NFL Rumors Archive

"Now, the only question is where Sheppard will end up and what the Eagles will get in return. He's got a considerable amount of value because he's still very young, he's got a ton of big-game experience, and when he's healthy he's capable of making game-altering plays."

"But until the last name is called, the uncertainty will continue, exacerbated by last-minute reports like the one that surfaced late Thursday night that the Saints were offering starting left offensive tackle Jammal Brown to the St. Louis Rams as part of a package to move up to the No. 2 spot in the draft. New Orleans then could select LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey... The Saints could also pull off a draft-day deal to acquire disgruntled New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey, who reportedly has told the Giants he is no longer interested in playing there."

"If you're a Cleveland Browns fan, do you have a feeling — or maybe fear — creeping in the back of your mind that the front office will suddenly decide to be clever on draft day and trade one of its young quarterbacks, Derek Anderson or Brady Quinn, to move up in the draft?"

"Chad Johnson's agent is imploring the Bengals to trade the disgruntled wide receiver. Appearing on YouTube, the video-sharing Web site, Drew Rosenhaus said he's "obviously hoping" Johnson gets shipped out of Cincinnati."

"Unless something unexpected happens, that could leave Thompson strongly inclined to trade back a few spots — most likely with a quarterback-needy team if Louisville's Brian Brohm or Delaware's Joe Flacco is available — rather than rely on his draft board to take the next-best player."

"There is "a good chance" that Jeremy Shockey will be part of a trade that ends his tenure with the Giants on Saturday, according to a league source familiar with the team's situation. The Saints remain the most likely suitor for the tight end in a draft-day deal, with growing interest from the Falcons among others."

"There won't be silver briefcases brandished by models and Howie Mandel won't be fielding phony phone calls, but the premise of the Patriots' 2008 draft will essentially be the same as the game show "Deal or No Deal.""

"Brett Favre just can't seem to keep fans and himself from second-guessing his retirement. Friday, after the Green Bay Packers placed the quarterback on the NFL's reserve/retired list to keep him from counting against their 80-player roster limit, the future first-ballot Hall of Famer kept leaving his retirement open to speculation."

"Former Giants offensive coordinator Sean Payton has made no secret of his desire to be reunited with Jeremy Shockey. The only question now is this: How much is the reunion worth to him?"

"Jake Long is off the board. The St. Louis Rams are on the clock. Tick tock. Tick tock. The Jets, barring a deal, pick sixth. Will they make a daring move and jump up to take Arkansas running back Darren McFadden or will they sit tight and hope Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston or Virginia defensive end/outside linebacker Chris Long is still available? "

" To that end, this draft for the Giants is mostly about adding depth and deciding what becomes of tight end Jeremy Shockey. The Giants have not actively shopped him, but there's no doubt interest is coming at them, mostly from the Saints and New Orleans coach Sean Payton, the Giants' former offensive coordinator who covets his former player, and that the Giants would deal Shockey for the right price. "

"Brett Favre is so popular, he will be featured on the cover of the Madden '09 video game, even though he has retired from the NFL. And, he said Friday he's not contemplating a comeback."

"Could the Eagles trade down from 19, draft Phillips at the end of the first or high in the second, and pick up an extra draft pick, as they did last year? (The third-rounder they got from Dallas ended up being Stewart Bradley, penciled in as this year's starting middle linebacker.) Sure, they could, but they enter draft weekend with 11 picks and more expected, assuming they finally consummate a Lito Sheppard trade."

"Cornerback Lito Sheppard, barring some unforeseen development, will become a member of another team, and we'll all get to see what he brings in return. Early yesterday evening, it was the New Orleans Saints' second-round pick that qualified as the best offer on the table. A league source said five teams had made offers for Sheppard. The St. Louis Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers were among those teams, and the source said the Eagles were still hopeful when they went to bed last night that some team would improve its offer today."

"The Dolphins can't get stubborn on the Jason Taylor Affair at this point. It's too late for such nonsense, and would be counter-productive to what they hope to do."

"Hopefully, it ends today, for all concerned, this increasingly ugly faceoff between Bill Parcells and Jason Taylor. One plots a good beginning, the other a happy ending. One is from Mars, the other from Hollywood."

"Polian was quick to snuff out any speculation the Colts might have an interest in signing free agent running back Shaun Alexander or trading for Miami defensive end Jason Taylor. "We have no interest in either,'' he said. He wasn't so quick to dismiss linebacker Rosevelt Colvin."

"Would it be outlandish to dream of a scenario in which the Pats could pry Jason Taylor away from Miami? Would Bill Parcells even consider handing Taylor over to a rival?"

"The Washington Redskins' efforts to trade their first-round pick -- No. 21 overall -- in today's NFL draft are expected to continue as the selection process unfolds, and the Redskins could focus on defense if they fail to make a deal, league and team sources said yesterday."

"As of Friday night, the Packers weren't expecting to sign free-agent quarterback Daunte Culpepper this weekend. According to a league source, Culpepper has drawn interest from Buffalo and his previous team, Oakland, and is weighing his future. "

"A mock draft compiled by the Journal Sentinel after monthlong discussions with personnel people shows not a single player remaining worth the selection. Thus, the best guess would be that the Packers will trade down four to eight spots into the top of the second round with one of three or four clubs hot for a quarterback."

" The New Orleans Saints are trying hard to move up in Saturday's draft for a shot to draft defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey of LSU, and one of the pieces they are shopping in a trade is left tackle Jammal Brown, according to a league source... To get to Dorsey, the Saints would likely have to work out a deal with the St. Louis Rams to get the second pick. The Rams also like Dorsey, so it might be tough to pry that pick away."

"A recent proposal by California billionaire Ed Roski Jr. to build an $800 million stadium near Los Angeles, with the goal of attracting an NFL team, was met with raised eyebrows by concerned Rams fans here. Would Chip Rosenbloom, the team's new owner and a Hollywood filmmaker, shuttle the Rams back to his hometown? Rosenbloom on Thursday sought emphatically to allay such fears. "We have a lease (through the 2015 season), first of all. We have a commitment to St. Louis, secondly. We don't have any interest in moving to Los Angeles," Rosenbloom said at Rams Park. "Is that clear enough?""

"There's a chance the Bucs might not need to address cornerback in this weekend's draft after all. Tampa Bay has had preliminary conversations about trading for Eagles Pro Bowl cornerback Lito Sheppard. And talks could heat up as the weekend nears and Philadelphia pushes to get extra picks. Sheppard, named to the Pro Bowl in 2004 and 2006, long has been rumored to be on the trading block with the Eagles' acquisition of Asante Samuel in free agency leaving him in a tenuous position."

" Great guy, Chris Simms. Smart, funny, immensely likable. As awkward as his time in Tampa Bay has been, he has always handled himself with grace and dignity. So I sincerely hope he gets the opportunity to move on and continue his career elsewhere. Yet, having said that, the Buccaneers would be wise to hang on to him for now. It's a touchy situation, I know. Simms has stopped attending voluntary workouts and would be very happy to sign his playbook over to any draft picks heading to town this weekend. But I just don't see an upside to parting ways now. "

"Tampa Bay defensive end Greg White has temporarily backed away from possibly asking for a trade after the Bucs said they would be interested in offering him another contract. Jack Bechta, White's agent, previously stated if Tampa Bay did not extend his client a new contract before Saturday's draft, he would ask for a trade. When reached late Thursday night, Bechta said he had dialogue with the team and cautiously added, "We won't be pushing for a trade right now.""

"For the second time in a week Thursday the Bucs found themselves smack dab in the middle of the rumor mill's hottest byproduct. The rumor this time had Eagles Pro Bowl cornerback Lito Sheppard visiting the Bucs in what could be a precursor to a draft-day trade. The only problem was, Sheppard's visit wasn't with the Bucs who have the authority to pull the trigger on a trade."

"Darren McFadden. Vernon Gholston. Chris Long. Matt Ryan. In no particular order, those are the big four names at the top of tomorrow's NFL Draft who have been most associated with the Jets New York Jets , owners of the No. 6 overall pick. It's a virtual lock that one of those four will be available when the Jets' pick arrives. The question is, will the Jets be happy with what's in front of them or will they trade out of the pick, move down a few slots and pick up one of the second-tier first-rounders while acquiring another pick or two in the draft? "

"Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said the team might try something "not in Raider fashion" during this weekend's NFL draft. Translation: Trade down. The Raiders' history of moving up for players they covet in the draft is well known around the league. Don't expect that in the first round of this weekend's draft. The Raiders have just one pick Saturday – the fourth overall. They'll have four in Rounds 4 through 7 Sunday. "

"Raiders coach Lane Kiffin staked a "For Sale" sign in the front lawn Thursday, hoping to draw a few weekend shoppers for the NFL draft. He sounded all too eager to auction off the team's No. 4 overall pick in Saturday's draft, where interested teams could surely grab Arkansas running back Darren McFadden. All the Raiders want in return are a mixture of first- and second-round picks, and the earlier in each round, the better. "

"Lito Sheppard said last night he just happened to be in Tampa this week and checked in on some old friends. A source close to the situation, however, confirmed Jay Glazer's report on Foxsports.com, which said Sheppard "was in Tampa on Wednesday to visit with the Buccaneers, who have emerged as the front-runner for the two-time Pro Bowler.'' The Eagles, who certainly would object to apparent tampering if they hadn't given their permission, raised no objection. They said they had no comment."

"As for the Sheppard saga, he remained a member of the Eagles for another day yesterday, although a league source said he had visited several teams and undergone physical examinations in case he is traded. Foxsports.com reported that he had visited the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The source said the Eagles had received some late-second-round offers but were still seeking something more."

"The Redskins have tried to trade their first-round pick, the 21st overall, for a top wide receiver, hoping to package the pick in a deal for Chad Johnson of the Cincinnati Bengals or another proven player at the position. Despite being rebuffed in their attempts to acquire Johnson and the Arizona Cardinals' Anquan Boldin, Snyder and Cerrato are determined to provide another high-profile target for Campbell and still might try to trade for Roy Williams of the Detroit Lions, according to league sources."

"Since the end of last season, there has been speculation the Cardinals were eager to replace running back Edgerrin James with a younger, faster model. Not so, team officials say. They would like to add a running back in this weekend's draft, but they would be content to again go with James and develop a potential replacement. This draft is deep in running backs, but there might be only two or three worthy of being taken at No. 16 by the Cardinals."

"A day after signing Michigan's Jake Long, the Dolphins have turned their attention to acquiring another first-round pick, according to two NFL executives. And it appears they are shopping star defensive end Jason Taylor to do it. The goal is to corral another player at the top of their draft board, one the organization fears might not be around when they select again at No. 32, which is the first pick of the second round."

"First, the Dolphins looked like a smart, disciplined, professional organization for the first time in some time, finalizing negotiations with Jake Long so the first overall pick could report to camp on time. Wednesday brought another positive development: Despite Bill Parcells' public protestations to the contrary, multiple sources confirmed what has been logically assumed for weeks. They confirmed that the Dolphins are indeed shopping defensive end Jason Taylor, in search of another first-round selection."

"By doling out $140 million in free-agent contracts this offseason, the Jets have behaved like a team in a win-now mode. But if Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan is available in Saturday's draft, they're prepared to call an audible and look toward the future. Looking up from the No. 6 position, the Jets can't be sure what will happen with picks two through five, but they appear to be targeting Ryan and Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, multiple league sources said Wednesday. "

"The first predraft trade happened Wednesday and more deals could play a big role in the weekend’s draft. Kansas City dealt Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen to Minnesota for an additional first-round pick and two third-round selections. Other veterans could be on the move, too. The Buffalo Bills might figure into the deal-making. Given their two biggest needs are wide receiver and cornerback, the Bills could move back from the 11th overall pick and still fill one of those needs. It is believed that Michigan State wide receiver Devin Thomas would be the choice if the Bills stay put. But he might be a better value later in the first round."

"Could Jeremy Shockey be the answer to the Seahawks' need for a tight end? No, the club said Wednesday, after the New York Daily News reported that the Seahawks are among the teams interesting in trading for the Giants' disgruntled tight end. The Seahawks quickly dismissed the report, saying they have no serious interest in the four-time Pro Bowler"

"Tampa Bay standout defensive end Greg White might ask for a trade today if the Bucs do not offer him another contract. White is an exclusive-rights free agent, meaning Tampa Bay is the only team that can negotiate with him. The Bucs offered White a contract of $370,000 in February, a slight improvement on the $285,000 base salary he earned last season. However, White is seeking either a long-term deal or an incentive-laden short-term contract, before this weekend's draft. If it is not offered, he will ask for a trade."

"Washington was rebuffed in attempts to trade for Arizona's Anquan Boldin and still might try to acquire Roy Williams of Detroit, according to league sources."

"Tommie Harris wants more money. Devin Hester wants more money. Robbie Gould, a freakin' kicker, wants more money. And, of course, Brian Urlacher, a mere five years into a nine-year deal, wants more money."

"Contracts, trade requests, team chemistry, salary cap, fairness, unfairness -- most of the questions centering on the status of unhappy linebacker Brian Urlacher. But also included in the mix was the status of Tommie Harris, Devin Hester and Robbie Gould, all of whom, like Urlacher, are angling to restructure their contracts. And all of whom are under contract."

"Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis confirmed that the team has been exploring the idea of moving up from the No. 10 spot in this weekend's draft."

"Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis called out Chad Johnson on Tuesday, April 22, daring the disgruntled wide receiver to sit out the 2008 NFL season. Johnson has spent the offseason saying he wants out of Cincinnati. He demanded a trade last week, claiming he won't show up for the club's mandatory minicamp in June and training camp in July."

"Tuesday morning during a news conference, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said the team had received no trade offers for disgruntled wide receiver Chad Johnson. But after initially denying an ESPN report that the Redskins had made an offer for the wide receiver, Lewis confirmed the team had rejected an offer by Washington."

"For weeks now, the Bengals have said they won't give in to Chad Johnson's trade demand and deal the wide receiver. On Tuesday, they proved it. The Bengals turned down a confirmed offer from the Washington Redskins, who were willing to give up their first-round pick Saturday - the 21st overall - and a conditional third-round pick in 2009 that could have been elevated to a first-rounder based on Johnson's 2008 performance."

"Many draft experts have the Cowboys taking a running back -- namely Felix Jones of Arkansas -- in the first round to complement starter Marion Barber. Owner Jones said the Cowboys can address running back at some point in the draft because of the depth at the position, but he said "there's no gun to our head at all." Jones also said Barber's contract status will have no impact on any draft-day decisions."

"The Dallas Cowboys have talked to a team, not the Cincinnati Bengals, about acquiring a veteran receiver. And that's about all Jerry Jones would say Tuesday, offering nothing more specific... The top veteran receiver candidates who might be available via trade remain the Arizona Cardinals' Anquan Boldin and the Detroit Lions' Roy Williams."

"Yeah, I'm sure mustering a lot of sympathy for Brian Urlacher in his quest to "feel appreciated." The best way to do that, I always say, is to invite a fawning Tribune writer into your luxurious Arizona existence, threaten to boycott mini-camp because your $57 million deal is obsolete and completely downplay that neck and back problems might blunt your impact and shorten your career."

"Jerry Angelo didn't want to get into the specifics of contract negotiations for any one player, but that didn't prevent the Bears' general manager from veering off the path Tuesday in the face of a long line of questions regarding Brian Urlacher's demands."

"Darren McFadden was in New York Tuesday for the second time in less than a week. The former Arkansas star has a hunch he could be spending a lot of time in these parts after the Jets make their first draft pick on Saturday."

"One source also indicated that other teams have expressed an interest in Shockey, although none more than the Seahawks and Saints. The source did not say who those teams were, but one possibility is the Atlanta Falcons, who are looking to replace tight end Alge Crumpler."

"Jets tight end Chris Baker, disgruntled with his contract status and management's apparent refusal to renegotiate, has left the team's offseason strength and conditioning program in protest, The Post has learned."

"Given that there is seemingly no need at tight end and there may not be a single tight end available in the draft that warrants a first-round selection, going in that direction would be a shocker for the Giants. Of course, this could change in the unlikely event Jeremy Shockey is traded."

"Historically, the Jaguars haven't been active traders in the first round of the NFL Draft. That could change this year because the No. 26 slot might entice them to move up to acquire a premium defensive lineman or trade down if somebody wants the team's first-round pick to land one of the quarterbacks rated below Boston College's Matt Ryan."

"Although a trade that would send Jones from the Titans to the Dallas Cowboys had been stalled for a couple of weeks, new developments in the Las Vegas case seem likely to keep him on the sideline and not provide the closure he said he desires."

"According to two NFL sources, the Broncos continue to explore trading down from No. 12. As of Tuesday, no deal was imminent, and executing a draft-pick deal during their 10-minute slot won't be easy. But the Broncos will try."

"Earlier in the offseason, the Vikings signed safety Madieu Williams to a six-year, $33.75 million contract. And Tuesday they worked out a deal with Kansas City to add Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen. Both moves please Sharper, scheduled to become a free agent after the 2008 season. "My heart is to stay here because we have a great team in place to make a run for three or four years," he said. "

"Other teams have inquired about trading for Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin, and his agent has asked if the team would be willing to part with him. On both counts, Cardinals officials had one simple answer: No."

"Another day, another rumor about a prominent wide receiver the Eagles probably won't be able to trade for this spring. Yesterday, the NFL Network's Adam Schefter reported that Anquan Boldin has asked the Arizona Cardinals for a trade. "

" Jones emphatically denied that he's talked to Cincinnati about the availability of disgruntled receiver Chad Johnson, who is threatening to sit out the season if he doesn't get a new contract. ESPN reported this week that the Bengals informed Washington, which was offering its first-round pick (No. 21) and a conditional third-rounder in 2009, that Johnson wasn't available. Arizona's Anquan Boldin and Detroit's Roy Williams are other veteran receivers the Cowboys could be eyeing. "

"What will the Dolphins do about cha-cha dancing Jason Taylor? What can Bill Parcells do to make sure the team he is building in Miami unearths a star quarterback just as the team he built in Dallas did when it found Tony Romo?"

"The Washington Redskins admitted yesterday they tried to trade for disgruntled Cincinnati receiver Chad Johnson — only to have the Bengals turn them down."

" Jerry Jones said on Tuesday that all he knew was what he'd read about the latest twist in the Pacman Jones saga, revelations that the suspended cornerback paid $15,000 in "extortion" money to Arvin Kenti Edwards."

" We all know Jerry Jones is going to make a deal with one of his first-round picks in Saturday's draft. He can't help himself. "

" The three names most linked of late to such talk have been Cincinnati's Chad Johnson, Detroit's Roy Williams and Arizona's Anquan Boldin. Adding intrigue is the fact that the three teams most mentioned as trade partners – the Cowboys, Eagles and Redskins – all play in the same division."

"The Washington Redskins, who repeatedly have said they want to emphasize the draft over acquiring high-profile stars, continue to pursue trading their first-round pick for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson, sources said yesterday."

"Around this time last year, Lance Briggs expressed displeasure over his contract situation with the Bears. This spring, the Pro Bowl linebacker is raising his voice again—in support of teammate Brian Urlacher."

"It's hard to argue with Jerry Angelo's characterization Tuesday of the contract extension offered Brian Urlacher as fair. A $5 million signing bonus with $1 million tacked on to each of Urlacher's next four years' salaries indeed shows the Bears understand this problem probably won't go away without reaching into their pockets."

"How serious are the Cincinnati Bengals about not giving in to Chad Johnson's trade demands? Serious enough to swat away an offer from the Washington Redskins that could have netted the Bengals two first-round draft picks, team and league sources said. The Redskins offered its first-round pick, No. 21 overall, and a conditional third-rounder in 2009 that could escalate to a first rounder if Johnson and the Redskins hit certain performance levels, the sources said. "

"The Eagles are among a handful of teams that inquired about securing defensive end Jared Allen, who led the NFL with 151/2 sacks last year. For now, the Kansas City Chiefs want choice draft picks, not a combination of players and picks for Allen, whom the club designated as its franchise player. The Eagles discussed shipping cornerback Lito Sheppard and picks to the Chiefs, but not their first-round pick, according to a source. Sheppard’s recent history of nagging injuries didn’t win the Eagles any points, either."

"With the first pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins will select . . . Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long. The Dolphins have scheduled a news conference for 1:45 p.m. Tuesday to announce an agreement of terms with offensive tackle Jake Long, who will become the first selection of this year's NFL Draft on Saturday."

"Bengals linebacker David Pollack has expressed to head coach Marvin Lewis that he is “headed to retirement,” Lewis said late this morning in a news conference. “He is not completely comfortable where he is medically,” Lewis said. “We know the quality of the person. We’re proceeding that he will not be part of the football team.”"

"Two years ago, the Bills picked safety Donte Whitner a tad higher than many draftniks had him rated— at eighth overall. This year the Bills may make a similar move in selecting Devin Thomas, the wide receiver from Michigan State. Thomas is rated by many as the best receiver in the draft but most experts don’t put him among the top 12 players overall. Like all NFL teams, the Bills are being secretive about their plans for the draft. But team sources indicate Thomas is highly regarded at One Bills Drive. "

"It would not be a surprise if the Chargers don't exercise the 27th selection, as they continue to attempt to acquire more picks by trading down. They appear, according to sources, to be trying to pick up a second-and third-round pick for the rights to the 27th spot. “I'd love to have two players in the first three rounds,” is all Smith will allow. "

"The Carolina Panthers have called a 1 p.m. press conference today to announce the retirement of long-time defensive end Mike Rucker, according to sources. Rucker, 33, had been contemplating retirement at the end of last season, but then told reporters a few weeks later that he planned to return for 2008."

"Now that Brian Urlacher has had his say, the Bears will have a chance today to respond on the record about the middle linebacker's contract demands. The team hosts its annual predraft meeting with the media at Halas Hall, an occasion typically reserved for more smoke-blowing than a convention of cigar connoisseurs."

"Oh, what a stunning development. Another report involving Jason Taylor's alleged desire to get out of Miami. What you're thinking, with news circulating that the Dolphins are near an agreement with Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long to make him the No. 1 pick Saturday in the NFL Draft, is that Taylor isn't going anywhere."

"The Dolphins don't have to make the No. 1 pick until 10 minutes after the NFL Draft begins Saturday, but it appears that they won't have to wait that long to get the player they want - Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long. Negotiations between the Dolphins and Long's agent, Tom Condon, have reached the point that a contract could be announced any day, an NFL source told The Palm Beach Post on Monday."

"The countdown toward draft day continues. And so, too, do the negotiations between the Dolphins and the agent representing Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long, who remains the primary target to become the team's No. 1 overall pick Saturday."

"Right to the end, Bill Parcells billows smoke, plays with minds and works this draft the only way it can be worked when you have the top pick in a year no one gets top billing. Monday brought the latest trick, and maybe the last hope, as MSNBC.com was the first to report the Dolphins being "close" to finalizing a deal with offensive tackle Jake Long."

"The Patriots face an interesting situation in the not-too-distant future. Both Seymour and Wilfork have contracts that expire after the 2009 season. Seymour will be 30, and if the Patriots let him reach free agency, he may go the way of Adam Vinatieri, Ty Law and Asante Samuel. Wilfork is the most important player on the defense, and the Pats will do everything in their power to extend him before he becomes a free agent."

"The need is obvious and so is the solution. With defensive end at the top of their list, the Vikings can fill their biggest hole this week by finalizing a trade for the Kansas City Chiefs' Jared Allen. "

"The Vikings' quest to acquire Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen remained on hold Monday as Kansas City continued to explore its options regarding the NFL's 2007 sacks leader."

"The Vikings -- who treat draft picks like gold -- appear willing to surrender first- and third-round selections to Kansas City in this weekend's draft so they can earn the privilege of making Jared Allen one of the NFL's richest players."

"Will the Lions trade wide receiver Roy Williams? Will they try to move up to take Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan? Will they move back from No. 15? Will they maneuver later?"

"There's a strong assumption right now that the Eagles would like to trade up from 19th overall in the first round of the NFL draft, which starts Saturday and continues through Sunday. That assumption is based partly on rumor, partly on perceived needs, partly on possible hints that have been dropped, and partly on history."

"Eagles radio analyst Mike Quick seemed taken aback yesterday by how quickly word spread among fans and reporters after he told former teammate Garry Cobb, on Cobb's blog, that he thinks the Eagles will make a major deal for a wideout this week, possibly for Detroit's Roy Williams."

" With two picks in the first round (Nos. 22 and 28), the Cowboys also have plenty of options, including swapping one for the veteran receiver Jones has said he would like to pair with Terrell Owens. Dallas could also either trade up if a coveted player falls or trade down for more picks."

"The Miami Dolphins are in serious contract negotiations with representatives for Jake Long as a possible precursor to using the top overall selection in the NFL draft Saturday on the Michigan tackle, sources familiar with the deliberations said yesterday."

"The Redskins could still re-sign Pierson Prioleau or Omar Stoutmire at some point, but it would be surprising if they did not draft a safety this weekend. Washington often has selected defensive backs high in the draft, but the elite cornerbacks are expected to be off the board when the Redskins pick at No. 21."

"If there is an ideal team for trading up Saturday in the first round of the National Football League draft to grab an impact player, the Green Bay Packers would be it."

"Steelers director of football operations Kevin Colbert raised the possibility of trading out of the No. 23 spot to acquire more picks in this weekend's NFL Draft. Unlike previous drafts, Colbert said the Steelers won't trade up in the first round to acquire a player they really like. "

"Colbert, who enjoys a good trade, said it's more likely the Steelers would trade down from their position at No. 23 in the first round than go up."

"Defensive end Jared Allen left Minnesota on Sunday without agreeing on a contract with the Vikings. The Chiefs and Vikings also had not agreed to terms of a trade that would send the discontented Allen to Minnesota in return for draft picks."

"Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen and his agent left the Twin Cities on Sunday after a two-day visit, but that doesn't mean the Vikings have given up on a trade."

"Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen returned home to the West Coast on Sunday, but the Vikings remained cautiously optimistic he will be wearing purple before next weekend's NFL draft."

"It is true that New York Jets defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson visited the Eagles for a series of medical examinations, but, according to a league source, the visit took place nearly a month ago and it is "a long shot" that he will be dealt to Philadelphia."

"The Eagles are heading into the week of the NFL draft, this coming Saturday and Sunday, which almost certainly will see them trade standout cornerback Lito Sheppard. Some circumstances are different, but some seem eerily familiar."

"With their preparation for the NFL draft completed, the Washington Redskins are among the teams considering making trades to change their draft position. The Redskins hold the 21st pick in the April 26-27 draft, and they are expected to discuss trading down if the top players on their draft board have been selected when they are scheduled to pick. How the draft unfolds will help to determine the Redskins' plan, and Vinny Cerrato, executive vice president of football operations, said he is always interested in making a good deal. "

"Max Starks signed the one-year offer the Steelers tendered him back in February when they placed the transition tag on the fifth-year veteran... The Steelers and Starks' agents could continue to work toward a deal on a long-term contract extension."

"It is certainly possible that Brown's counterpart at cornerback, Lito Sheppard, was not in his mind at that moment. And it's also possible that the Eagles will decide not to trade away the two-time Pro Bowl selection between now and the end of next weekend's NFL Draft."

"These Jeremy Shockey-to-the-Saints rumors won't go away, especially in the wake of recent reports that Shockey wants out of New York... The Saints have not been linked to Philadelphia cornerback Lito Sheppard like they have been with Shockey. But it wouldn't be surprising to see the Saints make a run at him on or before draft day."

"Everybody at Valley Ranch was prepared for the day when a certain key player demanded to be paid like the very best at his position. The Dallas Cowboys just expected that player to be DeMarcus Ware, not Marion Barber. Has anybody who has done so little ever asked for so much?"

"Forget what's fair or unfair, why we have contracts (to establish order amid chaos) or why an aging Brian Urlacher might want to renegotiate his own multimillion-dollar contract with the Bears when he has four years left on it."

"Brian Urlacher will have to wait his turn. While the star linebacker is becoming more vocal about his contract demands, return specialist and receiver Devin Hester is next when it comes to talks with the Bears."

"There's no reason for the Giants to even think about trading Jeremy Shockey. Now that Eli Manning is a Super Bowl MVP, Shockey has lost his leverage in crying for the ball or throwing his hands up in the air when Manning sails one over his head."

"Trading Jared Allen might be the smart thing to do. Once Clark Hunt decided to retain Carl Peterson, the chance for the Chiefs to retain a happy, productive Jared Allen nearly evaporated. At least for one more year, we’re stuck with The Artist Formerly Known as King Carl, so we might as well contemplate the idea of unloading Kansas City’s best football player for draft picks and whatever else the Vikings, Buccaneers or Team X is willing to give up."

"The Chiefs have few options. They might be able to trade down in the draft — teams might be willing to trade up to get McFadden or Ryan. That wouldn’t be a bad deal if they can find a partner. The Chiefs also might get bold and trade up a couple of spots — though that seems unlikely because the Chiefs really don’t have any extra draft picks to spare."

"Looking ahead to next weekend's draft, that leaves defensive end and offensive tackle, in that order, as the top two priorities. Unless they can finalize a trade for Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen, that is."

"Defensive end Jared Allen and his agent spent a second day at Winter Park on Saturday, talking contract with the Vikings while they talked trade with the Kansas City Chiefs, but no deal was announced."

"It appears the Vikings could end up with premier pass rusher Jared Allen of the Kansas City Chiefs, which is their preferred solution to their defensive end quandary."

"The Vikings have already agreed to $81 million in contracts in signing free agents this offseason, including $30 million guaranteed. But owner Zygi Wilf has given the go-ahead to spend the money to sign Kansas City defensive end Jared Allen, who as the Chiefs' franchise player is guaranteed $8.8 million for this season."

"Jared Allen is expected to leave the Twin Cities still property of the Kansas City Chiefs, but that doesn't mean the Vikings' hopes of landing the Pro Bowl defensive end are finished."

"A looming Dolphins issue: With so many needs elsewhere, should they invest the first pick of the second round on a quarterback? Or should they instead wait to take one much later or sign Chris Simms if Tampa Bay cuts him, as some expect?"

" Rookie contracts are so high that Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones is hesitant to trade up from the No. 22 and No. 28 picks in the NFL draft to the top 10. Doing so to get Arkansas running back Darren McFadden might cost Jones more than veteran Marion Barber, who is negotiating a new deal."

"The Redskins hold the 21st pick in the April 26-27 draft, and they are expected to discuss trading down if the top players on their draft board have been selected when they are scheduled to pick. How the draft unfolds will help to determine the Redskins' plan, and Vinny Cerrato, executive vice president of football operations, said he is always interested in making a good deal."

"People who doubt Brian Urlacher's influence in the locker room are ignoring the teammates who are following his lead by seeking new contracts. They also overlook the wedge being driven between players and management by Urlacher's impasse evident at a recent workout when a Bears veteran loudly pleaded with coach Lovie Smith for the team just to pay the linebacker, according to a teammate."

"The latest stir back at Halas Hall involves his contract situation and how he has opted to stay away from voluntary workouts with his teammates, in part because he wants Bears management to show more appreciation. He's uncertain about attending a mandatory mini-camp scheduled for the end of May, but Urlacher won't go as far as to declare himself a holdout."

"Seattle Seahawks general manager Tim Ruskell on Friday said there is a good chance the team will trade down in the April 26-27 draft in order to acquire additional picks."

"To Tim Ruskell, draft choices are gold. But the Seahawks president is dealing with a deficit this year because the team has only six selections in next weekend's seven-round NFL draft. That's why Ruskell is not ruling out the possibility of trading down from the 25th pick in the first round."

"Ever see a man so popular become so bitter, so calculating, so childish? No one in pro football has benefited from positive p.r. more than Brian Urlacher, who led the NFL in jersey sales last year and continues to show up in TV commercials that somehow make a monotonal, monosyllabic mope seem funny. Yet for some odd reason, he's mad at the world he owns. And if he isn't careful, that world could turn on him, if it hasn't already. "

"Brian Urlacher said in an Internet report Friday that the Bears have offered him a one-year extension of the nine-year, $56.65 million deal he signed in 2003. But it apparently isn't enough for the Pro Bowl middle linebacker. Urlacher, who will turn 30 in May and still has four years remaining on his deal, is boycotting the Bears voluntary offseason workout program and contemplating a training-camp holdout in search of a multiyear deal. "

" The prevailing theory regarding the Giants and Jeremy Shockey is the team learned during its Super Bowl run they no longer need the Pro Bowl tight end. Truth is, Shockey made the first move toward a separation. And he did so before the playoffs even began. "

"A day after Jared Allen hit the trading block, the Chiefs played defense. President/general manager Carl Peterson and coach Herm Edwards dodged questions Friday about a possible trade that could end Allen’s time in Kansas City. Both men said no move is imminent and, as of Friday afternoon, Allen’s status had not changed."

"The Vikings made their opening pitch Friday to Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen, but he isn't being fitted for a purple jersey just yet. "It's ongoing," Vikings coach Brad Childress said of the situation. "

"The Vikings had Jared Allen right where they wanted him Friday. The Pro Bowl defensive end spent much of his day receiving first-class treatment and visiting with team officials at Winter Park. But owner Zygi Wilf attempted to downplay talk the Vikings were on the verge of working out a trade with Kansas City or a multiyear contract for Allen with agent, Ken Harris, who also was in town."

" With the passing of Friday's deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets with other clubs, the Cowboys retained negotiating rights with running back Marion Barber and defensive end Chris Canty."

" With the passing of Friday's deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets with other clubs, the Cowboys retained negotiating rights with running back Marion Barber and defensive end Chris Canty."

"After hearing disturbing rumors earlier in the offseason about his status with the Washington Redskins, quarterback Jason Campbell figured it was time to speak with new coach Jim Zorn. There were rumblings Zorn was not committed to Campbell as the starter next season, and Campbell wanted to know where he stood."

"Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher disputed a report that he has threatened to retire if the Bears don't reward him with more guaranteed money."

"T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Chad Johnson's confidant, said Thursday that if his fellow Bengals wide receiver isn't traded, Johnson's going to be a problem and a potential distraction to the team. Houshmandzadeh said it might be best, in spite of the salary cap hit, if the Bengals granted Johnson's wish to be traded. "If he's not traded, he's going to be a problem," Houshmandzadeh said. "

"The Bucs might be considering trading at least their first-round pick in next weekend's draft — and possibly a player — to the Chiefs for 2007 sack leader Jared Allen. Kansas City's franchise player said Thursday that he thinks a deal with the Bucs or Vikings could get done before the April 26 draft. "

"The predraft rumor mill was really cranking Thursday, and the Bucs were in the middle of what was being cranked out. Along with the Minnesota Vikings, the Bucs are one of two teams who appear to still have interest in possibly trading for disgruntled and sometimes troubled Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen."

"The Vikings might not have to wait until draft day to find a pass rusher. Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen is scheduled to visit Winter Park today and hopes to be traded before the April 26-27 NFL draft. Whether the Pro Bowler gets his wish, and how soon, remains to be seen. As an unsigned franchise player, Allen, who is tentatively scheduled to visit Tampa Bay next week, has the right to meet and talk to teams, but the Chiefs have offered no assurances that they would trade him. "

"Auburn defensive tackle Patrick Sims, a graduate of Dillard High School, spent the last two days visiting with the Dolphins, according to a source. Sims, a projected late first-round or early second-round choice in the NFL draft, falls into a group of defensive tackles behind Glenn Dorsey of LSU and Sedrick Ellis of Southern California."

"A Los Angeles developer who announced plans to build a football stadium Thursday is a friend of the Spanos family, owners of the Chargers, but the team has no plans to move there, according to a team spokesman. Edward Roski Jr. has discussed his plan to build an $800 million stadium in a suburb east of Los Angeles with San Diego Chargers President Dean Spanos and also inquired about the team's availability, said Mark Fabiani, the team's general counsel and spokesman on stadium issues."

"Jeremy Shockey has not formally demanded a trade from the Giants, but he has made it very clear he wouldn't be upset if it happened, either. The brash tight end, who missed the Giants' championship run with a broken leg, has been sounding off for more than a month about his frustrations with the Giants, according to NFL sources. And he has told friends he would welcome a trade to the New Orleans Saints, who made an offer for him last month."

"If you're holding your breath, waiting for Michael Strahan to make his long-awaited decision about retirement before next weekend's draft ... well, don't. Giants GM Jerry Reese said today that it appears Strahan's decision won't be coming anytime soon. And he should know, since he met with him about the topic early last week."

"You wondering about all the noise centered on the Giants possibly trading away Jeremy Shockey, who not long ago was considered the most popular player on the team among fans? You're not alone. Giants general manager Jerry Reese, today during his pre-draft press conference, stated at least one aspect of the Jeremy Shockey trade rumblings has been accurately reported: The Giants have not sought a trade of Shockey and have not called anyone initiating a trade of the tight end."

"Amid the speculation and rumblings about a possible trade of Jeremy Shockey, one aspect of the story has been reported accurately, according to Giants general manager Jerry Reese: The Giants have not sought to trade Shockey, nor have they called anyone initiating a trade. "

"One league source says Urlacher's agents have asked the team if they could explore a trade. Another says Urlacher is threatening to retire because of neck and back problems, a move in which he wouldn't have to repay any portion of the $13 million signing bonus he received in 2003, when he received a nine-year, $56.65 million deal."

"Jared Allen could soon be getting his wish. The Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have expressed an interest in acquiring the disgruntled Chiefs’ Pro Bowl defensive end, a source said. Allen, who led the NFL in sacks last season, has wanted out of Kansas City since negotiations for a long-term contract broke down last year. Allen could be in Minnesota visiting with the Vikings as soon as Friday, the source said. A visit to Tampa could follow."