Samuel signs with Eagles

Samuel signs with Eagles
Hear from former Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel after signing a six-year, $57 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Anderson, Browns agree on deal
Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson wasn't a free agent for long. Anderson has agreed to a multiyear contract to stay with the Browns, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract had not been completed. General manager Phil Savage believed if Anderson had gotten an offer from another team, the Browns probably wouldn't have been able to keep him.

Bengals bungle another one
The Bengals are trying to make a move to help their defense, but Adam Schein still wants to know what's going on in Cincinnati.

Source: Deal for DT Rogers in jeopardy
If the Cincinnati Bengals want to start working some 3-4 formations into their defensive scheme, the franchise may have the prototype nose tackle to man it.

Brady Quinn to be handed job, finally
Just as God intended, Brady Quinn will finally be handed the Cleveland Browns starting job, without ever having proved he was better than anyone else.

The Browns failed to reach a deal with Derek Anderson before midnight last night, and Browns general manager Phil Savage says that makes it pretty unlikely that he'll be back with the Browns.�

That leaves Brady Quinn as the default starter, which means that he'll actually have to spend his time before the game warming up, instead of checking out Kurt Warner's apple bottom.�

The Browns might not be terribly broken up about that, as they'll receive compensatory 1st and 3rd round draft picks if/when someone else signs Anderson.

I just don't know if this makes sense for either party. From the Browns side of things, I don't know if it's ever a good idea to let go of a quarterback who's proven that he's a capable starter.�

It's not that I don't believe Brady Quinn will be a good quarterback, it's just that QB is the most important and most difficult position to fill on a team, and if you've got one, you keep him. Even if you have two, you keep them.

And for Anderson, it seems like a gamble to say, "Yes, I'm sure that someone else will offer me more than the 3 years and $20 million the Browns were offering." Maybe he felt that Browns preferred Quinn all along and wanted to get out of that situation, but financially, I don't know if he'll be any better off because of this.

(UPDATE: And as soon as I hit "publish" on this post, the Browns signed Derek Anderson [you're a damn liar, Phil Savage]. Please disregard everything you've just read. You may still continue to enjoy the photo, though.)

• Browns don’t complete deal before QB Derek Anderson hits free agent market / Yahoo! Sports
• APNewsBreak: QB Derek Anderson agrees to multiyear deal with Browns / Yahoo! Sports

Anderson, Browns perfect for each other


10 Truths: Loss of Moss would sink Patriots
NFL Truths: Jason Whitlock doubts a no-name golf instructor can derail the Pats dynasty, but letting Randy Moss leave certainly could.

Chargers don't play free-agency game
A.J. Smith doesn't play the free-agency game like most GMs. Alex Marvez says it's a big reason why the Bolts are set for the long haul.

Eagles sign free-agent CB Samuel to 6-year deal
The Eagles have signed free-agent cornerback Asante Samuel. The Eagles agreed to a six-year contract on Friday with Samuel, who spent the last five seasons with New England and had 16 interceptions the last two years. Samuel also tied the NFL career playoff record with three interceptions returned for TDs Philadelphia had only 11 interceptions last year and failed to score a defensive touchdown. Its defense had an NFL-worst 19 takeaways.

Cardinals tender offers to Green, Smith

Cardinals tender offers to Green, Smith
The Arizona Cardinals�extended high tender offers of $2 million for the 2008 season to cornerback Eric Green and defensive end Antonio Smith according to the East Valley Tribune.

The offers to the restricted free agents mean any other team that wants to offer them a contract would have to give the Cardinals a first-round draft pick as compensation. And that means Green and Smith will be staying put.

Smith had indicated he expected a middle tender offer, which would have paid him $1.4 million and required a second-round pick as compensation. The Cardinals also confirmed their low tender offer of $927,000 to offensive lineman Elton Brown.

49ers show faith in Smith, pick up two-year option
Alex Smith can remain with the San Francisco 49ers through the 2010 season after the club picked up a clause in his contract Thursday that triggers the last two years of the six-year $49.5 million deal he signed in 2005. The clause is believed to be worth $5.86 million according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

"It wasn't a tremendous amount of money, but it shows we have faith in him, that he's our guy," general manager Scot McCloughan said in a conference call. "If we didn't think he was worth it, we wouldn't do it."

Nevertheless, Smith will apparently have to battle Shaun Hill for the starting quarterback job in training camp this summer. The 49ers recently avoided losing Hill to free agency when they signed him to a three-year contract believed to be worth $6 million. By reaching various incentives, he could earn $11 million. McCloughan also said Smith's rehabilitation from shoulder surgery is progressing well and that he expects the quarterback to be cleared to begin throwing the football when he visits orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., on Wednesday.

.

Raiders sign DE Kelly to record $50.5 million deal
Hours before the start of the NFL's free-agency signing period, the Oakland Raiders locked up run-stuffing defensive end/tackle Tommy Kelly with one of the most eye-opening deals ever for a non-Pro Bowl player: seven years and $50.5 million, with $18.125 million guaranteed the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

The contract is the largest ever awarded to a defensive tackle, the position where Kelly, 27, will move to now that Warren Sapp has retired. Kelly would have been one of the most coveted free agents because of his ability to line up as an end in a 3-4 or as a speedy interior player in a 4-3 scheme. Now he can collect $25.125 million in the first three years of his new contract.

The Raiders hurried to complete the deal with agent Gary Wichard after it was learned the Broncos and the Saints were poised to offer contracts to Kelly once the signing period began at 9:01 Thursday night. Kelly, 6-foot-6 and 300 pounds, was a non-drafted free agent of the Raiders in 2004 out of Mississippi State. He missed nine games in 2007 with a torn ACL sustained during the Titans game. He was placed on injured reserve Oct. 31. Prior to the injury, Kelly had 30 tackles and one sack in seven games.

Anderson, Browns agree on deal
Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson wasn't a free agent for long. Anderson has agreed to a multiyear contract to stay with the Browns, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract had not been completed. General manager Phil Savage believed if Anderson had gotten an offer from another team, the Browns probably wouldn't have been able to keep him.

Texas signs Davis to four-year, $16 million pact
Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith and agent Kennard McGuire worked out a four-year, $16 million contract that will keep receiver Andr� Davis off the open market according to the Houston Chronicle.

Chargers don't play free-agency game
A.J. Smith doesn't play the free-agency game like most GMs. Alex Marvez says it's a big reason why the Bolts are set for the long haul.

Saints interested in Jacksonville's Stroud?
The New Orleans Saints might be interested in trading a draft choice for a defensive tackle, possibly for Jacksonville's Marcus Stroud, who could replace Brian Young.

Stroud missed seven games last season, four because of a suspension for violating the league's steroid policy. A seven-year veteran, he had three sacks and 22 total tackles in nine games last season.

Have Eagles struck a deal with Pats' Samuel?

The Philadelphia Eagles, at the very least, have Asante Samuel's attention. New England Patriots Pro Bowl cornerback made Philadelphia his first visit on the free-agent tour today and when NFL teams are interested in a player, they strive to make sure there is no second visit the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

A report Thursday night said the Eagles had already struck a deal with Samuel, but it has also been reported that the New Orleans Saints,�New York Jets�and Tampa Bay Buccaneers intend to make a run at Samuel.

If the Eagles are able to sign Samuel, it's going to be a costly proposition. It's been estimated that the cornerback wants between $10 and $12 million a year to sign. Samuel's addition would also create a logjam at cornerback, where the Eagles already have two-time Pro Bowler Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown. There has been speculation that if the Eagles get Samuel, they will trade Sheppard, who is unhappy with his contact according to several league sources.

Coughlin's new deal: 4 years, $21 million

Coughlin's new deal: 4 years, $21 million

Tom Coughlin's new contract with the New York Giants covers the next four seasons, is worth about $21 million and moves him into the upper echelon of the NFL's highest-paid coaches. There are only minor details and contract language to be completed, and the deal could be announced as early as next week according to the New York Daily News.

The $5.25 million average will place Coughlin below only Mike Holmgren, who will earn around $8 million in what will be his final season in Seattle, and presumably New England's Bill Belichick, who agreed to an extension last season. Belichick was believed to be making $4.2 million per year in his old deal.

Green Bay brass believes Favre will return
Mark Murphy, the Green Bay Packers' new president and CEO, said Wednesday that he believes Packers quarterback Brett Favre will return next season.

"My guess is that he will come back," Murphy said at a newsmaker lunch sponsored by the Milwaukee Press Club.�"We all anticipate that he'll make a decision very soon," he said. "Probably this week some time. Before the end of the month."

Bears won't, Jets will, make play for Faneca

The Chicago Bears are in the market for a left guard, but don't expect Alan Faneca to be on their shopping list when the free-agent signing period begins at 11 p.m. Thursday.

An NFL source told the Chicago Tribune Wednesday the Bears won't be a major player for Faneca, Pittsburgh's seven-time Pro Bowl player. Faneca is the top offensive lineman on the board and could command a deal with as much as $20 million guaranteed-likely too much for the Bears.

The source also doubted the Bears would be major players for any of the free agents with bigger names because of their hope of re-signing their own players. The New York Jets are one of the teams prepared to make a serious push for Faneca.

Bill Belichick, gay idol
Okay, maybe not. But Bill Belichick does the grace the cover of the newest Boston Spirit, "Boston's premier magazine for the gay and lesbian community."

No, he's not coming out, and no, the magazine did not recruit him to do a lengthy, detailed interview about what Tom Brady looks like in the shower.�

In fact, the article inside, about whether or not the city of Boston is ready to accept a gay athlete, has little to do with Belichick at all. They put Belichick on the cover, because, according to publisher David Zimmerman, "He is currently the most recognizable coach in the New England area."

I don't know why it had to be a coach. I don't presume that I can speak for the gay men of Boston, but wouldn't a Tom Brady cover have drawn more interest? But I guess if they had put Brady on the cover, every gay man in Boston would've called in sick the day the magazine hit the stands. It would've been terrible for productivity in New England ... but probably pretty good for hand lotion sales.

My alternate theory is that Belichick called up Spirit and asked if he could be the cover boy, just to agitate Tony Dungy.

• Think Bill Belichick will get into ’Spirit’ of things? / Boston Herald

Giants interested in DeAngelo Hall?
One name that has surfaced prior to free agency that has piqued the interest of the New York Giants. Atlanta Falcon corner back DeAngelo Hall is not a free agent, but he is on the trading block. He says the chances he'll return to Atlanta are "slim and none,'' according to the New York Post.

An unquestioned talent and two-time Pro Bowler, Hall is only 24 years old, but his brief NFL career has been marked by more than the occasional outburst. An infamous sideline diatribe directed at unpopular coach Bobby Petrino led to a fine and partial suspension for Hall.

Browns fans in heaven, prepare to be annoyed

Browns fans in heaven, prepare to be annoyed


Myron Cope is on his way, and I doubt that he's going to stop saying "Yoi!", "Double Yoi!", "Mmm-Ha!", and "Cleve Brownies" once he gets there.

If you aren't familiar with Myron Cope, this post can't help you gain a full appreciation of what he meant to the Steelers and to Pittsburgh. You probably can't appreciate it unless you saw it first-hand.

The guy is as much a part of Steelers history as Terry Bradshaw, Jack Lambert, or Ben Roethlisberger. Through the years, with his passion, creativity, and kindness in the community, he wove himself into the fabric of the Steelers. It wasn't just that the Rooneys loved him, or that the team loved him, or that the fans loved him ... they all felt a connection with him, too. He was born in Pittsburgh, and everything about him was Pittsburgh.

There won't be another broadcaster like Myron Cope. It's hard to imagine anyone coming up in today's play-it-safe, corporate climate with the same bold individuality.

When Cope came up with the Terrible Towel, he did it because he loved the Steelers and wanted to start a tradition for fans. It certainly wasn't about profit. His original plan was for people to bring yellow dish towels to games.�

And it was the same with everything else about Cope. He didn't do things to get himself noticed, he wasn't angling for a better gig, and he didn't do wacky things just for the sake of being wacky. He was a bit of a goofball, he had a distinctive voice, and he loved the Steelers. What came out of that was exactly what you heard on the radio. Nothing more, nothing less. He was as authentic, eccentric, and passionate as it gets.

• Steelers’ former radio announcer Myron Cope dies at 79 / Yahoo! Sports
• Obituary: Cope's career spanned newspapers, magazines, radio and TV / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
• Rest in Peace, Myron Cope / Joey Porter's Pit Bulls
• Myron Cope, RIP / Dave's Football Blog

Tony Dungy is surprisingly capable of making fun of the Patriots
The Dunge sat down for an interview with Gametap to discuss NFL Head Coach '09, a new coaching simulation game from EA Sports. Dungy graces the cover.

Toward the end of the interview, the Gametap guy asked Dungy about any "cheat codes" (secret passwords or button combinations designed to make the game easier or give a player an advantage) available in the game. Dungy replied with an awesomeness I did not know he had:

GameTap: Are there going to be any cheat codes in the game where I can spy on my opponents?

Tony Dungy: [laughs] I don't know about any cheat codes. They say that's really a big secret around here, it's like Spygate. I don't know if they put that in there or not or what the penalty would be if you entered any cheat codes, but we'll probably only let New England have cheat codes.

ZING!

Not bad, coach. I didn't know you had it in you.

Unfortunately, that quote will likely be the most exciting thing about NFL Head Coach '09. I made the mistake of purchasing the '08 version, and in retrospect, the time I spent playing that game would have been more enjoyable spent playing nude Twister with a giant jellyfish.�

Big thanks: Big Lead

• Tony Dungy Interview / Gametap
• EA NFL Head Coach 09 / EA Sports

ESPN sets Sean Salisbury free, replaces him with Cris Carter
If you don't spend a lot of time reading sports blogs, chances are, to you, Sean Salisbury's just the ornery NFL analyst at ESPN who yells at John Clayton and gets to do the important segments at 2 in the afternoon.

If you do read the sports blogs, though, you might know Salisbury better as the guy who was once suspended because he took cell phone pictures of his Salisbury Steak and generously passed them around to the ladies at ESPN.

Either way, you might not be seeing as much of him in the future (and hopefully, never that much of him). Salisbury's no longer an ESPN employee and is free to pursue other genital-picture-spreading opportunities. Said Salisbury:

"I'd grown tired of being punished for not being an NFL superstar. Analysts who don't work as hard as me, don't prepare as hard as me, and don't have my resume were making more than me just because of their ability to throw or catch a football."

And let's not forget the analysts who can't actually speak.

Replacing Salisbury will be Cris Carter, who used to work at HBO's Inside the NFL, and also used to catch passes from Salisbury with the Vikings.�

I'm not terribly familiar with the work Carter did at HBO, so I couldn't tell you if he'll be better or worse than Salisbury. I can tell you that he'll be better than Emmitt Smith, though, but I still doubt Emmitt will lose his plum gig on the Sunday morning pregame show.

• Sean Salisbury says parting with ESPN was mutual / Los Angeles Times
• Breaking News: Sean Salisbury Out At ESPN / Awful Announcing
• Breaking News: ESPN Adds Cris Carter As A Football Analyst / Awful Announcing

Mike Vick protected better in prison than Leftwich was on the field
This comes from MediaTakeOut.com, the impeccable news source that's only wrong about 65% of the time. But hey, we're not getting updates on Michael Vick's prison stay from anywhere else, and for some reason, the warden won't allow him the same privileges that allowed Oscar Bluth to set up his own website from inside.

The MTO people say that Vick's had his problems in the joint, but that some of our friendly neighbors to the south are providing him some protection:

If you thought Mike Vick was in some kind of country club prison - you're wrong. MediaTakeOut.com spoke with a person whose relative is currently incarcerated with Mike Vick in Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary - in the same cell block. And according to our source, Mike Vick is having a difficult time fitting in.

The insider explained, "Michael Vick is not in [administrative segregation] - he's right there with the rest of the inmates. A few [inmates] stepped to him when he first got there but everything is cool now ... My [family member] says that he's paying a Mexican gang to keep him safe."

Well, you do what you have to do, I guess. Defending against penetration is very important, both in prison and on the football field. More so in prison, probably. Way, way, way, way, way more.

If these fellows can protect Michael Vick from the general population locked up in Leavenworth, then handling 11 characters running around in silver and teal should be no problem. I think they have a future as offensive linemen. Arthur Blank should try to see if he can get these guys out on a work release program.

• Exclusive: Mike Vick Pays for Protection in Prison / MediaTakeOut.com

Let's point and laugh at Shawne Merriman


There are those out there who would tell you that Shawne Merriman is pictured above "throwing like a girl" before this weekend's NASCAR shindig. These same people also tell you that throwing a decent spiral is something every male should know how to do (ironically, these same people can't open a beer without spilling it all over your floor).

But Shawne Merriman isn't designed to throw. Shawne Merriman is designed to kill. Yes, his throwing motion makes him look like a female Tyrannosaurus Rex with epilepsy, but to me, this equates to watching Martin Grammatcia trying to tackle Maurice Jones-Drew. It's just not what he's trained to do.

Besides, it's not that bad. The Bears have spent all week giving out contracts to people who throw just as poorly.

Shawne Merriman Throws Like a Girl / Mr. Irrelevant

Seeing the combine from a different view

Seeing the combine from a different view
Not many non-NFL types get to sit in the stands at the Combine. Scout.com was able to land a seat to watch QBs and WRs.

Report: Jags acquire Williamson from Vikings
The Troy Williamson era in Minnesota is over.

Report: Progress in Browns-Anderson talks


Who's hot, who's not, NFL Combine version
Rashard Mendenhall's showing at the combine has him thinking big. Pete Fiutak tells you whose stock improved ... and whose didn't.

Seeing the combine from a different view

Seeing the combine from a different view
Not many non-NFL types get to sit in the stands at the Combine. Scout.com was able to land a seat to watch QBs and WRs.

Report: Progress in Browns-Anderson talks


49ers sign Foster, Rossum?
Although the big-ticket free agents go up for bid starting Thursday, the 49ers have already dipped into the bargain bin, according to reports linking them to running back DeShaun Foster and kick returner Allen Rossum the San Jose Mercury News reported.

ESPN's John Clayton reported the Foster deal Monday, saying that the contract could be announced within the next few days. Foster, 28, has had at least 800 rushing yards for three consecutive seasons but has been slowed by injuries and fumble problems. The Caroliina Panthers released him Thursday. If signed, the former second-round draft pick out of UCLA would be in line for the No. 2 job behind Frank Gore.

Rossum, meanwhile, has agreed to a two-year contract, according to the NFL Network. (The 49ers denied Monday that any deal has been signed.) The 10-year veteran, cut Friday by the Pittsburgh Steelers, would fight to replace Michael Lewis as the 49ers' return man. Lewis is to be an unrestricted free agent.

Who's hot, who's not, NFL Combine version
Rashard Mendenhall's showing at the combine has him thinking big. Pete Fiutak tells you whose stock improved ... and whose didn't.

Jets will listen to offers for nose tackle
Dewayne Robertson doesn't tie up blockers on a consistent basis, largely because he's too small to play nose tackle in the New York Jets' 3-4 defense. But there is one thing he can tie up: the salary cap. His $11.2 million figure consumes one-tenth of the team's cap.

For those reasons�the Jets are willing to listen to trade offers for the former first-round pick, the New York Daily News has learned. Over the last few days at the scouting combine in Indianapolis, the Jets have been gauging Robertson's value around the league, according to several NFL sources. A handful of teams, including the Broncos, are showing interest.

It means that two of the Jets' highest-drafted defensive players, Robertson and linebacker Jonathan Vilma, could be traded. The Daily News reported on Friday that Vilma, a first-round pick in 2004, has received permission from the team to seek a trade. He, too, is ill-suited to Eric Mangini's 3-4 scheme

Deep Posts: Mushin Muhammad is on his way home

Deep Posts: Mushin Muhammad is on his way home
• Mushin Muhammad is close to once again becoming a Carolina Panther, and that lady looks eager to welcome him home. [NFL.com]

• You know how the Falcons, Raiders, and Chiefs were involved in a coin-flip to determine the order of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th picks? Chiefs coach Herman Edwards wanted to end up 5th. Seriously. [Deadspin]

• Interesting: Some NFL people are worried about the upstart UFL coming along in 2009 and stealing away some talented coordinators, scouts, and players. [Pro Football Talk]

• Jay Mariotti says he's upset about the Bears bringing back Rex Grossman, but inside, he's thrilled, because it's something he can bitch about for at least the next 365 days. [Chicago Sun-Times]

• A Detroit News columnist defends Matt Millen, and this gentleman has no interest in defending that columnist for his indefensible defense. [The Wayne Fontes Experience]

• Enjoy this highlight reel of combine quarterback sensation Joe Flacco. [YouTube]

• One NFL player estimates that 40% of the league is using performance-enhancing drugs. [FanHouse]

A more relevant and reliable alternative to the Wonderlic Test
The Wonderlic Test will be administered to all participants at the NFL Combine this week, and is designed to measure their intelligence.�

Many people, myself among them, question the relevance of this test to NFL aptitude. I don't mean to imply that football players are dumb, but let's face it, a high level of intelligence is not required to shove the man standing across from you.�

With that in mind, I've created an exam that I feel would be a far better indicator of how a player will perform and behave in the National Football League. That exam follows below. A time limit of 14 hours is suggested.

1. Circle the endzones:



2. Pacman Jones:

A) is a guy who knows how to party.
B) understands good nutrition.
C) could probably introduce me to some nice girls.
D) is someone with whom you should never even make eye contact, unless, God forbid, you need to find a good lawyer.

3. When you line up across from an opposing player and he insults your mother, the appropriate response is to:

A) cry, calmly explain to the man that your mother is a nice person who volunteers at the local soup kitchen, and alert an official that an opposing player is using adult language.
B) wait for him by his car after the game and kill him.
C) Run immediately to the sidelines, call you mother, and tell her that you love her.
D) ignore it, go about the business of winning, and if you get a moment when the official isn't looking, do something violent to his genitalia.

4. Performance enhancing drugs:

A) are my ticket to the Hall of Fame.
B) would be better if they tasted like fruit and were shaped like various Flintstones characters.
C) are not for me, because I find that cocaine aids my performance much more effectively.
D) apparently worked for Rodney Harrison.

5. If you have the football and are running towards the endzone while a defender is chasing you from behind, you should:

A) run fast.
B) walk leisurely.
C) lateral the ball to an offensive linemen, because they don't get to score very often.
D) run out of bounds in order to save some energy for the next play.

6. If a teammate told you he was gay, you would:

A) assume he wanted to have sex with you, and start babbling something about the showers.
B) kill him, but not kiss him first like that weird neighbor guy in American Beauty.
C) call Tony Dungy and tell him that you know someone who needs an intervention.
D) understand that he probably could use your support, and maybe, just maybe, explore an exciting new lifestyle for yourself.

7. Driving drunk:

A) is fun and challenging.
B) is perfectly acceptable if you're a Cincinnati Bengal.
C) doesn't count if you've only been drinking beer.
D) is exceedingly dumb, especially for someone who has as much money as you're about to have.

8. In the NFL, how many of your feet need to touch the ground in bounds while you are in possession of the football in order for the catch to be valid?

A) One.
B) Two.
C) Two feet, but if I have a chance to get my third leg involved, I will (that's right, ladies).
D) I have no idea what the word "valid" means.

9. Strippers are:

A) not really people.
B) trying to pay their way through college and in need of your help.
C) good wife material.
D) a reasonable alternative to sexual assault.

10. The man pictured below is:



A) white.
B) going to destroy any more Spygate evidence he gets and then tell the public, "Oh, it was nothing."
C) not going to be amused when I go to a strip club the night before I'm supposed to meet with him because I keep getting in trouble in strip clubs.
D) NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
E) all of the above.

(10 more questions follow after clicking the link below.)

11. If an opponent has the ball, and you are standing between him and the endzone, you should:

A) tackle him.
B) drop a banana peel in his path.
C) try to talk him out of running into the endzone, but if he seems really adamant about it, encourage him to follow his heart, because there's no need for things to get violent.
D) begin digging a moat, and then building a large brick wall at the goal line, because in the long run, that will be more effective at keeping people out of the endzone than just 11 guys running around.

12. When you're sad, you should:

A) punch the nearest woman.
B) smoke a whole bag of weed, preferably in a moving car or an airport.
C) try one of those "cry for help" fake suicide attempts, which will get you a lot of attention and probably some sympathy sex from your publicist.
D) understand that it's never, ever, going to get better as long as you're an Oakland Raider.

13. When signing your first contract, you should:

A) call an ex-rapper and ask him if he'd like to be your agent.
B) use the really nice crayons.
C) make sure you're getting at least as much money as you did at USC.
D) try to avoid a contract holdout, unless you want to back up Derek Anderson for the next 4 years.

14. The ideal pregame meal is:

A) whatever the team's staff provides for me to eat.
B) scrambled eggs and PCP.
C) 75 twinkies.�
D) one of everything from the Taco Bell menu, with extra hot sauce.

15. True or False: If Emmitt Smith can get a job as an ESPN commentator, then there's no reason that you shouldn't be able to find some kind of gainful employment when your career is over.

16. True or False: When you "make it rain" in a strip club by throwing money at strippers, it is perfectly reasonable to ask for that money back, because strippers are known for giving money back to customers.

17. True or False: If a train leaves Omaha traveling at 50 miles per hour, and travels east for six hours into a 30 mph headwind, Michael Vick is still a jackass.

18. True or False: The majority of your practice time should be spent practicing endzone celebrations, because there's nothing an NFL coach appreciates more than the art of dance.

19. True or False: If Matt Millen tells you that you're an excellent football player, it should be taken as a great compliment because he has a very keen eye for these things.

20. Essay:�

Just write a complete sentence. If you can't do that, just write down a word. Or your name. Try to spell it right. If that's too much, draw a picture of something. Or don't. Honestly, if you do anything other than chew on this portion of the paper, you're going to be fine.

It's NFL Streetfighting Monday!
This one actually isn't a new streetfighting story, rather, it's from a 2003 incident involving Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs. Why bring it up now? Because there are pictures, I hadn't seen them before, and they tell a tale of a violent scene.

Now, I can't tell you for sure that it's Terrell Suggs in these photos. None of the pictures are good enough to identify him conclusively (at least I can't). But it's true that he was involved in a fight after a pick-up basketball game at Arizona State in 2003.

He says he was acting as a peacemaker, and he was later acquitted of all charges, and I have no trouble believing his side of the story, because, after all, his uncle is Timothy Busfield (I don't think that's true).

Now, on with the photos, with a fist bump to Busted Coverage.



I believe that's our guy Terrell.



In the above picture, you see the bloodied white guy holding a bat. At the trial, Terrell's brother, Donald Suggs, testified that he wrestled a bat away from one of the guys they were fighting.



And here you can see that the poor bloody fellow no longer has his bat. Judging from the blood, and the lack of his possession of a bat, I don't think this fight went the way he wanted it to go.

If you've learned nothing from today's posts, I hope you've learned that it's a bad idea to pick fights with NFL players.

• The Terrell Suggs Fight Photos We’ve Never Seen / Busted Coverage
• Matt's Random Highlight Reel / flickr

Who the hell gets in a bar fight with Bryant McKinnie?
Whoever it was, I'd suggest that that gentlemen made more of an impression this weekend that anyone at the NFL Combine. "Oh, you ran 40 yards and caught a few footballs? That's great. I willingly got into a streetfight with a 6'8" 335-pound beast of a man."

That gentleman's name is Eric Otero, and I think the Dolphins ought to give him serious consideration with the #1 overall pick. Even if he lost the fight, you just can't teach someone to have iron balls like that. From the Miami Herald:

"According to a Miami police report, McKinnie, 28, spit in the face of a bouncer, shoved his camera phone in the man's face and finally picked up a heavy pole and slammed it over his head, all as a large crowd gathered to watch the action, the report said."
[...]
"McKinnie was arrested and charged with aggravated battery, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest without violence."
[...]
"...by 6:30 a.m., the officers were called back to Club Space by a parking attendant reporting a fight and a large crowd gathered to watch."
[...]
"Police found the burly McKinnie in the middle ''throwing punches and again screaming obscenities'' at the bouncer who had kicked him out of Club Space."
[...]
"Witnesses told the officers McKinnie had returned to the club after police initially told him to leave. He had confronted Otero again and shoved a camera phone in his face."
[...]
"When Otero slapped the phone out of McKinnie's hands, McKinnie grabbed a silver pole used to line up patrons and struck Otero in the back of the head."
[...]
"Both McKinnie and Otero were treated at the scene by fire rescue."

Of course, no story about McKinnie would be complete without a mention of his involvement in the Sex Boat Scandal of 2005. McKinnie was arrested and accused for performing oral sex on a stripper in public.

Bryant McKinnie: A lover and a fighter.

• Vikings tackle Bryant McKinnie arrested after street fight / Yahoo! Sports
• Former Cane arrested in Miami fracas / Miami Herald

Darren McFadden aces the 40-yard dash as well as the virility test
A word of caution to the centers at the NFL combine: If you're delivering snaps to Darren McFadden, you might want to throw on a few extra layers of Under Armour downstairs. Evidently, that guy impregnates anything he gets near.

From the Falcons Blog at the Atlanta Journal Constitution, via the Sports Frog:

That’s where news got out that Arkansas running back Darren McFadden is not only battling a paternity suit, but that he told a team during an interview Saturday night that he has two children on the way. In addition to meeting with the Falcons, he met with the Raiders, who pick fourth in the draft, and several other teams.

Don't draft him, Falcons. Haven't the women of Atlanta suffered enough?

Other tidbits plucked out of the mostly mind-numbing deluge of information coming out of the combine:

• McFadden also ran a 4.27 and/or a 4.33 (there are conflicting reports) in the 40. This made scouts and talent evaluators feel very tingly inside.

• Michigan running back Mike Hart isn't quite as fast. He turned a stock-killing 4.6 and a 4.75.

• Offensive tackle Jake Long is awesome at everything.

• You've gotta feel for Florida State running back De'Cody Fagg. The poor guy blew out his knee while catching a pass yesterday, and now likely won't be drafted. That's harsh.

• It was revealed that LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey suffered a hairline fracture of his tibia in 2006. He played through it and never missed a game, but teams tend to freak out about these things.

• Tight end Dustin Keller of Purdue stood out among tight ends in most drills.

DT Dorsey undergoes litany of tests in Indy

DT Dorsey undergoes litany of tests in Indy
Glenn Dorsey was at the hospital from about 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, getting poked and prodded as NFL teams checked out players' health at the annual scouting combine. "MRIs, CT scans, everything," Dorsey recalled. "There's things from high school they want to check out." A day later, the defensive tackle from LSU got poked and prodded by a swarm of media asking if any lingering injuries will affect his status as one of the top picks in April's draft.

Injury buzz surrounds LSU star Dorsey
An NFL team doctor told NFLDraftScout.com that there are serious concerns over the lingering effects of a 2006 stress fracture in the right tibia of Louisiana State's highly-rated defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey. Dorsey, generally considered a top-five prospect in the NFL Draft, underwent a physical Saturday at the Scouting Combine, and was subsequently sent to the hospital for additional tests.

Vikings tell Williamson to seek a trade

Vikings tell Williamson to seek a trade

The Minnesota Vikings have given receiver Troy Williamson, the seventh selection in the 2005 draft, permission to shop himself in a trade the Boston Globe reported.

Williamson, who is coming off an 18-catch season, has been a disappointment

No restrictions will be placed on timeouts

Remember the games in which coaches were waiting until the last possible moment to call a timeout on last-second field goals?

At the time, there was talk that the league may consider instituting a rule that restricted such calls, but the issue, after lengthy discussion, is not being pursued the Boston Globe reported.

"We can't legislate when you can call timeouts and when you cannot call timeouts," said Titans coach Jeff Fisher, co-chair of the Competition Committee. "I don't think it's going to be an ongoing issue. I think it was just an early-season trend and I don't think we'll see much more of it."

Browns want to upgrade front seven

When Cleveland Browns coach Romeo Crennel pinpoints his team's greatest need, he looks to the front seven on defense, noting, "That's an area we're going to try to concentrate on through free agency and through the draft."

Specifically, the Browns weren't strong enough against the run, ranking 29th in yards allowed per carry (4.5) and 31st in first downs surrendered per game the Boston Globe reported.

The Browns are without a first-round pick this year — they traded it to Dallas to select Brady Quinn — so look for them to be aggressive in free agency.

Burress make come looking for more money
Plaxico Burress just finished a remarkable season in which he battled a painful injury and finished with a Super Bowl-winning catch. Now he may be looking to cash in the New York Daily News reported.

Burress' agent declined to shoot down speculation on Saturday that the Giants' top receiver is looking to renegotiate his deal. Burress has three years and $10.5 million left on the six-year, $25 million deal he signed in 2005, but there have been rumors that he's looking for more.

"That is going to be between myself and the Giants," agent Drew Rosenhaus said. "I can't comment on that publicly."

NFL considering changes in seeding process

The NFL's Competition Committee continues to explore the possibility of reseeding playoff teams, with the idea of putting more of an emphasis on overall record instead of winning the division according to the Boston Globe.

As it stands, division winners get the top four seeds; but this past season, two wild-card teams had better records than division winners. Part of the motivation for a potential change is to make late-season games more meaningful.

Opinion has been varied among league officials at the combine, with Colts coach Tony Dungy sounding happy with the status quo. "I've probably been old school and think the division champs should get some type of award," he said, "but I'm certainly open to listening and seeing if they could help out maybe those last three weeks in the regular season."

Free agency not always a quick fix, just ask the Niners
At this time last year, San Francisco blitzed the market by signing cornerback Nate Clements to a massive deal, highlighting a shopping spree that included defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin, safety Michael Lewis, outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain, and receiver Ashley Lelie.

The liberal spending in free agency, coupled with the team's strong finishing kick from 2006, created a buzz across the NFL. The 49ers were fingered by many as a team on the rise the Boston Globe reported.

But as is often the case, March's headlines had little to do with wins and losses come September. In what has seemingly become an annual reminder of how the importance of free agency can be overstated, the 49ers went in the opposite direction, finishing 5-11.

Zorn leaves no doubt that Campbell is No.1 QB
In one of his first major decisions as coach of the Washington Redskins, Jim Zorn emphatically stated that there will be no quarterback controversy according to the Boston Globe.

Todd Collins came on late in the season and led the Redskins to a playoff berth in place of injured starter Jason Campbell, but Zorn left no doubt that Campbell is his guy.

Collins is a free agent, and while the Redskins are interested in retaining him, the naming of Campbell as the starter could sway his thinking. Collins presumably would like to land in a situation where he has a chance to contend for a No. 1 job

Bruschi could make decision on playing status soon
Brad Blank, the agent for Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi, said today that Bruschi will make it known soon whether he plans to return for a 13th season the Boston Globe reported.

"He's taking inventory right now — that's his term," said Blank, who is at the combine. His wife [Heidi] is a part of it and he'll make his intentions known soon."

Bruschi, who turns 35 in June, led the Patriots in tackles last year with 99, according to coaches' film review. The Patriots have some questions at linebacker as they build toward 2008, as veteran inside linebacker Junior Seau is also a free agent.

News, notes from Day 4 at the NFL combine

News, notes from Day 4 at the NFL combine


Skills players shine on Day 4 of NFL Combine
The skill players did their thing on the field, but the DBs got the last word. Day 4 of the combine is chronicled on Scout.com's blog.

Bears, tight end Clark agree to deal through '10
The Chicago Bears and tight end Desmond Clark agreed Sunday to a two-year contract extension through the 2010 season. Over the past two years, Clark has averaged 13.2 yards per catch - most among NFL tight ends. He was third on the team with 44 receptions for 545 yards and four touchdowns last season, giving him 15 in five years with Chicago - second to Mike Ditka (34).

Cowboys, LB Thomas agree on 1-year, $3M deal
Linebacker Zach Thomas is headed home to Texas to play for the Dallas Cowboys in the state where he was a high school and college standout before 12 seasons with the Miami Dolphins.

Cowboys can't risk losing Flozell Adams

Cowboys can't risk losing Flozell Adams
Columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor of the Dallas Morning News wrote: This is not the time for Jerry Jones, who made his fortune betting whether countless holes contained black gold or natural gas thousands of feet below the surface, to gamble.

This is not the time for Jerry to place his trust in draft picks like Pat McQuistan, James Marten or Doug Free.

This is the time for Jerry to sign Flozell Adams to a long-term deal. It's the smart move; the only move he should make. And he has six days to accomplish it before Adams becomes an unrestricted free agent.�If Adams reaches free agency, he's gone. Somebody, perhaps the South Beach Cowboys led by Bill Parcells, will offer the four-time Pro Bowl player a deal he can't refuse.

Cowboys meet with Zach Thomas at combine
Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones arrived at the NFL scouting combine Friday and met with�with free-agent linebacker Zach Thomas the Dallas Morning News reported.

New England and New Orleans have reportedly made the former Texas Tech standout offers, and the Cowboys are aware agent Drew Rosenhaus hopes to have Thomas signed as soon as possible.

Cowboys coach Wade Phillips has long admired Thomas, the seven-time Pro Bowler who was recently cut after 12 season with Miami. He was limited to five games last season because of the effects of a concussion and migraines. Phillips believes Thomas would fit into the Cowboys' 3-4 scheme.

Look for Moss to stay with New England
The New England Patriots passed on a chance to apply the franchise-player designation this week to Randy Moss. But that doesn't mean they plan to let their star receiver run a fly pattern to another team the Los Angeles Times reported.

It's more likely that the Patriots and Moss have already worked out the framework of a contract extension, and the franchise tag only would have complicated the negotiation. Sort of like bringing up a prenuptial agreement when you've just met the love of your life.

Moss, coming off a season in which he made an NFL-record 23 touchdown catches and rediscovered his passion for the game, has repeatedly said he hopes to finish his career in New England. The Patriots have strongly expressed they hope he stays, and they opted not to gain leverage by "franchising" him before Thursday's 1 p.m. deadline

Giants may rework Strahan's deal if he doesn't retire
One year after refusing to renegotiate Michael Strahan's contract, the Giants might have a change of heart according to the New York Daily News.�Co-owner John Mara said Thursday the Giants might be open to redoing Strahan's deal if the defensive end decides not to retire. He is currently signed only through next season and is due a salary of $4 million.

"We'll have to talk about that and see," Mara said. "I'm not ruling it out."

The 36-year-old Strahan hasn't informed the Giants of his plans yet, although he's expected to do so sometime in March.

Former Pats WR Childress signs with Eagles
Wide�receiver Bam Childress, who has spent time between the New England Patriots' active roster and practice squad from 2005-2007, signed a two-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, the team announced today.

Childress spent the entire 2007 season on the practice squad. His highlight as a Patriots was Dec. 24, 2006 at Jacksonville, a game in which the Patriots clinched the AFC East title. Childress had two catches in the game, playing as a running back and receiver.

Giants failed to catch Pats in act of taping signals in 2006
Two years ago, the New York Giants were suspicious that the New England Patriots were spying on their defensive coaches during a preseason game. But according to the NFL, the New England Patriots were not caught in the act the New York Daily News reported.

Greg Aiello, the NFL's senior VP of public relations, said�Friday that neither the league nor the Giants were able to find any proof the Patriots were videotaping a Giants assistant coach sending in defensive signals, as they did in the incident that sparked the SpyGate controversy in the 2007 opener against the Jets. A report yesterday said the Pats were "caught" doing more illegal taping during the game at Giants Stadium on Aug. 31, 2006. But that was "inaccurate," Aiello said.

"No camera person was identified, no tapes were seized," Aiello wrote in an e-mail to the Daily News. "There was no formal complaint made by the Giants to the league office requesting an investigation or any other action."

Jets tell Vilma he can shop himself for trade
Jonathan Vilma's days with the Jets are numbered.

The popular linebacker, whose star has dimmed in two seasons under Eric Mangini, has received permission from the New York Jets to shop himself for a potential trade, the New York Daily News has learned. It doesn't mean a trade is a certainty, but it's a tacit acknowledgement from both sides that Vilma and Mangini's 3-4 scheme aren't a match.

Vilma, with one year remaining on his rookie contract, also is looking for a long-term deal. Now, with the Jets' blessing, he has the ability to speak with any team. If he agrees to a new contract, it will be up to that team and the Jets to negotiate trade compensation. The Jets could keep him, but they know they won't receive anything next year if he bolts as a free agent. A team spokeman declined comment.

Look for Moss to stay with New England

Look for Moss to stay with New England
The New England Patriots passed on a chance to apply the franchise-player designation this week to Randy Moss. But that doesn't mean they plan to let their star receiver run a fly pattern to another team the Los Angeles Times reported.

It's more likely that the Patriots and Moss have already worked out the framework of a contract extension, and the franchise tag only would have complicated the negotiation. Sort of like bringing up a prenuptial agreement when you've just met the love of your life.

Moss, coming off a season in which he made an NFL-record 23 touchdown catches and rediscovered his passion for the game, has repeatedly said he hopes to finish his career in New England. The Patriots have strongly expressed they hope he stays, and they opted not to gain leverage by "franchising" him before Thursday's 1 p.m. deadline

Cowboys can't risk losing Flozell Adams
Columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor of the Dallas Morning News wrote: This is not the time for Jerry Jones, who made his fortune betting whether countless holes contained black gold or natural gas thousands of feet below the surface, to gamble.

This is not the time for Jerry to place his trust in draft picks like Pat McQuistan, James Marten or Doug Free.

This is the time for Jerry to sign Flozell Adams to a long-term deal. It's the smart move; the only move he should make. And he has six days to accomplish it before Adams becomes an unrestricted free agent.�If Adams reaches free agency, he's gone. Somebody, perhaps the South Beach Cowboys led by Bill Parcells, will offer the four-time Pro Bowl player a deal he can't refuse.

Cowboys meet with Zach Thomas at combine
Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones arrived at the NFL scouting combine Friday and met with�with free-agent linebacker Zach Thomas the Dallas Morning News reported.

New England and New Orleans have reportedly made the former Texas Tech standout offers, and the Cowboys are aware agent Drew Rosenhaus hopes to have Thomas signed as soon as possible.

Cowboys coach Wade Phillips has long admired Thomas, the seven-time Pro Bowler who was recently cut after 12 season with Miami. He was limited to five games last season because of the effects of a concussion and migraines. Phillips believes Thomas would fit into the Cowboys' 3-4 scheme.

Giants may rework Strahan's deal if he doesn't retire
One year after refusing to renegotiate Michael Strahan's contract, the Giants might have a change of heart according to the New York Daily News.�Co-owner John Mara said Thursday the Giants might be open to redoing Strahan's deal if the defensive end decides not to retire. He is currently signed only through next season and is due a salary of $4 million.

"We'll have to talk about that and see," Mara said. "I'm not ruling it out."

The 36-year-old Strahan hasn't informed the Giants of his plans yet, although he's expected to do so sometime in March.

Giants failed to catch Pats in act of taping signals in 2006
Two years ago, the New York Giants were suspicious that the New England Patriots were spying on their defensive coaches during a preseason game. But according to the NFL, the New England Patriots were not caught in the act the New York Daily News reported.

Greg Aiello, the NFL's senior VP of public relations, said�Friday that neither the league nor the Giants were able to find any proof the Patriots were videotaping a Giants assistant coach sending in defensive signals, as they did in the incident that sparked the SpyGate controversy in the 2007 opener against the Jets. A report yesterday said the Pats were "caught" doing more illegal taping during the game at Giants Stadium on Aug. 31, 2006. But that was "inaccurate," Aiello said.

"No camera person was identified, no tapes were seized," Aiello wrote in an e-mail to the Daily News. "There was no formal complaint made by the Giants to the league office requesting an investigation or any other action."

Former Pats WR Childress signs with Eagles
Wide�receiver Bam Childress, who has spent time between the New England Patriots' active roster and practice squad from 2005-2007, signed a two-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, the team announced today.

Childress spent the entire 2007 season on the practice squad. His highlight as a Patriots was Dec. 24, 2006 at Jacksonville, a game in which the Patriots clinched the AFC East title. Childress had two catches in the game, playing as a running back and receiver.

Jets tell Vilma he can shop himself for trade
Jonathan Vilma's days with the Jets are numbered.

The popular linebacker, whose star has dimmed in two seasons under Eric Mangini, has received permission from the New York Jets to shop himself for a potential trade, the New York Daily News has learned. It doesn't mean a trade is a certainty, but it's a tacit acknowledgement from both sides that Vilma and Mangini's 3-4 scheme aren't a match.

Vilma, with one year remaining on his rookie contract, also is looking for a long-term deal. Now, with the Jets' blessing, he has the ability to speak with any team. If he agrees to a new contract, it will be up to that team and the Jets to negotiate trade compensation. The Jets could keep him, but they know they won't receive anything next year if he bolts as a free agent. A team spokeman declined comment.

RB Lewis gets three-year deal from Browns

RB Lewis gets three-year deal from Browns
Running back Jamal Lewis has agreed to terms on a three-year contract to stay with the Cleveland Browns.

Scouting combine report
Day 1 at the NFL combine is in the books, but who turned heads? Alex Marvez has the latest, including a report on this Spartan.

Top prospect Long talks about tricks of the trade
Jake Long was called for holding only once in his dominant career at Michigan. That doesn't mean he didn't do it without getting caught. "Absolutely. I'll admit that I hold," Long said with a laugh at the first day of the NFL scouting combine Thursday. "I'll get my hands inside and hide it that I'm holding." Long, considered the best offensive lineman and one of the top prospects overall heading into the draft, was penalized for holding as a redshirt freshman and for a false start as a senior.

Who will shine at the NFL combine?

Who will shine at the NFL combine?
The NFL combine allows players to showcase their skills. Pete Fiutak says you should pay attention to these guys' workouts.

Clady turned into quite a draft catch
Boise State gave Ryan Clady a shot and it paid off big time. Now the NFL is going to find out just how good he is too, says Alex Marvez.

Report: Seahawks place franchise tag on Trufant

Report: Seahawks place franchise tag on Trufant
The Seattle Seahawks placed the franchise tag on cornerback Marcus Trufant on Wednesday, his agent told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. The newspaper, along with The News Tribune of Tacoma, Wash., reported Wednesday night that Trufant received a non-exclusive tag, meaning he may still negotiate with other teams when free agency begins next month. Seattle can match any offer or choose to receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.

NBA Teams marketing fake marraige proposals at games

Seriously. This gig ran before in Orlando and Washington, but for some mysterious reason the rest of the country fails to catch on. However for the sake propogating internet video, here you go.

Coughlin, Giants negotiating four-year deal

Coughlin, Giants negotiating four-year deal
There appears to be little suspense regarding Tom Coughlin's coaching status with the New York Giants, thanks to the Super Bowl championship he helped deliver.

Patriots' Hobbs played hurt in Super Bowl
More than Ellis Hobbs's pride was wounded when he was beaten by New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress for the deciding points in the Patriots' 17-14 upset loss in Super Bowl XLII. According to a source close to the Patriots cornerback, Hobbs was playing with a torn labrum in his shoulder and chronic groin pain according to the Boston Globe.

The source said that Hobbs, who didn't miss a game during the season and has missed just one in his first three seasons, had surgery Feb. 12, nine days after the Super Bowl, to repair the shoulder. He originally injured himself in Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts. The surgery was done by noted orthopedic surgeon James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala.

"He had a piece of bone floating in his shoulder," said the source, who didn't know which shoulder Hobbs hurt. "It was very, very serious. But he went to the best and had a very successful surgery. According to Dr. Andrews, he should be fine for the start of next season. Recovery time is normally four to five months. He'll be ready easily by training camp, and maybe if it goes faster by some of the [organized team activities] in June."

Will Lions sign former Bronco LB Al Wilson?

Detroit Lions coach Rod Marinelli had a good visit last week with free-agent middle linebacker Al Wilson , but there doesn't appear to be a rush to sign him according to the Detroit News.

Wilson was released by Denver before the start of the 2007 season after eight years as a starter. Wilson had a neck injury. Wilson took a physical in Detroit, but Marinelli did not say if he passed it.

"We have to go through the process," Marinelli said. "He's taking trips and looking around."

Eagles deny they gave Sheppard permission to seek trade

Eagles deny they gave Sheppard permission to seek trade
The Philadelphia Eagles moved quickly Monday night to quash television reports that they had given veteran cornerback Lito Sheppard and his agent, Lamont Smith, permission to seek a trade the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

"Any report suggesting that we've allowed Lito or his agent to seek a trade is absolutely, undeniably false," team spokesman Derek Boyko said.

Sheppard, 26, gave no indication during the season that he was unhappy with his contract or his situation with the Eagles. He missed four games with a sprained knee ligament that bothered him for much of the season, and his two interceptions were his fewest since his second season, in 2003. Sheppard, a two-time Pro Bowler, signed a five-year, $25 million contract extension in 2004 and is signed through 2011. He is scheduled to make $2 million next season.

WR Booker will meet with Patriots
The New England Patriots are setting their sights on another former Miami Dolphin, as receiver Marty Booker is scheduled to meet with team officials at Gillette Stadium Tuesday the Boston Globe reported.

Much like the Patriots' decision to pursue Wes Welker last year, Booker's success against New England might be a significant factor in the level of interest he's received from Vice President of Player Personnel Scott Pioli and head coach Bill Belichick.

In eight games against the Patriots over the last four seasons, the 6-foot-, 210-pound Booker had three 100-yard receiving games. He played a major role in the Dolphins' last two wins against New England - catching eight passes for 103 yards and a touchdown in a 21-0 win Dec. 10, 2006, and seven receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown in a 28-26 victory Jan. 1, 2006. The 31-year-old Booker enters his 10th NFL season in 2008, after playing for the Bears (1999-2003) and Dolphins (2004-2007). He was released by the Dolphins on Feb. 11

Miami's Taylor will "Dance With The Stars''
You may see a sack dance on "Dancing With the Stars" next season. That's because Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor will be the first active NFL player to compete on the popular ABC program the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported. Two NFL legends have competed in previous seasons: Emmitt Smith won after Jerry Rice finished third. The announcement was made Monday, during ABC's "Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann."

Also competing: actress Marlee Matlin, magician Penn Jillette, figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, tennis player Monica Seles, R&B singer Mario, comedian Adam Carolla and actor Steve Guttenberg.

"It was an opportunity that really couldn't be passed up," said Taylor's agent, Gary Wichard. "The tough part was talking Jason into it. But he will be a competitor and do what he can do.''

Dolphins interested in Saints' Simoneau?
Mark Simoneau, 6-0, 238 and 31 years old, helped the New Orleans�Saints improve enough for the team to make the 2006 NFC title game. Beyond him, the starting material looks rather thin on the free agent linebacker market the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported.

Simoneau's agent William Vann McElroy said he had a meeting scheduled with Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland at next week's NFL Scouting Combine, but he doesn't know which specific players will be discussed.

Texans' WR Mathis arrested for choking pregnant girlfriend
Houston Texans receiver Jerome Mathis was arrested on assault-family violence charges late Sunday after allegedly choking his pregnant girlfriend, Brazoria County Sheriff's officials told thefacts.com

Mathis, 24, was booked into the Brazoria County jail at 9:26 p.m. Sunday and posted $3,000 bond at 11:11 p.m., according to the sheriff's office. He faces one charge of assault causing bodily injury under the family violence code, Patrol Capt. Richard Foreman said. Mathis allegedly pushed Erica Smith, 26, onto a bed during an argument in their home in the 3600 block of Tumbling Falls at about 11 p.m. Friday, Foreman said. The couple apparently discussed a cell-phone battery charger before the incident, he said.

"She reported that he came home verbally aggressive toward her and left the residence, then came back a few minutes later demanding his car charger," Foreman said. "He became angry while he looked for the charger, and when she gave it to him, he pushed her down on the bed and began choking her while putting all of his body weight on her."

Ravens slap franchise tag on Suggs

Ravens slap franchise tag on Suggs
The Baltimore Ravens designated two-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker Terrell Suggs as their franchise player Tuesday, a move that prevents him from becoming an unrestricted free agent at the end of the month. Suggs will be paid a one-year contract of $8.065 million, the average salary of the five highest paid linebackers in the NFL last season according to NFL Players Association figures.

Niners cut longtime leading tackler Smith
The San Francisco 49ers waived linebacker Derek Smith on Tuesday, cutting ties with their longtime leading tackler whose role was assumed last season by rookie Patrick Willis. Smith, an 11-year pro who signed a three-year contract extension before the 2006 season, was due to make $3.28 million in base salary next season despite his dwindling role on the San Francisco defense. Willis, the NFL's defensive rookie of the year, took over Smith's role as the 49ers' defensive leader and top tackler.

Report: Pats offer contract to ex-Dolphin Thomas
The New England Patriots offered former Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas a contract Monday, according to a report in the Miami Herald.

Chiefs place franchise tag on sack leader Allen
The Kansas City Chiefs put a franchise tag on defensive end Jared Allen, who led the NFL in sacks last season despite being suspended for the first two games. The Chiefs and Allen have been unable to work out a contract for almost a year. The Chiefs said Tuesday they had franchised Allen, who had 15 1/2 sacks last season. He was suspended the first two games because of multiple DUI convictions.

Scouting Combine Preview: Linebackers
LSU's Ali Highsmith is among the best LBs in the draft. But who is No. 1? Scout.com breaks down the next generation at the position.

Eli Manning is suddenly marketable enough to be Madden's cover boy

Eli Manning is suddenly marketable enough to be Madden's cover boy
I wonder what's the largest amount of money one athlete has ever made from a single game or single play.

Mike Eruzione's goal was probably quite lucrative (especially since his earnings in hockey from that point on were somewhere around $0). Cedric Ceballos made way too much money after winning the dunk contest, and Buster Douglas's win over Mike Tyson drastically changed his financial future.

I'm not saying that Eli Manning is going the way of Mike Eruzione, Cedric "The Franchise" Ceballos, or Buster Douglas. However, if he never has another good game again, he should make damn sure he cashes in on this Super Bowl thing.

Rumors are out there that Eli's going to be the cover boy for EA Sports' Madden 09. Deadspin noted them yesterday, and you can see further unsubstantiated talk about it here and here. I actually see no reason to believe that the rumors are true, but then again, there's no reason to believe they aren't true, either. He's got that kind of shine now.

Imagine that ... Eli Manning on the cover of Madden. It's still a little hard to grasp that Eli's that marketable.

If you'd have told me a year ago that that would've been a possibility, I'd have assumed that EA had gone bankrupt after sinking all their resources into their new "Doris Burke '09" WNBA game franchise, and they got Eli to do the cover for free after Trent Dilfer and Dennis Northcutt turned them down.