KingPK 0 Report post Posted July 19, 2004 FOXBORO, Mass. (AP) -- The New England Patriots on Monday signed nose tackle Vince Wilfork, the 21st overall pick in this year's draft, to a six-year contract that could be worth more than $18 million. Wilfork is just the second first-round draft pick to sign. He will be guaranteed $6.575 million through 2006, including a $3 million signing bonus and his salary for 2005-06. Wilfork, who is listed at 325 pounds, had seven sacks in 2002 and six in 2003 at Miami after getting just one as a freshman in 2001. He joins a team that allowed the fewest points in the NFL last season, 238. He will contend for a starting spot in the defensive line vacated by the departure of veteran Ted Washington. New England's first-round draft pick last year, 13th overall selection Ty Warren, got $6.25 million guaranteed. Jason Babin, who was taken by Houston with the 27th overall pick, is the only other first-round pick who has signed. Man, if Wilfork pans out, a Wilfork/Seymour combo will be a pretty effective 1-2 punch. He'll probably start by 2005. I'm bringing back the NFL Preview I started to do last year, but it'll be just threads on the board, since organizing people for an article is near impossible. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Vitamin X Report post Posted July 19, 2004 Ladies and gentlemen, this year's projected 2000 yard rusher: Ahman Green! Can Ahman Green rush for 2,000 yards? He thinks so, and so do his Packer teammates. "I think with what we did last year, that has to be a goal," Green told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. "With everybody back and if everybody stays healthy and we're all on the same page, why not?" Left guard Mike Wahle agrees. "He can definitely do it," Wahle said. "He has the talent to do it. It's a matter of getting the plays called and getting in the right situations. We're going to get him yards. I'm not worried about that." Last year, Green set team records with 1,883 yards and 20 total touchdowns. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Prime Time Andrew Doyle 0 Report post Posted July 22, 2004 From CBS Sportsline ________________________________________________________________ NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Eddie George's career with the Tennessee Titans is over. The team granted George's request Wednesday and released the franchise's all-time leading rusher -- a move forced by salary cap pressures and perhaps George's declining skills. "The best thing for Eddie George would be for him to finish his career here," general manager Floyd Reese said at a news conference. "For a number of reasons we were unable to get that done." The eight-year veteran, who turns 31 in September, rejected the Titans' latest offer and asked for his release Monday so he would have time to catch on with another team before training camps open next week. The Titans wanted George back, but at a reduced salary. The team's final offer was $1.5 million in base salary -- considerably less than the $4.25 million he expected to make this season. George, who has never missed a start in his career, was popular with Titans fans, but his production slipped in recent years. In 2000, he ran for 1,509 yards, averaging 3.7 yards per carry. But last season his average fell to 3.3 yards per carry, and his total was 1,031. The Titans' offense has also changed and now emphasizes the passing of Steve McNair, the NFL's co-MVP in 2003. Reese said there was a disagreement over a $1 million roster bonus the Titans paid George in March. The team considered that part of his salary for this year, but George considered it part of the previous deal. George's agent, Lamont Smith, told the Associated Press on Wednesday night that the Titans did not consider the deals given to Duce Staley by Pittsburgh or Charlie Garner by Tampa Bay. Staley, 29, signed a five-year, $14 million contract with the Steelers that included a $4 million signing bonus. Garner, 32, inked a six-year, $20 million deal with the Buccaneers that also included a $4 million signing bonus. With 2005 and 2006 unresolved in the Titans' offer, George also doubted he would be able to achieve some of the incentives. "They can try to spin it however they want to," Smith said. "The bottom line is they let a player go that gave his heart and soul to that team for the last eight years, and they didn't make a real effort to retain him." Reese said the team would prefer to sign free-agent running back Antowain Smith, who reportedly visited the Titans on Tuesday. Smith, who has averaged 3.9 yards per carry over his seven-year career in New England and Buffalo, has won two Super Bowls with the Patriots. "How do we replace him? Well, we're going to have to replace him with more than one guy," Reese said. "It's going to be impossible to find one guy to do all the things Eddie did." Titans coach Jeff Fisher said he also expects the Titans' remaining backs, veteran Robert Holcombe and second-year player Chris Brown, to play a greater role in the offense. "I think George gave this organization his heart and his soul, and I'll be forever grateful for that," Fisher said. McNair said he won't just miss a teammate, but a friend. "He was a great asset to my success through the eight years that we were together because of his dedication and his toughness," McNair said. "He's one of my guys that I looked up to. It's a very sad day for me." Brown said he learned a lot from George and he'll miss him, but he's ready for the added responsibility. "It's sad to see him go, but everyone had to do what they had to do," Brown said. "I welcome the opportunity if they now expect things out of me. I'm going to go out there and get the job done." Speculation on George's future with Tennessee began last season over whether the Titans, in deep salary cap trouble, could afford to keep the running back. Tennessee tried to free up salary-cap space in February by reworking George's deal, which runs through 2006, but he declined. George has said he wants to play for a team with a chance to win the Super Bowl, mentioning Tampa Bay, Dallas and his hometown of Philadelphia. He is only the second NFL running back to rush for 10,000 yards while never missing a start, joining Jim Brown. Only Walter Payton (170) has started more consecutive regular-season games than George's 128. Last December, George became the 17th running back to top 10,000 yards. He has 64 touchdowns for the franchise that drafted the 1995 Heisman Trophy winner out of Ohio State in April 1996. "I could draft running backs for the next 30 years and I may never draft another Eddie George," Reese said. AP NEWS The Associated Press News Service Copyright 2004, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanadianChris 0 Report post Posted July 22, 2004 Well, that didn't take long...Titans have signed RB Antowain Smith. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gert T 0 Report post Posted July 22, 2004 I still remembering during the draft, watching Vince drop and drop, thinking damn he's gonna go to the Patriots and they didn't even have to trade up. If Ahman Green is going to get 2,000 he going to have to get some extra sweat bands for the arms. Really though, I do think he has a pretty good chance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarvinisaLunatic 0 Report post Posted July 22, 2004 How do you connect Jeff Garica to the WWE? From Ben Maller's Blog: New Browns quarterback Jeff Garcia has yet to throw one touchdown pass for Cleveland, but the former San Francisco 49er is certainly scoring well in making new (and interesting) friends here. Word is Garcia is dating Avon Lake native Carmella DeCesare, Playboy Magazine's current Playmate of the Year - and tongues are wagging that the Browns QB has ALREADY become a major, popular celebrity on the local social scene. Ironically, the man Garcia is replacing as the Browns starting QB, Tim Couch, has long been romantically linked to another former Playboy centerfold, Heather Kozar. An Akron native, Kozar was the 1999 Playmate of the Year. Ben's Take: This is a "crisp" shocking story. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
razazteca 0 Report post Posted July 22, 2004 It looks like Eddie George will go to the Cowboys. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NoCalMike 0 Report post Posted July 22, 2004 It looks like Eddie George will go to the Cowboys. I am sure Julius Jones is really happy about that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
razazteca 0 Report post Posted July 22, 2004 It looks like Eddie George will go to the Cowboys. I am sure Julius Jones is really happy about that. He can join Antonio Bryant on the bench complaining about game time. News and Notes Jul 23 Free agent running back Eddie George will visit with the Dallas Cowboys on Friday, and sources indicate that the two sides are already working on a deal. ESPN's Ed Werder is reporting that the two sides are working on a two-year contract that is essentially a one-year commitment for $1.5 million plus incentives. Sources told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that George has agreed in principle to a one-year, incentive-laden deal worth about $2 million. The Titans released the 31-year-old on Thursday. Views: It sounds like George will end up in Dallas, which almost certainly means that rookie Julius Jones will be relegated to backup duty. The Cowboys also plan to have fullback Richie Anderson active in the running game and as the third down back. While this may be a good move for a team looking to go deep into the playoffs, it's going to be a fantasy mess. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hogan Made Wrestling 0 Report post Posted July 23, 2004 George has reportedly signed with the Cowboys. I'm a happy Cowboys fan today. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest The Winter Of My Discontent Report post Posted July 23, 2004 George has reportedly signed with the Cowboys. I'm a happy Cowboys fan today. Happy to get an old, broken down, pounded out RB? He had the exact same numbers as Hambrick last year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimmy no nose 0 Report post Posted July 23, 2004 The latest Steelers news is that they have resigned LB James Farrior for 5 years, $16 million with a $4 million bonus. Also, LB Clark Haggans has broken his hand and will miss all of the preseason and possibly some of the regular season. This hurts them because he was scheduled to take over Jason Gildon's position and will now not get a preseason to prepare. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NoCalMike 0 Report post Posted July 23, 2004 It looks like Eddie George will go to the Cowboys. I am sure Julius Jones is really happy about that. He can join Antonio Bryant on the bench complaining about game time. yeah because we all know the force that is MeShawn Johnson Well as a Skins fan it makes me happy that Dallas drafted a RB that is being groomed for the depth chart..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest The Winter Of My Discontent Report post Posted July 28, 2004 The Raiders cut Rod Woodson and are possibly going to lose Charles to an indefinate hold out? Welcome to the cellar again, Raidahs. Without a secondary, they are going to get picked apart by everyone. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KingPK 0 Report post Posted July 29, 2004 Looks like Roosevelt Colvin isn't quite ready to come back from his hip injury; the Pats put him on the physically unable to perform list, and I don't think he'll play much in the preseason. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest FrigidSoul Report post Posted July 29, 2004 The Raiders cut Rod Woodson and are possibly going to lose Charles to an indefinate hold out? I wouldn't mind seeing the Pats pick up Woodson if he's cheap. He can be their nickle back and if Rodney Harrison's arm isn't completely healed yet it gives them that good depth. Looks like Roosevelt Colvin isn't quite ready to come back from his hip injury; the Pats put him on the physically unable to perform list Its a completely precautionary move. They're doing it just incase. Thus far he's looked real good in training camp from what I've read. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr. Tyler; Captain America 0 Report post Posted July 29, 2004 The latest Steelers news is that they have resigned LB James Farrior for 5 years, $16 million with a $4 million bonus. Also, LB Clark Haggans has broken his hand and will miss all of the preseason and possibly some of the regular season. This hurts them because he was scheduled to take over Jason Gildon's position and will now not get a preseason to prepare. Losing Haggans won't hurt much. I'd rather have 'Zo Jackson or Nate Adibi in there getting work, anyways. Haggans already knows the defense and whatnot, he'll be fine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BX 0 Report post Posted July 29, 2004 The Cowboys cut Chad Hutchinson, put Willie Blade on Waivers, and released TE James Whalen. Blade has been claimed on waivers by th Giants, while several teams are still courting Whalen. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest The Winter Of My Discontent Report post Posted July 29, 2004 The Raiders cut Rod Woodson and are possibly going to lose Charles to an indefinate hold out? I wouldn't mind seeing the Pats pick up Woodson if he's cheap. He can be their nickle back and if Rodney Harrison's arm isn't completely healed yet it gives them that good depth. If the Raiders cut him, he is 99% unlikely to be playable. They hold onto their veterans closely. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gert T 0 Report post Posted July 29, 2004 Chuck Woodson will get to camp about a week late. He knows a hold-out won't get him paid. I don't really get it. I realize he and Julian Peterson want financial security, but the one year tenders won't put them in the poor house and then they'll break the bank in 2005. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MrRant 0 Report post Posted July 31, 2004 BEREA, Ohio -- Apparently 80 isn't the only number Kellen Winslow Jr. is after. Winslow's agent rejected a contract offer -- potentially worth at least $40 million -- from the Cleveland Browns on Friday that would make him the highest-paid tight end in NFL history. Winslow, the No. 6 overall pick in April's NFL draft, was not on the field as the Browns opened training camp. "I believe the most disappointed guy is Kellen for not being here from the beginning with his teammates," coach Butch Davis said. He's not the only one displeased. The Browns are hoping to avoid a lengthy holdout with Winslow, the former University of Miami star. Winslow was issued No. 11 by the club during minicamp but wants No. 80 -- the number his father wore during his Hall of Fame career for San Diego. However, No. 80 currently belongs to Aaron Shea, who will only give it up for the right price. "It's going to cost him now," Shea joked. "And it's going to go up every day." In an unusual move designed to put pressure on Winslow's agent, Kevin Poston, Browns president John Collins released a statement before the club opened camp to announce that the Browns had made their "best offer" to Winslow. Collins said the Browns proposed a deal that matched the one safety Sean Taylor, the No. 5 pick and Winslow's college teammate, signed this week with Washington. Taylor's package included a $7.2 million signing bonus that could exceed $13 million if he reaches incentives. The contract can reportedly escalate to $40 million over its length. Also, the Browns said their offer would "far exceed" the $31 million deal Kansas City's Tony Gonzalez signed in 2002. That package included a $10 million signing bonus, the most ever for a tight end. The Browns' negotiating tactic is unusual because teams almost never disclose contract figures -- even after a deal is done. But the Browns, who earlier this week said they would keep talks private, publicly provided the framework for negotiations. Poston wouldn't elaborate on his decision to reject the offer. "I do not negotiate in the media," Poston told The Associated Press. "We are continuing to negotiate with the Browns to obtain for Kellen Winslow II his fair market value." Winslow is expected to be a major weapon this season for quarterback Jeff Garcia, who already is convinced the 6-foot-4, 250-pounder will be a star. "Better than advertised," Garcia said following practice. "He's definitely the real deal and he's going to be a great player for years to come." Winslow's holdout began one day after the New York Giants gave No. 1 pick Eli Manning a rookie-record $20 million in guaranteed money and No. 2 overall pick Robert Gallery received a potential $18.5 million in guaranteed bonuses from Oakland. It's unclear what Poston wants, but the Browns feel their offer that matched Taylor's was more than fair. "Given the close personal and competitive relationship between Kellen and Sean Taylor, as well as their equal talent level on different sides of the football, we did not want to penalize Kellen for being picked one slot below his former teammate," Collins said in the statement. "Faced with the opportunity to get Kellen in camp on time, we made our best offer." Poston and his brother, Carl, have a reputation for demanding the most for their clients. The Redskins passed on Winslow in the draft partly because Winslow chose the Postons as his agents. One positive sign for the Browns is that wide receiver Reggie Williams, another client of the Postons, agreed to terms with Jacksonville on Friday. He was the ninth overall pick. In their statement, the Browns said they examined Gonzalez's deal and their offer "provides Kellen Winslow the opportunity to far exceed Gonzalez's compensation." The Browns traded a second-round pick to Detroit and moved up one spot from No. 7 so they could select Winslow, who was frequently double-teamed in college. Cleveland's last three first-round picks -- center Jeff Faine, running back William Green and defensive tackle Gerard Warren -- briefly held out of camp before signing. This one could last a lot longer. But for now, Winslow has the support of his teammates. "I'd understand if he has to be out a few days or a few weeks," Green said. "Nobody has any bad feelings toward Kellen." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gert T 0 Report post Posted July 31, 2004 "Given the close personal and competitive relationship between Kellen and Sean Taylor, as well as their equal talent level on different sides of the football, we did not want to penalize Kellen for being picked one slot below his former teammate," Collins said in the statement. That's the biggest load of shit right there. Yes they were oicked one spot apart, but TE and safety are not the same positions. Kellen Winslow is going to be loved by Browns fans and some fantasy owners, and that's about it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarvinisaLunatic 0 Report post Posted August 4, 2004 If the Raiders drop Tim Brown, I think the Ravens should take a shot at signing him to a year deal. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr. Tyler; Captain America 0 Report post Posted August 4, 2004 Ben Roth signed today and arrived at camp only a little bit late. Good. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Redhawk Report post Posted August 4, 2004 ESPN is reporting that Tim Brown is set on leaving Oakland, because they want to make him the 4th or 5th receiver and he still feels like he's a 1 or 2. He should go to the Chiefs and shove it up Oakland's ass; that is, if he can. Also from ESPN.... Prosecutors have decided not to file charges against Dolphins tight end Randy McMichael, who was arrested and accused of hitting his wife in late June. Assistant State Attorney Brian Trehy said Tuesday he would not pursue charges against McMichael and his wife because the facts of the case probably would not have resulted in a conviction in a jury trial. McMichael had been charged with aggravated battery on a pregnant woman, a second-degree felony that is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Police arrested him and his wife at their home June 29. His pregnant wife, Cawanna, was arrested on a domestic battery charge. Charges against her also were not filed. Bills tackle Mike Williams failed to show for the team's practice and will be fined. Bills president Tom Donahoe said Williams was scheduled to attend Tuesday's session after being excused Monday for personal reasons. Donahoe added Williams will be fined again if he fails to attend either of Wednesday's two practices. "He'll be fined each day he's not here. He's under contract with the Buffalo Bills and he should be here with his teammates," Donahoe said. Donahoe reiterated statements made Monday by the team that Williams' absence had nothing to do his demotion to second string when camp opened Sunday. Mularkey made the move to allow Williams time to better learn the offense after the player had missed several minicamp sessions in June because of a death in his family. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarvinisaLunatic 0 Report post Posted August 4, 2004 Tim Brown was officially released by the Raiders. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sass 0 Report post Posted August 4, 2004 Tim Brown will always be a cornerstone for the Raiders during the 90's and will never be forgotten by the Black Hole Nation. The last couple of seasons he has regressed a *lot* and was dropping balls left and right last season and had trouble running the routes he was given (that he didn't have trouble with in the past). He should have stepped down if he cared about the team as much as he has professed because it's clear as crystal that TB doesn't have the tools any more that it takes to be an effective starter. I'm going to miss Brown but I hope he takes the hint and retires while his legacy is left intact (unlike some other fading legend player in Arizona). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2GOLD 0 Report post Posted August 4, 2004 Tim Brown will always be a cornerstone for the Raiders during the 90's and will never be forgotten by the Black Hole Nation. The last couple of seasons he has regressed a *lot* and was dropping balls left and right last season and had trouble running the routes he was given (that he didn't have trouble with in the past). He should have stepped down if he cared about the team as much as he has professed because it's clear as crystal that TB doesn't have the tools any more that it takes to be an effective starter. I'm going to miss Brown but I hope he takes the hint and retires while his legacy is left intact (unlike some other fading legend player in Arizona). Or he'll go to New England for the league min just so he can get a shot at a Super Bowl ring. Either way, Brown is nowhere near done. The Ravens should really go after him, he'd be a solid teacher for the young receivers and give Boller a veteran to throw towards. Or hell, go to Philly since they need more than TO. Brown has many options I would think. Possibly even Tampa Bay who just lost Penn State Joe. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cartman 0 Report post Posted August 4, 2004 There's NO room at WR for Tim Brown here in New England. As it is we have a glut of talented recievers, a few of which will have to be cut unfortunately. Right now it looks like: Deion Branch David Givens Troy Brown Bethel Johnson David Patten PK Sam Depending on whether they carry 5 or 6 recievers of course. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2GOLD 0 Report post Posted August 4, 2004 I didn't say I wanted him in NE, I just listed it as a place he might consider. NE is fine with the core they have. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
