C-Mac
03-04-2005, 05:51 PM
Few interesting tidbit, Jerry Jones Cowboys quotes, ect.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/scorecard/03/04/truth.rumors.nfl/
When former Green Bay guard Marco Rivera signed his five-year, $20 million contract, it completed a day in free agency like no other for the Cowboys. Combined with deals completed by former Jets defensive tackle Jason Ferguson and former Browns cornerback Anthony Henry on Wednesday night -- all three players signed their contracts Thursday -- owner Jerry Jones handed out a record $28 million in bonus money alone. Add in the $2 million the Cowboys gave veteran quarterback Drew Bledsoe last week, and the total bonus money reaches $30 million in the past seven days.
-- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
It's not the signing bonus money that matters -- it's the cap figure that counts. Bledsoe, Henry, Ferguson and Rivera will count $10 million combined against next season's cap. The Cowboys remain in good shape, with $5 million to $7 million left for free agency and the draft. Although they still have needs -- free safety, right tackle, backup running back, wide receiver and linebacker -- the Cowboys won't be as aggressive going forward.
-- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Despite ongoing speculation about his desire to return to South Florida and signing with the Dolphins, Edgerrin James said that his top priority was finding a team willing to give him an acceptable long-term contract extension. To James, that means re-signing with Indianapolis or finding a way to maneuver out of the franchise tag the Colts placed on him so he can land with another franchise. "Everybody keeps trying to push me to Miami or whatever, but I'm open-minded to anywhere," said James.
-- South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Four free agents, including quarterback Kurt Warner, visited the Cardinals on Thursday. Negotiations started with Warner Thursday, and he's the team's top-rated quarterback in free agency.
-- Arizona Republic
Warner boarded a plane to Chicago on Thursday night after beginning his free-agent tour in Arizona, where the Cardinals stopped short of offering him a starting job. The same is true with the Bears and Warner's other known suitor, the Detroit Lions.
-- Chicago Tribune
Talks aimed at swapping fourth-year receiver Santana Moss for Laveranues Coles remained alive yesterday, and there is a decent chance the teams will be able to make the deal.
-- Newsday
The Jets and the agent for Coles, Roosevelt Barnes, continued their discussions yesterday. It appears the two sides are getting closer to working out a trade as Coles has apparently dropped his demand for a new contract. Coles, however, will likely want some his base salaries guaranteed and that could be another stumbling block. It appears both clubs would like to make the trade. The Redskins don't want an unhappy Coles and it would be hard for the Jets to bring back Moss after shopping him so publicly.
-- Newark Star-Ledger
Jaguars safety Donovin Darius is officially on the trading block. Darius said his agent, Tom Condon, was given written permission Thursday by the Jaguars to seek a trade with other teams.
-- Jacksonville Times-Union
Steelers running back Jerome Bettis said that he is "leaning toward coming back" this season.
-- Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Offensive tackle Oliver Ross visited Phoenix yesterday to interview with the Cardinals, who also are interested in another Steelers free agent, offensive guard Keydrick Vincent.
-- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The agent for kicker Jeff Reed faxed the Steelers a five-year contract proposal and will meet with team officials today in hopes of finalizing a deal. A few agents said they'd heard that teams were inquiring about trading for Steelers back-up quarterback Tommy Maddox.
-- Pittsburgh Tribune Review
The agent for free-agent wide receiver Plaxico Burress said there is "no shortage of teams" chasing his client, but the Steelers are not among them. The Vikings are considering signing Burress or Travis Taylor of the Ravens to replace Randy Moss.
-- Pittsburgh Tribune Review
It wasn't easy for the Giants to say goodbye to veteran receiver Ike Hilliard yesterday. But it will be a lot easier in the future if they can replace him with Burress. Though they're still a longshot to sign the Steelers' big receiver, the Giants are at least making an initial push to lure him to New York.
-- New York Daily News
The Vikings can say goodbye to backup quarterback Gus Frerotte, who is visiting this week with the Dolphins. Because of his close association with Scott Linehan, the former Vikings and now Dolphins offensive coordinator, look for Frerotte to sign with the Dolphins and make a strong bid to be the starting quarterback, beating out incumbent A.J. Feeley.
-- Minneapolis Star Tribune
Eagles free agent linebacker Jeremiah Trotter left Kansas City last night without a deal, hoping to continue his free-agent tour, though a report about Trotter visiting Seattle and Atlanta remained unconfirmed. Trotter's agent, Jimmy Sexton, was talking contract numbers with the Chiefs last night.
-- Philadelphia Daily News
The Eagles decided that it was time to consider Plan B -- Pittsburgh's Kendrell Bell. Bell will visit the Eagles this afternoon. The exact time wasn't known because Bell first must complete his own visit with the Chiefs.
-- Philadelphia Inquirer
The Chiefs entered into preliminary contract discussions with linebackers Ed Hartwell of Baltimore and Trotter and cornerback Samari Rolle of Tennessee. But the Chiefs appeared ready to wait on any agreement until they've met with the second wave of visitors consisting of Bell and Tampa Bay defensive back Dwight Smith.
-- Kansas City Star
The Eagles' other free-agent starter, defensive end Derrick Burgess, also is ready to leave. Burgess has a visit scheduled with the Dolphins for Tuesday and is waiting to hear from other teams as well. Green Bay, once it gets its salary cap in order, also could be a suitor. While the Eagles have yet to announce any scheduled visits, they have inquired about veteran tight end Ken Dilger.
-- Trenton Times
The Lions haven't taken their first step in signing free agents from other teams this year, but they expect to get in the race over the weekend. Denver strong safety Kenoy Kennedy and Tampa Bay quarterback Brad Johnson have visits lined up.
-- Detroit News
On the heels of linebacker Morlon Greenwood leaving Miami for a five-year, $22.5 million contract with Houston, the agent for Kevin Carter said his client could agree to contract terms with the Dolphins as early as today if Tennessee doesn't re-sign him. The Dolphins already are pursuing two potential replacements for Greenwood in Atlanta's Matt Stewart and Denver's Donnie Spragan.
-- South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Seattle became the latest to inquire about cornerback Patrick Surtain. The Seahawks called after losing cornerback Ken Lucas in free agency to Carolina.
-- Miami Herald
Junior Seau moved close to a deal to restructure his contract with the Dolphins. -- Palm Beach Post
The Giants started their official courting of Jay Fiedler, whom they covet as a backup quarterback to Eli Manning. Tackle Kareem McKenzie of the Jets also visited yesterday, and remains a prime target for the Giants.
-- New York Post
The Browns have talked to Seattle about trading for Super Bowl-winning quarterback Trent Dilfer. Dilfer was with the Ravens in 2000 when Browns GM Phil Savage was there. coach Romeo Crennel said the Browns are still trying to re-sign free agent Kelly Holcomb, but they're prepared to go to Plan B and Plan C if need be.
-- Cleveland Plain Dealer
The Saints entertained offensive lineman Jermane Mayberry and scheduling a visit with right tackle Fred Miller for today.
-- New Orleans Times-Picayune
In a surprising development, Tight end Jeb Putzier, a restricted free agent, arrived in New York for a visit with the Jets. Denver signed linebacker Ian Gold and retained free-agent guard Ben Hamilton. The Broncos are visiting with Seattle defensive end Chike Okeafor today and have had some discussions about St. Louis defensive end Bryce Fisher. Denver also has had preliminary talks with Seattle tight end Itula Mili and Baltimore guard Bennie Anderson.
-- Denver Post
Shopping for a tight end, the Bucs have talked with the agents for Marcus Pollard (Colts), Anthony Becht (Jets), Roland Williams (Raiders) and Itula Mili. The Bucs are also trying to re-sign one of their own free-agent tight ends, Ken Dilger.
-- Tampa Tribune
Linebacker Jamie Sharper has been given permission to seek a trade, a move that would clear space at an overstocked position and rid the Texans of Sharper's $6.13 million salary-cap hit for 2005.
-- Houston Chronicle
If Reggie Fowler's deal to purchase the Vikings isn't approved, and there is a re-bidding process for the NFL team, Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor said he expects he would bid again. "I've talked to my partners, and they all said they're still interested," Taylor said.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/scorecard/03/04/truth.rumors.nfl/
When former Green Bay guard Marco Rivera signed his five-year, $20 million contract, it completed a day in free agency like no other for the Cowboys. Combined with deals completed by former Jets defensive tackle Jason Ferguson and former Browns cornerback Anthony Henry on Wednesday night -- all three players signed their contracts Thursday -- owner Jerry Jones handed out a record $28 million in bonus money alone. Add in the $2 million the Cowboys gave veteran quarterback Drew Bledsoe last week, and the total bonus money reaches $30 million in the past seven days.
-- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
It's not the signing bonus money that matters -- it's the cap figure that counts. Bledsoe, Henry, Ferguson and Rivera will count $10 million combined against next season's cap. The Cowboys remain in good shape, with $5 million to $7 million left for free agency and the draft. Although they still have needs -- free safety, right tackle, backup running back, wide receiver and linebacker -- the Cowboys won't be as aggressive going forward.
-- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Despite ongoing speculation about his desire to return to South Florida and signing with the Dolphins, Edgerrin James said that his top priority was finding a team willing to give him an acceptable long-term contract extension. To James, that means re-signing with Indianapolis or finding a way to maneuver out of the franchise tag the Colts placed on him so he can land with another franchise. "Everybody keeps trying to push me to Miami or whatever, but I'm open-minded to anywhere," said James.
-- South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Four free agents, including quarterback Kurt Warner, visited the Cardinals on Thursday. Negotiations started with Warner Thursday, and he's the team's top-rated quarterback in free agency.
-- Arizona Republic
Warner boarded a plane to Chicago on Thursday night after beginning his free-agent tour in Arizona, where the Cardinals stopped short of offering him a starting job. The same is true with the Bears and Warner's other known suitor, the Detroit Lions.
-- Chicago Tribune
Talks aimed at swapping fourth-year receiver Santana Moss for Laveranues Coles remained alive yesterday, and there is a decent chance the teams will be able to make the deal.
-- Newsday
The Jets and the agent for Coles, Roosevelt Barnes, continued their discussions yesterday. It appears the two sides are getting closer to working out a trade as Coles has apparently dropped his demand for a new contract. Coles, however, will likely want some his base salaries guaranteed and that could be another stumbling block. It appears both clubs would like to make the trade. The Redskins don't want an unhappy Coles and it would be hard for the Jets to bring back Moss after shopping him so publicly.
-- Newark Star-Ledger
Jaguars safety Donovin Darius is officially on the trading block. Darius said his agent, Tom Condon, was given written permission Thursday by the Jaguars to seek a trade with other teams.
-- Jacksonville Times-Union
Steelers running back Jerome Bettis said that he is "leaning toward coming back" this season.
-- Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Offensive tackle Oliver Ross visited Phoenix yesterday to interview with the Cardinals, who also are interested in another Steelers free agent, offensive guard Keydrick Vincent.
-- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The agent for kicker Jeff Reed faxed the Steelers a five-year contract proposal and will meet with team officials today in hopes of finalizing a deal. A few agents said they'd heard that teams were inquiring about trading for Steelers back-up quarterback Tommy Maddox.
-- Pittsburgh Tribune Review
The agent for free-agent wide receiver Plaxico Burress said there is "no shortage of teams" chasing his client, but the Steelers are not among them. The Vikings are considering signing Burress or Travis Taylor of the Ravens to replace Randy Moss.
-- Pittsburgh Tribune Review
It wasn't easy for the Giants to say goodbye to veteran receiver Ike Hilliard yesterday. But it will be a lot easier in the future if they can replace him with Burress. Though they're still a longshot to sign the Steelers' big receiver, the Giants are at least making an initial push to lure him to New York.
-- New York Daily News
The Vikings can say goodbye to backup quarterback Gus Frerotte, who is visiting this week with the Dolphins. Because of his close association with Scott Linehan, the former Vikings and now Dolphins offensive coordinator, look for Frerotte to sign with the Dolphins and make a strong bid to be the starting quarterback, beating out incumbent A.J. Feeley.
-- Minneapolis Star Tribune
Eagles free agent linebacker Jeremiah Trotter left Kansas City last night without a deal, hoping to continue his free-agent tour, though a report about Trotter visiting Seattle and Atlanta remained unconfirmed. Trotter's agent, Jimmy Sexton, was talking contract numbers with the Chiefs last night.
-- Philadelphia Daily News
The Eagles decided that it was time to consider Plan B -- Pittsburgh's Kendrell Bell. Bell will visit the Eagles this afternoon. The exact time wasn't known because Bell first must complete his own visit with the Chiefs.
-- Philadelphia Inquirer
The Chiefs entered into preliminary contract discussions with linebackers Ed Hartwell of Baltimore and Trotter and cornerback Samari Rolle of Tennessee. But the Chiefs appeared ready to wait on any agreement until they've met with the second wave of visitors consisting of Bell and Tampa Bay defensive back Dwight Smith.
-- Kansas City Star
The Eagles' other free-agent starter, defensive end Derrick Burgess, also is ready to leave. Burgess has a visit scheduled with the Dolphins for Tuesday and is waiting to hear from other teams as well. Green Bay, once it gets its salary cap in order, also could be a suitor. While the Eagles have yet to announce any scheduled visits, they have inquired about veteran tight end Ken Dilger.
-- Trenton Times
The Lions haven't taken their first step in signing free agents from other teams this year, but they expect to get in the race over the weekend. Denver strong safety Kenoy Kennedy and Tampa Bay quarterback Brad Johnson have visits lined up.
-- Detroit News
On the heels of linebacker Morlon Greenwood leaving Miami for a five-year, $22.5 million contract with Houston, the agent for Kevin Carter said his client could agree to contract terms with the Dolphins as early as today if Tennessee doesn't re-sign him. The Dolphins already are pursuing two potential replacements for Greenwood in Atlanta's Matt Stewart and Denver's Donnie Spragan.
-- South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Seattle became the latest to inquire about cornerback Patrick Surtain. The Seahawks called after losing cornerback Ken Lucas in free agency to Carolina.
-- Miami Herald
Junior Seau moved close to a deal to restructure his contract with the Dolphins. -- Palm Beach Post
The Giants started their official courting of Jay Fiedler, whom they covet as a backup quarterback to Eli Manning. Tackle Kareem McKenzie of the Jets also visited yesterday, and remains a prime target for the Giants.
-- New York Post
The Browns have talked to Seattle about trading for Super Bowl-winning quarterback Trent Dilfer. Dilfer was with the Ravens in 2000 when Browns GM Phil Savage was there. coach Romeo Crennel said the Browns are still trying to re-sign free agent Kelly Holcomb, but they're prepared to go to Plan B and Plan C if need be.
-- Cleveland Plain Dealer
The Saints entertained offensive lineman Jermane Mayberry and scheduling a visit with right tackle Fred Miller for today.
-- New Orleans Times-Picayune
In a surprising development, Tight end Jeb Putzier, a restricted free agent, arrived in New York for a visit with the Jets. Denver signed linebacker Ian Gold and retained free-agent guard Ben Hamilton. The Broncos are visiting with Seattle defensive end Chike Okeafor today and have had some discussions about St. Louis defensive end Bryce Fisher. Denver also has had preliminary talks with Seattle tight end Itula Mili and Baltimore guard Bennie Anderson.
-- Denver Post
Shopping for a tight end, the Bucs have talked with the agents for Marcus Pollard (Colts), Anthony Becht (Jets), Roland Williams (Raiders) and Itula Mili. The Bucs are also trying to re-sign one of their own free-agent tight ends, Ken Dilger.
-- Tampa Tribune
Linebacker Jamie Sharper has been given permission to seek a trade, a move that would clear space at an overstocked position and rid the Texans of Sharper's $6.13 million salary-cap hit for 2005.
-- Houston Chronicle
If Reggie Fowler's deal to purchase the Vikings isn't approved, and there is a re-bidding process for the NFL team, Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor said he expects he would bid again. "I've talked to my partners, and they all said they're still interested," Taylor said.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press