Showing posts with label NFL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NFL. Show all posts

Chicago Bears, Greg Olsen, New England Patriots, Bengals, Chad Ochocinco, Cincinnati Bengals - Sam Hurd signs with the Chicago Bears


Wide receiver Sam Hurd has agreed to terms on a contact to play for the Chicago Bears.

The Cowboys signed Hurd as an undrafted free agent in 2006 from Northern Illinois.

Hurd, a San Antonio native, always had a goal of being a receiver, but he made his mark with the Cowboys on special teams.

A special teams captain last year, Hurd finished second on the team with 21 tackles. In 2009, Hurd led the Cowboys with 19 special teams tackles.

"I'm excited about this, no hard feelings towards Dallas," Hurd told ESPNDallas. "It's a job and it had nothing to do with the Cowboys. I would love to play for the Cowboys but I've always loved the city of Chicago and what the Bears stood for."

Hurd brings speed and experience to the Bears receiving corps. When Hurd signed with the Cowboys he was tutored on how to run routes, catch passes and be a professional from Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn. In later years he learned how to get better from Roy Williams.

Still, Hurd couldn't surpass, Patrick Crayton and eventually Miles Austin on the depth chart. Last season when the Cowboys drafted Dez Bryant, it was the writing on the wall for several players including Crayton, who was eventually traded to San Diego. Hurd asked for a trade as well, but it didn't happen. Kevin Ogletree's emergence also complicated things for Hurd, who couldn't get enough playing time on offense.

The Cowboys did make Hurd an offer to stay, but the Bears made a commitment to make him a wide receiver.

"I hear great things about Chicago," Hurd said. "I know Lovie is a great mind and I hear great things about Mike Martz. I'm excited and my mind and heart is open and I get a chance to play receiver. That's all I can ask for. If the other guy is better than me, hey, I'm all about team and I'm happy for that guy. But if I can compete for a spot I will do that." Read More

Philadelphia Eagles should part ways with most free agents: Fan opinion | Philadelphia Eagles, Eagles, NFL, Atlanta Braves, Braves, Donovan Mcnabb


After one day of business in the 2011 offseason, we still don't know what free agents the Philadelphia Eagles will sign as part of their big 2011 season. But we do know that they are passing on their own free agents.

The Eagles have said that they will not resign any of their own free agents, including Stewart Bradley(notes) and Quintin Mikell(notes). Reports have since emerged saying that it is premature to say that they won't resign any of those players. But as an Eagles fan, it should come as no surprise if the team decides to part ways with these players. I think this might be a sign that they are serious about making a splash in 2011.

While we wait to see what we get for Kevin Kolb(notes) and what free agents ink deals in Philadelphia, these moves may have been under the radar. But none of the departed players will really be missed. Bradley was once going to be a franchise player at middle linebacker. However, an ACL injury ruined his 2009 season. An injury also ended his 2010 season after a mediocre start.

It became clear that Bradley would not be back. The same can be said of Mikell. While he does have talent, Mikell wasn't good enough to be a starting safety. Other players that the Eagles won't resign include Nick Cole(notes) Max Jean-Gilles(notes). Both players have had significant playing time, but both were expendable. Jean-Gilles gave good depth on the offensive line, but it should come as no shock that he was let go. The Eagles are trying to reshape an offensive line that has become a joke in recent seasons. Jerome Harrison(notes) is also gone, meaning the Eagles have one less running back on the depth chart. That could lead to some interesting moves. Read More

Carolina Panthers sign DT Ron Edwards | Carolina Panthers, Miami Dolphins, Nfl, Nfl News, Nfl Free Agency, Redskins


While maybe not the splash we were looking for, the Carolina Panthers added much needed veteran depth at DT with the signing today of former Kansas City Chiefs' DT Ron Edwards. The 32 year old Edwards adds some much needed size to the OL as he brings his 6'3", 315 lb frame to help anchor the center of the line. He started the last two seasons for the Chiefs as their 3-4 NT, and space eater. This will allow for flexibility in the 4-3 and 3-4 sets Ron Rivera and Sean McDermott look to employ here. On the surface he seems a lot like the player Sione Fua will become, and appears to be a perfect mentor type to bring along the rookie.

The deal is reported to be for 3 years, $8.25 million, which represents a fairly low investment for someone who will likely be starting for the Panthers this season. Perhaps the most surprising element of his deal is the length, which will make Edwards 35 before the deal finishes.

With this signing it seems inevitable the Panthers will now turn their attention to CB as they attempt to add some veteran depth to this thin position also. Also, don't rule out the Panthers looking for another defensive tackle for the right price. Read More

Atlanta Braves: After 19 innings, Atlanta Braves nip Pirates | Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, Nfl, Braves, Kyle Orton


ulio Lugo scored from third base on a contested play at the plate, giving the Atlanta Braves a 4-3 win in 19 innings over the Pittsburgh Pirates early this morning.

The game, which ended at 1:50 a.m., was the longest in Turner Field history and matched the longest in the major leagues this season. At 6 hours, 39 minutes, it was the longest by time for both teams.

Lugo took off on Scott Proctor's grounder to third baseman Pedro Alvarez, whose throw to catcher Michael McKenry easily beat Lugo to the plate.

Lugo tried to avoid McKenry's tag with a pop-up slide. Replays indicated McKenry made the tag, but home plate umpire Jerry Meals called Lugo safe.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle argued the call vigorously, following Meals off the field as the Braves celebrated.

Phillies 7, Giants 2: Rookie right-hander Vance Worley threw a three-hitter and Chase Utley hit an inside-the-park homer to lead Philadelphia to a victory over San Francisco.

Worley (7-1) had five strikeouts and one walk, and has allowed two earned runs or less in 11 of his 13 career starts. It was Worley's fifth straight win.

Mets 8, Reds 6: Jason Pridie put New York ahead with a two-run double, and the Mets took advantage of one of Cincinnati's worst defensive performances of the season.

The Mets scored six unearned runs off Johnny Cueto (6-4) with the help of three errors, matching the Reds' high for a game.

Brewers 3, Cubs 2: Ryan Braun doubled in a run, Casey McGehee added a two-run triple and Milwaukee's bullpen tossed four scoreless innings.

Cardinals 3, Astros 1: Albert Pujols hit a two-run homer in the first inning for St. Louis and Jake Westbrook made it hold up with six innings of one-run ball.

Diamondbacks 6, Padres 1: Joe Saunders came within one out of a shutout and Justin Upton and Kelly Johnson drove in two runs each for Arizona.

Dodgers 3, Rockies 1: Clayton Kershaw won his fourth straight start and Matt Kemp drove in two runs in Los Angeles' fourth consecutive victory.

Kershaw (12-4) threw a career-high 125 pitches, allowing two runs and eight hits and striking out six.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

YANKEES 4, MARINERS 1: Seattle flailed away helplessly against CC Sabathia in their 17th straight loss, managing only one hit and striking out 18 times overall against New York.

Sabathia (15-5) did not allow a baserunner until Brendan Ryan singled with one out in the seventh inning in beating Seattle for the seventh consecutive start. He struck out 14 of the 25 batters he faced, seven in a row at one point.

The Mariners are four shy of matching the Baltimore Orioles' American League-record 21-game losing streak to start the 1988 season. The 1961 Phillies dropped 23 straight for the modern major league mark.

Twins 9, Rangers 8: Joe Mauer drove in the go-ahead run with a pinch hit double off closer Neftali Feliz in a two-run ninth and Minnesota bounced back from Monday night's 20-6 rout by the Rangers.

The Twins trailed 8-7 when they put runners on second and third off Feliz (0-2) on Delmon Young's single and Jim Thome's pinch double.

Angels 2, Indians 1: Jered Weaver earned his eighth straight win as Mark Trumbo doubled home two runs and the Angels defeated the Indians.

Weaver (14-4) gave up one run over seven innings - a home run by Matt LaPorta in the seventh - and lowered his ERA to 1.79, best in the majors. In going 8-0 in 12 starts since May 23, he has a 1.27 ERA over 92 1-3 innings.

Red Sox 13, Royals 9: David Ortiz had four hits and five RBIs, and Dustin Pedroia had four of Boston's 16 hits to lead the Red Sox to a victory over the Royals, their 18th win in 22 games.

Hours after the teams took a 1-1 pitcher's duel into the 14th inning and finished up at 1:59 a.m., they combined for 31 hits and 22 runs against nine pitchers - including Royals outfielder Mitch Maier, who threw a scoreless inning.

Tigers 5, White Sox 4: Justin Verlander got his 14th win and Wilson Betemit had a two-out, go-ahead single in the eighth inning as the Tigers beat the White Sox and increased their lead in the AL Central.

Verlander (14-5), beaten by the White Sox 11 days ago in Detroit, allowed four runs and seven hits in eight innings.

Athletics 6, Rays 1: Cliff Pennington had three hits to remain the hottest hitter in the major leagues since the All-Star break, Brandon McCarthy pitched eight innings and the Athletics beat the Rays. Read More

Buffalo Bills announce training camp schedule - Buffalo Bills, NFL, NFL News, Carolina Panthers, Redskins, 49ers


The Buffalo Bills announced their training camp schedule this morning.

The Verizon Wireless Training Camp will kick off Saturday at St. John Fisher College in Pittsford, with a practice open to fans tentatively scheduled from 3 to 5 p.m.

Night practices are from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday and Aug. 4, 6, 10, 15 and 17. Tickets, which are limited to six per person, are required for each session.

Tickets are available today through Ticketmaster or www.ticketmaster.com for the first two dates. The cost is free except for tickets ordered online, which cost $1.75.

Tickets for the Aug. 4-15 tickets will be available Friday at Verizon Wireless stores at 3120 W. Ridge Road, Greece; Eastview Mall; and 3005 Monroe Ave., Pittsford.

The availability date for tickets for the final night practice has not been announced, but the tickets will be available at Wilson Farms stores at 622 Park Ave. and 2300 E. Main St., Rochester.

Any of the daytime practices that are open to the public do not require tickets.

For a complete listing of the training camp practice schedule, parking and shuttle bus information, and more training camp information fans can visit the Buffalo Bills Verizon Wireless Training Camp website page at buffalobills.com.

This marks the 12th year that the Bills will hold their training camp in the Rochester region. Read More

Miami Dolphins, Kyle Orton in contract talks | Miami Dolphins, Kyle Orton, Nfl, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, Redskins


The Miami Dolphins are among a handful of teams engaged in contract negotiations with Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton, who expects to be traded by week's end.

According to a team source, Orton sits atop General Manager Jeff Ireland's wish list of quarterbacks he'd like to add to the Dolphins' roster. But another source said the seven-year veteran, who is owed $9 million in 2011, is seeking a multi-year contract extension that will pay him north of $6 million a year.

The source said Orton has some say in where he lands in 2011, and wants to make sure he's "viewed as an asset more than a stop-gap" option.

The Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks were among the team's bidding for his services on Tuesday. Read More

Titans agree to deal with Hasselbeck | Tarvaris Jackson, Kyle Orton, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, Donovan Mcnabb


The Tennessee Titans have reached a deal with quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, according to a person familiar with the agreement.

Hasselbeck spent the past 10 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, and the Titans are hoping he can bring stability to the position and work with rookie Jake Locker, the No. 8 overall draft pick.

Veteran Kerry Collins retired three weeks ago, the Titans plan to trade or release Vince Young before training camp opens Friday.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced. ESPN.com first reported the agreement, which was reached Wednesday morning.

Free agents aren't allowed to sign contracts until Friday, and terms of Hasselbeck's agreement were not immediately available.

The Seahawks reached a deal Tuesday with quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, a clear sign they were moving on without Hasselbeck. Back in January, coach Pete Carroll pronounced that re-signing Hasselbeck was Seattle's No. 1 priority, but the two sides could not reach an agreement before the 4 1/2-month NFL lockout.

During the 2010 season, the 35-year-old Hasselbeck played in 14 games, throwing for 3,001 yards, 12 touchdowns and 17 interceptions while completing 59.9 percent of his passes. Originally drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 1998 draft, the three-time Pro Bowl selection has 29,579 yards passing, 176 touchdowns and 128 interceptions while completing 60.1 percent of his passes in 12 seasons.

Hasselbeck comes to Tennessee already familiar with Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt, who worked in the Seahawks' front office before joining the Titans in 2007, and Locker, who played for the Washington Huskies.

In the post-lockout rush to complete rosters, the Titans needed to sign nine draft picks, including Locker, work to keep some of their own free agents and possibly add a veteran defensive tackle, linebacker and safety. They agreed to terms with 14 undrafted rookies Tuesday.

The challenges don't end with signing players, either. The start of training camp will mark the first time players get to work out with coach Mike Munchak and a staff of new assistants. Read More

Matt Hasselbeck to Titans, Donovan McNabb to Vikings and other reports | Donovan McNabb, Kyle Orton, Matt Hasselbeck, Minnesota Vikings, Vikings, NFL


Santonio Holmes: Re-signing with Jets. ESPN says the deal includes $24 million guaranteed. The wide receiver is one of the biggest free-agent prizes.

Alex Smith: Re-signing with 49ers, according to ESPN. This is no surprise. The contract reportedly is one year, $5 million.

Matt Hasselbeck: Headed to Titans, according to the Nashville Tennessean, among others. 49ers fans hoping the Seahawks QB would end up in S.F. are outta luck.

Donovan McNabb: Being traded to Vikings, say various outlets, including NFL.com. The Redskins are getting draft picks in exchange -- sixth round and conditional picks. Reportedly, McNabb needs to reach a contract agreement with the Vikings, to seal the deal.

Tarvaris Jackson: Joining the Seahawks, according to the Seattle Times and others. The 49ers aren't the only team with a tenuous QB situation.

Nate Davis: Heading to Colts. No, he doesn't really belong on this list, but he's a QB project 49ers fans once had some hopes for. The Muncie Star Press has one of the reports (he went to Ball State there).

Donte' Stallworth: Will join Redskins, according to Pro Football Talk. Moving on to receivers here, the former Saints standout is one of the big names. The Redskins also are bringing back Santana Moss. Read More

Minnesota Vikings, Donovan Mcnabb, Kyle Orton, Vikings, Matt Hasselbeck, Denver Broncos:"Is QB McNabb headed to the Vikings?"


Is QB McNabb headed to the Vikings? - Once again, rumors are swirling about the Minnesota Vikings signing a veteran quarterback to be a crucial missing piece for a playoff run.

Only this time, the QB in question isn’t Brett Favre.

Media reports Tuesday suggested that the Vikings are pursuing veteran quarterback Donovan McNabb, who has a fractured relationship with his current team, the Washington Redskins.

ESPN reported that the Vikings were among the few teams to talk with Washington about acquiring McNabb.

NFL.com’s Jason La Canfora reported that the Vikings and Redskins had developed the “parameters” of a deal for McNabb, but a sticking point to any agreement would be restructuring McNabb’s contract. ESPN reported that Minnesota can’t make a deal with the Redskins without first coming to an agreement with McNabb.

Why might the Vikings be looking at McNabb? They drafted quarterback Christian Ponder in the first round in April to be their quarterback of the future, but he missed crucial months of practice during the months-long NFL lockout.

With Favre and Tarvaris Jackson gone or soon-to-be gone, untested Joe Webb is the only other quarterback on the roster — thus the need for McNabb or another veteran QB to step in and provide leadership at the very least, and perhaps fill the starting role.

McNabb was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1999 and led them to the Super Bowl in the 2004-05 season. He was traded to Washington before last season, but was benched during the season.

ESPN reported Tuesday, citing unnamed sources, that the Vikings have reached an agreement for a one-year contract with former Chicago wide receiver Devin Aromashodu. Read More

Jets still in on Nnamdi Asomugha | Dallas Cowboys, Nnamdi Asomugha


ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the New York Jets are still heavily pursuing Oakland free-agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha despite just spending big dollars to keep receiver Santonio Holmes.

The Jets emerged as a serious pursuer of Asomugha on Tuesday. NFL.com is reporting that the Jets and Asomugha talks are “serious.”

Expect much more on Asomugha’s talks as Wednesday develops. Schefter also named Houston, Baltimore and Dallas as among the teams that are trying to secure Asomugha. Tampa Bay may be careful in its pursuit.

Meanwhile, the Raiders have kept one of their own. Schefter reported Oakland re-signed long-snapper Jon Condo. He is a reliable snapper who is part of a strong special-teams unit. It was a terrific re-sign.

ESPN’s John Clayton reports the Chiefs re-signed safety Jon McGraw to a one-year deal. He is a role player and a fine leader. With linebacker Mike Vrabel retiring, McGraw’s leadership will be needed in Kansas City.

Defensive tackle Ron Edwards left the Chiefs for a three-year deal with Carolina. The Chiefs weren’t overly excited about keeping Edwards and they are looking for an upgrade.

Raiders tackle Langston Walker said he is talking to the Raiders about returning. Yet, the Raiders are pursuing Baltimore’s Jared Gaither, who’d be a major upgrade.

We’ve seen lists from San Diego and Oakland, but here is a list of the undrafted free agents signed by all 32 teams.

Expect talks with San Diego safety Eric Weddle to heat up today. He has a lot of interest, but I think he’d like to return to the Chargers. San Diego agreed to terms with three players Tuesday, but Weddle remains a priority. Read More

2011 NFL Free Agents: Nnamdi Asomugha Has Suitors–Texans, Bucs, Cowboys, Eagles, Ravens, Jets | asomugha to cowboys, eagles nnamdi asomugha, nfl free agency 2011 bucs


If Nnamdi Asomugha hаd hіѕ way, hе′d bе a Nеw York Jet, Peter King οf Sports Illustrated reports. Pairing hіm up wіth Darrelle Revis аnd Rex Ryan’s defensive unit, thеn letting loose οn opposing AFC offenses wουld bе something еlѕе tο watch. Unfortunately fοr Asomugha, thе Jets hаνе lаrgеr priorities (cornerback іѕ hardly thеіr weakness) аnd mіght nοt hаνе enough cap space tο pursue thе lockdown corner.

Sο Asomugha mіght hаνе tο look somewhere еlѕе. Thеrе аrе several options.

Houston Texans: Nο one needs more hеlр іn pass defense. Thе Texans hаνе bееn desperate fοr ехсеllеnt cornerback hеlр fοr eons. Thеу need a defender thаt’ll mаkе Peyton Manning’s life hard. Asomugha mау possibly fill аn area οf need fοr Houston, аnd thеу ѕhουld hаνе thе cap space flexibility tο sign hіm.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Thіѕ defense іѕ starting tο stack up again іn thе front seven. Now іt’s time tο shore up thе secondary. Tampa hаѕ a lot οf cap flexibility, аnd Asomugha іѕ јυѕt thе type οf player thаt саn return thе Bucs tο preeminence іn thе NFC South.

Dallas Cowboys: Jerry Jones probably hаѕ thе money tο offer Asomugha, bυt dοеѕ hе hаνе thе talent tο entice hіm? Dallas hаѕ endured ѕοmе rough patches thе past few seasons, аnd I don’t know іf hе′d bе interested іn being раrt οf thе mega-free agent рlοt thаt Jones ѕο οftеn embarks οn tο solve hіѕ problems.

Philadelphia Eagles: Asomugha tο thе Eagles hаѕ bееn a well lονеd rumor fοr forever, bесаυѕе іt’s thе Eagles аnd whο doesn’t want tο play fοr thе Eagles bесаυѕе іt’s Philly brah. Bυt thеrе hasn’t bееn much chatter οthеr thаn DeSean Jackson lobbying hіѕ fellow Cal Bear. Thіѕ іѕ probably thе сοldеѕt rumor οf thеm аll.

Balitmore Ravens: Baltimore јυѕt сυt аbουt a thousand people ten minutes ago. I wonder whу thеу wουld dο thаt. Read More

New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, Oakland Raiders, Profootballtalk, Redskins:"New England Patriots Training Camp 2011: Schedule, Location And More"


The New England Patriots have announced that they will open their 2011 training camp on Wednesday, when players will report to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA for the first time since the NFL lockout ended on Monday.

While camp opens on Wednesday, the first practice - which is expected to be a light one - on Thursday. Here's everything that you need to know about the Patriots' 2011 training camp. Welcome back, football.

Event: New England Patriots Training Camp 2011

Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Dates: Training camp opens on Wednesday when players will report fro the first time. The first practice open to the public takes place on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. EDT to 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. On Friday, public practices will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 and again from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. So, to recap...

Wednesday, July 27 - Training camp opens, players report.
Thursday, July 28 - First practice takes place. Practices take place from 9:30 a.m. EDT to 11:30 a.m. and again from 3:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Friday, July 29 - Practices take place from 9:30 a.m. EDT to 11:30 a.m. and again from 3:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Additional Info: For updated information on practices, the Patriots have set up a hotline. For more info, call 1 (508) 549-0001. Read More

Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland Raiders, Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys, Profootballtalk, Redskins:"Nnamdi Asomugha tops list of most coveted free agents"


There are few sure things in the period of unpredictable insanity that is now underway in the NFL. Players will be re-signed. Players will be traded. And whichever team lands former Oakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha will feel like it won the lottery.

Clearly the most proven commodity in the 2011 free agent class, Asomugha is a shutdown corner with proven ball skills who will instantly upgrade any pass defense he joins. Before Revis Island, Asomugha was head and shoulders above the rest of the corners in the league.

It’s no surprise, then, that more than 10 teams have been rumored to be interested in the four-time Pro Bowler including the Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens and Washington Redskins — and more may be on the way.

The Texans have long been one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL, so it makes sense that they are serious about going after Asomougha, especially if the team is ready to prove its ability to take the next step and compete in the postseason.

Asomugha would fill a hole at right cornerback for the Eagles while the prospect of pairing him with Darrelle Revis has New York Jets Coach Rex Ryan positively giddy.

After releasing a stable of veterans early Tuesday, the Ravens now have the salary cap room to nab a player who could give their aging defense a serious upgrade in the secondary.

Meantime, the Redskins need help at corner to play opposite DeAngelo Hall, and they’ve never shied away from shelling out the big bucks for veteran free agents before. But before they decide who to add, the Redskins must settle on which of their own free agents they want to bring back. Read More

Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, Redskins, Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, Oakland Raiders:"Jones: Cowboys can make whatever deals they want"


Jerry Jones says the Dallas Cowboys can clear enough space under the salary cap to sign anyone they want.

The Cowboys owner arrived at team headquarters Tuesday morning about 40 minutes before the official start of what's expected to be a post-lockout flurry of activity. He said he'd invited several players in to tell them not to bother going to training camp on Wednesday in San Antonio because they're going to be cut.

Dallas needs to start shedding salaries for cap purposes. Right tackle Marc Colombo is among the likely candidates, and he was seen going into the building Tuesday morning.

Left tackle Doug Free _ the team's top priority to get re-signed _ was among the first to arrive, and the first to leave. Read More

Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, Redskins, Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, Oakland Raiders:"Pittsburgh Steelers: Undrafted Free Agents Could Earn Roster Spots"


The lockout is over and the Pittsburgh Steelers wasted no time getting to work, agreeing to terms with 15 undrafted rookie free agents between Monday and Tuesday.

According to the Steelers the following players have agreed to terms with the team:

Vaughn Charlton, TE/HB (Temple)
John Clay, HB (Wisconsin)
Terrence McCrae, WR (Ohio)
Armand Robinson, WR (Miami University)
Adam Mims, WR (Furman)
Weslye Saunders, TE (South Carolina)
Colin Miller, C (Central Michigan)
Trevis Turner, OT (Abilene Christian)
Brent Greenwood, S (Iowa)
Niles Brinkley, CB (Wisconsin)
Eric Clanton, OLB (Citadel)
Mario Harvey, MLB (Marshall)
Miguel Chavis, DE (Clemson)
Anthony Gray, DT (Southern Miss)
Eric Greenwood, WR (Idaho)

Many of these players have been brought in for camp depth but there are a few names that stand out.

Weslye Saunders, Mario Harvey, Anthony Gray and John Clay are all players who could stick with the team into the regular season.

Saunders has the highest pedigree of any player signed by the Steelers but had his stock drop significantly after being suspended for his senior season due to an issue stemmed around accepting improper benefits from agents.

After having foot surgery in April, he will also have to prove that he is fully recovered.

If Saunders can get back to the level he played in college the Steelers could finally have a legitimate receiving threat to go in their two tight end set.

Granted it will take time for Saunders to develop, he comes into the NFL as a prospect who was rated as the top tight end prospect in the nation by NFLDraftSCout.com last August.

At 6’5” Saunders is a huge target and if he is at his playing weight of 272 pounds he has the bulk to be a good stay-at-home blocker as well.

He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.96 seconds but his speed should be much better as he gets back into game shape. Read More

Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, Bears, Baltimore Ravens, Redskins, Steelers:"Packers LB Nick Barnett tweets that his time in Green Bay is coming to an end"


GREEN BAY, Wis. — It looks like linebacker Nick Barnett is done in Green Bay.

Barnett was among the first Packers players to return to Lambeau Field on Tuesday morning. He left without talking with reporters, but tweeted that he had met with team officials and then thanked everyone “for the great 8 years.”

Barnett says he was happy to be part of the team’s run to the Super Bowl championship last season and Green Bay will always be special to him.

Wide receiver Brett Swain and tight end Tom Crabtree also were among the early arrivals. The Packers open training camp Friday and have their first practice Saturday.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Read More

Redskins, Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, Oakland Raiders, Profootballtalk:"John Beck was unrecognized and turned away at Redskins Park"


Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan is adamant that relatively-unknown John Beck(notes) can be his team's starting quarterback this season. The rest of Washington, DC has been a little slower to embrace him.
Beck showed up to Redskins Park yesterday to try to meet with offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, but he wasn't allowed to enter the building. The security guy at the gate had no idea he was the Redskins quarterback. From Mike Jones at the Washington Post:

He was turned away at the security gate by a guard, who didn't even know who he was.
Beck was told that players can't report until Tuesday morning, and left slightly disappointed, but not offended.
"I'm OK with that," Beck said of not being recognized when reached this afternoon. "I haven't done anything yet."

If I was in the security guy's shoes that day, I believe I'd have done the same thing. I'm not sure I'd recognize John Beck if he walked into my kitchen right now and started making me waffles. Read More

Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Bears, Baltimore Ravens, Redskins, Steelers:"Bears pursuing free-agent linebacker Durant"


With the Chicago Bears allowed to reach out to other teams' free agents Tuesday morning, it appears the team is prepared to start looking at other options at strong-side linebacker.

According to a source, the Bears already have reached out about unrestricted free agent Justin Durant from the Jaguars and the signing of Durant "could happen." The Bears are looking for another option alongside Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, with Nick Roach an unrestricted free agent set to test the market and Pisa Tinoisamoa, also a free agent, coming off major knee surgery. Tinoisamoa would be limited in training camp if re-signed by the Bears.

Durant has been high on the Detroit Lions' radar, too, so it will be interesting to see if this becomes a battle of NFC North teams.

The 6-foot-1-inch, 240-pound Durant started 10 games last season with the Jaguars and had 55 tackles.

Durant missed some time last season with ankle and groin injuries but had been an effective player for the Jaguars in four seasons.

"I felt like when I was in there that I was important to the defense, and I was contributing a lot," Durant told the Florida Times-Union. "I had a couple injuries, a couple setbacks. They were nagging all year."

The Bears can negotiate with other team's free agents Tuesday but those players can't sign until Friday. If Durant were to sign, he couldn't join the team for practice until the new league year starts, Aug. 4.

twitter@vxmcclure23

Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, Redskins, Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers:"With lockout over, Miami Dolphins’ Stephen Ross must deliver on promise"


The NFL has settled its unsettling labor dispute, and now we can finally look forward to a new football season. Awesome, right?

No doubt!
But before the Dolphins fan can dig the face paint out of the cabinet, get on the phone with the ticket office or order that TV package — before the ardent fan looks ahead to the 2011 season — you need to remember last season for a moment.

You need to remember January.
You need to go back because that’s when the sting was still fresh and your ire was still burning at just the right temperature. You weren’t ready to settle for just any kind of football then simply because it was, well, football.

You need to go back to January because the trip should give today’s joy and excitement about the coming football season some needed perspective.

Back then, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross told you he would deliver a winner. Promised it, practically. You need to remember that promise and hold him to it.

Ross told you what had happened during 2010, especially during a 1-7 home skid, was not going to repeat and that big changes were afoot.


Philadelphia Eagles; Eagles will start Lehigh Camp on July 27: Fan reaction | NFL


The Philadelphia Eagles will open training camp on Wednesday, July 27. Team activities will begin one day earlier when the Eagles can sign their own free agents and draft picks as well as execute any potential trades. However, veteran free agents can't officially sign until June 29. In addition, they won't be able to practice until the new league year begins on August 4. That means that the training camp at Lehigh will be somewhat jumbled. Still, as an Eagles fan this is welcome news. It's great for the fans and great for the Lehigh community.

The prospect of losing training camp at Lehigh was one of those things that became increasingly possible as the lockout wore on. Every July, Eagles fans migrate to Lehigh to watch the team conduct training camp. It leads to great business for the area. Had there been no training camp, those businesses would have suffered significantly. Still, Eagles fans were already on their way to Lehigh even before the lockout officially ended. They assumed that the players would be there soon and they were right.

It is a little confusing to try and figure out what will happen at this camp. The Eagles are going to be players in the free agency world, which means there won't be a full roster ready to practice until August 4. That might not be a bad thing. The Eagles can evaluate some of the younger players and determine a depth chart. They should have a good idea of who they are going to sign as camp starts and will officially know by the weekend. That means that the Eagles can assume that those signed players will fill certain positions. This training camp is going to be different but it will also be more important than any previous camp. The players and coaches will need to conduct an entire offseason into a couple of short weeks. The preseason opens about two weeks after the team reports to training camp. Everything is going to happen very fast. Despite the adjustments, the Eagles won't be at a disadvantage. Every other NFL team is under the same circumstances. So while training camp might be difficult, it shouldn't hurt the Eagles any more than it would hurt another team. The key will be figuring out a plan to get the new players into the fold as they can.

For the fans, the Lehigh training camp should be special this year. After more than 130 days without any real football activity, the opening of camp is a sure sign that the NFL is back and that the Eagles are gearing up for a 2011 season. It means it's time to forget about the lockout and start thinking about the annual summer event that is training camp. It's a great thing for everyone involved that the Eagles will be able to hold training camp in Lehigh in 2011. Read More