DT
rotation that collectively will try to make
up for Haynesworths loss. The Titans also
bolstered their WR corps, signing former
Steelers deep threat Nate Washington
and drafting Rutgers Kenny Britt in
Round One. Washington will keep de-
fenses honest and may thrive in an of-
fense that could have a potent play-ac-
tion passing game if RBs Chris Johnson
and LenDale White perform as they did
a season ago, and Britt has No. 1-receiv-
er type talent and will play right off the
bat.
Unfinished business: Sure, the Titans
tried to replace Haynesworth, but there
is no doubt he was one of the games
more dominant defensive players the
past two seasons. They will miss him no
matter how the rest of the line plays, and
how his loss affects the defense wont be
completely known until regular-season
play. On offense, an intriguing compe-
tition for the No. 2 QB job looms be-
tween Vince Young and Patrick Ram-
sey. Young desperately needs to re-
bound after a lost 2008 campaign; if he
doesnt, Ramsey who played in Mike
Heimerdingers offense in Denver
could be poised to win the job, a devel-
opment that likely would close the
door on Young ever fulfilling his poten-
tial in Tennessee.
Tom Bradys return signals the Patri-
ots emergence as AFC favorites.
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gery, which was performed in April with-
out the Raiders consent, and he could miss
part of training camp. After a disastrous
first season in Oakland, it would not be a
shock if Walker is released before Week
One.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Mission accomplished: Coming off an
AFC West title and a trip to the division-
al round of the playoffs, the Chargers had
an offseason goal of getting healthy. With
many of their top stars dealing with in-
juries for much of the 2008 campaign, the
Bolts wanted to make sure they entered
09 as close to 100 percent as possible.
Such seems to be the case, with players
such as LB Shawne Merriman, who
missed 15 games after undergoing recon-
structive knee surgery, looking great in
spring workouts. San Diego also was
able to avoid a potential mess by re-
structuring the contract of RB LaDainian
Tomlinson to ensure he remained a
Charger without crushing the clubs salary
cap. The Chargers lost only one key con-
tributor in DE Igor Olshansky, and they
bolstered their LB corps by bringing in free
agent Kevin Burnett and drafting Larry
English in Round One.
Unfinished business: The right side of
the O-line was the Chargers offensive
weak spot last season, but they did noth-
ing in free agency to improve the unit.
They ll have to hope that either ORG
Kynan Forney steps up to replace depart-
ed starter Mike Goff or that one of their
rookie linemen emerges as an impact play-
er. Also, Olshanskys loss leaves San Diego
a bit thin on the defensive line. Ryon Bing-
ham and Jacques Cesaire are expected to
share duties at left end, but each has ques-
tion marks. SS Clinton Hart gave up
catch after catch in 08 as the Chargers fin-
ished last in the AFC in pass defense, yet
he appears on track to remain in the start-
ing lineup. If Hart isnt unseated in train-
ing camp, its likely the teams struggles
containing opposing tight ends will con-
tinue.
The Jaguars have improved their offensive line by selecting a pair of rookies, Eu-
gene Monroe and Eben Britton, in the first two rounds of the draft.
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Pats favored to
win AFC; NFC title
race wide open
2009 ODDS
AFC ODDS
Patriots 8-5
Colts 7-2
Steelers 7-2
Chargers 5-1
Ravens 5-1
Titans 5-1
Jets 8-1
Dolphins 10-1
Bills 12-1
Broncos 12-1
Texans 12-1
Chiefs 15-1
Jaguars 18-1
Browns 20-1
Bengals 25-1
Raiders 25-1
NFC ODDS
Bears 7-2
Giants 7-2
Vikings 7-2
Cowboys 4-1
Eagles 5-1
Panthers 6-1
Cardinals 8-1
Falcons 8-1
Packers 8-1
Saints 8-1
Redskins 10-1
Seahawks 12-1
49ers 15-1
Buccaneers 18-1
Lions 30-1
Rams 30-1
QB Matt Cassel was a big success last season with the Patriots, and the Chiefs
are hopeful he can duplicate that performance now that hes in Kansas City.
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OFFSEASON UPDATES
DALLAS COWBOYS
Mission accomplished: The roster was
trimmed of incongruous personalities
(Terrell Owens, Pacman Jones, Tank
Johnson), poor fits (Zach Thomas, SS Roy
Williams) and declining players (Brad
Johnson, Anthony Henry). Added were
depth and youth with 12 draft picks and
a few stopgap veterans. DE Chris Canty
was a big loss in free agency, but Igor
Olshansky is a blue-collar mauler who
knows Wade Phillips scheme and should
be a solid replacement. Jon Kitna is an up-
grade over Johnson, and S Gerald Sens-
abaugh might be motivated enough with
a one-year deal to be an improvement over
Williams flawed coverage. Although
none of the rookies is expected to start,
they help beef up needy special-teams
units and build depth. Top pick Jason
Williams might fill a key role in replacing
Kevin Burnett as the nickel linebacker.
Unfinished business: We dont know yet
whether, considering the talent lost, es-
pecially Owens, the Cowboys can be as ex-
plosive. WR Roy Williams enters the
spotlight and has big shoes to fill follow-
ing last seasons blockbuster trade. Behind
him are more questions namely
whether Miles Austin or Patrick Crayton
can fill a starting role opposite Williams.
The offensive line wore down by seasons
end, so it will be a unit that must stay
healthy and spry. And the secondary has
turnover and questions. Can Sensabaugh
be an upgrade? Will FS Ken Hamlin re-
bound from a poor season? And how will
the cornerbacks shake out, especially
with Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scan-
drick? Jenkins struggled as a rookie but
makes first-round money and might get
the chance to start over Scandrick.
NEW YORK GIANTS
Mission accomplished: The Giants
added incredible depth to a front seven
that already was considered one of the best
in football. With DE Osi Umenyioras re-
turn (knee) and the additions of DTs Chris
Canty and Rocky Bernard and LB Michael
Boley, the Giants have an attacking group
up front that rivals the champion Steel-
ers. First-round WRHakeem Nicks is ex-
pected to vie for time immediately and
could push either Steve Smith or Domenik
Hixon for a starting job. With the loss of
Plaxico Burress from last season, the Gi-
ants had lacked a little juice in the pass-
ing game. The team lost three starters and
one co-starter in RB Derrick Ward but
have to be considered among the deeper
and more talented rosters in football.
Unfinished business: Theres no guar-
antee that Hicks will be ready from Day
One, and hes not a field-tilter the way Bur-
ress was. The loss of Ward shouldnt go
overlooked, either. Although the Giants
have three candidates to replace his car-
ries Ahmad Bradshaw, Danny Ware and
rookie Andre Brown none has done it
over the course of a season. With starting
RB Brandon Jacobs having incurred so
much wear and tear and Ward having
played such a key role, someone must step
up. But the biggest loss might not have
been a player. Defensive coordinator
Steve Spagnuolo left to take the Rams
head-coaching job and has turned things
over to Bill Sheridan, who had worked un-
der his wing for the past two seasons. He
has a wealth of talent to work with and the
system is in place, but can Sheridan
match Spagnuolos nerve for sending
pressure in crucial situations? We ll see.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Mission accomplished: The offensive
line, which took a step back last season,
was overhauled with some new faces
and one position change. OLT Tra Thomas
and ORT Jon Runyan have moved on, re-
placed by Jason Peters and Shawn An-
drews, respectively. This new OT combo
could be the best in football. Andrews
kicks out to right tackle from right guard,
where he played his first five seasons, and
hell be joined by brother Stacy Andrews,
who played right tackle with the Bengals
but will settle in at right guard in Philly.
The offense received a boost with rookie
WR Jeremy Maclin and RB LeSean Mc-
Coy (and possibly TE Cornelius Griffin),
and the secondary added reinforcements
with S Sean Jones and CB Ellis Hobbs.
Unfinished business: There are some
unsettled topics, such as CB Sheldon
Browns contract demands and subsequent
trade request. Hobbs arrival allows the Ea-
gles flexibility, and though Eagles fans still
might pine for a trade involving Brown
that lands a top-flight receiver such as An-
quan Boldin, that bird might have flown
the coop. Nabbing Peters appears to have
been a shrewd move, and the Eagles re-
warded him with a lucrative extension, but
now he must play up to the money. He was
far far better in 2007 than he was in 08
in Buffalo, when he was slowed by a
holdout and injuries. Shawn Andrews also
has a lot to prove. Hes coming off major
NFC NORTHBy Eric Edholm and Dan Arkush
CHICAGO BEARS
Mission accomplished: After going
through 11 different starting quarterbacks
in his eight years as general manager, Jer-
ry Angelo pulled a stunning blockbuster
with the acquisition of 26-year-old Pro
Bowl QB Jay Cutler. Angelo also fortified
a suspect offensive line with the free-
agent additions of seven-time Pro Bowl
OLT Orlando Pace, Kevin Shaffer and
Frank Omiyale, and capped off the month
of May by signing ex-Ram Pisa Tinoisamoa,
a strong candidate to start at strong-side
linebacker. Significant changes were also
made in the Bears coaching staff. Head
coach Lovie Smith has decided to take on
the bulk of the play-calling duties on de-
fense from coordinator Bob Babich. In ad-
dition, new D-line coach Rod Marinelli and
new DB coach Jon Hoke add a combined
20 years of valuable experience to the staff.
Unfinished business: While Cutler is
considered a dramatic upgrade over Kyle
Orton, the effectiveness of the targets he
will be throwing to remains very much
open to question. Second-year pro Earl
Bennett and rookies Juaquin Iglesias
and Johnny Knox need to quickly make
their presence felt in the Bears WR
corps. On the other side of the ball, a num-
ber of high-priced defenders need to
step it up. At the top of the list is MLB
Brian Urlacher, who had only two inter-
ceptions and zero sacks last season. Right
behind him are DT Tommie Harris, a vir-
tual nonfactor early last season who also
had personal issues off the field, and
RCB Nate Vasher, who has played in only
12 of 32 games due to injury and has only
two interceptions since signing a five-year,
$28 million deal before the 2007 season.
DETROIT LIONS
Mission accomplished: After an 0-16
season, the new front-office duo of Mar-
tin Mayhew and Tom Lewand started
from scratch. They began by hiring head
coach Jim Schwartz, who shared their vi-
sion of building a tough, hard-nosed ros-
ter and doing lots of housecleaning from
the Rod Marinelli era. There could be as
many as six new starters (seven, if you
count DE Cliff Avril, who started four
games in 2008) on a defense that ranked
dead last in nine major categories last sea-
son and was one of the worst in recent
NFL history. Julian Peterson and Larry
Foote make the LB corps respectable,
along with Ernie Sims. CBs Phillip
Buchanon and Anthony Henry are up-
grades, and rookie S Louis Delmas could
be an instant contributor. The team also
believes it landed its quarterback of the
future in Matthew Stafford. He has work
to do, but the Lions are in a long rebuild-
ing process and can wait for him to grow.
Unfinished business: There are still a
few holes in the starting lineup. Left
guard appears wide open, with Daniel
Loper (a Schwartz import from the Titans)
figuring to push Damion Cook, though
Loper mainly has played tackle. Defensive
tackle is also up in the air. Veteran Grady
Jackson, 36, likely fills one starting spot,
but he probably comes off the field on
passing downs. Chuck Darby, a better fit
in Marinellis Tampa-2 front, and Andre
Fluellen are the best of the holdovers.
Rookies Sammie Lee Hill and John Gill
cant be expected to provide a huge, im-
mediate boost. Kevin Carters name has
been mentioned as a possible free-agent
addition, but he has yet to sign. Stafford
wont vie for the starting job right away
with Daunte Culpepper here, but hell be
expected to show something early.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Mission accomplished: Head coach
Mike McCarthy didnt wait long to recon-
struct his coaching staff following a disap-
pointing 2008 campaign, whacking eight
coaches, led by defensive coordinator Bob
Sanders. (Special-teams coach Mike Stock
is also gone, having retired.) McCarthy re-
placed Sanders with Dom Capers, who has
been entrusted with assembling an aggres-
sive, new 3-4 scheme that will be unique
within the NFC North. Capers, who has a
good track record with similar transforma-
tions previously in his career, should get an
instant boost from a pair of first-round
rookies expected to become defensive
cornerstones NT B.J. Raji and OLBClay
Matthews. On offense, QB Aaron Rodgers
did a very respectable job in his first year
under center replacing Brett Favre.
Unfinished business: Pro personnel
evaluators leaguewide have their doubts
that holdover defenders such as Aaron
Kampman, Cullen Jenkins, Nick Barnett
and A.J. Hawk will be able to successful-
ly handle converting to a 3-4 scheme.
Kampman, who is moving from left end
to left outside linebacker, where he will at
times be asked to drop into coverage, will
be under particularly close scrutiny. There
are also battles brewing for starting jobs
this offseason at three positions left out-
side linebacker, where Matthews appears
NFC EASTBy Eric Edholm
By Eric Edholm
Senior editor
Dolphins DE Kendall Langford, a third-
rounder in 2008, was an unexpected
rookie contributor. Saints OG Carl Nicks
stepped in as a 13-game starter last sea-
son despite being drafted in Round Five.
Seventh-round SS Chris Horton was a
major surprise for the Redskins. So who
might this years impact rookies be from
the third round on? Lets take a look:
Third round Falcons CB Chris
Owens. Matt Ryan, Sam Baker, Curtis
Lofton, Chevis Jackson and Harry Dou-
glas all were impact rookies a season ago,
so this staff isnt scared of playing young
talent. It would shock few if Owens who
is small but fast and competitive
nabbed a starting spot opposite Chris
Houston. Others: Jets RB Shonn Greene;
Chiefs DE Alex Magee; Chargers OG Louis
Vazquez; Seahawks WR Deon Butler;
49ers RB Glen Coffee; Bears WR Juaquin
Iglesias; Steelers OG Kraig Urbik.
Fourth round Bills TE Shawn Nel-
son. Theres good depth at receiver in
Buffalo, but this team has needed a
seam-stretching tight end for some time.
Enter Nelson, who could be a key element
to the Bills no-huddle plans given his
great speed. Others: Bears CB D.J.
Moore; Colts WR Austin Collie; Jaguars
WR Mike Thomas; Chargers DLVaughn
Martin; Giants RB Andre Brown.
Fifth round 49ers LB Scott
McKillop. The heady McKillop could end
up starting inside next to Patrick Willis if
Takeo Spikes cant stay healthy. McKillop
is mainly a run stopper, but he has shown
decent coverage skills in OTAs and could
handle calling defensive signals at some
point. Others: Packers FB Quinn John-
son; Steelers RB Frank Summers; Ben-
gals P Kevin Huber; Eagles TE Cornelius
Ingram; Rams WR Brooks Foster.
Sixth round Chargers SS Kevin
Ellison. Ellison has a great chance to un-
seat Clinton Hart, who is coming off a
poor season. If the hard-hitting Ellison
can stay on the field, he might be a Hor-
ton-esque surprise in Year One. Others:
Titans WR Dominique Edison; 49ers TE
Bear Pascoe; Bengals RB Bernard Scott.
Seventh round Jaguars RB
Rashad Jennings. With no real depth be-
hind Maurice Jones-Drew, Jennings could
be the No. 2 back. The club thinks it got a
steal in the bruising back, who has had a
nice spring. Others: Seahawks S Court-
ney Greene; Colts P Pat McAfee; Bucca-
neers WR Sammy Stroughter.
Undrafted rookie free agent Ti-
tans DL Mitch King. Overachiever re-
ceived interest from 20 teams before
opting to join Titans DL coach Jim Wash-
burn and a unit that can use more players
like Kings idol, Kyle Vanden Bosch.
back surgery, which ended his season af-
ter two games, and has battled depression,
as well. Surrounding him with Peters, his
college roommate, and brother Stacy is
Andy Reids way of making Shawn as com-
fortable as possible, but he still must re-
spond with perhaps his best season yet.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Mission accomplished: After a year as
relative wallflowers, the Redskins got
back into the offseason derby. They made
the first and biggest splash of free
agency by landing the crown jewel, DT Al-
bert Haynesworth. Last years fourth-
ranked defense in theory should be bet-
ter with Haynesworth disrupting inside.
If there was a weakness on defense, it was
the lack of big plays namely turnovers
and sacks. But Haynesworth and rookie
pass rusher Brian Orakpo could go a
long way toward alleviating that. The Red-
skins were tickled when Orakpo fell to the
13th pick and wasted no time nabbing
him. They also have big plans for him,
planning to install Orakpo as a first-
and second-down strong-side linebacker
and as a third-down rush end.
Unfinished business: Lots to sort. Right
tackle is wide open, with the team needing
someone to replace Jon Jansen, who was re-
leased. Stephon Heyer is one candidate, as
is reclamation project Mike Williams (the
No. 4 overall pick of the Bills in 2002), but
insiders say it might go to ex-Panther Jere-
my Bridges. There is pressure on the 2008
drafts pass-catching trio of Devin Thomas,
Malcolm Kelly and Fred Davis to improve
and add juice to the offense. Their develop-
ment will be a major training-camp focus.
The grand Orakpo experiment could flop if
the rookie fails to grasp the SLB position;
otherwise, that job could fall to the tough
but short H.B. Blades, who appears to fit
best inside. Lastly, how is QB Jason Camp-
bells confidence heading into the final
season of his contract after the team tried
to replace him with Jay Cutler or Mark
Sanchez? The Skins cant win unless Camp-
bell has a strong, consistent season.
DT Albert Haynesworth should improve a Redskins defense that was surpris-
ingly effective in 2008, finishing the season ranked No. 4 overall.
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to have an early edge on Brady Poppinga;
right tackle, where a replacement must be
found for longtime starter Mark Tausch-
er; and punter, where holdover Jeremy
Kapinos will try to hold off challengers Du-
rant Brooks and Adam Graessle.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Mission accomplished: The biggest
question marks on offense appeared to be
at wide receiver and right tackle, and the
team used its first two picks on WR Per-
cy Harvin and ORT Phil Loadholt, who
met in last seasons national champi-
onship game. Though he reportedly failed
a drug test and is considered a durabili-
ty worry, Harvin possesses explosiveness
that simply wasnt on the roster before.
And though Loadholt is making the
switch to right tackle, where he must beat
out incumbent Ryan Cook, he has the
power and wingspan to start immediate-
ly. The Vikings also added several special-
teamers who will help those needy units.
Unfinished business: Theres a little
something to sort out with a certain re-
tired quarterback who has been known to
waffle on future plans. Brett Favres poten-
tial addition could be the flashpoint to the
offseason. No matter how Harvin or
Loadholt performs, no matter how great
a player Adrian Peterson is, the success of
the Vikings would be traced unfairly or
not to the right arm of Favre. And right
now, the health of that arm is in question.
The future Hall of Famer has been tied to
the Vikings this offseason, and if hes go-
ing to play another season, it appears to
be Minnesota or bust. But can he hold up
for a full season? QBs Tarvaris Jackson and
Sage Rosenfels (acquired from Hous-
ton) are the fallbacks, and if Favre stays
retired, those players confidence might be
shaken as a result of the Vikings pursuit
of Favre. The team, having not added a D-
lineman this offseason, appears confident
that it will receive a positive ruling in the
substance-abuse case involving DTs Kevin
Williams and Pat Williams, who could be
subject to four-game suspensions.
QB Jay Cutler and OT Orlando Pace are a pair of high-profile veterans who
should help boost the Bears offense in 2009.
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Day Two draftees
primed to register
immediate impacts
ROOKIES
OFFSEASON UPDATES
ATLANTA FALCONS
Mission accomplished: The Falcons
achieved their top goal this offseason by
injecting their defense with younger,
quicker bodies in the draft, and they
also made a good offense even better by
trading for TE Tony Gonzalez, which
cost them only a second-round pick in
2010. After letting SS Lawyer Milloy,
WLB Keith Brooking, SLB Michael Bo-
ley, CB Domonique Foxworth and NT
Grady Jackson go in free agency, Falcons
GM Thomas Dimitroff spent seven of his
eight draft picks on defensive players, two
of whom could start from Day One. The
addition of Gonzalez, a 10-time Pro
Bowler, gives QB Matt Ryan something
he lacked last season a pass-catching
tight end who will force defenses to alter
their coverage.
Unfinished business: Michael Vick has
been released from prison and is under
home confinement in Virginia, awaiting
word from commissioner Roger Goodell
on whether or not he will be reinstated by
the league in time for the 2009 season.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank has said Vick
will not play for his team again, but if hes
reinstated, Atlanta will have to either trade
or release their former star quarterback.
Aside from the pending Vick issue, the
clubs offense is pretty much set, but
there is much to be sorted out on defense
with several starting spots up for grabs.
With a young group on D, the coaching
staff will be working hard in OTAs to make
sure everyone has the defensive sets and
calls down come training camp. Dimitroff
is also negotiating a contract extension
with Pro Bowl WR Roddy Whites repre-
sentatives, but that process has been
complicated by the uncertainty surround-
ing the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Mission accomplished: Much of Caroli-
nas offseason work was completed in Feb-
ruary, when it re-signed OT Jordan Gross
and franchised DE Julius Peppers. Each
move was extremely costly and left the
Panthers with little salary-cap space with
which to work. In order to give the club
more cap flexibility to sign its draft picks,
GM Marty Hurney released veteran CB
Ken Lucas and inked QB Jake Delhomme
to a contract extension in late April,
which reduced the $11 million cap figure
the 34-year-old carried for 2009. The Pan-
thers traded next years first-round pick
to move up in the second round of this
years draft and selected Florida State DE
Everette Brown, who could be Peppers
eventual replacement.
Unfinished business: Theres very little
chance Peppers will be traded this year,
but he has yet to sign his franchise tender,
which is worth $16.7 million for one
year, and has not backed off his statement
that he no longer has any interest in play-
ing for the Panthers. Peppers could hold
out of training camp in an attempt to pres-
sure Hurney, but thus far his attempts to
force the general managers hand have
been unsuccessful, and he doesnt have
much leverage. The Panthers could use an-
other veteran or two on the offensive line
after losing some depth in the offseason.
With a shortage of cap space, however, the
team will have to be extra cautious about
any moves it makes and may not be able
to sign a free agent who could help its
cause.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Mission accomplished: The Saints ap-
pear to have made several much-needed
upgrades on defense, which was their top
priority for the second straight offseason.
The revamping of the D began with the
hiring of Gregg Williams an aggressive,
proven guru as defensive coordinator.
After re-signing a key piece in MLB
Jonathan Vilma, who flirted with joining
the division-rival Buccaneers, the team fol-
lowed it up with a series of moves to im-
prove its secondary. New Orleans signed
CB Jabari Greer and FS Darren Sharper
and also drafted Ohio State CB-S Malcolm
Jenkins in the first round (14th overall).
Besides achieving its objective of gaining
quality depth in the secondary, the team
also re-signed some important players on
the other side of the ball, including OG
Jahri Evans, WR Lance Moore and OT
Jon Stinchcomb, ensuring stability on a
finely tuned offense.
Unfinished business: The Saints have
been scouring the market for running
backs all offseason, and after deciding not
to trade back into the first round to draft
Chris Beanie Wells, GM Mickey Loomis
has said the team has explored the pos-
sibility of signing free agent Edgerrin
James. New Orleans could ultimately
take a pass on James, as other veteran
backs could become available later this
summer. Head coach Sean Payton seems
unsatisfied with his backfield, and theres
a good chance hell add another rusher be-
fore the season. Although the Saints are
NFC WESTBy Dan Arkush
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Mission accomplished: A commitment
to QB Kurt Warner for the next two sea-
sons to the tune of $23 million ensures that
the lively, pass-oriented offense that fin-
ished third in the league in scoring with a
franchise-record 427 points will continue
the same approach. A pass defense that sur-
rendered a league-leading 36 TD throws
has been bolstered by the free-agent addi-
tion of ex-Steeler Bryant McFadden, whos
an upgrade from 2008 starting LCB Rod
Hood, and a pair of rookies third-
round S Rashad Johnson, who should al-
low starting FS Antrel Rolle to play some
nickel, which he does exceptionally well,
and fourth-round CB Greg Toler. Speedy,
physical first-round RB Chris Beanie
Wells should fortify the leagues lowest-
ranked ground game with a big-play di-
mension Edgerrin James could not provide.
Unfinished business: As was the case a
year ago at this time, the Cardinals have
a host of key players hungry for new con-
tracts. The salary concerns of WR Anquan
Boldin and DL Darnell Dockett, whose
current deals run through 2010 and
2011, respectively, continue to be hot
topics in the desert, with Boldins decision
to fire agent Drew Rosenhaus providing
the latest spark. But GM Rod Graves has
made it clear that new financial arrange-
ments for LB Karlos Dansby (who received
the teams franchise tag) and SS Adrian
Wilson, who both could become free
agents next offseason, are currently much
bigger priorities. On the field, team insid-
ers wonder just where the pass rush is go-
ing to come from. With no elite rushers
on the roster, a pass-rush-by-committee
looks to be in the offing.
ST. LOUIS RAMS
Mission accomplished: New GM Billy
Devaney and new head coach Steve Spag-
nuolo, who earned high marks the last two
seasons as the Giants defensive coordina-
tor, have been steadily busy revamping the
roster with five new starters C Jason
Brown, SS James Butler and FB Mike Kar-
ney via free agency and first-round OT Ja-
son Smith and second-round MLB James
Laurinaitis via the draft. Using the Giants
well-regarded defense as a primary mod-
el, Spagnuolo and new coordinator Ken
Flajole are emphasizing more of an aggres-
sive, attacking scheme that they hope,
among other things, will enable DE Chris
Long and DT Adam Carriker to consistent-
ly live up to their first-round billing. The
re-signing of free agent Ron Bartell,
who emerged as the teams top cover cor-
ner last season, had been a top priority.
Unfinished business: An uneasy summer
looms with the news that the Rams could
soon be put up for sale with no guaran-
tee that the team must remain in St.
Louis. The departure of longtime star
WR Torry Holt has left the receiving
corps dangerously thin and inexperienced,
and big-time trouble could be brewing if
featured back Steven Jackson, who missed
four games and most of a fifth with a
strained thigh muscle last season, is injured
again for an extended period. On de-
fense, strong-side linebacker could be a
weak link, with the serviceable but aging
Chris Draft at the top of a list of lacklus-
ter candidates for the starting job. Same
goes for right corner, where former first-
round pick Tye Hill must regain his con-
fidence, which was shattered last season.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Mission accomplished: An organization
that was going steadily downhill under the
direction of departed head coach Mike
Nolan has been dramatically uplifted by
Nolans replacement, Mike Singletary,
who wasted no time instilling a tough-
minded new culture, both on and off the
field. A defense that gradually improved
after Singletary switched to a simplified
3-4 base with fewer substitutions is expect-
ed to pick up where it left off last season.
A major upgrade is expected at free safe-
ty, where the promising Dashon Goldson
takes over for Mark Roman, who hasnt
intercepted a pass or forced a fumble since
2006. On offense, first-round draft pick
Michael Crabtree adds superior play-
making ability to the passing game, and
third-round pick Glen Coffee looks like a
solid complement to Frank Gore in the
running game.
Unfinished business: More than a few
eyebrows were raised when the Niners
failed to address three major needs of-
fensive tackle, pass rusher and cornerback
in the draft. The Niners concerns in the
secondary increased following the possi-
ble season-ending torn right ACL suffered
by veteran starting RCB Walt Harris on
the second day of OTAs. There is no guar-
antee newly acquired veteran Dr Bly, who
was released by the Broncos in February,
will be able to fill the void created by Har-
ris injury. Nor is there any guarantee free-
agent addition Marvel Smith, who had
trouble staying healthy with the Steelers,
NFC SOUTHBy Dan Parr
By Michael Blunda
Associate editor
In the fantasy world, star players often
tend to be forgotten coming off down sea-
sons, causing them to slip in many drafts.
Anyone can have a bad year, though, and
these poor campaigns frequently turn out
to be anomalies. Knowing that, here are
five players who struggled in 2008 but
should bounce back with productive fan-
tasy seasons in 09.
1. QB Carson Palmer / Bengals
Limited to just four games because of an
injury to his throwing elbow, Palmers
2008 was one to forget. However, with a
full offseason of rehab, better efforts from
Chad Ochocinco could be the spring-
board for a statistical windfall for Palmer.
He should be set to at least approach the
numbers he averaged from 2005-07:
4,001 yards and 29 touchdowns.
2. WR Roy Williams / Cowboys
Things werent exactly going swimmingly
for Williams before he was dealt from De-
troit to Dallas last season, and they only
proceeded to get worse after the trade. In
10 games as a Cowboy, he had a paltry 19
catches for 198 yards and one TD. But
now that Terrell Owens is gone, Williams
is primed for a major rebound as he de-
velops into QB Tony Romos favorite tar-
get on the outside.
3. WR Braylon Edwards / Browns
Following his 16-TD campaign of 2007, Ed-
wards came crashing down with just
three scoring grabs last season. His
hands also proved to be his enemy, as he
finished with a league-leading 16 drops.
Now that he is clearly Clevelands top
pass catcher given Kellen Winslows de-
parture to Tampa, Edwards will have that
many more chances to prove his worth to
the winner of the Browns QB derby.
4. RB Julius Jones / Seahawks
After back-to-back lackluster seasons,
Jones appears to be in a favorable posi-
tion heading into 09. With Maurice Mor-
ris out of the picture, Jones should handle
the lions share of the backfield work in
Seattle, giving way to T.J. Duckett only in
short-yardage and goal-line situations. Al-
though he lacks the power to be a serious
scoring threat, Jones should be good for
1,000 yards with a handful of TDs.
5. TE Kellen Winslow / Buccaneers
Just when it looked like Winslow was
going to shed his injury-prone tag, a se-
ries of ailments caused him to miss six
games in 08, considerably stunting his
production. Assuming he can rid himself
of his injury woes hes back to practic-
ing at full speed in OTAs Winslow
should be in line for a solid campaign as a
seam stretcher for Byron Leftwich or
Luke McCown or Josh Freeman.
hoping to get the four-game suspensions
of DEs Charles Grant and Will Smith stag-
gered, it appears they will be without both
players early on following a judges deci-
sion to uphold the StarCaps ruling. With
that, the club needs to add depth at end.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Mission accomplished: The Bucca-
neers needed to surround young head
coach Raheem Morris with seasoned co-
ordinators, and they did that by bringing
in Jeff Jagodzinski on offense and Jim
Bates on defense. Tampa Bay made the
rest of its offseason moves with an eye to-
ward the future, knowing 2009 would be
a rebuilding year. Arguably the Bucs
boldest move was landing a signalcaller
to groom in Kansas State QB Josh Free-
man, as they traded up two spots in the
first round to get him at No. 17. Whether
he develops into a quality franchise quar-
terback remains to be seen. First-year GM
Mark Dominik also kept top receiver
Antonio Bryant by designating him as the
franchise player and added a complemen-
tary target for Bryant at the start of free
agency, trading draft picks to the Browns
for TE Kellen Winslow, who was signed
to a new six-year contract in April.
Unfinished business: Dominik is ex-
pected to cut Brian Griese soon if he cant
get a low draft pick for him in a trade, but
that would still leave Tampa with four
quarterbacks. One player from a group
consisting of Byron Leftwich, Luke Mc-
Cown and Josh Johnson will likely be cut
or traded by the end of training camp, al-
though McCown has a slight edge at win-
ning the starting job. Either McCown or
Leftwich likely will hold the top spot on
the depth chart until Freeman is ready to
take over. The Bucs have plenty of salary-
cap room and could snatch up a high-pro-
file player or two when they become
available this summer. Cornerback is a po-
sition they could still target in free
agency, as they lost starter Phillip
Buchanon to the Lions and have yet to
sign anyone to replace him.
The Falcons traded for TE Tony Gonzalez in April, which will give Atlantas up-
and-coming offense an element it had been lacking.
A
P
will be any better as the starting right tack-
le than the departed Jonas Jennings,
who spent much of his time with the Nin-
ers battling injuries. San Francisco also has
yet to officially declare whether Shaun Hill,
who did a nice job replacing J.T. OSul-
livan under center last season, or Alex
Smith will be the starting QB to open the
09 campaign.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Mission accomplished: For starters,
first-round pick Aaron Curry, widely con-
sidered the best defensive player available
in the 2009 draft, looks like a perfect fit
to replace the departed Julian Peterson as
the starting strong-side linebacker. Cory
Redding, obtained from the Lions in ex-
change for Peterson, adds flexibility to the
defensive line, which was also strength-
ened by the free-agent addition of NT Col-
in Cole. Four more free-agent newcomers
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, CB Ken
Lucas, FB Justin Griffith and LS Bryan
Pittman are expected to provide a siz-
able impact. Rookies Max Unger and
Deon Butler offer versatility in the mid-
dle of the offensive line and speed at wide
receiver, respectively. On top of all that,
WLB Leroy Hill signed a long-term deal.
Unfinished business: The Seahawks are
counting heavily on three star veterans
coming off major injuries 33-year-old
QB Matt Hasselbeck, 35-year-old OLT
Walter Jones and 32-year-old DE Patrick
Kerney. While Hasselbeck has looked as
fit as a fiddle early this offseason, show-
ing no signs of the back ailment that forced
him to miss a career-high nine games last
season, neither Jones nor Kerney is any-
where close to going full tilt. The team also
must infuse all of its considerable new tal-
ent into new systems on both offense and
defense under new coordinators Greg
Knapp and Gus Bradley, respectively. It
also needs to get more productivity out of
holdovers such as RBs Julius Jones and
T.J. Duckett, C Chris Spencer, ORG Rob
Sims, DEs Darryl Tapp and Lawrence
Jackson and DT Red Bryant.
Expect bounce-back
seasons from this
fantasy five-pack
UP CLOSE
Free-agent WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh instantly improves the Seahawks WR
corps, which was decimated by injuries last season.
A
P
OPINION
PUBLISHERS PEN Hub Arkush, publisher/editor
WHAT WE THINK WHAT YOU THINK
LETTERS POLICY
Sendletterstoletters@pfwmedia.com, byfaxto
(847) 940-1108or byU.S. mail toLetterstotheEditor,
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Riverwoods, IL60015. Limit of 250words. Include
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(phonefor verificationpurposesonly). Wereservethe
right toedit lettersfor content andbrevity.
I
m sure youve heard by now that the
orderly transition of Indianapolis Colts
head coaches from Tony Dungy to Jim
Caldwell, and the inevitable march to an-
other 10- to 12-win season by Peyton
Mannings thoroughbreds has hit a road-
block. While the folks in Indy were pre-
pared to say goodbye to Dungy, and con-
vinced that Caldwell is more than ready
to follow in his footsteps, nobody saw the
sudden retirements of longtime key
Dungy lieutenants Tom Moore and
Howard Mudd coming, or the breakdown
in internal communication about which
Manning has now publicly complained.
Because the Colts are the Colts, they do
have an answer for this surprise develop-
ment, with Clyde Christensen and Pete
Metzelaars well-groomed to step in for
Moore and Mudd as the offensive coordi-
nator and offensive line coach, respective-
ly. But Jim Irsay, one of the leagues loyal
owners when it comes to rewarding his
own, has announced his plan to rehire
Moore and Mudd as consultants as soon
as their retirements are official and theyve
confirmed that their consulting jobs wont
interfere with their benefits. And that
leaves everyone shaking their heads as to
who will be in charge Caldwell, his new
assistants, old assistants, Manning I
suspect you get the dilemma.
But heres the interesting part: This isnt
really about the Colts or any of the afore-
mentioned coaches at all; its about a deci-
sion made by all 32 team owners to opt
out of their coaches pension plan. The
Colts are one of the best organizations in
football but the first to have to come to
grips in a very public way with the owners
move to squeeze more profits out of their
billion-dollar franchises. And not all 32
teams are treating the move the same way,
thereby exacerbating the problem.
As near as Ive been able to determine,
13 teams have committed to funding the
old plan for their coaches for at least the
2009 season while seeking alternatives;
nine clubs, including the Colts, have al-
ready opted out for 2009; and the rest are
still in limbo. Every coach in the plan will
receive benefits earned to date thats the
law. But whats not clear is whether they
will continue to have the option of taking a
lump-sum payment upon retirement or be
forced to take it in annual installments af-
ter theyve retired. In this economy, most,
if not all, coaches would want the lump-
sum payment. As close to retirement as
Moore and Mudd apparently were, its a
choice theyre not willing to forgo.
The real issue here is why the owners
are taking this valuable benefit away from
their coaches. The pension plan has been
crucial in encouraging coaches to stay in
the NFL rather than returning to the col-
lege ranks, while also creating a level play-
ing field in recruiting coaches for each of
the 32 teams. The only answer Ive been
able to come up with, and the only one
that makes sense, is this is really just an-
other move to prepare for the nasty col-
lective-bargaining negotiations with the
players that the owners are facing.
DeMaurice Smith, the new players
union boss, has said if the owners want
the players to give up benefits, they need
to open their books and show why. Roger
Goodell has said that wont happen, that
the players already know enough, and
this is another cost-cutting move that
could help make their case. More to the
point, if the owners lock the players out
in 2011, they may have no choice but to
pay the coaches they have under contract,
but this move would save them from
making expensive pension contributions,
as well. Its all open to interpretation and
remains to be proved, I guess.
What we know for sure is this: If two of
the most accomplished and loyal assistant
coaches have been forced into this public,
embarrassing dilemma, the owners move
to take back their coaches benefits clearly
wasnt made with the best interests of the
coaches or the game at heart.
H
is fall from grace was swift and stun-
ning. Not so long ago he was the top
pick in the NFL draft, a gifted athlete
who was one of the more popular players
in Americas most popular sport. His skills
won him a $130 million contract, and his
charisma millions more as a pitchman.
Now hes a bankrupt felon, fresh out of
prison, whose only immediate job
prospects are as a $10-an-hour construc-
tion laborer.
Will the Michael Vick story end in re-
demption or disgrace? That will be up to
Vick and to NFL commissioner Roger
Goodell.
Vick was released from a federal prison
May 20 to serve the last two months of his
sentence in home confinement in Virginia.
He was sentenced to 23 months after plead-
ing guilty in August 2007 to bankrolling a
dogfighting operation and to being involved
in the killing of at least six dogs.
Sometime after his sentence expires
July 20, Vick will meet with Goodell, who
will decide whether to let the suspended
former Falcons quarterback return to the
game that made him rich and famous.
Vick will have to show remorse and
prove that hes learned his lesson in order
to be reinstated, Goodell has said. It is
hard to imagine that Vick will not say the
right things.
Assuming he does, we believe his sus-
pension should be lifted.
Vicks crimes were heinous and inex-
cusable. But he has paid a steep price. He
spent more than a year and a half behind
bars during what should have been the
peak of his career and lost tens of mil-
lions of dollars.
We dont feel sorry for him, and neither
should you. But we also believe that once
a criminal has paid for his crime, he is en-
titled to go on with his life.
(A majority of you apparently agree.
Fifty-eight percent of the respondents to a
recent poll on our Web site said they
thought Vicks suspension should be lifted.)
Of course, being reinstated by Goodell
doesnt necessarily mean that Vick will
play again. The Falcons still control his
rights but have said he wont return to the
team. They will try to trade him. If they
cant, they will release him.
Whether another team is willing to
take a chance on Vick remains to be seen.
Hes a public-relations liability whos been
out of the game for two seasons. But he is
still young (he turns 29 on June 26), and
we suspect he ll be in uniform somewhere
if hes allowed to play.
Michael Vick may not deserve forgive-
ness. But he does deserve another chance.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Send your comments by e-mail to let-
ters@pfwmedia.com, by fax to (847)
940-1108 or by U.S. mail to Letters to the
Editor, Pro Football Weekly, 302 Saun-
ders Road, Suite 100, Riverwoods, IL
60015. We ll publish some of the respons-
es in future editions.
Owners motive suspect in pension flap
Vick should be reinstated by NFL
Loves PFWs draft preview
Being a big Colts fan, and a big NFL
draft fan for more than 50 years, I wanted
to let you know how much I enjoy reading
Nolan Nawrockis 2009 Draft Preview
a great book for big fans of the NFL draft
like myself. The draft has gotten more
and more popular over the years from
Bert Bell to Roger Goodell and Pro
Football Weekly has been a great football
paper that Ive enjoyed for many, many
years.
Dennis Radacovsky, Elizabeth, N.J.
Give Rex a chance
Rex Grossman deserves another
chance, plain and simple. The guy has the
talent. Its a shame that after leading his
team to the Super Bowl, the city of
Chicago trashed him the way they did.
I mean, when was the last time they
had been to the SB? Was it 1985? The
guy deserves to be somewhere.
Frank
Rex more bad than good
Rex Grossman not having been offered
a deal yet perhaps speaks to the fact that
he had far less to do with getting the
Bears to that Super Bowl than the de-
fense, Devin Hester being spectacular on
special teams and Thomas Jones being
outstanding in the running game that
season. Lets be honest, all year long it
was good Rex-bad Rex it was even
money as to which Rex would show up on
any given week.
My guess would be that the reason he
is currently nowhere would be the same
as the reason J.P. Losman is in the same
place: Neither one can read a defense
worth a darn and both can be easily
fooled by the more crafty defenses in the
league. Add in the fact that both seem to
have Brett Favre-like confidence in their
arm and you have two guys who are inter-
ceptions waiting to happen. If either one
ends up back in the league, it will proba-
bly be after a starter gets hurt, and it
wont be for long.
Steve Pilato
Jones is not a lost cause
I think Matt Jones can be a deep threat
when used with the right quarterback. He
ran a 4.37 40 and was underused on the
Jaguars. His QB wasnt really a deep
passer, but someone like Tony Romo,
Michael Vick, Tom Brady (Pats are good
at turning players around, like Randy
Moss), or Peyton Manning would be a
better fit to utilize his speed.
John
OPINION
MONDAY-NIGHT UPGRADE Barry Jackson
E
SPN made the right call by deciding
not to allow Tony Kornheiser to work
a partial schedule of Monday-night
games, which he preferred because he
doesnt like flying. ESPN would have per-
mitted Kornheiser to return for a full
schedule next season, but its best that he
chose not to. New analyst Jon Gruden
will help refocus the broadcasts, which
too often strayed because of Kornheisers
tangents.
As talented as Kornheiser is as a writer
and sparring partner for Michael Wilbon
on Pardon The Interruption, he was
never a good fit on MNF. On most tele-
casts, he quickly ran out of interesting
things to say and focused excessively on
obvious themes and neon names.
Norby Williamson, ESPNs executive
VP of studio and remote production, said
there was no need to audition Gruden:
Hes going to be great. Very personable.
Good communicator. Hes outspoken,
been innovative in his coaching career.
Gruden who will join Mike Tirico
and Ron Jaworski in the booth said he
misses coaching but Im hoping I can
keep this job for a while, because Im re-
ally excited about it. This is a big, big
change for me. The etiquette of this pro-
fession, the pressure thats involved
Ive got to prepare myself.
ESPN added Matt Millen as an NFL
studio analyst on its Monday-night games
(Emmitt Smiths old job) and a game ana-
lyst on college football. He was not con-
sidered for the job that went to Gruden.
John Maddens retirement is causing
a domino effect on the broadcast front.
Cris Collinsworth will leave NBCs studio
to replace Madden on Sunday-night
games but will give up his Thursday-
night NFL Network gig. NBC has target-
ed Tony Dungy and Rodney Harrison to
replace Collinsworth and Jerome Bettis
in studio. Joining NBC is a possibility
for Harrison should he choose to retire
from playing, agent Steve Feldman said.
Madden retired partly so he could
spend more time with his family. My
50th wedding anniversary is this fall, he
told KCBS Radio in San Francisco. I re-
ally feel strongly this is the right time.
Theres nothing wrong with me. Its not
that Im tired of traveling in the bus. The
thing that made it hard is I enjoyed it so
damn much. It was a great ride. NBC
Sports chairman Dick Ebersol offered
Madden the chance to announce Septem-
ber and October games and take off No-
vember and December. Madden declined.
Commissioner Roger Goodell de-
serves credit for finally getting NFL Net-
work on Comcasts digital basic service,
instead of a pay-extra sports tier. Goodell
enticed Comcast by reducing the amount
the NFL charges Comcast per subscriber
per month (from 70 cents to about 50).
Now the NFL needs to strike deals with
Time-Warner, Cablevision and Charter.
The NFL said DirecTVs Red Zone
channel will be available on Comcast and
other cable systems by no later than 2012,
and possibly this season. All other parts
of NFL Sunday Ticket will remain exclu-
sive to DirecTV.
Former NFL Network reporter
Adam Schefter will join ESPN later this
summer. Fox hired former safety John
Lynch as a game analyst and dropped
Brian Baldinger.
Barry Jackson covers sports media for
the Miami Herald.
Gruden adds football insight to booth
MONEY FOR NOTHING Mike Wilkening
I
t was unanimous, and it was a little
more than surprising. Hypocritical?
Perhaps. A money grab? Undoubtedly.
In May, NFL owners voted 32-0 in fa-
vor of allowing clubs to license their logos
to state lotteries. Already the Redskins
and Patriots have reached agreements
with state lotteries on team-branded tick-
ets, and other clubs reportedly are con-
sidering doing the same.
Talk about your easy money. For the
NFL, that is not for you, or me, or any-
one buying those scratch-off tickets. State
lotteries are designed to benefit states.
You may win on occasion, but the state is
guaranteed to win over time.
NFL teams that decide to work with
lotteries? They win, and perhaps big, and
definitely with a modicum of effort. How
much money the Redskins will receive
from the Virginia Lottery and the Patriots
will reap from the Massachusetts State
Lottery is unclear. However, partnerships
between professional sports teams and
state lotteries can generate hundreds of
millions of dollars in revenue. For in-
stance, the Massachusetts State Lottery
has reaped $740 million, with $101 mil-
lion being distributed to the states cities
and towns, from the sale of Celtics- and
Red Sox-themed tickets. And you can bet
a small slice of that money will trickle
down to the clubs for the right to use
their logos.
Some will ask why NFL owners are just
now embracing lotteries. Well, we can
dress up lotteries all we want, but they
are a form of gambling, and the NFL long
has railed against gambling. And, by ex-
tension, thats why it is easy to raise an
eyebrow at the leagues change of stance
on state lotteries at the very same time it
fights Delawares decision to get back into
the sports betting business.
In the court of public opinion, the NFL
has made the same, loud argument since
the days of Frank Filchock and Merle
Hapes it is not going to stand for
sports betting. And why should it? The
NFL can handle the muttering about the
hypocrisy of taking money from state lot-
teries with one hand while waving a fist
at sports betting with the other. But the
next time you catch the league with its
palms in the air, saying, What, me wor-
ry? about sports gambling will be the
first because if the integrity of the on-
field product is called into question, the
whole business model starts to fall apart,
and who knows, maybe you ll decide
youd rather read Oedipus at Colonus.
About that business model: The 2009
season will be clouded by the recession.
There is also the specter of a likely-to-be
contentious round of negotiations be-
tween NFL owners and the NFL Players
Association to extend the CBA. A big la-
bor fight demands deep pockets, so it was
no surprise that on the same day the
owners modified their lottery policy, the
NFL extended its broadcast contracts
with CBS and Fox through 2013 and fi-
nally came to an agreement with Com-
cast, the nations largest cable company,
to widely carry NFL Network.
You cant blame the NFL for having
money on its mind; we all do these days.
But I am still trying to wrap my head
around the prospect of little team in-
signias on lottery tickets, because I didnt
see the NFL grabbing at that money tree.
All I can surmise is the league wants at
that cash and that gives me pause, con-
sidering the economic landscape.
NFLs lottery policy sign of the times
A-BOMBS
Bad omen for Bengals?
I doubt Marvin Lewis has spent much
time investigating the track record of pre-
vious participants in the NFL Films and
HBO Hard Knocks reality sports docu-
mentary television series. For what its
worth, appearances on the show have
hardly been a steppingstone to success,
the most recent example being the Cow-
boys disappointing nine-victory cam-
paign in 2008 after being the star-laden
featured attraction last summer. Its
probably just a coincidence, but it turns
out each of the four teams appearing in
the show the Ravens in 01, the Cow-
boys in 02 and 08 and the Chiefs in 07
failed to improve their records from the
previous year. Lewis better hope the Ben-
gals can break the trend and come up
with more than the four victories they
registered last season. If they dont, its
unlikely there will be many teams knock-
ing on his door to offer him a new job. In
the meantime, the Bengals do seem to
offer some pretty spicy plot lines. While
the shaky Carson Palmer-Chad
Ochocinco relationship is sure to be
played up to the hilt, Ill be just as inter-
ested in the new, improved version of
Cedric Benson, who, by all accounts,
has turned into an absolute model citizen
in the unlikeliest of venues.
Watch out for Urlacher
The hangers-on at Halas Hall tell me
that Bears MLB Brian Urlacher, who
never goes out of his way for the local
media, has been keeping to himself more
than usual in the early going this offsea-
son. But something tells me the six-time
Pro Bowler is quietly gearing up for a ren-
aissance season similar to the one
Ravens veteran MLB Ray Lewis put to-
gether last year. With Jay Cutler proving
to be very popular in his new stomping
grounds, I truly believe Urlachers ego
wont allow him to let the new QB in town
become the undisputed new face of the
franchise without a fight. More involve-
ment in the defense by head coach Lovie
Smith certainly wont hurt.
and the Texans
One more hunch: The more I think
about it, the less afraid I am to dare pick
the Texans to sweep past both the Colts
and Titans and win the AFC South this
season. Its easy to forget Houston won
five of its last six games last season and
made major strides on offense, averaging
402 total yards per game in that span. QB
Matt Schaub, RB Steve Slaton and
WR Andre Johnson just might offer the
best triple threat of any NFL offense in
09, and the Texans schedule looks very
favorable with three of their first four
games at home. As for the Colts and Ti-
tans, I think the departures of Tony
Dungy and Albert Haynesworth, re-
spectively, could take a major toll.
Dan Arkush un-
leashes his late-
spring reflections.
FANTASY FOOTBALL
By Michael Blunda
Associate editor
Sometimes, a change of scenery is all an
NFL veteran needs to jump-start a stagnant
career or excel to previously unseen levels.
Just look at what a few players did upon ar-
riving at new homes last season.
Going from San Diego to Atlanta, RB
Michael Turner made himself a household
name by finishing second in the league in both
rushing yards and touchdowns. WR Bernard
Berrian kicked his game up a notch after mov-
ing from Chicago to Minnesota. QB Chad Pen-
nington, left for dead with the Jets, quickly
resurrected his career with the Dolphins, lead-
ing them to a shocking AFC East title.
After another round of trades and free-
agent movement this offseason, there are
sure to be a number of players who make in-
stant impacts in different cities. Here are the
10 veteran players counting down from
No. 10 to No. 1 in terms of expected 09 pro-
duction who could provide the biggest
fantasy splashes with their new teams.
10
KYLE ORTON
QB / DENVER BRONCOS
As a result of Denvers mishandling of Jay
Cutler and his subsequent trade to Chicago,
Orton is now a member of the Broncos.
While he might not have been excited about
the move at first, it should give the fifth-year
signalcaller a significant jolt in fantasy value.
Never considered a prolific passer, Orton en-
ters Josh McDaniels system that spreads
the field with multiple receivers and calls for
the quarterback to pick apart defenses
through the air. For proof of what QBs can do
in his offense, just look at Tom Bradys
record-breaking 2007 and Matt Cassels
solid 08. For the first time as a pro, Orton
will play with star receivers in the form of
Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal, finally
giving him a chance to shed the restraints he
was shackled with in Chicago. If hes able to
grasp the ins and outs of his new scheme,
Orton could be a big-time fantasy sleeper.
9
LAVERANUES COLES
WR / CINCINNATI BENGALS
Coles didnt have to become a free agent this
offseason, but he was granted his requested
release with the Jets and now is part of an
aerial attack with serious potential. Assum-
ing things work out with WR Chad Ochocinco
and hes still a Bengal this season, Coles will
be a nice complement to No. 85. Not the
deep threat he was earlier in his career, hell
give QB Carson Palmer whos expected to
make a healthy return after missing most of
2008 a reliable possession target, with the
type of strong hands that will make him a
threat in the red zone. At 31, Coles is still
playing quality football and could come close
to matching his numbers from last season
(70 catches, 850 yards, seven TDs). Hes a
dependable fantasy reserve and far from a
bad starter in larger leagues.
8
KELLEN WINSLOW
TE / TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Awarm-weather guy all his life, Winslow
never seemed too thrilled about playing in
Clevelands less-than-ideal climate. But
lousy conditions shouldnt be an issue for
him any longer, as his move to Tampa Bay
and the NFC South ensures that the tight
end will play most of his games either in the
sunshine or indoors. Joining the Bucs should
rejuvenate Winslow, who seemed to lose mo-
tivation toward the end of his run with the
Browns, and give him a fresh start with a new
group of coaches and teammates. Quarter-
back play could be an issue for Tampa, but
no matter which passer the club puts under
center, Winslow is likely to be his favorite tar-
get over the middle. If he can avoid injuries,
which have plagued him throughout his first
five seasons, K2 should return to being a
top-flight fantasy tight end.
7
TORRY HOLT
WR / JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
After 10 seasons in St. Louis, Holt will wear a
uniform other than that of the Rams. One of
the most productive receivers of the
decade, he appeared to finally hit the wall
last season after a string of eight straight
monster campaigns, causing St. Louis to
send him packing. The veteran lands in a
good spot, though, catching on with a Jack-
sonville club thats in desperate need of re-
ceiving talent after striking out on a slew of
draft picks and free-agent signings. Holt in-
stantly becomes the Jaguars primary target
and will be working with a smart, accurate
passer in QB David Garrard. Holts not the
quick-twitching speed merchant he used to
be, but he isnt washed up, either. Consider-
ing hes due to see plenty of passes as the
Jags best receiving weapon, he should have
another decent season at age 33.
6
MATT CASSEL
QB / KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Thanks to Chiefs SS Bernard Pollard de-
stroying the knee of Tom Brady last season,
Taking his roadshow to Buffalo this season, WR Terrell Owens is set to give the Bills ho-hum passing attack a much-needed shot in the arm.
IMPACT ARRIVALS
10 veteran transplants should emerge as fantasy forces in new locales
A
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NFL PREVIEW 2009
FANTASY FOOTBALL 2009
Kickoff is coming!
Kickoff is coming! Kickoff is coming!
the window of opportunity was opened for
Cassel. He proceeded to blow through it
with a 3,693-yard, 21-TD campaign. Follow-
ing an offseason trade, he now finds himself
starting for ironically enough the
Chiefs. Cassel may be the unquestioned
man now in Kansas City, but he inherits a
shoddy supporting cast thats nothing like
the star-studded one he had in New Eng-
land. However, he will be piloting a unit run
by former Cardinals offensive coordinator
Todd Haley, so hell be throwing the ball
early and often. That should lead to some
impressive numbers, especially if a receiver
other than Dwayne Bowe emerges. Cassel
also can pick up yards on the ground, some-
thing he might be forced to do often if the
Chiefs porous offensive line fails to hold up
its end of the bargain. Consider him a bor-
derline fantasy starter with nice upside.
5
JAY CUTLER
QB / CHICAGO BEARS
In one of the more shocking sequences of
the offseason, Denver dealt the disgruntled
Cutler to the Bears, instantly outfitting
Chicago with its best quarterback since
Sid Luckman? Fresh off a Pro Bowl cam-
paign in which he threw for 4,526 yards and
25 TDs, the 26-year-old Cutler could face a
dose of reality playing in the Windy City. Not
only are the Bears barren in the receiving
corps, but they traditionally have employed
a run-heavy offense that leaves the passing
attack playing second fiddle. That said, the
talent Cutler adds under center will allow
Chicago to air it out, and while it doesnt
boast the Broncos caliber of pass catchers,
the club can lay claim to two dangerous tar-
gets in Devin Hester and Greg Olsen. Itll be
very difficult for Cutler to match his huge
08 production, but he should remain a fan-
tasy starter in just about all leagues.
4
T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH
WR / SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Playing somewhere other than Cincinnati
for the first time in his pro career, the 31-
year-old Houshmandzadeh might find the
transition to a new offense a bit difficult. Al-
though his role isnt likely to change much
in Seattle, hell no longer be catching
passes from a star quarterback like Carson
Palmer, and touches could be harder to
come by with WRs Deion Branch and Nate
Burleson and TE John Carlson all key to the
passing attack. Nevertheless, Housh is a re-
ception machine who should continue to
pile up catches and yards as a short-to-in-
termediate target for QB Matt Hasselbeck.
Plus, hell consistently get to face some
awful pass defenses in the NFC West, and
the Seahawks lackluster running game
means he may be looked to often around
the goal line. While Housh probably wont
match his best seasons as a Bengal, he re-
mains a reliable fantasy selection.
3
DERRICK WARD
RB / TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Never much of a fantasy factor before last
season, Ward now finds himself as the
lead dog in the Tampa Bay backfield.
Thats what leading the league in yards
per carry as Ward did in 2008 with the
Giants, gaining 5.6 per pop and rushing
for 1,025 yards as a reserve will do for an
NFL back. Although he probably wont be
provided the same gaping holes he was in
New York, the fact that he should touch
the ball 275-300 times makes him a very
valuable commodity. Those touches
should equate to a boatload of yards in a
Bucs offense thats expected to improve
with the arrival of TE Kellen Winslow.
Ward, not known as a bruiser, likely will
give way to Earnest Graham around the
goal line, but scoring has never been his
expertise he has just six TDs in his five-
year career so dont let that deter you
from drafting him.
2
TONY GONZALEZ
TE / ATLANTA FALCONS
The rebuilding effort in Kansas City is the
Falcons gain, as they pick up one of the
games all-time great tight ends. Now age
33, Gonzalez hasnt shown any signs of
slowing down, putting together two of his
best campaigns in the past two seasons,
with averages of 98 catches, 1,115 yards
and more than seven TDs. After spending
his entire career as a Chief, it may take
Gonzalez some time to fully acclimate him-
self to a different city and new offensive
scheme, but the experienced pass catcher
should be a fantasy stud once he does. Not
only will he be working with one of the
leagues rising stars in QB Matt Ryan, but
Pro Bowlers Michael Turner and Roddy
White will assure that Gonzalez isnt the
sole focus of defenses. Sharing touches
with those two could hurt his stats a bit,
but Gonzo should continue his run of dyna-
mite production.
1
TERRELL OWENS
WR / BUFFALO BILLS
Could T.O. be the answer the Bills have
long been searching for at receiver? The
odds, at least for the 09 season, are pretty
good. Owens may be 35, but his game has-
nt dropped off much from what it was at
its peak, and his health has been surpris-
ingly good, especially for a 14-year vet. In
his three seasons with Dallas, T.O. missed
just one contest, averaging 78 catches,
1,196 yards and more than 12 TDs per
campaign. His track record shows that his
first year with a new club is usually a pro-
ductive one on the field and a quiet one off
of it, which is positive news all around. If he
gets on the same page with QB Trent Ed-
wards and manages not to rub his team-
mates the wrong way, Owens should have
another solid fantasy season or two left in
the tank.
OTHERS TO WATCH: Broncos RB Correll
Buckhalter, Lions WR Ronald Curry, Lions
WR Bryant Johnson, Broncos RB LaMont
Jordan, Buccaneers QB Byron Leftwich,
Vikings QB Sage Rosenfels, Patriots RB
Fred Taylor, Titans WR Nate Washington.
NFL DRAFT
By Nolan Nawrocki
Senior editor
With the 2009 NFL draft in the books,
NFL evaluators have begun turning their at-
tention to the 10 draft, and so has PFW.
From the early looks of next years class,
which figures to be heavy on underclassmen
given the likely implementation of an NFL
rookie wage scale in 2011, four positions
stand out for their potential to be strong at
the top of next years draft quarterback,
defensive tackle, linebacker and safety.
The junior ranks, featuring Oklahomas
Sam Bradford and Mississippis Jevan
Snead, traditionally produces the most in-
trigue at the QB position, and this year is
more of the same. Neither possesses the
stature of an elite fireballer, but Bradford is
very accurate and has the mental qualities
to make it big. Snead is still maturing as a
decision maker. He has a rubber arm and can
make some plays with his feet, but his
poise and pocket awareness are still raw and
he needs to continue learning the game.
The proliferation of the spread offense in
the college game will challenge evaluators to
stamp their approval on senior passers who
must adapt their footwork to NFL-style of-
fenses. Floridas Tim Tebow and Texas Colt
McCoy are the headliners. Both possess in-
triguing athletic ability and toughness. Tebow
is so rugged he could become a great H-back,
but evaluators are being careful not to write
him off too quickly at the QB position given
his fierce competitiveness, strong mental
makeup and determination all qualities that
are very underrated under center.
Despite losing creative offensive coordi-
nator Dan Mullen to Mississippi State,
Tebow could benefit the most by the intro-
duction of the NFL-style drop-back sets that
he has begun honing under new QB coach
Scot Loeffler, who coached the likes of Bri-
an Griese, Tom Brady and Chad Henne dur-
ing two stints as an assistant at Michigan.
McCoy, an incredibly accurate short pass-
er with terrific escapability in the pocket,
made big strides as a junior and figures to
warrant considerable interest despite play-
ing in an unorthodox offense that has not
translated well to the pro game.
Penn States Darryl Clark and Illinois Juice
Williams are built more like running backs
than quarterbacks, but both have played big
on big stages and will have a platform to
prove themselves as passers. West Vir-
ginias Jarrett Brown, who spent three years
backing up Pat White, has better size at
a verified 6-2
1
2, 218 pounds and more up-
side than Clark or Williams. He could
climb the charts with a strong season.
DRAFT AUDIBLES
I have (Texas QB Colt) McCoy in the
third round. Hes tough as nails, smart
and very, very accurate. The ball comes
out of his hand fast on tape. Hes got
something to him. He fits the same mold
as Jeff Garcia. Hes that type of quarter-
back roll out, move the pocket and cre-
ate with his feet.
(Syracuse DT Arthur) Jones plays
with his shoulders too much. Hes quick
off the ball, he can run, hes athletic, hes
active. But youre probably going to have
to keep your foot on his ass. He was on
the ground more than I liked and was cut
too easily. He has enough power, strength
and bulk to play on the nose and hes ath-
letic enough to be a three-technique. He
just needs some seasoning.
(LSU WR) Brandon LaFell got better
the second half of last season the same
way Dwayne Bowe came around as a
senior. (LaFell) used to require a lot of
maintenance but has matured a little bit
every year. Hes got first-round talent.
(Florida LB Brandon) Spikes does not
run very well. Hes got good instincts and
shows up a lot, but hes not impressive on
the hoof (in person).
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
It is not yet official, but the way we hear
it, Kentucky senior DE Jeremy Jarmon
will enter the supplemental draft, where
he likely will be the top prospect available.
Jarmon was kicked out of the program
after testing positive for a banned sub-
stance in a random NCAAdrug test, in-
voking a one-year suspension from the
NCAA. He reportedly said the substance
came from an over-the-counter dietary
supplement and that he was unaware the
substance was part of the supplement.
He initially tested positive on Feb. 24 be-
fore testing negative six weeks later. He
appealed the suspension after the nega-
tive test but was denied by the NCAAon
May 21.
Despite the suspension, Jarmon al-
ready has completed his degree in politi-
cal science, is studying abroad this
summer and has received high marks for
his character. At a verified 6-3, 278
pounds and having been clocked as low
as 4.76 in the 40, Jarmon could bring
value to an NFL team as a left defensive
end or potential five-technique.
He has started 31 games in his career
and finished with 17
1
2 career sacks. He
has missed some time with knee injuries
that will need to be re-evaluated, but he is
naturally thick and well-built with good-
sized, 33-inch arms and could draw con-
siderable intrigue at a position that is not
easy to fill. He could warrant mid-round
interest with starter-type potential.
Tebows profile could rise in 09
Florida is planning to utilize more drop-back passing plays for QB Tim Tebow, which should
enhance his draft stock with NFL teams.
Boston College LB Mark Herzlich, one of
the top prospects for next years draft and a
Butkus Award finalist, was diagnosed with
Ewings sarcoma, a malignant tumor most
often found in bone or soft tissue, after visit-
ing the University of Pennsylvania Medical
Center to check pain and swelling in his left
thigh. The 21-year-old began chemotherapy
treatment on May 19, and has yet to experi-
ence the nauseating side effects commonly
associated with the treatment. He is sched-
uled to go through eight weeks of treatment
and is not expected to be ready for the sea-
son. However, if Herzlich tackles the therapy
the same way he does opposing ballcarriers
it would not surprise anyone if he were
running out of the Eagles tunnel before the
end of the season with his trademark face-
paint and a renewed sense of energy and
vigor. The reigning Atlantic Coast Conference
Defensive Player of the Year was given the
highest preliminary grade, a 7.2, of any 2010
senior prospect by National Football Scout-
ing, one of the two Combine organizations
employed by 20 NFL teams that evaluate
draft prospects.
Nearly a month remains before the sup-
plemental draft begins, but the NFL already
has announced the first participant who will
be eligible. Florida State WR Corey Sur-
rency, who started two of 11 games for the
Seminoles in 2008 after transferring from
junior college, has submitted his name for in-
clusion in the draft. At a listed 6-5, 220
pounds, Surrency has intriguing size. Wear-
ing jersey No. 1, he finished sixth on the team
in receptions with 12 for 237 yards and four
TDs for a team-leading 19.8 yards per catch.
He is very raw as a route runner, will require
considerable time to absorb an NFL play-
book and has character issues that will re-
quire closer examination. He is not expected
to be drafted, but a year after the supple-
mental draft was canceled because no en-
trants applied, his addition assures that a
draft will be held in early July.
The first NFL draft of the Roger Goodell
era featured the longest first round in NFL
history, spanning six hours and eight min-
utes, and also featured the longest first day,
with the first three rounds stretching 11
hours, four minutes. The following year,
Goodell reacted, pushing the starting time
back three hours, chopping time allotted for
each first-round pick from 15 minutes to 10,
second rounders from 10 to seven and keep-
ing the remaining picks at five minutes. He
also moved the third round to Sunday. For
the 2009 NFL draft, the start time was
inched back an hour again, gradually moving
closer to a prime-time slot, especially after
the first round lasted only three hours and
23 minutes. If Goodell receives enough sup-
port from clubs, its possible next years draft
could begin on Thursday, with Rounds Two
and Three on Friday and the final four rounds
wrapping up on Saturday.
COLLEGE NOTES
S
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Last men standing:
Big names still looking for jobs
By Dan Parr
Associate editor
T
he pickings are about as slim as the
Lions chances of a title this season, yet
there is still a handful of free agents
available that could make a significant
contribution to a team in need. With that
in mind, PFW has ranked the top 10 veter-
ans on the open market. Some of these play-
ers already could have appeared in their fi-
nal game, but most of them will get an op-
portunity somewhere, whether a training
camp injury clears a roster spot or a team
decides its not as strong at a position as it
might have thought after getting an up-close
look during minicamps.
Its worth noting that Brett Favre would
be near the top of the list if he officially an-
nounced he would play in 2009, but for now,
we ll treat him as though hes retired and
stick to the guys that we know are looking
to latch on with a club.
1. WR Plaxico Burress He will be in
court to face felony gun possession charges
on June 15, and teams are waiting to see the
leagues response to the outcome of the case
before making a bid on Burress, who was
released by the Giants on April 3. While hes
getting up there in age he ll turn 32 in
August Burress is only one season re-
moved from a 1,025-yard, 12-touchdown
campaign and would be a valuable target for
many teams. The Jets and Buccaneers re-
portedly have been sniffing around Burress,
and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said a third
team also has expressed serious interest. Of
course, if the league hands Burress a year-
long suspension, he almost assuredly will be
a free agent until 2010.
2. RB Edgerrin James Entering his 11th
season, James is past his prime, but he
showed there is more than a little bit left in
the tank during the Cardinals postseason
run, when he averaged almost four yards on
61 carries. Edge probably could handle 5-
10 carries a game for a team short on RB
depth, but thus far, only one team the
Saints publicly has shown interest, and
it was lukewarm at best.
3. WR Matt Jones Jones is one of the
few players available whose best days still
might be ahead of him. The 2005 first-round
pick failed to meet the high expectations he
entered the league with in Jacksonville, and
off-field issues with drugs no doubt played
a role in his struggles. But he only turned
26 in April and is coming off the best sea-
son of his career. Jones still could become
a solid No. 2 receiver for some team willing
to give him another chance. Plus, the NFL
reportedly has notified him that he wont
face a suspension for violating a court-man-
dated drug program.
4. LB Derrick Brooks After Brooks was
dumped by the Buccaneers in February,
many figured he would retire after a 14-year,
Hall of Fame-caliber career, but he wants
to keep playing. Although he has lost a step,
Brooks could be a decent two-down play-
er for a cover-2 team, and he certainly would
be a good influence and mentor for a
young squad. Brooks probably is interest-
ed only in going to a team that will give him
a chance to start, but he doesnt appear to
have found many willing parties.
5. DE Kevin Carter Steady, but unspec-
tacular. Those words have defined the
most recent stages of Carters career. He
plays the run well but isnt going to provide
much in the way of a pass rush anymore.
That, apparently, is enough to intrigue the
Lions, who have looked at Carter, a durable,
smart and vocal leader who has started at
least 13 games every year of his 14-year ca-
reer.
6. QB Rex Grossman Its not hard to
believe given his recent struggles, but it does
come as a bit of a surprise that Grossman,
who quarterbacked a Super Bowl team a few
years ago, has generated no real interest
since free agency began. He would be a very
good third option on many teams, despite
the Good Rex/Bad Rex caricature with
which hes associated.
7. DT Dewayne Robertson Despite a
chronic knee ailment, Robertson, who was
cut by the Broncos after the season so
they could avoid paying him a large bonus,
has played in all but four games since en-
tering the league in 2003. Hes looking for
a home with a club that runs a 4-3 defense
after struggling as a 3-4 nose tackle during
his time with the Jets. Robertson would fit
best on a team with depth at tackle, where
he can rotate in and out instead of playing
every down. The salary-cap strapped Pan-
thers could use another tackle, but they sim-
ply dont have the money to sign him.
8. DE-DT Vonnie Holliday Holliday be-
came a salary-cap casualty in Miami, but his
versatility should help him eventually land
a job. He can play end in a 3-4 scheme, as
he did last season with the Dolphins, and
also can play tackle in a 4-3. His production
dropped off a bit in 2008, but he still has
another solid season or two left in him.
9. OT Levi Jones The 29-year-old is
looking for a team that will give him an op-
portunity to start. There arent many of
those, which is why hes still searching for
a gig. Jones has been hampered in recent
years by knee and leg injuries, but he is said
to be in good health now and is a reliable
left tackle when at full strength.
10. OT Jon Runyan Runyan is coming
off microfracture surgery, which has given
potentially interested teams pause, but he
says hes firmly committed to playing in
2009. He has been durable throughout his
career and will garner interest around the
time training camps start up if he can
pass a physical.
Ex-Giant Plaxico Burress
faces felony charges.
T
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The Saints showed inter-
est in Edgerrin James.
K
K
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Matt Jones is looking for
a fresh start.
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FREE-AGENCY UPDATE
RANKING THE FREE-AGENT CLASS OF 2009
Below are the highest-graded players who were scheduled to hit the free-agent market at seasons end. Some re-
signed before free agency began Feb. 27. Some came free because their contracts expired, others were cut in cost-
cutting moves. Asterisk (*) denotes a player who received the franchise tag. (Updated through May 31)
TOP 50 FREE AGENTS
RK. POSITION/PLAYER 2008 TEAM 2009 TEAM TERMS (YRS. VALUE GUARANTEED)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
DTAlbert Haynesworth Titans Redskins 7 years / $100 million / $41 million
CB Nnamdi Asomugha Raiders Raiders 3 years / $45.3 million / $28.5 million
DE Julius Peppers* Panthers
LB Terrell Suggs* Ravens
OTJordan Gross Panthers Panthers 6 years / $54 million / undisclosed
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh Bengals Seahawks 5 years / $40 million / $15 million
QB Matt Cassel* Patriots Chiefs 1 year / $14.651 million / $14.651 million
QB Kurt Warner Cardinals Cardinals 2 years / $23 million / $19 million
LB Karlos Dansby* Cardinals Cardinals 1 year / $9.7 million / $9.7 million
RB Brandon Jacobs* Giants Giants 4 years / $25 million / $13 million
LB Ray Lewis Ravens Ravens 7 years / $44.5 million / $15.5 million
ILB Bart Scott Ravens Jets 6 years / $48 million / $22.5 million
C-OG Jason Brown Ravens Rams 5 years / $37.5 million / $20 million
TE Owen Daniels (RFA) Texans
S O.J. Atogwe* Rams
RB Darren Sproles* Chargers Chargers 1 year / $6.621 million / $6.621 million
WR Antonio Bryant* Buccaneers Buccaneers 1 year / $9.884 million / $9.884 million
CB Kelvin Hayden Colts Colts 5 years / $43 million / $22 million
P Shane Lechler Raiders Raiders 4 years / $16 million / $9 million
LB Leroy Hill Seahawks Seahawks 6 years / $36 million / $11 million
CB DeAngelo Hall Redskins Redskins 6 years / $54 million / $22.5 million
DE Chris Canty Cowboys Giants 6 years / $42 million / $17.25 million
OG Jahri Evans Saints Saints 1 year / $2.792 million / $2.792 million
OTVernon Carey Dolphins Dolphins 6 years / $42 million / $15 million
CB Bryant McFadden Steelers Cardinals 2 years / $10 million / $5 million
C Jeff Saturday Colts Colts 3 years / $13.3 million / undisclosed
RB Derrick Ward Giants Buccaneers 4 years / $17 million / $6 million
OT Stacy Andrews Bengals Eagles 6 years / $40 million / undisclosed
CB Dunta Robinson* Texans
WR Terrell Owens Cowboys Bills 1 year / $6.5 million / $6.5 million
WR Laveranues Coles Jets Bengals 4 years / $27.5 million / undisclosed
S Brian Dawkins Eagles Broncos 5 years / $17 million / $7.2 million
S Yeremiah Bell Dolphins Dolphins 4 years / $20 million / $10 million
PK Rob Bironas Titans Titans 4 years / $12 million / $5 million
ILB Channing Crowder Dolphins Dolphins 3 years / undisclosed / undisclosed
WR Nate Washington Steelers Titans 6 years / $27 million / $9 million
OT Orlando Pace Rams Bears 3 years / $15 million / undisclosed
OT Mark Tauscher Packers
MLB Jonathan Vilma Saints Saints 5 years / $34 million / $17 million
PK Shayne Graham* Bengals Bengals 1 year / $2.483 million / $2.483 million
QB Byron Leftwich Steelers Buccaneers 2 years / $7.5 million / none
DE Antonio Smith Cardinals Texans 5 years / $35 million / $12.5 million
DE Jason Taylor Redskins Dolphins 1 year / undisclosed / undisclosed
QB Kerry Collins Titans Titans 2 years / $15 million / $8.5 million
OG Derrick Dockery Bills Redskins 5 years / $26.5 million / $8.2 million
TE Bo Scaife* Titans Titans 1 year / $4.462 million / $4.462 million
OG Harvey Dahl Falcons Falcons 1 year / $1.545 million / $1.545 million
OT Max Starks* Steelers Steelers 1 year / $8.451 million / $8.451 million
WR Lance Moore Saints Saints 1 year / $1.545 million / $1.545 million
WR Torry Holt Rams Jaguars 3 years / $20 million / undisclosed
TRANSACTIONS
(As reported, April 27-May 29)
AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE
BALTIMORE April 29: ERFA re-signed: LB Jameel
McClain. May 1: Contract terminated: QB Todd Bouman.
May 4: Roster addition: QB John Beck (released by Dol-
phins 4/27). May 5: ERFA re-signed: TE Edgar Jones.
May 8: Roster additions: FB Jason Cook (Mississippi);
LB Dannell Ellerbe (Georgia); PK Graham Gano (Florida
State); DTWill Johnson (Michigan); CB David Jones (Ken-
tucky); WR Eron Riley (Duke); C Greg Ryan (Western Ken-
tucky); DE William VanDeSteeg (Minnesota); LB Luis
Vasquez (Arizona State); WR Isaiah Williams (Maryland);
QB Drew Willy (Buffalo). UFA lost: FB Lorenzo Neal
(Raiders). May 13: Reserve/retired: OTWillie Anderson.
May 18: Roster addition: WR Kelley Washington (re-
leased by Patriots 2/17). Contract terminated: WR Mar-
cus Maxwell. May 26: Roster addition: C Robbie Felix
(UTEP). May 27: Roster additions: OT Stefan Rodgers
(released by Jaguars 5/4); OT Lou Saucedo (Montana
State).
BUFFALO May 1: Roster additions: OT Joel Bell
(Furman); DT John Faletoese (UC Davis); OT Nick Hen-
nessey (Colgate); DT Ventrell Jenkins (Kentucky); DT
David Lindquist (Illinois); TE Travis McCall (Alabama); LB
Ashlee Palmer (Mississippi); CB Lydell Sargeant (Penn
State); PK Danny Urrego (Portland State); DE Gerald
Washington (USC). May 5: Roster addition: LS Garrison
Sanborn (Florida State). Placed on waivers: LB Vince
Hall. May 12: Roster additions: DE Jermaine McGhee (re-
leased from Chiefs practice squad 11/10/08); CB Kyle
Ward (released by Packers 7/24/08). May 13: ERFA re-
signed: RB Fred Jackson. May 18: UFAlost: DE Tony Har-
grove (Saints). May 19: ERFAs re-signed: DE Bryan
Copeland; LB Blake Costanzo; TE Derek Schouman. May
20: Placed on waivers: WR Mike Jefferson.
CINCINNATI April 27: Contracts terminated: S
Mike Doss; TE Nate Lawrie; RB Chris Perry. Placed on
waivers: DE Eric Henderson; RB Gary Russell. April 28:
Contract terminated: PKyle Larson. Placed on waivers:
P Ryan Plackemeier. April 30: Franchise FA re-signed:
PK Shayne Graham. UFA lost: C Eric Ghiaciuc (Chiefs).
May 1: Roster additions: WR Quan Cosby (Texas); OG
Colin Dow (Montana); QB Billy Farris (Colorado State); RB
Marlon Lucky (Nebraska); CB Rico Murray (Kent State); S
Tom Nelson (Illinois State); WR Greg Orton (Purdue); FB
Chris Pressley (Wisconsin); WR David Richmond (San
Jose State); LB Dan Skuta (Grand Valley State). May 4:
Roster additions: TE Darius Hill (Ball State); DT Pernell
Phillips (Central State); LS James Smith (Florida). May 6:
Contract terminated: OTLevi Jones. May 7: Traded: DT
Orien Harris to Rams for RB Brian Leonard. Roster addi-
tion: S Roy Williams (released by Cowboys 3/5). May 21:
Placed on waivers: C Digger Bujnoch.
CLEVELAND April 27: Traded: First-round pick in
2009 draft to Jets for DE Kenyon Coleman, S Abram Elam,
QB Brett Ratliff, and first- and second-round picks in 2009
draft. April 30: Assigned on waivers: LB Bo Ruud from
Patriots. May 1: Roster additions: LB Marcus Benard
(Jackson State); S Corey Boudreaux (San Diego State);
OT Branndon Braxton (Oklahoma); WR Brent Casteel
(Utah); OG Marlon Davis (Alabama); LB Jonathon Foster
(Central State); DT Adam Hoppel (Cincinnati); LB Phillip
Hunt (Houston); TE Mike Massey (Michigan); S Nate Ness
(Arizona); WR Jordan Norwood (Penn State); CB Antonio
Smith (Bowling Green); S Jason Venson (Central Florida);
S Bryan Williams (Akron). May 4: Roster addition: S Bret
Lockett (UCLA). Placed on waivers: S Corey Boudreaux;
WR Brent Casteel; TE Mike Massey; CB Antonio Smith.
May 5: Roster addition: WR Mike Furrey (released by
Lions 1/28). May 15: Roster addition: PK Parker Dou-
glass (Sioux Falls Storm, United Indoor Football League).
May 26: Roster addition: CB Roderick Hood (released
by Cardinals 4/29).
DENVER April 27: Placed on waivers: TE Adam
Bergen; WR Jayson Foster. April 28: Roster additions:
NTChris Baker (Hampton); TE Marquez Branson (Central
Arkansas); OT Stanley Bryant (East Carolina); CB Tony
Carter (Florida State); PBritton Colquitt (Tennessee); DE
Rulon Davis (California); OT Marcus Gordon (Kentucky
State); WR David Grimes (Notre Dame); S Domonique
Johnson (Jackson State); LB Braxton Kelley (Kentucky);
RB Kestahn Moore (Florida); DE Everette Pedescleaux
(Northern Iowa); LB Lee Robinson (Alcorn State); LB Jeff
Schweiger (San Jose State); WR Travis Shelton (Temple);
WR Nate Swift (Nebraska); WR Lucas Taylor (Tennessee).
April 29: Roster addition: LB Nick Greisen (released by
Ravens 3/12). Contract terminated: FB Andrew Pinnock.
April 30: Placed on waivers: RB Selvin Young (failed
physical/neck). May 8: Roster addition: RB Darius
Walker (ended season on Texans practice squad). May 27:
Contract terminated: RB J.J. Arrington (failed
physical/knee). May 29: Placed on waivers: LB Jeff
Schweiger.
HOUSTON April 28: Contract terminated: TE
Courtney Anderson. May 1: Roster additions: WR Aubrey
Bell (Mississippi State); RB Arian Foster (Tennessee); C
Brett Helms (LSU); DE Tim Jamison (Michigan); RB Jere-
miah Johnson (Oregon); DTJoshua Leonard (Hawaii); LB
Toddrick Verdell (Florida State); DT Jake Visser (Ferris
State). May 4: Roster additions: OTDoug Dedrick (Iowa
State); WR Michael Jones (Arizona State); OT Jason
Watkins (Florida). May 6: Roster additions: P Justin
Brantly (Texas A&M); OG Brandon Walker (Oklahoma).
May 11: Roster addition: FB Boomer Grigsby (released
by Dolphins 9/9/08). May 18: UFA signed: OG Adrian
Jones (Chiefs). UFA lost: LS Bryan Pittman (Seahawks).
Roster addition: LB John Busing (not tendered as RFA
by Bengals 2/26). May 19: Roster addition: RB Clifton
Dawson (released by Colts 3/20). Placed on waivers: OG
Brandon Walker.
INDIANAPOLIS April 27: UFAs lost: CB Keiwan
Ratliff (Steelers); P Hunter Smith (Redskins). April 30:
UFA re-signed: LB Freddy Keiaho. May 1: Roster addi-
tions: CB Brandon Anderson (Akron); TE Colin Cloherty
(Brown); NT Adrian Grady (Louisville); S Brandon Harri-
son (Michigan); LB Ramon Humber (North Dakota State);
DE Pat Kuntz (Notre Dame); CB Jacob Lacey (Oklahoma
State); OG Cornelius Lewis (Tennessee State); PTim Mas-
thay (Kentucky); WR John Matthews (San Diego); WR
Brett McDermott (Holy Cross); OG Tom Pestock (North-
west Missouri State); LB Tyrell Sales (Penn State). May 4:
Roster additions: QB Chris Crane (Boston College); LB
Michael Tauiliili (Duke). Placed on waivers: LB Rufus
Alexander; P Mike Dragosavich. May 5: Roster addition:
DT Ed Johnson (released by Colts 9/11/08).
JACKSONVILLE April 27: Placed on waivers: OT
Charles Spencer. April 29: ERFA re-signed: TE Greg Es-
tandia. Placed on waivers: FB Anthony Cotrone (failed
physical). May 1: Roster additions: LB Russell Allen (San
Diego State); RB Kyle Bell (Colorado State); FB Brock
Bolen (Louisville); QB Nathan Brown (Central Arkansas);
CB Weldon Brown (Louisiana Tech); S Michael Des-
ormeaux (Louisiana-Lafayette); WR Maurice Dupree
(Jacksonville State); WR Jason English (Tuskegee); DT
George Hypolite (Colorado); CB Pete Ittersagen
(Wheaton, Ill.); TE Tyler Lorenzen (Connecticut); RB Mike
McClendon (North Alabama); DE Jeremy Navarre (Mary-
land); C Cecil Newton (Tennessee State); S Kevin Patter-
son (Wake Forest); WR Todd Peterson (Nebraska); LB
Johnny Williams (Kentucky); DE Julius Williams (Connecti-
cut). May 4: Roster additions: DTNader Abdallah (Ohio
State); CB Mesphin Forrester (Washington). Placed on
waivers: QB Nathan Brown; CB Isaiah Gardner; OT Ste-
fan Rodgers. May 12: Roster addition: QB Todd Bouman
(released by Ravens 5/1). May 14: Placed on waivers:
RB Mike McLendon; S Chad Nkang (failed physical). May
20: Assigned on waivers: CB Tyron Brackenridge from
Jets. Placed on waivers: WR DJuan Woods.
KANSAS CITY April 30: UFA signed: C Eric
Ghiaciuc (Bengals). May 8: Roster addition: CB Jackie
Bates (Hampton); LB Jovan Belcher (Maine); TE Tom
Crabtree (Miami, Ohio); CB Londen Fryar (Western Michi-
gan); DTDion Gales (Troy); OTCameron Goldberg (Duke);
DT Bobby Greenwood (Alabama); OG Darryl Harris (Mis-
sissippi); WR Taurus Johnson (South Florida); CB Ricky
Price (Oklahoma State); LB Corey Smith (Cincinnati); LB
Pierre Walters (Eastern Illinois). May 18: UFA lost: OG
Adrian Jones (Texans). May 27: Placed on waivers: DE
Brian Johnston. May 29: RFA re-signed: S Jarrad Page.
MIAMI April 27: Placed on waivers: QB John Beck.
May 1: Roster additions: DT Ryan Baker (Purdue); TE
Jared Bronson (Central Washington); NT Louis Ellis
(Shaw); RB Anthony Kimble (Stanford); OG Mark Lewis
(Oregon); WR Brennan Marion (Tulsa); DE Orion Martin
(Virginia Tech); TE SirVincent Rogers (Houston); WR Chris
Williams (New Mexico State). May 8: Roster addition:
OG J.D. Quinn (Montana). May 14: Roster addition: DE
Jason Taylor (released by Redskins 3/2). May 20: Draft
choice signed: TE John Nalbone (5-161).
NEW ENGLAND April 27: Traded: CB Ellis Hobbs
to Eagles for two fifth-round picks in 2009 draft. April 29:
Placed on waivers: LB Bo Ruud. April 30: Traded: Undis-
closed pick in 2010 draft to Buccaneers for TE Alex Smith.
May 1: Roster additions: LB Antonio Appleby (Virginia);
QB Brian Hoyer (Michigan State); CB Jamar Love
(Arkansas); S Marcus McClinton (Kentucky); OT Jermail
Porter (Kent State). May 4: Roster additions: WR Tyree
Barnes (Navy); LB Vinny Ciurciu (released by Vikings 3/3);
RB Omar Cuff (ended season on Buccaneers practice
squad); FB Eric Kettani (Navy); WR Robert Ortiz (released
by 49ers 8/30/08); P Aaron Perez (UCLA); WR Shun
White (Navy); DT Steve Williams (released by Panthers
8/30/08). May 5: UFA signed: S Brandon McGowan
(Bears). Placed on waivers: PTom Malone. May 11: Ros-
ter addition: WR Terrance Nunn (Nebraska). May 26:
Contract terminated: DT Damane Duckett. Placed on
waivers: TE Brad Listorti. May 27: UFA signed: LB Paris
Lenon (Lions). May 29: Placed on waivers: P Aaron
Perez.
N.Y. JETS April 27: Traded: DE Kenyon Coleman, S
Abram Elam, QB Brett Ratliff, and first- and second-round
picks in 2009 draft to Browns for first-round pick in 2009
draft. Placed on waivers: P Reggie Hodges; RB Marcus
Mason. April 28: Contract terminated: QB Brett Favre
(from reserve/retired). May 1: Roster additions: TE
JNathan Bullock (Cleveland State); PT.J. Conley (Idaho);
S Emanuel Cook (South Carolina); TE Andrew Davie
(Arkansas); WR Britt Davis (Northern Illinois); S Keith
Fitzhugh (Mississippi State); DT Matt Kroul (Iowa); OT
Kyle Link (McNeese State); OT Ryan McKee (Southern
Mississippi); TE Rob Myers (Utah State); C Michael Paren-
ton (Tulane); QB Chris Pizzotti (Harvard); DE Zach Potter
(Nebraska); FB Brannan Southerland (Georgia); DT Ty
Steinkuhler (Nebraska); OT Tavita Thompson (Oregon
State); DE Jamaal Westerman (Rutgers). May 4: Roster
additions: NTAnthony Harris (Rock River Iron, Continen-
tal Indoor Football League); TE Jack Simmons (Min-
nesota). May 12: UFA re-signed: TE Bubba Franks. May
19: Draft choice signed: OG Matt Slauson (6-193).
Placed on waivers: CB Tyron Brackenridge. May 26: As-
signed on waivers: TE Martrez Milner from Giants.
Placed on waivers: OT Kyle Link. May 27: Placed on
waivers: TE Rob Myers.
OAKLAND April 30: Roster additions: WR Shawn
Bayes (Kent State); LB Jerome Boyd (Oregon); DT
Desmond Bryant (Harvard); OG Jonathan Compas (UC
Davis); WR Nick Miller (Southern Utah); TE Chris ONeill
(Boise State). May 4: Roster additions: LB Frantz Joseph
(Florida Atlantic); LB David Nixon (Brigham Young). May
8: UFA signed: FB Lorenzo Neal (Ravens). Roster addi-
tion: RB Gary Russell (released by Steelers 4/16). May
11: Roster addition: WR Samie Parker (released by Sea-
hawks 9/13/08). May 12: Roster addition: QB Danny
Southwick (Louisville Fire, Arena Football League 2). May
14: Roster addition: TE John Paul Foschi (released by
Chiefs 11/4/08). May 18: Assigned on waivers: WR
William Franklin from Lions. May 21: UFAsigned: S Keith
Davis (Cowboys).
PITTSBURGH April 27: UFA signed: CB Keiwan
Ratliff (Colts). April 29: Roster addition: LS Mark Es-
termyer (Pittsburgh). Placed on waivers: LS Jared
Retkofsky (failed physical). April 30: Roster addition: PK
Petr Czech (released by Ravens 8/28/08). May 1: UFA
signed: WR Shaun McDonald (Lions). Roster additions:
WR Steven Black (Memphis); DE Jeff Bradley (Western
Carolina); WR Jayson Foster (released by Broncos 4/26);
OT Ramon Foster (Tennessee); WR Cedric Goodman
(Georgia); P Dirk Johnson (released by Redskins 4/24);
LB Tom Korte (Hillsdale); QB Kevin McCabe (California,
Pa.); DT Steve McClendon (Troy); RB Isaac Redman
(Bowie State); QB Mike Reilly (Central Washington); S
Derrick Richardson (New Mexico State); LB Andy Schantz
(Portland State). May 4: Contract terminated: LB Larry
Foote.
SAN DIEGO April 27: Placed on waivers: TE Scott
Chandler; CB DeJuan Tribble. April 28: Franchise FA re-
signed: RB Darren Sproles. Placed on waivers: S Grant
Mason. May 1: UFA lost: LB Marcus Harris (49ers). Ros-
ter additions: OT Sam Allen (Grand Valley State); LB
Darry Beckwith (LSU); RB Curtis Brinkley (Syracuse); CB
Ramarcus Brown (Georgia); WR Greg Carr (Florida State);
WR Jeremy Childs (Boise State); LB Anthony Felder (Cal-
ifornia); OT Dan Gay (Baylor); LB James Holt (Kansas);
NTRashaad Jackson (Clemson); WR Charly Martin (West
Texas A&M); C Ryan McDonald (Illinois); OT Ben Muth
(Stanford); CB Wopamo Osaisai (Stanford); FB Bill Rent-
meester (Wisconsin); WR Rodgeriqus Smith (Auburn); TE
Kory Sperry (Colorado State); S C.J. Spillman (Marshall);
TE Jerimiah Wurzbacher (North Dakota State). May 11:
Placed on waivers: TE Jerimiah Wurzbacher. May 15:
RFAre-signed: WR Malcom Floyd. May 18: Roster addi-
tions: TE Tripp Chandler (Georgia); P Truman Spencer
(North Texas).
TENNESSEE April 28: Franchise FAre-signed: TE
Bo Scaife. May 1: Roster additions: RB Rodney Ferguson
(New Mexico); WR Dudley Guice (Northwestern State,
La.); CB Jeremy Haynes (McNeese State); DT Mitch King
(Iowa); WR Phillip Morris (South Carolina State); QB Alex
Mortensen (Arkansas); OG Ryan Schmidt (South Florida);
PA.J. Trapasso (Ohio State).
NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE
ARIZONA April 29: Contracts terminated: CB
Roderick Hood; RB Edgerrin James; DE Travis LaBoy (failed
physical). May 1: Roster additions: WR Justin Brown
(Hampton); LB Chase Bullock (Maryland); CB Tony Davis
(Penn State); CB Jameel Dowling (Hawaii); WR Michael
Ray Garvin (Florida State); OG Carlton Medder (released
by Cardinals 8/30/08); WR Shane Morales (Oregon
State); OT Brandon Pearce (Memphis); LB Reggie Walker
(Kansas State). May 4: Roster addition: OT Oliver Ross
(released by Patriots 10/28/08). May 5: Roster addition:
TE Dominique Byrd (released by Rams 4/29/08). May 18:
Roster addition: WR Ed Gant (North Alabama).
ATLANTA April 27: Contracts terminated: DE
Simon Fraser; DT Kindal Moorehead. Placed on waivers:
OG Nathan Bennett; CB Darius Vinnett. Roster additions:
WR Troy Bergeron (Georgia Force, Arena Football League);
LB Brock Christopher (Missouri); PK Robbie Dehaze
(Northern Arizona); WR Aaron Kelly (Clemson); DE Mau-
rice Lucas (Colorado); WR Darren Mougey (San Diego
State); LB Derek Nicholson; LS Robert Shiver (Auburn);
OT Ryan Stanchek (West Virginia); OT Jose Valdez
(Arkansas); QB John Parker Wilson (Alabama). April 28:
Placed on waivers: WR Troy Bergeron (failed physical).
April 29: Roster addition: RB Verron Haynes (ended sea-
son with Steelers). April 30: Roster addition: LB Edmond
Miles (released by Giants 12/30/08). May 11: Roster ad-
dition: WR Troy Bergeron (released by Falcons 4/28). May
13: Roster addition: LB Rashad Bobino (Texas). May 15:
Placed on waivers: LB Derek Nicholson; S Marcus
Paschal; CB Ronnie Prude. May 20: Roster addition: WR
Khalil Jones (Miami, Fla.).
CAROLINA May 1: Roster additions: WR Larry
Beavers (Wesley); TE Kevin Brock (Rutgers); OT Patrick
Brown (Central Florida); OTGerald Cadogan (Penn State);
QB Hunter Cantwell (Louisville); WR Jason Chery
(Louisiana-Lafayette); CB D.J. Clark (Idaho State); OG C.J.
Davis (Pittsburgh); DT Marlon Favorite (LSU); C Justin
Geisinger (ended season with Redskins); C Keith Gray
(Connecticut); DT Lonnie Harvey (Morgan State); LB An-
thony Heygood (Purdue); LB Mortty Ivy (West Virginia); LB
Michael Juergens (Wyoming); DT Justin Kershaw (Michi-
gan State); RB Jamall Lee (Bishops, Canada); LB Brit
Miller (Illinois); WR Marcus Monk (released by Giants
9/8/08); S Anthony Scirrotto (Penn State); LS Nick Sund-
berg (California); OT Garry Williams (Kentucky). May 4:
Roster addition: RB Markus Manson (Valdosta State).
May 21: Roster addition: S Reggie Sullivan (Johnson C.
Smith). May 27: Roster addition: S Paul Chiara (Syra-
cuse).
CHICAGO May 1: Roster additions: OG Johan Asi-
ata (UNLV); OG Dennis Conley (Hampton); S Dahna Dele-
ston (Connecticut); RB Tyrell Fenroy (Louisiana-Lafayette);
LB Kevin Malast (Rutgers); WR Eric Peterman (Northwest-
ern); LB Mike Rivera (Kansas); FB Will Taufoou (Califor-
nia); CB Woodny Turenne (Louisville). May 5: UFA lost: S
Brandon McGowan (Patriots). Placed on waivers: RB
Tyrell Fenroy. May 13: Roster addition: TE Michael Gaines
(released by Lions 4/29). May 29: Draft choices signed:
LB Marcus Freeman (5-154); WR Derek Kinder (7-251); WR
Johnny Knox (5-140); OG Lance Louis (7-246); CB D.J.
Moore (4-119).
DALLAS May 1: Roster additions: OG Travis Bright
(Brigham Young); QB Rudy Carpenter (Arizona State); WR
Julian Hawkins (Boise State); TE Jamar Hunt (UTEP); OG
Greg Isdaner (West Virginia); RB Keon Lattimore (ended
season on Jaguars practice squad); WR Kevin Ogletree
(Virginia); FB Asaph Schwapp (Notre Dame); OT Michael
Turkovich (Notre Dame); DE Casey Tyler (released by Pa-
triots 6/12/08). May 18: Roster addition: NTJonas Sea-
wright (released by Giants 9/1/07). May 21: UFA lost: S
Keith Davis (Raiders). May 26: Placed on waivers: CB Tra
Battle; DE Casey Tyler. May 28: Roster additions: TE
Scott Chandler (released by Chargers 4/27); WR Mike Jef-
ferson (released by Bills 5/20); DE Derreck Robinson (re-
leased by Dolphins 5/6/08).
DETROIT April 27: Placed on waivers: QB Drew
Henson; S Pacino Horne; OG Matt Lentz. Rights termi-
nated via selection system: S Caleb Campbell. April 29:
Contract terminated: TE Michael Gaines. April 30: Con-
tract terminated: CB Travis Fisher. May 1: UFA lost: WR
Shaun McDonald (Steelers). Roster additions: WR D.J.
Boldin (Wake Forest); LB Andrew Downey (Maine); C Dan
Gerberry (Ball State); DT John Gill (Northwestern); PK
Swayze Waters (UAB). May 4: Roster addition: DE Eric
Hicks (released by Jets 12/18/07). Contract terminated:
WR Travis Taylor. Placed on waivers: RB Brian Calhoun
(failed physical); WR Steve Sanders. May 5: Assigned on
waivers: DE Jason Hunter from Packers. Roster addi-
tions: OG Toniu Fonoti (released by Panthers 8/30/08);
LB Spenser Smith (Eastern Michigan). May 6: Roster ad-
dition: LB Larry Foote (released by Steelers 5/4). May 7:
UFA re-signed: WR Keary Colbert. Roster addition: RB
Antone Smith (Florida State). May 8: Roster addition:
WR Tommy Saunders (Missouri). Placed on waivers: LB
Chris Graham. May 14: Roster addition: DE Ryan Kees
(St. Cloud State). May 15: Contract terminated: OT Ju-
nius Coston. Placed on waivers: WR William Franklin. May
21: Roster addition: OTEphraim Salaam (released by Tex-
AUDIBLES
The biggest steal of the draft I think was the Falcons getting a Hall of Fame tight end
(Tony Gonzalez) for a second-round pick next year, which amounts to a third (-rounder).
Who is Matt Cassel going to check down to now? Gonzalez was a huge part of that of-
fense. He was their go-to receiver. He was the security blanket check-down. With a quar-
terback adapting to a new system, I would not have wanted to give him up not this year.
He is going to make Matt Ryan a lot better.
(Seattle head coach) Jimmy Mora
wants to win now. His ego wont allow for
anything else. Thats why the Seahawks
passed on the quarterbacks. I think theyll
live to regret it. How much money is
(Aaron) Curry going to get paid next year?
Then look at the salaries of Lofa Tatupu
and Leroy Hill. They all have to be close to
making $8 million (per year). I hope they
have a plan for Curry to rush the passer in
nickel situations and he is able to do it
because thats a lot of money to pay any
linebacker who is not going to be on the
field in nickel situations.
I have a bone to pick with the media.
How come everyone let Scott Pioli off the
hook? Tyson Jackson is a Toyota. (The
Chiefs) spent 60K on a Toyota. Its OK if
you spend it on a Mercedes. I dont care if
its an Avalon (high-end model Toyota).
(Bill) Belichick looked like a genius trading
out of the first round and picking up picks
for next year so he does not have to pay
anyone first-round money who is not a
first-round talent. Pioli traded one pick in
the sixth round, and he overpaid Jackson.
(Eagles rookie WR) Jeremy Maclin is
very, very raw. Hes going to take some
time to figure it out.
You can say Mark Sanchez could not
even beat out Josh Booty, but if you asked
Pete Carroll now, I think he would admit he
probably made a mistake. People forget
how close the competition was between
Booty, Matt Leinart and Matt Cassel the
year after Carson Palmer left. It was neck-
to-neck-to-neck. Cassel came close to being
the starter, but Leinart was the most mis-
take-free he knew where to go with the
ball and when to get rid of it. Thats why he
won the job. Cassel easily could have been
the Heisman Trophy winner. If you look at it
in retrospect, who has been the best pro?
Id say its not even close its Cassel
and how many snaps did he take in college?
Too many people get caught up in who the
starter is, but college coaches have a lot of
tough (personnel) decisions to make, too,
and they dont always get them right.
I would not have given up a first-rounder
next year for Everette Brown, but he can
rush the passer and you know exactly what
you are getting. His intangibles are a lot like
Jon Beasons. Hell make everyone around
him better. He has the qualities Julius
Peppers is lacking. And to be fair, they
might be able to get two first-rounders
back for Peppers next year.
(Ohio S) Mike Mitchell is a good player.
(Too many evaluators) are covering their
ass (by dinging him). He can run and he will
knock the (crap) out of you. Watch the Ohio
State game he had a great game. He was
lights-out. The problem is that few scouts
went into the program and studied him.
The kid ran a 4.48 (in the 40) and he pulled
up early. Where the Raiders screwed up
they could have taken him two rounds
later. There was no need to take him as
early as they did, but they did the same
thing with Darrius Heyward-Bey. The old
man (Al Davis) does not care about over-
spending. At worst, though, (Mitchell) will
be a good special-teamer. Mark my words
he will be a good player. He is a banger.
You may not want him at free (safety), but
hell start in the box and be good at it.
The following quotes are from NFL scouts, coaches and front-office personnel, speaking
on the condition of anonymity.
ans 2/25). May 27: Assigned on waivers: CB Tra Battle
from Cowboys. UFAlost: LB Paris Lenon (Patriots). May 28:
Assigned on waivers: DE Brian Johnston from Chiefs.
Placed on waivers: LB Andrew Downey. May 29: Contract
terminated: FB Jon Bradley.
GREEN BAY April 27: Placed on waivers: C Brennen
Carvalho (failed physical). May 1: Roster additions: TE Car-
son Butler (Michigan); TE Travis Dekker (Air Force); OG Evan
Dietrich-Smith (Idaho State); WR JaRon Harris (South
Dakota State); OG Andrew Hartline (Central Michigan); WR
Kole Heckendorf (North Dakota State); LB Cyril Obiozor
(Texas A&M); WR Jamarko Simmons (Western Michigan);
RB Tyrell Sutton (Northwestern); DE Ronald Talley
(Delaware); WR Patrick Williams (Colorado). Placed on
waivers: DT Fred Bledsoe. May 4: Roster additions: CB
Trevor Ford (Troy); P Adam Graessle (Pittsburgh); DE Dean
Muhtadi (Maryland); OTDane Randolph (Maryland). Placed
on waivers: DE Jason Hunter. May 27: Reserve/Military:
TE Travis Dekker. May 28: ERFA re-signed: CB Tramon
Williams.
MINNESOTA May 1: Roster additions: S Colt Ander-
son (Montana); RB Kahlil Bell (UCLA); C Jon Cooper (Okla-
homa); LB Rob Francois (Boston College); QB Sean Glennon
(Virginia Tech); S Devon Hall (Utah State); DT Antoine
Holmes (North Carolina State); RB Ian Johnson (Boise
State); DT Tremaine Johnson (LSU); OG Andy Kemp (Wis-
consin); OT Bobby Lepori (Fresno State); WR Nick Moore
(Toledo); WR Vinny Perretta (Boise State); TE Nick Walker
(Alabama). May 5: Roster additions: C Juan Garcia (Wash-
ington); OG Nick Urban (Winona State). May 18: Roster ad-
dition: FB Nehemiah Broughton (released by Panthers
3/13).
NEWORLEANS April 27: Contract terminated: NT
Brian Young (failed physical/knee). April 28: Contract ter-
minated: DE Hollis Thomas (failed physical). May 4: Ros-
ter additions: LB Jonathan Casillas (Wisconsin); QB Patrick
Cowan (UCLA); OG Cedric Dockery (released by Bills 2/26);
C Alex Fletcher (Stanford); CB Danny Gorrer (Texas A&M);
WR Kenneth Harris (Georgia); RB P.J. Hill (Wisconsin); CB
Reggie Jones (Portland State); OTSamuel McNaulty (Clark
Atlanta); DTJermey Parnell (Mississippi). May 5: Placed on
waivers: WR Biren Ealy; TE Kolo Kapanui. May 6: Roster
additions: RB Herb Donaldson (Western Illinois); OTAugus-
tus Parrish (Kent State); WR Chris Vaughn (Louisville). May
11: Roster additions: OG Shawn Flanagan (Sioux Falls); DT
Earl Heyman (Louisville); WR Matt Simon (Northern Illinois).
Placed on waivers: OG Cedric Dockery; OT Samuel Mc-
Naulty. May 12: Placed on waivers: WR Chris Vaughn. May
13: Roster addition: OTMichael Brown (Mississippi State).
May 18: UFA signed: DE Tony Hargrove (Bills). Contract
terminated: DE Josh Savage. May 26: Roster addition: WR
Paris Warren (ended season on Cowboys practice squad).
Placed on waivers: OG Shawn Flanagan. May 27: Roster
addition: WR DJuan Woods (ended season on Jaguars prac-
tice squad). Placed on waivers: QB Patrick Cowan.
N.Y. GIANTS April 27: Assigned on waivers: CB
Brandon Sumrall from Colts. April 29: Placed on waivers:
CB Brandon Sumrall (failed physical). May 1: Roster addi-
tions: DT Dwayne Hendricks (Miami, Fla.); S Shareff
Rashad (Central Florida). May 4: Roster additions: DE
Maurice Evans (Penn State); DE Alex Field (Virginia); CB
Bruce Johnson (Miami, Fla.). May 5: Roster addition: CB
Vince Anderson (Webber International). May 11: Roster ad-
ditions: WR Shaun Bodiford (not tendered as RFAby Pack-
ers 2/26); C Alex Derenthal (Temple); DE Tommie Hill
(Colorado State); RB Allen Patrick (released by Browns
2/24); LB Kelvin Smith (released by Dolphins 2/9); TE
George Wrighster (released by Jaguars 4/3). May 21: Ros-
ter addition: OG Tutan Reyes (released by Jaguars
2/22/08). Placed on waivers: TE Martrez Milner.
PHILADELPHIA April 27: Traded: Two fifth-round
picks in 2009 draft to Patriots for CB Ellis Hobbs. April 30:
Roster addition: LB Kenny Ingram (Florida State). May 1:
Roster additions: DE Josh Gaines (Penn State); S Reshard
Langford (Vanderbilt); FB Marcus Mailei (Weber State); RB
Walter Mendenhall (Illinois State); C Dallas Reynolds
(Brigham Young); WR Brandon Robinson (Boston College);
CB Courtney Robinson (Massachusetts); PK Sam Swank
(Wake Forest); RB Marcus Thigpen (Indiana). May 18: Ros-
ter additions: QB Adam DiMichele (Temple); DT Jervonte
Jackson (Florida Atlantic). May 27: Roster addition: DT
Trevor Jenkins (Middle Tennessee State). Placed on
waivers: PK Sam Swank. May 28: Roster addition: P Ken
Parrish (released by 49ers 8/26/07).
ST. LOUIS April 30: Placed on waivers: DT Michael
Marquardt; QB Jeff Otis. May 1: RFA re-signed: OG Richie
Incognito. Roster additions: OG Roger Allen (Missouri
Western); LB K.C. Asiodu (Central Oklahoma); WR Jarrett
Byers (Northeastern State); DE Ian Campbell (Kansas
State); LB Dominic Douglas (Mississippi State); OG Ray
Feinga (Brigham Young); DT Gary Gibson (Washington
State); LB Jerome Johnson (Nevada); DT Mike Newkirk
(Wisconsin); OT David Oswald (Brigham Young); CB Cord
Parks (Northeastern); DE Kirston Pittman (LSU); S Mark
Rubin (Penn State); C Daniel Sanders (Colorado); OT Phil
Trautwein (Florida). May 7: Traded: RB Brian Leonard to
Bengals for DT Orien Harris. Roster addition: WR Tim
Carter (released by Titans 8/26). Placed on waivers: OT
David Oswald. Contract disapproved: OG Ray Feinga (re-
verts to free agent). May 8: Contract terminated: LB Pisa
Tinoisamoa. May 12: Roster addition: OT Eric Young (re-
leased by Browns 2/10). Placed on waivers: DT Mike
Newkirk. May 19: Roster addition: OG Ray Feinga (Brigham
Young). May 28: Roster addition: WR Sean Walker (Van-
derbilt).
SAN FRANCISCO May 1: UFA signed: LB Marques
Harris (Chargers). Roster additions: OT Alex Boone (Ohio
State); DE Diyral Briggs (Bowling Green); WR Dobson Collins
(Gardner-Webb); DE Pannel Egboh (Stanford); QB Kirby
Freeman (Baylor); OG Kyle Howard (Wyoming); OG Matt
Huners (South Florida); S Terrail Lambert (Notre Dame); DT
Khalif Mitchell (East Carolina); PK Alex Romero (New Or-
leans VooDoo, Arena Football League); RB Kory Sheets (Pur-
due); CB Carlos Thomas (South Carolina); CB Jahi
Word-Daniels (Georgia Tech). May 6: Contracts disap-
proved: OT Alex Boone; DE Diyral Briggs; WR Dobson
Collins; DE Pannel Egboh; DT Khalif Mtichell; RB Kory
Sheets; CB Jahi Word-Daniels. May 8: Roster additions:
WR Dobson Collins (Gardner-Webb); DE Pannel Egboh
(Stanford). May 11: Roster addition: RB Kory Sheets (Pur-
due). May 12: Roster addition: CB Jahi Word-Daniels
(Georgia Tech). Placed on waivers: QB Kirby Freeman. May
13: Roster additions: OTAlex Boone (Ohio State); DE Diyral
Briggs (Bowling Green). Contract disapproved: CB Jahi
Word-Daniels (reverts to free agent). May 14: Draft choices
signed: DE Ricky Jean-Francois (7-244); LB Scott McKillop
(5-146). May 18: Draft choice signed: S Curtis Taylor (7-
219). Roster additions: DT Khalif Mitchell (East Carolina);
CB Jahi Word-Daniels (Georgia Tech). Placed on waivers:
S Jimmy Williams. May 26: Roster addition: CB Dr Bly (re-
leased by Broncos 2/18). May 29: Draft choice signed: TE
Bear Pascoe (6-184).
SEATTLE May 1: UFAre-signed: LB Leroy Hill. Roster
additions: DE Michael Bennett (Texas A&M); LB Tony Fein
(Mississippi); FB Justin Griffith (released by Raiders 2/23);
CB Ken Lucas (released by Panthers 3/11); RB Devin Moore
(Wyoming); LB Dave Philistin (Maryland); OTAndre Ramsey
(Ball State); RB Tyler Roehl (North Dakota State). Placed
on waivers: CB DeMichael Dizer; LS Tyler Schmitt. May 4:
Roster addition: FB David Kirtman (released from Saints
practice squad 12/12/08). May 18: UFA signed: LS Bryan
Pittman (Texans). Roster addition: C David Washington
(Oklahoma State). May 21: Roster addition: LB Tony Tay-
lor (released by Falcons 9/1/08). May 26: Placed on
waivers: LB Tony Fein.
TAMPABAY April 30: Traded: TE Alex Smith to Patri-
ots for undisclosed pick in 2010 draft. May 1: Roster addi-
tions: C Rob Bruggeman (Iowa); S C.J. Byrd (Georgia); OT
Andre Douglas (Temple); DTRashaad Duncan (Pittsburgh);
S Marshall McDuffie (Florida International); OT Maurice
Miller (Mississippi); RB Josh Vaughan (Richmond); CB
DeAngelo Willingham (Tennessee). May 4: Roster addi-
tions: DE Jarriett Buie (South Florida); WR Patrick Carter
(released by Ravens 8/30/08); OT Marc Dile (South
Florida); OT Demar Dotson (Southern Mississippi); RB Ka-
reem Huggins (Hofstra); WR Amarri Jackson (released by
Buccaneers 6/20/08); CB Evan McCollough (James Madi-
son); TE Ryan Purvis (Boston College). Placed on waivers:
OT Andre Douglas; CB Greg Fassitt; WR Paris Warren. May
6: Placed on waivers: WR Anthony Mix. May 13: Roster ad-
dition: WR Joel Filani (released by Rams 4/14). May 15:
Placed on waivers: FB Byron Storer (injured/knee). May
18: Reserve/injured: FB Byron Storer (knee).
WASHINGTON April 27: UFAsigned: PHunter Smith
(Colts). April 28: Assigned on waivers: RB Marcus Mason
from Jets. April 30: Roster additions: TE Robbie Agnone
(Delaware); OT Scott Burley (Maryland); QB Chase Daniel
(Missouri); DT Antonio Dixon (Miami); CB Doug Dutch
(Michigan); TE Devin Frischknecht (Washington State); WR
John Halman (WR); DT Brigham Harwell (UCLA); S Lendy
Holmes (Oklahoma); DTVaka Manupuna (Utah Blaze, Arena
Football League); LB Ronnie Palmer (Arizona); DE Derek
Walker (Illinois); C Edwin Williams (Maryland); WR Jaison
Williams (Oregon). May 4: Roster additions: WR Trent Shel-
ton (ended season on Seahawks practice squad); WR Roy-
dell Williams (released by Titans 8/30/08); Placed on
waivers: TE Devin Frischknecht; WR John Halman; DT
Brigham Harwell; LB Ronnie Palmer; OG Isaiah Ross. May
6: Roster additions: OG Jeremy Bridges (released by Pan-
thers 2/25); DTJ.D. Skolnitsky (James Madison); LB Darrel
Young (Villanova). May 7: Roster addition: WR Keith Eloi
(Nebraska-Omaha). Placed on waivers: P Zac Atterberry.
May 29: Contract terminated: OTJon Jansen.
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JUNE 2009

Our Super Bowl XLIV

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