The NFL Rumour Mill

Courtesy of Ben Mallar of Fox Sports, here are the major rumours concerning the league.

The move for Dre Bly is just the first of several Denver will attempt to make as they continue trade talks, including a deal for Buffalo running back Willis McGahee. It could take around a third-round pick to get the former University of Miami star. In addition to McGahee, running backs who might be available in a trade include Chicago’s Thomas Jones. The team also could look at Jamal Lewis, cut by the Ravens. Travis Henry could be another option if he is cut by Tennessee. One player who might visit is Green Bay’s Ahman Green.
Even though he’s an outside player and the Patriots need more help in the middle, Joey Porter possesses ideal physical skills for the New England system. He’s 6-foot-3, 250 pounds, can get after the quarterback, plays with a mean streak, and has spent his career in Pittsburgh’s 3-4 defense. With Baltimore’s Adalius Thomas rumored to be on his way to San Francisco to reunite with head coach Mike Nolan, Porter becomes the No. 1 linebacker on the market and a potential target for 3-4 teams like Cleveland and Dallas. The biggest question will be putting up with his mouth. Porter talks more trash than any player in the league, and unlike Patriots safety Rodney Harrison [stats], isn’t necessarily respected for it. The Patriots, in particular, have taken issue with his proclamations over the years.
The Titans are one of about five teams to apparently be in the running for Buffalo Bills cornerback Nate Clements, though the 49ers and Cleveland Browns are currently believed to be the front-runners. Other teams perhaps in the hunt are the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants.

The news came minutes before the Giants began talking to other free agents, including Colts running back Dominic Rhodes. According to someone who has spoken to Rhodes, the six-year veteran will visit the Giants today. The person requested anonymity because of the private nature of free-agent negotiations. The Giants are also expected to pursue two Eagles defensive backs: Cornerback Rod Hood and safety Michael Lewis. Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo worked with both players while serving as Philly’s secondary coach.

The Raiders will find out soon whether their pursuit of Jeff Garcia, the scrambling three-time Pro Bowl quarterback, is successful. Expect the Raiders to get into a bidding war with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who also are eager to land this year’s top free-agent quarterback. The Vikings also have expressed interest in Garcia. … The Raiders may have to turn their sights to free-agent quarterback Brad Johnson, who was cut loose by the Vikings.
A team with the Redskins’ financial resources cannot be underestimated. After being unimpressed with Clemson’s Gaines Adams and intrigued but not overwhelmed by Michigan defensive tackle Alan Branch — though sources said the team liked its non-workout meeting with Arkansas defensive end Jamaal Anderson — sources at the NFL scouting combine last week said the Redskins were deeply interested in former Virginia defensive end Patrick Kerney, an eight-year veteran who has played his entire career with Atlanta. The Broncos appear to have the inside edge on Kerney.
In something of a long shot, the Redskins also could be in the running for left defensive end Michael Strahan, who met with New York Giants officials this week in an attempt to be traded. Strahan has two years left on his current contract.
Because Joey Harrington’s bonus money isn’t owed until the fifth day (Wednesday) of the new league year, the team still has time to make that move. When it does, the Dolphins would have a slot to fill at quarterback. And although it likely would be done through the draft, the possibility of a trade with Kansas City for an expendable Trent Green still exists. Green, who played for coach Cam Cameron in Washington in 1995 and 1996, is likely to be put on the trading block as a result of the team’s decision to re-sign Damon Huard.

Middle linebacker London Fletcher could become a member of the Washington Redskins as early as today, while former Redskins defensive back Fred Smoot also is a top priority at the start of the NFL free agent signing period, which began at midnight. The Redskins appear confident in their ability to sign Fletcher, who played for the Buffalo Bills last season and will meet at Redskins Park with coaches and front-office staff today. Smoot also has a meeting scheduled.
Depending on who you believe, Randy Moss seems destined to be a member of the Green Bay Packers in 2007. An Oakland radio station (KNBR-680/1050) confirmed a report this morning with PackerReport.com that the Packers and Raiders are in “serious negotiations” regarding a trade for Moss. Oh, really? However, PackerReport.com has learned, that the Packers have yet to contact the Raiders about Moss. This came from a source within the Raiders organization. Scout.com senior writer Adam Caplan also said today that the Packers will contact the Raiders about Moss but haven’t yet. Moss has made it known that he wants out of Oakland, and fans in the Bay area want him out. Green Bay and Jacksonville reportedly are two teams with the most interest in Moss.

Another interesting possibility for the Jets is Corey Dillon, who was expecting to be released by the Patriots by the end of last night but wants to play another year or two. Eric Mangini knows Dillon, having coached him in New England. Dillon, who gained 812 yards, had a 4.1-yard average and 13 rushing touchdowns last season in a split-time role with Laurence Maroney, surely still has a year or two left on his legs.
Though Chris Simms believes the Bucs gave him starter’s money in his new contract, there was growing speculation Thursday that Tampa Bay was planning to give the same kind of money to free-agent quarterback Jeff Garcia. And if the Bucs don’t give it to Garcia, then someone such as Jake Plummer, Aaron Brooks or maybe even Brad Johnson could get it because the Bucs officially are on the lookout for a veteran quarterback. The Raiders and Broncos also are expected to make bids for Garcia, whose objectives may have changed in recent days.
Veteran Donnie Edwards is the most likely candidate to become the Saints’ “marquee” free agent signing. He is good friends with Saints quarterback Drew Brees, having played with him in San Diego. Edwards can play middle or weakside linebacker. The Saints came close to trading for him last summer.
In limbo is Redskins CB Shawn Springs, who league sources said had been discussed in potential trade talks with Denver and Detroit, but could remain with the team or be cut on June 1.

Several reports and league sources have connected the 49ers with Ravens linebacker Odalius Thomas. Known to Nolan, who coached Thomas for three seasons (2002-04) as Baltimore’s defensive coordinator, Thomas could greatly help Nolan’s transition to a 3-4 defense. Should the 49ers lose out on Thomas, they could go quickly to Ravens defensive end Jarret Johnson or Patriots defensive end and former Cal player Tully Banta-Cain. Neither are considered to be at the level of Thomas
It is believed that the Titans might not wish to match an overwhelming offer for Drew Bennett, who led the team in receptions with 46 a year ago. The San Francisco 49ers might be an attractive possibility for Bennett.

Chargers restricted free-agent running back Michael Turner, a player the Jets are reportedly eyeing, was given a first- and third-round tender by San Diego. Any team that wants Turner would have to surrender first- and third-round draft picks to sign him. The Jets have tried to acquire Redskins running back Ladell Betts in a trade but a potential deal fell through, according to someone with knowledge of the discussions between the teams. The person requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of trade talks.
The Vikings have expressed interest in Atlanta defensive end Patrick Kerney, a pass rusher who is recovering from a torn pectoral muscle. Tampa Bay defensive end Dewayne White is another potential target.
The first phone call Mike McCartney made Thursday night at a stroke past the start of NFL free agency was to the Seahawks. It’s significant because McCartney is the agent for Kris Dielman, the tenacious guard from the San Diego Chargers and one of the most coveted players in his year’s free-agent pool. Dielman could visit the Seahawks today. McCartney wants Seattle to be Dielman’s first stop. It’s up to the Seahawks whether it will be his last. If not Dielman, perhaps Cincinnati Bengals guard Eric Steinbach. Seattle, Tampa and Cleveland are expected to be the first three stops for one of the more highly rated players in free agency.

The Vikings were scheduling a Monday visit for Atlanta receiver Ashlie Lelie, who will be in Houston today. Lelie played for new Vikings receivers coach George Stewart when both were with the Falcons last season.
The Dolphins may be shopping for a replacement linebacker such as San Diego free agent Donnie Edwards. Asked Thursday on ESPN which linebacker he would like to play next to, Edwards’ immediate response was the Dolphins’ Zach Thomas. Edwards, 33, had 141 tackles last season in the same kind of 3-4 defensive scheme the Dolphins employ.
The Tennessee Titans will continue to talk with the agent for Travis Henry through Sunday night, the day before his $8 million roster bonus is due. The Titans won’t pay that bonus, but continue to try and negotiate a new contract to keep the running back in Tennessee. “We are engaged in on-going conversations,” Henry’s agent Hadley Engelhard said. “And that is a positive.” Henry, 28, enjoyed a solid comeback season rushing for 1,211 yards and seven touchdowns in emerging as the Titans’ No. 1 running back.
Scout.com has learned free agent RB Sammy Morris (Dolphins) has drawn interest from the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs and one other team. Morris has done a nice job in a backup role the past few seasons and also is one of the NFL’s best special teams players.
The Panthers could look to bring in someone like Seattle’s Ken Hamlin or Jacksonville’s Deon Grant, who began his career with the Panthers.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have scheduled a visit with Cincinnati free agent guard Eric Steinbach, PewterReport.com is reporting. Steinbach, 26, is scheduled to visit One Buccaneer Place on Saturday. Steinbach, 26, is one of the bigger names on the free agent market. He is scheduled to visit Cleveland on Friday and Seattle after his trip to Tampa Bay.

Others who could be coming to Tampa include Bears defensive tackle Ian Scott, Redskins running back T.J. Duckett and safeties Mike Doss, Ken Hamlin and Kevin Kaesviharn. One player who seems destined to become a Buc is Broncos linebacker Patrick Chukwurah, who is said to already have a deal in place.

Nate Clements is a tempting option. The Saints could make a splash by filling their biggest need with the top-rated free agent on the market. But he reportedly is seeking a signing bonus near $18 million. The Saints certainly will pursue the idea, but the next tier of corners, Nick Harper and Roderick Hood, are more likely.
The Broncos are expected to bring Atlanta defensive end Patrick Kerney in for a visit as soon as today. Kerney, who played for new Broncos defensive line coach Bill Johnson at Atlanta, likely will take a few trips before signing. He is expected to be one of the most-sought players on the open market and won’t come cheaply.
The Rams might try to do some business with Bucs DT DeWayne White. They like him. There is a familiarity factor because he played in college at Louisville during part of Linehan’s tenure there as an assistant coach. He’s 27, and after being a backup for the Buccaneers he’s ready to start. As a rotation player, White had 14 sacks over the past three season, including five in 2006. There have been rumors that the Rams might trade for Detroit defensive end James Hall. Rams defensive line coach Brian Baker coached Hall in Detroit in 2000 — Hall’s rookie season. Hall had 11 sacks as recently as 2004, but his production has dipped to only five sacks in each of the past two seasons.
The Saints might show interest in some of the younger backups available through trades or free agency, such as Joey Harrington, Tim Rattay and Patrick Ramsey, who played at Tulane. But the most likely scenario is that they draft a quarterback who can grow into the backup job.
With Ashley Lelie’s likely departure, Atlanta could try to sign Philadelphia’s Donte Stallworth or St. Louis’ Kevin Curtis,. The Saints also released longtime standout Joe Horn.
Kevin Curtis is expected to pay a free-agent visit today to Minnesota, which is ready to promise him he will be the No. 1 receiver. That’s the only visit Curtis currently has planned, but Detroit, Jacksonville, and San Diego are expected to pursue him.
Players such as Cincinnati Bengals guard Eric Steinbach, for example, who rated high on the Bears’ “interest” list for upgrading their offensive line, are drawing enough interest from enough teams to be beyond the Bears’ budget plans.

Their Jets biggest need is at running back, and there are some intriguing possibilities. The most attractive is San Diego backup Michael Turner, a restricted free agent who has a first- and third-round draft pick tender offer attached to him, meaning if the Jets sign him, they’d owe that heavy compensation. A more likely way to wrest Turner away from the Chargers, who’ll lose him as an unrestricted free agent after the 2007 season unless he’s signed to a long-term deal, is to trade for him. Turner gained 502 rushing yards and had a 6.3-yard average as LaDainian Tomlinson’s backup last season. “[The Chargers] can’t come up with a deal to pay [Turner] and LaDainian, in my mind,” Turner’s agent James “Bus” Cook said. “It’ll be difficult to do a contract that pays Michael starter money with LaDainian there.”
Running back Kevan Barlow, who rushed for 581 yards in ‘05 for San Francisco when Mike McCarthy was the 49ers’ offensive coordinator, has been on the street for 10 days but hasn’t heard from Green Bay. A source also said the Packers had expressed interest in Baltimore’s Ovie Mughelli, the best blocking fullback. If, as expected, Mughelli lands a big contract from another team, the Packers might well turn to Justin Griffith, Atlanta’s starter from 2003-’06.
Former Vikings linebacker Napoleon Harris is expected to visit Kansas City today.
The Chiefs were pessimistic about their chances of reaching a contract agreement by the Thursday night deadline with any of the four: linebacker Kawika Mitchell, offensive tackle Jordan Black and defensive tackles Ron Edwards and James Reed. Mitchell would be one of the premier defensive players on the free agent market. The Chiefs’ second-round draft pick in 2003, Mitchell is 27 and played well the last two seasons after starting his NFL career slowly.
The Saints will look for more of a reliable possession receiver to fill the slot. Bobby Engram makes a lot of sense. Drew Bennett, Eric Moulds, Travis Taylor and Keenan McCardell could also fit.
Joey Porter, perhaps the Steelers’ best overall defensive player in the 21st century whose play helped win them a Super Bowl 13 months ago, was due a $1 million roster bonus by Tuesday and a $4 million salary in the final year of his contract. That, and other factors, prompted the Steelers to release him. “Unfortunately, sometimes you have to terminate a good player, just to make it all work,” said Kevin Colbert, the team’s director of football operations.
The talent pool at running back is not deep, but the Giants want to add a veteran compliment to Brandon Jacobs, who is the designated replacement for retired Tiki Barber. A veteran on the back end of his career – Ahman Green of the Packers – is an option. Dominic Rhodes of the Colts may be arriving for a visit as early as today.
Tight end Daniel Graham, the top player available at his position, will visit his hometown Denver Broncos today. The Vikings expressed interest in Graham as well as New York Giants tight end Visanthe Shiancoe, who could visit Monday.
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones faces a felony obstruction of an officer charge because police say he bit a Fayetteville, Ga., policeman in the February 2006 incident, The City Paper has learned. Also, according to a source, the Titans were apparently never made aware of the two incidents where Jones was arrested in Georgia last year. According to Al Dixon, chief administrative assistant to the district attorney’s office in Fayette County, Jones bit officer Greg Gross on the thumb after a scuffle over Jones resisting arrest. “Adam Jones would not hold his hands together so the officer could put handcuffs on him to arrest him, and a fight ensued,” Dixon said. “That’s when he bit the officer on the thumb.”
The Jets will be in the market for a veteran backup quarterback. Brad Johnson, just released by Minnesota, is a possibility, as is Kerry Collins.
Lions GM Matt Millen is trying to trade defensive end James Hall by 4 today, the deadline for paying Hall a bonus to keep him on the roster. If no trade is made, Hall will be released. The Rams and Raiders have been mentioned as having the strongest interest in Hall.

As for free agency, the Falcons likely will try to upgrade the offensive line, the secondary and possibly wide receiver and running back. McKay would not discuss the team’s free-agent targets. Guard Eric Steinbach, who played in Cincinnati under new Falcons offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, is considered one of the top free agents at any position. Other available offensive linemen include Kris Dielman (San Diego), Leonard Davis (Arizona) and Luke Petitgout (Giants). The Falcons expressed some interest in Petitgout last offseason.
Saints GM Mickey Loomis said the Saints gave Joe Horn the option of taking a pay cut or exploring his value on the open market, and Horn chose the latter. “I think we’re doing the right thing. Or at least, I think we’re doing it the right way,” said Loomis, who left the door open that Horn could still return at a reduced salary. “We had a good conversation, in deference to what Joe has done for our team, our city. He’s just meant so much to our franchise since 2000. “Joe is going to be one of those guys who has his jersey up in the Dome and in the Hall of Fame and those types of things. Whenever his career is over, we want him to be able to walk in and out of the building and feel good about his legacy with the Saints. “It’s a tough deal, but we want to be as upfront as we can with Joe.” The move was not unexpected. Horn was due $5.55 million in salary and bonuses this season, and he said after the season that he would not accept a pay cut.
Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones said in a statement the move was a “cap decision” and that the door is open for Drew Bledsoe to return. Bledsoe has said in the past that he never could be a backup.
Patrick Kerney, a player the Falcons drafted in the first round in 1998, was not re-signed and hit the open market at midnight. Though Kerney, the top defensive end on the market, said he thinks his days with the Falcons are over, Rich McKay said the team has a standing offer to Kerney. Fullback Justin Griffith and wide receiver Ashley Lelie appear to be headed elsewhere, though, as the Falcons have not been as proactive in trying to retain their services.

Denver also is expected to bring in New England tight end and former Colorado star Daniel Graham and New Orleans guard Montrae Holland. If Holland signs, he’ll compete with Chris Kuper at right guard. Tight end Kyle Brady, like Graham, is a quality blocker, and is expected to visit Saturday. Quarterbacks Jeff Garcia and Brad Johnson also are on the Broncos’ radar.
Free-agent receiver Drew Bennett was getting interest from about six teams, including the Vikings, but no visit to Minnesota had been scheduled. Other available receivers are Eric Moulds, Joe Horn and Donte Stallworth.
Colts GM and President Bill Polian, appearing as a guest with Chris Myers on Fox Sports Radio, asked if the NFL has a problem with players getting out of control: “I’m not sure we have an issue. I’ve been around this game along time and I realize that when you put guys who are twenty two to twenty nine or thirty years old in an environment where they have a lot of money and a lot of people who want to be close to them, you’re going to have issues from time to time. So, you try as best you can to educate them and make sure that they understand what it is they’re facing, which is very different from that which they’ve dealt with at the collegiate level. Having said that, one is one too many and so the public focus on these things tends to blow them a little bit out of proportion, but nevertheless, like it or not, we’re role models. So, I don’t know that we have a problem, but to the extent that people think we do, it’s probably best to deal with it.”
The Saints aren’t likely to pursue top free agent Leonard Davis, but they have plenty of good options. Former Giant Luke Petitgout and Dallas’ Marc Colombo have both played for Coach Sean Payton. Tony Pashos and Jordan Black are two young starters who could step in immediately.

The Bucs also are on the lookout for a tackle now that Kenyatta Walker has been let go, and there are plenty of options, including Arizona’s Leonard Davis, New Orleans’ Jon Stinchcomb and Miami’s Damion McIntosh. That said, Bucs fans might not want to say goodbye to Walker just yet. Though Walker has been released, there’s a good chance the Bucs will re-sign him at some point.

A starter who might not be back is wide receiver Donté Stallworth, an unrestricted free agent who will be shopped by agent Drew Rosenhaus starting today. If Stallworth really wants to remain an Eagle – there’s no reason to think that he doesn’t – he likely will at least give the team a chance to make an offer after Rosenhaus is done gathering bids. At that point, the Eagles will have a chance to make their best offer, and Stallworth will have to decide whether that’s enough.

The clock struck midnight Thursday night without the Green Bay Packers announcing a contract agreement with running back Ahman Green, making the club’s second all-time leading rusher an unrestricted free agent.
Attorney Manny Arora asked for everyone not to rush to judgment on cases involving the Titans cornerback Pacman Jones, while criticizing authorities in Georgia for the way they’ve portrayed him on charges in his home state. “I’d like people to take pause, and rather than the mob mentality kicking in, I’d like for them to sit back and say, ‘Hey, he didn’t do these things. He’s been in the wrong situation, yeah.’ But he is almost snakebit a little bit,” Arora said. “He’s been trashed in every possible forum publicly — television, the newspaper — and all for what? It is almost like there’s an open call for anyone who wants to say anything negative about Adam. That’s what this has become.”
Former Cowboys coach Bill Parcells sounded surprised by the recent conventional wisdom that David Carr and the Texans are about to part ways. “Prior to (the Cowboys) playing them, he had his completion percentage at about 70 percent, and I thought he was playing pretty good, solid football,” Parcells said. “I ran into him after the game and told him, ‘David, keep your head up, and I think things will get better.’ I was under the impression that they did a good job with him this year, and I thought he was coming along.”
Cowboys WR Terrell Owens said he was groggy after having surgery on his right ring finger Thursday, but was “good.” It’s the second procedure Owens has had to repair a torn tendon in his finger since the season ended. “Everything went OK,” Owens said. “I’m good.” Owens said he is taking his rehab “day by day.”
One player the Vikings have interest in and might bring in for a look is Visanthe Shiancoe, a 6-4, 250-pound tight end who played at Morgan State and spent last season with the Giants.
Jeff Garcia, appearing as a guest on FSN’s “Best Damn Sports Show Period,” on the Eagles giving AJ Feely a contract and not offering Garcia a deal: “As much as he is deserving of certain things, he hasn’t done the things that I’ve done and hasn’t been the player I’ve been.”
Did You Know? If Lovie Smith serves out the contract, he will have had eight seasons as Bears head coach. Only George Halas (40 years) and Mike Ditka (11) will have coached longer. Dave Wannstedt coached six seasons, with one extension, in the 1990s.