NFL Trade Rumors

"I like what Jacksonville did in the NFL Draft. The Jaguars needed a pass rusher to keep pace among AFC playoff teams and drafted not one but two. If I'm offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, I love what the Steelers did in the draft -- selecting a running back, wide receiver and a tackle among the top four picks. If I'm defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, I hate what the Steelers did in the draft -- no true defensive linemen taken following a season in which his unit registered only four sacks in 100 pass attempts in its three biggest losses (New England and Jacksonville twice). Veteran free agent defensive lineman Anthony "Booger" McFarland is probably looking pretty good to the Steelers right now. Signing McFarland would allow the Steelers to save face. The Steelers needed to improve their defensive line depth. They didn't"

"Kevin Gilbride recently told Jeremy Shockey he wants him back as a featured part of his offense. But the Giants' offensive coordinator admitted he doesn't know if that will happen. "It's so nebulous right now, you just have no idea," Gilbride said. "Right now he's on our team. We're planning on him being there. He'll be one of the guys that we'll look to feature and one of the guys that we'll look to depend on. Hopefully he'll be here in good spirits and ready to do the things that we know he's capable of doing. But who knows? It's certainly beyond my hands." "

"During this offseason, Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride made sure to call Jeremy Shockey to assure the absent tight end he's wanted and needed. Shockey's response was not made public. "It wouldn't be fair for me to divulge what was said by him," Gilbride said yesterday at rookie mini-camp. There is no doubt Shockey was feeling all sorts of swirling emotions after the Giants won the Super Bowl while he was sidelined with a broken leg. The team explored trading Shockey, but did not find a suitable offer. The company line from GM Jerry Reese and Tom Coughlin remains, "Jeremy is our starting tight end," but no one is giving assurances that Shockey is a happy camper or that he actually will be a camper at all this summer. "

"Torry Holt raised eyebrows three weeks ago when he talked about reuniting with his brother Terrence — a safety for the Carolina Panthers — when the final two years of his Rams contract were up. "I wanted to just send in my resignation to the Rams and join him down here," Holt told Raleigh, N.C., television station WRAL with a laugh. "What better place to come and play football than in your home state?' " Holt made the remarks at a charity golf tournament he and his brother held in North Carolina. Terrence signed as a free agent with Carolina earlier this offseason after spending the 2007 season with Arizona. To a degree, it was clear Holt was joking, particularly the remark about "resigning" from the Rams. But on Saturday, in his first comments to St. Louis reporters since the end of the 2007 season, it was clear that Holt is taking a realistic view about his future with the Rams. "

"With about $1.7 million due him this season, Steven Jackson ranks as a major bargain among NFL running backs. But if the Rams want to keep him beyond 2008, it's going to cost the team. Jackson is entering the final season of the original five-year, $7 million deal he signed in July 2004 after the Rams made him their first-round draft choice (No. 24 overall) that year. His next deal, whether it's here or elsewhere, will be far more lucrative. "I think I've been a good person on and off the field," Jackson said Saturday at minicamp, "so I expect to be rewarded." Jackson said his agent, Gary Uberstine, and the Rams' front office have yet to begin extension talks."

"Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said that there have been preliminary contract discussions between the team and agents for the 11 draft picks. Negotiations are not expected to get serious for a few weeks, Dimitroff said."

"The three-day Ravens minicamp at Owings Mills is an audition for many free agents but especially for those at tight end. With Quinn Sypniewski out for the season after suffering a freak knee injury at an organized team activity three weeks ago, and Daniel Wilcox still recovering from toe surgery, rookies Joe Reitz and Scott Kuhn are looking for a chance to fill the role of the team's third tight end. Kuhn, who played at Louisville, broke his thumb during a punt drill at minicamp yesterday, leaving the coaching staff to scramble. They used Xavier Lee, a former quarterback at Florida State, as a tight end for several of the drills, as well as second-year linebacker Edgar Jones for a few."

"The Raiders worked out San Ramon Valley High School graduate Sam Keller on Friday. He wasn't selected out of Nebraska in the NFL draft last month. He worked out for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week but was not offered a contract. The Raiders already have five quarterbacks on their roster -- JaMarcus Russell, Andrew Walter, Jeff Otis, Erik Meyer and Brian White."

"If the team's supposed interest in Randy Moss and Larry Fitzgerald was sincere, it's no secret it feels it needs a more viable threat in the passing game than what is on the current roster. Forget Chad Johnson. The Bengals are playing hardball with him and are not going to deal him and he may be as much trouble as he is worth, and he's worth plenty. Detroit's Roy Williams should be the target. His quotes this past week in which he admitted he thought he was going to be traded before, or during, the draft, speaks volumes. "

"The Patriots recorded signals of the Dolphins' offensive signals during a game in 2001, a league source confirmed Friday, although it is uncertain whether the taping will result in further sanctions against New England or coach Bill Belichick. ESPN.com reported Friday that one of the tapes submitted by former Patriots video employee Matt Walsh included the offensive signals. Previously, it was believed the Patriots had taped only opposing teams' defensive signals."

" Former Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry on Wednesday became the latest troubled player to seek refuge with the Dallas Cowboys. Henry is awaiting trial for misdemeanor charges of assault and a ruling from the NFL on whether he will be able to play in 2008. On Tuesday, an Ohio judge ruled Henry be released from electronic monitoring and house arrest to travel for tryouts. No visits have been scheduled, but Henry told ESPN.com the Cowboys and New Orleans top his list of teams. "

"The Saints completed their visit with free-agent tailback Shaun Alexander on Wednesday, but he returned home to Seattle without a contract offer. It's unclear how serious the interest is from either side. Alexander, who was released by the Seahawks last month, has just started to test the market. He visited Cincinnati on Sunday and Monday before flying to New Orleans. Alexander's agent, Jim Steiner, said the former league MVP and three-time Pro Bowl player has not set a timetable for choosing a team. "

" As far as the future of Michael Strahan, at least one member of the Giants believes Strahan will retire. "My inside tells me that Strahan played his last game with the New York Giants as a champion, and that's not a bad way to go out," Antonio Pierce said on WFAN. "

"Former Bengal Chris Henry will be allowed to travel to other cities in hopes of reviving his professional football career, a judge ruled Tuesday. The judge said Henry must present proof from other NFL clubs that he has a tryout before his electronic leash will be disconnected. Henry is currently on an ankle bracelet that monitors his whereabouts."

"The Broncos' interest in running backs Shaun Alexander and Dominic Rhodes remains in the preliminary stages, according to sources close to the situation. Denver could bring in either player for a visit, but it isn't focusing on either player at this point. If Denver were to bring in a veteran running back, the team would likely have to part ways with veteran Travis Henry. There is likely little chance Denver would hold onto Henry and bring in another veteran. "

"All that awaits Edgerton Hartwell's addition to the Raiders linebacking corps is the official annoucement. Hartwell excelled playing alongside Ray Lewis with the Baltimore Ravens from 2001 through 2004, cashing in with a six-year, $26 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons. He played in only 13 games before being released, the victim of an Achilles' tendon tear in 2005. He signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on May 3, 2007, but was released before the season started on Sept. 1."

"Looking at the faces around the table at a bowling alley nestled inside of a local GameWorks, Willie McGinest's decision seems natural, if not easy. Sitting with his father, Willie McGinest Sr.; mother, Joyce; sisters, Lisa and Tanisha; fiancé, Gloriana; and daughters, Rylie, 3, and Halie, 1, celebrating the third annual Willie McGinest Day in his hometown of Long Beach, the veteran linebacker concedes this will likely be the last time he'll enjoy this day as an active player. "

"The Saints will bring in free-agent tailback Shaun Alexander for a visit this week, a sign that they're still in the market for some insurance in case Deuce McAllister is unable to return to form. Alexander, 30, was released by the Seattle Seahawks last month after two disappointing, injury-plagued seasons. The former league MVP and three-time Pro Bowl player was scheduled to make his first free-agent visit with the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday. "

"Bengals coaches and executives wrapped up a two-day visit Monday with former NFL MVP Shaun Alexander. Alexander, a Boone County High School graduate from Florence, is scheduled to visit the New Orleans Saints on Wednesday, Alexander's agent Jim Steiner said. Alexander was released April 22 after eight seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. "I have talked to Shaun," Steiner said Monday afternoon. "I have not talked to (the Bengals). We don't even know if the Bengals are interested." Alexander grew up a Bengals fan."

"The real test of cornerback Lito Sheppard's view of things will likely come next month when the Eagles' full squad is scheduled to return for eight camp days at the NovaCare Complex. The first day of that camp is June 3. Asked if he'd be there, Sheppard responded by asking if there were "any other questions." Asked if he thought the current situation could work, the cornerback again asked if there were "any other questions." And then Sheppard showed he still has a sense of a humor. "What are we going to do?" he asked. "Like Drew said, 'Next question.' ""

"His minicamp obligation fulfilled, Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard left the NovaCare Complex on Monday without a promise of returning. Asked if he'd be in attendance for the team's optional Organized Team Activities in June, he smiled his Lito smile and said, "Can't think that far ahead." Sheppard wasn't planning on taking questions Monday. To be more precise, the Eagles' dissatisfied two-time Pro Bowl cornerback fended off media pressure Saturday by saying he would talk Monday, before reconsidering Sunday. Then, physically hemmed in at his locker by cameras and microphones, he reconsidered."

" The Dallas Cowboys are not only going back to California for training camp, they are expected to once again invite HBO to broadcast their every move. A deal is "imminent" that will allow NFL Films to film five to six weeks of training camp in Oxnard, Calif. and air it on the HBO show Hard Knocks, according to a source. Training camp opens in late July. Last season, the Cowboys held training camp in San Antonio. The last time the Cowboys were on Hard Knocks was 2002, when they finished 5-11. It was Dave Campo's last season as coach. "

"Bears general manager Jerry Angelo was conveniently out of town and did not return phone calls. No doubt he needs to gather more information, as well. Sadly, it's a bit late for that. There's a big enough pile of evidence for the Bears to cut ties with Benson without another thought. Maybe that's the real positive of his water-logged weekend. Benson has one leg out the door and another on a banana peel anyway after the draft last weekend, when the Bears effectively replaced him by using a second-round pick on Matt Forte."

"It is even logical to suggest that if Benson ever carries the ball again for the Bears, maybe the team has learned even less than the running back in the last three years. But take a deep breath, Windy City cynics. Just because Benson has done nothing to earn the benefit of the doubt during his tumultuous Bears career doesn't mean he should be deprived it. Fairness dictates being deliberate when deciding whether the Bears should get rid of Benson after he was arrested Saturday night near Austin, Texas, on charges of boating while intoxicated and resisting arrest. Knowing the Bears and Lovie Smith, don't be surprised if that ship doesn't sail after all — at least not because of this incident."

"The Chargers are concerned enough about Nick Hardwick not being able to start the season that they are targeting veteran center Jeremy Newberry for a possible signing after June 1, numerous sources confirmed. Newberry is an unrestricted free agent, but he would not count against the Chargers when it comes to getting compensatory draft picks next year if they sign him after June 1. No deal is in place, sources said, but the Chargers are the front-runners for Newberry's services. "

"Unhappy with his contract, Baker requested a trade the week before the draft and was denied by the Jets. The team also fueled his anger by signing tight end Bubba Franks as a free agent to a deal that is set to pay him more than Baker, even though Franks would be his backup. Baker has since threatened to boycott the team’s off-season training activities. “He outperformed his contract the last two years,” Baker’s agent, Jonathan Feinsod, said last week. “He’s severely underpaid. He’d like to be brought up to market.” Last week, General Manager Mike Tannenbaum would not discuss Baker’s contract, but said that the Jets expected Baker to be present for all the mandatory events, “be it minicamp or training camp.”"

"The Dolphins hope one of the undrafted rookies can step forward as a slot receiver, a part-time role that can take advantage of the focus defenses will put on Ginn and Wilford. It is a search that could extend beyond training camp and beyond Miami's roster when other teams cut some of their receivers. The Dolphins could be looking at those discards as ways to upgrade their receiving corps. That is how dire the problem appears right now."

"The Eagles have a cornerback controversy. They don’t have a quarterback controversy, despite the sudden emergence of Kevin Kolb. Kolb quietly has been given the backup quarterback job that formerly was the domain of veteran A.J. Feeley, gauging by the quality of repetitions at minicamp. Though offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg suggested that there was a competition for the No. 2 job, it appears the job is Kolb’s to lose and Feeley could be on the move for the fourth time in his career."

"Michael Strahan had something more important to do than go with the Giants to the White House on Wednesday - a trip to the Kentucky Derby. After attending the Playboy party Friday night, Strahan was interviewed on NBC's pre-Derby show Saturday. The defensive end reiterated what he recently told the Daily News' Gary Myers: He's undecided on retirement."

"For sale: Left-handed quarterback, 27, with starting experience in the NFL. Hasn't played in 20 months. Good pedigree. Plenty of guts. Missing spleen. Must be willing to pick up $2-million salary. Any draft pick or best offer. No team is buying what the Bucs are selling. At this point, it's very unlikely any will trade for Chris Simms. Tampa Bay shopped Simms and Bruce Gradkowski during the draft last weekend with no success. General manager Bruce Allen denied a report that two teams offered the Bucs a sixth- or seventh-round pick for Simms."

"Chris Simms no longer conjures the image of a valiant fallen warrior. With his spleen injury now nearly two years into his past, he seems more like a wounded deer aimlessly wandering the woods. It's gotten to the point where you sort of wish someone would just come along and put the poor thing out of his misery. Finally, mercifully, the Bucs may get around to doing that this week. There are plans for the Bucs brass to gather early this week at One Buc Place, perhaps as soon as Monday and most likely with Simms' agent on hand, and discuss Simms' future. For Simms' sake, let's hope the Bucs pull the trigger and move him."

"Like a kid on Christmas Day, Jon Gruden immediately latched on to his new toy, rookie quarterback Josh Johnson, for Tampa Bay's minicamp this weekend. So what about the old toy? While Gruden was watching Johnson spin spirals all over the club's immaculate grounds, the Buccaneers' version of a discarded G.I. Joe was gathering dust as he sat ignored in the corner of the closet. Time to do the right thing, Bucs. Donate Chris Simms to the Salvation Army."

"Anthony "Booger" McFarland may still be an option for the Steelers and the team may have more flexibility after June 2 when teams can cut players and not have the salaries they were due to make count against the cap. As for the offensive line, the Steelers have three players on their roster that have starting experience at tackle. And what has to be encouraging for the Steelers has to be the health of left tackle Marvel Smith. Smith had surgery last season to relieve pressure that a piece of a herniated disc had put on a nerve in his back, and he said he noticed a change, for the better, as soon as he woke up from the procedure."

"A key member of the Rams' front office might be joining Al Davis' operation with the Oakland Raiders. Davis is looking for a new contract negotiator and salary-cap specialist, and Samir Suleiman reportedly is a candidate for the job. Suleiman, 32, has been the Rams' director of football operations since 2000. In that position, he assists Jay Zygmunt, president of football operations and general manager, with contracts and cap management, among other duties."

"You can't toss a sock in a hamper in the Cardinals locker room these days without hitting a player with a contract issue. Receiver Anquan Boldin would like a new deal. So would defensive end Darnell Dockett. Adrian Wilson has said he wants to be the highest paid safety in the NFC. The Cardinals have been in negotiations for months with the agent for inside linebacker Karlos Dansby, their franchise player. A handful of other key players, such as cornerback Eric Green and defensive end Antonio Smith, are working under one-year contracts."

"A key member of the Rams' front office might be joining Al Davis' operation with the Oakland Raiders. Davis is looking for a new contract negotiator and salary-cap specialist, and Samir Suleiman reportedly is a candidate for the job. Suleiman, 32, has been the Rams' director of football operations since 2000. In that position, he assists Jay Zygmunt, president of football operations and general manager, with contracts and cap management, among other duties."

"Raiders owner Al Davis is reorganizing his front office and could bring in a new salary "capologist" and contract negotiator, a league source said Thursday. Rams executive Samir Suleiman, director of football operations in St. Louis since 2000, is among those being looked at. A source within the Rams organization confirmed his candidacy Thursday."

"Running back Shaun Alexander, cut loose by Seattle less than two weeks ago, will be contacting his favorite boyhood team, the Bengals. "Making calls to teams. Bengals are on our list!" Jim Steiner, Alexander's agent, told The Enquirer in an e-mail Wednesday. The Bengals did not use any of their 10 picks in last weekend's NFL Draft on a running back."

"This weekend's camp, which includes two practices each day Saturday and Sunday and one Monday, will provide the first glimpse of how Asante Samuel, Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown could be used by defensive coordinator Jim Johnson if they are all still around when the season begins. It also could provide the first public comments from Sheppard, who is unhappy with his contract situation but has chosen to remain silent since the Eagles signed Samuel. Sheppard did not return a phone call yesterday."

"Numerous NFL insiders said in the past couple of days that there will be work in a personnel department somewhere for Buddy Nix. And those who know him say he has for a few years desired to be a general manager. But Nix said yesterday he has no immediate plans to take another job. Back home where the rest of the people talk with his same charming lilt, Nix was preparing to play golf yesterday morning. “I've got no idea what I'm going to do,” Nix said by phone from Tennessee. “It's only been one day."

"The Eagles may have drafted for the future, but the here and now is about to mess with their locker room. The team drafted 10 players this weekend and traded for one more, but the moves they didn't make have tipped the power in the direction of dissatisfied cornerback Lito Sheppard. The two-time Pro Bowl player hasn't said much since the Eagles gave a six-year, $60 million contract to Asante Samuel, but he could say plenty if he declines to show up for the team's mandatory minicamp Friday through Monday. Coach Andy Reid said Sunday he expects Sheppard to be there."