Jaguars Trade Rumors

CB Mathis to miss Buffalo game
"Scratch cornerback Rashean Mathis from the Jaguars' list of defensive starters for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Coach Jack Del Rio ruled Mathis out because of a groin injury the cornerback suffered last week in the fourth quarter against the Jets. The Jaguars could also be without linebacker Justin Durant, who missed practice Wednesday with a head injury. Mathis underwent an MRI exam Monday. Apparently, the results weren't satisfactory enough to keep him in the lineup. "He won't play this week," Del Rio said. "It could be a little while. With Rashean, he's proven over time to kind of beat the prognosis. Some guys just heal quickly, and Rashean's been that kind of guy for us." ..."
Jaguars' Mathis might miss game vs. Bills
"The Rashean Mathis watch is back. Mathis, the Jaguars' best cornerback, missed the game at Tennessee on Nov. 1 with a broken left index finger and now he's in danger of missing Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills with a groin injury. Coach Jack Del Rio said Monday that Mathis will undergo an MRI and Del Rio willhis status Wednesday, but said Mathis might miss time. Mathis was injured midway in the fourth quarter making a hit on Braylon Edwards after Edwards caught a 16-yard pass. Mathis wasn't available for comment Monday, but said after the 24-22 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday that "it doesn't look good." If he can't play, the Jaguars will have to decide whether to move ..."
Jaguars' Mathis injures left index finger
"Jaguars cornerback Rashean Mathis, who has struggled with injury problems the last two seasons, has had another setback. Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said Monday that Mathis suffered a injury to his left index finger that might require surgery during Sunday's 23-20 overtime victory over the St. Louis Rams. Mathis finished the game. "There's potential there for an issue with his finger,'' Del Rio said. "We'll know more as we get into this.'' When Del Rio was asked if Mathis could play with a wrap on it, the coach said, "That's yet to be determined. It won't be a season-ending [injury]. What needs to be done if something needs to be done, what ends up being done, there'll be time for all that ..."
Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini has no interest in trading Josh Cribbs
"Browns coach Eric Mangini said Friday he has "no interest in moving Josh Cribbs." In response, Cribbs' agent J.R. Rickert said, "It is unfair for the Browns to hold Joshua back. They should either give him an extension or allow another team to acquire him. Their current position of doing nothing is no longer fair or appropriate.'' Rickert made it clear that he and Cribbs want the extension -- or a chance to go somewhere else. A source told the Plain Dealer on Thursday that Cribbs would welcome a trade if they won't re-do the deal, which runs through 2012. At least five teams have expressed interest in trading for Cribbs, including Miami, Oakland, Jacksonville and San Francisco, according ..."
Browns' Josh Cribbs reportedly would like trade if new deal can't be reached
"Browns receiver Josh Cribbs wants to remain a Brown for the rest of his career, but if the team is unwilling to extend his contract, he'd welcome trade, a source close to the situation said. Cribbs, who signed a six-year extension in 2007 worth $6.77 million, is under contract through 2012. He has made it clear since the off-season that he wants a new deal in the form of a contract extension. In fact, he considered holding out at the beginning of the season. The Browns are believed to be unwilling to trade Cribbs before Tuesday's deadline, a source said. They prefer to hang onto him and perhaps work out a deal in the future. Cribbs is the prototypical player for coach Eric Mangini, one who ..."
Sources: Jones to work out for Bucs
"With almost a half-dozen teams expressing interest in Matt Jones in recent weeks, the former Jacksonville Jaguars receiver will work out Tuesday morning with the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to league sources. Jones, who caught 65 passes in 12 games in 2008, has been considered by teams that are looking for a big target at receiver, capable of picking up first downs and creating matchup problems in the red zone. Jones is 6-6, 228 pounds and was a first-round pick by the Jaguars before encountering off-field problems that led to his release in mid-March. Jones had been jailed just days before for violating the terms of his plea agreement that stemmed from a drug charge in 2008. ..."
Jaguars vs. Titans game will be blacked out
"The Jaguars make it official Thursday that they will not ask for an extension and their game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday will be blacked out on local TV. The Jaguars said they expect to sell slightly more than the 46,250 tickets they sold for the home opener against Arizona, but they're still thousands short of a sellout. If all the non-premium tickets aren't sold 72 hours before kickoff, the games are blacked out. Teams can ask for an extension if they have a reasonable chance of selling the rest of the tickets. Owner Wayne Weaver said at the start of the season that the Jaguars would be blacking out all of their home games this year because of low ticket sales."
Jaguars officially put WR Williamson on injured reserve
"The Jaguars officially placed receiver Troy Williamson on the injured-reserve list Wednesday, in addition to activating rookie receiver Tiquan Underwood from the practice squad. The team also announced the return of receiver Nate Hughes, who was added to the Jaguars practice squad a day after the club cut him for a two-drop performance in a 31-17 loss to Arizona. "I'm just glad to be back," Hughes said. Williamson goes on the IR after suffering a torn right labrum in the second quarter of Jacksonville's loss to Arizona. He finished the season with three catches for 34 yards and will be replaced in the starting lineup by Mike Sims-Walker. Williamson's absence also means the Jaguars will ..."
Buccaneers trade quarterback Luke McCown to the Jacksonville Jaguars and cut kicker Matt Bryant and several others
"Luke McCown's two touchdown passes at Jacksonville three weeks ago didn't help him earn the Bucs' starting quarterback job. But he did win over the Jaguars, who traded an undisclosed 2010 draft pick to the Bucs on Saturday night in exchange for the 28-year-old quarterback. Terms of the deal, contingent on McCown passing a physical, were not released. But the Bucs are expected to receive a conditional sixth-round pick that becomes a fifth-rounder based on McCown's playing time. He will be the Jaguars' No. 2 quarterback behind starter David Garrard. Meanwhile, kicker Matt Bryant was among 21 players cut by the Bucs, enabling them to trim the roster to one below the 53-player limit. The ..."
Ex-Jaguar receiver Jones to visit Titans
"The Tennessee Titans will work out former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Matt Jones on Thursday, sources familiar with the situation confirmed. The 26-year-old Jones was scheduled to arrive in Nashville Wednesday evening, according to a source. Jones led the Jaguars with 65 receptions last year for 761 yards and two touchdowns, but was also suspended over an incident in which he was charged with felony possession of cocaine that was found in his vehicle before the 2008 offseason. The former first-rounder from the University of Arkansas in 2005 returned and started for the Jags last year, but was released this off-season after a second incident in which he violated terms of his ..."
Jaguars looking to trade WR Dennis Northcutt
"Another high-priced Jaguars acquisition appears to be headed out of town. Multiple league sources confirmed Wednesday that Jacksonville seeks to trade Dennis Northcutt, one of the longest-tenured receivers remaining on the roster. Northcutt's age (31) and salary (scheduled to make $2.75 million), combined with the addition of veteran Torry Holt and rookies Mike Thomas, Jarett Dillard and Tiquan Underwood, appear to have made the 10-year veteran expendable. Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio didn't immediately return calls seeking comment, and general manager Gene Smith didn't respond to an e-mail. Northcutt's agent, Jerome Stanley, was unavailable for comment, but he confirmed the club's ..."
Agent: Jags 'intend to trade' Northcutt
"The Jacksonville Jaguars are looking to trade veteran receiver Dennis Northcutt, the most productive receiver they have left from last year's team, Northcutt's agent confirmed. "They have indicated that they intend to trade him and are trying to do so," agent Jerome Stanley said in an email exchange with ESPN.com. Northcutt joined the Jaguars as a free agent in 2007 and in 29 games caught 88 passes for 1,146 yards and six touchdowns. He also did some work as a return man. He came into the league as a second round pick by Cleveland out of Arizona in 2000. The Jaguars have already parted ways with two receivers who they once valued as first-round draft picks. They were uninterested in ..."
Agent: Jones fined for violating program
"Former first-round pick Matt Jones, a free agent receiver who was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars in March, has been notified he will not be suspended as the result of his violation of a court-mandated drug program, his agent said. Jones was informed by the NFL last week that he will be fined $50,000 but not suspended. Even then, the NFL Players Association has convinced Jones to appeal the fine, according to Dave Butz, his agent. Jones was suspended for the final three games of the 2008 season after he lost a league appeal stemming from his arrest for cocaine possession last July. In that case, Jones entered an Arkansas drug diversion program but was sent to jail for five days in ..."
Is IR system in line for a change?
"When the NFL adopted its system for placing players on season-ending injured reserve, the main issue was stashing. Teams had long been allowed to place players on injured reserve and bring them back later in the season. But some felt that clubs were circumventing the rule by placing players who weren't truly injured on IR, opening a roster spot for someone else. Thus, a competitive advantage was scored. Colts president Bill Polian remembers high-profile coaches and personnel executives, such as Don Shula and Jim Finks, pushing for a change to combat stashing, and it finally came in 1993, when the league made two significant adjustments. At that time, players placed on injured reserve would ..."
Jaguars find value in rookie wide receiver Jarett Dillard
"There's a new look in the Jaguars' young wide receiver corps - on and off the field. "At least they're clear-eyed and ready to work in meetings," coach Jack Del Rio said, when he was asked if the team's young receivers look better this year. That was an obvious reference to the fact that the three veteran receivers who departed, Matt Jones, Reggie Williams and Jerry Porter, didn't exactly fit that description. Including veteran Torry Holt, the Jaguars have had a makeover at the position. One of the young receivers who has a chance to make an impact is Jarett Dillard, a fifth-round pick out of Rice who might turn out to be a value pick. Dillard was one of the three receivers the team ..."
Patriots eyeing spot in top 10
"The Patriots are trying to move up into the top 10 of the draft -- but low in the top 10. Executives from two teams tell me New England offered its first-round pick and middle of three second-round picks (the 23rd and 47th picks overall) to Jacksonville for the eighth pick in the draft. Jacksonville GM Gene Smith, I'm told, said no ... but I also hear the Patriots might be looking to Green Bay at nine to move as well. Who might be the object of their affection? I'm told it may be a surprise, because smart money would say the target is LSU's Tyson Jackson, the best 3-4 defensive end in the draft and the only end versatile enough to play every spot on the defensive line. But I'm not sure ..."
Jaguars Say They're Listening to Offers for No. 8 Pick
"Let's make a deal. That might be the theme of the Jaguars' draft strategy this weekend. The Jaguars go into the NFL Draft on Saturday with nine picks, including two of the top 39, and three seventh-round selections. In their first year under new general manager Gene Smith, the Jaguars hope to come out of the draft with several more picks by trading down for extra selections. And the Jaguars aren't waiting for teams to call them. They've been contacting teams since the scouting combine in February to let them know they're open for business. Smith said that Terry McDonough, the team's new director of player personnel, has contacted virtually all 31 other teams to talk trade parameters. It's ..."
Jaguars, Holt working toward a deal
"The Jaguars are making progress toward finalizing a contract with free-agent receiver Torry Holt, team sources revealed. But as of late Saturday night, no deal appeared imminent. Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio and Holt's agent, Gregory Williams, did not return calls. Sources familiar with the situation said the wide receiver would like to join the Jaguars, but the team is looking to make a deal that makes sense financially. Before his release, Holt was scheduled to make $8 million this season with the St. Louis Rams, which doesn't fall in line with Jacksonville's philosophy of fiscal frugality toward free agents this year. Holt, a 10-year veteran, caught 64 passes for 796 yards and three ..."
Jaguars, Jones-Drew agree on new contract
"Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew agreed to terms today on a long-term contract extension, according to team sources. Terms of the deal weren't immediately disclosed, but the club plans to announce the move today during a press conference at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. A fourth-year veteran, Jones-Drew was seeking an extension that would make him among the league's highest-paid players at his position. The club offered Jones-Drew an extension earlier in the offseason, and despite the sides being close on the guaranteed portion (nearly $20 million) of the deal, they couldn't agree to the total value of the package."
If Jaguars dance, Broncos pick No. 8
"Broncos coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Brian Xanders can lock themselves into secrecy from now until draft day, and it might not matter. There is a potential trade so logical, it all but leaps off the draft value chart. Providing the Jacksonville Jaguars are willing partners, the Broncos could easily leap from their No. 12 overall draft pick to No. 8. (Credit the Walter Camp draftniks for first pointing this out). The No. 8 spot would be significant to the Broncos if their preference is defensive tackle B.J. Raji, quarterback Mark Sanchez or Texas defensive end/outside linebacker Brian Orakpo. As it stands now, someone would have to lace Raji's brownies between now and April 25 ..."
Jaguars' Jones-Drew misses session
"The Jaguars began their offseason conditioning program on Monday, but running back Maurice Jones-Drew didn't attend the opening session, which wasn't mandatory. While it's unclear why Jones-Drew didn't participate, his absence appears to clash with coach Jack Del Rio's new stance on offseason conditioning. In the past, Del Rio allowed some players to train off site on their own, instead of with the team. But in the aftermath of a disastrous 5-11 campaign in 2008, Del Rio took a decidedly different position. "Everybody who wants to be a Jaguar will be in Jacksonville working out with the team," Del Rio said in a Dec. 30 news conference. Asked about Jones-Drew's absence Monday, Del Rio ..."
Spoiled quarterback not worth the price
"Wherever Jay Cutler's next NFL destination is, the Denver Broncos quarterback ought to buy himself some thicker skin, especially if a trade sends him to the New York Jets and their accompanying media circus. You can't blame the Broncos for wanting to deep-six No. 6, though why a team publicly puts its franchise quarterback up for auction and devalues that commodity before a deal is consummated is another head-scratcher. So much for receivers Terrell Owens and Plaxico Burress cornering the NFL market on dysfunctionalism. Now the football team in the Mile High City and its petulant, rocket-armed quarterback are knee-deep in an episode that might be perfect for a mediation sitdown with Dr. ..."
Free agent Holt visits with rival Jags, but Titans remain interested
"Tennessee Titans fans awoke Thursday morning to find out that a chief division rival, the Jacksonville Jaguars, were the first potential suitor for free agent wide receiver Torry Holt. That's not all that surprising, considering the Jaguars, after having released troubled wideout Matt Jones after an off-field incident, would be interested in seeing what the veteran Holt has left in the tank. A quick scan of the Jacksonville roster suggests that if Holt has anything left, he could certainly help the Jaguars, whose need at the position rivals and perhaps surpasses the Titans' needs there. But from the sound of what Holt's agent is saying, the stopover in Jacksonville is just the first visit ..."
Former Ram Holt visits Jaguars
"Like former teammate Orlando Pace, former Ram Torry Holt isn't rushing into finding a new team. Nonetheless, Holt made a free-agent visit to Jacksonville on Thursday, where the Jaguars have released wide receivers Matt Jones and Jerry Porter since the end of last season. Jacksonville's top wideout currently under contract is Dennis Northcutt, so Holt could step in and be the team's No. 1 target if he signs with the Jaguars. Despite its dire need for receiver help, Jacksonville isn't expected to offer anything close to the $8 million Holt was scheduled to make in St. Louis this season before his release March 13. It's believed the Jaguars will offer Holt an incentive-laden deal. Holt had ..."
Wide receiver Holt visiting Jaguars
"The Jaguars may be addressing their need for help at wide receiver. Free agent Torry Holt, released by the St. Louis Rams earlier this month, plans to visit the Jaguars today, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. Holt, 32, is a former Pro Bowler and the Rams' leaving receiver over the past decade. He had more than 1,000 yards receiving for eight consecutive seasons, a streak that ended last year. Holt, who has 74 career touchdowns, was released by the Rams on March 13."
Former St. Louis Ram Torry Holt to visit Jacksonville
"Following his March 13 release from the St. Louis Rams, wide receiver Torry Holt took some time to regroup and recharge. He left the country on vacation, but returned earlier this week, and now he's going about the business of finding a new job. To wit, league sources told the Post-Dispatch on Wednesday evening that Holt will be paying a free-agent visit to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday. Jacksonville is in dire need of receiving help."
Dolphins Trade Satele
"It looks as though the Dolphins are going to get back the late-round pick that they dealt to the Jaguars this week for defensive tackle Tony McDaniel, as they've traded center Samson Satele to the Raiders for an undisclosed draft pick, according to an NFL source. Satele has been rumored to be on the trading block since Miami signed free agent centers Jake Grove and Joe Berger this offseason. During some series' late in the season the Dolphins shifted the 6-foot-3, 295-pound Satele to right guard as Al Johnson took over at center. Johnson has since departed, but the 6-4, 300-pound Grove, who received a five-year deal worth $29 million, is expected to be the starter."
Jaguars keep an eye on Harvin
"When Jaguars receivers coach Todd Monken was in his first year at LSU in 2005, he found himself mesmerized by the nation's best prospect at a game in Virginia Beach. Landstown (Va.) High had time for one more play, and it was about 40 yards from the end zone. Rather than attempt a typical Hail Mary pass, the Eagles threw a bubble screen to Percy Harvin, who reversed field to score the touchdown. Monken was hooked from that moment on. "Who isn't a fan of [Harvin]? The guy's electric," he said. Four years later, the stakes for Monken and his employer are considerably higher. It's one thing for a college to offer a scholarship to the country's most dynamic receiver. It's quite another for an ..."
Ex-Jags LB Peterson visits Falcons
"Free agent linebacker Mike Peterson, a 10-year veteran, visited the Falcons on Monday. Peterson started his career as an outside linebacker with Indianapolis, but played middle linebacker for Jacksonville the last six seasons. He played under Falcons head coach Mike Smith during his stint with Jacksonville. The Falcons are in the process of re-vamping their linebacker unit after starters Michael Boley and Keith Brooking left via free agency. Peterson, 32, led the Jaguars in tackles in three of his six seasons. He played his first four years in the league with the Colts. The Falcons are looking for more impact plays from the linebackers. Peterson has 19.5 sacks and 15 interceptions over his ..."
Tra Thomas expected to sign with Jaguars
"Philadelphia Eagles free-agent tackle Tra Thomas agreed to terms Monday with the Jaguars and the 12th-year veteran is expected to sign the deal sometime today, according to the club. Financial terms of the deal weren't made available. But Thomas made $5.45 million in base salary last season, and turned down a contract offer from the Eagles before the start of free agency. A native of DeLand and former standout at Florida State, Thomas will start at the left tackle spot vacated by Khalif Barnes, who is still searching for a new team in free agency. Despite his age (34), Thomas is still considered an upgrade over Barnes at left tackle. A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Thomas has started ..."
Jaguars' talks with Eagles' Thomas informal
"The Jaguars spoke to Philadelphia Eagles free-agent tackle Tra Thomas recently, but that's about as far as things went. Jaguars spokesman Dan Edwards confirmed Tuesday that the sides engaged in informal discussions, but Thomas wasn't brought in for an official visit and never set foot inside the club's facilities. In other news, the team announced its re-signing of free-agent defensive end James Wyche on Tuesday, but the Jaguars haven't come to an agreement with New York Jets free-agent defensive lineman C.J. Mosley, who visited a day before. Mosley left Jacksonville without a deal and is reportedly scheduled to visit the Cleveland Browns. "It was a great visit," said Mosley's agent, ..."
Tra Thomas-to-Jaguars rumors cool off
"The Jaguars spoke with Philadelphia free-agent left tackle Tra Thomas recently, but that's about as far as things went. Jaguars spokesman Dan Edwards confirmed Tuesday that the sides engaged in informal discussions, but Thomas wasn't brought in for an official visit and never stepped foot inside the club's facilities. A native of DeLand, which is approximately 100 miles south of Jacksonville, Thomas likely visited the area and contacted Jaguars officials to gauge their interest. Thomas, 34, told reporters in Philadelphia before the start of free agency that he wanted to remain an Eagle, but he was prepared to seek employment elsewhere if he could secure a more lucrative deal. Thomas' ..."
Jaguars visit with Eagles tackle
"The Jaguars maintained their low-key approach to free agency, but there's a chance the team could make some noise after visiting with free-agent Philadelphia left tackle Tra Thomas on Monday. Thomas, 34, was born in DeLand and played for Florida State. The 6-foot-7, 335-pound Thomas was the 11th overall pick by the Eagles in the 1998 draft. He's a three-time Pro Bowl selection. On its Web site, the Philadelphia Inquirer also reported that Thomas visited the Jaguars. Thomas has started at least 15 games in 10 of his 11 seasons. In other Jaguars news, the team could complete a deal today to acquire New York Jets free-agent defensive lineman C.J. Mosley. The Jaguars hosted Mosley on Monday, ..."
Saints make offer to CB Bartell
"The Saints slowed down their pace on the third day of free agency Sunday, not signing any players, new or old. But they're not done shopping. They made a contract offer to free agent cornerback Ron Bartell, according to a league source, and they are evaluating at least two free agent safeties, Gerald Sensabaugh and Darren Sharper. Sensabaugh continued his visit with the Saints on Sunday. There was no word on whether he left with or without an offer. Sharper is scheduled to visit with the Saints today, according to a league source. Bartell, 27, is mulling offers from at least two teams -- the Saints and his former team, the St. Louis Rams. The four-year veteran likely won't come cheap. ..."
Fred Taylor picks Patriots
"Two reports over the last 12-14 hours indicate that a pairing between Fred Taylor and the Patriots is imminent. Shalise Manza Young of the Providence Journal was first with the news that the Patriots had offered Taylor a contract and that Taylor was likely to sign with New England. Adam Schefter of NFL.com has followed up with a report that Taylor plans to sign with New England. The Boston Globe can confirm that the sides are moving closer to finalizing a deal. The 33-year-old Taylor enters his 12th NFL season in 2009. He has spent his entire career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, rushing for 11,271 yards and 62 touchdowns, and previously said that he plans to retire as a member of the ..."
RB Taylor to visit Bills
"Veteran running back Fred Taylor will visit the Buffalo Bills, probably today, league sources told The Buffalo News. Taylor, released last Monday by the Jacksonville Jaguars, is a 33-year-old, 11-year NFL veteran. He ranks 16th on the NFL's all-time rushing list with 11,271 yards. Last season he finished with 556 rushing yards on 143 carries in 13 games. He was the starter for Jacksonville, but backup Maurice Jones-Drew got more attempts (197) and rushed for more yards (824). Taylor is expected to visit the New England Patriots after meeting with the Bills. The Bills undoubtedly are looking for insurance at running back in the wake of the arrest of starter Marshawn Lynch on misdemeanor gun ..."
Fred Taylor on the Bills' radar
"Reports suggest veteran running back Fred Taylor, cut by Jacksonville on Monday, is on the Bills’ radar screen. The Providence Journal reported the Saturday Taylor is expected to visit both the Bills and the New England Patriots this coming week. Jason Rosenhaus, one of Taylor’s representatives, declined to comment on Taylor’s plans. Taylor, 33, ranks 16th on the NFL’s all-time rushing list with 11,271 yards and 62 touchdowns. His release saved the Jaguars money and also allows them to hand the full-time rushing role to the younger Maurice Jones-Drew. Taylor was scheduled to make $6 million in base salary this year and also was owed a $1 million roster bonus next month. Exactly what a ..."
Patriots looking at Taylor
"The Patriots have expressed interest in former Jaguars running back Fred Taylor, and according to league sources, Taylor could meet with them early this week. Taylor, 33, was released by the Jaguars after spending the first 11 seasons of his career with them. He is the franchise's leading rusher and ranks 16th in NFL history with 11,271 yards. But last season Taylor rushed for just 556 yards in 13 games and had a career-low 3.9 yards per carry. He was scheduled to make $6 million next season. Taylor would be good insurance for the Patriots. Laurence Maroney, who played just three games last season, is coming off shoulder surgery, and Sammy Morris, who led the Patriots last season with 727 ..."
Free agent RB Fred Taylor on Patriots’ radar
"The Patriots reportedly have an interest in signing free agent running back Fred Taylor, who was released last week by the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Pats, however, have company in their pursuit of the veteran. The Buffalo Bills are also said to be pursuing the Pro Bowl back. The 33-year-old Taylor, who is represented by agent Drew Rosenhaus, is expected to visit with both teams this week. The former first-round draft pick, who amassed 11,271 yards over the course of 11 seasons with Jacksonville, at an average of 4.6 yards per carry, is a free agent for the first time. The Pats have a crowded backfield with Lawrence Maroney, Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk and BenJarvus Green Ellis all under ..."
Jones-Drew due big contract with Taylor gone
"The Jaguars handed Maurice Jones-Drew the keys to their running game Monday when they released veteran Fred Taylor. That means Jones-Drew will now becoming the starting running back after alternating with Taylor the past three seasons. And while coach Jack Del Rio said Greg Jones will likely get five to 10 carries a game and they also have Montell Owens and Chauncey Washington on the roster, Jones-Drew will carry the load as both a running and a receiver. Jones-Drew, 23, has already proved he can put up starter-type numbers as a backup, and he figures to surpass them as a starter. There were a lot of doubters when he came into the league that he could put up big numbers because he's only ..."
Report: Harris headed to Lions
"The Detroit Lions are apparently close to hiring former Jaguars executive James "Shack" Harris as a personnel executive. The Detroit Free Press reported Sunday that, according to a source, the Lions called another candidate to tell him they plan to hire Harris. The paper said the deal hasn't been completed and the Lions issued a statement saying, "This is a premature report. We have nothing to announce or confirm." General manager Martin Mayhew and team president Tom Lewand have said they plan to hire a personnel executive and will adjust the position to fit the person's talents, so it's uncertain how much authority Harris would have. Harris resigned as the Jaguars' vice president of ..."
Handicapping the NFL's return to L.A.
"Scouting NFL teams that could relocate to L.A.: San Diego Chargers Beginning Sunday, a three-month window opens that would allow the Chargers to relocate to another city. That window will now open each year. The team can leave its current home provided it pays a $56-million lease-termination fee that decreases over time. The Chargers have spent seven years exploring stadium options in San Diego and say they have spent $10 million doing so. Although a move probably would bring significant political objections in San Diego, the Chargers might not encounter those at the state level because theirs would be an in-state move. Odds of relocating: 5 to 1. Jacksonville Jaguars The Jaguars, who have ..."
Jaguars secondary coach not coaching at Senior Bowl
"Jaguars secondary coach Donnie Henderson is not coaching with the team at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., this week, but a team spokesman declined to say Tuesday whether Henderson has been fired or resigned. Coach Jack Del Rio said at his season ending review that he wasn't planning any more firings. The departure of Henderson would mean that coach Jack Del Rio would have seven coaching vacancies on his staff. A team spokesman said the Jaguars would have no comment on their coaching staff at this time. Henderson spent only one year with the team and the secondary struggled last year as the Jaguars ranked 24th in pass defense, but the defensive backs were hurt by the lack of a good pass ..."
Browns interview ex-Jags VP Harris
"Gregg Williams found a new home Thursday. James "Shack" Harris is still looking for one. Williams, whose one year with the Jaguars as defensive coordinator ended in what his agent, Marvin Demoff, called an "amicable divorce," was hired by the New Orleans Saints to revive their defense. Harris, who resigned Dec. 23 as the Jaguars' vice president of player personnel, is a candidate for the general manager job in Cleveland. Harris interviewed Thursday in New York with Browns owner Randy Lerner, according to several Cleveland media outlets. But Jim Donovan, the radio voice of the Browns, reported on WKYC-TV that Lerner is focused on Baltimore director of pro personnel George Kokinis, even ..."
New name emerges in Browns search for GM
"While Browns coach Eric Mangini announced the hiring of his coordinators Wednesday, a new name emerged in the team's search for a general manager. Owner Randy Lerner will interview former Jacksonville Jaguars Vice President of Player Personnel James Harris today in New York, WKYC Channel 3 reported. Harris, 61, resigned Dec. 23 after serving nearly six years as GM of the Jaguars. The Browns' other known general manager candidate, George Kokinis, succeeded Harris as the Baltimore Ravens director of pro personnel in 2003. Lerner interviewed Kokinis, a close friend of Mangini, on Sunday and a source said they plan to talk again next week. In Jacksonville, Harris took the blame for the ..."
Six openings still to fill
"The Jaguars can scratch Brian Schneider off their list. Schneider, the former Raiders assistant who interviewed recently to be the Jaguars' special-teams coach, accepted a job Wednesday as USC's special-teams coach. The Jaguars are seeking a replacement for Joe DeCamillis, who left for a higher-paying job in Dallas. Two veteran coaches not in the NFL last year, Larry McDuff and Joe Avezzano, also have interviewed for the Jaguars' special-teams job. The Jaguars have six coaching openings, and coach Jack Del Rio is expected to interview candidates at the Senior Bowl next week."
Browns will interview James Harris today
"The Browns will interview James "Shack" Harris today for their vacant general manager's job, WKYC's Jim Donovan reported Wednesday night. Harris resigned last month as vice president of player personnel for the Jaguars, who went 5-11 this season. Harris took much of the blame for signing receiver Jerry Porter and cornerback Drayton Florence to huge free-agent contracts in the off-season that totaled $23 million in guaranteed money."
Jaguars, Tucker will meet this week
"The Jaguars will interview Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Mel Tucker late this week, confirmed Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio, who also said the club is considering filling its coordinator opening internally. "Mel is a quality guy, a bright guy," Del Rio said. "He communicates well with the players and is strongest in the back end [secondary]. I look forward to visiting with him." Del Rio also revealed that the club has interviewed four candidates for its vacant head strength coach position, which was vacated by Mark Asanovich. The coach declined to identify the candidates. Tucker became Cleveland's defensive coordinator in 2008 after the club dismissed Todd Grantham. Tucker coached ..."