NFL News

[PaCkFan_n_MD]

Saints agreed to terms with LB Dan Morgan on a one-year contract.

Morgan is reportedly expected to start at weak-side linebacker, but we'll see if he can beat out Scott Shanle first. He's still recovering from Achilles surgery and will have to avoid concussions when contact workouts begin. On paper at least, the Saints' linebacker crew now looks pretty good.



Bucs agreed to terms with Ben Troupe on a two-year contract, according to NFL Network's Adam Schefter.

A nice fit for the athletic pass-catching tight end. Troupe will have to learn the offense, but he'll get a chance to compete to start with incumbent Alex Smith. While he's worth keeping an eye on, the Bucs tight ends will probably cancel each other out.


Free agent LB Landon Johnson visited with the Panthers on Thursday.

The Bengals want their leading tackler back, but wouldn't offer him a guaranteed starting job. He'd likely compete with Na'il Diggs in Carolina.


Titans agreed to terms with DE Jevon Kearse on a two-year, $6 million contract, with a $1.3 million signing bonus.

At that price, Kearse is a good gamble to help the Titans as a rotational end. He'll benefit from Albert Haynesworth and Kyle Vanden Bosch and could have a comeback season if he can put on some weight.

[PaCkFan_n_MD]

Panthers signed LB Landon Johnson to a three-year deal.

The Bengals apparently attempted to match the deal, but Johnson was thought to be seeking a better chance at starting. In Carolina, Johnson should compete with an injury-prone Na'il Diggs. He also provides nice backup in case Adam Seward leaves through restricted free agency.


Joe Jurevicius told the Browns that he couldn't take the pounding of a second receiver, and asked to become a No. 3.

The signing of Donte' Stallworth granted this wish. Jurevicius should see significantly fewer snaps this season, and it's clear the 33-year-old's career is winding down.


NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has proposed unannounced inspections of locker rooms, stadium press boxes and in-game communications equipment in an effort to crackdown on cheating.

Goodell has also wants to lower the standard of proof needed to impose penalties on a team or person for cheating. Between this and the likely use of one defensive player per team to have headset communication (that measure narrowly failed last year), the NFL should at least win the P.R. war against cheating.


Speaking on the Dan Patrick Show Thursday, Ricky Williams revealed that he recently met face to face with VP of football operations Bill Parcells.

"He called me into his office and told me that he wanted me and he really believed in me," Ricky said of the Tuna. "He’s been really positive about keeping me involved and inspiring me to contribute this year." Williams added that he hasn't smoked marijuana in "at least a year." Due to a torn pecs muscle, Williams is questionable to participate in minicamps.

[denverYooper]

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has proposed unannounced inspections of locker rooms, stadium press boxes and in-game communications equipment in an elaborate effort to see grown men nekkid.

Fixed.

/Captain Oveur approves.

[PaCkFan_n_MD]

PANTHERS SHOPPING PEPPERS?


Posted by Mike Florio on March 7, 2008, 2:36 p.m.
We’ve received several e-mails over the past couple of days regarding rumors that the Carolina Panthers are poised to trade defensive end Julius Peppers.

And so we’ve actually engaged in a little “real” journalism — and in some of our good, old-fashioned rumor mongering.

There are rumors in league circles that the Panthers are quietly shopping Peppers. He has a big cap number in 2007, and there’s a school of thought that the Panthers aren’t willing to pay him what it would take to keep him over the long haul, especially since the price tag could go up if/when the Ravens sign Terrell Suggs to a long-term deal.

But it takes two to do the trade tango, and we’ve yet to confirm that any of the other 31 teams have been approached about acquiring the No. 2 overall pick in the 2002 draft.

Peppers had only 2.5 sacks last season, down from 13.0 the year before. He had been expected to be in line for a Dwight Freeney-style deal with $30 million guaranteed and a $12 million per year average.

Agent Carl Carey tells PFT that he and Peppers have heard the rumors, but that they have no merit.

“We fully expect that Julius Peppers will be a Carolina Panther this football season,” Carey said.

At this point, there’s no concrete reason to believe otherwise. But unless and until Peppers signs a new contract with the Panthers, the trade whispers will continue.

[Partial]

I'd trade a 1 and a 2 for Brian Peppers

Whoops, I meant Julius!

[Deputy Nutz]

I'd trade a 1 and a 2 for Brian Peppers

Whoops, I meant Julius!

More Glue, a one and a two? I was thinking a two or even our late first, but certainly not two draft picks in the top 60 picks. Especially for a guy that got 2.5 sacks in 2007. That is ridiculous considering how talented the guy is, he dumped the season ala Randy Moss.

The Packers invested in a long term deal with Jenkins so I just don't see them adding Peppers or any high priced veteran. Jenkins could fill a role similar to Corey Williams along the defensive front, but I don't see Thompson having the balls to hook into a shark this size.

[twoseven]

Julius Peppers could be unbelievable opposite Kampman, although they both line up at left end. I'd risk it, last year was a bigtime fluke, every other year has been great, he's still young. (Ahh, feels good to be pretend GM-ing again after the Favre bomb that dropped.)

[PaCkFan_n_MD]

A person close to Plaxico Burress said Plax was "jacked up" after hearing Javon Walker got a six-year, $55 million deal from the Raiders.

So should be most wide receivers that caught more than 26 passes last year and don't need microfracture surgery. Burress will likely ask the Giants to add a nice sum of money to his contract at some point this offseason.


Titans released CB Kelly Herndon.

Herndon, 31, would've cost $1.4 million to keep. It appears Eric King, Reynaldo Hill, and possibly a rookie will battle for nickel duties in camp.


Panthers waived CB Patrick Dendy.

He was no longer of use after Carolina retained Dante Wesley.



Giants re-signed head coach Tom Coughlin to a four-year contract.

The deal is worth roughly $21 million. Coughlin, who took over as the Giants' coach in 2004, has led the club to a 35-29 overall record and three playoff appearances. 2007 was the first year he won a postseason game. After a 10-6 regular season, the Giants knocked off Tampa Bay, Dallas, Green Bay, and finally the then-undefeated Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.



Bears signed Brandon Lloyd to a one-year contract.

Once a promising receiver in San Francisco, Lloyd was a huge bust after the Redskins made him rich. Perhaps he'll be hungrier now and Chicago risks little by giving him a "prove-it" contract to play under college coach Ron Turner. Lloyd could wind up starting or released by Week 1, although the latter is more likely.



Panthers signed RB LaBrandon Toefield to a one-year contract.

If this is the best they can do, DeAngelo Williams will have an easy road to 300+ touches. Toefield, 27, was rarely used in Jacksonville and hasn't averaged over 4.0 YPC in his career. At 5'11/232, he has some short-yardage ability, but won't be a big threat to Williams' carries otherwise. We suspect Carolina will draft another back, though it probably won't happen early.

[PaCkFan_n_MD]

NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports that the Seahawks agreed to terms with Julius Jones. Terms aren't disclosed.

This should end the Shaun Alexander era shortly. It's a dream scenario for Jones, who gets a surprise chance to start again on a productive offense. Seattle could add a rookie, but Jones should play ahead of T.J. Duckett and Maurice Morris. Jones regressed in Dallas, but he's an upgrade from Alexander and could mature late like his brother. Like any starter in Seattle, he'll get consideration as a RB2.

[Fritz]

Okay who's got info on Julius Peppers? How is his health? Anybody have some inside info as to whether the guy has anything in the tank, and how his motivation is?

Anybody know what it might take to get him, if he's worth a risk?

[falco]

Okay who's got info on Julius Peppers? How is his health? Anybody have some inside info as to whether the guy has anything in the tank, and how his motivation is?

Anybody know what it might take to get him, if he's worth a risk?

this one intrigued me right away (as opposed to Kris Jenkins, who I think would be a waste).

Peppers is still fairly young, and we've got cap space to burn. If we're thinking about our defense having to take another step up this season, he'd be a great addition, assuming he's healthy and motivated. his numbers last year aren't that great though

[Fritz]

Do you know what the deal was with him last year? Is he a head case or did he have a serious injury, or both? If he's so good why would carolina want to trade him? Any idea what the cost would be?

I don't have enough info to evaluate this topic. Thanks for you help so far, Falco.

[b bulldog]

People are questioning if he really likes to play football. He has all the tools but seems to lack heart. Do you want to drop $30mil in bonuses on a guy like that.

[PaCkFan_n_MD]

People are questioning if he really likes to play football. He has all the tools but seems to lack heart. Do you want to drop $30mil in bonuses on a guy like that.

Kampman would rub off on him.

[Tony Oday]

There wouldnt be a good starting QB in the north for 5 years because everyone they brought in would see Kamp, Peppers and Jenkins would be in their dreams!