Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Comment

June 16

Houston Chronicle

"Despite signing his $2.792 million tender, Texans tight end Owen Daniels did not show up for the team's mandatory minicamp Monday. He remains unhappy with his current contract situation, and he is still waiting for a long-term deal to get negotiated. Daniels also skipped the final three organized team activities last week. "We're happy he elected to come in and sign his tender and be part of this football team again," Texans general manager Rick Smith said. "I'm a little disappointed he's not here today, but again, we talked about how it's a process and how complicated it is. At some point, I'm sure Owen will rejoin his teammates and be back and be a productive football player for us." ..."

Texans target Grossman

Comment

June 12

Houston Chronicle

"If he passes his physical today, former Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman will sign a one-year contract with the Texans. On Thursday, the last day of organized team activities, the Texans agreed to terms with Grossman on a one-year deal for the minimum $620,000 for a veteran with his experience. Grossman, who turns 29 in August, was drafted in the first round in 2003. Grossman will join Matt Schaub, Dan Orlovsky and Alex Brink as quarterbacks on the roster. Coach Gary Kubiak plans to keep three on the roster this season. If Schaub is sidelined because of injuries for the third consecutive season, Grossman will give the Texans an experienced backup behind Orlovsky, who signed as a free ..."

Texans to sign QB Grossman to one-year deal

Comment

June 11

Houston Chronicle

"The Texans have agreed to a one-year contract with free agent quarterback Rex Grossman. If Grossman passes his physical on Friday as expected, he will give the Texans four quarterbacks entering next week's minicamp. Grossman, the Bears' No. 1 pick in 2003 will sign a one-year deal for the minimum $745,000. He will join starter Matt Schaub and backups Dan Orlovsky and Alex Brink as the four quarterbacks on the roster."

Is IR system in line for a change?

Comment

May 21

Boston Globe

"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 ..."

Carpenter signs with Cowboys; Jones to Texans

Comment

April 28

East Valley Tribune

"Rudy Carpenter has signed a free-agent deal with the Dallas Cowboys after going undrafted over the weekend. The Steelers and Jaguars had also inquired about the former Arizona State quarterback. "Throughout the whole process, (Dallas) showed the most interest in me," Carpenter said. "I feel like that is the best chance I have at making a team." Jon Kitna was acquired in February to serve as Tony Romo's backup. Texas A"

Looking for Immediate Impact

Comment

April 13

Houston Chronicle

"When the Texans entered the offseason, their priority was to improve a defense that ranked 22nd in the NFL. Not only did the Texans allow 336.6 yards per game, including 122.6 rushing, they were tied for 27th in scoring defense, allowing 24.6 points per game. They also ranked 27th with only 25 sacks — 12 by defensive end Mario Williams. That's why four of the five free agents they've signed — end Antonio Smith, tackle Shaun Cody, outside linebacker Cato June and middle linebacker Buster Davis — have been on defense. The only offensive free agent is quarterback Dan Orlovsky. Because Smith is the only free agent expected to start, it makes sense that the Texans need to improve their defense ..."

LT Ephraim Salaam visits Lions

Comment

April 5

Detroit Free Press

"Baylor's Jason Smith and Virginia's Eugene Monroe aren't the only left tackles the Lions are considering these days. Free agent Ephraim Salaam is visiting Detroit. Texans guard Chester Pitts - a close friend and former teammate of Salaam's - talked about the visit Saturday in an interview with Fox Sports' Alex Marvez on Sirius NFL Radio. Salaam, who turns 33 in June, is an 11-year NFL veteran with 129 career starts. After starting 30 of 32 games for the Texans in 2007-08, he was a backup last season behind Duane Brown, an '08 first-round pick. Pitts said Salaam was unsure about signing with the Lions because of the chance they could draft a tackle -- which would make him a backup again -- ..."

Texans bring in free-agent linebacker June

Comment

April 2

Houston Chronicle

"Free agent outside linebacker Cato June, who played the last two years with Tampa Bay, spent a day with the Texans but left without signing. They haven't closed the door on signing him at some point if he's still available. June played his first four seasons with Indianapolis and earned Pro Bowl recognition and a Super Bowl ring. The Texans are interested in two other former Indianapolis linebackers — Buster Davis, who started three games in the middle last season and was waived this week, and Tyjuan Hagler, who played outside for four seasons and is scheduled to visit Reliant Stadium on Friday."

Texans DB Faggins in town

Comment

March 19

Tennessean

"Demarcus Faggins, a free agent defensive back from the Houston Texans, is in Nashville today to visit with the Titans, his agent - Robb Nelson - confirmed. Faggins started five games last season for Houston, and played in all 16 games. He finished 2008 with 28 tackles, including 23 solos. Originally a sixth round draft pick out of Kansas State, Faggins is entering his eighth NFL season"

Montgomery keeps looking, but hasn't ruled out Packers

Comment

March 13

Green Bay Press Gazette

"Defensive end Michael Montgomery might visit one more NFL team but is looking to sign soon so he can take part in a formal offseason workout program, one of his agents said Thursday. Montgomery, an unrestricted free agent who played defensive end for Green Bay for the last four years, hasn't ruled out re-signing with the Packers even though he's not a good fit for the 3-4 defense. At 6-foot-5 and 273 pounds, he has the size and abilities of a pure 4-3 defensive end. He's light for a defensive end in the 3-4, and if he signs with the Packers he'll have to add substantial bulk and strength to play that position. He doesn't have the athletic ability to play outside linebacker in the 3-4. ..."

Texans host free-agent LB Burnett

Comment

March 6

Houston Chronicle

"The Texans brought in Dallas Cowboys linebacker Kevin Burnett for a visit Thursday but did not sign him. The Texans are looking for depth at outside linebacker. Burnett, 26, is an unrestricted free agent who has been a reserve linebacker in the Cowboys' 3-4 formation during his four-year career. A second-round pick from Tennessee in 2005, Burnett (6-3, 242 pounds) played outside linebacker his first two years and inside linebacker his last two seasons. He had four starts the past two seasons and posted a career-best two sacks in 2008 ."

Free agent linebacker Kevin Burnett to visit Texans today

Comment

March 5

Houston Chronicle

"The Texans are bringing in Dallas Cowboys linebacker Kevin Burnett for a visit today. Burnett, 26, is an unrestricted free agent who has been a reserve linebacker in the Cowboys' 3-4 during his four-year career. A second-round pick from the University of Tennessee in 2005, Burnett played outside linebacker his first two years and inside linebacker his last two seasons. He had four starts the last two seasons and posted a career-best two sacks last season. The Texans are looking for depth at outside linebacker. The versatility of Burnett, 6-3, 242, is appealing to the coaches."

Benson, Texans Look at Options

Comment

March 3

Houston Chronicle

"Free-agent running back Cedric Benson spent Monday visiting with the Texans at Reliant Stadium and having lunch and dinner with coaches, but no deal was reached that would return him to his home state. Benson grew up in Midland and played at the University of Texas before Chicago drafted him with the fourth overall pick in the 2005 draft. After being waived by the Bears last year, Benson signed with Cincinnati, and he responded with a career-high 747 yards in 10 starts. The Bengals, who have offered Benson a contract, are trying to re-sign him as their starter. The Texans, who are continuing negotiations, want him to complement Steve Slaton. Close to home "I feel good about this," Benson ..."

Orlovsky signs with Texans; Benson targeted

Comment

March 2

Houston Chronicle

"In the first three days of free agency, the Texans filled needs by signing left defensive end Antonio Smith and backup quarterback Dan Orlovsky, and now they have targeted running back Cedric Benson for a third priority. The Texans seek a back to play behind Steve Slaton, and they are bringing in Benson, 26, for a visit. Benson, the Midland native who played at the University of Texas before Chicago drafted him with the fourth overall pick in 2005, rushed for 747 yards in 10 starts with Cincinnati last season. Last year, the Texans weren’t interested in Benson (5-11, 220 pounds) when he was waived by the Bears. They became interested after watching him play for the Bengals and avoid ..."

Free agents’ day has arrived

Comment

February 27

Houston Chronicle

"Because they have so many needs, the Texans are planning to be active in free agency, especially on defense. But as the period to sign players begins today, don’t expect them to pursue the high-dollar commodities like Tennessee defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. The Texans’ philosophy is to build through the draft and fill in needs with free agents. In free agency, they will look at defensive linemen, linebackers, a backup quarterback, a blocking tight end, and depth in the offensive line and secondary, but they don’t figure to be in that group of big spenders that will be guaranteeing players $25 million or more. Arizona left defensive end Antonio Smith is one of the players they covet ..."

Texans will deal Rosenfels to Vikings

Comment

February 24

Houston Chronicle

"The Texans can’t consummate their trade of quarterback Sage Rosenfels to the Minnesota Vikings before 12:01 a.m. Friday, the start of the NFL year and the beginning of free agency. Like other teams, the Texans are preparing for what is always a whirlwind period. Besides trading Rosenfels to Minnesota for a fourth-round draft choice, the Texans will waive defensive end Anthony Weaver, who would have made base salaries of $3.5 million this year and $4 million in 2010. Weaver signed a five-year, $26.5 million contract, including a $12.5 million signing bonus, to leave Baltimore for the Texans in 2006, which was Gary Kubiak’s first season as coach. He started for three seasons but didn’t ..."

Texans near deal to send Rosenfels to Vikings

Comment

February 23

Houston Chronicle

"The Texans and Minnesota are close to completing a trade that would send quarterback Sage Rosenfels to the Vikings, possibly for a fourth-round draft choice. The Texans had no comment on the report. This is the second year in a row in which the Vikings have been interested in acquiring Rosenfels as their starting quarterback. Rosenfels, who won six games in the last two seasons when replacing the injured Matt Schaub, is approaching the last year of his contract. If the trade is completed, the Vikings will want to extend Rosenfels' contract. The Vikings have Tarvaris Jackson and Gus Frerotte on their roster. Jackson is a former second-round pick and Frerotte is a 14-year veteran. Rosenfels, ..."

Texans talk to Gibbs’ son

Comment

January 13

Houston Chronicle

"David Gibbs, who coached Kansas City’s defensive backs the past three seasons and is the son of Texans assistant head coach/offense Alex Gibbs, interviewed with coach Gary Kubiak on Monday. Gibbs, 40, received permission from the Chiefs to interview for the job that was vacated when Jon Hoke was fired after the season. Gibbs began his NFL career in 2001 at Denver, where he coached the defensive backs for four seasons."

Marinelli meets with Texans about staff vacancy

Comment

January 9

Houston Chronicle

"Former Detroit Lions head coach Ron Marinelli is the first coach to interview for one of the vacant defensive positions on the Texans’ staff. Texans coach Gary Kubiak interviewed Marinelli on Wednesday for the defensive line coaching job. During a 10-year (1996-2005) career at Tampa Bay under Tony Dungy and Jon Gruden, Marinelli developed a reputation as an outstanding defensive line coach. “It was an excellent interview,” Kubiak said. “I have a lot of respect for Rod. He’s as good a defensive line coach as I’ve seen. He’s a tough guy with an aggressive style. He’d bring the kind of toughness to that side of the ball that (assistant head coach) Alex (Gibbs) brought to the offense.” After ..."

New quarterback would be costly for Vikings

Comment

January 7

St. Paul Pioneer Press

columnist Charley Walters

"Before Sunday's playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Tarvaris Jackson was expected to be the Vikings' top quarterback heading into training camp next season. Now, though, Jackson's status is unclear. The Vikings might have options to find a starting quarterback, but those, too, are unclear. If team owner Zygi Wilf, who invested $60 million in guaranteed contracts this season, is willing to guarantee an additional $30 million or so, the team might be able to pry Matt Cassel away from the New England Patriots. Besides a new contract for Cassel, 26, the price of a trade would be high — perhaps first-round and second-round draft picks. It's unclear whether New England would be willing to ..."

Johnson, Williams could be Hawaii-bound

Comment

December 16

Houston Chronicle

"Receiver Andre Johnson and defensive end Mario Williams are expected to be named to the AFC Pro Bowl team today. Johnson was also selected in 2005 and 2007; Williams, a controversial first pick overall in the 2006 draft, would be going to Honolulu for the first time. Not that he didn’t deserve to make the trip last year, too. “I told Mario, ‘You know, there’s going to be some guys out there who are going to make you do it again,’” Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. “That’s the way this league works. It kind of did that to (middle linebacker) DeMeco (Ryans). DeMeco had a tremendous rookie year, (but) they made him do it again. “As a coach, you want to see them get that opportunity or ..."

San Antonio on NFL's radar

Comment

October 9

San Antonio Express-News

"San Antonio is on a track that could lead to the NFL considering it for an expansion team someday, commissioner Roger Goodell suggested Wednesday. "My words of encouragement would be to stay the course and continue to grow and continue to prepare if the opportunity comes about," said Goodell, responding to a question from the audience during a luncheon sponsored by the University of the Incarnate Word and the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. While making it clear the league has no immediate plans to grow beyond 32 teams and will continue to discourage relocation, Goodell indicated there has been a shift in how the league views San Antonio. "There's no question the growth is ..."

Schaub's play forces tough decision

Comment

September 22

Houston Chronicle

columnist Richard Justice

"If Gary Kubiak evaluates Matt Schaub the way he evaluates every player, the Texans will have a new starting quarterback next week. Thus begins what might be Kubiak’s toughest week as an NFL head coach, because nothing is as unsettling to a team as changing quarterbacks. Naming a new starter can snap a team from its fog. Or divide a locker room. That’s one of the gambles. Another is the impact a benching will have on Schaub. Will pulling him after two games have him looking over his shoulder the rest of his time with the Texans? Regardless, Kubiak can’t allow one player’s poor performance to ruin a season. Here’s guessing that plane ride back to Houston was the longest Kubiak has had. He ..."

Saints, Texans showing interest in Cedric Benson

Comment

September 8

Chicago Tribune

"Former Bears running back Cedric Benson, released by the team June 9 after two alcohol-related off-season arrests, said Saturday he has a tryout with the Houston Texans this week. Benson also said by phone he'd had a workout with the New Orleans Saints two weeks ago and that it "went well." Benson believes teams are waiting for his legal matters to be cleared up before signing him. Benson maintains he was treated unfairly in both arrests in Austin, Texas. One was for boating while intoxicated, the other for driving under the influence. As for his stint with the Bears, the fourth pick in the 2005 draft said he'd taken steps to make sure he would have a breakout year. "I got myself in good ..."

Fred Miller back to Bears?

Comment

August 8

Chicago Tribune

"Faced with an injury-depleted offensive line, the Bears could begin this season the same way it ended 2007. The team has contacted veteran tackle Fred Miller about making a return to the team, according to Miller's agent. Agent Harold Lewis said Miller, 35, is mulling whether to sign with the Bears, Texans or Ravens. The decision could be finalized in the next day. "His preference would be to return to the Bears," Lewis said Thursday evening. Miller was released in February for salary cap reasons. He was heading into the final two years of his five-year, $25.5 million contract. He was due a $500,000 bonus on March 1 and scheduled to make $4 million this season. The Bears limped into ..."

Texans set to sign outside linebacker Colvin

Comment

June 16

Houston Chronicle

"After two weeks of negotiations, the Texans are signing outside linebacker Rosevelt Colvin today. General manager Rick Smith and agent Kennard McGuire agreed on a deal that will bring Colvin to Houston to become an outside pass rusher opposite Mario Williams. The Texans are hoping that Colvin, 6-3, 250, can provide another pass rush off the edge that was missing since last season."

Texans interested in Colvin

Comment

June 5

Houston Chronicle

"The Texans made it clear after their 8-8 finish that they would search in the offseason to improve their pass rush. Wednesday, they showed that quest is still under way. Former New England Patriots linebacker Rosevelt Colvin visited Reliant Stadium, taking a physical in the morning and then speaking with general manager Rick Smith and some of the coaches. Colvin (6-3, 250 pounds) has 52.5 sacks in nine NFL seasons."

Rosenfels not likely to be dealt to Vikes

April 2

Houston Chronicle

"If Minnesota signs veteran quarterback Gus Frerotte to back up Tarvaris Jackson, Sage Rosenfels will not be traded to the Vikings."

Vikings appear close to deal with Frerotte

April 2

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"With the Houston Texans apparently intent on keeping QB Sage Rosenfels, indications are strong today that the Vikings are nearing an agreement with free agent QB Gus Frerotte."

Packers leaning toward draft for a backup QB

April 2

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"The Packers have not ruled out adding a veteran unrestricted free agent such as Craig Nall or Tim Rattay or making a bid for restricted free agent Ryan Fitzpatrick of Cincinnati. But 36-year-old Gus Frerotte, who visited the Packers, is headed to Minnesota, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, and chances of acquiring Houston's Sage Rosenfels are minimal given the Texans' demands. There's still a possibility Buffalo's Losman will become available in a trade, but if the Packers were interested they would have made a move by now."

No talks yet about Rosenfels

April 1

Houston Chronicle

"The Texans came to South Florida reading and hearing about the Vikings' possible renewed interest in quarterback Sage Rosenfels, but one day into the NFL spring meetings, the two sides had not spoken. The Texans did re-sign safety C.C. Brown, a third-year restricted free agent, and offensive tackle Brandon Frye, a second-year exclusive rights player, to one-year deals."

Forget No. 1. Who will be Vikings' No. 2 guy?

March 31

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Vikings' top choice is clear: Rosenfels. In fact, they made him one of their top offseason priorities and considered his acquisition no less important than that of receiver Bernard Berrian or safety Madieu Williams... Buffalo's J.P. Losman is another veteran who might be available via trade, but Rosenfels is widely known as a strong character player (he's an Iowan, after all) and a perfect fit for the West Coast offense."

Texans look to add Ferguson

March 27

Houston Chronicle

"The Texans continue to target one of their biggest areas of need — the secondary — in free agency. The Texans are expected to add another former Denver Broncos player to their roster by signing safety Nick Ferguson, 33, as early as today."

Texans' Kubiak reiterates commitment to Rosenfels

March 25

Houston Chronicle

"Coach Gary Kubiak insists the signing of free-agent quarterback Quinn Gray does not increase the likelihood of Sage Rosenfels being traded."

Texans, Gray close to deal

March 24

Houston Chronicle

"Barring unforeseen complications, former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Quinn Gray will sign a one-year deal for $645,000 with the Texans today, giving them three veterans at the most important position on the team."

Here's some Sage advice: Keep Rosenfels

March 23

Houston Chronicle

columnist Richard Justice

"The Texans cannot and must not trade Sage Rosenfels. It's not even a close call."

Texans to re-sign Turk

March 19

Houston Chronicle

"The Texans are close to an agreement with punter Matt Turk, who could re-sign with the team as early as today."

Texans still interested

March 16

Houston Chronicle

"After signing cornerback Jacques Reeves, linebacker Kevin Bentley, running back Chris Brown and linebacker Chaun Thompson, the Texans still are interested in Denver center Chris Myers and Detroit defensive end Corey Smith."

Texans come to terms with Demps

March 5

Houston Chronicle

"While they were entertaining Atlanta free safety Chris Crocker and Tampa Bay center John Wade on Tuesday, the Texans reached an agreement on a two-year contract with free safety Will Demps."

Packers are left to re-stock at quarterback

March 5

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"If the Packers decide to trade, Houston's Sage Rosenfels, 29, might be the most attractive candidate. Such a move probably would cost a second-to-fourth round pick."

Texans want to get together with Dunn

March 4

Houston Chronicle

"Running back Warrick Dunn is on the Texans' radar. Dunn, 33, was released by Atlanta on Monday and went straight to Tampa Bay, where he visited with the Buccaneers."

Dunn to the Texans?

March 4

Houston Chronicle

"So, Ahman Green's not an old enough running back for you? How about Warrick Dunn, who is two years older. My buddy Jim Trotter of Sports Illustrated says the Texans are a possible stop for the Falcons tailback, who has asked to be released on Sunday."

Texans play the free-agency game

March 1

Houston Chronicle

"Offensive lineman Rex Hadnot made it clear Friday night his visit with the Texans wasn't just because of its close proximity to his alma mater. But that is a bonus... The Texans also entertained Cowboys cornerback Jacques Reeves (5-11, 188) Friday."

Texans must hold onto Sage

March 1

Houston Chronicle

"The Texans must hold onto QB Sage Rosenfels even though Minnesota's offer of a third-round pick is fair value. Problem is, there's still too much uncertainty about Matt Schaub's ability to stay healthy."

Should Texans trade Sage Rosenfels?

March 1

Houston Chronicle

"If Schaub is what they think he is - all indications are if he stays healthy (key word) he is going to be an above average quarterback who puts up Pro Bowl numbers in a couple of years - Rosenfels isn't as vital as the Texans are making him out to be."

Vikings wooing Berrian

March 1

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Those figures pale in comparison to the numbers the Vikings were preparing for receiver Bernard Berrian, who arrived Friday in the Twin Cities, and defensive end Justin Smith - whom the Vikings hoped to lure for a visit today... Those decisions left the Vikings facing more trade talks with Houston - or possibly Buffalo for J.P. Losman."

Frenzied start for Dolphins

March 1

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"The Dolphins are also close to locking up Texans outside linebacker Charlie Anderson, a 6-4, 245-pounder who had 31 tackles and two sacks last season... According to another source, the Dolphins also agreed to terms with Giants linebacker Reggie Torbor, a 6-foot-2, 250-pounder who had 39 tackles in parts of 16 games for the Super Bowl champions last season."

Shockey not being shopped

March 1

New York Post

"The Saints called and expressed interest in trading for tight end Jeremy Shockey. The Giants are not shopping Shockey and they declined to discuss any trade. Shockey is coming off surgery on his leg and ankle and could not at the moment pass a physical. The Giants have some interest in Seahawks running back/kick returner Alvin Pearman. They also could be interested in a similar player, Maurice Hicks of the 49ers, and possibly two veterans, CB Jason Webster (Bills) and DE N.D. Kalu (Texans)."

Texans to chat with Hadnot, Reeves

February 29

Houston Chronicle

(scroll down)

"Former University of Houston offensive lineman Rex Hadnot will visit Reliant Stadium today, as well as Cowboys cornerback Jacques Reeves... The Texans also must deal with inquiries from the Minnesota Vikings about backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels."

On your mark, get set, shop

February 29

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Vikings also were attempting to arrange visits with Cincinnati safety Madieu Williams and Philadelphia fullback Thomas Tapeh. In addition, they were working on multiple fronts to add a backup quarterback, discussing trades for Houston's Sage Rosenfels and Buffalo's J.P. Losman and also expressing interest in free agent Josh McCown."

Texans Trade Rumors