NFL Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

February 12

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"If the Steelers have decided to release Hines Ward, it is news to Ward -- and maybe even the Steelers. The NFL Network's Jason LaCanfora, who also works for NFL.com, wrote that, according to his sources, "Ward won't be back." A source close to Ward, however, said no one from the Steelers has indicated to him that the team plans to release him. Also, Steelers sources told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that no decision has been made regarding Ward's future with the team. Ward, who could not be reached for comment, issued a statement on his Facebook page after the NFL report: "I don't normally like to respond to rumors, but as I've said all along, I want to finish my career with the Pittsburgh"

Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber still noncommittal about 2012 return

February 12

St. Petersburg Times

"Bucs cornerback Ronde Barber, who becomes a free agent next month and has been pondering retirement, said Saturday night that he remains noncommittal about returning for a 16th season. "Things have to play themselves out, like they did last year," Barber, 36, said at former teammate Shelton Quarles' charity event at the Loews Don CeSar Hotel. "We'll have a meeting of the minds, like we did last year, and if I fit in, we'll go from there. "I'm not allowing myself to lean one way or the other. I'm pretty sure where I stand, but I haven't allowed myself to commit." Barber agreed last year with general manager Mark Dominik to approach his remaining seasons year to year. He played 2011 on a"

Bucs denied again: 49ers won't let team speak to DB coach

February 12

Tampa Tribune

"Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano has run into yet another roadblock in his quest to build a staff of assistants. The San Francisco 49ers have denied the Bucs an opportunity to speak to defensive backs coach Ed Donatell about their vacant defensive coordinator position, according to an NFL.com report. The denial marks at least the third time since Schiano took over as Bucs coach that he has been denied the opportunity to speak to a potential coordinator candidate. The Bucs were previously denied opportunities to speak to Arizona Cardinals receivers coach John McNulty and Green Bay Packers tight ends coach Ben McAdoo about their offensive coordinator job. News of the latest refusal"

Deep pool of free-agent receivers should be tempting to Cleveland Browns

February 12

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Browns picked a great year to be in the market for big-play wide receivers. Depending on which players re-sign with their teams between now and the start of free agency on March 13, there could be dozens of quality wideouts flooding the market. The list includes big-name receivers such as San Diego's Vincent Jackson and Philadelphia's DeSean Jackson, and some lesser-known ones such as Dallas' Laurent Robinson and New Orleans' Robert Meacham. Of course, some of the best will either be franchised by their teams -- which could earn them an estimated $9.5 million in 2012 -- or sign contracts before hitting the open market. But for a Browns team that finished 30th in the NFL in points per"

Panthers aim for free agency balance

February 12

Charlotte Observer

"The Panthers don't have as many of their own free agents to sign as they did last year. And this year's group might not have the big names who will be eligible for free agency in 2013. But several of the 10 players who can become unrestricted free agents when the league year ends March 13 made lasting impressions during coach Ron Rivera's first season in Charlotte. Tight end Jeremy Shockey was lauded by Panthers owner Jerry Richardson and others for the nasty streak he brought to a team missing that edge throughout the two-win season in 2010. He was a nice complement to Greg Olsen, but Shockey will turn 32 in August and likely will be looking for a deal worth close to the $4 million he"

Steelers won't bring back Ward

February 11

NFL.com

"Hines Ward is one of the iconic Pittsburgh Steelers. As such, Ward playing football in anything but black and gold would feel like a mismatch. But NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora told "NFL Total Access" Friday that Ward won't be back next season, according to his sources. As the Steelers work to restructure contracts and manuever below the salary cap, the circumstances are dictating the twilight of Ward's 14-year career. On the books, he has one year and $4 million left on his current contract. On the field, Ward also took a backseat to youngsters Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown, posting his lowest receiving totals since his rookie season in 1998."

Manning, Colts don't meet this week, no meeting planned

February 11

Indianapolis Star

"The waiting game continues with Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. Despite anticipation a meeting would take place this week to at least begin the process of determining the rehabilitating quarterback's future with the team, that did not occur. On his Twitter account, owner Jim Irsay wrote: "Things r quiet this week n weekend,getting ready for NFL Combine,completing coaching staff,analyzing roster. There's no news on Peyton." Prior to Super Bowl XLVI, Irsay indicated he and Manning hoped to meet this week. The Colts must decide whether to pay Manning a $28 million option bonus by March 8 or allow him to become an unrestricted free agent."

Cowboys show interest in Stanford Routt

February 11

ESPN.com

"The Cowboys have expressed interest in cornerback Stanford Routt, who was released by the Oakland Raiders on Thursday. Vann McElroy, Routt's Houston-based agent, said Friday morning his client is scheduled to visit the Buffalo Bills on Saturday with another trip planned for next week to see the Tennessee Titans. McElroy said no other visits have been scheduled. However, Minnesota, Kansas City and Dallas have reached out to the agent about Routt's services. Last year, Routt signed a restructured contract for five-years worth $54.5 million with the Raiders, with at least $20 million in guarantees the first two seasons of the deal."

Matt Flynn: Why he might be a big risk for the Redskins

February 11

Washington Post

"Peyton Manning naturally dominates all free agent quarterback discussions, even though he has yet to receive a release from the Indianapolis Colts or shown that's close to returning to full strength following the neck surgeries that forced him out of all of last season. It's a foregone conclusion that Drew Brees will re-sign with the Saints, so the next-hottest quarterback in the past two months belongs to Green Bay's Matt Flynn, who figures to land a starting job when he hits the market next month. Redskins fans repeatedly ask or predict that Flynn would fit well in D.C., but signing the LSU product could carry significant risks. Flynn lit it up in the regular season finale, when he"

Faulk contemplates if it's time to retire

February 11

Boston Globe

"After getting home from Indianapolis, his emotions at not being in uniform for Super Bowl XLVI and the reality of his team's loss still fresh, Kevin Faulk was talking with a friend when he looked at a picture of Troy Brown. When Faulk was drafted by the Patriots out of Louisiana State in 1999, he immediately was drawn to Brown, the team's versatile and selfless receiver. And looking at the picture of Brown this week, it hit Faulk: If Brown could survive not being in uniform for his last game with New England, he could as well. "Why not? I look up to him. Everything he's done. And why couldn't I do it?'' Faulk said yesterday. In an emotional interview at the NESN studios, Faulk sounded like"

Ike Taylor will rework deal with Steelers

February 11

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Steelers got more salary cap relief when cornerback Ike Taylor agreed to restructure a contract he signed before the 2011 season. Taylor becomes the third player, along with linebackers LaMarr Woodley and Lawrence Timmons, to rework his contract to help the Steelers shave approximately $25 million off their cap. Taylor signed a four-year contract in July that kept him from becoming an unrestricted free agent. It was not known how Taylor's contract was restructured. Woodley reduced his cap number from $11.5 million to $4.94 million, but it does not affect his take-home pay. He was due a $5.5 million roster bonus in March that was converted to a signing bonus along with $2.7 million of"

Titans re-sign wide receiver Lavelle Hawkins

February 11

Tennessean

"Always the jokester, receiver Lavelle Hawkins never hesitated to let Titans Coach Mike Munchak how he felt about things in Tennessee. "I'd always tell him: "I want to grow with (quarterbacks) Jake Locker and Matt Hasselbeck,''' Hawkins said with a smile. "I'd tell him, 'I want to be here, Coach. I want to be a part of things moving forward.'" Maybe Munchak was listening after all. Or perhaps the Titans simply saw a player worth keeping in Hawkins because on Friday the team agreed to a new three-year deal with the receiver, who is coming off his best year in 2011. Hawkins played in all 16 games for the Titans last year, with two starts. He finished last season with a career-high 47"

Report: Vikings showing interest in cornerback Stanford Routt

February 11

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Alert: The Vikings need help in their secondary. And a lot of it. This is not breaking news. But the team may have a chance to address that need sooner than expected with the Raiders releasing cornerback Stanford Routt on Thursday. According to a report on ESPNDallas.com, Routt's agent Vann McElroy has identified five teams with early interest in the 28-year-old corner. The Vikings are one of them. McElroy said Routt is scheduled to take visits to Tennessee and Buffalo with the Chiefs and Cowboys also expressing interest."

Jets VP of college scouting Joey Clinkscales out of running for St. Louis Rams GM job

February 11

Newark Star-Ledger

"Jets vice president of college scouting Joey Clinkscales is no longer in the running for the St. Louis Rams general manager job, a person with knowledge of his standing said today. That person requested anonymity because the team has not announced its finalists. Clinkscales was among a list of candidates who initially interviewed for the job last month after Billy Devaney was fired. The Rams are reportedly now whittling down their search to two or three finalists to home in on making a hire."

Vikings say no to new Ramsey County plan

February 11

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Minnesota Vikings rejected Ramsey County's revamped stadium financing plan on Friday, making that three strikes for the county's attempts regarding the prospective Arden Hills site. "Our view is the earlier proposals were more viable," Vikings vice president Lester Bagley said after Ramsey County officials presented their new plan to Gov. Mark Dayton. Previous plans relied on countywide sales, food and beverage tax increases to fund the local share of the $1.1 billion stadium in Arden Hills. Legislators disliked the tax increases, so Ramsey County officials drew up a "user-fee" concept in their third effort. As the Vikings swatted away Ramsey County's proposal, Dayton knocked the"

Seahawks re-sign offensive tackle Breno Giacomini

February 11

Seattle Times

"Offensive tackle Breno Giacomini has re-signed with the Seahawks, agreeing to a two-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed by the team. Giacomini was one of the nearly 20 Seahawks scheduled to be unrestricted free agents. According to the contract information on file with the NFL Players Association, Giacomini is scheduled to earn a base salary of $1.5 million in 2012, and $3 million in 2013. According to Brian McIntyre of Mac's Football Blog, Giacomini received a $1.5 million signing bonus."

Bengals' Maualuga could face suspension following assault charge

February 10

ESPN.com

"Bengals middle linebacker Rey Maualuga has been charged with a misdemeanor assault stemming from a bar incident in Cincinnati. Police charged Maualuga on Friday after investigating allegations by a bar employee that Maualuga punched him in the face early Sunday morning. His arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 17. This is Maualuga's second violation in two years under the personal conduct policy, which likely will lead to discipline from the NFL."

Plaxico wants to sign with Eagles

February 10

CSN Philly

"After a pedestrian return season with the New York Jets, Plaxico Burress is apparently looking for a new team -- and guess who's atop the wide receiver's wish list. The Eagles. The former Giant who spent nearly two years in jail on a gun charge, told NBC10's Howard Eskin that he wants to play for the Eagles."

Raiders cut big-money cornerback Stanford Routt

February 10

San Francisco Chronicle

"Less than a year ago, Al Davis made Stanford Routt one of the cornerstones of the Raiders' defense with a lavish contract that kept him from free agency. Thursday, Routt became the first player casualty under the new regime. Routt was released one year into a $54.5 million, five-year contract, ending his seven-year tenure in Oakland. The move by new general manager Reggie McKenzie and coach Dennis Allen signifies a change of approach from when Davis ran the team and was fiercely loyal to players he drafted. Davis died Oct. 8, setting the stage for a busy offseason. McKenzie was hired in January and fired coach Hue Jackson on his first official day on the job. He then began a coaching"

Peyton Manning throws at Duke University

February 10

Indianapolis Star

"Peyton Manning worked out Wednesday at Duke University, according to a tweet from a Blue Devils player. "Got to stretch next to Peyton Manning today and say hello," center Matt Skura tweeted. The connection between Manning and Duke is Blue Devils coach David Cutcliffe. He was an assistant at Tennessee when Manning played there and was head coach at Mississippi when Eli Manning played there. Peyton Manning told The Indianapolis Star after the Super Bowl that he might move around the country during his rehabilitation so he can throw to "familiar receivers," with little activity going on at the Colts' West 56th Street complex."

Other fish in sea is what makes VJ a likely castoff

February 10

San Diego Union-Tribune

"Even after he had seven interceptions, made the Pro Bowl and was named All-Pro, there is an acknowledgment by the Chargers decision makers that they overpaid to some extent to re-sign Eric Weddle last summer. They were committed to doing it, knew they had when they gave him $8 million a year, and they would do it again. The Chargers felt there were no better safeties on the market, Weddle knew their system and was on the verge of becoming the game-changing type of player he began to manifest in 2011."

Report: Bar manager says Bengals' Maualuga was involved in fight

February 10

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Fox19.com is reporting that the manager of a bar in downtown Cincinnati says Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga was involved in a fight there this past weekend. He is accused of punching a manager at Luxe, according to the report. From the story: The manager of a downtown bar says Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga was involved in a bar fight over the weekend where he injured the manager. According to the manager, Maualuga was at Luxe, a bar located at the corner of 6th St. and Main St. in downtown Cincinnati, where he allegedly punched the manager, causing him to be injured. Cincinnati Police are still investigating the incident, and Maulaluga has not been charged."

Buccaneers talk to Butch Davis about becoming senior defensive assistant

February 10

St. Petersburg Times

"Greg Schiano's transition from college to the NFL as a head coach might go smoothly if he has someone at One Buc Place who has done it. That could be Butch Davis. The Bucs are in the process of bringing the former North Carolina and Cleveland Browns coach aboard in an advisory role, as senior defensive assistant. A deal was not complete Thursday night. Meanwhile, the Bucs hired Jimmy Raye as a senior offensive assistant, according to multiple reports. FoxSports.com first reported the Davis talks and Raye's hiring. The Bucs declined comment. It's uncertain what duties Davis will have, but he is expected to assist Schiano in building a defensive staff and work with the eventual coordinator."

Lions QB Matthew Stafford's national popularity skyrocketing

February 10

Detroit Free Press

"Life has changed quite a bit for quarterback Matthew Stafford the past 12 months. Coming off a breakout 5,000-yard season and the Lions' first playoff appearance in 12 years, Stafford rarely gets asked questions about his shoulder anymore, which is a good thing. And he's much more in demand, which has its ups and downs. Stafford spent a few days at the Super Bowl last week, conducting radio and TV interviews on behalf of DirecTV, signing autographs for Courtyard hotels and walking red-carpet events with the help of Van Heusen menswear."

Victor Cruz looks to shed 'underpaid' label following record-breaking season

February 10

New York Post

"Judged strictly on production based on dollars earned, it is hard to imagine another player in the NFL who provided a bigger bang for the buck than Victor Cruz. His 2011 salary was $450,000 and for that money he broke the Giants' franchise record for receiving yards, put together one of the greatest pass-catching seasons in team history and electrified fans with his big plays and end zone salsa dances. Well, nothing lasts forever and it sounds as if Cruz is anxious to shed the "underpaid'' label attached to his name. "I think I was paid, you know, relative to where I came in this year and, you know, I came in as a free agent so that's the salary I was on, so I don't feel like I was"

Routt reportedly to visit Bills

February 10

Buffalo News

"The Buffalo Bills are giving the initial impression they're going to be players in this year's free agent market. Buffalo is one of two teams who have reportedly already scheduled a meeting with ex-Raiders cornerback Stanford Routt, who was released by Oakland in the first surprise move of the NFL offseason Thursday. That report comes from ESPN's Josina Anderson, who quotes Routt's agent, William Vann McElroy, as saying "as of right now Buffalo has him flying in on Sunday for a Monday visit, but I will keep you posted." Routt was released less than a year after signing a monster extension with the Raiders. Routt signed a three-year, $31.5 million contract last February that included $20"

Five teams for Peyton Manning

February 9

Sportsnet.ca

columnist Derek Carson

"The 2011-2012 NFL season is over and Eli Manning has emerged from his brother's shadow as one of the elite quarterbacks in the game, earning his second Super Bowl ring in the stadium his brother Peyton built. Peyton Manning on the other hand, missed the entire season due to injury and surgeries and still looks to be leaving the Indianapolis Colts, the only team he's ever played for. While Eli may have emerged from Peyton's incredibly long shadow, Peyton is still one of, if not the best quarterback in the league, perhaps of all time. Any team would be lucky to have him, neck problems and all."

Terrell Owens still wants to play in NFL

February 9

ESPN.com

"Terrell Owens still believes he's an elite wide receiver and is surprised no NFL team wanted him on its 53-man roster for the 2011 season. There was one team that did want Owens, the Allen Wranglers of the Indoor Football League, who signed him to play wide receiver. He will also have a 50 percent ownership in the franchise. Owens can make as much as $500,000 with the Wranglers. On Wednesday, in front of an estimated crowd of 700, former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Drew Pearson, the Wranglers general manger, introduced Owens to a loud ovation at the Allen Events Center. "It was an opportunity for myself and my family," Owens said. "It's a way for myself to keep in shape. I haven't retired"

Tom Brady pain a strain

February 9

Boston Herald

"Tom Brady aggravated an existing shoulder sprain in the third quarter of Sunday's Super Bowl loss to the New York Giants, but the Patriots quarterback did not suffer a major injury. Brady was part of a scary scene, as a sack by Giants defensive end Justin Tuck left him ailing. He stayed down on the field, then retreated to the bench where doctors and trainers checked out his left shoulder. Backup Brian Hoyer began to warm up on the sideline before it became clear Brady would continue. Still, Brady finished the game connecting on only seven of his last 17 pass attempts, displaying uncharacteristic inaccuracy on several throws. One had to wonder how much he was hurting."

Terrell Owens says he can still play, cites Ravens as team that could've used him

February 9

Baltimore Sun

"Terrell Owens didn't play in the NFL in 2011, and the 38-year-old is currently playing for the Allen Wranglers of the Indoor Football League. T.O. said Wednesday that there is no question he can still help an NFL team. And he cited the Ravens as a team that proves his point (that sound you hear is the rumor mill beginning to churn). "I know I can play. That's not even a question that I can play. You look at the NFC Championship and the AFC Championship. You look at those games, especially the NFC championship. Their starting receiving corps had one catch for three yards," Owens told The Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "You look at the AFC championship. The Baltimore Ravens the past two years"

Reports: Virginia's Lazor out, Shoop in as Bucs' coordinator candidates

February 9

Tampa Tribune

"Virginia offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Bill Lazor will not become the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to a report in the Charlottesvile (Va.) Daily Progress. Columnist Jerry Ratcliffe, citing unnamed sources, said Wednesday that Lazor is no longer being considered for the opening on new Bucs coach Greg Schiano's staff, even though he had been a "candidate of interest" for the position. The report did not say whether Lazor took himself out of the running or had been eliminated by the Bucs. FOXSports.com also reported Wednesday that the Bucs would interview University of North Carolina offensive coordinator John Shoop, a former Tampa Bay assistant"

49'ers Ray McDonald arrested early Wednesday for outstanding warrant

February 9

San Jose Mercury News

"Ray McDonald, a fifth-year defensive lineman, was arrested early Wednesday morning in Sunnyvale for an outstanding warrant, stemming from his 2010 arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence in San Mateo County. McDonald was released from the Santa Clara County Main Jail at just after 7 a.m., according to Sgt. Jose Cordoza of the Santa Clara Sheriff's Department. (Update: It's believed the warrant was issued for failure to provide proof of completion of his first-offender program. Update II: The indeed warrant was issued Aug. 9 for that reason. That is a six-month span between his arrest. Wow, what if the New York Giants learned about this and turned in McDonald before kickoff of"

Rams interested in Steelers exec as general manager

February 9

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"The St. Louis Rams have requested permission to interview Steelers director of administration Omar Khan for their general manager job, sources told the Tribune-Review today. Khan, the Steelers' salary cap manager and chief negotiator, is considered one of the top young executives in the NFL. A key behind-the-scenes figure with the Steelers, Khan was one of two finalists for the Seattle Seahawks' general manager job two years ago."

Bears hire Tim Holt as offensive line coach

February 9

Chicago Tribune

"Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith filled out his coaching staff Wednesday with the hiring of Tim Holt as offensive line coach. Holt comes to the Bears after spending the last three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was an assistant offensive line coach for the Bucs last season under offensive coordinator Greg Olson, whom the Bears first tried to hire as their quarterbacks coach/passing game coordinator. Holt was an offensive assistant in 2010 and a coaching intern in 2009."

Harbaugh: Unanimous within 49ers that Smith is 'our guy'

February 8

CSN Bay Area

"On Saturday, 49ers quarterback Alex Smith went on stage to accept the award for NFL Coach of the Year on behalf of Jim Harbaugh. The two men played golf together on Tuesday at Pepple Beach as part of a five-hole 49ers vs. San Francisco Giants charity shootout. And on Thursday, Smith will serve as Harbaugh's caddie on the first day of the AT&T National Pro-Am. Smith is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but it appears highly unlikely that he'll still be available to the other 31 teams in the league when the free-agent signing period opens March 13. Harbaugh has made it clear he wants Smith re-signed, and he said Tuesday on "Chronicle Live" that the 49ers'"

Report: Tampa Bay Buccaneers considering Ron Turner, Bill Lazor for offensive coordinator

February 8

St. Petersburg Times

"The Bucs' search that landed coach Greg Schiano was exhaustive and hiring a coaching staff is taking some extra effort. But Schiano appears to be closing in on an offensive coordinator. The Bucs are considering Ron Turner and Bill Lazor, according to Alex Marvez on FOXSports.com on Tuesday. Turner, 58, spent last season as the Colts' quarterbacks coach, has had two stints as Bears offensive coordinator and was head coach at Illinois. Lazor is the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Virginia and has coached QBs with the Redskins and Seahawks. The Bucs' plans for defensive coordinator is unknown. They were turned down by Florida defensive coordinator Dan Quinn after interviewing"

Chad Pennington healthy, but believes playing career is over

February 8

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"Chad Pennington's arm remains strong enough to throw a deep out with a little zip on it. His left knee, destroyed playing pickup basketball last year, has been surgically repaired and is fully healed. Pennington, 35, who spent 11-seasons, mostly as a starting quarterback for the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, is healthy enough to resume his NFL career. But the NFL's two-time Comeback Player of the Year is leaning toward hanging up his cleats. Pennington, who threw for 17,823 yards and 102 touchdowns during his career, told the Sun Sentinel Tuesday he plans to continue broadcasting games for FOX Sports instead of attempting yet another comeback."

Ricky Williams' retirement casts Ravens' running back situation into uncertainty

February 8

Baltimore Sun

"The long, circuitous ride that is Ricky Williams' football career again swerved abruptly Tuesday when the Ravens' enigmatic reserve running back announced that he was retiring from the NFL. Since early last week, Williams, who reached the 10,000-yard career rushing plateau in 2011, his only season in Baltimore, had been mulling the decision to walk away from the NFL (again) to explore other interests and focus on his foundation. The 34-year-old acknowledged he could change his mind. "The NFL has been an amazing page in this chapter of my life," he said in statements released by both the Ravens and the University of Texas. "I pray that all successive adventures offer me the same potential"

Jets set to stick with Holmes

February 8

New York Post

"It looks like Santonio Holmes will indeed be a Jet in 2012. Holmes, whose season ended with a benching in Miami, is guaranteed $7.5 million of his $11 million 2013 salary if he still is on the Jets' roster this morning. That means the Jets owe the wide receiver $15.25 million of guaranteed money, a number that means he won't be going anywhere. The Jets have said publicly since the season ended they would keep Holmes, but it still seemed like something the team had to consider after the way Holmes' 2011 season went. Holmes fought with quarterback Mark Sanchez at the end of the year then had no catches in the season finale against the Dolphins. Former offensive coordinator Brian"

NFL suspends Steelers' Weslye Saunders 4 games

February 8

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Steelers tight end Weslye Saunders has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2012 season for violating the NFL's policy on performance enhancing substances. Saunders, an undrafted rookie in 2011, is eligible to participate in all preseason games and practices before his suspension begins Sept. 1. This is not the first time Saunders has had off-the-field problems."

Osi's contract not a primary concern

February 8

New York Post

"Osi Umenyiora not only thinks the Giants can repeat, but wants to be part of pulling it off. Although it might have been the emotion of the moment talking, the Giants' veteran defensive end stated an uncharacteristically strong desire to remain in blue after the adulation of the parade and MetLife Stadium rally yesterday. As some of the estimated 45,000 fans at the stadium rally chanted "One more year!" at him yesterday, Umenyiora sounded as if a renewed trade demand was the least of his intentions. Asked if he wanted to be back with the Giants, Umenyiora said: "Of course! I mean, look at this! We can win again!""

Giants' Ballard, Beckum facing surgeries

February 8

New York Post

"The Super Bowl was not kind to the position of tight end for the Giants, as two of them, Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum, yesterday attended the celebratory festivities hobbled and walking with the aid of crutches. Beckum during the 21-17 victory over the Patriots was diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. It was believed Ballard went down with damage to his meniscus cartilage, but the Giants revealed that Ballard also tore his ACL in his left knee and, like Beckum, will require reconstructive surgery that puts the 2012 season in doubt for both of them."

Giants TE Ballard tore ACL, could miss next season

February 7

New York Post

"Giants tight end Jake Ballard suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee early in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLVI and, following reconstructive surgery, will miss at least eight months, making it possible he will miss the entire 2012 season. The Giants already knew that another tight end, Travis Beckum, went down in the Super Bowl with a torn ACL, putting his 2012 season at risk. Ballard immediately after the 21-17 victory over the Patriots did not think he tore his ACL, saying he believed he suffered damage to his meniscus cartilage but not to any ligaments. The Giants revealed Tuesday that Ballard did tear his ligament."

Ricky Williams tells the Ravens that he is retiring

February 7

Baltimore Sun

"Running back Ricky Williams has told Ravens officials that he is retiring, according to sources. But the team is leaving the door open for the 34-year-old to return in 2012 should he change his mind, which is a possibility. Williams, who was entering the final year of a two-year deal, rushed for 444 yards and two touchdowns on 108 carries in 2011. He went over the 10,000-yard rushing mark for his career in the final game of the regular season. Williams also had a great relationship serving as a mentor to Pro Bowl running back Ray Rice. Last month, Williams told The Baltimore Sun that he planned on playing out his contract with the Ravens."

Report: UF defensive coordinator Quinn turns down Bucs

February 7

Tampa Tribune

"University of Florida defensive coordinator Dan Quinn turned down an offer to take the same job with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to a report by the Gainesville Sun. Sun staff writer Pat Dooley said Quinn interviewed with the Bucs, "but decided to remain in Gainesville as Will Muschamp's defensive chief." Quinn left the NFL to join Muschamp's staff before last season. He was the defensive line coach for the Seattle Seahawks in 2010 and previously coached with the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers."

Report: Brees' agent "baffled" at slow pace of contract talks

February 7

Pro Football Talk

"Drew Brees and the Saints have said so many times that both sides want to get a long-term contract done that it seems like a mere formality that things will get worked out long before it's time for Brees to get to work at the Saints' first offseason minicamp. But one report suggests that contract talks aren't moving as quickly as the Brees side expected: ESPN's John Clayton said on SportsCenter this morning that Brees' agent, Tom Condon, is surprised by the slow pace of the talks. "I ran into his agent, Tom Condon of CAA, last week, and even he's kind of baffled at this time as far as how this is going because it's going to slow," Clayton said. "Everybody knows the Saints aren't going to"

49ers' Tom Gamble to interview with Rams

February 7

San Francisco Chronicle

"Tom Gamble, the 49ers' director of player personnel, will interview with the Rams for their general-manager position today, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Gamble has ties to St. Louis head coach Jeff Fisher. Gamble worked in the Eagles' personnel department from 1988 through '94; Fisher was Philadelphia's defensive coordinator from 1988 through '90. Gamble's father, Harry, served as the Eagles' general manager and president."

Denver Broncos' Knowshon Moreno hit with DUI charge

February 7

Denver Post

"Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno was arrested last week in Denver on a drunken driving charge. The Broncos issued a statement Monday acknowledging the arrest of the 2009 first-round draft pick. "We take the incident involving Knowshon Moreno very seriously and are thoroughly reviewing this matter," the team's statement said. "Our organization will continue to gather information and closely monitor this issue while the legal process runs its course." Moreno, 24, was pulled over Feb. 1 while driving a Bentley at about 70 mph on Interstate 25 near Quincy Avenue and Union Avenue, according to a report by Denver television station KDVR-31. The posted speed limit in the area usually is 65"

DeMarco Murray: Ankle is ahead of schedule; 'great things' coming for Cowboys

February 7

Dallas Morning News

"When it comes to rehabilitating his injured right ankle, DeMarco Murray says he's ahead of schedule. The Cowboys star rookie running back had his season ended on Dec. 11 after fracturing his ankle in a 37-34 loss to the visiting New York Giants. "I've been working hard to strengthen my ankle," Murray said recently in an interview with FOXSports.com. "I'm definitely ahead of schedule. I think I start running on [Feb. 6] actually, so I'm excited to get back there." Murray, who was in Indianapolis for the Super Bowl, said he has stayed in Dallas since having surgery in December, working on getting back to full strength."

Raiders hire Jason Tarver as def. coordinator

February 7

San Francisco Chronicle

"After reportedly striking out with five other candidates for their defensive-coordinator job, the Raiders turned to a man with a master's degree in biochemistry and molecular biology. After finishing 29th in the NFL in total defense, they're hoping 37-year-old Jason Tarver can outsmart the rest of the AFC West. They named the former 49ers aide as their coordinator Monday, replacing Chuck Bresnahan, whom former head coach Hue Jackson publicly upbraided after the team lost four of its last five games."

Seahawks want to host Super Bowl at CenturyLink Field

February 7

Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"Imagine the Super Bowl in Seattle. That's what the Seahawks are doing. The team recently submitted initial paperwork to the NFL expressing interest in hosting the Big Game at CenturyLink Field, Q13 News reports. Wouldn't that be awesome? Well, I think so. Watching the Super Bowl on Sunday, I was thinking: If Indianapolis can host a Super Bowl, why couldn't Seattle? There are several hurdles Seattle must clear to be considered — and that's if the NFL's Super Bowl Advisory Committee invites the Seahawks to make an official bid."

Osi Umenyiora isn't worried about future with NY Giants, plans to 'shut New York down' after Super Bowl XLVI victory vs. New England Patriots

February 6

New York Daily News

"As the red, white and blue confetti fell and family members crashed the on-field trophy presentation for the Giants inside Lucas Oil Stadium, euphoria filled defensive end Osi Umenyiora. He looked down at friends wearing his white No. 72 jersey, smiled, and shouted from his perch atop the silver stand. "What are they going to say now?" he said. "What are they going to say now?" Inside the locker room, the questioning was reversed on the pass-rusher. What will Umenyiora, a mercurial, menacing member of two Super Bowl championship teams with the organization, do next? "Tonight we're going to shut Indy down," said Umenyiora, who collected one tackle and two hits on Tom Brady. "Then we're"

Vikings' George Paton gets 2nd interview for St. Louis Rams GM job

February 6

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Minnesota Vikings director of player personnel George Paton will have a second interview for the St. Louis Rams general manager job, as early as today, according to a person close to the situation. Paton, who joined the Vikings in 2007 after six seasons as director of pro personnel for the Miami Dolphins, first interviewed with the Rams last week."

Tom Coughlin, who inspires NY Giants, believes he'll be back with Blue gunning for Super Bowl repeat

February 6

New York Daily News

"Tom Coughlin's players were passing around the Vince Lombardi Trophy on the podium as the confetti came floating down on their heads with all kinds of New York songs blasting throughout the stadium. The coach had moved some of these tough guys to tears on Saturday night with an emotional speech that ended with him telling them, "I love you." Now he was soaking in another incredible moment following the 21-17 victory over the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI that finished off one of the great six-game coaching jobs in NFL history. Coughlin has won Super Bowls in his fourth and eighth seasons with the Giants. Bill Parcells won Super Bowls in his fourth and eighth seasons with the Giants and then"

I'm a salmon swimming upstream on the Manning issue

February 6

Miami Herald

columnist Armando Salguero

"The Dolphins are going to chase Peyton Manning if he becomes available in free agency. That is already decided. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross loves the idea of Manning and has established him as the offseason quarterback priority. Manning first. Matt Flynn second. Drafting a quarterback third. The Dolphins see Manning as a way to win games, sell tickets and become relevant again. Within their circle of power, they think Manning can do for Miami what Joe Montana did for the Kansas City Chiefs in the early 1990s -- and if you don't remember, that included one failed trip to the AFC title game in Buffalo. So why am I against the addition of Peyton Manning? Let me count the ways:"

Rams/CVC finalizing London agreement

February 6

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Looks like the Rams are playing in London next season after all. The Rams and the Convention and Visitors Commission are in the process of finalizing an agreement to the lease that would allow the team to play home games in London over the next three seasons. According to Rams executive vice president of football operations Kevin Demoff, tickets could go on sale this week. "The agreement must be formally approved by the CVC and RSA, but we are optimistic there will be a successful resolution," said Demoff, who was in Indy for Sunday's Super Bowl game between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants."

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